God as Provider

As we draw closer to God the Father, we find that His very essence is to love, to give, to be more than self-contained. Although He is self-existent – He does not have un-met needs - the desire of His heart is to be intimately integrated into our lives. In other words, even though He does not need us - He wants us, He longs for us.

God desires to meet the needs of His creation, which is why the Hebrews came to call Him, Jehovah Jireh (the Lord will provide). To be beyond Himself is part of His character. And as you and I take on more of His character, we will reach out beyond ourselves to manifest to others what He is to us.

On Sunday, Jeff Brooks, talking about bearing the image of Christ, said, “Although we don’t look exactly like Him, people ought to get an idea of what He looks like by looking at us.” That is how it is supposed to work. Yet, we must admit, to be honest with God, and fair to ourselves, that there are times when we do not resemble Christ at all. There are times when our focus is on meeting our own needs, not the needs of others.

Weekly Project: This week our challenge is to look more like Christ – more days than not - for longer periods of time. Begin each day by choosing a trait of Christ that has impressed you: perhaps His devotion to prayer; or His willingness to embrace the unloved, or His propensity to confront sin in a firm, but caring way. Or maybe it is His attentiveness to the hurts and frustrations of those who feel overwhelmed by life.

Once you have chosen, then dedicate yourself to imitating Christ – just for the day – and just concerning that trait. Let others see His smile in you; feel His embrace from you; know His compassion because of you. And remember: the best way to say “thank you” to God, is to be like Him for others.

God as Comforter

Ecclesiastes 4:1 paints a rather bleak picture: Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed - and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors - and they have no comforter.

Here we find tears and oppression amidst the harsh realities of life. Of course, God told man that sin would indeed lead to difficulties (Genesis 3) – but historically, we are poor listeners.

Without God, man is indeed sans comforter. Without God, man’s opponents possess power which they intend to use against him. Without God…now that is a terrible place to be.

But with God – ah, with God we can find peace and contentment in all things. With God we can even find joy in the long journey. Yes, there will be pain and disappointment – but remember: we have God – and He can turn all mourning into dancing.

Weekly Project: Our contentment is not dependent on worldly devices (material things) – but on our intimate walk with God, the Comforter. But He will not force His comfort on us – so - to nurture that relationship, we need to divest ourselves of distractions. In other words – GIVE SOMETHING UP – DO WITHOUT THINGS – TRUST GOD TO FULFILL YOU. Abstain from materialism – for a definite period of time: a day, an evening, even an hour. Stop watching TV. Cease filling your time with technological distractions. Stop and listen for God. Sit with Him awhile. Trust Him to make the time valuable and fruitful. We will grow closer to Him in the process.

And while we’re at it, we may even find that the person who has been oppressing us…is ourself.

God as Creator

On Sunday, James reminded us that God has created this world – and it is a magnificent thing to behold. And He must have put His entire creative heart into it – ‘cause He calls it “good.” But that is not the end of the story. Scripture says that God gave His creation to man to oversee. God overcame any temptation to “hoard” His prize – rather, He offered it freely to us as proof that He loves us.

It’s no wonder, then, that when man’s weaknesses placed himself in a defenseless position, God offered His Son as the ultimate evidence that the heart of God beats for His children.

Weekly project: Take a good look at whatever you consider your “success.” It may be a flourishing career, your immaculate home, your spotless reputation, etc. Obviously, you have worked hard to obtain this success – and your effort has paid off. Now, imagine giving this precious success to another – no strings attached – and then sitting back and watching what he does with it. Would that be difficult? Would you want to control everything? Would you be critical of his handling of your affairs?

And what does God think about all those blessings He has given us to manage - especially the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins? It is amazing how much trust God places in us. Perhaps we can learn to bear His image and do the same for others. That might be proof that we love them.

To listen to this sermon, check us out on iTunes

God as Redeemer

As we reflect on the message that Marvin Phillips shared with us on Sunday (January 10), we need to refocus our attention on the idea that God's identity is what reveals His passion.

2 Peter 3:8-9 ^"But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

God's passion is to see that you are redeemed – that you are at peace with Him – that you are no longer controlled by the forces of evil. And so God, in His compassionate patience, sent His Son, to die on the cross, and secure your eternal hope. (John 3:16)

That means that we now have a new identity – saved, sanctified, holy. We did not do this – God did this for us! Because God is the ultimate Redeemer, His good work in us leads to redemption. We are now reconciled to Him – not by the things we do or don't do – but by His merciful goodness at work in us.

And if we are redeemed – then our new identity should also reveal our passions. As the image bearers of God, we ought to also be seeking the salvation of others – regardless of cost.

Weekly Project: How can we persuade others that repentance leads to reconciliation if we do not constantly practice the discipline of confession? This week, make a concerted effort to "put all of your junk on the table" before the Lord in prayer. He is forgiving and kind. Only after realizing the true blessing of forgiveness can we lead others to the "green pastures and quite waters" of God's mercy.

Remember, you are loved.

The Church Unleashed

THE CHURCH UNLEASHED - Sunday, January 3, 2010

On Sunday, Chuck mentioned several examples of believers who offered lives of service to God in an effort to "go outside the camp". This idea comes from Hebrews 13:12-14

12 And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. 13 Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. 14 For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.

An intimate relationship with God is about "looking for the city that is to come." In other words, we are to seek God's idea of living – not our own. The best way to do that is to imitate that which inspired the cross – Jesus' unconditional love and compassion for others.

As the text says, we will have to bear the disgrace He bore. What is that? It might be persecution and ridicule. It might be the frustration of helping those who are unappreciative and critical. It most certainly will involve sacrifice of some kind. Are you ready to do that?

Weekly Project: Identify the most unloveable person with whom you have regular contact. Next, make a brief list of the ways you can serve them this week and put several of those ideas into action. In doing so, you will be sharing the love that can only come from Christ – the love that His cross inspires in you.

Let us know how God works in you to accomplish His purposes – and draw you closer to Him.