Understanding Freedom

Galatians 5:1-15

The more that I am gaining an undersanding of history and our government system, the more that I am appreciating the sacrafice that so many gave for the freedoms we have here in America.  Yesterday we looked at those verses in Galatians 5, "For freedom you have been set free."  

As we looked at yesterday freedom does not mean that you have a choice to do what ever you want.  Freedom is an attitude, it is a peace.  No one is free when they are controled by addictions, no one is free when they are controled by hate or anger.  No one is free when they are controled by pornography or lust.  Freedom is about gaining peace, it is about being content.  Freedom gives us the ability to make the right choices and decions for our lives.

The questions we need to be asking ourselves is: What are we doing with our freedom here in America?  Are you using your freedoms for the selfishness of yourself, or are you using your freedom to move the gospel forward?  

Challenge:  Thank God today for your freedom here.  Take inventory of your life, are you a slave to sin, or to attitudes that are against God, or are you truly free to be the man or woman God has created you to be.

Message Challenge
How is your faith?

Cory Lemke gave us some great words yesterday to help drive us toward fully trusting in a trust worthy God. He encouraged us to consider our level of commitment to God; he challenged us to step out of our comfort zones for God; and he reminded us that it is only by trusting and obeying God that we even have any hope for the future.

It seems that the economy and the looming elections have provided for us lots of things to be worried about. But the truth is, politics cannot change this world; money and the economy will not bring true life change to this world; A new president cannot hardly bring the changes promised. True life change can only happen through Jesus and trusting in His word.

How trusting of God are you? What is your hope in? A strong message I see God laying on my heart this past month is this: Whomever gets elected, whatever strings are pulled to save us from this financial mess will not bring peace. This world doesn't need more oil, more govt., more money, you name it. What this world needs is Jesus! That this world needs is you and I to step up, and be the believers God wants us to be.

A Little Encouragement For Monday
Walking in the Light
1 John 2:5-12

There are many times as a Christian that I have felt defeated and hopeless. Many times when trying to do the right thing people don't understand and standing up for what is right can be a very lonely thing. In John 16 Jesus is speaking with his disciples about what is to come, about his death and how alone he will be when his disciples scatter. He even tries to get them to comprehend his return; his connection with God. Jesus ultimately tells them in John 16:33, "I tell you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. Take heart, I have overcome the world."

Those things that drag us down. The people who fail to understand our Lord, the mockery we endure for the high standards we set, it's all over come. It is all taken care of, by our Lord Jesus who brings us peace in the midst of our pain. It's not our fight, it's his and guess what? He's already won!

Loving the Grove
Stepping out by Sharing God's Word
Luke 10:1-22

I have been here in Cottage Grove coming onto 6 years. Six wonderful, challenging, growthful (is that a word) years. Those years I would not give up for the world. In that span of time, Cottage Grove has become my home and I feel a part of this city. Joining together with a few of the other ministers here in the Grove, we have been praying this city on a weekly basis. We pray that the those who do not know Jesus would come to a knowledge of him. We have also been praying that those within His church would step out in faith and share Jesus with those who need to hear about Him.

That thought, coupled with other ideas has brought me to where we are today with the Love Cottage Grove idea. We are all in this together and together we can truly get something done. Jesus sent out the 72 disciples in Luke 10:1-22, with a purpose, to prepare people for the coming of Jesus. When Jesus ascended into heaven in Matthew 28, again He leaves those standing there as witnesses with a job, spread the news of Jesus and prepare people for His return.

This week: Find someone to love, without regard to what you can get out of it. Then, see what follows.

Weekly Challenge
The Cost of the Message

How far would you go for the message of Jesus? That is a difficult question to ask yet one worth considering, and considering a lot. When it boils down to it, most of us are deeply spoiled and we have a difficult time stepping out of our comfort zone for anything. Consider this: Most of us sit in the same place every Sunday morning; if we don't like the music we have difficulty worshipping; we get stuck in consistent routine, we like our days to run smoothly and we hope each day runs like yesterday did. We struggle to leave our comfort zone, seldom do speak to strangers or stop to help someone in need.

I hope you do not think that I am getting on anybody in particular. Truthfully, I am stung by my very own words, realizing how selfish I am. It is painful to think that I cannot please everyone and yet God reminds me that it is His approval I am looking for, so, step out of my comfort zone is something I must do. Something I hope God is encouraging you to do, to take a big step out of your comfort zone.

