Serve Sacrificially for God's Kingdom Purposes - Embracing an Outreaching Lifestyle

How to Prioritize God (Insights in Prophets)

8/28/2011

The world offers many substitutes instead of worshiping God. Most often, the good becomes the enemy of the best. Devotion to family and a cause often surpass one's worship of God. He showed David how to prioritize the Lord that results in blessing.

David placed the ark of God called by the Name, Lord of Hosts enthroned above the cherubim, on a new cart from the house of Abinadab. David and Israel celebrated before the Lord with lyres, harps, tambourines and cymbals (2 Sam. 6:1-5). God wants you to worship His name about anything else.

When they came to threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah took hold of the ark as the oxen nearly upset it. The Lord's anger burned against Uzzah and he died for his irreverence. David became angry and was afraid of the Lord. He was unwilling to move the ark into the city of David but took it to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. The ark remained in his house three months and the Lord blessed His household (2 Sam. 6:6-11). God is angry when you take His presence for granted.

David brought up the ark from the house of Obed-edom into the city of David with gladness. After the bearers of the ark had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and fatling. David danced before the Lord with all his might as he and Israel brought the ark with shouting and the sound of the trumpet. Michal the daughter of Saul despised King David in her heart when she saw him leaping and dancing before the Lord. After setting the ark inside the tent David had pitched, he offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord. He blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hosts (2 Sam. 6:12-19). Walk in the Spirit and put no confidence in the flesh.

Michal said David acted foolishly by uncovering himself. He responded that because the Lord chose and appointed him above Saul to be ruler over Israel, he would celebrate before the Lord. "I will be more lightly esteemed than this and will be humbled in my own eyes, but with the maids of whom you have spoken, with them I will be distinguished." Michal had no child to the day of her death (2 Sam. 6:20-23). Blessing comes as you humble yourself by associating with the lowly instead of impressing the rich.

You worship and prioritize God by:
1. Not taking His presence for granted
2. Praying constantly as you walk in the power of the Spirit and not putting confidence in the flesh
3. Associating with the lowly and not taking yourself seriously

The Need for Prayer Partners (Insights in Law)

8/26/2011

Living life without prayer is futile. The evil one laughs when we operate in our own strength and resources. Just as Joshua fought Amalek, you and I fight spiritual enemies everyday. Joshua was only successful because Moses was praying. Moses could continue in prayer only because Aaron and Hur held up his hands. Do you have prayer partners and do they have a circle of support to help you fight the spiritual battle?

Congregation of Israel journeyed by stages from the wilderness according to the Lord’s command. Without water to drink at Rephidim, they quarreled and grumbled about their thirst since being brought out from Egypt. After Moses asked why they tested the Lord, he cried out to God asking what he should do since Israel was ready to stone him. The Lord told him to pass before the people with his elders and staff so he could strike the rock, which would yield water to drink (Ex. 17:1-7). Christ sustains those who pray fervently and listen to His instructions.

Moses told Joshua to choose men and fight against Amalek at Rephidim. Moses stationed himself with his staff on top of the hill along with Aaron and Hur. When Moses held his hands up, Israel won and when he let his hands down, Amalek prevailed. Aaron and Hur supported Moses' hands when they became heavy. Joshua overwhelmed Amalek with the edge of the sword (Ex. 17:8-13). Win spiritual battles using intercession, prayer partners and God's word.

The Lord said for Moses to write a book of memorial and recite to Joshua in order to blot out the memory of Amalek. Moses built an altar and named it, ‘The Lord is My Banner’ since God will war against Amalek from generation to generation (Ex. 17:14-16). Write about God's victories to help you remember Him so you forget your spiritual enemies.

Do you have prayer partners? If not, ask God to provide prayer partner(s) to help you fight the spiritual battle. These prayer partners also need prayer too.

How to Make Christ Come Alive (Insights in NT)

8/18/2011

For lots of people, the Bible is an intimidating book. People have a hard time getting to know God. There’s a mystery surrounding how to understand the Bible. Spiritual growth becomes confusing. The story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus and their encounter with Christ shows how to make Christ come alive.
The women found the stone rolled away from the tomb and did not find the body of Jesus. Two angels said He rose and reminded them that the “Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.” What they said to the apostles appeared as nonsense. Only Peter believed them because he saw the empty tomb (Lk. 24:1-12). Believe in Christ’s resurrection to experience Christ.

