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Worship is much more than singing praises and praise is much more than the forms used. Romans 12 and John 4 teach us clearly that worship is a whole of life service for God that springs from a heart filled with His Spirit and the truth of the gospel. The forms of expression in worship that God encourages are clearly identified throughout the psalms including resounding cymbals, jubilant singing, dancing, bowing down, lifting hands, clapping, joyful songs, etc, etc. These are the forms we should engage with but they are useless if the heart is not grateful to God for His love and mercy.

The sinful woman (Luke.7) and King David (2Samuel 6) demonstrated the extravagant and unrestrained worship that touches the heart of God. I think this is the picture we should take with us when we engage in expressing worship to our loving and all powerful God. Not half hearted or restricted by personality, culture or tradition but a heart fully engaged in honouring God motivated by gratitude and awe.

Application:

1. How has God released your heart in expressing worship to Him?

2. What restraints do you still struggle with in worshiping God?

Blessings – Ron

Relationships have man aspects. No matter what type of relationships you have, they can always be developed and grown. But relationships, good relationships don’t just happen, they are intentional. Chances are that if you let a relationship just happen, then it won’t be a healthy relationship. Its easy to think that because someone is nice when we first meet them that they will always be that way. But we need to approach relationships with wisdom.

If we are to develop the very best of relationships, then we must be intentional. If you are married you will have done marriage preparation of some sort. Those of you married more recently will have done a whole lot on being intentional in relationships. This is because a good marriage doesn’t just happen, it actually takes time and effort. But regardless of the type of relationship, whether with a spouse, a friend, or your workmates, being intentional will produce a better relationship dynamic. Good relationships take time and effort, they require us to be very deliberate and very intentional in how we develop and grow them.

Communicate God’s way

The key to any good relationship, and to improving the relationships we have, is in how well we actually communicate with people. We all communicate in some way. My experience is that the more I see it, the more I realise that how and what we communicate is really important. Communication is both technique and content. It is not just what we say, it is how we say it. And more importantly, communication is about how we listen to others.

Quick to listen

Most of us are so keen to get our own thoughts out that we do not actually listen to others, we cut them off, and we are more interested in ourselves than in the other person. The Bible says be quick to listen and slow to speak.

James 1:19

My dear brothers and sister, be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry. Your anger can never make things right in God’s sight.

James 1:26

If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are just fooling yourself and your religion is useless.

How we speak, what comes out of our mouths has a huge effect on relationships. But how we listen is vital. James tells us to be quick to listen. What does this mean?

It means:

To attend to what is being said.

To understand and perceive the sense of what is being said.

To find out and learn and to comprehend.

So to be quick to listen, means to actively listen to another person, to find and and learn, to comprehend what they are actually saying.  Listening requires us to fully understand the other person and to make sure we perceive the true sense of what they are saying. This requires us to listen carefully, without forming our own ideas to respond, but to understand first, what the other is saying. (Not just their words, but their body language as well).

Slow to speak.

To speak is to articulate, to talk, to use words in order to declare ones mind and disclose ones thoughts. This is where it gets tricky in relationships and in communication. We want to be quick to speak, quick to articulate our own thoughts and ideas so others know what we think. We want to get our ideas across. We want to declare our own mind on something, so that in the process of doing so, we don’t really listen. We don’t allow the other person to finish what they are saying because we want to get our opinion across. The Bible says, we are to do the opposite of what we want. We are to be slow to speak. When we are slow to speak, we are not consumed with ourselves.

In relationships, we are to consider others as well as ourselves. This is what makes a healthy relationship. Whether it be a work relationship or a marriage or amongst friends. This passage of James also says be slow to get angry because our anger actually doesn’t help the situation. The word used here can also mean impulse, agitation and indignation. James says, watch out for these things. Be slow to get angry and agitated and indignant.