I think we all understand the danger of stepping out of our comfort places. Now, consider the rewards; you could be giving hope to a family in crisis, you may be the tool God uses to end the cycle of sin in someone's life. You may be the one to seed plant in someone's soul that will sprout down the road or you could be the one bring that seed to sprout. You may be the only kind word someone hears today, the only encouragement some receives. Your one act of kindness could mean the world to someone.

Foy Vance, a singer/song writer from London has a song on his most recent album called, "An Indiscriminate Act of Kindness." In the song a story is told of a man who provides a down-and-out woman with a warm place to stay and hope for tomorrow. As she questions his kindness, the man responds, "No one that knows love could leave you out there on such a night." You and I know Love, we know the very creator of Love because of that we have no choice but to step out and show others that kind of Love that we have already received. By the way, did I mention that it's worth it?

Monday's Challenge (on Tuesday)
Fellowship (koinonia)
Acts 2:42

Koinonia, is the greek word for fellowship. That word is used over 20 times in the New Testament to describe our relationship with the Lord and our relationship with others. On Sunday we talked a lot about how this relationship is built, true koinonia (fellowship) is not grown over night. Koinonia is developed through purposeful interaction with others. Whether it is your relationship with the Lord, or with others what you do must be purposeful. There are 4 rungs to this ladder of koinonia.

1. History Giving. Where have people been.
   
2. Hopes and Dreams. Where are they going. What are there hopes for life.
   
3. A Challenge. How can I help you fulfill those dreams?
   
4. Accountability. I will be there for you when you fall, and cheer you on to success.

Something that struck me when thinking about this a little more today is how things like koinonia work within our relationship with God. Jesus tells us in Matthew that the two greatest commandments are to love God and love others. I have found there are some people who are difficult to love, until I stop and consider God's love for those very same people. Fellowship is a difficult, painful endeavor, especially if you are not in fellowship with the Lord.

If you struggle with fellowship, make God your primary fellowship. As you focus on your relationship with Him, I believe God will help and encourage in your love and koinonia for others.

Pure Power

This is an awesome picture of the incredible view we had from our guest house this week that my in-laws graciously rented for our families. I was able to absorb this view each night as the sunset and for a vacation this was truly a get-a-way. As great a picture as this is I'm not sure if it truly captures how incredible the view was.

I love the ocean, I have not spent the time on the ocean that I was sure I would when we moved here, none the less, I am truly taken back by the sheer power, beauty and magnificence of the ocean. Watching the waves come in, understanding the rise of the tide, how truly awesome the ocean is! I could listen to the waves for hours on end when given the chance. How strong is the ocean? I'm not sure it can be described, I'm not sure I can fathom it fully.

In a sense, that is God. Who can truly describe Him? Who can understand His depth? His greatness? Job 38 is an incredible chapter of the Bible, God explaining to Job the vastness of this world, the precision that God put into His creation, its magnitude and glory created by an even bigger God.

Consider the creation all around you this, week. Watch the beauty of the trees, the splendor of the flowers, the power of the wind, all created by a God who loves you dearly. And as you focus on Him, give Him praise for being bigger than you and I.

A Challenge For us ALL

Wes Patton did an awesome job yesterday! He has such an incredible ministry in Hope House and many lives have been touched by this ministry.

Wes truly challenged us yesterday to look within ourselves as we make daily decisions about the lives and the choices we choose to live. It is God and His Word that gives us the incredible example on how we should live. His thoughts even made me consider some of the little things in life, short cuts I take for my benefit, not for God's.

Try this challenge! Write down all of the decisions you make in one day. What influences your decisions?

Sermon Challenge

Prayer

James 5:13-20

Today I rolled out of bed and realized that it was already Thursday! Most of my week toast, lost forever in the "I wish I had more" time zone. Sure, good things have happened this week, but for the most part, my week is finished with so many good things I could have done. I hope I am not the only one at that place in life but based upon the stories and in view of the lives around me, I know I am not the only one.

There are many ideas to solve this dillema. We could just not expect so much from ourselves, set the standard lower. We could also simply shorten our nights, get less sleep and more done. There is also this idea of cloning, just give me another me think of all we could accomplish with two of me and two of you! God has a more simple way and a much less logical way. He tells us to pray.

Did you catch that? Prayer accomplishes more than a clone would. I know, it doesn't make any sense less work doesn't mean more gets accomplished. That is the beauty of God's plan, we give that work we cannot accomplish over to Him. We raise the standard higher, because we have someone who can accomplish anything and He is on our side! We don't give up, we give it to the Lord.

Prayer, use it.

Sermon Challenge
James 5:7-12
Learning Patience

Yesterday we established that this idea of patience is more than just a waiting game, it is more like enduring when the world is falling apart around you. Many times we see injustice in this world, we see people getting away with all kinds of things, a not being held accountable. James reminds us here that God is watching, it is not up to us to be the judge, we are to endure through it. We are to endure by doing the right thing, we are to endure by loving those who are our enemies, we are to endure by keeping our word, we are to endure when we are tested, when there is an easier way out, we are still to endure.

This idea of "long suffering" also lends us to this idea of taking a stand. Our patience is not a waiting game, "long suffering" is an action word. It is taking a stand for who you are and what you believe and not wavering in that regard. In this section, in verse 8, the translate I read (NIV) gives some helpful translation, to, "be patient and stand firm." James does not want us to be passive, he wants us to be full of action. His concern is that our actions will judgemental, not loving. He wants our actions to be caring, not harsh. Stand for what is right, and leave the judgment to the One who has it all under control.

This week, let us stand together for what is right, pure and true. Let us love and pray for those who are immoral, those who walk on others, those who are selfish, you name it. The truth be known I don't know anyone (outside of Jesus) who can claim perfection and if not for His grace I would be in a world of hurt. Let us stand for what is right, and trust that God is in full control of everything.

Outside of Ourselves
Loving our Community

Heidi and I are back from our 10 year anniversary trip. It was a very nice trip, filled with a lot of fun and much needed relaxation. We spent some time at the coast, in the city of Portland and even some time at the Hotel. It was a lot of fun to be away from the kids (they were with Grandma's and Grandpa's) but it sure was nice to get back home to see them again. We were afforded the opportunity to go to Portland for church on Sunday, we attended Imago Dei Fellowship, a church that meets at Franklin High School on the east side of Portland. It was nice to listen and to worship with others at this church.

There were many things that stuck out to me at the church service it self, many ideas I would love to try some day but there was something that really stuck out more to me than anything and that was the people that were involved in the community. It was not that the church had so much going on as it was that the people were invested in their community.

What does that mean for me, what does that mean for our church? Well, first of all I think it takes an attitude adjustment on the hearts of individuals. For instance, I need to be thinking not about what I can get but what I can give. Like it or not, we are ego centric people to the core, my first thought is, in general, selfish. I need to stop that, I need to consider others.

What are some things we can do? Help a neighbor, read at a school, volunteer any where in the community (we have some hospital volunteers among us), take kids fishing, walk the streets and say "hi" to people, I'm sure you can think of other ideas. We just have to do it.

Sermon Challenge
Living for the Day
James 4:13-17
Making Room for God's Will

I have been considering something very important this week in regard to this study about God's will. Sometimes God's will and my will do not match up. I have my way and God has his. A lot like growing up with your parents, there is my way and there is their way. Sure, I did things their way but I didn't always like it. Yet in all honesty I felt the absolute best when I would do things my way that fit with their will.

Part of maturing as a follower of Christ, is lining up your will with God's will. Could you imagine the difference we could make if our will matched up with God's will. That is an unstoppable force. That should also change and challenge our prayer life. No longer do we just pray that God's will be done, we should also be praying that we learn to love God's will and His way.

May God's will and my will line up together!

Sermon Challenge

James 4:1-12

God's Submission Hold

We are not in control. No matter how hard we try, we cannot and do not have full control of anything in our lives. I say this, with the flu at a conference I am currently at. If I were in full control, I wouldn't have the flu.

We can do the best we can to be great parents, yet when our children grow, we have no control on what they choose. You can be the best employer or employee, yet you have not control on where your job or business will go. You can be a great friend, parent, aunt or uncle but you cannot control the way people treat you.

That is the beauty of this passage in James. As we focus our lives on living them God, we have to realize that we are not in full control and that is okay, because we are following the God who IS in full control. James points out the destruction our lives will have if we live for ourselves, we will be very unhappy people.

