Dale Tedder

New Blog's Name and Address

2009-12-17T11:00:00.003-05:00

I've moved this blog to a new location.

You can find me by clicking

HERE.

Blessings,

Dale Tedder

Launch Date for New Blog

2009-12-07T11:38:00.002-05:00

I'm looking forward to launching my new blog. As of right now, the official date will be Monday, January 4. I'm hoping to have most of my ducks in a row by then. I'll provide a link to it on that day.

Thanks,
Dale

New Blog Coming Soon

2009-11-24T14:45:00.003-05:00

I'm excited to share the news that I'll be launching a new blog beginning in January, 2010. It will finally look (I hope) a whole lot closer to what I've been trying to do for several years.

I'd like to thank Rick Thomas at Counseling Solutions for all his help in getting this up and moving in the right direction. I think it will more faithfully serve as my online ministry.

Make sure to check back so that you can be redirected to the new site.

Many blessings during this Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas Season.
Dale

A Prayer for Thanksgiving

2009-11-22T08:10:00.003-05:00

Most gracious God, you crown the year with your goodness. We praise you that you have ever fulfilled your promise that, while the earth remains, seedtime and harvest shall not cease. We bless you for the order and constancy of nature, for the beauty of earth and sky and sea, and for the providence that year by year supplies our need.

We thank you for your blessing on the work of those who plowed the soil and sowed the seed, and have now gathered in the fruits of the earth. And with our thanksgiving for these blessings, accept our praise, O God, for the eternal riches of your grace in Christ our Lord; to whom, with you, O Father, and the Holy Spirit, be all glory and honor and worship, for ever and ever. Amen.

Taken from The United Methodist Book of Worship

Prayer for this Lord's Day

2009-11-22T08:04:00.003-05:00

"By Thy grace, O God, I will go nowhere this day where Thou canst not come, nor court any companionship that would rob me of Thine. By Thy grace I will let no thought enter my heart that might hinder my communion with Thee, nor let any word come from my mouth that is not meant for Thine ear."

Part of a prayer that comes from John Baillie's Prayer Diary.

Prayer Requests

2009-11-22T08:02:00.002-05:00

If you have a prayer request for this week that you would like to share with others and me, please click on "comments" immediately below this post and write it out in the provided space. Doing that will enable anyone who clicks on "comments" to read and pray for your request(s).

You may also want to check back later to discover how you can pray for someone else...or offer your support and encouragement.

If you have a prayer request that is more private in nature, then please do not hesitate to email me directly. My email address is DaleTedder@yahoo.com. It would be an honor and a blessing to pray for you.

Blessings,
Dale

Tozer Devotion for this Lord's Day

2009-11-22T07:59:00.003-05:00

Effectively Communicating Truth

Many of us who preach the unsearchable riches of Christ are often pretty dull and hard to listen to.

The freshest thought to visit the human mind should be the thought of God. The story of salvation should put a radiancy in the face and a vibrancy in the voice of him that tells it. Yet it is not uncommon to hear the wondrous message given in a manner that makes it difficult for the hearer to concentrate on what is being said. What is wrong?

The conventional answer, "The speaker is not full of the Holy Spirit," does not tell us enough. Many who by every test of life and love are temples of the Spirit manage to sound like a worn-out phonograph record that was not very good in the first place.

It is true that only the Spirit-filled preacher can be morally effective at last; but for the moment we are thinking only of the ability of a speaker to command the attention of his hearers. And if the speaker cannot keep his hearers immediately interested, his message cannot possibly have a long-range effect upon them, no matter how spiritual he may be.

Verse: But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. 2 Timothy 4:17

Thought: Let's move beyond pablum formulas to spiritual food that contributes to maturity. Unless we do, believers may never grow beyond babyhood and our congregations will remain in spiritual infancy.

Prayer: What a solemn responsibility to proclaim Your truth, Lord! May I not hinder Your Spirit's work by lack of prayer, dependence upon You and thoughtful preparation.

Taken from the Tozer Devotional page at the Christian Missionary Alliance

Majesty

2009-11-22T07:58:00.001-05:00

Scripture for this Lord's Day

2009-11-22T07:55:00.002-05:00

John 18:33-37

Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" [34] "Is that your own idea," Jesus asked, "or did others talk to you about me?"

[35] "Am I a Jew?" Pilate replied. "It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?"

[36] Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place."

[37] "You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."

Go Make Disciples by John Piper

2009-11-22T07:54:00.000-05:00

Heidelberg Catechism: Lord's Day 47

2009-11-22T07:49:00.001-05:00

The Lord's Prayer

122. Question: What is the first petition?

Answer: Hallowed be Thy Name. That is: Grant us first of all that we may rightly know Thee,[1] and sanctify, glorify, and praise Thee in all Thy works, in which shine forth Thy almighty power, wisdom, goodness, righteousness, mercy, and truth.[2] Grant us also that we may so direct our whole life-- our thoughts, words, and actions-- that Thy Name is not blasphemed because of us but always honoured and praised.[3]

[1] Jer. 9:23, 24; 31: 33, 34; Matt. 16:17; John 17:3. [2] Ex. 34:5-8; Ps. 145; Jer. 32:16-20; Luke 1:46-55, 68-75; Rom. 11: 33-36. [3] Ps. 115:1; Matt. 5:16.

The Manhattan Declaration

2009-11-20T17:40:00.002-05:00

Friends,

This declaration is a light in the darkness. It is salt in a dark and decaying world. It is good news indeed.

I would encourage you to read it and then, if you agree with it, sign it. May God use it for the good of our country once again.

http://manhattandeclaration.org/index.php

Here are a few articles on it, to give you more of an idea of what this is...

http://www.worldmag.com/webextra/16155

http://www.breakpoint.org/commentaries/13534-the-manhattan-declaration

http://www.christianpost.com/article/20091120/u-s-christian-leaders-to-issue-call-to-defend-truth/index.html

http://www.christianpost.com/article/20091120/christians-urged-not-to-abandon-conscience-proclaim-the-gospel/page2.html

Blessings,
Dale

from Pastor Dale's Journal

2009-11-17T20:33:00.003-05:00

Great time in God's Word this morning. Wisdom kept emerging... from God's Word, not me.

Proverbs 8:10-11 - [10] Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, [11] for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.

James 3:13 - [13] Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

James 3:17-18 - [17] 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. [18] Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

What day is it?

2009-11-17T20:09:00.002-05:00

Haven't blogged in far too long. Very busy. A tad bit undisciplined. A touch apathetic. All in all, not very commendable. Looking forward to getting back in the zone. Seems to be how I operate.

Dale

My New Hero, Ezra

2009-10-26T11:44:00.003-04:00

Ezra 7:6 - this Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses, which the Lord, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted him everything he asked, for the hand of the Lord his God was on him.

Ezra 7:9-10 - He had begun his journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month, and he arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, for the gracious hand of his God was on him. [10] For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.

You may not know much about Ezra, though you’ve probably heard of him. He has a book of the Old Testament named after him. For me, he exemplifies much of what I believe my own purpose is as a pastor. More than that, however, I believe he’s a model for all Christians.

Ezra was a descendent of Moses’ brother, Aaron, the chief priest. Ezra was a teacher, we’re told, who was well versed in the Law of Moses (Ezra 7:6). The end of verse 9 tells us that the hand of God was on Ezra. Why? Because, according to verse 10, Ezra “devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord as well as to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.”

In other words, Ezra passionately STUDIED God’s Word, LIVED God’s Word, and TAUGHT God’s Word to others.

A pastor, or any Christian for that matter, must first STUDY God’s Word. This is obvious. This is where the pump is primed and fresh water is poured into the soul. This is where the renewing of the mind takes place so that it will become fertile ground for transformation later.

This leads to the next point – LIVING God’s Word. If you don’t believe the teachings of God’s Word and are not practicing it’s laws and principles each day, then one might ask why you are studying it in the first place. The Word of God makes us wise for salvation, teaches us, rebukes us, corrects us, trains us in righteousness so that we may become thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:15-17). We don’t study it to win Bible trivia contests or to impress our congregations. We study it so that we might become more and more like Christ.

But Ezra did more than study it and live it – He TAUGHT it. He passed along his knowledge to others. He added value to their lives from what he learned. And it’s the fact that he did faithfully study it and live (or practice) it that brought credibility and integrity to his teaching. You see, the goal of any disciple of Jesus Christ is to reproduce himself in the lives of others. This is accomplished through learning what it means to be a disciple of Christ, faithfully living that calling out each day, and then passing it along to others. It’s what I call “pouring your life into another person.” Jesus put it this way in the gospel of John,

I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. (John 12:24)

In a sense, we die to ourselves as we diligently study God’s Word, conform ourselves to it’s standards, and pass it along to others – even at personal cost. But any sacrifice offered is more than worth it because, as Jesus put it, it produces many seeds.

How do we pass along God’s Word to others? This can be done in a variety of ways. You can teach others God’s Word from the pulpit, in a classroom, in a hospital room, in a counseling session, over lunch with a friend, around the family table at breakfast or dinner, or written correspondence. The list could go on and on.

Finally, I love how Ezra did all of this. The text says he devoted himself to it. He gave his life to it. He was committed to God’s Word in all of its life-transforming fullness. And because he was so devoted, we learn that God’s hand was on him. God has appointed his Word as a primary means of grace (as it works with his Spirit) whereby we are enabled to intimately know God and his Son Jesus Christ, know about the character, attributes, and works of God, learn how to love and serve God, discover how to become more Christlike in our daily lives, as well as how to spend eternity with him.

God’s Word: Know It – Live It – Teach It To Others.

Not a bad purpose statement for all of us. I want to be like Ezra. How about you?

Stand Firm,
Dale

Reflections from Pastor Dale's Prayer Closet

2009-10-25T09:19:00.002-04:00

Scripture readings from this morning's time in the prayer closet...

Leviticus 16 - after several days navigating through rules and regulations about open wounds and sores, it was nice to read so much this morning about the Day of Atonement, Aaron's high priesthood, the scapegoat, etc. Christ was in every verse. Very edifying.

2 Kings 4 - Awesome to see God's power made manifest in and through Elisha's miracles. Also, it was encouraging to see the hospitality of the Shunammite couple... instigated by the wife.

Psalm 119:105-144 - The beauty of God's Word. What a gift to God's people. A few highlights...

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.

Psalm 119:111-112
Your statutes are my heritage forever;
they are the joy of my heart.
[112] My heart is set on keeping your decrees
to the very end.

Psalm 119:127-128
Because I love your commands more than gold,
more than pure gold,
[128] and because I consider all your precepts right,
I hate every wrong path.

Psalm 119:133
Direct my footsteps according to your word;
let no sin rule over me.

Jeremiah 37 - Verse 2 really spoke to me this morning...

