Tag: Servant’s Heart

“Gets the Facts First”

Date: 10-21-14

Text: — James 4:11-12 — 11Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?  [NIV]

The Big Idea: Leave the judging to the Lord.

My Thoughts: 

In this morning’s Heartwork Devotion, we are told the story of the Jr. & Sr. high school students from Third Church in Pella, Iowa who got together with Heartwork to raise money for an orphanage in Uganda. They not only met their financial goal, they apparently doubled it. We cheer them on for this wonderful effort in Kingdom living!

Lifestyle Worshipers, have you prejudged the youth of today? Or have you seen all the facts before making a judgment? This morning we are hearing about this sacrifice of a dedicated youth group, but if you look around, particularly in our church, the youth are very involved in living the Life Jesus designs for them. No, it may not be as far a reach as Third Church’s youth, but then, you just may be surprised at what you do see, especially when you get the facts first. …

So whether it is prejudging youth or prejudging any brother or sister in Christ (or out), don’t you think it is best to leave the judging to the Lord? I do? How about you? Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

He who answers before listening—that is his folly and his shame.

—  Proverbs 18:13 (NIV84)

Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment.

— John 7:24 (NIV84)

Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

— 1 Corinthians 4:5 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, may I bless and not curse what I do not know or understand. Grant me the wisdom and patience to wait for You to reveal what is needed to understand others better. In the meantime, Lord Jesus, Love them through me. In Your Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“Mid Terms”

Date: 10-19-14

Text: — James 3:5-6 — 9  With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: The test is designed to see not only how well we have understood the material, but if we can apply the knowledge we have obtained.

My Thoughts: 

If we go too long before we are tested, the knowledge we have obtained may slip away: The old, “Use it, or lose” Proposition. Thus, there are midterms in some of our classes. Yes, there are still daily pop quizzes, but the midterm tests how well the accumulated knowledge has be understood….

Lifestyle Worshipers, our midterms—as with the daily pop quizzes—are designed more as a practicum, much like being in a science lab or a gym glass. The test is designed to see not only how well we have understood the material, but if we can apply the knowledge we have obtained. We are now a little over half way through our annual Prayer & Fast Month. Because this year we have coupled this with the Heartwork devotions, I am curious as to how it is going. Several of you have shared with me about your fasting, and a few have talked about the Heartwork devotions. I know a couple of you who are using less technology and even walking places—and not just for health reasons!

So then, let us spur one another on by sharing how this has been going. I know for me, I am amazed at how the Heartwork Devotions are dovetailing with the passages in James I am presenting. Further, my fasting is offering me opportunities to really stop and ponder what I am doing and why I am doing it. I have made some changes, but I’m sure many more are in the wings. How about you? How would you respond to such a midterm?  Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

—  Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV84)

You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?

— Matthew 5:43-46 (NIV84)

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

— 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, I ask You to fill me with the Holy Spirit , the Spirit of Power, Love and a Sound Mind. May He honor the Lord Jesus Christ in everything I think, say and do. As He continues to transform my mind to be more like Jesus, may I act on His promptings and so bring glory to Your Name. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“Small But Big”

Date: 10-16-14

Text: — James 3:5-6 —  Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: If I whine when I get a ‘sliver,’ how will I respond when it is truly a cross?

My Thoughts: 

The tongue, James tells us, is small but big. Though it is a small part of our bodies, it sure can make big boasts–boasts so big, in fact, that it can start a huge forest on fire…

Lifestyle Worshipers, do we make big boasts of our walk with Jesus? Do we spotlight the words of our faith neglecting the needs? Are you feeling the prick of the point as I am? Weaving its threads with this devotion is today’s Heartwork Devotion on “Co-Suffering with Christ.” Yep, I was one of those who boasted that I wanted to suffer for Jesus, but then He showed me the difference between slivers and crosses.  If I whine when I get a ‘sliver,’ how will I respond when it is truly a cross? “Ouch” doesn’t quite capture it, does it? Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.  — Proverbs 15:2 (NIV84)

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. — Matthew 7:21 (NIV84)

They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.  — Titus 1:16 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, forgive me for promising much but delivering little; for making big boasts with little results. I ask the Great Shepherd of my soul, the Lord Jesus Christ, by His shed blood to cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Create in me a pure heart so that I may walk in the Light as He is in the Light.  Empower me by Your Holy Spirit to match my talk to my walk. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“What is a ‘Shema’ Faith?”

 

Date: 10-10-14

Text: — James 2:18 — 18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. [NIV84]

The Big Idea:  A necessary element to ‘Shema,’ ‘to hear’ is to hear as to pay attention so to promptly and properly obey (or act on) what is heard.