The two disciples on the road to Emmaus were bewildered about the empty tomb. They were conversing and discussing while Jesus traveled with them. Their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him. The strange man (Jesus) asked, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?" After Cleopas asked if He was the only one unaware of what was occurring, Jesus asked “What things?” He explained that Jesus was a prophet mighty in word and deed who was crucified. They hoped He would redeem Israel. Christ said they were "slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken" (Lk. 24:13-25). Ask questions so people will think and understand Scripture.

Beginning with Moses and all the prophets, Jesus explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. They invited Christ to stay and He broke bread. Their hearts burned within them as He opened the Scriptures. They related their experiences on the road recognizing Christ in the breaking of bread (Lk. 24:26-35). Study and discuss the Bible in a thorough and systematic way to experience the passion of knowing Christ.

While they were telling these things, He Himself stood in their midst, which startled and frightened them. Jesus asked, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?” After touching His hands and feet, Christ asked if they had anything to eat (Lk. 24:36-43).
Communicate God’s word so Jesus appears in the midst of your doubts and fears.

Jesus said He spoke His words to them, so that all things written about Him in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and Psalms must be fulfilled. Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. He said that He (Christ) would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all nations beginning from Jerusalem. They were to stay in the city until being clothed with God’s power (Lk. 24:44-49). Share what the Holy Spirit teaches you so people can experience forgiveness of sins.

Jesus led them out and after blessing them, He parted from them. They praised God continually in the temple (Lk. 24:50-53). Tap into God’s authority through small group prayer.

To make Christ come alive:
1. Believe in Christ’s resurrection
2. Ask questions so people will think and understand Scripture
3. Study and discuss the Bible thoroughly and systematically to experience the passion of
knowing Christ
4. Communicate God’s word so Jesus appears in the midst of your doubts and fears
5. Share what the Holy Spirit teaches you so people can experience forgiveness of sins
6. Tap into God’s authority through small group prayer

God Works Through Unlikely People (Insights in NT)

8/17/2011

Many times, it's the most unlikely people who believe in Christ and become His most ardent followers. A person I worked with used to make fun of Christians. Through personal witness of fellow employees, this individual became an enthusiastic disciple of Christ. God transformed Paul from a murderer of Christians to an apostle who was the leading church planter and writer of many books in the New Testament. God loves to surprise by working through unlikely people as you will observe in Luke 23.

Likely People Disbelieve in Christ's Lordship
Bringing Jesus before Pilate, the religious leaders accused Christ of misleading Israel by forbidding them to pay taxes to Caesar and claiming to be Messiah, a King. Pilate found no guilt after asking Him if He was "King of the Jews." Pilate sent Jesus to Herod (Lk. 23:1-7). Religious leaders make up lies while refusing to believe that Jesus is Lord.

Herod was glad to see Jesus and hoped for a sign to be performed by Him. Jesus was silent at His questioning. Herod and his soldiers treated Him with contempt, dressed Him in a gorgeous robe and sent Jesus back to Pilate. Herod and Pilate became friends with one another for the first time (Lk. 23:8-12). Political leaders search for signs and miracles instead of making Him Lord.

Pilate told the religious leaders that he found Christ not guilty with nothing deserving of death. They cried out together to crucify Him and release the terrorist and murderer, Barabbas, even though Pilate said three times he wanted to release Jesus. He delivered Jesus to them because of their insistence (Lk. 23:13-25). Religious and political leaders seek political expediency and status quo instead of making Jesus Lord.

Simon bore Jesus' cross with a great multitude following Him with women mourning and lamenting Him. Jesus told them to stop weeping for Him, but weep for themselves and their children. In the future, the barren would ask mountains to fall on them (Lk. 23:26-31). People seek experiences instead of repenting of their sins.

Religious leaders crucified Jesus and two criminals, one on each side of Him. Jesus told His Father to forgive them since they didn't know what they were doing. Soldiers cast lots and divided His garments among themselves. The rulers and soldiers mocked and exhorted Jesus to save Himself (Lk. 23:32-38). People seek financial gain and to save themselves instead of believing in Christ's death.

Unlikely People Believe in Christ's Lordship
One criminal mocked Jesus and the other feared Him saying He hadn't done anything wrong. Jesus said that he would be with Him in Paradise after saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom" (Lk. 23:39-43). Even criminals can believe in Christ's death.