The tongue is powerful. James 3:2-12 goes on to say that if we can control our tongue, if we can control what we say, then we will have no trouble being in control of other aspects of our lives. He says that with our tongue we bless God and we curse people. This is a pretty accurate description of how we behave. James says, it should not be this way. Jesus said that from the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. If we want Godly communication, we have to check what is in our heart! What is within will come out, especially if pressure is applied.

What is defiling your language? What is defiling your heart?

Healthy relationships require us to keep a check on ourselves, on what we are allowing within. So what are we to do?

1. Guard your heart.

Prov 4:23-26

Above all else guard your heart because it affects everything you do.

Avoid all perverse talk; stay far from corrupt speech.

Look straight ahead and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; then stick to the path and stay safe. Don’t get side tracked; keep your feet from following evil.

Keep a check on what you hear and see. It’s like a gate. We have an ear and an eye gate. Who controls that ear and eye gate? We do!! Keep a check on what goes in and out of the gate. We are responsible for what we see and what we hear. We are responsible for what we do with what we see and hear.

What are you allowing in your ear and eye gate?

What effect is it having on your life, your thoughts, your words, your actions?

Learn to open and shut the gate at the right times. Learn to recognise when something that shouldn’t be allowed in has snuck in the gate and kick it out. I have a fence with a gate to keep my dogs in and the neighbours dog out. We have a choice about who we allow to speak into our lives, who we hang out with and what we see.

What changes do I need to make to ensure the right things enter my ear and eye gates?

Phil 4:8-9

And now brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honourable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you have learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.

Paul says, be deliberate in what you think and what you say will reflect it. If you think about what is right and good, this will guard our heart.

What do I think about? What thoughts do I need to take captive?

2. Speak what is right

Proverbs says stay away from perverse speech. If we guard our heart, think about what is right, we will say what is right.

Col 4:6

Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone.

Notice the word gracious!

How gracious is my conversation?

What can I do to have a more gracious attitude that is reflected in my conversation?

Eph 4:29

Don’t use foul and abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful. So that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

I think this is an area in relationships that we must be very vigilant about. The Bible is clear, but our culture is accepting of this.It is now acceptable to use all sorts of language, but we are not to be dictated to by culture or what the world decrees as acceptable.  ”Everybody does it” is not a valid response or reason. We are to think differently to that. We know Romans 12:2 – don’t be dictated to by the customs of the world, don’t conform to them but be transformed by God, through the power of his word.

What language do I need to be rid of?

3. Treat others how you would like to be treated.

This is loosely called the Golden rule. Speak to others the way you would like to be spoken to, listen to others the way you would like to be listened to.

Matt 7:12

Do to others what you would like them to do for you. This is a summary of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.

We quote this quite blithely. But think about it. This is very powerful. If in every area of our lives we actually treated other people the same way we would like them to treat us, we would have very little issue with people. Jesus says that this verse sums up all the law and the prophets. Everything written in the old testament is summed up by treat others how we would like to be treated. When it comes to our relationships this is such a key area. How do you want to be treated in your relationships? When it comes to communication, how do you want others to communicate with you? Then treat others the same way.

Sometimes I think we want others to treat us how we would like to be treated,  but we feel we can treat others how we feel at the time,  by judging them and speaking badly about them. I heard recently that we like to judge others by their actions, but ourselves by our intentions. We expect more from others than we expect from ourselves. The Bible says, that how we judge others, is actually how we will be judged?

In Matt 7:1

Stop judging others, and you will not be judged. For others will treat you as you treat them.

Today as we think about how we communicate with one another, think about how you would like people to talk to and communicate with  you? How do you want people to communicate with you? Do you want people to talk to you in the same way you talk to them (or about them, or do you want others to talk to you the way you would like to be talked to?

If we want people to listen to us, then we are to spend time listening to them.  If we want people to speak nicely to us, then speak nicely to them.

Be deliberate in putting these things into practise. It will make a world of difference to your relationships.

In Philippians 3 the apostle Paul states that knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection is the ultimate goal in life. He contrasts this to the drudgery and impotence of law keeping and merit making concluding that all of our self oriented efforts and achievements are garbage to be thrown away when compared to the excellence of knowing Jesus. He challenges his readers to throw off religious self dependence and embrace the sufferings of Jesus in order to participate in all that He has done for us.

The power of the resurrection of Jesus is yours as well if you will give up your self dependence and participate in His suffering. To participate in His suffering means to accept all that He has done for you and then stand for Him. If you then suffer for Him or for His Body, the Church, it is not to make merit with God but rather to Honour Him and extend His rule in the hearts of people because you love Him and His Church. This focus will certainly make a difference in your daily life and has the ultimate eternal significance.

Application:

* In what ways do you get religious or pretentious when it comes to your faith?
What aspects tend to be a bit false in you?

* What does it mean for you to suffer for Jesus?

* What are you afraid to lose by serving Jesus? (See Rich Ruler Lk.18)

Blessings – Ron

God Thoughts III Blessing

We’ve been looking at the destructive thoughts that rob us of all God intends and often our ability to serve and be a blessing. Thoughts that tell us we are not lovable, not capable and, today, not blessed. Others have favour and blessing but not me. I am too evil, sinful, unimportant, etc, etc. The truth is we live constantly in the blessing of God. Every good thing in our lives comes from Him and was created by Him (Jms.1:16-17).

God’s pre-disposition is to bless people – Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, even Ishmael, were all specifically blessed by God. Joseph, Samuel, Daniel, Mary and so many others were touched by the favour of God and God says that by faith we too live in the blessing of Abraham (Gal.3:7-9). Jesus blessed and taught blessing (Mt.5; Mk.10:16; Lk.24:50-51), Paul said we would have an abundance for every good work (2Cor.9) and John prayed that we would prosper in all things as our soul prospers (3Jn.1).

God wants to bless you. The bible teaches obedience (Lk.11:28), responsibilty (2Thes.3:10) and generosity (Lk.6:38) to flow in that blessing but fundamentally God wants to bless you!

Application:

1. What gets in the way of understanding that God wants to bless you? What thoughts push in on you in this area?

2. What is God saying to you about His blessing?

3. What do you need to do this week in obedience to God’s word?

Blessings – Ron

Some quick thoughts to finish up our series on vision.

1. Seek God’s vision for your life

I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans to prosper you, not to harm you, to give you a hope and a future, (Jer 29:11).

Even if you feel like you’re in a bad place, God has a vision for your life and a purpose for you.

Matt 6:33 Seek first the kingdom…

When we seek God’s kingdom, when we seek what matters to him, when we seek his vision for our lives, he will not only give us everything we need but he will also enable us to fulfil it.

Remember: I am able because God is able

What is God’s vision for your life?

What is hindering you at the moment? (Are you the hindrance, selling yourself short)

Look beyond the shortcomings to the God possibilities.

2. Be passionate

When we are passionate about something we are more likely to keep going and to keep moving towards the fulfilment of the vision! Jesus is passionate for us, and for his bride the church. Think about the things that move you in some way; chances are that God has placed a passion in your heart to see change brought into those areas.

When we are doing something, if we are passionate, we will keep going, we will learn more and we will do more!

David was passionate about building a place of worship God. God told him his son would build it, so David directed his passion into preparing for building, for gathering material. (2 Samuel 7:4-16 1 Chronicles 22:2-17). David set aside a huge amount of his own wealth, to ensure that the vision could be completed.

What are you passionate about?

What can you do today to start laying a foundation for doing something in that area?

People will get on board with your vision when you are passionate about your vision and what God is doing.

Who shares your passion?

Who have you shared your passion with?

These people will help to achieve the vision.

3. Vision is always greater than the one

Vision always requires others to fulfil it. We are never alone. Even if we have a vision for a new kitchen – it requires a team of people to make it happen, with each having a part to play. It is the same for us in our lives, our work, our ministry. Whatever your vision for your self, your family, your relationships, your community, it takes people to be involved, it requires others to help us get there.

David collected material for the temple, Solomon had it built, but he had a huge team of people to help make David’s vision a reality. (1 Kings 5:1-17; 6:1).In fact, if we try to do it alone, we will not achieve our vision as effectively as working together. I’m not expecting I’ll need 30,000 people just yet, but may be the vision for a business that you have may start with several people and employ many thousands in the future.

Who are we doing life with?

Who are the key people we need in our lives to fulfil our God given vision?

4. Vision crosses the generations

If our vision is only big enough for our own lifetime, it is too small.

I believe that God gives vision that extends through the generations. His blessing are for thousands of descendants. When Solomon built the temple, he was building on what had already been achieved. When he died, many generations that followed used the temple to fulfil the vision of a place to worship God. They may not be physical descendants but they will be people who come after us, who we have passed the baton on to.

Who are you relating to that is older than you, younger than you?

Who will you pass the baton too? Who are your descendants?

Who are you sharing vision with that can run after you?

 

 

I am able, because God is able. What are we able to do? More than we could ever ask, dream, or think of. God’s dream for us is big, but not beyond us because God is able. What ever God has called us to, we are able because God enables us by working in us and through us.

1. God is able

Eph 3:20
Now glory be to God ! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare ask or hope. NLT

God is able, by his mighty power at work within us to do so much more than we could ever imagine.It is not of ourselves, it is not relying on us, rather it is God’s work within us. It is God’s power, his Spirit at work in us, that enables us. As we embark on this year, its important to remember that its not by striving, but by relying on God’s work within us, and within others, that accomplishes his purpose.

God, by virtue of who he is, by his ability, by his power, inherent in his nature, is capable. He is the author, the one who carries it out, supremely, further, more than enough, able to do so much more than we could beg for, ask for, desire, request for oneself, perceive with the mind, have understanding of or consider, and it his his working in us, his display and activity in us.

In other words, whatever we could think up, what ever we could ask for, perceive or consider, God is able to do, within us and through us. The question is do we believe this, and are we willing to step out in faith, knowing this, and putting this into effect in our lives? This is about right thought patterns, changing how we think, not allowing circumstances to dictate to us what we believe about God and who he is.

How does your thinking hinder God’s work in you?

In Judges 6 we read about Gideon. He did not have right thinking, he was being dictated to by circumstance. He thought of himself as the lowest of the low, but God said he was a mighty man of valour. He had to change his thinking. He had to see himself differently but rely on God for the outcome. He learned that God was able, that it was God’s purpose that was important. When he changed his thinking, then God, at work, did more than what Gideon could ever have imagined. We have something Gideon didn’t have, God’s power at work in us as well as for us.

Phil 2:13
For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him. NLT

God is acting in us, so we can effect his work in us by doing his will. In us, God is the operative, to effect and to display his activity. God is at work, helping us to have his purpose in mind. God is at work in us, not just so that we would have it in mind, and intend to, but God gives us the ability to carry it out. God is acting in us, so we can effect his work in us, by doing his will.

2. I am able

Phil 4:13
For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need. NLT

When I looked at this verse in more detail, I discovered something very interesting. The word “do”, means to be strong ( in body and power, robust) but it can also mean, to have power (as shown by extraordinary deeds) to be a force, to be able. In other words, whatever we are called to do, we can do in strength, not just because God is able, but because in Christ, I am able. I have power, but it is Christ’s power within me. Christ endues us with his strength; therefore I am able, because God is at work within me. God strengthens me so that I am able to do his will and do it powerfully.

Phil 2:12
Work out your salvation with fear and trembling. KJV

Dearest friends, you were always so careful to follow my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away you must be even more careful to put into action God’s saving work in your lives,, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. NLT

The word “trembling” has the meaning of one who distrusts his own ability completely to meet all requirements, but religiously does his utmost to fulfil his duty. What Paul is saying is, do your best to live the right way, fulfilling God’s call and purpose, knowing that you don’t rely on your own ability but on God and his ability to make you able. We are not duty driven, we trust Christ to fulfil all requirements for righteousness, but we do our best to live the right way, and are desirous to live the right way.

I’m interested in this verse because we know that God’s saving work is in Christ. So what does this verse actually mean? I believe it means that we are to apply God’s saving grace to our own lives. For Paul, who wrote this, it meant putting his past and everything related to it behind him, and to live totally in God’s grace, serving God’s purpose and not his own.

Phil 3:12b-14
But I keep working towards that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be. No dear brothers and sisters, I am not all that I should be, but I am focussing all my energies on this one thing: forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead…..

Earlier, Paul says he no longer counts on his own goodness. He was no longer relying on his credentials, his abilities, but on God’s grace and strength. He understood that when he did this, he himself was able to do all that God called him to. He was able, because God is able and enabled him. When we put the past behind us, when we focus on what lies ahead, when we trust that God is at work in us, we are able. We often focus our energies on the wrong thing, on the past and the hurts, the previous successes or failures. Paul says, put it behind you, and focus entirely on what lies ahead and what God has for you, doing it in his strength.

Are we relying on our own strength, or on God’s strength working in us?

What do you need to put behind you? What is God asking you to let go of, once and for all?

What is he asking you to press on towards?

When we apply God’s love and grace to our lives, then we are able to do what we are called to do. We understand that in Christ we are able. Therefore I am able because God is able.

We started the year with 21 days to change your life looking at the thoughts that dominate our lives and how to build positive brain patterns. A major component of that was building thought patterns from God’s word. I think some of the underlyiing negatives are: I’m not loveable; I’m not capable; I’m not called and I’m not blessed.

The first is, “I’m not loveable” which is pattently absurd in the face of God’s overwhelming love for us but none the less rampant in our thinking. Rebuild a God thought by focusing on how God has demonstrated His love for you. He created you for relationship; redeemed you in His love and betrothes you to Himself for eternity. God’s love for you is beyond doubt and He loves you without reservation.

Application:
1. What is God saying to you about His love and about you?
2. What will you change or do about that this week?

At this time of year, there is a lot to be joyful about. There are a lot of fun things to do. Christmas trees to put up, presents to buy and wrap, Christmas lights to go and look at etc. There are also a lot of things to do, to prepare. For some, Christmas isn’t so joyful, for all sorts of reasons. But there is always a reason at Christmas to be joyful. Regardless of whether you see Christmas as lots of fun, or a lot of hard work, there is something to be joyful about. The true joy of Christmas is found as we celebrate the birth of Jesus and the coming of the Messiah.

Is 9:6-7

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the greatness of his government and peace

there will be no end.

He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom,

establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness

from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

In the lead up to the first Christmas, Mary was told that she would have a child, and her response was absolute trust and joy.

Luke 1:46-47

My soul magnifies the Lord and my Spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.

The news of a coming saviour brought great joy, and resulted in glory to God. When the shepherds heard of the birth – they went and found the saviour and praised God. The birth of Jesus was a time of great joy in heaven and a time of great joy for the earth. God celebrated when Jesus was born. At Christmas,God became man and lived among us, and the angels sang songs of praise and glory.

Matt 2:8-19

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,  and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Jesus was the source of great joy. Why? Because a saviour had been born. The one who would grow, and live as we have and show us God had been born into the world. Where there was darkness, there was now the opportunity for great light.

Is 9:1-3a

The people walking in darkness

have seen a great light;

on those living in the land of deep darkness

a light has dawned.

You have enlarged the nation

and increased their joy;

For us Christmas is a time of joy. Not for all the things that happen, but because we celebrate the birth of a saviour. We celebrate that God loved us and sent his son for us. We celebrate because we were living in darkness, but now Jesus has come and brought life and light to our lives. So how do we find joy?

1.  Seek Jesus

In everything we do, as we head towards Christmas – seek Jesus. This seems like stating the obvious because we are to seek Jesus always. But seek Jesus. Be deliberate in seeking God and in worshipping him.

Is 55:6

Seek the Lord while he may be found;

call on him while he is near.

Seek God. Take the time and the opportunity to seek him. It’s so easy to get caught in the busyness of the season, that we forget why we actually celebrate it in the first place. There were several people who were actively looking for Jesus, actively seeking him out. In Luke 2:25-38 we read of Simeon and Anna. They were people who were actively seeking the Messiah.

Luke 2:25-38

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

you may now dismiss your servant in peace.

For my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and the glory of your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother marvelled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

These guys were genuinely seeking God and genuinely seeking their saviour. Simeon was listening to God and was filled with great joy when he saw Jesus and he praised God. Anna offered up praise to god and spoke to all those waiting for their redemption. They were actively seeking a saviour. When they found him, it was a cause of great joy and celebration. In Matthew we read of the wise men. They two were seeking a king. At first, they did not understand who they were looking for. But they searched and they searched till they found him and offered what they had to him.

Matt 2: 1-12

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem  and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for out of you will come a ruler

who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ”

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.  He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.  On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

These men had come from a long way away, and had put a great deal of time and effort into searching for their new king. When they found Jesus, they were overjoyed. They had finally found what they had been searching for. More importantly, they had finally found who they were searching for. It brought them great joy.

What effort are we prepared to go to, to seek our saviour?

Simeon was prepared to listen to God, Ana was prepared to be in God’s house, the wise men were prepared to travel a long way. Seeking God and finding him brings great joy.

What will you do this week to seek God?

2. Offer true worship

The second thing is offer true worship. The shepherds came and saw Jesus and worshipped him. The wise men came and worshipped Jesus. In fact, they brought expensive gifts to worship him with. In other words, they were prepared to make a sacrifice to worship God. Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh all had great meanings around kingship, sacrifice and honour. The wise men wanted to bring their best to worship Jesus. Remember the woman who anointed Jesus with expensive perfume. It’s the same worship. It is worship that costs something but has great value to God and honours God.

Herod also said he wanted to worship the new King, but his motive was not to worship.

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.  He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

His motive to seek the king was not true worship. It was only lip worship. Spoken to save face when in his heart were pride, deceit and murder. Jesus had a discussion with the Samaritan woman in John 4, about true worship. The Jews and Samaritans had different rules and ideas about worship. But Jesus says that it’s about worshipping in the spirit and in truth. It’s not about place, but about heart attitude.

John 4:23

Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshippers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks.

God honours true worship.

When we seek God, are we seeking him for what we can get from him, or are we seeking him to offer true worship to God?

As we approach Christmas, let’s seek God, let’s seek our saviour and offer true worship.

Romans 12:1-2

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

What God desires from us is true worship. Worship that costs something, worship that is given in the way we live. True worship is not just about how we come before God when we honour him through praise and worship at church or at home but in the way we live our lives, and in every detail of our lives. When we choose to live as a living sacrifice and to live according to God’s best for us, when we lay aside the things in our heart and worship God because of who he is, and not what we get from him, when we choose God over all else, in everything – that is the true worship. It’s the little choices we make every day, in how we live, in renewed thinking, in giving God time and first place, that honour God above all else.

This worship honours God, and values God. He sent Jesus to be our saviour, and to enable us to come into his presence and have relationship with him, through Christ. This is a cause for great joy and a reason alone to worship God.

What is your response to finding your saviour?

How willing are we to offer true worship to God?

What can we do today to start to honour God and give him true worship?

 

I started last week exploring what it means to be a boots and all christian. An early quote of “boots and all” is ascribed to a Russian General in the late 1700′s who was said to sleep with boots and all (including spurs). He is quoted as saying that if he felt lazy and wanted a good night’s sleep he would take one spur off. That really is the spirit of what God is stirring in my heart. That we would serve Him boots and all, whole hearted and with all our strength – not out of duty or obligation but from a delight in Him and a desire to honour Him.

This week I want to encourage us all to develop that delight in the Lord. The prophet’s and the psalmist’s knew the secret of delighting in God. Isaiah explodes with it: “I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of His righteousness …” (61:10). Isaiah saw this before Jesus had come and completed it but it was no less real to him as he claimed in faith the salvation that Jesus won for us. Meditate on the greatness of God, all that He has done for you and all that He is. Express and declare His greatness to Him and anyone who’ll listen. Live out your love for God in active service that honours Him. In these ways your delight in Him will grow and your heart will be released for all that it was meant to contain and express.

Application:

1. How great is God to you: In what ways do you limit Him? How do you focus on His greatness?
2. How has a comprehension of the greatness of God developed in your life?
3. In what ways will you develop your delight in God this week?

Blessings – Ron

 

The joy of giving and of having a generous heart is a strong theme in God’s Word. There is great joy and freedom that is found when we can let go of our money and resources and release them to the purposes of God.

2 Cor 8:1-5

“Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.

For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem.  They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.”

They were filled with abundant joy which overflowed in rich generosity. This whole chapter is really great to give us God’s perspective on the joy of giving. When we live a life of joyful generosity, we live a life of abundant joy; a joy and generosity that comes from an “openness of heart”. Later  Paul writes that “God loves a cheerful giver”.

2 Cor  9:6-

“Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.  You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.”

Of course generosity is not just limited to money. We are to be generous with our love for others, our resources, our time and our energy. Generosity comes from a heart willing to serve the purpose of God, and in doing so finding great joy.

Romans 12:1-2

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

This tells us to give our lives as a living sacrifice to God. Then it goes on to say not to conform to the world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. A living sacrifice – this is about giving of our best to God; giving up the things of this world to focus on what is really important: God and the kingdom. The joy of giving comes from a generosity of spirit that stems from renewed thinking. Thinking that does not get caught up in the things of this world but looks to God and to bring glory to him. We are temporary residents on this earth; our true home is in heaven.

Is that where we are focussed?

In Matt 6:19-21

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

Jesus says don’t be focussed on the things of this world, place our focus on heavenly treasure.

Where is our heart today?

 Are we focussed on what we want to get or on how generous we can be?

Matt 6:24

“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Jesus is clear – we cannot serve both God and money. Jesus uses strong words – Hate and love. He is basically saying, if we focus on material gain, having “nice “things etc. then we cannot love God.  We either love God and use money to serve his purpose or we love money and try to use God to serve our purpose. The issue for us is that our world is so materialistic and we tend to see material gain as a way to happiness instead of focussing on God’s way to true joy. Let’s not get trapped in the things of this world. Let’s be people who are focussed on heavenly treasure.

1 Peter 2:11-12

“Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbours. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honourable behaviour, and they will give honour to God when he judges the world”

As we live to please God, as we look to place our focus on God and live for him, we are to stay away from worldly desires and give ourselves to living for God. This includes having a generous and joyful heart. God wants to bless us. We can trust him to give us good gifts.

Matt 7:9-11

“You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him?”

Generosity is important.

1. Generosity Honours God

When we are generous, God is glorified and God is honoured. Jesus is our example of a life of joyful giving. Last week we looked at how joy was his motivation for going to the cross. He gave of himself with joy, even when it cost him a great deal.  As we live lives of generosity God is truly honoured. Look at what Paul says in 2 Cor 9:11-15.

2 Cor 9:11-15

“For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.

Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.

As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!”

As we give generously and joyfully, others are blessed, but more importantly, those who are blessed will give thanks to God. God is about making his name famous not because he needs it but because he wants people to know him.  When we give generously, people will thank God and they will give honour and glory to God. So, not only do we honour God when we give generously, but other people will too.

Are people praising and honouring God because we have been generous?

Is our motivation to honour God in our giving?

Am I honouring God with my money or serving myself?

What can we do to change this?

2. Generosity Brings freedom

Generosity is God’s plan for us. Generosity brings freedom to our lives in so many ways. When we are free, we can give without strings attached. When we are free, we can fully give ourselves to God and the work of his Kingdom; we can give from freedom and not from a sense of duty. It totally changes our perspective. The act of giving actually brings freedom because it stops us from worrying about everything else.

2 Cor 8:1-5

“Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia.  They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.

For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will.  They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.”

Their gift was given of their own free will. They were free to give to God what belonged to him and to give to the offering what they could do. They did it with generosity and with joy, not because they had to, but because they wanted to. Not because they had lots of money – they were actually really poor. Paul is clear that the Macedonian believers gave out of great poverty, but with great generosity and with great joy.

Why? Because they understood that generosity was a source of great joy. That giving to the kingdom was important. They had their treasure in heaven – they gave themselves to God first. This enabled them to be free to give.  Freedom to give, joyful generosity comes from being prepared to give. Paul says to the Corinthians – I want you to be free to give.

2 Cor 9:7

“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully”.”

Not under compulsion or pressure, but with willingness and with joy.

Isaiah 32:8

“But generous people plan to do what is generous,

and they stand firm in their generosity.”

Generous people are always looking at ways to give. It is part of their life flowing from their heart. We are not asked to give what we don’t have. We give freely so that all people will have what they need, and we will have enough. To be free to give, we must deal with the unrealistic expectations that the world places on us. We must deal with the world’s desire for things.

As we approach Christmas – are we giving out of joy because of what Christ has done, or are we giving because others expect that we will?

Maybe we need to think about how and why we give at Christmas.  Hopefully we give because we love, but as we give, for whatever the reason, we are to give joyfully, not from compulsion, but from freedom, because we want to, not becausae we have to.

Are we giving from a place of freedom?

If not, what changes in attitude do we need to make?

3. Generosity brings Blessing

Generosity brings blessing to everyone.

Prov 22:9

“He that has a bountiful eye will be blessed because he gives to the poor.” (NKJ)

“Blessed are those who are generous,

because they feed the poor.” (NLT)

There is joy in giving, and joyful giving results in blessing. Those who receive are blessed and those who give are blessed. I love the idea of a boutiful eye. It means someone willing to give, someone wanting to bless others, who in return receives great blessing from their giving.

Prov 23:6-8

“Don’t eat with people who are stingy;

don’t desire their delicacies.

They are always thinking about how much it costs.

“Eat and drink,” they say, but they don’t mean it.

You will throw up what little you’ve eaten,

and your compliments will be wasted.”

No-one is blessed when people are stingy. Stingy people pretend to bless but they are not genuine, or joyful. Let’s not be like that. Instead, let’s be cheerful and understand the joy and blessing in generosity. in fact, the more generous we are, the greater the blessing and the more we receive back.

Luke 6:38

“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back”

Acts 20:35

“And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

What measure are we using when we give?

The blessing comes from giving. But there is also a bountiful return that we are blessed to be a blessing to others. God gives us an abundance for every good work.  Paul says that God gives seed for sowing and bread for food. This means that he gives us enough for our own needs and an abundance for the work of his kingdom. Lets release the abundace for his kingdom, and not hold on to it.

2 Cor 9:6-11

“Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.  You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”  And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

“They share freely and give generously to the poor.

Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”

For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.”

In other words, God gives us an abundance so that we can complete his work and be a blessing to others. The abundance is for every good work. The abundance is not for our comfort but for Kingdom purpose; for helping the poor, for reaching the unsaved, for spreading the good news of Jeus. But in doing so, there is great blessing and return. God has given us his promise that he will provide for us generously, not stingily, but generously. He will provide and increase our resources. This is why we can give cheerfully. God gives generously to us and we give joyfully and generously to others.

What good work would you like to be involved in?

Seek God for his abundance and give generously!