My Thoughts: 

First of all, the word, ‘Shema’ is Hebrew. Its primary meaning is to hear. It is not always translated so, however. This is because there is a necessary element to ‘Shema’: ‘to hear’ as to pay attention so to promptly and properly obey (or act on) what is heard….

Lifestyle worshipers, this morning’s Heartwork devotion reminds of us the healing grace found in our personal relationship with the Lord Jesus and our Heavenly Father, especially through adoption (read Eph.1:3-10 for a fuller view of this). How does a ‘Shema’ Faith interweave with such overwhelming grace? Does not the beggar who found a feast share it with his friends? Is this the fruit of a ‘Shema’ faith? Or does it mean something else? Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. —  Galatians 5:6 (NIV84)
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. — Matthew 7:24 (NIV84)

 

Heavenly Father, as I seek Your face open my heart to what pleases You in heaven so I may do the same on earth. Forgive me for having dull ears and weak hands. In Your Grace and Mercy empower me by Your Spirit to walk in the power of a ‘Shema’ Faith,’  pleasing You in all I think and do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“The Elephant in the Room”

Date: 10-08-14

Text: — James 2:14-17 —  What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?  Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: Let us not discount what He may be prompting us during this month of prayer and fasting to do.

My Thoughts: 

Many issues are obvious, but we are cautious about addressing them.  Because we’re afraid we may lose a friend or offend a loved one. Yet, there the proverbial elephant stands smack dab in the middle of the room. … But this doesn’t prevent James, the Just, old Camel Knees, himself; he does not pull any punches in the above verses: “Hey, guys, the elephant’s in the room—your faith needs to be address….

Lifestyle worshipers, does this make you nervous? I know it does me. It might require a life change or at the very least a loss of some convenience or ‘luxury’. Much, like Dr. Lockey (see this video: http://vimeo.com/43463138 ) in this morning’s Heartwork devotion. She made a radical change in her life. Do not dismiss her ‘radical’  action as if it is something you cannot do. It was personal; it was designed by our Heavenly Father for her. But let us also not discount what He may be prompting us during this month of prayer and fasting to do. Yep, the Elephant is in the room: “Can such faith save?”

Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. — Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV84)

I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. — John 14:12 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, as I seek Your face open my heart to what pleases You in heaven so I may do the same on earth. Forgive me for dismissing or discounting the apparent radical promptings I’m getting. In Your Grace and Mercy empower me by Your Spirit to walk in the freedom of knowing I am pleasing You in all I think and do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“Letting Go of Our Definition”

Date: 10-05-14

Text: Luke 9:23-25 —  Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.  For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.  What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?  [NIV84]

The Big Idea: Do we need to let go of our definition of ‘generosity’?

My Thoughts: 

Lifestyle worshipers, after viewing this Francis Chan video (http://vimeo.com/32093170), do you think we need to let go of our definition of generosity? In light of this morning’s Heartwork devotion focus verses (noted above), do you think our definition of ‘generosity’ is too narrow or too broad? Too extreme or too complacent? Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

— 1 John 3:1 (NIV84)

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 

— Luke 6:35-36 (NIV84)

 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,

— Titus 3:4-6 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, transform my giving to be as generous as Yours. You gave Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, because You so Loved me. Let my Life be an extension of this Love. In Your Son’s Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“Letting Go of Our Ego”

Date: 10-04-14

Text: Mark 10:43-45— 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.  [NIV84]

The Big Idea: Know you are truly a member of a Backwards Kingdom

My Thoughts: 

I’m sure we’ve never heard anyone say, “Hey, Let go of my ēgo,” but I’m sure we’ve all heard a little whine or burp, even from our own lips. Humility comes before honor and success, and when we do not humble ourselves, humiliation often follows. I’d rather do the humbling….

Lifestyle worshipers, Heartwork’s devotion focus verses this morning are the Beatitudes, you know, the “Blessed are the…” (see Matthew 5:3-11) And it is these verses that suggest  we promote (and live) what is called a “Backwards Kingdom”. Have you discovered this, too? When you want to follow Jesus on a particular path, your friends (and even sometimes your family) just don’t get it. It’s like the time when Jesus’ own family encouraged Him to go to the Feast to ‘get famous’ (my words, but their idea, see John 7:1ff), but He knew His Kingdom doesn’t work that way…. You know the way up is down?

So today, when you practice serving someone just for the Love of Jesus—getting no recognition, no credit, and even no remuneration, receive the Joy this brings and know you are truly a member of a Backwards Kingdom.

