Embracing an Outreaching Lifestyle
  • Unexpected Opportunity
  • Resources
  • Blog

Unexpected Opportunity

11/3/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
I needed a haircut, but learned that my schedule barber recently graduated from the College of Hair Design in Lincoln, NE.   I walked to my chair and sat down. Sam (not his real name) said, “My hero died in a helicopter crash!”

“Did a friend of yours die?” I asked.

“No, it was Kobe Bryant. I’m a Los Angeles Laker fan.” Sam said. We talked sports for a bit and I mentioned that my favorite professional team is the Chicago Bears.

“Sam, there’s something more important than sports. Let me share something that happened to me while in college.

“During a meeting of Christians, I experienced God’s unconditional love through the students I observed.  I wanted what they had. The speaker mentioned that we must believe in Christ’s death, burial and resurrection for eternal life. That evening in my dorm room, I placed my faith in Christ’s work for the forgiveness of sin. My life completely changed. For example, I used to get very nervous taking Finals. I claimed God’s promise about casting all my care upon Him.” (1 Peter 5:7).

Sam said, “My girlfriend is trying to get me to trust Christ, but I’m resisting.”

“Why is that?” I asked.

“I had such a terrible family growing up. Besides, churches only care about your money.”

“I’m so sorry to hear about your family. Tell me about it.” Sam related how his siblings pursued evil activities, but his grandmother rescued him to live with her when he was in the 4th grade.

“Sam, God models the perfect family in three persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit who love each other,” I said. “They want you to join them at the table and enter into that love and intimate relationship.

Toward the end of my haircut, Sam asked, “Where should I start reading in the Bible?”

“The gospel of John,” I said. “Read one chapter a day and ask God to reveal Himself to you. It takes three weeks since there are 21 chapters in John. Do you have a Bible?”
 

“I do!” Sam said. As I was getting out of my barber chair, I said, “Don’t forget to read John!”

I often refer people to the gospel of John because it’s the only book in the Bible with an overt evangelistic purpose: “these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:30-31).

God arranged a divine appointment by lining up a new barber who needed to know Christ. It removed my disappointment of not seeing my original barber who wants to use his job as a way to share the gospel with clients.

Paul said his circumstances turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, even while chained in a Roman prison (Philippians 1:12). He closed his letter saying “the brethren who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household (Philippians 4:21-22).
​

Pray that you share the gospel boldly when God opens the door in unexpected ways like Paul (Acts 16:19-34; Colossians 4:2-6).
0 Comments

Use Natural Opportunities for Kingdom Mission

2/8/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Sitting in the barber chair, I told my barber that our hairs are numbered. “I will have less hairs to number once my hair is cut,” I joked, and then decided to probe a bit deeper. “I didn’t always believe in God…Do you believe in God?”

“I’m not sure, but would like to know for certain,” my barber said.

“Would you like to dialogue about it? Do you have a Bible?” My barber said he didn’t. So by the time my hair was nicely trimmed, we set an appointment at a coffee shop for Sunday afternoon.

Many people are not open like my barber, but how can we use natural opportunities to do our kingdom ministry? Luke 22 offers ways we can prepare ourselves to show Christ’s love to others.

1. Reject deception
While Passover was approaching, religious leaders, fearing the people, sought to put Jesus to death. Satan entered into Judas who gave in to his deception and described to the leaders how he would betray Jesus (Luke 22:1–6). Reject deception by not allowing Satan to betray and put Jesus to death in your life. 

2. Trust in Jesus’ word
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 (Luke 22:7–13). They may have thought these were odd instructions, but Jesus knew the eternal plan. Trust in Jesus’ word by obeying Him.  

3. Participate in the Lord’s Table
As the apostles and Jesus sat together for the Passover meal, He said, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” Jesus took the cup and bread and gave thanks, symbolizing His body and blood poured out in the new covenant. This sets an example and serves as a reminder for us today (Luke 22:14–23). Participate in the Lord’s Table to enter into Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross. 

4. Serve others
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 twelve tribes of Israel (Luke 22:24–30). Serve others to experience greatness.

5. Resist temptation
When Satan demanded permission to sift Peter like wheat, Jesus prayed that Peter’s faith wouldn’t fail. Jesus predicted that Peter’s self-confidence would lead to denying Him three times, and He told him to strengthen his brothers after returning to God (Luke 22:31–34). Resist temptation with prayer so your faith can strengthen others. 

