week of 2-22-11 4th recorded Highquest Bible study

The passage I read was 1 John 2:1-6

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%202:1-6&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

There are three main ingredients I see John presenting in this passage:

1- If we say we know Him, then we must be a follower of His commands and do as He did.

2- If we make mistakes in that and sin, we have an advocate and atoning sacrifice.

3- If however we do obey His words, then love for God is truly made complete in us.

As I reflect:

1 John deals with sin quite a bit. John says none of us can live totally sinless, but then in this chapter clarifies that that doesn’t in any way mean that we “must” sin. The point isn’t condemnation at all, but rather grace and empowerment by the Holy Spirit who is capable of giving you victory over your sin. The passage here can easily be misinterpreted I believe as having to obey commands to be a disciple, but that would make our salvation performance based. That’s not what John is saying here. Rather, once we are saved (as a byproduct of salvation) we will desire in discipleship to obey our Master. This is why obedience to the Word is equated with the love of God being made truly complete in us. I can also apply this to my marriage.

My wife is lovely in every way to me and far beyond what I could ever earn in a partner. I as a husband have choices to make daily on how I act while in this marriage with her. I have to daily choose whether or not to be a complete jerk of a selfish husband or to be a giving and loving sacrificial spouse. The choice is freely mine to make and though she may not divorce me persay, if may seem as though she had should I ever chose the complete jerk approach. There is also a great deal of accountability that will come with acting in such a manner in my marriage. However, because of my great and deep love for her I can not only say that I would die for her, but that I would die daily of my selfish desires to better serve her as a husband and man of God. This is my choice. I know she wouldn’t leave me if I acted otherwise, but what desire do I have to hurt whom I love? Wouldn’t I be a liar if I told you I loved her but then treated her like trash? I would be lying if I told you I loved her and then made plans to cheat on her with another woman. My actions portray beyond just my words how much I love my wife. It is the same with my God. My actions more than my words will show how I love Him and how I receive His love. Because I live in Christ, I obey His word and I (through His Holy Spirit) follow after Him.

My response to the Lord:

Lord, I am your spouse. I am your bride and you have made me glad. What could I say then to love you back when your actions to purchase me by the blood of your Lamb have spoken so much louder than your words alone? May my actions in life be as loud in showing my love for you and thankfulness for saving me from hell and from condemnation here. May I live a sacrificial life of servitude for you. May I be obedient always to your word not because I am otherwise unable to be saved, but because I want to offer of myself freely to the One who has made me glad. I thank you for my Advocate. I thank you that on the final day, when I am judged in your courtroom, the accuser will stand dumbfounded that though I be guilty of every accusation, I be released into the care of the One that already paid my debt that I might spend eternity in your light Father. It is in the name of my sinless Advocate Jesus Christ that I pray. Amen.

some sermon notes on God wanting to use and empower you.

“I believe in you... now what?”

You are not useless to God.

Acts 1:3-6 NIV

After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." Then they gathered around him and asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"

This is not the first time but the last time that Jesus appeared after crucifixtion. Here he is telling His disciples that it's not a moment of sorrow but of joy because when He ascends, He is giving the he Holy Spirit which is God in us and we then receive the power to do His will. But the disciples didn't see this offer for what it was right away. They wanted to be on their smaller thrones now next to Jesus on His larger throne. They wanted comforting and were hoping that's what He meant.

God loves you too much to let you just be comfortable. Don't get me wrong, He is our God of all comfort too and He can comfort your heart in a big way. The point here isn't that He just doesn't want you to be comfortable, but rather that He wants you to depend on Him more. God is after so Mich more than you being comfortable in life.

Think about the top 3 places people act like someone they are not: expensive hotel lobbies, car sales show rooms, and church. What? Get real, be you. God works through the real you.

Acts 1:7-8 NIV

He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Think of everything God didn't say here. He didn't say you'll receive power when:

You go on a missions trip

You memorize 100 verses

You become rich

When the kingdom is established

Etc.

No, He said when the Holy Spirit comes on you.

There is a much larger story than just you or me. The problem is that u and/or I far too often think that we can't do anything in the story. We don't see our role or our ability to take part in that role. We limit ourselves by what our resume says our how big or small our home is or our church is or our circle of friends. Don't limit yourself. You are qualified to receive the Holy Spirit and this is greater than any other qualification or lack of qualification.