This week: Focus on being the best person you can be, and give God control of the rest. He knows what he is doing, trust Him.

The Strongest Muscle

James 3:1-12

I love Baseball, well, actually I love sports in general, it just happens to be baseball season. This last Thursday I was in Seattle for a conference on Leadership, called the Lead Now Conference. (Great conference, I did love it, but back to the baseball analogy.) Anyway, I had an opportunity to go to a Mariner's game, thanks to Craig's List and most peoples indifference to the Baltimore Orioles. We sat only 12 rows from the field, behind home plate or so. The game was close, tied up in the 6th inning, so the fans were getting restless. On a pitch that was way to close to call the fans all around us were unhappy with the umpire's judgment. I sat there listening to their jeers and I wondered, as I looked at this well built umpire, would these people have the guts to say those things to his face. . .

As James writes about the danger of our words, this thought comes to mind about how devastating our words can be and how quick we criticize those around us. Most of the time, like my umpire friend, those people are doing the best that they can and know how. This week (I hope it's not just this week) take some time to focus on the positive things in life and those around. Be an encouragement, be uplifting, may your and my words empower others to live the best that they can and may we never be a source of discouragement!

By the way, the call looked good to me, Go Oriole's.

Sermon Challenge
A Foundation of Faith
James 2:14-26

When I was a good church going teen I remember one lesson in particular at youth group. It was called a "faith" or "trust" fall. One person would stand on the edge of a table while 2 rows of people, arms extended, would catch you as you fell. The fall required that you fully trusted those arms below to catch you. Our youth pastor took the time to explain how faith in God is much like a faith fall, we have to trust that God is there for us all the time.

We do faith falls, we show pictures of faith and tell stories about men of great because faith itself is very hard to define. It is a trust in the unseen, yet faith is not blind; it is hopeful expectation that carries with it absolute certainty. It is explained better through a story and is defined more clearly by actions. We all have it some kind of faith, we all put our trust in something and James tells us clearly here that our faith in Jesus requires us to live like it.

The question you and I must face is; when someone is given opportunity to describe your faith, what will their answer be? Are you truly showing a faith in Jesus by your actions, or have you put your faith in other things? Is your faith in your job, money, drugs, or other things?

This week take an honest assessment, or if you are brave enough, ask someone to assess you truthfully and ask this simple question: Based upon the way I live, I put my faith in _________.

Person James 2:14-26

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Sermon Challenge
Mercy Makeover
James 2:1-13

It is natural human tendency to segregate. Sure, even in our americanized culture of "diversity training" and the equality movements all around, it's is pretty obvious social sects exist whether we admit it or not. Name brands are thrown in our faces, whether it's a car, clothes, or even groceries we segregate socially with the best of them. Yet, from God's perspective people are people, regardless of the ethnic or social tags we (as humans) put on them God doesn't see life in the same way that we do.

God does however have his own classification system, and it is a little different from ours. Here in James, we see that we are all in the same boat, we are all law-breakers. God classifies us then, not as sinners and non-sinners, but as the faithful and the un-faithful. He sees us as saved and unsaved, as those who have accepted him, or as those whom have rejected him. Ultimately James is challenging his readers not to show favoritism based upon social classes but to show Jesus to everyone! Many times we ignore the ones that are more ready for Jesus based upon our own human criteria.

Let us make a pact; let us take a stand to mindful of those we tend to ignore, to show compassion to those we haven't. To pray that God will allow us to see people in the same way that he does. We are all the needy, we are all the sick and we are ALL in need of a Savior!

Person James 2:1-13

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Sermon Challenge
"More Than Words"
James 1:19-27

This week as we dig deeper into the book of James, we are faced with a challenge, not to be merely hearers of God's Word, but to be doers of God's Word. One of the questions within our study guides has to do with using God's Word to make everyday decisions in our lives. As our Small Group discussed this thought, we came to realize, most decisions we make, we don't open up our Bible's to find the answer, but because we are connected to God's Word, we use the principles that he lines out for us in scripture to help us make a wise decision. If we are not in His Word, it makes it difficult to remember or think of what we ought to do.