Jeremiah 37:2
Neither he nor his attendants nor the people of the land paid any attention to the words the Lord had spoken through Jeremiah the prophet.

How frustrating that must have been for Jeremiah. And yet, he remained faithful to God's call in his life to preach the words that God gave him. He was even unjustly arrested... which is such a biblical pattern.

Joel 1

Matthew 26 (especially verses 36-46, which spoke so powerfully about the prayer life of our Lord... and our frailty in prayer and watchfulness)

Hebrews 2 - WOW!!! What a chapter of exaltation to our Lord!!! - Highlights...

Hebrews 2:1-4
We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. [2] For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, [3] how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. [4] God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

Hebrews 2:8b-11
...In putting everything under him, God left nothing that is not subject to him. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him. [9] But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
[10] In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. [11] Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.

Hebrews 2:14-15
Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death--that is, the devil-- [15] and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

Hebrews 2:17-18
For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. [18] Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

God gave me answer to the questions of suffering, pain, loss, and grief this morning. And while it is right and proper to mourn with those who mourn, we must also never forget who our loving, holy, and sovereign God is. He reminded me of this fact this morning...

Job 38:4-7 and Exodus 3:14 (You're going to have look these up for yourself. It will do you good.)

From the Lutheran Book of Prayer...

"Lord Jesus, the Lover of my soul, take full possession of my heart today. Make me a dwelling place of Thy Holy Spirit.

"Save me from the follies of sin and the despair of a guilty conscience.

"Give me grace to grow in knowledge of Thee and of Thy Word that, living to Thee, I may die daily to sin and the world and serve Thee with all my heart. Abide with me gracious Savior, that I may continue from day to day in Thy presence until life's journey is ended and I come into Thy presence to praise and glorify Thee, world without end. Amen."

Gracious Father, please stamp this prayer upon my own heart and mind and make it my own. Amen.

Have a great Lord's Day today!
Dale

Prayer for this Lord's Day

2009-10-25T09:09:00.002-04:00

Almighty and most merciful God, you know the thoughts of our hearts.
We confess that we have sinned against you and done evil in your sight.
We have transgressed your holy laws.
We have disregarded your Word and Sacraments.
Forgive us, O Lord.
Give us grace and power to put away all hurtful things,
that, being delivered from the bondage of sin,
we may bring forth fruit worthy of repentance,
and from henceforth may ever walk in your holy ways;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

From The United Methodist Book of Worship

Prayer Requests

2009-10-25T09:08:00.002-04:00

Tozer Devotion for this Lord's Day

2009-10-25T09:04:00.003-04:00

Secret Helpers

In the sixth chapter of his Galatian epistle Paul settled forever the scope of our Christian responsibility: "Therefore as, we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers" (Galatians 6:10). This is in harmony with the truth found in the widely known story of the Good Samaritan, where it is established that our "neighbor" is anyone who needs us, whether or not he is of our kin or nationality. I do not see how we can escape the force of this double witness; and to tell the truth, I do not believe any honest person can.

That we should do good in Christ’s name no one can deny. How to do it without letting our right hand know what our left hand is doing (Matthew 6:3) is an art not many have managed to learn.

Verse: But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:3–4

Thought: There is a tendency to seek the spotlight when helping others so that recognition and commendation are ours. But blessed is the helper who helps the one in need secretly or unobstrusively. Such help is easier to accept and of it God is fully aware.

Prayer: May I be a helper, Lord, who in Your name helps others in secret.

Taken from the Tozer Devotional page at the Christian Missionary Alliance

To God Be The Glory

2009-10-25T08:59:00.000-04:00

Scripture for this Lord's Day

2009-10-25T08:54:00.002-04:00

Psalm 34:1-8
Of David.

When he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he left.

I will extol the Lord at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
[2] My soul will boast in the Lord;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
[3] Glorify the Lord with me;
let us exalt his name together.

[4] I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
[5] Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
[6] This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.
[7] The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.

[8] Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

Josh McDowell Testimony Part 1

2009-10-25T08:53:00.000-04:00

Heidelberg Catechism: Lord's Day 43

2009-10-25T08:46:00.001-04:00

The Ninth Commandment

112. Question: What is required in the ninth commandment?

Answer: I must not give false testimony against anyone, twist no one's words, not gossip or slander, nor condemn or join in condemning anyone rashly and unheard.[1] Rather, I must avoid all lying and deceit as the devil's own works, under penalty of God's heavy wrath.[2] In court and everywhere else, I must love the truth,[3] speak and confess it honestly, and do what I can to defend and promote my neighbor’s honour and reputation.[4]

[1] Ps. 15; Prov. 19:5, 9; 21:28; Matt. 7:1; Luke 6:37; Rom. 1:28-32. [2] Lev. 19:11, 12; Prov. 12:22; 13:5; John 8:44; Rev. 21:8. [3] I Cor. 13:6; Eph. 4:25. [4] I Pet. 3:8, 9; 4:8.

What I'm Reading

2009-10-22T16:31:00.002-04:00

computer gone

2009-10-21T21:11:00.001-04:00

Sorry for the lack of posts. My computer has been in surgery since last Thursday. Hope to get it back tomorrow.

Dale

The Seven Deadly Siphons

2009-10-16T13:20:00.003-04:00

by Gordon MacDonald at Leadership Journal...

Loss of spiritual passion seems to be the inevitable result of:

Words without action. We are tempted to think that saying something actualizes it. We have a momentary feeling of spirituality when we talk about wanting to pray more or "have more time in the Word."

Busyness without purpose. Ministry produces activities, programs, conversations. If our choices of time-use are not disciplined by call and purpose, our energies become like a lazy, shallow river.

Calendars without a Sabbath. A datebook filled with appointments but absent of significant hours (days) of quiet and reflection—written in first—is an abomination (an old and harsh word) to the God of the Bible, who said, "Six days you shall labor … the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God."

Relationships without mutual nourishment. Pastors tend to be acquainted with too many people but know too few people. The spiritual masters have told us for centuries that without soul-friends, we won't gain spiritual momentum.

Pastoral personality without self-examination. Too much ministry is built on unresolved anger, unhealthy needs for approval, and the instinct to control. Failing to explore our soul for unwholeness ultimately takes its toll.

Natural giftedness without spiritual power. A pastor can go a considerable distance in ministry with catchy words, people skills, political savvy, and a facility for organizational dynamics. But kingdom work demands qualities that only a filled-up soul can offer.

An enormous theology without an adequate spirituality. A pastor cannot represent a view of reality that includes Creation, evil, reconciliation and conversion, sacrificial service, and eternity—a mind-boggling expanse of conviction—and have a spiritual-exercise regimen that is pea-size in contrast. A great theology demands a great spirituality.

Bill Hull on Discipleship

2009-10-15T09:57:00.006-04:00

from Bill Hull's The Disciple-Making Pastor...

"Making a disciple has three dimensions. The first is deliverance, which is accomplished via evangelism when a person is reborn and baptized. The second is development - what most people call discipleship or personal development - in which a person is established in the faith. This is ongoing and lifelong, necessary for the care of the soul. The third dimension is deployment, in which the developing disciple is commissioned to a mission in the harvest field. A church or pastor committed to making disciples would be focused on this process as the first priority."
"The challenge for pastors is to be a disciple first, seeking God daily and practicing the spiritual disciplines he or she advocates."
"The key to our souls is contemplation, the acquired habit of being alone with God to hear his voice. I find it hard to start my day with God if the first thing I do is check my email or phone messages. I hear all the other voices more readily than God's."
"When pastors are active disciples, they make disciples."

Piper on Feeding on the Word of God

2009-10-15T09:50:00.002-04:00

from John Piper's A Godward Life, Book Two...

"Faith feeds on the Word of God. Without a steady diet it gets weaker and weaker. If you are dissatisfied with your Christian courage and joy and purity of heart, check the way you are feeding your faith."

"Now the effect of starving your faith is that faith starves. Not hard to understand. And when faith is starving, it is getting weaker and not able to do much. It has a hard time trusting God and worshiping and rejoicing and resisting sin. It gasps and stumbles."

Tozer on the consequences of seemingly small compromises...

2009-10-15T09:45:00.005-04:00

from Tozer's Knowledge of the Holy...

"The Church has surrendered her once lofty concept of God andhas substituted for it one so low, so ignoble, as to be utterly unworthy of thinking, worshiping men. This she has done not deliberately, but little by little and without her knowledge; and her very unawareness only makes her situation all the more tragic."

Written in 1961

Bridges on Grace and Discipline

2009-10-15T09:30:00.004-04:00

from The Discipline of Grace: God's Role and Our Role in the Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges

"The pursuit of holiness requires sustained and vigorous effort. ...it demands the highest priority in the life of a Christian, because to be holy is to be like Christ - God's goal for every Christian."
"At the same time, however, the pursuit of holiness must be anchored in the grace of God; otherwise it is doomed to failure."

"It is because we do not realize the utter depravity of the principle of sin that remains in us and stains everything we do, that we entertain any notion of earning God's blessings through our obedience."

I really love this next quote...

"Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace."

"When we pray to God for his blessing, he does not examine our performance to see if we are worthy. Rather, he looks to see if we are trusting in the merit of his Son as our only hope for securing his blessing."

How Affairs Happen

2009-10-14T16:21:00.003-04:00

from today's All Pro Dad e-newsletter

In the book His Needs, Her Needs: Building An Affair-Proof Marriage, author Willard Harley relays the following about how affairs start:

"An affair usually begins as a friendship. Frequently your spouse knows your lover; not uncommonly, the third party is the husband or wife of a couple you both know and consider 'best friends.' In another common pattern, the outside lover comes from your spouse's family - a sister or brother. Or you may have met your lover at work.

When an affair starts, it usually begins as a friendship. You share problems with the other person, and that person shares problems with you. As your friendship deepens, you start giving each other mutual support and encouragement, especially in regard to your unmet needs. Life is difficult. Many people become extremely disillusioned about their own lives. When they find someone encouraging and supportive, the attraction toward that person acts as a powerful magnet. Sooner or later, you find yourself in bed with your encouraging and supportive friend. It just seems to happen."

The best way to prevent an affair is to stop it before it starts.

Please read the 14 ways to affair-proof your marriage.

6 Reasons to Add Strength Training to Your Workout

2009-10-14T15:36:00.003-04:00

By Chris Iliades, MD at Everyday Health.com

If you knew that a certain type of exercise could benefit your heart, improve your balance, strengthen your bones, and help you lose weight as it made you look and feel better, wouldn't you want to get started? Well, studies show that strength training can do all of that and more. Strength training is not just about bodybuilders lifting weights in a gym. It can benefit people of all ages and may be particularly important for people with health issues such as arthritis or a heart condition.

Strength Training: The Benefits

Yes, strength training will add definition to your muscles and give men and women alike more fit and toned bodies. But working out with weights does so much more:

Click here to learn about the reasons for strength training.

