“My” Best of 2010: MUSIC
You’ll probably read several of these lists… So, since everyone else throws their hat into the ring, here’s my attempt at a “Best of List” in Music for 2010… Keep in mind, this represents “my best of” list… I don’t know that these are actually “the” best music releases of the past twelve months, but I do know that I’ve really enjoyed them or been personally challenged by them…
What about you? What music releases really spoke to you in 2010? I would love to hear about the music that moved you…
Okay, for what it’s worth, here’s my stab at a “best of” in music for 2010:
The Medicine
John Mark McMillan
This is without a doubt my favorite release of 2010… Poetic, prophetic, artistic… Wow! Check out these lyrics from Carbon Ribs:
“I'm a dead man now
With a ghost who lives
Within the confines of
These carbon ribs
And one day when I'm free
I will sit
The cripple at your table…”
Or, how about these from Dress Me Up:
“Dress us up in your righteousness
Bring us in with a ring and a kiss
When you walk into the room you know we can’t resist
Every bottle of perfume always ends up on the floor in a mess”
This release is brilliant! Four stars! Two thumbs up! My favorite of the year!
Top tracks include: Carbon Ribs, Death In His Grave, Dress Me Up, Skeleton Bones… If you’ve not checked out The Medicine, the download is available over on Amazon for $5.00. Maybe the best of $5 bucks you’ve ever spent…
Beautiful Things
Gungor
Musically creative… Lyrically thought provoking… Not your average worship release… Not your average band…
Check out these lyrics from Beautiful Things:
“All this pain
I wonder if I'll ever find my way?
I wonder if my life could really change at all?
All this earth
Could all that is lost ever be found?
Could a garden come up from this ground at all?
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us
All around
Hope is springing up from this old ground
Out of chaos life is being found in You
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us”
Top tracks include: Beautiful Things, You Have Me, The Earth Is Yours, Call Me Out, Please Be My Strength, We Will Run…
Sigh No More
Mumford and Sons
My daughter introduced me to this band… Thanks, Caley! I’m not certain what to call their style: folk rock, folk and roll, new folk, indie rock… It doesn’t matter… What matters is that this is great music with consistently profound lyrics… Roll Away Your Stone always moves me…
“It seems that all my bridges have been burned,
But you say, ‘That’s exactly how this grace thing works.’
It’s not the long walk home that will change this heart,
But the welcome I receive with every start…”
Top tracks include: Sigh No More, Roll Away Your Stone, Awake My Soul…
Warning: the song Little Lion Man does contain a pretty serious expletive that gets repeated often… Thanks to the folks at Amazon, you can download this amazing release for $5.00!
Flags
Brooke Fraser
Brooke is amazing! She has written some of Hillsong’s most meaningful worship tunes: Hosanna, You’ll Come, Desert Song and Lead Me To The Cross. She's still writing great worship music! While this is not a worship release, it does contain fresh, amazing music; terrific, often thought provoking lyrics; and Brooke’s incredible voice.
Top tracks include: Something In The Water, Betty, Who Are We Fooling…
The Suburbs
Arcade Fire
I know… This one is making everyone’s “best of” list… I started not to include it, because I didn’t want to jump on the bandwagon… But the truth is, even though I don’t always agree with the world view of the principle writers in AF, their music challenges me to think… Fresh instrumentation… Thought provoking lyrics… A great release…
“You never trust a millionaire
Quoting the sermon on the mount
I used to think I was not like them
But I'm beginning to have my doubts
My doubts about it
When you're hiding underground
The rain can't get you wet
Do you think your righteousness
Can pay the interest on your debt?
I have my doubts about it…”
When and where have you heard lyrics that thought provoking and profound on a major “secular” release? City With No Children is just one of the amazing songs you’ll find on The Suburbs…
Rehab
Lecrae
I’m not into rap or hip-hop… For some reason, I had to check this release out… I’m really glad I did… Lecrae is not only an amazing rapper, this dude is also a first class theologian, writing some of the most theologically spot on lyrics you’ll find anywhere… Oh, and my 10-year-old girl and her friends love it when I put this one on in the car…
Top tracks include: Just like You, Used To Do It Too, Children of the Light, High and Boasting…
By the way, Amazon has this download available for $5 buckaroos… Enjoy!
Band of Joy
Robert Plant
Buddy Miller produced this killer release from one of rock music’s greats, Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin… This is not Zeppelin… According to Plant, he reached into the musical catalogue of Nashville for inspiration on this release… Sometimes foot stomping… Sometimes dark and brooding… It works!
Patty Griffin does a great job with backing vocals on a few of the numbers, especially Monkey… Wow!
Top tracks include: Falling In Love Again, Monkey, Satan Your Kingdom Must Come Down, Even This Shall Pass Away and Angel Dance…
Honorable Mentions:
Awakening
Passion
I know… Some of you will think this is “too mainstream.” The truth is God really used a few of these songs in a big way in our church’s corporate worship experiences in 2010…
If you haven’t heard Christy Nockels, Healing Is In Your Hands, check it out today! Our church has also really sang: Our God and Where The Spirit of the Lord Is. Another solid release from the folks at Passion.
Defender
Chris McClarney
Chris is a worship leader in Nashville. His voice is amazing! His lyrics God-centered! This release? Well, it’s just terrific:
Top tracks include: Your Love Never Fails, Who Is This Amazing Love, Immortal Invisible, Across The Universe, Your Love Is Everything.
And If Our God Is For Us
Chris Tomlin
Again, some of you will think “too commercial.” All I can say, is that God is using this dude to write the music that the church loves to sing! Shoot, I love to sing it! It’s my prayer that Tomlin keeps writing it!
Top tracks include: Our God, I Lift My Hands, No Chains On Me, Awakening.
A Beautiful Exchange
Hillsong Live
The folks at Hillsong blow me away… God has used this church to revolutionize corporate worship around the globe… Even though they're half way around the globe, God is using the artists at Hillsong to write the songs the church loves to sing!
Top tracks include: Our God Is Love, Forever Reign, The Father’s Heart, Glorious One (DVD Only – Hillsong London), and Beautiful Exchange…
Organic Family Hymnal
Rend Collective Experiment
I’ve really enjoyed this release from across the Pond… If you’ve not had a chance to check it out, it’s worth your time… Innovative and creative worship…
Top tracks include: God Is Near, Movements, You Are Love.
Wonder
Michael W. Smith
Yeah, I’m talking that MWS! This is one of his best releases ever! His cover of Save Me From Myself rocks! I’ll Wait for You will blow you away! When the gospel choir comes in, just get ready to have church! And the song, Take Me Over moves me – especially the orchestration at the end… An amazing release from one of Christian music’s best… Yeah, the download is available over on Amazon for $5.00.
Top tracks include: Save Me From Myself, I’ll Wait, Take Me Over.
Very Merry Christmas
Dave Barnes
This was without a doubt the most played Christmas release at the Goins house this year! Wow! I predict: a classic! While it’s still available over on Amazon for $5.00, you might want to snag it for next year…
Top tracks include: Very Merry Christmas, I Pray On Christmas, Welcome Home.
Guilty Pleasure:
Guitar Heaven: The Greatest Guitar Classics of All Time
Santana
I don’t think anybody would call this one of Santana’s best releases or one of the best releases of 2010... And I'm certainly not sure that several of these songs could be classified as "The Greatest Guitar Classics of All Time"? Really? I think somebody was smokin' something when they came up with that title.. All of that aside, this release sure is a lot of fun! Santana and some of rock music’s top vocalists – Pat Monahan, Rob Thomas, Chris Daughtry, Scott Stapp, Chris Cornell take on some 70’s and 80’s rock with a Santana flare… The result? A ton of fun!
This is the release our family rocked out to on a couple of long drives over Christmas… You can’t help but go into “air guitar” mode on some of these tunes… Again, it’s certainly doesn’t qualify as one of the best, but it sure is a lot of fun! Enjoy!
Top tracks include: Photograph, Whole Lotta Love, Sunshine of Your Love, Dance the Night Away.
Well, that sums up my list... I would love to hear what made it on to yours... Have an incredible New Year!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
"GENTLEMEN, THIS IS YOUR BIBLE..."
There's a great story that gets repeated often about legendary football coach, Vince Lombardi getting so frustrated with the lack of progress he felt his team was making that he actually stopped a Green Bay Packers football practice, looked at a group of professional football players, held up a football and said something like: "Let's start at the beginning. This is a football. These are the yard markers. I'm the coach. You're the players..." Lombardi believed that a basic necessity of having a great game plan and becoming a great team was a firm grasp on the fundamentals. I think he's right!
Isaiah 55:11 contains a power packed promise regarding one of the fundamentals absolutely essential if you want to develop a great game plan for spiritual growth. Here's the promise: "...so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
According to Isaiah, God's Word is powerful! In fact, Hebrews 4:12 says it like this: "For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires."
For the last several years one of the fundamentals of my personal GAME PLAN for spiritual growth has been setting a goal to read through the Bible each year... I've not been perfect in my attempts... Quite honestly, I miss a few days here and there...
When that happens, I've learned not to stress or attempt to play "catch up..." That's a recipe for burnout and frustration... I've learned that it's not about the amount of Scripture I read (like it's some kind of contest about who can read the most), but it's about how much I allow the Holy Spirit to work God's Word into the fabric of my heart and life...
With that said, there's a definable difference in several areas of my life when I make God's Word a priority. Areas like: my progress in spiritual growth, my level of peace and patience in the midst of adversity and setbacks, my desire to be conformed into the image of Jesus, my ability to overcome temptation, just to name a few...
The guys over at YouVersion.com have made a couple of dozen or so Bible Reading Plans available totally free of charge. You can check them out by clicking here... For the last two years, I've used the M'Cheyne One Year Reading Plan and I've really enjoyed it... Here's a blog post by You Version on how to get started with your own reading plan right away.
If you're thinking about a New Year's Resolution, and want to make one that has the potential to totally revolutionize your life, "This is a football! This is fundamental!" READ THE BIBLE! Check out one of the Bible Reading plans available via You Version and get started JANUARY 1!
Another cool thing about You Version is that you can download an app of You Version to your phone so that you can practically access God's Word anywhere! Once again, it's totally free! Check out the app download page by clicking here.
Further, we've also launched a You Version Group where members of the a2 Church family can share insights, prayer requests, access the message notes from the weekend, etc. You can join the a2 Church You Version Group by clicking here.
There's even a way to link your You Version account to your Social Media Networks like Twitter of Facebook so that you can share a passage of Scripture with your friends! I love being able to do this!
For those of you want other options or may prefer "hard copy" over digital... The ESV Study Bible (currently my favorite Study Bible) has several reading plans available. Further, when you purchase a hardcopy version of the ESV Study Bible it includes access to the online version of the ESV Study Bible. Again, I use this Study Bible every week and love it!
There are also a few hard copy One Year Bibles you can check out via Amazon or your local Christian retailer (Lifeway, Family Bookstore, Amen Corner, etc.) The One Year Bible is available in the NLT, NIV and ESV. There's even a download available for your KIndle.
If you want to get a glimpse of the order in which things occurred in the Bible, there's even a hard copy available of the One Year Chronological Bible that will give you that perspective...