6. Trust new provisions
Though Jesus said to carry nothing 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” Trust God to meet your needs in the midst of future challenges, hardships and hostilities as you carry out your mission (Luke 22:35–38). Trust new provisions to carry out gospel mission. 

7. Wrestle in prayer
Jesus told His disciples to pray so they may not tempted. Jesus prayed that the Father would remove the cup not according to His own will, but God’s will be done. An angel strengthened Christ in His agony of prayer that was so fervent that He 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 (Luke 22:39–46). Wrestle in prayer to not enter into temptation.

8. Trust in God’s sovereign plan
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 His time (Luke 22:47–53). Trust in God’s sovereign plan for your life.

9. Remain close to Jesus
Peter followed at a distance after they arrested Jesus. Peter later denied Him three times and when he remembered Jesus’ words, he wept bitterly (Luke 22:54–62). This resulted not only in a physical distance but also a spiritual distance because of Peter’s fear. Remain close to Jesus to prevent denying Him.

10. Reject world’s mocking of Jesus
While holding Jesus in custody, they mocked and beat Him. They said many things against Him, while blaspheming (Luke 22:63–65). Reject the world’s mocking of Jesus. 

11. Believe Jesus’ authority
Jesus told the religious leaders 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 (Luke 22:66–71). Believe Jesus’ authority seated at the right hand of God.

The evil one seeks to get you to deny God’s sovereign plan for your life by attacking you as you follow Christ at a distance, as you are intimidated by the world’s mocking, as the world speaks against Him to cause you to disbelieve Christ’s authority and power. But by trust, obedience, and prayer you will share in Jesus’ victory.
​
Final Thought: Use natural opportunities to do your kingdom mission, rejecting deception by the evil one. 

Submit
0 Comments

The Ultimate Coach (Insights in Law)

12/17/2011

0 Comments

 
Picture
Coaching is an expanding profession in the business arena. A recent study by International Coach Federation (ICF) showed that (42.6 percent) of respondents who had experienced coaching chose “optimize individual and/or team performance” as their motivation for being coached. This reason ranked highest followed by “expand professional career opportunities” (38.8 percent) and “improve business management strategies” (36.1 percent). “Increase self-esteem/self-confidence” and “manage work/life balance” rated fourth and fifth to round out the top five motivation areas. Exodus 33 shows how the ultimate coach in God the Father related with Moses to transform the  idols of success in Ex. 32 into kingdom opportunities and dominion.  

Transform Individual or Team Performance Into Supernatural Kingdom Dominion 
The Lord told Moses to go to the land promised to Abraham and his descendants. God would send an angel to drive out the Canaanites so they could enter the land flowing with milk and honey. However the Lord said to Moses that He would destroy and not go with an obstinate people (Ex. 33:1-6). God goes with obedient people to defeat spiritual enemies. 

Transform Professional Career Opportunities Into God's Kingdom Opportunities 
Moses pitched a tent of meeting outside the camp where those who sought the Lord stood. The pillar of cloud would descend at the entrance and the Lord spoke to Moses face to face just as a man speaks to his friend. Joshua stayed in the tent after Moses returned to the camp (Ex. 33:7-11). God speaks face to face as a friend to those who seek Him.

Transform Business Management Strategies & Manage Work/Life Balance Into God's Kingdom Strategies & Presence
Moses asked to know God's ways so He could know Him and find favor in His sight. God said His presence and rest would go with him. Moses wanted God's presence to go with him before being led out to the land. God's favor was proved by His going with His people so the might be distinguished from all other people on earth (Ex. 33:12-16). God sends His presence, rest and favor to those who pray for His ways.  

Transform Self-Esteem & Self-Confidence to God-Confidence
The Lord answered Moses by saying he found favor and knew him by name. Moses asked to see God's glory. God said He would make all His goodness pass before him and  proclaim His name, while being gracious and compassionate to those He chose. He told Moses to stand in the cleft of the rock to see His back when His glory passed by because no man could see His face and live (Ex. 33:17-23). God reveals His goodness and glory to those He chooses. 

To experience God transformation in the areas  listed in the bold headings above, do the following:  
1. Obey whatever God tells you to do
2. Develop an intimate, face-to-face relationship  with Him
3. Pray for God's ways and direction
4. Listen to God's word and worship Him 



0 Comments
    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