Embracing an Outreaching Lifestyle
  • Unexpected Opportunity
  • Resources
  • Blog

Repairing Breaches in Relationships (Insights in Prophets)

12/22/2010

0 Comments

 
Picture
Ever since Adam and Eve, we face breaches or disunity in relationships. There are between husbands and wives, parents and children, in the church and between various cultures in our cities. In the times of Judges, we see many examples, especially in the concluding two chapters of this book. 

Israel from Dan to Beersheba, including Gilead, assembled as one man to Lord at Mizpah. The chiefs took their stand in the assembly, 400,000 foot soldiers who drew the sword. Israel asked the Levite how this wickedness occurred. He explained that men of Gibeah intended to kill him but instead, ravished his concubine so she died. The Levite cut and sent her pieces throughout Israel to show this lewd and disgraceful thing. He asked Israel for advice and counsel (Judges 20:4-7)

The people decided to send ten percent of the people selected by lot to go up to Gibeah and supply food for people so they could punish them for disgraceful acts committed in Israel (Judges 20:8-17). Seeking revenge can lead to killing our brothers.

 Israel went up to Bethel and inquired of God, “Who shall go up to battle against sons of Benjamin?” Lord said, “Judah shall go first.” Benjamin killed 22,000 men of Israel. They encouraged themselves and arrayed for battle again in same place as first day. They wept before Lord until evening and inquired of Lord, “Shall we again draw near for battle against Benjamin?” Lord said “Go up against him.” Israel was defeated again and fasted that day until evening by offering burnt and peace offerings before the Lord. They went up again at Lord’s command, but Benjamin did not know that disaster was coming (Judges 20:18-34). Include God in our planning and don’t trust in your resources or righteous cause.

 Men of Israel swore that none shall give his daughter to Benjamin in marriage. People came to Bethel and sat before God until evening, lifted up voices and wept bitterly about why one tribe should be missing. Early the next day, they offered burnt and peace offerings and asked, “What shall we do for wives without husbands?” (Judges 21:1-7). Making snap decisions without prayer and reflection leads to bad outcomes. Time with God imparts compassion and allows you to think more clearly.

Not one of the tribe of Jabesh-gilead came up to Lord at Mizpah. Whole congregation spoke to Benjamin at rock of Rimmon and proclaimed peace to them. They gave them women whom they kept alive from women of Jabesh-gilead. People were sorry for Benjamin because Lord had made a breach in the tribes of Israel (Judges 21:8-15).

Benjamin took wives according to their number from those who danced, whom they carried away. And they returned to their inheritance, rebuilt the cities and lived in them (Judges 21:16-25). Even though couples are what God uses to rebuild cities, the end doesn't justify the means. 


Repairing breaches or disunity between people involve the following actions: 
1. Forgiving spirit instead of taking revenge
2. Including God in your planning instead of trusting in your resources or righteous case
3. Spending time in listening prayer instead of making snap decisions
4. Asking God for wisdom instead of believing the end justify the means

Which of these four actions will you apply in order to repair a breach in a relationship or in more broadly, in your church or city?


0 Comments

Confessing Sexual Sin to Heal Families (Insights in Prophets)

12/18/2010

0 Comments

 
Picture
On Apr. 20, 1999, 12 students, one teacher and the two student killers were victims at Columbine. This incident shocked America. How could seemingly normal high school students be so violent? Experts concluded that the alienation in these killers should have been addressed earlier. Since Columbine, schools all over the nation reinforced their security measures.  More attention has been paid to youths who isolate themselves and show signs of alienation and anger.  These steps are necessary to do what we can to prevent such tragic events from happening again.

Judges 19 concludes with a tragic event. In those days with no king in Israel, a certain Levite took a concubine for himself from Bethlehem who played the harlot against him. She went to her father’s house for four months. Then her husband arose and spoke tenderly to bring her back (Judges 19:1-3).


For five days, the girls’ father told her husband to sustain himself with bread, stay overnight at his house and be merry. Finally, the husband refused to spend another night there and at another place since it was not of the sons of Israel. An old man said in Gibeah: “Let me take care of your needs, but do not spend the night in the open square.” He took them into his house, gave the donkeys fodder, washed their feet, ate and drank (Judges 19:4-21)

While they were making merry, certain worthless fellows surrounded the house saying, “Bring  out the man who came into your house that we may have relations with him.” The owner of house said, “Here is my virgin daughter and his concubine. You may ravish them and do what you wish, but do not commit act of folly against this man.” They raped and abused her all night until the morning morning. Her husband, the Levite, cut her into 12 pieces and sent her throughout Israel. Everyone said,  “Nothing like this has ever happened or been seen from day when Israel came up from Egypt to this day, Consider it, take counsel and speak up!” (Judges 19:22-30).

When everyone does what is right in their own eyes, pleasure and sexual sin rather than Biblical family order becomes the priority. Unfortunately,  it often takes a shocking crime to awaken the body of Christ to speak up and take action.

Spend time confessing sexual sins that break up the family unit by claiming 2 Chron. 7:14-16.


 

 



0 Comments

Danger of "Feel-Good" Religion (Insights in Prophets)

12/11/2010

1 Comment

 
Picture
People develop a “feel-good” religion when they do what is right in their own eyes without Biblical standards. In a 2009 year-end report, George Barna writes, "Bible reading has become the religious equivalent of sound-bite journalism. When people read from the Bible they typically open it, read a brief passage without much regard for the context, and consider the primary thought or feeling that the passage provided. If they are comfortable with it, they accept it; otherwise, they deem it interesting but irrelevant to their life, and move on. There is shockingly little growth evident in people's understanding of the fundamental themes of the scriptures and amazingly little interest in deepening their knowledge and application of biblical principles.

You see similar dynamics occurring the time of the Judges. Danites were seeking land as an inheritance. While five men spied out the land, they recognized Micah's priest and asked him to inquire of God to determine if their way would be prosperous. The priest said, “Go in peace; your way in which you are going has the Lord’s approval” (Judges 18:3-6). Common sense, expediency and pleasing men trumps hearing from God through His word and the Holy Spirit. 

Five men came to Laish and saw people living in security and quiet. No ruler humiliated them and they were isolated from everyone. They reported back to their brothers that they should go up against this people with spacious land since "God has given it into your hand, a place where there is no lack of anything on earth" (Judges 18:7-10). Success, prosperity and being the best you can be becomes the goal of "feel-good" religion. 

From family of Danites, 600 men armed with weapons of war set out. The five men and 600 warriors took the graven image and household idols from Micah's house. The priest asked what they were doing. He gladly became a priest to 600 men instead of one man and took the ephod, household idols and graven image and went among the people (Judges 18:11-20). Ministry will idolize numbers and impact when Biblical standards aren't followed.

People around Micah’s house assembled and cried to sons of Dan. Micah said, “You have taken my gods which I made, priest and what do I have besides? How can you say, ‘What is the matter with you?’” When Micah saw they were too strong for him, he went back to his house (Judges 18:21-26).

"Feel-good" religions fails and won't deliver in times of trial.

After they took his idols and priest, he was angry. And there was no one to deliver Laish, a quiet living in security. The Danites struck them with the sword and burned their city with fire. There was no one to deliver them because it was far from Sidon and they had no dealings with anyone (Judges 18:27-29). Doing ministry independently from others feels good and is much easier, but without unity and teamwork in the body of Christ. defeat becomes inevitable.


Sons of Dan set up graven image and Manasseh and Gershom were priests to Danites until captivity. They set up Micah’s graven image he had made, all the time that the house of God was at Shiloh (Judges 18:30-31).  Without guidance from God's word, you degenerate into "self-styled" and "feel-good" religion. 

Barna wrote that "by the time most Americans reach the age of 13 or 14, they think they pretty much know everything of value the Bible has to teach and they are no longer interested in learning more scriptural content. It requires increasingly concise, creative, reinforced, and personally relevant efforts to penetrate people's minds with new or more accurate insights into genuinely biblical principles."

Consider these Scriptures from Ps. 119 to learn how beneficial and practical God's word is to your daily life:
Ps.119:14,18,22,24,28,37,45,61,66,69,92,98,99,
105,111,117,127,130,133,143,157,161,165



1 Comment

Error of Self-Made Religion (Insights in Prophets)

12/5/2010

2 Comments

 
Picture
A 2009 summary of Barna’s insights gleaned from research on the church shows it is “relatively rare to find someone who is an exemplar of the Christian faith.” Young adults, in particular, conclude that “you cannot be a Christian without adopting the institutional framework and limitations of the Christian world.”

Barna also discovered that the purpose of faith for most Americans is “not so much to discover truth or to relate to a loving, praiseworthy deity as it is to become happy, successful, comfortable and secure.” He continues that “faith in the American context is now individual and customized. Americans are comfortable with an altered spiritual experience as long as they can participate in the shaping of that faith experience.” These dynamics are not unique to us. In the time of the judges, similar dynamics played out.

Micah's mother uttered a curse after he took 1100 pieces of silver from her. When she learned her son took the money, she said, "Blessed be my son by the Lord."  She dedicated the silver to the Lord for her son to make a graven and molten image (Judges 17:1-3). 

From 200 pieces,  she had a silversmith make a graven and molten image. Micah made a house of gods, ephod and household idols, while dedicating one of his sons to become his priest. There was no king in Israel and every man did what was right in his own eyes (Judges 17:4-6). 


When a Levite  tried to find a place to stay, Micah offered housing, position as father and personal priest, salary, clothes and maintenance. The young man (priest) became to him like one of his sons. Micah said, "Now I know Lord will prosper me seeing I have Levite as a priest" (Judges 17:7-13). 

Let's consider the implications of this passage to American Christianity found in the church today. People often use a form of religion to make them feel better. Self-made religion promotes a false sense of prosperity based on what is seen (temporal) rather than unseen (eternal). 