Interview with David Wood

2009-10-14T15:20:00.002-04:00

from David Wood at Solution Box

I don't know if Wood is a Christian or not, but he has a good grasp of repentance, or what he calls, "cleaning up his mess." Interesting interview.

Christian Coaching

2009-10-14T14:53:00.004-04:00

from the Center for the Advancement of Christian Coaching newsletter...

From CACC's inception three years ago, the name has carried the vision for not only equipping men and women with the best of coaching competencies but also our commitment to coaching from a Christian worldview. This is at the core of who we are.

This basic fundamental core has caused me to look beyond the horizon to the business sector. For over a year, I have felt the strong pull to widen CACC's influence outside of groups that are already Christian and have envisioned planting seeds of God's love and character across individuals and organizations that are not in any way Christian.

In these recent months, I have heard from many of you sharing the same desire to make a mark in your sphere of influence in the business
world. I would like to invite the CACC community to join together with me in prayer and planning for new ways to influence the world for God through the powerful profession of coaching! For starters, read the article below on the planning in process for the emerging influence of Conversational Leadership.

Mary Verstraete, CACC President

Click here to learn more about the CACC.

Conversation Leadership (also from the same newsletter)
by Joe Denner

In last month's newsletter, we talked about the vision for expanding into the larger leadership marketplace. CACC and its trainings have made excellent impact in Christian circles, but the opportunity to influence the corporate sector is still in the infant stage. Because of CACC's passion for coaching and developing leaders of significant influence, this is a field that the Vision and Strategic team is very energized about entering.

Our current curriculum of Conversational Leadership (CL) was written to equip leaders who will never become professional coaches but will use coaching as a part of their leadership style...or to assist in bringing coaching into their organizational culture. Up to this point, the CL program has been delivered primarily to those in Christian ministry--schools, churches, and non-profit organizations. We believe this program has foundational elements to meet the needs for the corporate and non-profit marketplace.

As we examined how to most effectively penetrate a new market, we have looked at the primary needs of leaders, most beneficial delivery methods for leaders, ability to customize materials, and cost barriers. We are putting intentional focus on designing a process that will meet the needs of leaders, and our goal is to develop the processes and coaching materials to influence the business sector beginning February 2010.

This is an exciting new adventure that will take a few months to finalize, and continued updates will be forthcoming. This is one step toward impacting the business world, and we are looking forward to the doors of opportunity that will open for the CACC community as we pursue expanding our influence into our communities. Stay tuned.

Joe Denner
CACC Vision and Strategic Team, Senior Advisor

Truly Christ-Centered Leader Development

2009-10-14T14:48:00.001-04:00

from Leadership Letters.com

Accordingly, the biblical model of leader development revolves specifically around the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Healthy leader development must be entirely Christ-centered, Christ-focused, Christ-absorbed. The Son of God is all in all!
For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. (Col. 2:9-10, NKJV)
In previous Letters, we have examined both the goal and the process of Christian leader development. In everything, leader development must revolve around the Son of God.

Click here to read the whole article.

Is Your Group a Hospitable Place?

2009-10-14T14:33:00.000-04:00

by SmallGroups.com

Take this 10-question assessment to evaluate strengths and weaknesses. (Click here)

Twitter vs Facebook

2009-10-13T14:26:00.000-04:00

What is the difference between facebook and twitter? I know that you can twitter and have it show up on facebook, but what is the actual difference between the two? Are there different purposes for them? Is one better? Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Dale

Knowing God: Our Key to Worship

2009-10-12T15:12:00.001-04:00

Preached on October 11, 2009
John 17:3

Last week Pastor Bruce began a new sermon series on WORSHIP. He touched on the question: Why Worship? He’ll be developing that over the weeks to come, so I don’t want to steal his thunder. Instead, this week, what I want to address is what I’m calling our “the key to worship.”

Besides being told by God that it’s our DUTY to worship him, I want to focus on what I hope will create deeply within us, an overwhelming DESIRE to worship God.

I’m borrowing this idea from John Piper who used a similar illustration to make his point…

Suppose that on Suzanne’s and my anniversary, Suzanne gets a knock on our front door. When she opens the door, she finds me standing there with flowers. She then hears me say the following: “It’s our anniversary. Our cultural custom dictates that I’m supposed to do something nice for you like giving you flowers. So here you go.” That wouldn’t exactly sweep her off of her feet, would it?

But suppose she gets a knock on the door and she opens it and finds me grinning from ear to ear. And before she’s even able to ask me why I’m knocking on the door, she hears me say this: Suzanne, I’ve been waiting for this day all year. I’m so blessed that you’re my wife and I’ve been spending all day just thanking God for bringing you into my life. And I know that these flowers pale in comparison to your beauty, but I wanted to express my ever growing love for you by giving them to you on this very special day.

Now, I ask you: Which of the two versions of getting flowers do you think she would want most to receive from me? In both instances, she gets me and gets the flowers. But there’s a fundamental difference between those two versions, isn’t there?

Hopefully the point is clear: God doesn’t want us to worship him only because we have to, or because we live in the South and we’re supposed to worship God on Sundays. Or because our parents and grandparents did. Or because we’re trying to make social contacts.

He wants hearts that deeply desire to express that worship… and not merely doing it out of duty or obligation.

So here’s the key to worship that I was telling you about. Ready?

The better we know God…
The more we will love him.
And the more we love him, the more we will want to express that love in worship.

You’ve probably heard the expression, “to know him is to love him.” Well, that’s especially true with God. The better we know God, the more we will love him and want to know him. And I believe that knowing God and loving him will bear the fruit of worship that pleases God.

Well, let’s look at our text, John 17:3 –

Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

These words are spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ at the very beginning of what’s called his “High Priestly Prayer.” In this prayer Jesus prays for himself, his twelve disciples who were with him then and there, and for all believers who would follow. What this means is that in this prayer, he’s actually praying for you and me. I encourage you to read all of John 17 and meditate on its deep truths.

In verse 3, Jesus tells us what’s perhaps the most important information we can ever hear. He tells us what salvation is and how we can have it. But he doesn’t use the biblical jargon that we usually hear when we think about salvation – like being saved, born again, justified, or redeemed.

He first tells us what eternal life is: He says that eternal life is: KNOWING GOD. Look at verse 3 again…

So what does it mean to KNOW GOD? Well, let me first tell you what it means by telling you what it doesn’t mean.

It doesn’t mean simply intellectually acknowledging that God exists. Every now and then I’ve had someone tell me that they believe in God. And to this date I have never ever responded the way I’m sometimes tempted to. (And I thank the Holy Spirit for that because I would not win any friends by saying it.)

But what I’m sometimes tempted to say when someone says they believe in God is this: “Well, that’s fantastic. According to Scripture, that qualifies you to be a… DEMON.” Now you know why I’ve never said that to someone. But listen to what James 2:19 says…

.

Now this is eternal life: that they may know you

You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder

But you know, even though that verse is true, it just doesn’t seem very pastoral or loving to call someone a demon. Or maybe that’s just me.

My point, of course, is that KNOWING GOD involves more than mere intellectual affirmation. But let me add very quickly and strongly that believing that God exists is huge. It’s very important. You obviously can’t KNOW GOD if you don’t believe he exists.

Hebrews 11:6 says…

…

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists

But let me say again, if all I knew about someone is a few biographical tidbits, I wouldn’t KNOW them the way Jesus is talking about here.

When I was in seminary I fell prey to an occupational hazard that can sometimes occur in the life of a seminary student… or even a pastor… if they’re not careful. Because I was spending so much time studying “about” God, I began to think of God in terms of an object to be studied as opposed to a Person to be loved and worshiped. Now, that doesn’t have to happen to anyone. The very thing I was doing – learning about God – could have been the very thing that drew me closer to him and caused me to be more and more in awe of him. And yet, for me, and many who have attended seminary, I began to drift away a bit, my prayer life was lack luster, devotional reading of Scripture suffered.

Thankfully, Ken Boa gave me a copy of A.W. Tozer’s, “Knowledge of the Holy,” which God used to draw me closer to himself. Tozer’s chapters are deep and rich and at the same time devotional and encouraging (much like the writing of the Puritans). God used the book to convict and encourage me and draw me back into deeper and more meaningful fellowship than I had ever had before. I highly recommend the book. I’ve given away many copies of it ever since then.

Well, if KNOWING GOD doesn’t mean mere awareness of his existence or only believing a few things about him, WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

What KNOWING GOD does mean is this: (By the way, this is the Dale Tedder definition of what knowing God means based on my study of Scripture as well as wiser theological guides than I.)

To know God means to…

Have a deep, experiential, intimate, and personal relationship with God that is marked by a passionate and continual desire to know him better, love him more, follow him more closely, and become more and more like him.

You see, God has existed eternally in perfect relationship with himself – within the three Persons of the Trinity. Therefore, we were created to be in relationships – primarily with God, but also with others. And so, to KNOW GOD, as Jesus is talking about in our text this morning… is to know about him, but also to have this ever growing, deep, experiential, intimate, and personal relationship with him.

The Bible, especially the Psalms, describes this in different ways. Now, I don’t usually do this, but I want to read quite a few of these verses for you. I think it’s really important for you to hear and see that is not some peripheral idea, but at the very heart of our faith. Just listen to the language that’s used. All these different words and phrases describe what Jesus is talking about in our text. You can even meditate upon these verses as I read them…

Psalm 42:1-2

As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, O God.
[2] My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?

Psalm 37:4

Delight yourself in the Lord
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 73:25

Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

Psalm 9:10

Those who know your name will trust in you,
for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Psalm 27:4

One thing I ask of the Lord,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to seek him in his temple.

Psalm 27:8

My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"
Your face, Lord, I will seek.

Psalm 63:1

O God, you are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you,
my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.

Psalm 143:6

I spread out my hands to you;
my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.

Matthew 5:6

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.

And I haven’t even listed the verses that mention PRAISING God, or ADORING God, or WORSHIPING God. But did you hear the words I did read. To KNOW GOD is to…

Long for God
Desire God
Seek God
Hunger for God
Thirst for God

And so my question for you is this: Do you long for God? Do you desire him? Do you seek him? Do you hunger and thirst for him? You know, what’s so glorious about this grand pursuit is that Jesus tells us on the one hand… that when we KNOW GOD, we’ll never thirst or hunger again. And yet, on the other hand, really KNOWING GOD… and growing in love with him causes us to want to KNOW HIM EVEN MORE. Therefore, KNOWING GOD will be an eternal pursuit that brings with it more and more joy. That’s why Jesus can say that KNOWING GOD is eternal life. And by eternal life, he also means REAL life, ABUNDANT life, and ideas like that. It’s finding our ultimate purpose in life and living it.

And as I said, what’s so wonderful about all of this is that God wants us to KNOW him.