Acts 2:38-39 NIV

Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."

That wasn't Holy Spirit version "b". It is the same great and all powerfully Holy Spirit of God that we are offered today. He was available to Peter (a man that 3 times denied Jesus) and that same Spirit is available to you.

Acts 1:10-11 NIV

They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."

Imagine how stupid these guys had to look basically staring up at heaven wondering where God went and when He is coming back. Is this us? Is it you? Are we staring blankly toward the sky with our mouths hanging open allowing for a resounding “duhhhhhhhh.” To come out of our mouths whilst we wait for the return of our God?

We have a mission here and we have the power collectively and individually. Don't stare at the sky. Get busy reaching out with the Holy Spirit and watch what God can do through you if you will just move. Step out of the comfort zone and let Him work His good and perfect will through you. The power is in you by the Holy Spirit.

"We think for us, God thinks through you."

Picture a dark room full of people. Picture His it looks when they all hold their cell phones up to light up the room. Now picture how much brighter it becomes when you turn the ceiling lights on. That holding up the cell phone is us trying.g to do by our own power. How much greater it is if we tap into the power of God before attempting to shine into a dark world.

It's freely offered for us and we are to use it to do the will of the Father. God really does believe in you. He didn't give you all the tools for the job because He expects you to fail or do nothing. He believes in you and He wants to work through you.

Judges 2:6-7, 10 NIV

After Joshua had dismissed the Israelites, they went to take possession of the land, each to their own inheritance. The people served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had seen all the great things the Lord had done for Israel. After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel.

We also have a job/responsibility to raise up our kids to understand and apply these This gs that we are learning about how to walk with God and so His will and why. Statistics are horrible right now. 8 out of ten teenagers that proclaimed God as their Savior will no linger be in a group of Christians or in a church within only 2 years of that proclaimation. I'm not OK with that, but if you are OK with that then do nothing at all and it will continue. If you aren't OK then begin to pray "God, what do you want to do through me?" And then open your eyes and ears for opportunities to help them and reach them in any way for Jesus. Look for opportunity cities to encourage and guide them and help them to grow in Christ. We are not only given the Holy Spirit to grow ourselves and reach other adults but also to reach our children and help them stay on or get on this straight and narrow path.

He believes in you and wants to work through you.

some notes on James 3 (Godly communication - controlling the tongue)

James 3 tonight discussing how our communication should line up with God's.

How do we communicate when we get cut off while driving, or our kids are disrespectful, or someone gets our order wrong, or when we don't see eye to eye with our spouse, or when someone gets in our face?

We communicate in many ways but perhaps mostly by our words. Our tongue has a really big problem. It's directly connected to the heart.

Luke 6:45 NIV

A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

Jeremiah 17:9 NIV

The heart is deceitful above all things

and beyond cure.

Who can understand it?

so now we see the problem. The Lord gives us the solution in James 3.

James 3:1 NIV

Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.

We as Christians are responsible to make sure that in all situations and circumstances we speak in a Godly tone and Godly words. James has an even higher standard for those who teach others.

James 3:2 NIV

We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.

If you can control your tongue, you are well on your way to controlling every part of yourself for the Lord.

James 3:3-5 NIV

When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.

Whatever controls tour tongue controls your whole body. So if your heart is in charge of the tongue and your heart isn't right, then bad stuff can happen as easily as a small spark can create a great blaze.

James 3:6 NIV

The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

A very strong warning similar to when Jesus said it's not what goes into the body but what comes out of your mouth that defiles the body.

James 3:7-10 NIV

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.

He speaks these things in love "my brothers". He also doesn't auger coat it though. He doesn't say here that maybe we could just slightly modify the way we speak. No, it cannot be so. No cursing and blessing with the same mouth.

James 3:11-12 NIV

Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

Our understanding of this is that, "you say you are a Christian and yet look at what comes out of your mouth. You words should reflect that which you say you are." We mist learn how to Co troll our tongue. And when we blow it (cuz we will.) Man up and immediately correct the situation apologizing for the wrong words.

Now how many of you would take a package that allowed you to control your tongue and make this problem go away for $100? How bout for $20? How bout for free? By the end of the chapter you have a choice to accept this free wisdom or not.