After the veil of the temple was torn in two, Jesus cried out, "Father, into Thy hands I commit My spirit." The centurion praised God and said Jesus was innocent. The multitudes beat their breasts. All His acquaintances and women accompanying Him stood at a distance (Lk. 23:44-49). Those in the world often believe in Christ before His people.

Joseph, a member of the Council, who was waiting for the kingdom of God went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. Joseph wrapped Him in a linen cloth and laid Him in a tomb. The women followed after, returned and prepared spices and perfumes (Lk. 23:50-56). Cultural insiders can believe in Christ's death.

People disbelieve Christ's Lordship by:
1. Making up lies
2. Searching for signs and miracles
3. Seeking political expediency and status quo
4. Seeking experiences, financial gain and saving themselves through their own efforts
Criminals, people of the world and cultural insiders often respond before His people.

Making Christ Lord (Insights in NT)

8/7/2011

The world mocks Jesus and wants to put Him to death so He can't be Lord in your life. The world fights back through temptation, lack of provision, intimidation, mocking and unbelief in God's power and authority. Obey God's Word, participate in regular observance of the Lord's table, serve others, resist temptation through prayer so your faith strengthens others, trust in God's provision for ministry through natural means and in His sovereign plan, which allow you to make Him Lord of your life.

While Passover was approaching, religious leaders sought to put Jesus to death, fearing the people. Satan entered into Judas who discussed how he might betray Jesus to them (Lk. 22:1-6). Satan betrays and puts Jesus to death in your life.

Jesus instructed Peter and John to prepare the Passover by following a man carrying a water pitcher into a house with a furnished, upper room (Lk. 22:7-13). Obeying Jesus' word allows you to experience life in Him.

As the apostles and Jesus sat together He said, regarding this Passover meal , "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." Jesus took the cup, bread and gave thanks, which symbolized that His body and blood was poured out in the new covenant (Lk. 22:14-23). The bread and cup teach about Christ's sacrificial death on the cross for your sins.

The apostles disputed who would be greatest among themselves. Jesus said Gentile kings lord it over others but the greatest of His disciples serve one another. Just as the Father granted Jesus a kingdom, He enabled His apostles to eat and drink at His table where they would sit on thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel (Lk. 22:24-30). Jesus uses a teachable moment to explain that serving one another equals greatness.

When Satan demanded permission to sift Peter like wheat, Jesus prayed that his faith wouldn't fail. After turning toward God, Jesus told him to strengthen his brothers. Jesus predicted that Peter's self-confidence would lead to denying Him three times (Lk. 22:31-34). Resist temptation with prayer so your faith can strengthen others.

Though Jesus said to carry nothing with them in their mission to the Jews, He now instructed them to bring a purse and sell their robe to buy a sword. Jesus was numbered with the transgressors and said "it is enough" after they found two swords (Lk. 22:35-38). God uses natural means to support your kingdom mission.

Jesus told His disciples to pray so they may not enter into temptation. Jesus prayed that the Father would remove this cup not according to His own will, but that God's will be done. An angel strengthened Christ in His agony of prayer. Christ prayed very fervently with sweat like drops of blood. When Jesus found His disciples sleeping from sorrow, He told them to rise and pray to not enter into temptation (Lk. 22:39-46). Wrestle in prayer to not enter into temptation.

When Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss, Peter cut off a slave's right ear, which Christ healed. He said that religious leaders came against Him with weapons when formerly they didn't lay hands on Him because it wasn't the power of darkness (Lk. 22:47-53). Trust in God's sovereign plan for your life.

Peter followed at a distance after they arrested Jesus. Peter denied Him three times and when He remembered Jesus' word, he wept bitterly (Lk. 22:54-62). Following Jesus at a distance causes you to deny His plan for your life.

While holding Jesus in custody, they mocked and beat Him. They said many things against Him, while blaspheming (Lk. 22:63-65). The world mocks and speaks against Jesus.

Jesus told the religious leaders that they wouldn't believe or answer His questions. He also said that "the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God." They refused any additional testimony after Jesus said He was the Son of God (Lk. 22:66-71). Religious leaders disbelieve Christ's authority and power while seated at the right hand of God.

The evil one seeks to deny God's sovereign plan for your life by causing you to follow Christ at a distance, to mock & speak against Him and cause you to disbelieve Christ's authority and power.