Jeremiah 9:23-24

This is what the Lord says:
"Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom
or the strong man boast of his strength
or the rich man boast of his riches,
[24] but let him who boasts boast about this:
that he understands and knows me…

And not only does God want us to KNOW him, but he has, as I said, promised to satisfy our desire once we come to KNOW HIM.

Psalm 107:9

for he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.

Matthew 5:6

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.

Beloved THAT is good news.

And, of course, KNOWING GOD means that we know him as he’s revealed himself in and through his Word, and most especially in the Person and Work of Jesus Christ.

Look at John 17:3 again,

.

Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent

The Apostle Paul talks about his passion for knowing God through the Lord Jesus Christ in Philippians 3. Listen to these words…

Philippians 3:8 - What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ

Philippians 3:10 - I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

Beloved, do you know – really KNOW – God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ? Is your life marked by a desire to KNOW him better? And as John Wesley might say, are you increasing in your love for him? That’s a picture of the heart that pleases God. And that’s the kind of person whose worship is a pleasing aroma to God.

I want to close this morning with this prayer from A.W. Tozer’s book, Knowledge of the Holy. I really do pray that it would be the prayer for every single one of us at Southside. As God answers this prayer in our life, may we respond by loving him even more and expressing that love in a life of devoted worship of our great God and King.

Let’s pray… and let’s really tune in to the words I’ll be reading. Make them your own…

“O God, I have tasted Thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirst for more. I am painfully conscious of my need for further grace. I am ashamed of my lack of desire. O God, the Triune God, I want to want Thee; I long to be filled with longing; I thirst to be made thirsty still.”

Amen and Amen.

Prayer for this Lord's Day

2009-10-11T08:20:00.001-04:00

Eternal Father, it is amazing love, that Thou hast sent Thy Son to suffer in my stead, that Thou hast added the Spirit to teach, comfort, guide, that Thou hast allowed the ministry of angels to wall me round; all heaven subserves the welfare of a poor worm. Permit Thy unseen servants to be ever active on my behalf, and to rejoice when grace expands in me. Suffer them never to rest until my conflict is over, and I stand victorious on salvation's shore.

Grant that my proneness to evil, deadness to good, resistance to Thy Spirit's motions, may never provoke Thee to abandon me. May my hard heart awake Thy pity, not Thy wrath, And if the enemy gets an advantage through my corruption, let it be seen that heaven is mightier than hell, that those for me are greater than those against me. Arise to my help in richness of covenant blessings, keep me feeding in the pastures of Thy strengthening Word, searching Scripture to find Thee there.

If my waywardness is visited with a scourge, enable me to receive correction meekly, to bless the reproving hand, to discern the motive of rebuke, to respond promptly, and do the first work. Let all Thy fatherly dealings make me a partaker of Thy holiness. Grant that in every fall I may sink lower on my knees, and that when I rise it may be to loftier heights of devotion. May my every cross be sanctified, every loss be gain, every denial a spiritual advantage, every dark day a light of the Holy Spirit, every night of trial a song.

Taken from The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions, edited by Arthur Bennett

Prayer Requests

2009-10-11T08:18:00.000-04:00

Tozer Devotion for this Lord's Day

2009-10-11T08:14:00.001-04:00

Big Giver Favoritism

It is an ominous thing in any church when the treasurer begins to exercise power. Since he may be presumed to be a man of God he should have a place equal to that of any other member, and if he is a man of gifts and virtues he will naturally have certain influences among the brethren. This is right and normal as long as he exercises his influences as a man of God and not as a treasurer. The moment he becomes important because he is treasurer, the Spirit will be grieved and His manifestations will begin to diminish. Then will follow coldness and spiritual sterility which we will try desperately to cure by wild appeals to God for revival. That the revival never comes is due altogether to the fact that we are violating the laws of God and forcing the Spirit to withdraw His power from us.

Again, it is a sign and a portent when a member is cultivated for his generosity and given a place of eminence in the church out of proportion to his spiritual gifts and graces. To court a Christian for his financial contributions is as evil a thing as to marry a man for his money. To flatter a man for any reason whatever is to degrade ourselves and imperil his soul. To flatter a man because he is a heavy giver is to offer him a concealed affront as well, for back of the purring and the smirking is the hidden opinion that the man's money is more important than the man and more to be esteemed.

The Bible has much to say about money and its place in the work and worship of the church. It is possible to bring our thinking and practice into accord with the will of God in this matter as in all others.

Verse: My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. James 2:1

Thought: A strong tendency in the local church is for leaders to show favoritism to those who are big givers financially. Their opinions and desires are often highly influential because of their financial clout. Large givers can be a burden to the the local church rather than a blessing.

Prayer: Lord, help me to keep low profile in giving—to give generously as You enable but inconspicuously, refusing favoritism.

Taken from the Tozer Devotional page at the Christian Missionary Alliance

A Mighty Fortress is Our God

2009-10-11T08:10:00.004-04:00

Scripture for this Lord's Day

2009-10-11T08:08:00.000-04:00

Psalm 42:1-11

For the director of music. A maskil of the Sons of Korah.

As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, O God.
[2] My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?
[3] My tears have been my food
day and night,
while men say to me all day long,
"Where is your God?"
[4] These things I remember
as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go with the multitude,
leading the procession to the house of God,
with shouts of joy and thanksgiving
among the festive throng.

[5] Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and [6] my God.

My soul is downcast within me;
therefore I will remember you
from the land of the Jordan,
the heights of Hermon--from Mount Mizar.
[7] Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
have swept over me.

[8] By day the Lord directs his love,
at night his song is with me--
a prayer to the God of my life.

[9] I say to God my Rock,
"Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I go about mourning,
oppressed by the enemy?"
[10] My bones suffer mortal agony
as my foes taunt me,
saying to me all day long,
"Where is your God?"

[11] Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

Growing Your Faith (5 Things-Part 3)

2009-10-11T08:04:00.001-04:00

Andy Stanley

Heidelberg Catechism: Lord's Day 41

2009-10-11T08:01:00.001-04:00

The Seventh Commandment

108. Question: What does the seventh commandment teach us?

Answer: That all unchastity is cursed by God.[1] We must therefore detest it from the heart[2] and live chaste and disciplined lives, both within and outside of holy marriage.[3]

[1] Lev. 18:30; Eph. 5:3-5. [2] Jude 22, 23. [3] I Cor. 7:1-9; I Thess. 4:3-8; Heb. 13:4.

109. Question: Does God in this commandment forbid nothing more than adultery and similar shameful sins?

Answer: Since we, body and soul, are temples of the Holy Spirit, it is God's will that we keep ourselves pure and holy. Therefore He forbids all unchaste acts, gestures, words, thoughts, desires,[1] and whatever may entice us to unchastity.[2]

[1] Matt. 5:27-29; I Cor. 6:18-20; Eph. 5:3, 4. [2] I Cor. 15:33; Eph. 5:18.

Prayer for this Lord's Day

2009-10-04T08:04:00.002-04:00

Have mercy upon us, O God, according to your lovingkindness.
According to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out our transgressions.
Wash us thoroughly from our iniquities, and cleanse us from our sins.
For we acknowledge our transgressions, and our sin is ever before us.
Create in us clean hearts, O God, and renew a right spirit within us; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

From The United Methodist Book of Worship

Prayer Requests

2009-10-04T08:02:00.001-04:00

Tozer Devotion for This Lord's Day

2009-10-04T07:58:00.003-04:00

Christ: The Door Into God's Presence

But no one, unaided, has found a way back. . . .

And then Jesus came to live among mankind. The inspired record has Him saying, "I have come to do your will, O God" (Hebrews 10:7). After His death and resurrection, He opened a new and consecrated way back into the presence of God.

He blazed the trail as our divine Mediator. Through faith in Him, all who yearn to may enter again the very presence of God.

And there in that Presence, Jesus is our great High Priest and ediator. Because He wears our human nature, He welcomes us, His brothers and sisters, to share His position in the heavenlies.

In this context we should consider our justification and our acceptance by the living, holy God. In our Christian faith we understand that God laid on Christ the iniquity of us all. Theologians sometimes call this the "transfer of guilt," and I believe what the Bible says about it.

Verse: Since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, . . . Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith. Hebrews 10:19–22

Thought: At what tremendous personal cost Christ opened for us the living way into the very presence of God! Through Christ we may come directly into that presence knowing that Christ has taken our sin and clothed us in His righteousness.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You gave Yourself for me. You have opened to me the living way into the presence of the Father, You and the Spirit.

Taken from the Tozer Devotional page at the Christian Missionary Alliance

Non Nobis, Domine

2009-10-04T07:55:00.002-04:00

Scripture for This Lord's Day

2009-10-04T07:49:00.001-04:00

Psalm 32:1-7
Of David.
A maskil.

Blessed is he
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
[2] Blessed is the man
whose sin the Lord does not count against him
and in whose spirit is no deceit.

[3] When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
[4] For day and night
your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer. Selah
[5] Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, "I will confess
my transgressions to the Lord"--
and you forgave
the guilt of my sin. Selah

[6] Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you
while you may be found;
surely when the mighty waters rise,
they will not reach him.
[7] You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah

Growing Your Faith (5 Things-Part 2)

2009-10-04T07:47:00.000-04:00

by Andy Stanley

Heidelberg Catechism: Lord's Day 40

2009-10-04T07:39:00.001-04:00

The Sixth Commandment

105. Question: What does God require in the sixth commandment?

Answer: I am not to dishonor, hate, injure, or kill my neighbor by thoughts, words, or gestures, and much less by deeds, whether personally or through another;[1] rather, I am to put away all desire of revenge.[2] Moreover, I am not to harm or recklessly endanger myself.[3] Therefore, also, the government bears the sword to prevent murder.[4]

[1] Gen. 9:6; Lev. 19:17, 18; Matt. 5:21, 22; 26:52. [2] Prov. 25:21, 22; Matt. 18:35; Rom. 12:19; Eph. 4:26. [3] Matt. 4:7; 26:52; Rom. 13:11-14. [4] Gen. 9:6; Ex. 21:14; Rom. 13:4.

106. Question: But does this commandment speak only of killing?

Answer: By forbidding murder God teaches us that He hates the root of murder, such as envy, hatred, anger, and desire of revenge,[1] and that He regards all these as murder.[2]

[1] Prov. 14:30; Rom. 1:29; 12:19; Gal. 5:19-21; James 1:20; I John 2:9-11. [2] I John 3:15.

107. Question: Is it enough, then, that we do not kill our neighbor in any such way?

Answer: No. When God condemns envy, hatred, and anger, He commands us to love our neighbor as ourselves,[1] to show patience, peace, gentleness, mercy, and friendliness toward him,[2] to protect him from harm as much as we can, and to do good even to our enemies.[3]

[1] Matt. 7:12; 22:39; Rom. 12:10. [2] Matt. 5:5; Luke 6:36; Rom. 12:10, 18; Gal. 6:1, 2; Eph. 4:2; Col. 3:12; I Pet. 3:8. [3] Ex. 23:4, 5; Matt. 5:44, 45; Rom. 12:20.