James 3:13-16 NIV

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

We know from relationships that the last part is true and that very same envy and selfish ambition come from the wisdom from below. Psalm 139 David said to everlastins heart and get rid of any evil left and lead him in the way everlasting. And this is the very same thing that James is attempting to explain that we need as well.

James 3:17-18 NIV

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

David in psalm 51 realizes his need for a heart adjustment. We also need to come to God on the matter and ask Him to continue to work in us and create in us a new heart.

Wisdom from above is willingness for God to come in and make changes. Wisdom from above is humility and keeping peace.

Matthew 5:3-11 NIV

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek,

for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

This is the wisdom from above. This is what we must have manifested in our life. These words are the standard for Christian loving. These words are the instructions of how God wants us as His children to think and act and react. if you haven't already begun this journey, then be encouraged to start tonight/today. We must purpose ourselves to be changed and lead by God before we purpose ourselves to share what we learn to grow others.

Ephesians 4:29-32 NIV

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Don't grieve the Holy Spirit but rather pray for His work in you to continue that You might have the characteristics desired of a follower of Christ. God does want us to get this right and He is totally willing to help us. We must trust in His word and be doers and He will change our hearts.

Pray for Him now to refine your heart through His word and through His Holy Spirit. You can have a pure heart and your words can thus flow forth from that and reflect t that you are God's child.

week of 2-22-11 2nd recorded Highquest Bible study

The passage I read was John 14:8-17

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2014:8-17&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

Know your God/Pray in Jesus' name/Keep His commands/have Holy Spirit for help.

Philip asks Jesus to show him the Father kinda as proof. Jesus basically gently rebukes him saying how can you ask me that after all I’ve shown you. If you see me then you’ve seen the Father because He is in and I am in Him. Jesus tells him that the evidence is in the works Jesus does. He then says, “Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” Jesus then goes on to explain that after He is gone we will have the Holy Spirit as our advocate and we may ask of anything in Jesus name.

As I reflect:

I think of Philip and all the time he spent with Jesus only to come to this point where he really proves how little he knows Him. I know that I have come to know Jesus through time in a relationship with Him, time spent studying and applying His word to my life, time with His Holy Spirit, time with other believers and followers after Him. How can Philip have this wonderful opportunity to walk physically with the Son of God and still not know Him? It’s a bit beyond me. Listen up everyone. If you are reading this right now, then I’m talking to you. Know your God. It’s that simple. Know Him. Be discontent until you know your God. It’s not religion; it’s a relationship. It’s not about you; it’s about Him (greater is Him that is in you).

We also read in this passage one of the key reasons why you hear Christians pray “in Jesus name”. Though it certainly doesn’t need to be said all the time if you yourself are praying alone and know whose name you are praying through that our advocate deliver up our prayer. There is a completely different and much more in depth study that can be started from this passage discussing the asking in Jesus name and receiving whatever you ask. To shorten that up a bit, suffice it to say that it is implied throughout the Word that when asking it must be done of right motivation and faith. Jesus is not implying in any way here that we can simply go praying to be rich and have a huge mansion and then *poof* like magic from a genie in a lamp have those things. As a matter of fact, if this is a priority or motivating factor in your life then you may want to closely examine your heart and walk with Christ. These prayers in Jesus Name that He is speaking of are to also be in accordance with the motive and character of the name of Jesus. It is His person allowing us to come to God and not our person.

In verse 15 it says, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” Recently this came up from a good friend of mine as they reminded me how ridiculous it is to even begin to add up your “I didn’t do this sin or that sin today” list. We are told that if we love Him, we will keep His commands. Wow! How impossible is that for any person?! This shows us that we can’t do it. We are in need of Our Savior. We need His Holy Spirit to live through us every day and empower us in all that we do. It’s also (I think) a clear separation from giving simple lip service. You can’t say “I love Jesus” and then not do anything about it. If you love Him truly, then your life will be affected. And you will need a great deal of help through the changes that will occur as a result of the trials and tribulations to come. The Holy Spirit is that great helper here to guide us through our becoming a new creation. Jesus wraps up this passage saying, “ The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”

How encouraging to know that despite the overwhelming supernatural weight of our calling in following after Jesus, we have the unending all knowing power of the Holy Spirit of God with us and in us. What task can stop us with this knowledge applied to us daily?