Final thoughts:
1. Select a Bible Reading plan that works for you! Keep in mind, this is not a contest about who can read the most... It's about God's Word transforming your life!
2. If you miss a day, don't get frustrated and throw in the towel... QUESTION: Do you ever get really, really busy and miss a meal? When that happens, do you get frustrated and give up eating? I doubt it! Most of the time, we just eat really good the next time around... If you miss a day when it comes to reading the Bible, repent and move on... Don't let the evil one have a field day in your mind...
3. Apply what you read! The Bible wasn't given to us for information, but for transformation! It's great to read the Word of God, it's even better when we allow God's Word to "read us" and begin changing us from the inside out! So, as you're reading, put into practice the stuff you're reading! Let God's Word change you!
4. Find a partner to help keep you accountable! Ask someone to touch base with you weekly just to check in on your progress as it relates to reading and applying God's Word. This is probably essential, if you're going to keep this up over the long haul!
5. Don't procrastinate! Keep off your new plan on January 1!!!!
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is your Bible!"
Monday, December 27, 2010
DEVELOPING A GAME PLAN -SOME IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK
This week (the week between Christmas and the New Year) is a great week for evaluation, prayer, reflection, planning and goal setting! In light of that, last week one of my good friends emailed me some great questions to consider as we "wrap up" 2010 and "ramp up" for 2011. Thanks, Jeremy... I've tweaked the questions a bit below...
So, as you prepare to spend some time in reflection and evaluation, why not consider these basic areas / questions:
My Spiritual Life
Am I closer to God today than I was on January 1, 2010?
What "key" spiritual "graces," habits or disciplines will I build into my life in 2011 that will help me grow closer to God and
become more like Jesus? What will my "spiritual growth plan" look like for 2011?
Will I honor the "Sabbath" and regularly set aside a day for resting my body, recharging my emotions and refocusing my spirit?
Will I become an active part of a life-giving local church and invest my time, energy and resources into accomplishing the mission Jesus has established for the local church?
What priority will I give to corporate worship and the local church?
My Emotional Life
Is there someone I need to seek forgiveness from?
Is there someone I need to forgive?
Will I become an active part of a small group in order to fill my world with life-giving relationships?
Where is there "clutter" in my life that can be eliminated? My garage, attic, storage space, home closet(s), desk, filing cabinet, computer, car, truck, etc.? (Go ahead! Clean it out today!)
My Relational World
On a scale of 1 - 10 ("1" being "in the Intensive Care Unit and in desperate need of resuscitation" and "10" being "hitting on all cylinders / totally awesome"), how would I rate my marriage?
What practices will I build into my marriage in 2011 to increase intimacy and fulfillment?
What books will me and my spouse read or what marriage conferences will we attend in order to build intimacy and fulfillment into our marriage in 2011? (Book Recommendation: What Did You Expect by Paul Tripp)
On a scale of 1 - 10 (use the same pattern mentioned above), how am I doing as a parent? How would I rate the relationship I have with my kids? How would my kids rate the relationship we have?
What practices will I build into my family in 2011 to bring our family closer together and move our family closer to Christ? (Book Recommendation: Long Story Short by Marty Machowski - available at a2 Info Desk.)
Have I scheduled a date night with my spouse for the month of January? When? What will we do? Why not?
My Physical World
How much do I weigh?
For my body type, is that amount of weight okay? Am I honoring God with my body?
According to my age, how much do I want to weigh at the age of 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75?
Do I have a complete physical scheduled between now and March 31? (If not and you're above the age of 40 and it's been more than two years since your last physical, schedule one now!)
Do I need to change my eating habits? What healthy eating plan can I build into my life in 2011? (Book Recommendation: Body for Life by Bill Phillips)
Do I exercise? What exercise plan will I adopt in 2011 in order to honor God with the body He has given to me? (Book Recommendation: Body for Life by Bill Phillips)
My Financial World
Are my finances in order? Is personal debt strangling the life out of me?
Do I have a written budget? Have my spouse and I reviewed this budget and agreed upon it?
Do I have personal debt other than a reasonable mortgage? Is being debt free in 2011 a possible goal? What will we do to get there?
Will I make a commitment to attend Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University this year? If not, why not? (Book Recommendation: Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey)
My Intellectual World
What books am I going to read in 2011? (Biography, Spiritual Formation, Classics, Fiction, Business)
What is my reading goal for 2011? How many books will I read each week / each month? How many hours will I read each day / week / month?
What seminars / classes will attend in 2011 to continue honoring God with my mind by using my intellect?
My Personal Calling
What do I do best and how can I do more of it in 2011?
What is my calling? What is my mission? Am I pursuing it? Why not?
Who do I know or who could I know in a similar field that God might use as a mentor in my life?
What caused me the greatest amount of stress in 2010? What am I going to do to fix that?
If you've not had the opportunity to check it out yet, John Ortberg has written an excellent article over on Christianity Today's website that will help you think through the process of developing a spiritual growth plan. You can still check it out by clicking here. (Also, if you've not read his book, The Life You've Always Wanted, I would highly recommend it to your 2011 Reading List. God has used this book in a profound way in my personal life. I highly recommend it.)
If you want to really dig even deeper into the evaluation aspect, the folks at Lifeway have provided a pretty intense Spiritual Growth Assessment tool you can check out...
Also, as you consider a Bible Reading Plan for the New Year, the folks at YouVersion.com have provided several Bible reading plan options worthy of your consideration. You can check out all the options by clicking here.
Finally, make plans to join us for GAME PLAN this Sunday! We'll be digging deep into several of these areas!
So, as you prepare to spend some time in reflection and evaluation, why not consider these basic areas / questions:
My Spiritual Life
Am I closer to God today than I was on January 1, 2010?
What "key" spiritual "graces," habits or disciplines will I build into my life in 2011 that will help me grow closer to God and
become more like Jesus? What will my "spiritual growth plan" look like for 2011?
Will I honor the "Sabbath" and regularly set aside a day for resting my body, recharging my emotions and refocusing my spirit?
Will I become an active part of a life-giving local church and invest my time, energy and resources into accomplishing the mission Jesus has established for the local church?
What priority will I give to corporate worship and the local church?
My Emotional Life
Is there someone I need to seek forgiveness from?
Is there someone I need to forgive?
Will I become an active part of a small group in order to fill my world with life-giving relationships?
Where is there "clutter" in my life that can be eliminated? My garage, attic, storage space, home closet(s), desk, filing cabinet, computer, car, truck, etc.? (Go ahead! Clean it out today!)
My Relational World
On a scale of 1 - 10 ("1" being "in the Intensive Care Unit and in desperate need of resuscitation" and "10" being "hitting on all cylinders / totally awesome"), how would I rate my marriage?
What practices will I build into my marriage in 2011 to increase intimacy and fulfillment?
What books will me and my spouse read or what marriage conferences will we attend in order to build intimacy and fulfillment into our marriage in 2011? (Book Recommendation: What Did You Expect by Paul Tripp)
On a scale of 1 - 10 (use the same pattern mentioned above), how am I doing as a parent? How would I rate the relationship I have with my kids? How would my kids rate the relationship we have?
What practices will I build into my family in 2011 to bring our family closer together and move our family closer to Christ? (Book Recommendation: Long Story Short by Marty Machowski - available at a2 Info Desk.)
Have I scheduled a date night with my spouse for the month of January? When? What will we do? Why not?
My Physical World
How much do I weigh?
For my body type, is that amount of weight okay? Am I honoring God with my body?
According to my age, how much do I want to weigh at the age of 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75?
Do I have a complete physical scheduled between now and March 31? (If not and you're above the age of 40 and it's been more than two years since your last physical, schedule one now!)
Do I need to change my eating habits? What healthy eating plan can I build into my life in 2011? (Book Recommendation: Body for Life by Bill Phillips)
Do I exercise? What exercise plan will I adopt in 2011 in order to honor God with the body He has given to me? (Book Recommendation: Body for Life by Bill Phillips)
My Financial World
Are my finances in order? Is personal debt strangling the life out of me?
Do I have a written budget? Have my spouse and I reviewed this budget and agreed upon it?
Do I have personal debt other than a reasonable mortgage? Is being debt free in 2011 a possible goal? What will we do to get there?
Will I make a commitment to attend Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University this year? If not, why not? (Book Recommendation: Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey)
My Intellectual World
What books am I going to read in 2011? (Biography, Spiritual Formation, Classics, Fiction, Business)
What is my reading goal for 2011? How many books will I read each week / each month? How many hours will I read each day / week / month?
What seminars / classes will attend in 2011 to continue honoring God with my mind by using my intellect?
My Personal Calling
What do I do best and how can I do more of it in 2011?
What is my calling? What is my mission? Am I pursuing it? Why not?
Who do I know or who could I know in a similar field that God might use as a mentor in my life?
What caused me the greatest amount of stress in 2010? What am I going to do to fix that?
If you've not had the opportunity to check it out yet, John Ortberg has written an excellent article over on Christianity Today's website that will help you think through the process of developing a spiritual growth plan. You can still check it out by clicking here. (Also, if you've not read his book, The Life You've Always Wanted, I would highly recommend it to your 2011 Reading List. God has used this book in a profound way in my personal life. I highly recommend it.)
If you want to really dig even deeper into the evaluation aspect, the folks at Lifeway have provided a pretty intense Spiritual Growth Assessment tool you can check out...
Also, as you consider a Bible Reading Plan for the New Year, the folks at YouVersion.com have provided several Bible reading plan options worthy of your consideration. You can check out all the options by clicking here.
Finally, make plans to join us for GAME PLAN this Sunday! We'll be digging deep into several of these areas!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
ESTABLISHING YOUR GAME PLAN FOR PERSONAL / SPIRITUAL GROWTH - 2011
The week after Christmas and before the New Year represents a great opportunity to spend time in prayer, reflection, evaluation and goal setting.
Most business men and women work hard to develop an annual "business plan," but what about a "spiritual growth plan?"
Here's the question: What practices, "disciplines," or spiritual "graces" will you build into your life in 2011 that will give you an opportunity to grow and become more like Jesus?
What books do you plan on reading?
What small group will you be a part of?
What priority will you give to corporate worship?
These are just a few of the questions you might want to consider at the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011.
John Ortberg has written an excellent article over on Christianity Today's website that will help you think through the process of developing a spiritual growth plan. Check it out here. (By the way, John has written one of the most accessible books on the subject of spiritual disciplines you're likely to read... God has used his book, The Life You've Always Wanted, in a profound way in my personal life. I highly recommend it.)
If you want to really dig deep into the evaluation aspect, the folks at Lifeway have provided a pretty intense Spiritual Growth Assessment tool you can check out... (By the way, I haven't used the tool... I'm not certain my ego could handle it... But it does appear to be helpful, if not a little tedious...)
Also, the folks at YouVersion.com have provided several Bible reading plan options worthy of your consideration for the New Year. You can check out all the options by clicking here. (The plans at You Version have played a significant role in my devotional life over the last two years... And since I journal and write on my computer, the ability to copy and paste passages of Scripture directly from the You Version site to my journal, blog, FB page and / or message notes is really helpful...)
A couple of weeks ago our Wednesday AM Men's Small Group came across this passage.
"Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty." ~ Proverbs 21:5 (NLT)
Pretty simple and straight forward... But the conversation that God ignited was important. As we thought about the importance of financial and business planning, we were all struck by our lack when it comes to planning for spiritual growth, a vibrant marriage, etc. The discussion challenged and convicted me.
So, I'm looking forward to Christmas! Can't wait to worship on Christmas Eve and spend some time celebrating with family and friends... But I'm also looking forward to taking some "down" time next week just to think through where I've been, what I've done, where I'm going, where I want to go and who I want to become...
Want to join the adventure?
Merry Christmas!
Most business men and women work hard to develop an annual "business plan," but what about a "spiritual growth plan?"
Here's the question: What practices, "disciplines," or spiritual "graces" will you build into your life in 2011 that will give you an opportunity to grow and become more like Jesus?
What books do you plan on reading?
What small group will you be a part of?
What priority will you give to corporate worship?
These are just a few of the questions you might want to consider at the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011.
John Ortberg has written an excellent article over on Christianity Today's website that will help you think through the process of developing a spiritual growth plan. Check it out here. (By the way, John has written one of the most accessible books on the subject of spiritual disciplines you're likely to read... God has used his book, The Life You've Always Wanted, in a profound way in my personal life. I highly recommend it.)
If you want to really dig deep into the evaluation aspect, the folks at Lifeway have provided a pretty intense Spiritual Growth Assessment tool you can check out... (By the way, I haven't used the tool... I'm not certain my ego could handle it... But it does appear to be helpful, if not a little tedious...)
Also, the folks at YouVersion.com have provided several Bible reading plan options worthy of your consideration for the New Year. You can check out all the options by clicking here. (The plans at You Version have played a significant role in my devotional life over the last two years... And since I journal and write on my computer, the ability to copy and paste passages of Scripture directly from the You Version site to my journal, blog, FB page and / or message notes is really helpful...)
A couple of weeks ago our Wednesday AM Men's Small Group came across this passage.
"Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty." ~ Proverbs 21:5 (NLT)
Pretty simple and straight forward... But the conversation that God ignited was important. As we thought about the importance of financial and business planning, we were all struck by our lack when it comes to planning for spiritual growth, a vibrant marriage, etc. The discussion challenged and convicted me.
So, I'm looking forward to Christmas! Can't wait to worship on Christmas Eve and spend some time celebrating with family and friends... But I'm also looking forward to taking some "down" time next week just to think through where I've been, what I've done, where I'm going, where I want to go and who I want to become...
Want to join the adventure?
Merry Christmas!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
IT WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
It was the night before Christmas and...
...you have the opportunity to begin your Christmas celebration with a sacred worship experience that is certain to become a Christmas tradition for you and your family!
Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship and Communion
Friday, December 24, 5 pm
a2 Church
An inspiring hour of worship featuring a full band, special illustrated Christmas message, Holy Communion and the "lighting of the candles" on what is considered to be one of the "holiest" and most sacred nights of the year...
This amazing one-hour Christmas-Eve worship experience will prepare you to experience the true meaning and message of Christmas. Invite your friends and family to join you on Christmas Eve @ a2 Church. A great way to begin you Christmas celebration.
And to top of your Christmas weekend worship experience, join us on Sunday, December 26 for a2 Unplugged: A special one hour, church wide worship experience for entire family.
Merry Christmas!
Chris, Janet and the Girls
Thursday, December 16, 2010
THE ORDINARY PEOPLE IN YOUR FRACTURED FAIRY TALES
Fractured Fairy Tales - Part 4
This Sunday, December 19, 9:45 am
a2 Church
Maybe you've seen the tag while out Christmas shopping? A store presents an incredible bargain on merchandise.... But if you look closely at the merchandise, it has a little tag attached... The tag always has the same two words on it: "AS IS."
It's a clever way of saying, "This merchandise is somewhat damaged... It's slightly irregular..."
Maybe it's furniture with a scratch or dent... Maybe it's a shirt that's missing a button... Maybe it's a zipper that won't zip... But the store wants to tip you off, "There's a flaw in this piece of merchandise... We're not going to tell you where the flaw is... But when you find it, and you will find it, don't come whining to us... This piece of stuff is sold 'AS IS.'"
I said all of that to say this, "Wouldn't it be great if there was a 'Truth in Advertising Law' for PEOPLE? Wouldn't it be great if dating services, single bars, or even churches required everyone to wear a tag that read something like 'Slightly Irregular, As Is, Flawed, Messed Up, Fairly Fractured Person?'"
This Sunday we'll talk about three ingredients that can transform the way you relate to the "slightly irregular, as is, flawed, messed up, fractured people" in your relational world.
Don't forget, you'll probably be having Christmas dinner with some of these "slightly irregular" people over the next few days... These ingredients have the power to transform your Christmas Get Togethers with extended family and your relational world in general...
Don't miss this amazing weekend at a2 Church featuring great music, inspiring worship, baby dedication and a message that matters...
a2 Church
600 Montgomery Highway, Suite 208
(Just above and behind Pet Supermarket)
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
BACKGROUND BY LECRAE
Love this song by Lecrae on his new release, "Rehab." An example of the amazing music and lyrics on this release. Enjoy.
JOSH HARRIS ON SUNDAY AM WORSHIP
Here's Josh Harris challenging his congregation on the importance of being ON TIME for the corporate gathering of God's people for the weekend worship experience.
I love the fact that Josh doesn't get judgmental or legalistic! He basically challneges his congregation with three words I think every congregation (including a2 Church) needs to implement:
Eager - Come eager! Longing to hear from and experience God.
Expectant - Expect to meet with God. Expect that He is going to show up and blow you away! Expect people to come to know Jesus! Expect healings to occur! Expect the "gifts of the Spirit" to operate! Expect to meet with God!
Early - Come early! Don't be casual about meeting with God. Come early for prayer, time alone with God, fellowship with God's people. Ready to respond!
Here's the video. It's worth the 8 minutes and 30 seconds it will take to watch it. Now, for all of you a2'ers... I look forward to seeing you eager, expectant and early at a2 Church this Sunday AM.
I love the fact that Josh doesn't get judgmental or legalistic! He basically challneges his congregation with three words I think every congregation (including a2 Church) needs to implement:
Eager - Come eager! Longing to hear from and experience God.
Expectant - Expect to meet with God. Expect that He is going to show up and blow you away! Expect people to come to know Jesus! Expect healings to occur! Expect the "gifts of the Spirit" to operate! Expect to meet with God!
Early - Come early! Don't be casual about meeting with God. Come early for prayer, time alone with God, fellowship with God's people. Ready to respond!
Here's the video. It's worth the 8 minutes and 30 seconds it will take to watch it. Now, for all of you a2'ers... I look forward to seeing you eager, expectant and early at a2 Church this Sunday AM.
Eager, Expectant, and Early from Covenant Life Church on Vimeo.
VERGE - Seizing Destiny EXTENDED NOTES
November 7, 2010
What a day at a2 Church! God exceeded all of my expectations… VERGE: The Worship Experience was amazing! VERGE: The After Party was “off the chain,” to use the words of one of the people who attended.
Thanks to everyone who helped make it all happen! I was blown away by the incredible team God brought together to pull off Sunday AM and Sunday PM! You guys and gals rock! I mean it!
Here’s an overview of the day, with extended notes from this Sunday’s message. BTW, the podcast is available for download on a2’s website or via iTunes. Already pumped about wrapping up this short two week series on Esther this Sunday!
Sunday AM Reflections
Seizing Destiny
VERGE - PART 1
Esther 1-4
VERGE: The Worship Experience kicked off with a video intro describing the challenges a2 has encountered and casting a vision for a church “on the verge” of something even greater... You can check out the video by clicking here.
The band then launched into the VERGE Medley – three songs about capitalizing on this moment… I’ve got to say, the band absolutely blew it out of the park! Holy cow! They were "smokin'!"
Never Going Back To Okay by The Afters
Right Now by Van Halen
Life Is A Highway by Rascal Flatts
These songs seemed to capture the essence of VERGE.
Janet then read a passage of Scripture (Psalm 66) about the greatness of our God and challenged the congregation to “loudly sing his praises" (Psalm 66:8)! The congregation sang! Wow! I love hearing our people sing! They raised the roof this past Sunday in praise to our awesome God!
Here's the worship set list:
Let God Arise by Chris Tomlin
Marvelous Light by Christy Nockels
Glorious One by Hillsong London
How Great Thou Art (Chorus Only)
That wrapped up any "special elements" for the day.. I then, came up, shared an announcement, and jumped right into the morning message.
After the message, we closed with prayer and by going back and singing a refrain from "Glorious One."
There was a powerful sense of God's presence at the conclusion of our time together. Words can't describe all that God did in and among us... I can't wait to see what happens next...
Here are the extended notes. We’ll wrap up the book of Esther this Sunday, November 14.
Seizing Destiny
VERGE – PART 1
Esther 1-4
VERGE: n. 1) the extreme edge, margin or border of something... 2) the limit or point beyond which something begins or occurs; the brink, cusp, edge or threshold...
THOUGHTS: “On the verge...” is an expression we've all used... Sometimes we use the word in the negative… For instance, when we're feeling a little stressed, anxious or frustrated, we will say something like, "I think I'm 'on the verge' of a nervous breakdown..."
The phrase is also used in the positive. It’s used to describe a moment, event or opportunity that is latent with breakthrough potential and that can lead to an opportunity for unprecedented growth! Unfortunately, if you miss “the verge,” this moment can also signal the beginning of the end…
“The verge” is the moment, decision or play when a game is either won or lost… It’s a critical or once in a lifetime opportunity when a destiny is either embraced or abandoned…
Leonard Ravenhill described it like this:
“The opportunity of a lifetime must be seized within the lifetime of the opportunity.” ~ Leonard Ravenhill
Paul the Apostle described it like this:
Ephesians 5:16 (NLT), Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.
THOUGHTS: The story of Esther takes place while Israel was in exile. They were far from home with no prospect of a return. It shares the story of a young woman who ALMOST missed her moment…
It’s interesting that the book doesn’t mention Jerusalem, the temple, worship, priests or sacrifice. In fact, God isn’t even mentioned in the entire book, but He is definitely AT WORK.
I want to tie the first half of her story around three important principles…
Seizing Your Destiny:
1. God is always at work, even when we are unaware of His presence or can’t see His activity.
Esther 1:1-5 (NLT), These events happened in the days of King Xerxes, who reigned over 127 provinces stretching from India to Ethiopia. 2 At that time Xerxes ruled his empire from his royal throne at the fortress of Susa. 3 In the third year of his reign, he gave a banquet for all his nobles and officials. He invited all the military officers of Persia and Media as well as the princes and nobles of the provinces. 4 The celebration lasted 180 days—a tremendous display of the opulent wealth of his empire and the pomp and splendor of his majesty.
Esther 1:5 (NLT), When it was all over, the king gave a banquet for all the people, from the greatest to the least, who were in the fortress of Susa. It lasted for seven days and was held in the courtyard of the palace garden.
Esther 1:10-12 (NLT), On the seventh day of the feast, when King Xerxes was in high spirits because of the wine, he told the seven eunuchs who attended him…11 to bring Queen Vashti to him with the royal crown on her head. He wanted the nobles and all the other men to gaze on her beauty, for she was a very beautiful woman.