How Life Purpose Connects with Suffering

2009-10-01T16:06:00.002-04:00

by Tony Stoltzfus at The Christian Coaching Center

Paul, one of my first coaching clients, engaged me to help him discover a sense of purpose in his life. Several months into the relationship, his teenage son was tragically killed in a car accident. That event completely changed Paul's focus and his sense of what was meaningful in life. Over the next year, we talked about issues like transparency, grieving, how to allow others to support you, who your real friends are, and much more.

When Paul was finally ready to reengage the life purpose question, nothing seemed to really motivate him. We looked at several different business or ministry tracks he could have gone down, but nothing clicked--until he hit on the idea of setting up memorial funds to help young families with the financial burden of adoption. The idea was...

Click here to read the whole article.

Holiness

2009-09-28T13:18:00.001-04:00

1 Peter 1:15-16 - But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; [16] for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

Hebrews 12:14 - Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

“Holiness is not a matter of never sinning. If that were the case, holiness would be an unreachable goal for all of us. Holiness is a matter of ready repentance. When the Holy Spirit, whose ministry is to convict us of our sins does convict us, and we readily repent, then we are capable of living a life of practical holiness.” (Max Anders)

“The pursuit of holiness is a joint venture between God and the Christian. No one can attain any degree of holiness without God working in his life, but just as surely no one will attain it without effort on his own part.” (Jerry Bridges)

“The serene beauty of a holy life is the most powerful influence in the world next to the power of God.” (Blaise Pascal)

Thoughts on Focus

2009-09-28T13:10:00.002-04:00

“No matter what was going on in Jesus’ life, he kept his focus. It never wavered. Whether people were praising him with palm fronds or whipping him with cords, his focus remained the same.

“It’s very easy in this world of distractions and 24/7 information streams to get off track and lose your focus. Knowing what you came here to do, and being determined to do it, no matter what, will give you more power than you can imagine.” (Laurie Beth Jones, Jesus: Life Coach)

Questions

1.) Why are you here?

2.) Are you pursuing your purpose with laser beam focus?

3.) What are some of the distractions… that are affecting you? (Jones)

4.) How many of those distractions can you eliminate? (Jones)

5.) How many of those distractions do you actually invite? (Jones)

Please let me know if there is ever any way in which I can help you gain clarity and maintain your focus.

Dale

Knowing God

2009-09-28T13:05:00.002-04:00

“Among the sins to which the human heart is prone, hardly any other is more hateful to God than idolatry, for idolatry is at bottom a libel on his character. The idolatrous heart assumes God is other than he is - in itself a monstrous sin - and substitutes for the true God one made after its own likeness.

"We do the greatest service to the next generation of Christians by passing on to them undimmed and undiminished that noble concept of God which we received from our Hebrew and Christian fathers of generations past.”

(A.W. Tozer, Knowledge of the Holy)

Questions

1.) What idolatrous views of God do you have? (some are subtle; some are obvious) Have you ever thought that you might be entertaining such views?

2.) How can you correct these misunderstandings about God’s character?

3.) Are you intentionally and actively seeking in your life to…

Know God better,
Love God more,
Follow God more closely, and
Become more like God?

4.) If not… why not?

5.) If so, what steps are you taking? How can I help?

Soli Deo Gloria,
Dale

Prayer for this Lord's Day

2009-09-27T17:57:00.002-04:00

My God, I feel it is heaven to please Thee, and to be what Thou wouldst have me be. O that I were holy as Thou art holy, pure as Christ is pure, perfect as Thy Spirit is perfect! These, I feel, are the best commands in Thy Book, and shall I break them? must I break them? am I under such a necessity as long as I live here?

Woe, woe is me that I am a sinner, that I grieve this blessed God, who is infinite in goodness and grace! O if He would punish me for my sins, it would not would my heart so deep to offend Him; But though I sin continually, He continually repeats His kindness to me.

At times I feel I could bear any suffering, but how can I dishonour this glorious God? What shall I do to glorify and worship this best of beings? O that I could consecrate my soul and body to His service, without restraint, for ever! O that I could give myself up to Him, so as never more to attempt to be my own! or have any will or affections that are not perfectly conformed to His will and His love! But, alas, I cannot live and not sin.

O may angels glorify Him incessantly, and, if possible, prostrate themselves lower before the blessed King of heaven! I long to bear a part with them in ceaseless praise; but when I have done all I can to eternity I shall not be able to offer more than a small fraction of the homage that the glorious God deserves. Give me a heart full of divine, heavenly love.

Taken from The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions, edited by Arthur Bennett

The Book of Acts

2009-09-27T17:56:00.002-04:00

Sadly, someone has pulled the Book of Acts movie off of YouTube. Sorry that I won't be able to continue posting a portion of it each week.

Prayer Requests

2009-09-27T17:53:00.003-04:00

Tozer Devotion for This Lord's Day

2009-09-27T17:49:00.001-04:00

A Better Hope

Imagine with me a capable housewife and cook preparing her dining room for guests. She has set the cloth-covered table with her best china and silverware, positioning everything precisely. She adds a centerpiece of cut flowers—a delicate floral complement to the food we suppose will soon be coming.

But instead of the platter of savory beef and the dishes of steaming mashed potatoes and other vegetables that we had anticipated, she brings a single loaf of bread into the dining room. This she upends on the buffet, placing a strong light behind it so that the loaf of bread casts its own distinct shadow over the table service beyond it. We would have further reason to question the woman's sanity if at that point she called family and guests to the table, announcing cheerily, "The shadow of the bread is ready. You may come!"

Before I attempt a spiritual application of that unlikely scenario, consider how the writer to the Hebrews portrays the vast difference between the Old Testament "shadow" in the law and the reality of God's glory in the person of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord:

"The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. If it could, would they not have stopped being offered? . . . Then he said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will." He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. . . . But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God" (Hebrews 10:1–2, 9–10, 12).

The inspired writer is plainly repetitious in his effort to fully contrast the Old Testament rituals, or shadows, with the perfections of grace, mercy and love found in the radiant, eternal person of Jesus, the Christ. This is a serious, sobering passage of Scripture, for it deals with the hope and the glory of the human race.

Verse: The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God. Hebrews 7:18–19

Thought: The real replaces the shadow. The new takes the place of the old. Christ is no shadow! He has made the once for all sacrifice and now is risen at the right hand of the Father.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for the better hope, the ultimate hope, the perfect hope. The shadow is done away. The real is here.

Taken from the Tozer Devotional page at the Christian Missionary Alliance

When I Survey The Wondrous Cross

2009-09-27T17:46:00.000-04:00

Scripture for This Lord's Day

2009-09-27T17:44:00.002-04:00

Psalm 121:1-8
A song of ascents.

I lift up my eyes to the hills--
where does my help come from?
[2] My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

[3] He will not let your foot slip--
he who watches over you will not slumber;
[4] indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

[5] The Lord watches over you--
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
[6] the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

[7] The Lord will keep you from all harm--
he will watch over your life;
[8] the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

Growing Your Faith: Five Things, Part 1

2009-09-27T17:42:00.001-04:00

by Andy Stanley

Heidelberg Catechism: Lord's Day 39

2009-09-27T17:36:00.002-04:00

The Ten Commandments

110. Question: What does God forbid in the eighth commandment?

Answer: God forbids not only outright theft and robbery[1] but also such wicked schemes and devices as false weights and measures, deceptive merchandising, counterfeit money, and usury;[2] we must not defraud our neighbor in any way, whether by force or by show of right.[3] In addition God forbids all greed[4] and all abuse or squandering of His gifts.[5]

[1] Ex. 22:1; I Cor. 5:9, 10; 6:9, 10. [2] Deut. 25:13-16; Ps. 15:5; Prov. 11:1; 12:22; Ezek. 45:9-12; Luke 6:35. [3] Mic. 6:9-11; Luke 3:14; James 5:1-6. [4] Luke 12:15; Eph. 5:5. [5] Prov. 21:20; 23:20, 21; Luke 16:10-13.

111. Question: What does God require of you in this commandment?

Answer: I must promote my neighbor’s good wherever I can and may, deal with him as I would like others to deal with me, and work faithfully so that I may be able to give to those in need.[1]

[1] Is. 58:5-10; Matt. 7:12; Gal. 6:9, 10; Eph. 4:28.

Seven Reasons We Need Small Groups

2009-09-23T18:32:00.004-04:00

by John Piper (excerpt from his sermon this past Sunday)

Last Sunday when I met with the small group leaders of the Downtown Campus, I tried to show them how essential their role is at this church by giving them seven reasons my preaching is not enough—seven reasons why perseverance in faith and growth in faith call for Christians to meet regularly in a face-to-face way to “serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10). God intends to do things in you which he will only do through the ministry of other believers.

7 Reasons We Need Small Groups
He has given pastors to the church “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12). I believe in what I do. And I believe that it is not enough. Here are the seven reasons I gave the small group leaders.
The impulse to avoid painful growth by disappearing safely into the crowd in corporate worship is very strong.
The tendency toward passivity in listening to a sermon is part of our human weakness.
Listeners in a big group can more easily evade redemptive crises. If tears well up in your eyes in a small group, wise friends will gently find out why. But in a large gathering, you can just walk away from it.
Listeners in a large group tend to neglect efforts of personal application. The sermon may touch a nerve of conviction, but without someone to press in, it can easily be avoided.
Opportunity for questions leading to growth is missing. Sermons are not dialogue. Nor should they be. But asking questions is a key to understanding and growth. Small groups are great occasions for this.
Accountability for follow-through on good resolves is missing. But if someone knows what you intended to do, the resolve is stronger.
Prayer support for a specific need or conviction or resolve goes wanting. O how many blessings we do not have because we are not surrounded by a band of friends who pray for us.

So please know that when this small-group ministry of our church is lifted up, I don’t think it’s an optional add-on to basic Christian living. I think it is normal, healthy, needed, New Testament Christianity. I pray that you will be part of one of these small groups or that you will get the training and start one. This is the main strategy through which our pastors and elders shepherd the flock at Bethlehem: Elders > small group leaders > members to one another.

The Devil

2009-09-23T15:17:00.002-04:00

I'll begin teaching a new class this Sunday evening on the subject of "spiritual warfare," which put me in mind of some great quotes about Satan, otherwise known as the enemy, the accuser, the adversary, the Devil, the dragon, the Evil One, the god of this age, the father of lies, the serpent, or the tempter...

Thanks to The Quotable Christian for these great quotes...

"The devil is a greater scholar than you, and a nimbler disputant..." - Richard Baxter

"There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe,and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors, and hail a materialist or magician with the same delight." - C.S. Lewis

"When a Christian shuns fellowship with other Christians, the devil smiles. When he stops studying the Bible, the devil laughs. When he stops praying, the devil shouts for joy." - Corrie ten Boom

"We are evidently no friends of Satan. Like the kings of this world, he wars not against his own subjects. The very fact that he assaults us should fill our minds with hope." - J.C. Ryle

"In contemporary society our Adversary majors in three things: noise, hurry, and crowds." - Richard J. Foster

And then there's this great song by one of my favorite Christian bands, Lost Dogs: "Why Is The Devil Red?"

Why is the Devil red?
Why ain't the Devil blue?
Why is the Devil red?
Why is the Devil you?

You give the Devil a pitchfork
You give the Devil horns
You give the Devil sulfur
You give the Devil corns
Does he look like Robert DiNiro
With big long fingernails?
Does he make you dance like Charo?
Or sing like Jerry Vale?

Who's that lookin' like an angel of light?
Who's that dressed in a gown of white?
Who's that saying everything's all right?
Who's that grinning in the dead of night?

Why is the Devil red?
Why is the Devil red?

You give the Devil hot breath
You put him on a tower
You give the Devil about 15 toes
You give him his Devil power

Who's that lookin' like an angel of light?
Who's that dressed in a gown of white?
Who's that saying everything's all right?
Who's that grinning in the dead of night?

Who's that lookin' like an angel of light?
Who's that dressed in a gown of white?
Who's that saying everything's all right?
Who's that grinning in the dead of night?
Why is the Devil red?

Following Hard After God

2009-09-23T10:43:00.002-04:00

by Ken Boa

The Question

"What do you want more than anything else in the world?" The question is always there. It ignites the wish behind every birthday candle ceremony. It enchants the dream expressed in every child's Christmas list for Santa. It informs the hope that accompanies every wedding toast. It breeds the expectation that attaches to each new birth. It fuels the yearning that erupts in a mid-life crisis. It colors our understanding of every promise in Scripture. And it articulates the imbedded anguish in every prayer request. It is the question: "What do you really want?" "What do you really want from God?" "What do you really want from God, more than anything else in the world?"

Aiden W. Tozer's answer to that profound question is elegant simplicity itself. More than anything else in the world, he wanted God, God alone. And so he chose to order his life around that one single pursuit — the pursuit of God. And he penned a classic little book that invites us to join him in that holy pilgrimage. In 1948, he offered The Pursuit of God as a "modest attempt to aid God's hungry children so to find Him."

In many ways Tozer was a modern-day prophet as well as a down-to-earth mystic. He was a self-educated man, forced by his home situation to forfeit the formal education of either high school or college. Yet, through years of diligent study and disciplined prayer, he prepared himself for the God-ordained role of calling the modern Church back to the practice of godliness. With no teacher but the Holy Spirit and many good books by ancient spiritual masters, he looked up from his lifelong posture of kneeling and cried out for others to follow him in the only pursuit that truly satisfies. He was convinced that a life given to seeking God first does not constrict one's life, but enlarges it beyond one's wildest wishes, hopes, and dreams.

Click here to read the whole chapter.

Does Your Marriage Need Help?

2009-09-23T10:37:00.003-04:00

by Dennis and Barbara Rainey at Family Life.com

Every marriage needs help. Perhaps yours, after a few months or years of marriage, needs help now. Or maybe any real difficulty in your relationship is far down the road. But at some time during a crisis or trial, every marriage will benefit from the counsel and care of someone on the “outside.”

In America, where we worship self-sufficiency, seeking help may seem shameful or weak to some people. But those who are teachable and follow Jesus know better. We understand our limitations—the frailty of our flesh and our inclination to sin. We understand that we need others, just as they need us.

This is the wonder of being part of the body of Christ: We don’t have to be totally self-sufficient and independent. When necessary, we can lean on the gifts and strengths of our brothers and sisters. The point is that every marriage needs assistance; it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Get it or bear the weighty consequences.

Click here to read the whole article.

What Needs to Happen Next for Men?

2009-09-23T10:31:00.002-04:00

by Pat Morley at Man in the Mirror

The “Men Problem”

The "men problem" has been well documented. You can hear about it on Oprah, read about it in Time, and watch the destruction it creates on Dr. Phil.

Because of the men problem, social services are overwhelmed, divorce courts are at capacity, and our culture is in crisis.

Instead of addressing the root problem, our society continues to invest in treating the symptoms -- teenage pregnancy centers, substance abuse programs, counseling programs, homes for battered women, more jail space, and metal detectors for schools.

The men problem is among the most pervasive social, economic, political, and spiritual problems of all time. As a result of men are prone to get caught up in the rat race, lead unexamined lives, and become cultural rather than biblical Christians.

The collateral damage is staggering. For example, of the 72,000,000 children in America under the age of eighteen, 33% will go to bed tonight in a home without a biological father.

Men have become one of our largest neglected people groups. No man fails on purpose, but for most men their capabilities do not equal their intentions.

Click here to read the whole article.

The New Normal: The Post-Everything World

2009-09-23T10:25:00.003-04:00

by Bob Buford

The more I talk to people the more it seems to me that there is a growing trend towards sacrificing some success (one might even say “excess”) in a quest for meaning and significance among 20/30-somethings. Thousands of graduates from elite universities are choosing to spend their first two post graduate years teaching in inner city schools through Wendy Kopp’s Teach for America. Tom Tierney, who resigned as CEO of mega consultant Bain & Company to form Bridgespan, told me not long ago that he had 2,500 applicants for fifteen jobs consulting for nonprofits.

Last week Linda and I attended what has become an annual gathering of what we call Halftime Partners – a group of truly exceptional people who are encouraging others to make the change from success to significance in their Halftime and Second Half seasons of life.

Click here to read the whole article.

What and Who You Listen to WILL Influence What You Do (Listen and Learn Part 1)

2009-09-23T10:23:00.000-04:00

Andy Stanley

Devotional for Today

2009-09-23T07:49:00.004-04:00

by Dennis and Barbara Rainey at CrossWalk.com

The Finished Work of Patience
James 1:2-4

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Dr. Mavis Heatherington works in an organization on the East Coast that helps parents through traumatic experiences in marriages where a child died or was born deformed. According to her studies, 70 percent of such couples separate or divorce within five years.

Why does this happen? Many couples simply have no strategy for living beyond romance. They don't have a plan that will hold their relationships together during that desperate period of suffering and pain.

Death and suffering are part of life. Part of the strategy for facing troubles is to realize that God allows difficulties in our lives for many reasons. British writer Malcolm Muggeridge once wrote:

"Contrary to what might be expected, I look back on experiences that at the time seemed especially desolating and painful with particular satisfaction. Indeed, I can say with complete truthfulness that everything that I have learned in my 75 years in this world, everything that has truly enhanced and enlightened my experience, has been through affliction and not through happiness."

In other words, if it were ever to be possible to eliminate affliction from our earthly existence by the means of some drug, or some other medical mumble jumble, the result would not be to make life delectable, but to make it too banal and trivial to be endurable.

Many families can echo this experience. Yet despite all this valuable testimony, many couples seek to deal with trials by turning against one another rather than turning to God together in prayer.

When trials come to you and your family, do you process the pain together or fall apart? Will you be able to consider them as "joy"?

Prayer: Together pray through (not around) a problem, trial or other issue, asking God to give you patience to allow time to learn from the experience. Ask God to increase your oneness as a couple.

Discuss: Do you feel prepared to handle suffering in your marriage relationship? Why?

Andy Stanley

2009-09-23T07:29:00.004-04:00

Great post on Andy Stanley (and interview with him) by Michael Hyatt.

Click here.

Questions for Reflection

2009-09-22T17:22:00.003-04:00

1 Thessalonians 4:3a – “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified…”

God wants me to be sanctified. It is his will for me. He wants me to be holy as he is holy. He desires for me to be conformed to the likeness of his Son. This process takes a long time – a lifetime. I am impatient. Like everything else in my life, I want spiritual wisdom and maturity right now.

Grace is key. There will be no growth without it. But perseverance is also crucial. When I don’t see immediate results – in whatever facet of my life – I must press on. Sanctification is progressive, after all. It is true that Christ made me holy, but still I must go and “be holy.” After all, Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 4:7, that God did not call me to be impure, but to live a holy life. It’s not an option. It’s not something only for those who are particularly spiritually high-minded. It’s for everyone who calls on the name of Christ.

So… how are you doing?

Are you growing in your sanctification? (that is, growing in Christlikeness and holiness)?

Are you stuck? Moving backwards? If so, what do you need to change in your life, STARTING TODAY, to help you begin moving forward again?

What do you need to cut out of your life?

What do you need to add to your life?

Are you truly praying that the Lord will help you change in this way?

What or who in your life influences you most regarding…

Þ How to think?
Þ What to think about?
Þ The words that you speak… or don’t speak?
Þ The way you live your life?

Is your public life consistent with your private life? If not, in what ways are they different? How can you become more consistent?

List some specific ways (five) that you would like to be more like Christ.

Now list three steps you can and will take immediately to begin that process. Tell someone about your plan and ask them for wisdom and encouragement.

Blessings,
Dale

Dealing with Fear as A Leader

2009-09-22T17:00:00.002-04:00

by Carson Pue at Arrow Leadership

It was nearing the end of a powerful week of leadership development with leaders in the Arrow Leadership Program. In a few moments, they would all be heading their separate ways back to leadership roles in churches and Christian organizations around North America. The Lord, however, still had some serious business on his agenda. We had asked each leader to consider what one thing God would want them to leave behind and to write it down on a piece of paper.

Afterwards, we invited everyone to publicly name what they had written down and to throw the papers into a roaring fire as a symbol of their newfound freedom.

As leader after leader made their way to the fire, the one primary issue that was named and left behind that day was fear. There were different varieties of fear identified: fear of man, fear of conflict, fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of success, fear of the future, etc. but it was undeniable that fear was consistently the core hindrance in their lives and leadership.

Though fear can act at times as a helpful warning to pause, reflect and even reconsider a certain action or direction, fear can easily begin to rule, enslave and even paralyze God¹s people. Listed below are several keys to help Christian leaders address fear:

Click here to learn about these keys for Christian leaders.

Four Steps to Becoming a Coach

2009-09-22T16:54:00.003-04:00

Taken from Christian Coaching Resources

Here are four steps for pursuing your interest in becoming a coach.

As a Christian, you likely want to pray through all aspects of the process and make your decisions about how to proceed based on your sense of God’s direction. The following provides a basic structure and context for you to customize based on your unique circumstances and goals.

You are invited to post questions here, asking for further assistance and clarification.

Step one. Learn all you can about the profession and ministry of coaching.