My response to the Lord:

Father, I am encouraged by the message I received from you today. I am encouraged that I don’t have to question whether or not I know the One True God. I know that I know you. I am encouraged that I don’t have to feel like a failure because of my inadequacies because you have provided a way to make me new and empower me. And I am honored to be able to come to you in the name of your Son and pray for your will to be done through your Holy Spirit here with me. Speak to me your will as I daily read your word and spend time in fellowship and prayer. Work through me to do as you wish. Take out anything that is left of my old heart Father & I pray you provide me more of you as there is less of me. In the most holy name of your Son Jesus Christ, I patiently make my request known to you.

week of 2-22-11 1st recorded HighQuest Bible study

The passage I read was John 8:21-33

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%208:21-32&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

This is a seemingly straight forward passage where Jesus is speaking to some of His accusers (the Pharisees) about His identity. Though His identity was made plainly known for many, the Pharisees were continually blind to it, just as they were again in this passage. Jesus accused them of not knowing the Father and of not knowing Him and He told them that they could not come with Him where He was going. He wraps up this portion of scripture speaking to those Jews who had believed Him.

“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

As I reflect:

So typical of those who pretend to follow God that they should display such obvious lack of sight when standing directly before Him. It was their hatred of the Son of God that would separate them from being able to follow where Jesus was going and yet even upon hearing that, they tried to twist Jesus’ words to make it seem as though He were speaking of committing suicide. There is little to no difference today in the many that are blinded by Satan as he spent a lifetime molding their beliefs that the Bible is a lie and that no man can be born twice, etc. People seem to rather accuse a follower and believer than to actually do the research themselves. There is an abundance of evidence proving truth in the Word of God, but for those who are hateful and prideful, it would require becoming humble to confess this truth and thus it’s far easier to simply think of oneself as more righteous than the next and comment hatefully upon their loving beliefs as ignorance. Faith is not ignorance. It is the belief that we (unlike the unbelievers in this passage) do not have to die in our sins because we have chosen to confess and accept the forgiveness of the One True God, who loved us so dearly that His Son poured out His blood in our place and took on the full weight of our punishment. The Pharisees didn’t believe this and thus they would end up dying in their sins. Jesus had told them time and again that He is the Son of God, but the Pharisees just couldn’t take that in, despite a lifetime of fulfilling prophecy about the Son of God coming and doing precisely what Jesus did.

Jesus then turns to the listening crowd, many of whom (having seen the truth in Jesus) now believed, and He told them “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. Any you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” This is a founding truth of our discipleship after Jesus. For if we are to call ourselves Christians, or Jesus followers, or the like, then we must abide in the Word. We must daily read and apply the written word to our lives and be doers of the word as well as daily abide in Jesus (the Word made flesh) and live through Him as He lives through us. This is a very close relationship. It’s not fake holiness like the Pharisees. When we abide in Him and Him in us we are then able to live in truth and be truly free from the confines of a sinful life.

My response to the Lord:

Lord, I thank you for saving me. I am thankful that you chose not to harden my heart but to soften it to your Gospel truth that I might come to receive life abundant and eternal life with Christ Jesus. I have been made glad by You. You removed the veil from mine eyes and allowed me to see with faith in a way that the world is so blinded from. With You, my life has been made new. The old has gone and the new has come and I owe every breath to you Lord. I thank you Jesus.

week of 2-15-11 4th recorded HighQuest Bible study

The passage I read was John 6:52-69

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+6:52-69&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

This one was a bit too lengthy and I found I was having difficulty attempting to summarize it. I have instead chosen to share the 2 verses that most stood out to me.

68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”

As I reflect:

Metaphors, metaphors, metaphors. How handy it woulda been for many to have known that these were metaphors. Perhaps though, it was the intent of Jesus to thin the crowd of “disciples” following Him? I know that telling someone that they will have to eat you and drink your blood will cause them to not want to be around you. If I know that, then Jesus surely knew it and said what He did any way. I believe there was a reason.

The Metaphor of eating and drinking was a common one in that day and here it refers to us taking in the Spirit of God and living through Him. I believe that many who followed after Jesus were concerned with things of the flesh but that Jesus was concerned with things of the spirit and to separate (not bring peace) the Lord sought division between those who followed for selfish gain and fleshly things, and those who were concerned with the life giving Word of God.