God's Word is more than just words, and it is far more than just some good ideas. It is living and it is active (Hebrews 4:12). This aspect of scripture may make it kind of difficult for us sometimes. We want to know the answer, we prefer things to be black and white. It would be a whole lot easier if God would just say, "Yes, take the job!" or "No don't talk to that guy," or "Yes, buy that family a gallon of milk!" Wouldn't that be nice. "Wake up at 6am, workout, pray, hug your kids, go to work oh and stop by the coffee shop, someone there wants to hear about Jesus." That would make life a breeze.

God though has given us His Word, His example and His Law to be a help to us as we make every day decisions. God has gifted us with not only His Word, but wisdom. He has put other Christian believers in our lives and like any good parent, he tells us the decision is ours. We are more than just hearers of God's Word, we are doers! The question begs to be asked, has the Word of God penetrated your life enough to help you make wise decisions? Are you living for God, or just for a whim?

This week as you read God's Word, try this: Read with a pen or a highlighter. As you come across issues in God's Word, underline or highlight those ideas in God's Word that will be a guide for you in decision making. From loving your brother, to praying for you enemies how do those effect the decisions you make every single day.

Person James 1:19-27

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Sermon Challenge
Easter, Jesus and the Tabernacle
Hebrews 8-10

The pictures that we get from Jesus in the Old Testament are rather revealing about who Jesus was. I often hear from people and have experienced myself that writing e-mails and letters is a difficult way to communicate because much of communication is non-verbal. Paul in his letter to the Corinthians at one point in time even says, "I write this to shame you." Hoping they wouldn't take the letter the wrong way.

With that in mind I often wonder the tone of some of the things recorded about Jesus. I was listening to a dramatic rendition of Easter on my Ipod yesterday and the narrators had Jesus portrayed as a quiet rather melancholy voice. I just don't know if Jesus would have sounded like that? One of my favorite films to critique is a Jesus film I watched a number of years ago. Everyone of Jesus disciples spoke in modern english, while Jesus spoke in King James.

This communication barrier is hard to overcome and I wonder if that is why God uses more than just words to point to Jesus. He uses stories, analogies, meals, sacrifices and tabernacles to tell the story of Jesus. As you read through the Bible, New Testament and Old, take some time to concentrate on the many ways that God communicates about Jesus. Then ask yourself: How are you communicating Jesus to those around you. It better be more than just words, and it better be more than just actions. . . . .

Sermon Challenge

Palm Sunday
'The Suffering Servant"
Isaiah 53

The point of Jesus' suffering was for me. Have you ever really thought about that? Jesus suffered for you and me. I have a hard time grasping this concept because there are very few people that I would suffer for like Jesus suffered. I certainly cannot find myself suffering for a stranger, let alone an ungrateful stranger. Yet, that is what Jesus did. . .

Jesus suffered not just for those who accept him, he also suffered for those who would never choose to follow him. Why? That is the only way! He had to suffer that way and he knew it. In Mark 8 and 10 Jesus predicts his death, he explains the suffering that he would have to endure for ALL of mankind. In 2 Corinthians 4 Paul gives an incredible account of how Jesus' death effects us, starting in verse 10. "We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you."

No matter the suffering that Jesus went through, God has left us with a purpose! We are to be life in a dead world. "LIFE is at work in you." Those who Jesus died for, many of them will never hear that message if not for YOU. That is purpose, that is LIFE. YOU are LIFE!

Sermon Challenge
Tried and Tested
James 1:1-18

I just returned from the Emmanuel School of Religion's Northwest Scholarship Banquet. (Try to say that five times fast.) Captain Chip Fowler, a chaplain in the United States Military was the honored speaker for the event. He spoke very little about his own experiences in the military but highlighted some very important military personnel found in scripture. He not only pointed out those who made a difference in the name of Jesus, but those who even failed to stand in the midst of truth.

Many times our trials can lead us to a very decisive point, a choice on whether we are going to choose to follow Jesus, or just sweep the truth under the carpet. James in chapter 1 verse 6-8 I believe is talking about those who were NOT ready for the trials God sends. Those trials toss us back and forth in a sea of doubt because our faith, our knowledge of our God and our trust in His word is lacking.

This last weekend has been a glaring reminder of stories about those who have given up on God in the midst of trial and even temptation. When everything hits the fan, are you ready to weather the storm? I pray that you are prepared for the trials in your life.

I also want to encourage those who have stepped away from God in the midst of trial and are returning to put their trust in him again. He is worth trusting, he is an anchor in the storm! HOLD ON TIGHTLY!

Person James 1:1-18

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