Read and do internet research. Much of what you want and need to know is right here at this site.
Interview coaches who are successfully doing what you want to do.
Hire a coach to learn what it’s like to be coached and how coaching works.*

Click here to learn about the following three steps to becoming a coach.

Job, Jesus, the Devil and Me

2009-09-22T16:44:00.002-04:00

by Berni Dymet at Christianity.com

Almost three quarters of all Australians believe in God. But less than a third believe in the devil. Odd isn't it?

And even when we do believe in both, it can feel as though God and the devil are kind of two equal and opposite forces – God is good, the devil is evil and we’re caught in the middle. It goes something like this - I believe in God and so I want to be good. But no matter how hard I try, I always seem to fail. I feel like the devil’s winning.

Sound familiar?

Click here to read the rest of the article.

What the Church is too impatient and needy to do

2009-09-22T16:33:00.002-04:00

by Bill Hull

The contemporary church has reduced the gospel and hollowed out a new disciple’s natural response to the gospel, which is to follow Jesus and build his or her life around his practices. Receiving Christ is the starting line, not the finish line. It means “game on.” What did salvation cost Jesus? His life! What does it cost me? My life! My life, then, is an answer; it is an offering, a living sacrifice. As Bonhoeffer so eloquently said, “We must not make cheap what cost God everything."

Click here to read the whole post.

Devotional for Today

2009-09-22T16:28:00.002-04:00

by A.B. Simpson

Days of Heaven on Earth

How true is our text for us all! How many things there are that seem to be stronger than we are, but blessed be Jesus' name they are all in subjection under Him, and we see Him crowned above them all.

Jesus is our Head, our representative, our other self, and where He is we shall surely be. Therefore when we fall to see something that God has promised, and that we have claimed in our experience, let us look up and see it realized in Him and claim it in Him. Our side is only half the circle; the heavenly side is already complete. The rainbow, the upper half of which we cannot see, shall one day be all around the throne and include the other hemisphere of all our now unfinished life.

By faith, then, let us enter into all our inheritance. Let us lift up our eyes to the north, south, east and west, and hear Him say, All the land that thou seest, to thee will I give it (Genesis 13:15). Let us remember that the circle is complete, that the inheritance is unlimited and that all things are put under His feet.

Scripture: We see not yet all things put under him. But we see Jesus—Hebrews 2:8-9

Taken from the A.B. Simpson page at the Christian Missionary Alliance

Life Notes: Becoming A Coaching Leader, Chapter 4

2009-09-21T16:51:00.004-04:00

Life Notes for...
Becoming A Coaching Leader, Part 4
by Daniel Harkavy

Title: The Core Four: The Foundation of Your Coaching Strategy

I like the way Harkavy begins his coaching strategy by focusing first on foundational issues. Sometimes, in a Bible study for example, someone will ask a very complex theological question. What the question very often reveals, however, is a lack of basic biblical or doctrinal knowledge. My reply is usually along the lines of: “You’re asking a calculus question, but we probably still need to remain with the addition and subtraction a bit longer.” In other words, folks sometimes want to put the cart before the horse. I believe it’s wise to keep a proper perspective before the people God has entrusted to our care. Only when they have a firm foundation upon which to build should they proceed.

Harkavy writes,

“It is not wise for us to spend time working on your daily priorities or disciplines until we have great clarity around your Business Plan. And we cannot have clarity on how you should align your team and resources around a plan until we know your strategy. So we must first understand what drives you, what you see as your purpose, and what you see for your organization in the future. We understand that your business or career is just one component of who you are, so we cannot effectively help you to build a business until we understand how your business life fits into your overall life.”

He will spend the next four chapters developing the idea of what he calls The Core Four Success Puzzle, which includes…

Life Plan
Business Vision
Business Plan
Priority Management

This was a short introductory chapter. I’ll turn my attention next week to Chapter 5, which is entitled, “Your Life Plan: The Coaching Leader’s Most Powerful Tool.”

Blessings,
Dale

Click here to read the other "Life Notes" about this book.

Learning to Be Good and Angry

2009-09-21T16:01:00.003-04:00

This is my third installment of hitting the highlights of Wayne Mack's book, Anger & Stress Management: God's Way. (Click here to read the first two posts.)

Chapter Three: Learning to Be Good and Angry

Not much commentary on this chapter. Just a few good bullet points to mention...

"What does not come naturally is dealing with our anger in a God-honoring way."
1.) "The first aspect of learning to be good and angry is dealing with problems on a regular, daily basis." (Ephesians 4:26-27)
When we don't, "Other things have been added to the original offense, and now [the angry person] is harboring a mountain of anger in [his]
heart.

The following quote is good for parents or spouses. It's also good for those in a counseling setting...

"Whenever we see a person responding with an unsual amount of emotion and anger to what most people would consider a miniscule thing, we can be sure that person has had much unexpressed anger, simmering under the surface, from prior events. This person's response to that one problem was really a reaction to that and many other things that he has not yet dalt with because he was not resolving his anger on a regular basis."
"There are only two ways to deal righteously with a conflict that we have with another person."
"One we can overlook the offense (1 Peter 4:8; Proverbs 10:12; 19:11). ...It is generally better to reserve confrontation for spiritual issues that are clearly sin issues, issues that will bring reproach on Christ and serious damage to other people."
"The second way of dealing with a conflict we have with another person is: When we experience their sin, then, as Matthew 18:15 says, we are to go privately to that person for the purpose of resolving the proglem. The purpose of that meeting should be only for promoting reconciliation and unity, not for criticizing or condemning."
"These two principles should be applied in our relationships with friends or colleagues and they should be implemented in our marrige relationships."

I think this next point is a very important one.

2.) "The second aspect of learning to be good and angry is understanding that we can control and restrain the expression of anger. If we are Christians, we have the means to control the expression of our anger.

(The whole chapter is worth reading for the two examples Mack gives on pages 45-46)

"We can and we do control our anger when the motivation is great. When we fail to control our anger, it's because we don't consider the takes high enough."
"In all places, at all times, we must recognize the fact that as Christians indwelt by the Holy spirit we do have the power to control our anger. We must realize that when we fail, it's by choice."
3.) "The third aspect of learning to be good and angry is taking time to examine the reasons for our anger. Whenever we start to become angry, we should immediately stop what we're doing and think about what is happening.
The bottom line reason for much of our sinful anger is related to the fact that we have an agenda and someone or something is standing in the way of our fulfilling that agenda.
4.) The fourth aspect of learng to be good andangry is learning to harness the energy created by our anger.

Another good chapter. I would encourage you read this book. I would also suggest using it to counsel and/or mentor someone who may have an issue with anger. Or, perhaps, use it in a small group. It has many great questions... and digs into Scripture as well.

Blessings,
Dale

Weekly Wisdom for the Way

2009-09-21T13:27:00.003-04:00

Scripture, Questions, and Quotes to help you…
Renew Your Mind, Change Your Heart, and Transform Your Life
(for the week of September 20, 2009)

Proverbs 5:21-23
For a man's ways are in full view of the Lord,
and he examines all his paths.
[22] The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him;
the cords of his sin hold him fast.
[23] He will die for lack of discipline,
led astray by his own great folly.

Reflection & Action Questions for Proverbs 5:21-23

Is there anything you are thinking, saying, or doing in your life that you wish the Lord did not see, hear, or know about? (v. 21)
What can you do today to stop thinking, speaking or doing such things? Be specific? Share your plan with someone else.
Is there any present sin in your life that you feel enslaved to? (i.e., one that seems to be dominating your… habitually?) (v. 22)
What are you going to do to break free from this sin? Practically?
In what areas of your life are you exercising discipline and self-control? In what areas are you not exercising discipline and self-control? (v. 5:23)
How can you strengthen your weak areas? Will you do so?

Psalm 100:5

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Reflection & Action Questions for Psalm 100:5

How does this verse offer you hope for the problems and/or sins in your life?
Can you think of five ways it relates or applies to you?
What do you learn about God from this verse? Life five things.
Who is someone who needs the hope that you have found in this verse? Share it with them.

Matthew 5:6
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.

Reflection & Action Questions for Matthew 5:6

What do you think this verse means? How do you understand it?
Do you hunger and thirst for righteousness? What does your hunger or thirst look like in your life?
In other words, how would your life be different if you grew in your understanding and application of this verse?
What practical steps can you take today to pursue this? (List three steps)

Matthew 5:8
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.

Reflection & Action Questions for Matthew 5:8

Are you pure in heart? Do you desire to be?
What evidence in your life suggests that you do desire to be pure in heart?
What practical steps can you take, starting today, to pursue greater purity of heart in your life?

What would you be doing with your time if you knew you had only six healthy months to live? (question by Laurie Beth Jones)

May the Lord bless you as you seek to glorify God and, through the power of his Spirit, become more like his Son, Jesus Christ,

Pastor Dale

Prayer for this Lord's Day

2009-09-20T07:51:00.003-04:00

(This is perhaps my new favorite prayer from the Book of Worship)

Our heavenly Father,
we your humble children invoke your blessing on us.
We adore you, whose name is love,
whose nature is compassion, whose presence is joy,
whose Word is truth, whose Spirit is goodness,
whose holiness is beauty, whose will is peace,
whose service is perfect freedom,
and in knowledge of whom stands our eternal life.
Unto you be all honor and all glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

from The United Methodist Book of Worship

The Book of Acts, Part 19

2009-09-20T07:50:00.000-04:00

Prayer Requests

2009-09-20T07:49:00.002-04:00

Tozer Devotion for This Lord's Day

2009-09-20T07:45:00.003-04:00

Two Forms of Death

I am amazed by the number of people who do not seem to know that the Bible speaks of two forms of death. We believe the Bible when it says physical death is the reality facing every person born into the world. But there is also a very evident condition among us described as spiritual death. We trace it back to the Garden of Eden and the warning of God to our first parents: "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die" (Genesis 2:16–17). Adam and Eve did not heed the warning; they ate of the forbidden fruit. And on the day that they transgressed the law of God in disobedience and self-will, they died spiritually.

Death is not annihilation. Death is not cessation of existence. Death is a changed relationship in a different form of existence.

When Satan, a creation of God, rebelled in pride and disobedience, he was saying, "I will arise and put my throne above the throne of God!" And right there Satan died. But he did not cease to be. God expelled him from heaven and from fellowship with Himself. He cast him down to earth. And after all these centuries, Satan is still around. He was not annihilated, and his eternal judgment is still to come.

Verse: The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit will reap eternal life. Galatians 6:8

Thought: Physical death graciously ushers the believer into the unveiled presence of God—life to the maximum! For the unbeliever, physical death leads into everlasting separation from God—dying to the maximum.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, I want to sow the seeds of my life here to please You.

Taken from the Tozer Devotional page at the Christian Missionary Alliance

Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

2009-09-20T07:44:00.002-04:00

PS - after I posted this hymn this morning, Robert Cottrill sent me a comment about this hymn (and gave me a great link to his blog on the history of hymns. Great stuff. Thanks Robert.