The Bible refers to Jesus as the Word and has several references to how the Word gives us life. We not only have eternal life in Heaven through the Word as in the Son of God, but also we have life more abundantly through reading and applying the written Word of God to our lives daily. We must be filled with the Holy Spirit, consuming entirely all that the Lord is and thus be empowered to act on His word daily as we walk this narrow path. Lead us take daily bread (as in time with the Lord and time with the word He has given us) that we may be filled anew each day. The many hard teachings I have been looking at recently are simply impossible for us if we don’t first come to the Lord and be filled with Him wise life giving words in the scriptures.

Oh that we may do the same thing that Jesus did here and discourage every fleshly motive for attending churches, reading Bibles, fellowshipping, etc, both in others and in ourselves and just get back to the basics. Let’s put Him first. Let His word come alive in you and allow you to live full of the bread of life.

My response to the Lord:

Holy God, your words ring true in every given aspect of life. There is nowhere and no one that your word doesn’t apply to. There is no situation in which your wisdom would not prove a powerful tool for life. From your word, I have learned and will continue to learn till I see you face to face. And from your Son I have received life abundant. May I daily spend time consuming your bread of life. May I often take part in the body and blood of your Son in remembrance of what has been done for me and why. May your Holy Spirit daily empower me and fill me with such love and devotion to follow after Jesus in doing your will.

week of 2-15-11 3rd recorded Highquest bible study

The passage I read was Matthew 10:32-39

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+10:32-39&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

Yet another seemingly hard hitting passage. Here we have Jesus saying He didn’t come to bring peace to Earth but a sword. He says He has come to turn man against his own family members even to the point of making them enemies and that anyone who loves their family more than Jesus isn’t worthy of Jesus. He goes on to say we must take up our cross daily and follow Hi, and He even says we must lose our life for His sake to find it.

Don’t run yet though. This is not to be taken out of context.

As I reflect:

Last week and the majority of this one, I have spent time in some very rough and hard hitting verses for my HighQuest studies. Oddly enough, I am in three different church studies that are focusing a bit more on God believing in us and empowering us and giving us His grace. Seemingly opposite topics, I believe they are actually one and the same.

I feel that our relationship with God is meant to be a close one and not distant. This is something I’ve not only learned through experience over time, but also all throughout God’s word. I have noticed the relationships that our examples and the many that have come before us have had with God and I have noticed how my own relationship with Him has grown through the passage of time. I don’t feel any of us were meant to be introduced to God and then simply stay where we were. We are meant to grow in maturity and in the fruit of the Holy Spirit working in our lives, and in the positive Christ like characteristics that are built up in us over time. I believe we are meant to grow in love and closeness to God as we learn to be a more functional member of the body of believers that is Christ working here on Earth through us.

In these past several passage studies I have seen many verses that could easily be taken out of context and make it seem as though Christ wants us to be hateful or spiteful toward others and in fact some of these verses have been used inappropriately in the past to make the “Christian” out to be one of the worst witnesses for Christ in history. But in context and used properly as they were meant to be, these verses are quite life giving and describe not hatred but rather love and closeness to our God. When we put Him first; when we place Him, His study, learning His ways, and living how He has shown us as our first priority, it is not only natural that we will be met with the burden and hardships of lost friendships and even hatred from family members that may judge or simply not feel the same way as us, but it is also supernatural to know that we by making forward advances for the kingdom of God will indeed be faced with attack head on from the spiritual enemy as well. The enemy will do everything to cause us to fall victim to a number of distractions from our Lord including, sexual desire, Hollywood entertainment, monetary motivation, and the many other forms of self medicated addiction that fill nearly every home in America and abroad. If you don’t think it’s a higher priority than God or an addiction, then consider the amount of time you place into any given category of your life compared to the amount of time you spend in prayer or in doing the will of God as it is made known for us in His word. Make no mistake about it, if we truly love God and put Him first, then we will follow after His teachings and when we do this, we will lose our lives as we knew them before His Holy Spirit began a new work in us. We will be out casted from many areas of society.