Esther 1:12 (NLT), But when they conveyed the king’s order to Queen Vashti, she refused to come.
Esther 1:12b (NLT), This made the king furious, and he burned with anger.
Esther 1:19-20 (NIV), “Therefore, if it pleases the king, let him issue a royal decree and let it be written in the laws of Persia and Media, which cannot be repealed, that Vashti is never again to enter the presence of King Xerxes. Also let the king give her royal position to someone else who is better than she. 20 Then when the king's edict is proclaimed throughout all his vast realm, all the women will respect their husbands, from the least to the greatest.”
Esther 2:1-5 (NLT), But after Xerxes’ anger had subsided, he began thinking about Vashti and what she had done and the decree he had made.
Esther 2:2-5 (NLT), So his personal attendants suggested, “Let us search the empire to find beautiful young virgins for the king. 3 Let the king appoint agents in each province to bring these beautiful young women into the royal harem at the fortress of Susa.
Esther 2:3b-5 (NLT), Hegai, the king’s eunuch in charge of the harem, will see that they are all given beauty treatments. 4 After that, the young woman who most pleases the king will be made queen instead of Vashti.” This advice was very appealing to the king, so he put the plan into effect.
Esther 2:12 (NLT), Before each young woman was taken to the king’s bed, she was given the prescribed twelve months of beauty treatments…
Esther 2:17 (NIV), Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.
Esther 3:1 (NLT), Some time later, King Xerxes promoted Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite to prime minister, making him the most powerful official in the empire next to the king himself.
Esther 3:5-6 (NLT), When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or show him respect, he was filled with rage. 6 He had learned of Mordecai’s nationality, so he decided it was not enough to lay hands on Mordecai alone…
Esther 3:6b (NLT), Instead, he looked for a way to destroy all the Jews throughout the entire empire of Xerxes.
THOUGHT: Haman was so furious with Mordecai’s refusal to bow that he decided to commit genocide on a peculiar minority called the Jewish people.
Esther 3:8 (MSG), Haman then spoke with King Xerxes: “There is an odd set of people scattered through the provinces of your kingdom who don’t fit in. Their customs and ways are different from those of everybody else. Worse, they disregard the king’s laws. They’re an affront; the king shouldn’t put up with them…” 9If it please the king, let orders be given that they be destroyed. I’ll pay for it myself. I’ll deposit 375 tons of silver in the royal bank to finance the operation.”
THOUGHT: Haman is basically offering the king a bribe. He offers the king 375 tons of silver. That was virtually the amount of revenue received by the empire during the course of an entire year. This was basically the equivalent of Persia’s Gross Domestic Product.
Esther 3:10-11 (NCV), So the king took his signet ring off…
That was a symbol of the king’s authority.
Esther 3:10-11 (NCV), …and gave it to Haman…the enemy of the Jewish people. 11Then the king said to Haman, “The money and the people are yours. Do with them as you please.”
THOUGHT: Xerxes basically says, “Okay, whatever…” He doesn’t even take the time to investigate what group of people he had just “OK’d” the annihilation of… He just mindlessly hands over his authority…
Word of the planned genocide leaks out… Check out Chapter 4.
Esther 4:1-3 (NLT), When Mordecai learned what had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, crying with a loud and bitter wail.
First Principle of Seizing Destiny: Remember God is at work even when I can’t sense His presence or see His activity.
THOUGHTS: The writer of book of Esther is very subtle… The name of God never gets mentioned in the entire book… We don’t read anything at all about worship, priests, the temple, the synagogue or sacrifices… Anything! Most scholars believe the author is being very intentional… That these were extremely dangerous times for the Jewish people… They were “on the verge” of extinction… The author was trusting that his audience could read between the lines…
The author knows that while God’s name never gets mentioned in the entire book, His fingerprints are on every page and involved in every aspect of these events… God is definitely at work in unseen, unknown, unlikely and hidden ways throughout the entire story…
Think about this…
• Why did Xerxes throw a party that culminated in him making a decision while he was drunk that ended up costing him the queen?
• What was it that caused Queen Vashti to retain her dignity and hold on to her values and act like something other than a “damsel in distress” in a culture dominated by men, where women were only valued because of their physical appearance and sexual attractiveness?
• What was it that caused Vashti to be deposed and an orphan girl named Esther to end up making the pre-lims in the first ever Miss Universe Contest?
• How was it that out of all the women in the empire – out of approximately 1,000 women who made the finals – this young Jewish, orphaned girl named Esther became queen of the most powerful empire on the planet?
• How was it that out of all the official’s in the Persian Empire, it was Mordecai who uncovered the assassination plot on the king’s life?
Was all of this just chance? Was all of this just fate? Did all of this just happen? Not a chance! The writer wants us to know that even when we are unaware of His presence, God is always at work to bring about the fulfillment of His purposes and His plans!
SHARED THOUGHTS ON THE HISTORY OF a2
Proverbs 20:24 (ESV), A man's steps are from the Lord; how then can man understand his way?
2. The message of the Bible isn’t that God saves, blesses or uses really good, perfect or beautiful people… The message of the Bible is that God consistently and continually gives grace to people who don’t ask for it, people who deserve it and people who don’t fully appreciate it even after they’ve received it!
THOUGHTS: One of the amazing things about the central players in the book of Esther is that you would be hard pressed to find any scholar – Jewish or evangelical – who at this point in the story believes Esther to be a great role model and a morally exemplary girl…
Feminist scholars believe she’s all too compliant…
Conservative evangelical scholars also have problems with Esther…
Here’s the point, by and large, at this point in the story, the central players in the book of Esther aren’t incredible examples of moral purity and courageous faith… They’re really messed up people…
But despite the fact that Esther was less than the perfect role model, God, in his GRACE, decided to use her in a way that this all too compliant girl would have never imagined…
Grace would eventually transform this compliant, complacent, gutless girl into an amazing woman of God and courageous warrior…
GET THIS: regardless of how bad you’ve SCREWED UP the beginning of your life, you can’t write yourself out of God’s script… God doesn’t have a “Plan B.” Because of GRACE your life can change…
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV), …by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Ephesians 5:25-27 (ESV), Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
1 Samuel 22:2 (NIV), All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him.
3. Seizing the “opportunity of a lifetime” will usually demand taking a step of audacious faith and total obedience.
THOUGHTS: Mordecai sends word to Esther, “You’ve got to go to the king… We’re all in your hands, now…” Esther sends back this response to Mordecai.
Esther 4:11 (NLT), “The whole world knows that anyone appears before the king in his inner court without being invited is doomed to die, unless the king holds out his gold scepter. And the king has not called for me to come to him in more than a month.”
Esther 4:13-14 (NLT), Mordecai sent back this reply to Esther: “Don’t think for a moment that you will escape there in the palace when all other Jews are killed. 14If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. What’s more, who can say but that you have been elevated to the palace for just such a time as this?”
THOUGHTS: Mordecai was confident that the Jewish people would be delivered. For Mordecai, the ultimate salvation of the Jewish people was not in question. The only thing in question was the role that Esther would get to play in the story God is writing.
Mordecai says, “Esther, the fate of the entire nation is in your hands.” He clarifies who Esther is and what her calling is in life…
He basically says, “Esther, you haven’t been brought to this point in life just for the sake of accumulating an exquisite wardrobe, an incredible jewelry collection and exotic fragrances… You’ve not been brought to this moment to be on the cover of Vogue or to wear the title of “World’s Most Beautiful Woman”.
“You have brought to this point by God! You’ve been brought to this moment to work for justice, spare God’s people from complete annihilation and keep God’s dream alive of creating a new community. You’ve been brought to this moment to oppose a violent man and be a part of God’s dream to redeem the planet. You’re no Barbie Doll… You are a warrior…”
Esther 4:14 (NKJ), Yet who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
Three Possible Options To A “Verge” Moment:
• God, I’ll follow you...if...
• God, I’ll follow you...but...
• I’ll follow you...no matter what.
Esther 4:15-16 (ESV), Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai,16 Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.
THOUGHTS: Survival is no longer this girl’s primary goal! Esther’s life has been given over to something much bigger than her own existence or staying in the palace. Her worst-case scenario is no longer death, it’s disobedience!
Her worst-case scenario is turning her back on God and missing the moment that God us given her.
APPLICATION: Will you capture this moment and take a step of audacious faith in obedience to God's purpose and plan for your life?
What a day at a2 Church! God exceeded all of my expectations… VERGE: The Worship Experience was amazing! VERGE: The After Party was “off the chain,” to use the words of one of the people who attended.
Thanks to everyone who helped make it all happen! I was blown away by the incredible team God brought together to pull off Sunday AM and Sunday PM! You guys and gals rock! I mean it!
Here’s an overview of the day, with extended notes from this Sunday’s message. BTW, the podcast is available for download on a2’s website or via iTunes. Already pumped about wrapping up this short two week series on Esther this Sunday!
Sunday AM Reflections
Seizing Destiny
VERGE - PART 1
Esther 1-4
VERGE: The Worship Experience kicked off with a video intro describing the challenges a2 has encountered and casting a vision for a church “on the verge” of something even greater... You can check out the video by clicking here.
The band then launched into the VERGE Medley – three songs about capitalizing on this moment… I’ve got to say, the band absolutely blew it out of the park! Holy cow! They were "smokin'!"
Never Going Back To Okay by The Afters
Right Now by Van Halen
Life Is A Highway by Rascal Flatts
These songs seemed to capture the essence of VERGE.
Janet then read a passage of Scripture (Psalm 66) about the greatness of our God and challenged the congregation to “loudly sing his praises" (Psalm 66:8)! The congregation sang! Wow! I love hearing our people sing! They raised the roof this past Sunday in praise to our awesome God!
Here's the worship set list:
Let God Arise by Chris Tomlin
Marvelous Light by Christy Nockels
Glorious One by Hillsong London
How Great Thou Art (Chorus Only)
That wrapped up any "special elements" for the day.. I then, came up, shared an announcement, and jumped right into the morning message.
After the message, we closed with prayer and by going back and singing a refrain from "Glorious One."
There was a powerful sense of God's presence at the conclusion of our time together. Words can't describe all that God did in and among us... I can't wait to see what happens next...
Here are the extended notes. We’ll wrap up the book of Esther this Sunday, November 14.
Seizing Destiny
VERGE – PART 1
Esther 1-4
VERGE: n. 1) the extreme edge, margin or border of something... 2) the limit or point beyond which something begins or occurs; the brink, cusp, edge or threshold...
THOUGHTS: “On the verge...” is an expression we've all used... Sometimes we use the word in the negative… For instance, when we're feeling a little stressed, anxious or frustrated, we will say something like, "I think I'm 'on the verge' of a nervous breakdown..."
The phrase is also used in the positive. It’s used to describe a moment, event or opportunity that is latent with breakthrough potential and that can lead to an opportunity for unprecedented growth! Unfortunately, if you miss “the verge,” this moment can also signal the beginning of the end…
“The verge” is the moment, decision or play when a game is either won or lost… It’s a critical or once in a lifetime opportunity when a destiny is either embraced or abandoned…
Leonard Ravenhill described it like this:
“The opportunity of a lifetime must be seized within the lifetime of the opportunity.” ~ Leonard Ravenhill
Paul the Apostle described it like this:
Ephesians 5:16 (NLT), Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.
THOUGHTS: The story of Esther takes place while Israel was in exile. They were far from home with no prospect of a return. It shares the story of a young woman who ALMOST missed her moment…
It’s interesting that the book doesn’t mention Jerusalem, the temple, worship, priests or sacrifice. In fact, God isn’t even mentioned in the entire book, but He is definitely AT WORK.
I want to tie the first half of her story around three important principles…
Seizing Your Destiny:
1. God is always at work, even when we are unaware of His presence or can’t see His activity.
Esther 1:1-5 (NLT), These events happened in the days of King Xerxes, who reigned over 127 provinces stretching from India to Ethiopia. 2 At that time Xerxes ruled his empire from his royal throne at the fortress of Susa. 3 In the third year of his reign, he gave a banquet for all his nobles and officials. He invited all the military officers of Persia and Media as well as the princes and nobles of the provinces. 4 The celebration lasted 180 days—a tremendous display of the opulent wealth of his empire and the pomp and splendor of his majesty.
Esther 1:5 (NLT), When it was all over, the king gave a banquet for all the people, from the greatest to the least, who were in the fortress of Susa. It lasted for seven days and was held in the courtyard of the palace garden.
Esther 1:10-12 (NLT), On the seventh day of the feast, when King Xerxes was in high spirits because of the wine, he told the seven eunuchs who attended him…11 to bring Queen Vashti to him with the royal crown on her head. He wanted the nobles and all the other men to gaze on her beauty, for she was a very beautiful woman.
Esther 1:12 (NLT), But when they conveyed the king’s order to Queen Vashti, she refused to come.
Esther 1:12b (NLT), This made the king furious, and he burned with anger.
Esther 1:19-20 (NIV), “Therefore, if it pleases the king, let him issue a royal decree and let it be written in the laws of Persia and Media, which cannot be repealed, that Vashti is never again to enter the presence of King Xerxes. Also let the king give her royal position to someone else who is better than she. 20 Then when the king's edict is proclaimed throughout all his vast realm, all the women will respect their husbands, from the least to the greatest.”
Esther 2:1-5 (NLT), But after Xerxes’ anger had subsided, he began thinking about Vashti and what she had done and the decree he had made.
Esther 2:2-5 (NLT), So his personal attendants suggested, “Let us search the empire to find beautiful young virgins for the king. 3 Let the king appoint agents in each province to bring these beautiful young women into the royal harem at the fortress of Susa.
Esther 2:3b-5 (NLT), Hegai, the king’s eunuch in charge of the harem, will see that they are all given beauty treatments. 4 After that, the young woman who most pleases the king will be made queen instead of Vashti.” This advice was very appealing to the king, so he put the plan into effect.
Esther 2:12 (NLT), Before each young woman was taken to the king’s bed, she was given the prescribed twelve months of beauty treatments…
Esther 2:17 (NIV), Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.
Esther 3:1 (NLT), Some time later, King Xerxes promoted Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite to prime minister, making him the most powerful official in the empire next to the king himself.
Esther 3:5-6 (NLT), When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or show him respect, he was filled with rage. 6 He had learned of Mordecai’s nationality, so he decided it was not enough to lay hands on Mordecai alone…
Esther 3:6b (NLT), Instead, he looked for a way to destroy all the Jews throughout the entire empire of Xerxes.
THOUGHT: Haman was so furious with Mordecai’s refusal to bow that he decided to commit genocide on a peculiar minority called the Jewish people.
Esther 3:8 (MSG), Haman then spoke with King Xerxes: “There is an odd set of people scattered through the provinces of your kingdom who don’t fit in. Their customs and ways are different from those of everybody else. Worse, they disregard the king’s laws. They’re an affront; the king shouldn’t put up with them…” 9If it please the king, let orders be given that they be destroyed. I’ll pay for it myself. I’ll deposit 375 tons of silver in the royal bank to finance the operation.”
THOUGHT: Haman is basically offering the king a bribe. He offers the king 375 tons of silver. That was virtually the amount of revenue received by the empire during the course of an entire year. This was basically the equivalent of Persia’s Gross Domestic Product.
Esther 3:10-11 (NCV), So the king took his signet ring off…
That was a symbol of the king’s authority.
Esther 3:10-11 (NCV), …and gave it to Haman…the enemy of the Jewish people. 11Then the king said to Haman, “The money and the people are yours. Do with them as you please.”
THOUGHT: Xerxes basically says, “Okay, whatever…” He doesn’t even take the time to investigate what group of people he had just “OK’d” the annihilation of… He just mindlessly hands over his authority…
Word of the planned genocide leaks out… Check out Chapter 4.
Esther 4:1-3 (NLT), When Mordecai learned what had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, crying with a loud and bitter wail.
First Principle of Seizing Destiny: Remember God is at work even when I can’t sense His presence or see His activity.
THOUGHTS: The writer of book of Esther is very subtle… The name of God never gets mentioned in the entire book… We don’t read anything at all about worship, priests, the temple, the synagogue or sacrifices… Anything! Most scholars believe the author is being very intentional… That these were extremely dangerous times for the Jewish people… They were “on the verge” of extinction… The author was trusting that his audience could read between the lines…
The author knows that while God’s name never gets mentioned in the entire book, His fingerprints are on every page and involved in every aspect of these events… God is definitely at work in unseen, unknown, unlikely and hidden ways throughout the entire story…
Think about this…
• Why did Xerxes throw a party that culminated in him making a decision while he was drunk that ended up costing him the queen?
• What was it that caused Queen Vashti to retain her dignity and hold on to her values and act like something other than a “damsel in distress” in a culture dominated by men, where women were only valued because of their physical appearance and sexual attractiveness?
• What was it that caused Vashti to be deposed and an orphan girl named Esther to end up making the pre-lims in the first ever Miss Universe Contest?
• How was it that out of all the women in the empire – out of approximately 1,000 women who made the finals – this young Jewish, orphaned girl named Esther became queen of the most powerful empire on the planet?
• How was it that out of all the official’s in the Persian Empire, it was Mordecai who uncovered the assassination plot on the king’s life?
Was all of this just chance? Was all of this just fate? Did all of this just happen? Not a chance! The writer wants us to know that even when we are unaware of His presence, God is always at work to bring about the fulfillment of His purposes and His plans!
SHARED THOUGHTS ON THE HISTORY OF a2
Proverbs 20:24 (ESV), A man's steps are from the Lord; how then can man understand his way?
2. The message of the Bible isn’t that God saves, blesses or uses really good, perfect or beautiful people… The message of the Bible is that God consistently and continually gives grace to people who don’t ask for it, people who deserve it and people who don’t fully appreciate it even after they’ve received it!
THOUGHTS: One of the amazing things about the central players in the book of Esther is that you would be hard pressed to find any scholar – Jewish or evangelical – who at this point in the story believes Esther to be a great role model and a morally exemplary girl…
Feminist scholars believe she’s all too compliant…
Conservative evangelical scholars also have problems with Esther…
Here’s the point, by and large, at this point in the story, the central players in the book of Esther aren’t incredible examples of moral purity and courageous faith… They’re really messed up people…
But despite the fact that Esther was less than the perfect role model, God, in his GRACE, decided to use her in a way that this all too compliant girl would have never imagined…
Grace would eventually transform this compliant, complacent, gutless girl into an amazing woman of God and courageous warrior…
GET THIS: regardless of how bad you’ve SCREWED UP the beginning of your life, you can’t write yourself out of God’s script… God doesn’t have a “Plan B.” Because of GRACE your life can change…
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV), …by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Ephesians 5:25-27 (ESV), Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
1 Samuel 22:2 (NIV), All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him.
3. Seizing the “opportunity of a lifetime” will usually demand taking a step of audacious faith and total obedience.
THOUGHTS: Mordecai sends word to Esther, “You’ve got to go to the king… We’re all in your hands, now…” Esther sends back this response to Mordecai.
Esther 4:11 (NLT), “The whole world knows that anyone appears before the king in his inner court without being invited is doomed to die, unless the king holds out his gold scepter. And the king has not called for me to come to him in more than a month.”
Esther 4:13-14 (NLT), Mordecai sent back this reply to Esther: “Don’t think for a moment that you will escape there in the palace when all other Jews are killed. 14If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. What’s more, who can say but that you have been elevated to the palace for just such a time as this?”
THOUGHTS: Mordecai was confident that the Jewish people would be delivered. For Mordecai, the ultimate salvation of the Jewish people was not in question. The only thing in question was the role that Esther would get to play in the story God is writing.
Mordecai says, “Esther, the fate of the entire nation is in your hands.” He clarifies who Esther is and what her calling is in life…
He basically says, “Esther, you haven’t been brought to this point in life just for the sake of accumulating an exquisite wardrobe, an incredible jewelry collection and exotic fragrances… You’ve not been brought to this moment to be on the cover of Vogue or to wear the title of “World’s Most Beautiful Woman”.
“You have brought to this point by God! You’ve been brought to this moment to work for justice, spare God’s people from complete annihilation and keep God’s dream alive of creating a new community. You’ve been brought to this moment to oppose a violent man and be a part of God’s dream to redeem the planet. You’re no Barbie Doll… You are a warrior…”
Esther 4:14 (NKJ), Yet who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
Three Possible Options To A “Verge” Moment:
• God, I’ll follow you...if...
• God, I’ll follow you...but...
• I’ll follow you...no matter what.
Esther 4:15-16 (ESV), Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai,16 Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.
THOUGHTS: Survival is no longer this girl’s primary goal! Esther’s life has been given over to something much bigger than her own existence or staying in the palace. Her worst-case scenario is no longer death, it’s disobedience!
Her worst-case scenario is turning her back on God and missing the moment that God us given her.
APPLICATION: Will you capture this moment and take a step of audacious faith in obedience to God's purpose and plan for your life?
Monday, November 8, 2010
VERGE - a2's Two Year Anniversary Opening Video
Here's the opening video for VERGE - a2's Two Year Anniversary. Thanks to Chris Mileski for shooting and editing the video. Kevin Johnson for shooting additional footage, and Cody Norton for actually delivering the lines.
We opened our 2nd Anniversary Celebration with this video. Enjoy.
We opened our 2nd Anniversary Celebration with this video. Enjoy.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
SUNDAY NIGHT REFLECTIONS - 10-31-10
This morning was one of our “all church, all in, family style” worship experiences at a2 Church. Periodically, approximately four to six times every year, we intentionally design a worship experience for the entire family. We then invite children Grades 1 and up to join their parents in the worship room for this special worship experience.
One of our big desires at a2 Church is to partner with parents in their attempt to lay a spiritual foundation in the lives of kids that will in God’s timing and in God’s way lead every child into a personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.
We believe that modeling is crucial in the discipleship process. It’s important that children see their parents engaged in worship and in receiving the taught Word of God.
Worship this morning was upbeat and included the following:
Sing, Sing, Sing by Chris Tomlin
Marvelous Light by Christy Nockels
Forever Reign by Hillsong
After prayer, fellowship and announcements, the band also covered one item number…
Rejoice by Audio Adrenlaline
We followed up our worship experience with a special "Trunk and Treat" in the parking area! Great time with parents and their family!
Awesome day!
Here are the extended notes from this morning’s message and the closer on our series from Philippians. As always, you can check out our podcast on the a2 Church website or via iTunes by typing "a2 Church" into the iTunes search engine.
Old Dogs, No Tricks, Just Lasting Joy EXTENDED NOTES
Philippians: Finding Joy in a Broken World – Part 9
Text: Philippians 4:10-23
Philippians 4:10-23, How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 14 Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.
15 As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. 16 Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. 17 I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness.
18 At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
21 Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. 22 All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar's household.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Some Marks of Maturity:
(Borrowed from Chuck Swindoll in his book, Laugh Again, with “tweaks” by Chris Goins…)
A person is becoming more mature…
• When our concern for others outweighs our concern for ourselves…
• When we discern the presence of evil, temptation or danger before it’s obvious…
• When we begin to develop and grow in wisdom and understanding, not just knowledge…
• When our emotions are tempered by a sense of responsibility, diligence and the desire to be thorough…
• When our awareness of needs is matched by our compassion and willingness to jump in and get involved…
• When we have a willingness to change and repent, especially as the Holy Spirit nudges or convicts us and gives us a leading that we need to follow…
• When we are growing in our ability to feed ourselves the Word of God through the regular intake of Scripture, and we’re also commitment to hearing the Word of God taught in the context of being part of a Bible believing church…
• When we have more than great ideas, but we also have the discipline to carry them out and get things done…
• When we not only understand what needs to be done, but we have the fortitude, diligence, commitment and determination to stay with it until it gets done…
“Maturity is the ability to do a job whether you are supervised or not; finish a job once it’s started; carry money without spending it. And last, but not least, the ability to bear an injustice without the need to get even.” ~ Fred Cook
THOUGHT: An incredible picture of this definition is contained in the book, Horton Hatches the Egg by Dr. Suess. The key phrase that appears in the book over and over again reads as follows:
“I meant what I said,
and I said what I mean…
An elephant’s faithful
One hundred percent!”
~ Horton the Elephant, Dr. Suess
Eventually, Horton’s faithfulness, loyalty and commitment, not only influences his life, but it influences the egg that he has faithfully sat on for the last 51 weeks!
THOUGHTS: The book of Philippians is about growing up, becoming mature and maintaining your joy throughout the journey…
Regardless of what Paul experienced, he refused to be caught in the grip of pessimism and allow his circumstances to determine or define his sense of JOY…
Our Definition for Joy: “Joy is a deep, abiding sense and the confident expectation that God is with me, that God is for me, and that our sovereign God is working everything together for my ultimate good and His great glory!”
Joy That Goes The Distance:
1. Be alert when it comes to recognizing and affirming the good you see in the people around you.
THOUGHTS: One of the really amazing things about people is that they tend to rise or fall to the level of your expectations… If your expectations are reasonably high, most of the people in your life will be challenged to rise to the occasion… If your expectations are low, you’ll probably get exactly what you’re looking for…
Paul challenged the church at Philippi to become all that God intended for them to become…
He affirmed them relentlessly… Encouragement and affirmation show up all throughout this letter…
Philippians 4:10 (NLT), How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me.
Philippians 4:14-17, …you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.
15 As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. 16 Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once.
Philippians 1:3 (NLT), Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.
Philippians 1:6 (ESV), …being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:7 (ESV), It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart…
2. Learn the secret of being content.
Philippians 4:11-12 (NIV), I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Contentment Defined: Contentment is an abiding peace and bold confidence in God and the sufficiency in Christ we can experience regardless of our circumstances….
Two Major Secrets to a Contented Life:
• Avoid comparisons.
Philippians 4:11b (NIV), …I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Philippians 4:11b (AMP), I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am.
Proverbs 14:30 (NIV), A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
• Be flexible and adjust to change.
Philippians 4:12 (NIV), I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
3. Be confident! God’s power really is at work in you and through you.
Philippians 4:13 (ESV), I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
THOUGHT: God promises power to anyone who will simply and humbly ask.
Isaiah 40:29-30 (ESV), He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. 30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; 31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
THOUGHT: God's power is mentioned throughout the book of Philippians.
Philippians 1:6 (NIV), …being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:12b-13 (ESV), …work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Philippians 3:10 (NLT), I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead.
Philippians 4:13 (AMP), I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].
4. Always rely on the promises of God.
Philippians 4:19 (ESV), And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Joy Defined: “Joy is a deep, abiding sense and the confident expectation that God is with me, that God is for me, and that our sovereign God is working everything together for my ultimate good and His great glory!”
One of our big desires at a2 Church is to partner with parents in their attempt to lay a spiritual foundation in the lives of kids that will in God’s timing and in God’s way lead every child into a personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.
We believe that modeling is crucial in the discipleship process. It’s important that children see their parents engaged in worship and in receiving the taught Word of God.
Worship this morning was upbeat and included the following:
Sing, Sing, Sing by Chris Tomlin
Marvelous Light by Christy Nockels
Forever Reign by Hillsong
After prayer, fellowship and announcements, the band also covered one item number…
Rejoice by Audio Adrenlaline
We followed up our worship experience with a special "Trunk and Treat" in the parking area! Great time with parents and their family!
Awesome day!
Here are the extended notes from this morning’s message and the closer on our series from Philippians. As always, you can check out our podcast on the a2 Church website or via iTunes by typing "a2 Church" into the iTunes search engine.
Old Dogs, No Tricks, Just Lasting Joy EXTENDED NOTES
Philippians: Finding Joy in a Broken World – Part 9
Text: Philippians 4:10-23
Philippians 4:10-23, How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 14 Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.
15 As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. 16 Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. 17 I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness.
18 At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
21 Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. 22 All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar's household.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Some Marks of Maturity:
(Borrowed from Chuck Swindoll in his book, Laugh Again, with “tweaks” by Chris Goins…)
A person is becoming more mature…
• When our concern for others outweighs our concern for ourselves…
• When we discern the presence of evil, temptation or danger before it’s obvious…
• When we begin to develop and grow in wisdom and understanding, not just knowledge…
• When our emotions are tempered by a sense of responsibility, diligence and the desire to be thorough…
• When our awareness of needs is matched by our compassion and willingness to jump in and get involved…
• When we have a willingness to change and repent, especially as the Holy Spirit nudges or convicts us and gives us a leading that we need to follow…
• When we are growing in our ability to feed ourselves the Word of God through the regular intake of Scripture, and we’re also commitment to hearing the Word of God taught in the context of being part of a Bible believing church…
• When we have more than great ideas, but we also have the discipline to carry them out and get things done…
• When we not only understand what needs to be done, but we have the fortitude, diligence, commitment and determination to stay with it until it gets done…
“Maturity is the ability to do a job whether you are supervised or not; finish a job once it’s started; carry money without spending it. And last, but not least, the ability to bear an injustice without the need to get even.” ~ Fred Cook
THOUGHT: An incredible picture of this definition is contained in the book, Horton Hatches the Egg by Dr. Suess. The key phrase that appears in the book over and over again reads as follows:
“I meant what I said,
and I said what I mean…
An elephant’s faithful
One hundred percent!”
~ Horton the Elephant, Dr. Suess
Eventually, Horton’s faithfulness, loyalty and commitment, not only influences his life, but it influences the egg that he has faithfully sat on for the last 51 weeks!
THOUGHTS: The book of Philippians is about growing up, becoming mature and maintaining your joy throughout the journey…
Regardless of what Paul experienced, he refused to be caught in the grip of pessimism and allow his circumstances to determine or define his sense of JOY…
Our Definition for Joy: “Joy is a deep, abiding sense and the confident expectation that God is with me, that God is for me, and that our sovereign God is working everything together for my ultimate good and His great glory!”
Joy That Goes The Distance:
1. Be alert when it comes to recognizing and affirming the good you see in the people around you.
THOUGHTS: One of the really amazing things about people is that they tend to rise or fall to the level of your expectations… If your expectations are reasonably high, most of the people in your life will be challenged to rise to the occasion… If your expectations are low, you’ll probably get exactly what you’re looking for…
Paul challenged the church at Philippi to become all that God intended for them to become…
He affirmed them relentlessly… Encouragement and affirmation show up all throughout this letter…
Philippians 4:10 (NLT), How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me.
Philippians 4:14-17, …you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.
15 As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. 16 Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once.
Philippians 1:3 (NLT), Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.
Philippians 1:6 (ESV), …being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:7 (ESV), It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart…
2. Learn the secret of being content.
Philippians 4:11-12 (NIV), I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Contentment Defined: Contentment is an abiding peace and bold confidence in God and the sufficiency in Christ we can experience regardless of our circumstances….
Two Major Secrets to a Contented Life:
• Avoid comparisons.
Philippians 4:11b (NIV), …I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Philippians 4:11b (AMP), I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am.
Proverbs 14:30 (NIV), A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
• Be flexible and adjust to change.
Philippians 4:12 (NIV), I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
3. Be confident! God’s power really is at work in you and through you.
Philippians 4:13 (ESV), I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
THOUGHT: God promises power to anyone who will simply and humbly ask.
Isaiah 40:29-30 (ESV), He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. 30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; 31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
THOUGHT: God's power is mentioned throughout the book of Philippians.
Philippians 1:6 (NIV), …being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:12b-13 (ESV), …work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Philippians 3:10 (NLT), I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead.
Philippians 4:13 (AMP), I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].
4. Always rely on the promises of God.
Philippians 4:19 (ESV), And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Joy Defined: “Joy is a deep, abiding sense and the confident expectation that God is with me, that God is for me, and that our sovereign God is working everything together for my ultimate good and His great glory!”
Sunday, October 24, 2010
SUNDAY NIGHT REFLECTIONS - 10-24-10
What a terrific week! This week was one of those week’s that absolutely rocked in terms of prayer, preparation, planning and out right getting things done! Praying I can hit “repeat” tomorrow am. For some reason, it just seemed like I was “in the zone...”
Great day @ a2!
This morning my wife was in NYC was our daughter Caley attending Parent Weekend at King’s College. We really missed her, but her team did an awesome job leading our congregation in worship. I mean it! The team rocked! (PS: I really believe that’s one of the marks of a good leader… Girl, your team did awesome.)
Here’s the set list from this morning’s worship set:
You Are Good (Arranged by Lincoln Brewster)
For All You’ve Done (Hillsong)
God You Reign (Lincoln Brewster)
During the offering, the team led us in a new worship song that I'm certain we’ll be coming back to in the next few weeks…
Forever Reign (Hillsong)
The extended notes for the message are included below…
We had originally planned to close out the service with a special item number… God had other plans… At the conclusion of the message, we closed the service with an extended time in prayer…
As always, you can download the mp3 of the morning message on our website by clicking here, or find us on iTunes by typing a2 Church into the iTunes Search Engine.
Next week we’ll wrap up our series in Philippians. I love this book! Big time! But looking forward to covering the last half of Philippians 4 next Sunday.
Until then, here are the extended notes from today’s message.
Joy Over the Long Haul EXTENDED NOTES
Philippians: Finding Joy in a Broken World – Part 8
Three Sources that wage a constant assault on the life of every believer and the church itself:
• The World System
• The Flesh
• The Devil (1 Peter 5:8)
Three Possible Response:
• Break Out – Have a panic attack, get angry, breakout in a rash, fall completely apart…
• Break down – Hold everything in and silently withdraw… Allow worry, fear, anxiety and frustration to eat you alive…
• Break through – Experience God’s power in the middle of this madness, providing grace, strength, power and security for you to make it one more day…
John 16:33 (AMP), I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]
NOTE: Paul wanted to provide the Philippians with a model of what a “breakthrough life” looks like.
Philippians 4:9 (ESV), What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me--practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
1 Corinthians 11:1 (NLT), “You should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.”
THOUGHT: Paul “translated” his life in Christ for the church at Philippi and provided an example of what "life in Christ" looks like.
Three Relationships We All Need In Life:
• We all need a Paul: We need a mentor who models life with Christ for us and provides an example for us to follow…
• We all need a Barnabas: We all need someone who loves us, is loyal to us, but is not in the least impressed by us…
• We all need a Timothy: We need someone we’re pouring our lives into…
NOTE: Paul made himself available as a mentor and model to the church at Philippi, and provided them with an up close and personal example on how to maintain your spiritual equilibrium and stability in the middle of a messed up world.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9, We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 9 We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not knocked out.
QUESTION: What was it that created that kind of tenacious faith and stability in Paul? How did this guy retain his joy over the long haul?
How To Keep Your Joy Over The Long Haul:
1. Remember your position. Stand firm in Christ!
Philippians 4:1 (ESV), Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV), Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 16:13 (ESV), Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
Galatians 5:1 (ESV), For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Ephesians 6:11, 13, 14, Stand firm…
THOUGHT: Paul knows the dangers of instability… He knows that spiritual instability leads to disappointment, doubt, discouragement and ineffectiveness… He doesn’t want these believers to be knocked around by the world, the flesh and the evil one…
Philippians 4:1 (ESV), Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
IMPORTANT: The two words “stand firm” are actually one word in the original language. It’s the word “steko.” In the original language it is “…an imperative, a command with almost a military ring to it.” It was a word used of a soldier on the front lines holding his position while under attack (Eph 6:11, 13, 14)…
“The difference between defensive and offensive warfare is this, that in the former I have got the ground and only seek to keep it, whereas in the latter I have not got the ground and am fighting in order to get it. And that is precisely the difference between the warfare waged by the Lord Jesus and the warfare waged by us. His was offensive; ours is, in essence, defensive. He warred against Satan in order to gain the victory. Through the cross He carried that warfare to the very threshold of Hell itself…. Today we war against Satan only to maintain and consolidate the victory He has already gained. By the resurrection God proclaimed His Son victor over the whole realm of darkness, and the ground Christ won He has given to us. We do not need to fight to obtain it. We only need to hold it against all challengers.”
~ Watchman Nee, quoted by R. Kent Hughes
Commentary on Philippians, page 227
Philippians 4:1 (ESV), Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
IMPORTANT: Underline the phrase, “…in the Lord.” The phrase, "in Christ" is an important phrase in the New Testament… In fact, Paul himself uses the phrase at least 132 times in his writings… The phrase “…in Christ…” refers to our total union with Christ…
Galatians 2:20 (NIV), I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Colossians 1:27 (NIV), To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
John 15:5 (ESV), I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
IMPORTANT: These verses are basically sing, “The Christian life isn’t just difficult, it’s impossible… So impossible, that only one person on the planet has ever actually been able to pull it off! And He was so good at living the Christian life, that we actually named it after Him… His name is Jesus Christ…”
Who Am I?
Our Identity In Christ
I am completely accepted…
• I am a child of God… I can call God “my Father”… (John 1:12; Romans 8:14, 15; Galatians 3:26; 4:6)
• Because I’m God’s child, I am an heir of God and I am a coheir with Jesus Christ… (Romans 8:17; Galatians 4:6-7)
• I am a friend of God… (John 15:15)
• I have been justified by faith have peace with God through Jesus Christ… (Romans 5:1)
• I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit... (1 Corinthians 6:17)
• I have been bought with a price and I belong to God… (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
• I am a member of Christ’s body… (1 Corinthians 12:27)
• I have been chosen by God and adopted as God’s child… (Ephesians 1:3-8)
• I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins… (Colossians 1:13-14)
• I am a new creation. The old is gone. The new is come. The past is forgiven. The old life is forgotten. Everything is new… (2 Corinthians 5:17)
• I have been rescued from the kingdom of darkness and translated into God’s wonderful kingdom of light… (Colossians 1:13)
• I am complete in Christ… (Colossians 2:9-10)
• I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ and can be confident that He will hear me when I pray… (Hebrews 4:16)
• I am a member of a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people… (1 Peter 2:9-10)
• I am a saint… (Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2)
I am totally secure…
• I am free from condemnation… (Romans 8:1)
• I am sure that God works all things for my ultimate good, regardless of my present circumstances… (Romans 8:28)
• I cannot be separated from the love of God in Jesus Christ… (Romans 8:31-39)
• I have been established, anointed and sealed by God… (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)
• I am hidden with Christ in God… (Colossians 3:1-4)
• I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me… (Philippians 1:6)
• I am a citizen of heaven… (Philippians 3:20)
• I have not received a spirit of fear… I have received a spirit of power, love and of a sound mind… (2 Timothy 1:7)
• I am born again in Jesus Christ – and the evil one can’t possibly touch me… (1 John 5:18)
I am deeply significant…
• I am the salt of the earth… (Matthew 5:13)
• I am the light of the world… (Matthew 5:14)
• I am part of the true vine - Christ’s life flow in, through and out of me… (John 15:1, 5)
• I have been blessed with every spiritual blessing… (Ephesians 1:3)
• I am chosen and appointed by Jesus Christ to bear fruit… (John 15:16)
• I have the mind of Christ. He enables me to make right and wise choices… (1 Corinthians 2:16)
• I am a Holy Spirit empowered agent and witness of Jesus Christ giving the mission and assignment of telling everyone possible the good news of the Gospel… (Acts 1:8)
• I am a temple of God… God’s Spirit lives in me… (1 Corinthians 3:16)
• I am a minister of reconciliation… (2 Corinthians 5:17-21)
• I have been raised up and seated with Christ in heavenly places… (Ephesians 2:6)
• I am God’s workmanship… (Ephesians 2:10)
• I can approach God with freedom and confidence… (Ephesians 3:12)
• I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me… (Philippians 4:13)
• I am right now a child of God, you can’t yet see what I will be, but when He appears I will be like Him. I will see Him just as He is… (1 John 3:1-2)
• I can overcome the enemy by the blood of the lamb, through the word of my testimony and because I don’t love life so much that I shrink back in my commitment when I’m faced with death… (Revelation 12:11)
• Greater is who lives in me than He who is in the world… (1 John 4:4)
• I am a king and priest unto our God… (Revelation 5:10)
“The more you reaffirm who you are in Christ, the more your behavior will begin to reflect your true identity.” (Dr. Neil Anderson, Victory Over the Darkness)
IMPORTANT: Paul’s point in Philippians 4:1 is this: “Make your PRACTICE consistent with your POSITION… Live out of your IDENTITY IN CHRIST… Stand firm in who you are ‘in the Lord’.”
2. Love like crazy.
Philippians 4:1 (ESV), Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
Philippians 4:2-3 (NLT), Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. 3 And I ask you, my true partner (Syzygus), to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life.
3. Make joy a high priority! Rejoice in the Lord, regardless!
Philippians 4:4 (NIV), Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
“Joy is a deep, abiding sense and the confident expectation that God is with me, that God is for me, and that our sovereign God is working everything together for my ultimate good and His great glory!”
THOUGHTS: John MacArthur describes what it means to rejoice like this: “Rejoicing is reckless abandonment to Jesus Christ in any circumstance.”
In other words, sometimes joy is just saying, “God, I’m yours… I don’t understand what’s going on or why it’s going on, but I’m glad I belong to You, and in that reality – that I belong to You – I find joy.”
THOUGHTS: The word “rejoice” is a present imperative, which basically means, Paul is calling believers to the continual, habitual, ongoing practice of JOY… At least 70 times in the New Testament, we are commanded to REJOICE!
Philippians 4:4 (NIV), Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Two thoughts about joy come right out of this passage:
• First of all, our commitment to joy needs to be continual… Joy isn’t something a believer turns “ON” and “OFF” like a light switch… “Rejoice in the Lord, always…”
• Second, we don’t always rejoice because of our circumstance, sometimes we rejoice IN SPITE of our circumstances…
Karl Barth, in his commentary on Philippians says that “joy in the book of Philippians is a defiant ‘Nevertheless!’”
Proverbs 15:15 (AMP), All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil [by anxious thoughts and forebodings], but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of circumstances].
4. Hold on to your heart. Practice gentleness.
Philippians 4:5 (NIV), Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
THOUGHTS: The word “gentleness” is an incredible word in the original Greek… One English word can’t quite convey the entire meaning… So scholars, commentaries and Bible translations have several “takes” on the word: “sweet reasonableness, generosity, goodwill, friendliness, charity towards the faults of others, mercy towards the failures of others, and GRACIOUSNESS…”
Paul wants GRACE and the quality of GRACIOUSNESS to saturate our lives, so that it becomes evident to everyone around us… He wants us to be a GRACE SATURATED PEOPLE…
Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT), But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control.
2 Corinthians 10:1 (NLT), Now I, Paul, appeal to you with the gentleness and kindness of Christ…
1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 (NIV), …but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. 8 We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.
5. Remember, you are not alone! God is with you and God hears you. Peace really is possible.
Philippians 4:5b-7 (NIV), The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT), Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
6. Guard your thought life. Your mind is huge when it comes to keeping your joy over the long haul.
Philippians 4:8 (ESV), Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Great day @ a2!
This morning my wife was in NYC was our daughter Caley attending Parent Weekend at King’s College. We really missed her, but her team did an awesome job leading our congregation in worship. I mean it! The team rocked! (PS: I really believe that’s one of the marks of a good leader… Girl, your team did awesome.)
Here’s the set list from this morning’s worship set:
You Are Good (Arranged by Lincoln Brewster)
For All You’ve Done (Hillsong)
God You Reign (Lincoln Brewster)
During the offering, the team led us in a new worship song that I'm certain we’ll be coming back to in the next few weeks…
Forever Reign (Hillsong)
The extended notes for the message are included below…
We had originally planned to close out the service with a special item number… God had other plans… At the conclusion of the message, we closed the service with an extended time in prayer…
As always, you can download the mp3 of the morning message on our website by clicking here, or find us on iTunes by typing a2 Church into the iTunes Search Engine.
Next week we’ll wrap up our series in Philippians. I love this book! Big time! But looking forward to covering the last half of Philippians 4 next Sunday.
Until then, here are the extended notes from today’s message.