Counteract the evil one's lies by making Christ Lord in the following ways:
1. Obey the Word of God
2. Practice regular observance of the Lord's table with the bread and cup symbolizing Christ's death for your sins
3. Resist temptation through prayer so your faith strengthens others
4. Trust in God's provision of ministry through natural means
5. Trust in God's sovereign plan for your life

How to Live in the Last Days (Insights in NT)

8/5/2011

With many media outlets today, all of us have a heightened awareness of natural disasters striking across the globe. It causes anxiety, uncertainty and grief, especially for people directly affected. Scripture predicts natural disasters on earth and signs in the heavens before Christ's Second Coming. How should you live in the last days?

While the rich put in gifts out of their surplus, a poor widow gave out of her poverty, all she had to live on (Lk. 21:1-4). Sacrificial giving supports others during the last days.

In the future, every stone will be torn down in the temple. When many come in Christ's name, don't go after them. Don't be terrified of wars and disturbances because the end will come later (Lk. 21:5-9). Discernment and calmness prevent deception by false teachers.

Nation will rise against nation along with great earthquakes, plagues, famines and great signs from heaven. Before these things, persecution will deliver you to synagogues and prisons and bring you before kings as an opportunity for your testimony. Christ will give you the words and wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to refute. Family members will hate and put some of you to death but not a hair of your head will perish. By endurance, you will gain your lives (Lk. 21:10-19). Share your testimony of Christ as a witness during times of persecution in the last days.

When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize her desolation is at hand. These are days of vengeance, great distress and wrath to fulfill what was written. They will be killed, led captive into all the nations and trampled underfoot by the Gentiles (Lk. 21:20-24). Wrath and judgment prepare God's people as predicted by Scripture before Christ's Second Coming.

Signs in the heavens and on earth will dismay nations. Men faint from fear for the powers of the heavens will be shaken until they "see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory." When these things take place, pay attention because your redemption is near (Lk. 21:25-28). Total deliverance from sin occurs at Christ's Second Coming.

These signs are like seeing the leaves of fig trees, showing fruit coming on, and knowing the kingdom of God is near. Heaven and earth will pass away but God's word will not pass away (Lk. 21:29-33). Watch for the signs and rely on God's word in the last days.

Be alert at all times so you aren't weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and worries of life so final day doesn't come on you suddenly like a trap. Pray so you have strength to escape all things that will take place and stand before the Son of Man (Lk. 21:34-36). Pray for everything so you have strength to stand before Christ.

Jesus taught in the temple during the day and spent nights on the Mount of Olives. Everyone got up early to listen to Him in the temple (Lk. 21:37-38). Pray with endurance and prioritize listening attentively to God's word.

The following list explains how you should live in the last days:
1. Give sacrificially to support others
2. Discern false teachers and remain calm
3. Share your testimony of Christ during persecution
4. Endure God's judgment as preparation for Christ's Second Coming
5. Wait for total deliverance of sin at Christ's Second Coming
6. Watch for the signs and rely on God's word in the last days
7. Pray for everything so you have strength to stand before Christ
8. Pray with endurance and prioritize listening attentively to God's word

Not Making Christ Lord (Insights in NT)

8/4/2011

Just because you have knowledge of the Bible, believe that God exists, go to church, your social media profile says "Christian," you visibly seem like a Christian, speak Christian language and simply say Jesus is Lord, does not mean you are making Jesus your Lord in the church. We prove that Christ is not our Lord when His authority is questioned or undermined in ministry, or when He is rejected as the foundation of the church. This lack of faith is also evidenced by a fear of men and a focus on appearances, disbelief in supernatural transformation of people, unbelief in His victory over the world, flesh and devil, and the pursuit of power and position instead of serving the disenfranchised.

Religious leaders asked who was giving Jesus authority when He was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel. Jesus asked if John's baptism was from heaven or from men. Since the religious leaders wouldn't answer his question, neither did Jesus answer them (Lk. 20:1-8). Question or undermine Jesus' authority for ministry.

Jesus told a parable about the owner of a vineyard sending three slaves to vine-growers to get produce. Each time they beat the slave and sent him away empty-handed. When the owner sent his beloved son who was killed by the vine-growers, he planned to destroy them and give the vineyard to others. Jesus said, "The stone which the builders rejected, this became the chief cornerstone. Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; but on whomever it falls, it will scatter him like dust" (Lk. 20:9-18). Christ rejected as the foundation to His church.

The religious leaders feared the people, and tried to kill and catch Jesus in what He said, because they knew He spoke this parable against them. They asked if was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not. Jesus detected their trickery and taking a denarius, said to "render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's." They marveled at His answer and became silent (Lk. 20:19-26). Desiring others' approval and a focus on appearances.

Christ told the Sadducees who believe in no resurrection that people marry on earth but are like angels and unmarried in heaven. The dead are raised since He is God of the living. The Sadducees lost courage to question Him any longer (Lk. 20:27-40). Disbelief in supernatural transformation of people.

Christ asked how they could say that He is David's son when he called Him 'Lord.' David said to the Lord to sit at His right hand until made His enemies a footstool for His feet (Lk. 20:41-44). Unbelief in Christ's victory over the world, flesh and devil.

Christ told His disciples to beware of the scribes who love respectful greetings and chief seats in the synagogues but devour widows' houses and offer long prayers for appearance's sake. They will receive greater condemnation (Lk. 20:45-47). Pursuit of power and position instead of serving the disenfranchised.

The following tests show if you are not making Christ Lord:
1. Question or undermine Christ's authority in ministry
2. Reject Christ as foundation of the church
3. Desiring others' approval and a focus on appearances
4. Disbelief in supernatural transformation of people
5. Unbelief in Christ's victory over the world, flesh and devil
6. Pursuit of power and position instead of serving the disenfranchised.

Key to Well-Being (Insights in Psalms)

8/3/2011

You discovered the key to happiness as moment-by-moment trust, security, protection and satisfaction in God (Ps. 91). Martin Seligman, one of the founders of positive psychology, has written in his new book, Flourish, that the goal of well-being has five elements:

Positive emotion (of which happiness and life satisfaction are all aspects)
Engagement
Relationships
Meaning
Achievement

Seligman defines what it means to “flourish” by asking what it is that enables you to cultivate your talents, build deep, lasting relationships with others, feel pleasure, and contribute meaningfully to the world. However, God defines well-being and flourishing as praise of, submit to and trust in God's attributes (Ps. 92-94).

Praise God's Love, Faithfulness and Purpose
It's good to thank and sing praises with instruments to the Most High God because of His lovingkindness and faithfulness (Ps. 92:1-4). Sing praise to God's attributes of love and faithfulness.

His great works make me glad. His purposes are deep and misunderstood by stupid men. God ultimately destroys the wicked and scatters our enemies (Ps. 92:5-9). Be glad in God's works and deep purposes.

His fresh oil exalts me over my foes. I flourish like the palm tree in the courts of my God. Righteous men still thrive in old age. They declare that the Lord is upright as their rock (Ps. 92:10-15). You thrive and are exalted when God becomes your rock.

Submit to God's Reign, Strength and Holiness
The Lord reigns and is clothed with majesty and strength. The world and His throne are firmly established eternally (Ps. 93:1-2). The Lord reigns eternally with majesty and strength.

The floods exalt God so people understand He is mighty and holy (Ps. 93:3-5). Creation exalts the mighty and holy God.

Trust in God's Judgment, Advocacy and Peace
God judges the earth and pays back the proud who boast, speak arrogantly and afflict His people. They kill widows, immigrants and orphans thinking that God doesn't see (Ps. 94:1-7). God judges the proud who afflict marginalized people.

God hears, sees, chastens and rebukes wickedness. He teaches humankind knowledge since He knows their their thoughts (Ps. 94:8-11). God sees and rebukes wickedness.

Blessed are those He corrects and teaches out of His law. God grants them relief from adversity. He won't abandon or forsake His people. Who will be my advocate against evildoers? (Ps. 94:12-16). God advocates, corrects and teaches His people so they can experience relief from adversity.

Ultimately, only the Lord's lovingkindness will help and hold me up. When anxious thoughts multiply within me, His consolations delight my soul. The Lord is my stronghold against evil plots. He is the rock of refuge and destroys evil (Ps. 94:17-23). God's love provides psychological relief from anxiety.

To experience sense of flourishing and well-being, do the following:
1. Praise God's love, faithfulness and purpose
2. Submit to God's reign, strength and holiness
3. Trust in God's judgment, advocacy and peace