Try standing in front of an abortion clinic and preaching God’s love for the babies that are murdered and the opportunity for mothers to be forgiven and make a choice for life, or standing in front of a porn store and preaching that sexual immorality is anything outside of natural sex with one’s married opposite sex partner and that God wills that we should turn away from the porn store and lay our burdens at the cross because He loves and wants to heal you and change your life for the better. Try that. Tell me if you become an outcast in those moments. Tell me if you are easily accepted and befriended when you stand on the Word of God. This is our cross, it is our acknowledgement of Jesus as our Savior daily that we will not and cannot live like the rest of the world lives because we know that they are dead inside and without eternal life in Christ. Living for Christ does not bring peace so much as you will see it brings division.

People will be offended when they find out that you don’t love their sins as much as you love them. Be encouraged Christian, even with great discernment many will turn away from your approach to sharing the Gospel. It’s not your fault. It’s not necessarily even your method. It is very often the simple truth that Satan has his claws deep within their souls and they are not a fertile soil for the seed of salvation to take root. Be further encouraged that the few who are ready to take the seed will often not allow you to see it’s acceptance or growth. The difference the Lord makes through you may often only be noted by the lack of a great wealth of popularity among your family, friends, acquaintances, and the strangers you meet on the road. Be encouraged, for if you feel as though every circle seems to have cast you out as a “Jesus Freak”, then you are doing exactly as you ought to. Be encouraged that those great examples in the Bible that have come many generations before you were caused to suffer in the same ways as a result of losing their life for Christ. We can rejoice in this. The harder this life seems to be, the closer we seem to get to our Savior. Fear nothing this world has and stand firmly on the solid Rock that is Jesus. He is of the greatest value and it ought not be any different for He is who we will spend eternity with.

My response to the Lord:

Father in Heaven, your name is above all names. You are King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Surely there is none above you or even your equal. May your name be glorified forever and ever. I acknowledge before men not only by my words but with my life that you are my God and that Jesus my Lord has shed His blood on the cross and resurrected again so that I might confess, repent, receive forgiveness, and by the Power of your Holy Spirit I may forsake all else and live for you alone. Lord, I am happy that I have lost my life for you and that you continue to work this out in me now. I am thankful and owe you my everything. I have counted the cost to follow you and I count following you worth far more than I can pay. But what I have is yours. I am yours. Though it cost me popularity, many friends, several family members, an innumerable amount of acquaintances, and every possession or selfish ambition I have taken upon myself that did not come from you, I will follow you every day even unto eternity my God. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

week of 2-15-11 2nd recorded Highquest bible study

The passage I read was Matthew 19:16-26

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2019:16-26&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

A young rich ruler approaches Jesus and seeks to inherit eternal life. He is unfortunately turned away sad because he must give up all he owns do follow. Jesus then teaches His disciples about the difficulty (near impossibility if not for God’s grace) for a rich person to enter Heaven. The final verse in the passage sticks out most to me:

V26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

As I reflect:

I can’t find the study I did on this passage before but it was all about the state of the heart as I remember. And as I read over it and think about it again, I can’t help but to see it in that same way still.

In this passage it seems that Jesus is a bit sarcastic or maybe playing with the guys mind a bit here with the whole “good teacher” thing. I think He is trying to get the guy to realize just who exactly he is talking to. This “Good Teacher” is in fact the only One who is good because only God is good. I wonder if the rich guy gets that out of Jesus’ response. The conversation just seems to go down hill for the guy from the very start. Jesus ( I believe) knew the state of the man’s heart well before he approached Him. This man’s heart was performance based and had all the wrong motive. As a wealthy self invested man, he likely believed that his performance and wealth gave him status and likely would also be the keys to eternal life. Thinking that performance of any kind can get you to heaven is ill thought and failed motivation. Heaven shouldn’t be a trophy you attempt to obtain to add to your collection of successes. Jesus kind of sets him up here and perhaps that’s exactly what was needed for this man to realize just how wrong the place of his heart was.

Jesus responds to the man with only the commands that deal with behavioral performance, but doesn’t say anything about the commands that deal with sins of the heart. Of course this man had obeyed (to the best of his knowledge) all of the correct behaviors he should, but his heart wasn’t prepared for the sacrifice needed to put Jesus first. He wanted to go to Heaven, but He didn’t want to make Jesus #1 in his life to do so. When he heard that he needed to give it all up to follow Jesus, he walked away sad.