Joy Over the Long Haul EXTENDED NOTES
Philippians: Finding Joy in a Broken World – Part 8
Three Sources that wage a constant assault on the life of every believer and the church itself:
• The World System
• The Flesh
• The Devil (1 Peter 5:8)
Three Possible Response:
• Break Out – Have a panic attack, get angry, breakout in a rash, fall completely apart…
• Break down – Hold everything in and silently withdraw… Allow worry, fear, anxiety and frustration to eat you alive…
• Break through – Experience God’s power in the middle of this madness, providing grace, strength, power and security for you to make it one more day…
John 16:33 (AMP), I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]
NOTE: Paul wanted to provide the Philippians with a model of what a “breakthrough life” looks like.
Philippians 4:9 (ESV), What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me--practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
1 Corinthians 11:1 (NLT), “You should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.”
THOUGHT: Paul “translated” his life in Christ for the church at Philippi and provided an example of what "life in Christ" looks like.
Three Relationships We All Need In Life:
• We all need a Paul: We need a mentor who models life with Christ for us and provides an example for us to follow…
• We all need a Barnabas: We all need someone who loves us, is loyal to us, but is not in the least impressed by us…
• We all need a Timothy: We need someone we’re pouring our lives into…
NOTE: Paul made himself available as a mentor and model to the church at Philippi, and provided them with an up close and personal example on how to maintain your spiritual equilibrium and stability in the middle of a messed up world.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9, We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 9 We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not knocked out.
QUESTION: What was it that created that kind of tenacious faith and stability in Paul? How did this guy retain his joy over the long haul?
How To Keep Your Joy Over The Long Haul:
1. Remember your position. Stand firm in Christ!
Philippians 4:1 (ESV), Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV), Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 16:13 (ESV), Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
Galatians 5:1 (ESV), For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Ephesians 6:11, 13, 14, Stand firm…
THOUGHT: Paul knows the dangers of instability… He knows that spiritual instability leads to disappointment, doubt, discouragement and ineffectiveness… He doesn’t want these believers to be knocked around by the world, the flesh and the evil one…
Philippians 4:1 (ESV), Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
IMPORTANT: The two words “stand firm” are actually one word in the original language. It’s the word “steko.” In the original language it is “…an imperative, a command with almost a military ring to it.” It was a word used of a soldier on the front lines holding his position while under attack (Eph 6:11, 13, 14)…
“The difference between defensive and offensive warfare is this, that in the former I have got the ground and only seek to keep it, whereas in the latter I have not got the ground and am fighting in order to get it. And that is precisely the difference between the warfare waged by the Lord Jesus and the warfare waged by us. His was offensive; ours is, in essence, defensive. He warred against Satan in order to gain the victory. Through the cross He carried that warfare to the very threshold of Hell itself…. Today we war against Satan only to maintain and consolidate the victory He has already gained. By the resurrection God proclaimed His Son victor over the whole realm of darkness, and the ground Christ won He has given to us. We do not need to fight to obtain it. We only need to hold it against all challengers.”
~ Watchman Nee, quoted by R. Kent Hughes
Commentary on Philippians, page 227
Philippians 4:1 (ESV), Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
IMPORTANT: Underline the phrase, “…in the Lord.” The phrase, "in Christ" is an important phrase in the New Testament… In fact, Paul himself uses the phrase at least 132 times in his writings… The phrase “…in Christ…” refers to our total union with Christ…
Galatians 2:20 (NIV), I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Colossians 1:27 (NIV), To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
John 15:5 (ESV), I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
IMPORTANT: These verses are basically sing, “The Christian life isn’t just difficult, it’s impossible… So impossible, that only one person on the planet has ever actually been able to pull it off! And He was so good at living the Christian life, that we actually named it after Him… His name is Jesus Christ…”
Who Am I?
Our Identity In Christ
I am completely accepted…
• I am a child of God… I can call God “my Father”… (John 1:12; Romans 8:14, 15; Galatians 3:26; 4:6)
• Because I’m God’s child, I am an heir of God and I am a coheir with Jesus Christ… (Romans 8:17; Galatians 4:6-7)
• I am a friend of God… (John 15:15)
• I have been justified by faith have peace with God through Jesus Christ… (Romans 5:1)
• I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit... (1 Corinthians 6:17)
• I have been bought with a price and I belong to God… (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
• I am a member of Christ’s body… (1 Corinthians 12:27)
• I have been chosen by God and adopted as God’s child… (Ephesians 1:3-8)
• I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins… (Colossians 1:13-14)
• I am a new creation. The old is gone. The new is come. The past is forgiven. The old life is forgotten. Everything is new… (2 Corinthians 5:17)
• I have been rescued from the kingdom of darkness and translated into God’s wonderful kingdom of light… (Colossians 1:13)
• I am complete in Christ… (Colossians 2:9-10)
• I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ and can be confident that He will hear me when I pray… (Hebrews 4:16)
• I am a member of a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people… (1 Peter 2:9-10)
• I am a saint… (Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2)
I am totally secure…
• I am free from condemnation… (Romans 8:1)
• I am sure that God works all things for my ultimate good, regardless of my present circumstances… (Romans 8:28)
• I cannot be separated from the love of God in Jesus Christ… (Romans 8:31-39)
• I have been established, anointed and sealed by God… (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)
• I am hidden with Christ in God… (Colossians 3:1-4)
• I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me… (Philippians 1:6)
• I am a citizen of heaven… (Philippians 3:20)
• I have not received a spirit of fear… I have received a spirit of power, love and of a sound mind… (2 Timothy 1:7)
• I am born again in Jesus Christ – and the evil one can’t possibly touch me… (1 John 5:18)
I am deeply significant…
• I am the salt of the earth… (Matthew 5:13)
• I am the light of the world… (Matthew 5:14)
• I am part of the true vine - Christ’s life flow in, through and out of me… (John 15:1, 5)
• I have been blessed with every spiritual blessing… (Ephesians 1:3)
• I am chosen and appointed by Jesus Christ to bear fruit… (John 15:16)
• I have the mind of Christ. He enables me to make right and wise choices… (1 Corinthians 2:16)
• I am a Holy Spirit empowered agent and witness of Jesus Christ giving the mission and assignment of telling everyone possible the good news of the Gospel… (Acts 1:8)
• I am a temple of God… God’s Spirit lives in me… (1 Corinthians 3:16)
• I am a minister of reconciliation… (2 Corinthians 5:17-21)
• I have been raised up and seated with Christ in heavenly places… (Ephesians 2:6)
• I am God’s workmanship… (Ephesians 2:10)
• I can approach God with freedom and confidence… (Ephesians 3:12)
• I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me… (Philippians 4:13)
• I am right now a child of God, you can’t yet see what I will be, but when He appears I will be like Him. I will see Him just as He is… (1 John 3:1-2)
• I can overcome the enemy by the blood of the lamb, through the word of my testimony and because I don’t love life so much that I shrink back in my commitment when I’m faced with death… (Revelation 12:11)
• Greater is who lives in me than He who is in the world… (1 John 4:4)
• I am a king and priest unto our God… (Revelation 5:10)
“The more you reaffirm who you are in Christ, the more your behavior will begin to reflect your true identity.” (Dr. Neil Anderson, Victory Over the Darkness)
IMPORTANT: Paul’s point in Philippians 4:1 is this: “Make your PRACTICE consistent with your POSITION… Live out of your IDENTITY IN CHRIST… Stand firm in who you are ‘in the Lord’.”
2. Love like crazy.
Philippians 4:1 (ESV), Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
Philippians 4:2-3 (NLT), Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. 3 And I ask you, my true partner (Syzygus), to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life.
3. Make joy a high priority! Rejoice in the Lord, regardless!
Philippians 4:4 (NIV), Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
“Joy is a deep, abiding sense and the confident expectation that God is with me, that God is for me, and that our sovereign God is working everything together for my ultimate good and His great glory!”
THOUGHTS: John MacArthur describes what it means to rejoice like this: “Rejoicing is reckless abandonment to Jesus Christ in any circumstance.”
In other words, sometimes joy is just saying, “God, I’m yours… I don’t understand what’s going on or why it’s going on, but I’m glad I belong to You, and in that reality – that I belong to You – I find joy.”
THOUGHTS: The word “rejoice” is a present imperative, which basically means, Paul is calling believers to the continual, habitual, ongoing practice of JOY… At least 70 times in the New Testament, we are commanded to REJOICE!
Philippians 4:4 (NIV), Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Two thoughts about joy come right out of this passage:
• First of all, our commitment to joy needs to be continual… Joy isn’t something a believer turns “ON” and “OFF” like a light switch… “Rejoice in the Lord, always…”
• Second, we don’t always rejoice because of our circumstance, sometimes we rejoice IN SPITE of our circumstances…
Karl Barth, in his commentary on Philippians says that “joy in the book of Philippians is a defiant ‘Nevertheless!’”
Proverbs 15:15 (AMP), All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil [by anxious thoughts and forebodings], but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of circumstances].
4. Hold on to your heart. Practice gentleness.
Philippians 4:5 (NIV), Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
THOUGHTS: The word “gentleness” is an incredible word in the original Greek… One English word can’t quite convey the entire meaning… So scholars, commentaries and Bible translations have several “takes” on the word: “sweet reasonableness, generosity, goodwill, friendliness, charity towards the faults of others, mercy towards the failures of others, and GRACIOUSNESS…”
Paul wants GRACE and the quality of GRACIOUSNESS to saturate our lives, so that it becomes evident to everyone around us… He wants us to be a GRACE SATURATED PEOPLE…
Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT), But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control.
2 Corinthians 10:1 (NLT), Now I, Paul, appeal to you with the gentleness and kindness of Christ…
1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 (NIV), …but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. 8 We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.
5. Remember, you are not alone! God is with you and God hears you. Peace really is possible.
Philippians 4:5b-7 (NIV), The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT), Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
6. Guard your thought life. Your mind is huge when it comes to keeping your joy over the long haul.
Philippians 4:8 (ESV), Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Friday, October 22, 2010
BOOK REVIEW: SUN STAND STILL by Steven Furtick
In Hebrews 10:23-24, the writer of Hebrews writes, "Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. [God] always keeps his Word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out..."
Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick is one of the most encouraging, inspiring and fun books I've read in a while... It's premise is simple: God is great; God is good, and you can believe Him to do the impossible, improbable and audacious in and through your life... You can discover your "Page 23 Vision" - (you'll have to read the book for yourself to learn more about that) and "activate audacious faith" to pray your "sun stand still prayer" in order to achieve the purpose and plan God has for your life!
This book made me want to get out of my chair and go out and DO SOMETHING AMAZING for the glory of God and the cause of the gospel!
It's filled with anecdotes from Steven's life and includes several stories about the amazing journey of Elevation Church. (Only four years old, they've witnessed thousands of decisions for Jesus Christ and are already averaging about 6,000 people in weekend worship attendance! Yeah, God!) But you don't have to be a pastor or church leader to get something out of the book. The book contains principles that apply to every individual regardless of your station or situation in life.
In short, if you need a B-12 vitamin shot or 5 Hour Energy Drink for your faith, pick up a copy! I've really, really enjoyed the book!
Amazingly, right now Amazon.com has the book on sale for only $6.52 per copy (with a limit of 3 copies per person). Click here to learn more... It's worth every penny. In fact, I encourage you to "see how inventive you can be..." Buy three copies of the book and then give them away to a couple of people who need a little "pick me up" to their faith...
Enjoy!
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