Scripture for This Lord's Day

2009-09-20T07:40:00.003-04:00

Mark 9:30-37

They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, [31] because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise." [32] But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.

[33] They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the road?" [34] But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.

[35] Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."

[36] He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, [37] "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."

The Theology of Creation, Part 2

2009-09-20T07:39:00.001-04:00

Heidelberg Catechism: Lord's Day 38

2009-09-20T07:35:00.003-04:00

The Ten Commandments

103. Question: What does God require in the fourth commandment?

Answer: First, that the ministry of the gospel and the schools be maintained[1] and that, especially on the day of rest, I diligently attend the church of God[2] to hear God's Word,[3] to use the sacraments,[4] to call publicly upon the LORD,[5] and to give Christian offerings for the poor.[6]Second, that all the days of my life I rest from my evil works, let the LORD work in me through His Holy Spirit, and so begin in this life the eternal sabbath.[7]

[1] Deut. 6:4-9; 20-25; I Cor. 9:13, 14; II Tim. 2:2; 3:13-17; Tit. 1:5. [2] Deut. 12:5-12; Ps. 40:9, 10; 68:26; Acts 2:42-47; Heb. 10:23-25. [3] Rom. 10:14-17; I Cor. 14:26-33; I Tim. 4:13. [4] I Cor. 11:23, 24. [5] Col. 3:16; I Tim. 2:1. [6] Ps. 50:14; I Cor. 16:2; II Cor. 8 and 9. [7] Is. 66:23; Heb. 4:9-11.

Getting ready for biblical counseling training this weekend...

2009-09-18T12:43:00.003-04:00

Ephesians 4:17-32

17So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.

20You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold. 28He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

29Do 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. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

NANC Training this weekend

2009-09-17T14:23:00.002-04:00

I'm very excited that my first weekend of NANC (Track 2) training is this weekend (followed by a weekend in October and November). If you are interested in growing in the area of Biblical Counseling and Discipleship, then I wholeheartedly encourage you to look into NANC training.

Here's a very brief description of Track Two...

The Unlocking Heart Issues course will include 30 hours of advanced training in biblical counseling from the leaders in the biblical counseling movement.

The topics will include study on:

Biblical Priorities
The Secret of Contentment
Consequences and Counseling
Helping the Counselee Glorify God
Fresh Perspectives on Self Esteem, Self Image and Self Love
Getting Your Counseling Off to a Good Start
Getting to the Heart of Marital Conflict
Counseling Homosexuals

Practice True Spirituality

2009-09-17T11:12:00.002-04:00

Taken from The Center for Biblical Spirituality
by Donald Whitney

In our quest for a more simple spirituality, it's important to define the term. I'm writing from the belief that spirituality is the pursuit of God and the things of God, through Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, in accordance with God's self-revelation (that is, the Bible).

The words of the apostle Paul in Colossians 2:16-3:2 provide inspired guidance on true spirituality. False teachers in Colossae were saying that spirituality involved not only the pursuit of God through Jesus, but also the worship of angels and other types of mystical experiences. They taught a number of elaborate rituals and ascetic practices which anyone serious about spirituality was required to observe.

Click here to read the whole article.

latest book on my reading list

2009-09-17T11:04:00.001-04:00

Click picture to purchase

Four Ways Husbands Can Improve Their Marriages

2009-09-17T10:31:00.003-04:00

taken from Crosswalk.com
The Smalley Relationship Center

Over the years we have interviewed hundreds of wives, and many of them communicated at least three areas where they desired to see change in their husbands before they would believe their husband's commitment:

Careful Listening without Justification or Argument

It is often difficult for a man to converse with his wife without challenging the meaning of various words she uses to explain how she feels inside. If a husband can overlook the actual words his wife uses to express herself and instead, actively pursue what she means, fewer arguments will take place. One man I know finds it almost impossible to do this. When his wife says, "You never do this," or "Your always do that," he will inevitably say, "Now, dear, I don't always do that," or "Did I do it yesterday?" or he begins to analyze her statement to prove it false.

If we can stop justifying our actions and quit arguing about the words our wives use, we can get to the heart of the matter. We can try rephrasing our wives statements, "Is this what you were trying to say?" or "Is this what I'm hearing?" It is essential in communication to look past the surface words to the real meaning behind the words.

Click here to read the whole article.

Prayer for Today

2009-09-17T09:59:00.003-04:00

Taken from KenBoa.org

May I not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, but join with others in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God. (2 Timothy 1:8)

May I keep the pattern of sound teaching that I have heard, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 1:13)

May I fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith, so that there will be laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

May I be above reproach, blameless as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not fond of dishonest gain, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sensible, just, holy, and self-controlled. (Titus 1:6-8)

May I hold firmly to the faithful word as I have been taught, so that I can exhort others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. (Titus 1:9)

As one who has believed in God, may I be careful to devote myself to doing what is good. These things are good and profitable for everyone. (Titus 3:8)

Since I have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, I will hold firmly to the faith I confess. For I do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with my weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way, just as I am, yet without sin. Therefore, I will approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that I may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

May I be diligent to realize the full assurance of hope to the end. Do not let me become sluggish, but may I imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (Hebrews 6:11-12)

May I not throw away my confidence; it will be richly rewarded. Let me persevere so that when I have done the will of God, I will receive what He has promised. (Hebrews 10:35-36)

By God's grace I want to live to the end in faith, knowing that I will not receive the promises on earth, but seeing them and welcoming them from a distance, I confess that I am a stranger and a pilgrim on the earth. Instead, I long for a better country, a heavenly one. In this way, God will not be ashamed to be called my God, for He has prepared a city for me. Like Moses, may I esteem reproach for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of this world, because I am looking to the reward. (Hebrews 11:13, 16, 26)

Harvey Mackay on Perseverance

2009-09-17T09:50:00.003-04:00

from Harvey Mackay.com

When the going gets tough, such as it is for so many right now, it's time to make a trip to the zoo for inspiration. That's where you'll find my ingredients for success: a hide like a hippopotamus, the courage of a lion, the memory of an elephant, the perseverance of a beaver, the endurance of an Alaskan sled dog, the speed of a greyhound, the agility of a monkey and the stubbornness of a mule.

One of those traits, perseverance, stands out during down times, when we are so often tempted to give up.

Marshall Field, the famed Chicago department store merchant, once offered a list of 12 reminders to those who would have happiness and success in life. Number two on the list was perseverance.

Click here to read the whole article.

Social Media Revolution

2009-09-16T20:09:00.001-04:00

important video to watch. HT - Brian Tracy

Devotional for Today

2009-09-16T09:27:00.003-04:00

taken from T.M Moore at The Fellowship of Ailbe

O Father, O Son, O Holy Spirit, forgive me my sins. O only-begotten Son of the heavenly Father, forgive. O one God, O true God, O chief God, O God of one substance, O God only mighty, in three Persons, truly pitiful, forgive. O God the rewarder, forgiving, loving, pre-eminent, immense, vast, mysterious, forgive.

- Litany of Confession, Irish, 15th century with roots in Clonmacnoise

"If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

- 2 Chronicles 7.14

In 1742, when it seemed that the fires of the Great Awakening had died down, Jonathan Edwards wrote a book calling the churches of New England and elsewhere to seek the Lord for revival. The title of the book is instructive, and I quote it in full: "An Humble Attempt to Promote Explicit Agreement and Visible Union of All God's People in Extraordinary Prayer for the Revival of Religion and the Advancement of Christ's Kingdom on Earth, Pursuant to Scripture Promises and Prophesies."

Let's look at this back to front. Scripture does promise and even foretell that God will revive His people and make them a powerful force for good in the earth (cf. Mic. 4.1-5). Christ has taught us to seek His Kingdom and to expect its advancement, even in the face of stiff opposition (Matt. 6.33; Matt. 13). But we must pray - agreeing on the need for revival, uniting with Christians of all kinds and levels of maturity, gathering at extraordinary times and staying on task at such times until the Lord grants what He has promised and commanded us to seek. The big question?

If. "If My people..." Are you one of His people? Do you long for revival? Do you believe Christ can bring it? That His Kingdom can advance and the whole world be sown with the truth of the Gospel? That the nations will stream up to the House of God when they see its holiness and experience its loveliness, looking for instruction in the Law of God? Do you believe it can happen? It will not happen unless we pray. Unless you pray. You. Not just me or your pastor. You. You and your friends, regularly, earnestly, at extraordinary times, giving God no rest until He grants what He has promised (Is. 62.6, 7). And if you won't pray, and won't join others to pray, then here's a prayer you can offer to the Lord right now: Dear Lord, thanks, but no thanks.

Lord, make me willing to pray and repent and seek You more earnestly than ever.

Read other devotionals by T.M. Moore by clicking here.

Highlights from "Parenting By The Book," Chapter Two

2009-09-16T09:06:00.003-04:00

Taken from John Rosemond's book, Parenting By The Book

Highlights from Parenting By The Book
Chapter 2

Postmodern Psychological Parenting – an anomalous hybrid of three historically antagonistic schools of psychological thought: Freudian, humanist, and behavioral.

Freud’s Principle – Psychological determinism is the notion that human behavior is shaped by early childhood experiences.

Humanist Principles – (1) Children are fundamentally good, and (2) High self-esteem is a desirable attribute.

Behaviorist Principle – Behavior modification works as well on human beings as it does on rats and dogs.

The Adam and Eve Principle – No matter how good a parent you are, your child is still capable on any given day of doing something despicable, disgusting, or depraved.

An outline of the mind of a child (aka the core of the criminal/sociopath mind-set)…
What I want, I deserve to have (entitlement).
Because I am entitled to what I want, the ends justify the means (pragmatism).
The rules do not apply to me; therefore, no one has a right to deny me or stand in my way (narcissism).

People who have an abundance of self esteem…
Have an overriding sense of entitlement (“What I want, I deserve to have”)
Have low self-control, especially when frustrated
Are apt to explode toward others when they don’t get their way
Have a criminal/sociopath mind-set, distinguished by the belief that the ends justifies the means

The Postmodern, Psychological Point of View
Freudian: Early childhood experiences shape behavior and personality
Humanistic: Children are fundamentally good.
Humanistic: High self-esteem is good and parents should help their children acquire it.
Behavioral: Behavior modification works on human beings a well as it works with rats and dogs.

Grandma’s Point of View
Biblical: The child’s behavior is influenced, but not determined by outside influences: rather, the child chooses his path in life.
Biblical: Children are fundamentally sinful.
Biblical: Modesty and humility in all things is desirable; furthermore, those with high self-esteem “will be humbled.”
Biblical: Humans are not animals. Possessing free will, humans can successfully resist the manipulations of behavior modification.

Click here to read the highlights from the Introduction and Chapter One