Church leaders often allow the means of ministry like buildings and sound systems become idols to please and entertain their congregation rather than doing God's will.  Leaders are tempted to base decisions solely on budgets or what seems logical, rather than follow God's leading and trusting Him to provide. 

Many times, people believe a church has "arrived" or is successful when they have a paid pastor. They view the pastor as their personal chaplain who visits them when they're sick and caters to their every need. Pastors themselves can use the security of a salary to determine their call instead of pursuing God in midst of uneasiness, messiness and even chaos.  

Mediate on 2 Cor. 3:16-18 and consider its implications for ministry today. Write down what you are feeling and what God is saying to you? What first step will you take?



2 Comments

Breaking the Chains of Sexual Sin (Insights in Prophets)

11/28/2010

0 Comments

 
Picture
Our preoccupation with sex has degenerated with recent news outlets saying young female starlets are seeing their careers take off because of sex tapes. Will this really help them? 

Samson's sexual temptation beginning in Judges 14-15 bears bitter fruit in Judges 16, which fulfills an old and true saying: “Sin always takes you farther than you want to go, keeps you longer than you want to stay, and costs you more than you are willing to pay.” Sexual sin creates personal and corporate consequences that not only can affect your life but the church's testimony to the world. How can you break the chains of sexual sin?  


Samson saw a harlot and went into
her. Gazites surrounded the place waiting to kill him. Samson pulled the doors and posts of the city gate and carried them up a mountain. When the Philistines saw he coveted Delilah, they gave her 1100 pieces of silver to entice Samson to tell her the reason for his  great strength so they could overpower, bind and afflict him. After Samson deceived her three times without giving the true answer, she questioned his love for her by not telling where his great strength lie (Judges 16:1-15). The world, flesh and devil continually seek to attack your weaknesses. You must never give in to temptation but find the way of escape while staying humble (1 Cor. 10:12-13). This context refers to sexual sin among others (1 Cor. 10:8). 

As Delilah pressed Samson daily with her words, his soul became annoyed to death.  He told her of his Nazirite vow to never cut his hair since it would cause his strength to leave. Delilah made him sleep in on her knees and a man shaved off his hair and strength left him. When Samson woke up, he didn't know his strength left him. The Philistines seized and gouged out his eyes, bound him with bronze chains and was a grinder in prison. His hair began to grow again after it was shaved off (Judges 16:15-22).  The constant bombardment of the world, flesh and devil affects your heart. It often leads to impatience and letting down your guard if you are not empowered by God’s Spirit through His word. At the other end is falling asleep spiritually instead of watching and praying that you might not enter into temptation (Matt. 26:40-41). God won't give up on you. 


The Philistine leaders offered a great sacrifice to Dagon since they believed their god defeated Samson. The people also credited Dagon for capturing Samson since he had slain  many of their people. When they were in high spirits, they said asked for him to amuse them. Samson entertained them as he stood between the pillars (Judges 16:23-25). Believers' disobedience through sexual sin misleads the world to worship false gods, laugh at us and not take us seriously. God provides a way of escape so we can flee youthful lusts and idolatry to withstand temptation and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace along with others you call on Lord with a pure heart (1 Cor. 10:13-14; 2 Tim. 2:22).

After being helped so he could lean against the pillars, Samson called to the Lord, “Please remember me and strengthen me just this time that I may at once be avenged of Philistines for my two eyes." He pulled down the two middle pillars with all his strength killing 3,000 men and women, more than he killed the rest of his life. Samson was buried in the tomb of his father, Manoah. He judged Israel 20 years (Judges 16:26-31). Lust of the flesh causes premature physical and spiritual death limiting your opportunities to glorify God on earth.  

In your present temptation, how is God providing a way of escape? Watch and pray so you do not enter into temptation. Gather with others with a pure heart to keep you accountable. 


0 Comments

How to Live in a Complex World (Insights in Prophets)

11/22/2010

0 Comments

 
Picture
I used to think everything was black or white. While growing older, I discovered much gray. Because reality contains complexity and nuances, issues of life don't fit common stereotypes. God told Micah to follow three things because they were good for him: do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with your God in a society where the rich were oppressing the poor, merchants cheated their customers and true prophets were told to keep quiet because of corrupt religious and judicial leaders (Micah 6:8). Judges 14 shows the interplay between God's sovereignty and man's responsibility. In this next chapter, Judges 15, we see how Samson's strong relationship with God provides the foundation for living in a sinful and complex world. 

Samson visited his wife and her father did not let him enter, but offered her younger sister instead. Out of love for his wife, Samson said, “This time I will be blameless in regard to Philistines when I do them harm.” He caught 300 foxes and tied them tail to tail and set fields on fire. He slaughtered the Philistines after they burned his wife and her father. Men of Judah then bound and gave Samson into the hands of the Philistines (Judges 15:1-13). Let love of God and others motivate acts of righteousness when injustice occurs. 

The Spirit of Lord came upon Samson mightly so ropes on his arms were as flax burned with fire and bonds melted from his hands. He killed 1000 men with a jawbone (Judges 15:14-15). God provides the power for spiritual victory when you maintain strong personal relationship with Him.

Samson said, “With jawbone of donkey, heaps upons heaps, with jawbone of a donkey I have killed a 1000 men.” When he finished speaking, he named that place, ‘high place of jawbone’ (Judges 15:16-17). Testifying of God's power or designating objects to signify spiritual victories helps  you our remembrance of them. 

When Samson became very thirsty, he  reminded the Lord of His great deliverance and asked whether he would die of thirst and fall into the hands of the Philistines. God immediately answered his prayer by splitting the hollow place so water came out. When he drank, Samson's strength returned and he revived. He named the place, ‘Spring of him who called.’ Samson judged Israel 20 years in days of Philistines (Judges 15:18-20). Calling upon God when we experience physical or spiritual thirst leads to strength and revival.


Consider the following: 
1. What injustice is God calling you to act upon (ex. economic poverty, domestic violence, human trafficking, homelessness, fatherlessness, child abuse, immigration reform, racism, unemployment, substance abuse, divorce, abortion, bullying, gang activity, teenage pregnancy, environment, basic hygiene, etc.)
2. Build yourself up on your most holy faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God and wait anxiously for the mercy of Christ to eternal life (Jude 20-21). 




0 Comments

God Uses Even Poor Choices (Insights in Prophets)

11/17/2010

0 Comments

 
Picture
I have put God in a box by trying to figure out how God's sovereignty fits with man's responsibility. Our human mind can't fully comprehend this wonderful truth. God uses my wrong choices to accomplish His will. Because God's ways are so high, I don't understand it. Judges 14 shows how Samson's unwise decisions  accomplished God's will. 

Because a daughter of the Philistines looked good to Samson, he asked his parents to get her as his wife. They hoped he would take a wife from their relatives. Samson's parents did not know it was of the Lord, for He was seeking an occasion against the Philistines who were ruling over
Israel (Judges 14:1-4). God can take our sin and still accomplish His purposes in the world. God's ways and not our ways (Is. 55:8-9).

When a lion came roaring toward him, the Spirit of Lord came mightily upon Samson. He  tore the lion with his hand, but did not tell his parents what he did. He then talked to the woman and she looked good to Samson. He found a swarm of bees in carcass, ate the honey and gave some to his parents (Judges 14:5-9).  When children refuse to be accountable to their parents, they set themselves up for a downward slide and ultimate failure.

When his father went down to the woman, he made a feast for 30 companions. He challenged them with a riddle:  “Out of eater came something to eat, and out of strong came something sweet.” If they figured the riddle in three days, they would get 30 linen wraps and 30 changes of clothes. The companions threatened to burn her father's house if she didn't tell them the riddle since they felt impoverished not knowing its meaning (Judges 14:10-15). Arts and entertainment can be used creatively to get people to think about spiritual matters.

Because Samson's wife wept seven days until he told her the riddle, the men of the city said him, “What is sweeter than honey? And what is stronger than a lion?” Samson responded, “If you had not plowed with my heifer, you would not have found out my riddle” (Judges 14:16-18).  The devil prowls about like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour but resist him being firm in faith so He can perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you (1 Pet. 5:8-10).

The Spirit of Lord rushed upon Samson mightily and killed 30 companions, took their spoil and gave changes of clothes to those who told the riddle. His anger burned and he went up to his father’s house. Samson’ wife was given to his best man (Judges 14:19-20). God’s sovereignty transforms our unwise decisions into accomplishing His purposes. Your responsibility is to be zealous and not lukewarm about your faith. 

God is sovereign and man is responsible, two sides of the coin. Rom. 9 explains divine sovereignty, "Jacob I loved and Esau I hated," and Rom. 10 shows human responsibility: "How can they believe without a preacher." The passage we just studied shows the interplay between God's sovereignty and man's responsibility or irresponsibility. 

How is God working out His sovereign plan in your life? How have you seen your wrong choices turn out for good?



0 Comments

Where Does Sense of Identity Originate? (Insights in Prophets)

11/10/2010

0 Comments

 
Picture
I grew up in a home that emphasized getting good grades and pursuing a career. Parents today seem obsessed in getting their children into a variety of sports, music and other extra-curricular activities so they can get ahead. In today's passage, you observe people getting their identity in work and achievements. God has a better way.

In Judges 12, Ephraim told Jephthah: “Why did you cross over to fight against Ammon without calling us to go with you? We will burn your house down on you.” Jephthah said their concern was unwarranted because they didn't  respond to his call for help in delivering him from Ammon. The Gileadites followed Jephthah into battle after they were accused of being fugitives in midst of Ephraim and Manasseh. A linguistic test was designed to sort out whether someone was a Ephraimite (Judges 12:1-6). People often get their identity and sense of worth from work, accomplishments and family connections. 


Israel's wickedness caused them to be ruled by the Philistines for 40 years. The angel of the Lord said to Manoah's wife that she would give birth to a son even though barren. Drinking wine or eating any unclean thing would be prohibited because their son would dedicated to God as a Nazirite in delivering Israel from the Philistines (Judges 13:1-5). 

After hearing about the angel's appearance, Manoah asked the Lord to teach them what to do when their son was born. God listened and the angel came to woman again. Manoah asked the angel, “When you words come to pass, what shall be boy’s mode of life and his vocation?” The angel responded, “Let the woman pay attention to all I said. She should not eat anything that comes from vine nor drink wine, nor eat any unclean thing, let her observe all I commanded.” After Manoah expressed his desire to prepare a kid (he was clueless who he was speaking to), the angel told him to prepare a burnt offering and offer it to the Lord. After asking for his name, the angel said,  “Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful?” (Judges 13:6-18). The process of spending intimate time with Christ is more important than your goal-directed behavior. 


Manoah offered a grain offering on the rock to the Lord and He performed wonders while Manoah and wife looked. The angel ascended in the flame of the altar. Then Manoah knew he was the angel of the Lord. After expressing his concern that they would die after seeing God, his wife said, "If the Lord had desired to kill us, He would not have accepted a burnt offering and a grain offering from our hands, nor would He have shown us all these things, nor would He have let us hear things like this at this time" (Judges 13:19-23). Knowing and obeying God is more important than discovering our mode of life and vocation.

1. Do you get your identity and sense of significance from your vocation? yes or no
2. Do you get your identity and sense of significance from your ministry? yes or no
3. Do you get your identity and sense of significance from your family? yes or no
Meditate on 1 Peter 2:9-10 and ask God to renew your mind so your identity comes from your relationship with Christ.




0 Comments

Power of the Underdog (Insights in Prophets)

11/3/2010

1 Comment

 
Picture
I have always enjoyed the underdog in sporting events. I usually root for the team not picked to win. This is why people enjoy movies like Rocky where a boxer overcomes great odds to become a champion. 

Jephthah was also an underdog since he was a son of a harlot along with being a valiant warrior. His father's sons said he couldn't receive an inheritance because he was a son of another woman. This slight caused Jephthath to flee and gather worthless fellows around him (Judges 11:1-3). Rejection by our family of origin can motivate a person to develop leadership skills for spiritual battle.

Gilead's elders asked Jephthah to lead the fight against Ammon. It surprised him that they would be asking for his help because of their condescending attitude. They assured Jephthath that he would truly become their head  (Judges 11:6-10). 

When he asked Ammon's king why they would fight Gilead, the king said, “Because Israel took away my land when they came up from Egypt, . . . therefore, return them peacefully now" (Judges 11:12-13).
 
Jephthah said Edom and Moab did not let them pass through the land. For 300 years, they hadn't taken action while they lived in the land. Because Israel had not sinned, making war against them would be wrong (Judges 11:17-27). Those in leadership must communicate a rationale for spiritual battle before people will follow them.

Jephthah made a vow, “If give Ammon into my hand, whatever comes out of my house when I return, I will offer up as burnt offering” (Judges 11:29-31). Think carefully before making vows in the spiritual battle to ward off potential tragic  consequences.


Jephthah fought against Ammon and Lord gave them into his hand. He struck them with a great slaughter in 20 cities (Judges 11:32-33). God provides valor and strength in the spiritual battle.

Glory in the fact that you have been been chosen before the creation of the world to be holy and predestined as adopted sons of God through Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:4-5).




1 Comment

Aligning Yourself with God's Promises (insights in Prophets)

10/29/2010

1 Comment

 
Picture
This week I went to the Toyota dealer to get a steering part replaced on a recall. They also gave me a free four-wheel alignment. It's amazing how the car drives straighter and smoother. In a similar way, each of us need spiritual alignment in our personal lives. When people don't accept divine guidance, they run wild (Prov. 29:18, NLT). 

After 55 years and two judges, Israel did evil in the Lord's sight again. They served the Baals and Ashtaroh and forsook the Lord instead of serving Him. The Lord's anger burned against Israel. The Philistines and Ammon afflicted them for 18 years. When Ammon fought Israel, they were greatly distressed (Judges 10:1-9). When you forsake God, life situations become overwhelming. He designs these circumstances so you will turn back to God. 

In their misery, Israel cried out to the Lord, “We have sinned against You, we have forsaken our God and served the Baals.” The Lord reminded them of His deliverance from  Egyptian oppression and other nations after they cried out to Him. Because of their consistent disobedience, God threatened to discontinue future deliverances and let them rely on false gods.
Israel woke up, confessed their sin, removed foreign gods and served the Lord. God could not bear Israel's misery any longer (Judges 10:10-16). In each event of life, remind yourself of God's past deliverances as motivation to repent of current sin so you can live out the Gospel in your present situation. 


After Ammon camped in Gilead opposite Israel in Mizpah, the people and Gilead's leaders asked "who is the man who will begin to fight against Ammon? He shall be become head over all the inhabitants of Gilead" (Judges 10:17-18). Those who fight against sin will become spiritual leaders among God’s people. 


For those who have placed their faith in Christ's death and resurrection, God's power grants life and godliness through promises revealed in Scripture. It enables you to partake  fully in the new spirit received from God and escape the world's corruption and lust (2 Pet. 1:1-4). 

Claim a particular promise from Scripture in a tough situation you are facing today. For example, if you feel anxious, claim 1 Peter 5:7 to cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. 



 



1 Comment
<<Previous
    Picture
    Mark Pomeroy

    RSS Feed


    My goal is to ignite the hearts of people by explaining God's word in the Law, Prophets, Psalms and New Testament consecutively, much like the experience of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:32,44). I have been a missionary in Lincoln, NE, for 13 years with Christ For the City Int. and Sync with God.
     

    Sync with God is a highly versatile web app that hosts on-demand, virtual small groups. Sync is designed to connect young seekers in the faith and scripturally-trained mentors, even globally. It offers a safe, engaging interface for Millennials/Gen. Z and is readily adaptable to technical advances well into the future.

    ​Overview
    ​Sync pilot lesson 1
    Sync YouTube

    ​
    ​

    Follow syncwithgod on Twitter
    View my profile on LinkedIn

    Archives

    November 2020
    July 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010
    June 2010
    May 2010

    Categories

    All
    1 Chronicles
    1 Corinthians
    1 John
    1 Kings
    1 Peter
    1 Samuel
    1 Thessalonians
    1 Timothy
    2 Chronicles
    2 Corinthians
    2 John
    2 Kings
    2 Peter
    2 Samuel
    2 Thessalonians
    2 Timothy
    3 John
    Abide
    Abortion
    Abundance
    Abundant Life
    Acceptance
    Accomplishment
    Accountability
    Accuracy
    Accusations
    Acts
    Addiction
    Adultery
    Adventure
    Affiction
    Affirmation
    Affliction
    Alcoholism
    Alive
    Ambassador
    Amos
    Antichrist
    Anxiety
    Apathy
    Apostasy
    Apostolic Gifts
    Appearance
    Application
    Armor Of God
    Artistic
    Asleep Spiritually
    Assignment
    Assurance
    Attacks
    Authentic
    Authorities
    Authority
    Awesome
    Balance
    Bargain
    Beauty
    Believe
    Benefits
    Betrayal
    Bible
    Biblical Illiteracy
    Biblical Worldview
    Blameless
    Bless
    Blessing
    Blessings
    Blind
    Blood
    Blood Of The Lamb
    Boast
    Bold
    Bondage
    Broken And Contrite Spirit
    Broken Heart
    Burdens
    Business
    Business Plan
    Busyness
    Calling
    Careers
    Cares
    Change
    Change Agent
    Character
    Children
    Choice
    Choices
    Chosen Instrument
    Christ
    Church
    Church Growth Strategies
    City Ministry
    City Transformation
    Clarity
    Clear Conscience
    Coach
    Colossians
    Comfort
    Comfort Zone
    Command
    Communication
    Communities
    Community
    Community Ministry
    Compassion
    Compensation
    Competence
    Complacency
    Complexity
    Complications
    Compromise
    Condemnation
    Confess
    Confession
    Confess Sin
    Confidence
    Confident
    Conflicts
    Conformity
    Confront Sins
    Confusion
    Connect
    Consequences
    Conspiracy
    Consumerism
    Contend Earnestly For Faith
    Contentment
    Control
    Convergence
    Convict
    Convictions
    Coronavirus
    Corrupted
    Cost
    Counsel
    Courageous
    Covenant
    Covet
    Craftsmanship
    Creative Media
    Creator
    Credentials
    Crime
    Crisis
    Critical Speech
    Cross
    Cross Denominational Lines
    Crown Of Glory
    Cultivating Spiritual Life
    Cultural Christianity
    Cultural Insiders
    Culturally Sensitive
    Culture
    Curses
    Cursing
    Daniel
    Deacons
    Deadness
    Death
    Debt
    Deceit
    Deception
    Decision
    Decisions
    Defraud
    Delegation
    Deliverance
    Deliverer
    Dependence
    Depression
    Descendants
    Desire
    Desolation
    Destiny
    Deuteronomy
    Development
    Dialogue
    Diligence
    Discernment
    Disciple
    Disciplemaking
    Disciples
    Discipleship
    Discipline
    Discussion
    Disease
    Disenfranchised
    Disgrace
    Disobedience
    Dissension
    Distractions
    Divisions
    Divorce
    Double-minded
    Doubt
    Dread
    Drift
    Drudgery
    Dry
    Ecclesiastes
    Economic Depression
    Edify
    Effectiveness
    Elders
    Emotions
    Empower
    Emptiness
    Encourage
    Endurance
    Enemy
    Entanglement
    Entrap
    Environment
    Ephesians
    Equip
    Esther
    Eternal Impact
    Eternal Life
    Eternal Punishment
    Eternal Reward
    Evangelism
    Evangelism And Discipleship Team
    Evangelismi
    Evil
    Exalt
    Exaltation
    Excessive Profits
    Excessive Study
    Exodus
    External
    Ezekiel
    Ezra
    Faith
    Faithful
    Faithfulness
    False Gods
    False Security
    False Self
    False Teachers
    False Teaching
    False Way
    Families
    Family Relationships
    Famine
    Fasting
    Fathers
    Father's Blessing
    Favor
    Fear
    Fear Of God
    Feedback
    Feel-good Religion
    Fellowship
    Finances
    First Love
    Fisherman
    Flesh
    Flourish
    Fool
    Forgiveness
    Foundation
    Freedom
    Free Gift
    Fresh Relationship
    Friends
    Friendship
    Fruit
    Fruitfulness
    Galatians
    Generational Sin
    Generosity
    Generous Giving
    Genesis
    Giving
    Glory
    Goal
    God-confidence
    Godliness
    Godly Foundations
    Godly Offspring
    Godly Sorrow
    God Rules
    God's Agenda
    God's Leadership
    God's Rule
    Good Friends
    Good Life
    Goodness
    Good News
    Good Works
    Gospel
    Gospel Of The Kingdom
    Gospel Workers
    Grace
    Gracious
    Gratefulness
    Gratitude
    Greater Works
    Greatness
    Great Society
    Grief
    Grieve
    Growth
    Grumble
    Guidance
    Guide
    Guilt
    Habakkuk
    Haggai
    Happiness
    Hardships
    Harmony
    Hate
    Hate Sin
    Healing
    Health
    Health-giving Service
    Heart
    Heart Test
    Hebrews
    Heir
    Hell
    High Priest
    His Design
    Holiness
    Holistic
    Holy Spirit
    Holy Spirit Power
    Homosexuality
    Honor
    Hope
    Hopeless Situation
    Hosea
    Hospitality
    House
    Human Resources
    Humble
    Humility
    Hunger
    Hurt
    Husband
    Hygiene
    Hypocrisy
    Identification
    Identity
    Identity In Christ
    Idol
    Idolatry
    Idols
    Image
    Immigration
    Immorality
    Implosion
    Impossible Situation
    Independence
    Individualistic
    Influence
    Infrastructure
    Initiative
    Injustice
    Insight
    Inspire
    Instruction
    Insubordination
    Insults
    Integrity
    Integrity Tests
    Intellectual Faith
    Intercession
    Internal
    Interpersonal
    Intimacy
    Intimidation
    Invest
    Isaiah
    Isolation
    James
    Jealousy
    Jeremiah
    Jesus
    Job
    Joel
    John
    Jonah
    Joshua
    Joy
    Jude
    Judges
    Judgment
    Judgment Seat Of Christ
    Judicial System
    Justice
    Kindness
    King
    Kingdom
    Kingdom Dominion
    Kingdom Impact
    Kingdom Ministry
    Kingdom Mission
    Kingdom Of God
    Kingdom Opportunities
    Kingdom Strategies
    Kingdom Work
    Kingship
    Knowledge
    Know Your Heart
    Lack Of Love
    Lamentations
    Law
    Leadership
    Leadership Crisis
    Least Of These
    Legacy
    Legalism
    Leviticus
    Lies
    Life
    Lifestyle
    Listen
    Living Faith
    Living Water
    Longterm Impact
    Longterm Success
    Lord's Table
    Lose Life
    Loss
    Lost
    Love
    Loved
    Love Of Money
    Lovingkindness
    Luke
    Lukewarm
    Lust
    Majestic
    Make Disciples
    Making Decisions
    Malachi
    Margin
    Mark
    Marketplace
    Marriage
    Martyr
    Mask
    Materialism
    Matthew
    Meaninglessness
    Meditate
    Men Of Peace
    Mental Capacity
    Mentoring
    Mentors
    Mercy
    Micah
    Micromanage
    Mighty Deeds
    Mindset
    Ministry
    Ministry Plan
    Miracles
    Mission
    Mistreatment
    Mocking
    Model Cities
    Money
    Moral Purity
    Moral Relativism
    Motives
    Mourning
    Multiply Disciples
    Music
    Nahum
    Name
    Narrow Way
    Need
    Neediness
    Nehemiah
    Neighbor
    Neighborhood Ministry
    Network
    New Covenant
    New Hands
    New Heart
    New Heaven And New Earth
    New Mind
    New Testament
    New Wine
    Nt
    Numbers
    Nurture
    Obadiah
    Obedience
    Obey
    Object Lesson
    Obstacles
    Offend
    Offense
    Ogd
    Older Men And Women
    Opportunities
    Oppressed
    Organize
    Othercenteredness
    Outcomes
    Overcomer
    Over-confidence
    Pain
    Parenting
    Parents
    Participate
    Partner
    Partnership
    Passion
    Pathway
    Patience
    Peace
    Peacemaker
    Perceptiveness
    Performance
    Persecution
    Perseverance
    Persevere
    Persistent
    Personal Identity
    Perspective
    Persuasiveness
    Petition
    Phiippians
    Philemon
    Philippians
    Physical Needs
    Plagues
    Plans
    Pleasure
    Political Tyranny
    Poor
    Pornography
    Possessions
    Possess Territory
    Post
    Power
    Powerlessness
    Practice
    Pragmatism
    Praise
    Prayer
    Prayer Partners
    Prayer Walking
    Preach Gospel
    Preparation
    Presence
    Presence Of God
    Pressure
    Pride
    Priest
    Priorities
    Proclaim
    Prodigal
    Productivity
    Professionalism
    Profit
    Profiteering
    Promise
    Promise Land
    Promotion
    Prophecy
    Prophesy
    Prophets
    Prosperity
    Protection
    Proverbs
    Provision
    Psalm
    Psalms
    Purity
    Purpose
    Quarrel
    Questions
    Rationalism
    Rationalization
    Reality
    Real Living
    Rebellion
    Rebuild
    Reconcile
    Reconciliation
    Redemption
    Refresh Others
    Refuge
    Reign
    Rejection
    Rejoice
    Relationship
    Relationships
    Relief
    Religious System
    Repent
    Repentance
    Rescue
    Research
    Resources
    Responsibility
    Responsible
    Rest
    Restitution
    Restoration
    Restore
    Restoring Relationships
    Resurrection
    Revelation
    Revenge
    Revenue Stream
    Revival
    Revive
    Reward
    Riches
    Right
    Righteous
    Righteousness
    Right Living
    Ritual
    Romans
    Rule
    Ruth
    Sabbath
    Sacred Assembly
    Sacrificial
    Sacrificial Death
    Safety
    Salvation
    Sanctify
    Satan
    Satisfaction
    Satisfied
    Scroll Of Remembrance
    Second Coming
    Secular
    Security
    Self Confidence
    Selfishness
    Self-made Religion
    Self-righteousness
    Self Sufficient
    Self-sufficient
    Sent
    Servant Attitude
    Serve
    Service
    Sex
    Sexual Sin
    Shame
    Share Gospel
    Shepherd
    Significance
    Signs
    Simplicity
    Sin
    Sinfulness
    Single Minded
    Single-minded
    Skillful
    Skillful Workman
    Small Groups
    Social Justice
    Song Of Solomon
    Sound Doctrine
    Sovereignty
    Sow
    Sowing
    Sowing The Word
    Speak Tenderly
    Speak Truth
    Speech
    Sphere Of Influence
    Spiritual
    Spiritual Battle
    Spiritual Defenses
    Spiritual Discipline
    Spiritual Dryness
    Spiritual Enemies
    Spiritual Fruit
    Spiritual Gifts
    Spiritual Growth
    Spiritual Harvest
    Spiritual Influence
    Spiritual Intimacy
    Spiritual Leadership
    Spiritual Leadership
    Spiritual Nourishment
    Spiritual Warfare
    Spiritual Warriors
    Spiritual Weapons
    Stability
    Stand In The Gap
    Status Quo
    Steal
    Stewardship
    Straightjacket
    Strategic Partnerships
    Strength
    Stress
    Strong
    Strongholds
    Structural Connections
    Struggles
    Study
    Submission
    Submit
    Success
    Suffering
    Supernatural
    Supernatural Transformation
    Supervision
    Surrender
    Sweet Spot
    Sync With God
    Take Up Cross
    Talents
    Teach
    Teachable
    Teaching
    Team
    Teamwork
    Technology
    Temptation
    Temptations
    Testimony
    Test Spirits
    Thanksgiving
    Theology
    Thinking
    Thirst
    Thirsty
    Throne
    Timing
    Titus
    Tongue
    Training
    Transform
    Transition
    Transparency
    Tree Of Life
    Trial
    Trials
    Tribulation
    True Justice
    True Self
    Trust
    Truth
    Unashamed
    Unbelief
    Unconditional Relationship
    Underdog
    Unforgiveness
    United Prayer
    Unity
    Vanity
    Victory
    Vindicator
    Vocation
    Volunteer Recruitment
    Volunteers
    Vows
    Wait
    Wait Patiently
    Walk
    Warfare
    Warning
    Wasted Life
    Water Of Life
    Weakness
    Wealth
    Well Being
    Well-being
    Wife
    Wisdom
    Witness
    Wonderful Counselor
    Word Of God
    Word Of Testimony
    Work
    Workaholic
    Work Environment
    Work Life Balance
    Workmen Of The Word
    Works
    World-changing Ministry
    Worldliness
    Worldly Advice
    Worldly Thinking
    World's Scorn
    Worship
    Worthless
    Wounds
    Wrath
    Young People
    Zeal
    Zechariah
    Zephaniah

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
Photos used under Creative Commons from blumenbiene, Kirt Edblom, f2 photografia