Recently I came across the thought (thanks to a brother) of my possessions and how much they meant to me. I wanted to be sure I was holding my blessings; my possessions in my hand and not squeezing them. I wanted to be sure that I owned and stewarded the possessions the Lord had given me and that they didn’t possess me. I evaluated and came to the Lord in prayer to converse about it. I let Him know how very thankful I was for everything, but if it meant being closer to Him, than by all means remove the possessions as they don’t belong to me truly. Everything I have is God’s. Even my wife and kids are not truly mine. My family is devoted to and under the direct ownership and adoption of God Who paid for us in blood. If He requires it of me, then I am willing to let all my kingdoms fall (a favorite line from a song) and surrender all. Following this prayer, I felt a since of relieve. I felt as though it was affirmed that I wasn’t holding on to my possessions too tightly or being ran by them or placing them a higher priority than my Savior. This must never change. Daily I must remember to keep Jesus the #1 priority and be others centered and not self centered. (Sometimes easier said than done)

My response to the Lord:

Father, I am a living example of your grace and mercy simply because I am living. I know in my past there were times I never could have imagined not only living this long but also being found in your favor with blessings abounding and a wonderful family sharing love and growing together. The things you have done and continue to do in my life: I don’t deserve them, but I am so thankful that you have placed these many things and people in my care. Lord, I ask you to help me to care for and steward over these things in Godly manner. I pray that I would never place my possessions above you or the things which you have called me to do. May I always place you first and may my family follow this example and do the same. You and you alone have made our lives possible. You and you alone have made our afterlives with you possible. Thank you Father. May we live for you now and forever and let nothing hinder our service to you, by you, for you. In Jesus name.

02-12-11 notes on Luke 12 "attitudes of the heart"

this link goes to the revelation song. may want to listen to it again after reading the chapter. seems to put things in perspective... at least for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_3W8XI7W2w

Additudes of the heart.

Luke 12:1 NKJV

In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, “Beware of theleaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

This is an un-countable group of people that are coming to Jesus like its black Friday and He has the only Wii. As they are coming to Him for all the wrong reasons He turns to His disciples and gives a warning about acting Godly. In chapter 11 Jesus confronted such actions by the Pharisees by saying u need to first cleanser the inside of the cup. What is it that God desires of us? Certainly not to put on an act and be hypocritical so that others Think you are more spiritual than you really are. GOD is concerned with the heart. Think about it this way, have you ever had another Christian brother or sister say something like, " hey you know this verse" and you agree and act like you know it as they quote it but u r actually hoping they don't ask u the reference because you don't really know it and you just wanted to look like you were knowledgeable? That’s hypocrisy and it helps no one grow in a genuine relationship with the Lord… Least of all you.

Luke 12:2-3 NKJV

For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.

Think about it as if your secrets were suddenly on the front page of the springs gazette or on the super bowl commercials. Instead of having a heart attack as you think about that, choose to live in a way that hides no secrets from others so that you will not be horrified on the day that the Lord lays everything out to be seen.

Luke 12:4-5 NKJV

“And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!

We spend to much of our lives with our fears misplaced in this world. Jesus is saying here to walk boldly. Think about it... What's the worst thing the world could do to you? Kill you? And thus send you to your home in heaven with your beloved Savior? Not too shabby if ya ask me. And definitely nothing to fear. I’ve heard it put like this before, “if you fear God, there is nothing else to fear”. Keeps it pretty simple.

Proverbs 29:25 NKJV

The fear of man brings a snare,

But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.

We respect and value some people far too much in that we have made too much of them and now fear them. That needs only be given to God. We are living our lives for an audience of one. We are bond servants of but one Master.

Proverbs 1:7 NKJV

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,

But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

We grow up often with a fear of what our parents can do to us on the consequences side, but then there is also a respectful fear that is out of love in that you do not want to do wrong against them and thus hurt their hearts. This is that fear of God we are to have. Not just a trembling of what His hands can do in wrath, but a fear of hurting our Heavenly Father's heart and the respect for Him in that light as well.

Luke 12:6-7 NKJV

“Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

In Genesis we learn that we are the most prescious of His creation. Here we are told He knows even the number of hairs on our heads. The average number BTW is 108,000 strands. What we are learning in this chapter is that God is concerned with us and loves us so much we have nothing to fear.

Luke 12:8-9 NKJV

“Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God. But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God.

Romans 10:9 shows us the importance of confession for it is the way to salvation.

Romans 10:9-10 NKJV

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Remove the fear of man.. onfess and grasp the cross.

Luke 12:10 NKJV

“And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven.

To blasphemy is to reject the work of the Holy Spirit. It can be reversed but this is talking about a lifetime spent living against the Holy Spirit (denial of salvation). That is unforgivable. If however, you blasphemed the Holy Spirit, yelled at in anger, flipped off, turned away from, cursed God in your life and think that you cannot be forgiven for that, you are wrong. You can be forgiven and confess and turn away from that sin. You can confess Jesus as your Lord today and invite Him to come in through His Holy Spirit and begin molding you as clay in the potter’s hands. You can be saved today regardless of anything and everything you did before this very moment.

Luke 12:11-12 NKJV

“Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

Now that is more the opposite of blasphemy. The not only acknowledgement of the Holy Spirit living in you, but the use of your vessel by the Holy Spirit for the work of God. Now we look at covetous.

Luke 12:13 NKJV

Then one from the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”

Yea, cuz a family fighting over an inheritance has never happened. Right! Well, I’m sure Jesus is just gunna jump right in and fix this problem between the two. Lol. wow. Why does this earthly concept matter so much to people? Why is greed so gripping? Such a stronghold of the heart.

Luke 12:14 NKJV

But He said to him, “Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?”

He's not interested in being judge Judy here. He wants to get them/us to the heart of the issue. Covetousness. This has seemingly just become something that is now part of the norm. Everyone in society seems to be infected with this covetousness disease. You see it in business regardless of where you work (even in the church…. Don’t think so pastor? Then ask your ushers, deacons, the band, etc which of them feel they could do a better job in someone else’s higher paying position then the person currently in that position.).

1 Timothy 6:10 NKJV

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Hebrews 13:5 NKJV

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Luke 12:15 NKJV

And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”

So here we are being told the opposite of what society tells us. Our items and finances don't make us successful. Ask yourself," do I possess my possessions or do my possessions possess me?" Or "do you own your house or does your house own you?". Think about it. Our life is to be in Christ but if you get a scratch on your new car is your reaction reflecting that belief or do you in anger and shock throw a temper tantrum and show that you value your possessions far too much? God owns it all.

Luke 12:16-18 NKJV

Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods.

In this parable the man doesn't ask God what to do, doesn't share his great wealth, doesn't have proper motivation as he stores away his treasure and lives to eat, drink, and be merry. You can look throughout Scripture and you will not fnd this type of self endulging retirement. You will however find many verses that support that instead of kicking up your feet you should serve Him in bringing the kingdom nearer with your extra time.

Luke 12:19-20 NKJV

And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” ’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’

The foolishness of this man is that he spent all the time he had preparing to eat, drink, and be merry but spent no time seeking richness in God.

Luke 12:21 NKJV

“So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

1 Timothy 6:3-4, 6-9 NKJV

If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.

Luke 12:22-23 NKJV

Then He said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.

We/ I have a daily choice to make in my unemployment stint here. I choose not to worry. Its not foolishness, its reliance on my God regardless of the state of economy. I know that He will take care of me and my family and otherwise would call us home. Either outcome in faith is wonderful.

Luke 12:24 NKJV

Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds?

This doesn't mean we aren't to work and put forth effort in life. That's not the point. ;-) The point is to not be anxious about your life or worry. It doesn't do anything to spend time worrying. Trust Him and truly live. May I testify that my life is truly abundant despite heavy persecution and unemployment. HE IS TAKING CARE OF ME AND IF YOU ARE BREATHING THUS FAR THEN YOU ALSO ARE IN THE HANDS OF GOD.

Luke 12:25-31 NKJV

And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.

What are u concerned about in life?

Don't take this verse out of context. We are talking about needs here. You don't get a Fararri for seeking first the kingdoms of God but your needs are met. Prioritize that you should first concern yourself with the state of the heart; the eternal well being of other people's souls as well and then all these things will follow.

Luke 12:32-34 NKJV

“Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Verse 34 there is a good wrap up of several previous verses. If you have stock in a company you are thus concerned heavily with that company and you put value in it’s success. I encourage you to instead be a giver and invest your wealth in the Lord that there will be your concern and you will become passionate about the kingdom of God being drawn nearer. Your heart will follow where your treasures are. But don't do this service out of hypocrisy in your heart. Do it for proper motivation that it may be blessed.