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

— 1 Peter 5:6 (NIV84)

Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven

— Matthew 18:4 (NIV84)

 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

— Romans 12:10 (NIV84)

Lord Jesus Christ, I put You on as my Hat of Humility and my Gloves of Kindness as I serve You, Your People, and those to whom You lead me for Your Glory and Your Kingdom’s advancement. I pray Your will be done on earth and in me as it is done in heaven. In Your Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“Letting Go of Our Stuff”

Date: 10-03-14

Text: 1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: Have we minimized this word ‘love’ each time we read the above verse?

My Thoughts: 

Have you ever said, “Boy, I’d give an arm and a leg for that!”? Or something very similar? What hardcore sacrifices are you willing to make to purchase something? Is this ‘agapé’ Love?

Lifestyle worshipers, in this morning’s Heartwork devotion focus verse (above), the word for Love is agapé. Have we minimized this each time we read it? I wonder if I have? I know that there are things I’d ‘love’ to have, but these feelings have diminished over the years. But are there things I’d love to not depart with? I’m sure I could list many—and the list may be uncomfortably long. How long would your list be?

Let’s take some time today—the rest of the week even—to not just ask ourselves what do we love to hold onto, but really ask ourselves what can we  really do without? Again, this is why it is called ‘heartwork’.

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

— 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV84)

Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?

— Luke 16:10-11 (NIV84)

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

— 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV84)

Lord Jesus Christ, forgive me for holding on too tightly to the things of this world. May I see them as tools You’ve blessed me with to bless others and advance Your Kingdom. May Your will be done on earth and in me as it is done in heaven. In Your Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“Letting Go of Our Agenda”

Sermon Title: “Can I Hear You Now?”

Series: Families Grow Up In Wisdom: The Book of James

Date: 10-02-14

Text: James 1:19  My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, [NIV84]

The Big Idea: To be an active listener I have to stay on their agenda.

My Thoughts: 

Those who are quick to listen have learned to let go of their agendas. I actually first heard this in a college class I taught on Active Listening. “To be an active listener I have to stay on their agenda,” one student offered. Excellent!

Lifestyle worshipers, this morning’s Heartwork focus verse in the devotion is, in part,  1 John 3:16 — “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.” This is the letting go aspect of our own agendas, and trusting the Lord that His is the better agenda. Of course, laying down our lives is the extreme response to this, but at the very least, don’t you think, we can be active listeners who are eager to hear what others have to say, laying down our own agendas—as it were?

Let’s take some time today to practice this aspect of active listening, and stay on the other person’s agenda. Are you will to join me in this aspect of spending ourselves? I pray so….

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen

— Ephesians 4:29 (NIV84)

“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

— Matthew 20:26-28 (NIV84)

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

— Romans 12:10 (NIV84)

Lord Jesus Christ, be my Slippers of Patience and overflow in me with Joy as I eagerly listen to my brothers and sisters. In Your Name, Amen.

“Spending Starts with Listening”

Date: 10-01-14

Text: James 1:19  My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, [NIV84]

The Big Idea: The Heartwork devotions is focusing on the word, “spend.” which means “to pour our, draw from within on behalf of another.”

My Thoughts: 

As we begin our 30 Days of Heartwork Journey, of fasting and prayer for the month of October, I believe that this journey starts with listening. Now, I know the Chinese proverb that says, “A journey of at thousand miles starts with the first step,” and physically this is true, but discovering the journey’s end requires listening to the Dispatcher, right?

Lifestyle worshipers, this morning’s focus verse in the devotion is Isaiah 58:10— “and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” The Heartwork devotions are focusing on the word, “spend.” In the Hebrew, this word means “to pour our, draw from within on behalf of another.” And it is in a certain stem which connotes voluntarily spending oneself on behalf of the less fortunate—and they are many. So which ones do we spend ourselves on behalf of? Ah, this is where listening comes in. When we quiet our souls and listen for the Lord’s promptings, then we will be given more clear direction on our journey.

So, let us practice today being eager, quick to listen, first to the Lord and then to those around us. Up for the challenge? I know I am going to have to focus. How about you?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

But the king [David] replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” — 2 Samuel 24:24 (NIV84)

“Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.” — Matthew 5:42 (NASB95)

All [James, Peter and John,] asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I [Paul] was eager to do. — Galatians 2:10 (NIV84)

Lord Jesus Christ, give me Your eyes so I can see what needs You want me to spend myself on. As I quiet my soul in Your presence, may I clearly hear the direction You desire me to take this first step. In Your Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike