Today I was looking through scripture to see who God worked through the most. What type of people did he work through? The more I looked, the more I saw how God worked through a desperate people. I see God working through the humble, the broken, the willing. He didn’t use the perfect. He didn’t use the rich, the healthy, and those who had it all together. If he did work through those people – they had to go through a period of “brokenness” to realize that they were in need of something else besides their good looks and riches.
As we live in 2010 and in the U.S., we live completely different lives as those who lived in the bible times. We live a plush lives, with roofs over our heads and food for breakfast lunch and dinner. The biggest worries we have is whether we’ll be grounded for 1 week or 2, or if our parents are going to let us go to beach week this year. Or perhaps on a more serious note, we face struggles like popularity, self esteem, or family issues. By no means do I want to belittle those real life problems & difficult issues – but I think of how life must have been for them back then, or even for people today who live in some of the poorest countries in the world.
Follow me for a second – exercise produces muscle & endurance. Think about two types of people – 1 guy is a hunter who lives in Africa. He must be mobile/agile to hunt and make ends meat and provides for his family. His exercise comes out of the necessity of live. The other guy lives over here in America – and he just wants to get in shape “just because.” Guy #1 was forced into being stretched and exercised because it meant life or death. The other guy has to come up with his own workout regime because he doesn’t necessarily “have to.”
So those who are less fortunate or those who are desperate people – faith is forced. Think about those who believed in Jesus – it wasn’t the rich or the wise, it was those who needed much. Satan puts idols in our way to distract us from the need of faith. We’re complacent with what we have, in need of no God.
Do you see how that applies to us today? We’re not necessarily forced into faith. We’re not necessarily forced into action or into building up our faith. In America – it’s a choice we make.
Let me take this a step further – we blockade our life so much that there is no room left for faith in God. We play it safe. We don’t take risks. Why do we need faith? If we set up this plush, safe life – then what? So what do we do as a result of this? Do we move over to a poor country and start living it rough?
No. I’m not suggesting we all pack our bags and leave our comfy little lives. However, I would say that God wants us to trust him. Not just with our family & finances, but with our active service for him. Pray big prayers. Ask God to use you. Ask God to serve his people. And then when he calls you to move to another city or even out of the country . . . or anywhere out of your comfort zone for that matter – trust and follow his leading.
I think we deprive ourselves of a spirit filled, dynamic, exciting life. We play it safe and stay right where we feel comfortable. Imagine the faith that missionaries hold when they are in the jungles of Papua New Guinea and are facing civil wars. Imagine how they are able to see God at work. Imagine when they pray – they can see him moving.
So – take chances. Pray boldly – asking God to show himself to you. When I read scripture – the time where I see God move the most is when he’s using people to impact other people’s lives. He’s using people to share himself with others. Not to provide someone with a boyfriend or a girlfriend.
That leads me to my next point. It’s amazing how when we pray, we think we’re praying something that sounds so “right.” It seems right on target. For instance “God please keep me safe.” Or like this: “God work it out so that we don’t get hurt and that we’ll be able to pay all the bills.” Our prayers tend to become very self-absorbent. We want to think only about ourselves. Satan loves this.
God provides – but it’s not in the ways we might think. God might allow us to go through hardships so that he can move in a way that has never before been seen. Instead – the goal is to stay focused on the “exercising.” We need to be focused on building out faith. Our whole life is full of building blocks. We’re on a journey towards heaven – we know our destination, but we can have a little piece of that destination here on this earth. We can have peace, not just by snapping our fingers our blinking our eyes, but by living a faith filled life. Praying for God to be involved and that he shows you what he wants from in the situation.
So what should our prayers look like? I’m not saying pray for danger and pray to not be able to pay the bills. But try these: “God I don’t know why this happened, but I pray you make it clear.” “God I am struggling and I want to honor you with my actions, give me the strength.” “God Satan is lying to me, and I stay focused on you.”
All of this to say that God is faithful to hear these cries and give you favor. It might not happen the way you want it to happen, but he will be actively working if you keep an open and willing heart. Take risks. Live life. Pray Big or go home.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Finishing Strong
Hey everyone!!! I hope you all are doing well and having a great week. As you may or may not know Joey is on vacation in Texas this week so I get the privilege or writing this week’s blog. I came in this morning praying and wondering what I should write about and then it came to me. Memorial day is now behind us, which for students means summer is right around the corner!!!
There is nothing better then summer. It is so close you can all ready taste all the hotdogs and hamburgers and feel the sand between your toes.
The problem is there are still a few weeks of school left. If you attend an older school like I did in High School, your building may not have air conditioning, which makes it that much harder to finish out the school year strong. But I am writing to you to encourage you to do just that, FINISH STRONG!!!
In Philippians 3, Paul writes about how we need to finish the race to which we are running. For students we all need to stay focused and finish this school year out strong.
But this passage goes much deeper than finishing the school year out. Paul is encouraging us to continue to develop our relationship with Christ. It is very easy to stay where it is comfortable instead of maturing in our relationship with Christ.
There have been many times where I make excuses for not growing in my relationship. I say to myself that there is no way God wants to use someone like me because I have not been faithful in the past or that I have done too many bad things for God to use me now or in the future.
That can’t be any further from the truth. In Philippians 3 Paul encourages us to focus on what is ahead. He wants us to finish the race strong.
So my encouragement to you all is just that. Focus on maturing your relationship with Christ. If you have sin you need to confess and get right with God, do it and move on so you can finish the race strong. You never see athletes running a race with weight around their ankles so why should we do that with our relationship with God?
1) Read Philippians 3:12-14
2) Ask God to forgive you of past sin and to help you move forward
3) Write down goals on how you want to see yourself grow in your relationship with Christ. Then share then with someone (a leader, friend email them to me…)
My prayer for you all is to see you continue to develop and take seriously your relationship with Christ. You all rock!
Peace out! – Mike - (mwinger@rtbc.org)
There is nothing better then summer. It is so close you can all ready taste all the hotdogs and hamburgers and feel the sand between your toes.
The problem is there are still a few weeks of school left. If you attend an older school like I did in High School, your building may not have air conditioning, which makes it that much harder to finish out the school year strong. But I am writing to you to encourage you to do just that, FINISH STRONG!!!
In Philippians 3, Paul writes about how we need to finish the race to which we are running. For students we all need to stay focused and finish this school year out strong.
But this passage goes much deeper than finishing the school year out. Paul is encouraging us to continue to develop our relationship with Christ. It is very easy to stay where it is comfortable instead of maturing in our relationship with Christ.
There have been many times where I make excuses for not growing in my relationship. I say to myself that there is no way God wants to use someone like me because I have not been faithful in the past or that I have done too many bad things for God to use me now or in the future.
That can’t be any further from the truth. In Philippians 3 Paul encourages us to focus on what is ahead. He wants us to finish the race strong.
So my encouragement to you all is just that. Focus on maturing your relationship with Christ. If you have sin you need to confess and get right with God, do it and move on so you can finish the race strong. You never see athletes running a race with weight around their ankles so why should we do that with our relationship with God?
1) Read Philippians 3:12-14
2) Ask God to forgive you of past sin and to help you move forward
3) Write down goals on how you want to see yourself grow in your relationship with Christ. Then share then with someone (a leader, friend email them to me…)
My prayer for you all is to see you continue to develop and take seriously your relationship with Christ. You all rock!
Peace out! – Mike - (mwinger@rtbc.org)
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Sneak Peak @ Sunday: Rest
This coming Sunday, I’m speaking in “Big Church.” For those who aren’t familiar – that’s the 9:15 and 11:00 service with all the grown-ups. I’m talking about Rest.
I am sort of using this venue to straighten out a few thoughts that I have about “Rest.”
Last week in Vital Link we spoke about the 4 friends with the paralytic. I had mentioned that these guys did what it took to take their hurting and spiritually deprived friend to Jesus. They gave their time, had good attitudes and didn’t let sin get in the way.
They had first carry him across town, decided getting him through the wall of the crowd was impossible, hoisting him on a roof, digging a hole though it, and then lowering him down carefully in front of Jesus – hoping that this man they heard about, Jesus, didn’t have a short temper.
I didn’t speak very much on two important things that took place.
1.)Jesus showed the utmost compassion and mercy to the man and his four friends because of their faith.
2.)The men were probably so physically exhausted – BUT how peaceful was it to know that their obedience brought saving grace to their friend.
It’s funny how in order to get rest – you truly have to work hard (And I'm not talking about working for your Salvation - That's only done by the work of Jesus). But notice – they weren’t looking for rest – they were looking for peace and healing for their friend – and through that – they found their rest.
I don’t want to give away everything, especially all the passages I’ll be using – but take a look at the following:
1.)Read Isaiah 30:18. Write down your personal thoughts on this passage. Write down the kind of picture it paints of God?
2.)Read Hebrews 4:16. Write down your personal thoughts on this passage. Write down the kind of picture it paints of God?
3.)Read Mark 2:1-12. Are you feeling spiritually tired? According to this passage – what should you do? (Hint – what did the 4 guys do for the paralytic)
4.)Pray. Pray that God works you hard for his glory and honor – so that you may
receive rest.
I know this is a hard topic to swallow – so come out this Sunday & See what it’s all about!
Keep Rockin’,
Joey
I am sort of using this venue to straighten out a few thoughts that I have about “Rest.”
Last week in Vital Link we spoke about the 4 friends with the paralytic. I had mentioned that these guys did what it took to take their hurting and spiritually deprived friend to Jesus. They gave their time, had good attitudes and didn’t let sin get in the way.
They had first carry him across town, decided getting him through the wall of the crowd was impossible, hoisting him on a roof, digging a hole though it, and then lowering him down carefully in front of Jesus – hoping that this man they heard about, Jesus, didn’t have a short temper.
I didn’t speak very much on two important things that took place.
1.)Jesus showed the utmost compassion and mercy to the man and his four friends because of their faith.
2.)The men were probably so physically exhausted – BUT how peaceful was it to know that their obedience brought saving grace to their friend.
It’s funny how in order to get rest – you truly have to work hard (And I'm not talking about working for your Salvation - That's only done by the work of Jesus). But notice – they weren’t looking for rest – they were looking for peace and healing for their friend – and through that – they found their rest.
I don’t want to give away everything, especially all the passages I’ll be using – but take a look at the following:
1.)Read Isaiah 30:18. Write down your personal thoughts on this passage. Write down the kind of picture it paints of God?
2.)Read Hebrews 4:16. Write down your personal thoughts on this passage. Write down the kind of picture it paints of God?
3.)Read Mark 2:1-12. Are you feeling spiritually tired? According to this passage – what should you do? (Hint – what did the 4 guys do for the paralytic)
4.)Pray. Pray that God works you hard for his glory and honor – so that you may
receive rest.
I know this is a hard topic to swallow – so come out this Sunday & See what it’s all about!
Keep Rockin’,
Joey
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Joy
Joy usually can stem from some sort of accomplishment or flourishing that takes place. Joy is an emotion evoked when something makes you ecstatic or happy. What brings you great joy. I have tons of “little” joys in life. For me it’s just that – the little things. I love when Stephanie gives me a tiny hand massage. Or when randomly comes over and gives me a hug and a kiss. I love trying to eat out at new restaurants. I enjoy being out in the sun – and going on vacation. As a matter of a fact I can’t wait to go to Australia.
My thought is – God made this entire world, and as put all of these “sights” to see – why not go see them. He has created things in this world to take joy in – however – these things are not to take the place of Him in of our lives.
See many people look to the significant other for ultimate joy and satisfaction. Others desire food for pleasure, maybe even spending money – like going on lots of vacations.
Anything in excess is bad. God gives us the ability to enjoy but not to abuse. He wants to be the ultimate Joy in your life – not some restaurant or a place on this earth. The Ultimate Joy is being able to be in his presence for eternity.
1.)Read Psalm 35:9. What does it mean to delight in your salvation?
2.)Why is it so difficult to keep “lasting” joy in God?
3.)What things bring you joy and satisfaction? How long does it last before it wears off?
4.)Pray for wisdom and responsibility in enjoying the things of this world – but not for ultimate joy. Pray that God renews your spirit to have joy in his salvation.
My thought is – God made this entire world, and as put all of these “sights” to see – why not go see them. He has created things in this world to take joy in – however – these things are not to take the place of Him in of our lives.
See many people look to the significant other for ultimate joy and satisfaction. Others desire food for pleasure, maybe even spending money – like going on lots of vacations.
Anything in excess is bad. God gives us the ability to enjoy but not to abuse. He wants to be the ultimate Joy in your life – not some restaurant or a place on this earth. The Ultimate Joy is being able to be in his presence for eternity.
1.)Read Psalm 35:9. What does it mean to delight in your salvation?
2.)Why is it so difficult to keep “lasting” joy in God?
3.)What things bring you joy and satisfaction? How long does it last before it wears off?
4.)Pray for wisdom and responsibility in enjoying the things of this world – but not for ultimate joy. Pray that God renews your spirit to have joy in his salvation.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Love
As we defined yesterday, Love is a feeling that is with “strong affection.” The concept of love is rather broad, and can carry various meanings. For example I love my Mom. I love my Dad. I love my wife. I love my best friends. But let me tell you – I love them all in very different ways!
Some of us might have a difficult time understanding the concepts of love. Whether you come from a broken home, or have endured heartache or pain from various life circumstances. Love seems trite to you, or unrealistic.
Well, 1 John 3:16 defines love as “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.”
Just last night I saw a friend. Something happened, and I am not sure what it was, but through some sort of transaction – whether through conversation or something God moved with in me, I was able to tell him that I appreciated him so much – that I would lay my life down for him. It was sort of an awkward moment – but he replied with the simple word of – “WOW.”
First of all – for me to be able to say that is pretty powerful – and it must say a lot about my friend. But imagine how my friend must feel, to know that someone cares enough for him to die for him?
A few points to make briefly:
1.)Do you understand that the Love that Christ has for you is incomparable to any love that you might experience here on this earth. No matter if you’ve been let down – or if you feel like someone loves you more than anything in this world – Christ’s love to die for each one of your sins so that you may have everlasting life with him and the Father for eternity is picture of Love – something we all cannot neglect.
2.)Next is – what kind of friend are you being? Also – who are your true friends? Would you lay your life down for them? Would they lay their lives down for you?
3.)Read 1 Corinthians 13. Write a few thoughts down.
4.)Ask God for wisdom on how to understand and comprehend his Love through his Son. Pray that he will show you how to be a better friend – and maybe pick better friends.
Some of us might have a difficult time understanding the concepts of love. Whether you come from a broken home, or have endured heartache or pain from various life circumstances. Love seems trite to you, or unrealistic.
Well, 1 John 3:16 defines love as “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.”
Just last night I saw a friend. Something happened, and I am not sure what it was, but through some sort of transaction – whether through conversation or something God moved with in me, I was able to tell him that I appreciated him so much – that I would lay my life down for him. It was sort of an awkward moment – but he replied with the simple word of – “WOW.”
First of all – for me to be able to say that is pretty powerful – and it must say a lot about my friend. But imagine how my friend must feel, to know that someone cares enough for him to die for him?
A few points to make briefly:
1.)Do you understand that the Love that Christ has for you is incomparable to any love that you might experience here on this earth. No matter if you’ve been let down – or if you feel like someone loves you more than anything in this world – Christ’s love to die for each one of your sins so that you may have everlasting life with him and the Father for eternity is picture of Love – something we all cannot neglect.
2.)Next is – what kind of friend are you being? Also – who are your true friends? Would you lay your life down for them? Would they lay their lives down for you?
3.)Read 1 Corinthians 13. Write a few thoughts down.
4.)Ask God for wisdom on how to understand and comprehend his Love through his Son. Pray that he will show you how to be a better friend – and maybe pick better friends.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Peace, Love & Joy
Peace – Absence of conflict
Love – Strong Affection
Joy – Happy, content, pleasure
Unfortunately in 2009 – many people only have “experiences” or “brief moments” of them descriptive words here. Sometimes you’ll feel joy when you win a game or after acing the latest quiz or test. Perhaps you’d feel Love after you’ve had strong feelings towards someone of the opposite gender. As for peace – well sometimes people do not ever experience peace – where, by definition is the absence of conflict, but for all intent and purposes we will say the absence of inner-conflict. And the next few days we’ll be talking about these three words – beginning with Peace.
The world that surrounds us fills us with anxiety, hatred, and misery. If you notice these adjectives are direct antonyms to the three defined above. This past week, I was led to Isaiah 30. When I arrived here I saw in verses 11-14 where Israel was pleading:
“Give us no more visions of what is Right! Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions.”
They wanted to gain “peace” by living in a fantasy world. They wanted to eat, drink, and be merry – forgetting everything God has done for them and required of them. But God responds with a warning:
“Because you have rejected this message and depended on deceit, this sin will become for you life a high wall, cracked and bulging, that collapses suddenly, in an instant.”
This was almost a promise from God that if they count on the world (Egypt) for Peace– the bottom will fall out from underneath them. They are hoping in something so fragile and so temporary – unlike the stronghold they could have in God.
1.) Be honest with yourself. List a few things you count on happening each day so that you may experience peace. Do you yearn on people’s approval? Do you count on being in the “in-crowd?” Like Israel, were you needed a sense of security/identity for something?
2.)Read Isaiah 30:1-14. Write down a few thoughts.
3.)Write out a prayer to God. In what areas of your life do you need help with peace? Plead with God and ask him to show you how to trust in him for peace.
Keep Rockin',
Joey
Love – Strong Affection
Joy – Happy, content, pleasure
Unfortunately in 2009 – many people only have “experiences” or “brief moments” of them descriptive words here. Sometimes you’ll feel joy when you win a game or after acing the latest quiz or test. Perhaps you’d feel Love after you’ve had strong feelings towards someone of the opposite gender. As for peace – well sometimes people do not ever experience peace – where, by definition is the absence of conflict, but for all intent and purposes we will say the absence of inner-conflict. And the next few days we’ll be talking about these three words – beginning with Peace.
The world that surrounds us fills us with anxiety, hatred, and misery. If you notice these adjectives are direct antonyms to the three defined above. This past week, I was led to Isaiah 30. When I arrived here I saw in verses 11-14 where Israel was pleading:
“Give us no more visions of what is Right! Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions.”
They wanted to gain “peace” by living in a fantasy world. They wanted to eat, drink, and be merry – forgetting everything God has done for them and required of them. But God responds with a warning:
“Because you have rejected this message and depended on deceit, this sin will become for you life a high wall, cracked and bulging, that collapses suddenly, in an instant.”
This was almost a promise from God that if they count on the world (Egypt) for Peace– the bottom will fall out from underneath them. They are hoping in something so fragile and so temporary – unlike the stronghold they could have in God.
1.) Be honest with yourself. List a few things you count on happening each day so that you may experience peace. Do you yearn on people’s approval? Do you count on being in the “in-crowd?” Like Israel, were you needed a sense of security/identity for something?
2.)Read Isaiah 30:1-14. Write down a few thoughts.
3.)Write out a prayer to God. In what areas of your life do you need help with peace? Plead with God and ask him to show you how to trust in him for peace.
Keep Rockin',
Joey
Friday, May 8, 2009
Consistency
It’s hard to be consistent. The pressure built around one person being consistent is unbelievable. Ask the horses that win the Kentucky Derby. Ask a Pastor who gives a message every single week. Ask a brain surgeon. Ask any Professional Quarterback. Ask any professional athlete for that matter. Oh – and how about asking Jesus as he was getting a beat down and hung on the cross about staying the course. The point is, is that there is major pressure to be consistent day in and day out.
God desires that we remain consistent as well. For instance, there are hundreds of times in scripture where God says to not turn from the Right or the Left. Have you ever thought what that means? “Do not turn to the right or to the left.”
It’s like if you’ve ever trying to hit one object with another object; like a baseball with a baseball bat. It’s called hand-eye coordination.
If the person up to bat, prepares to hit the ball and looks to the right or to the left of the ball as it comes from the person throwing it – what do you think the chances of hitting the ball is?
Maybe in darts – imagine if you’re trying to hit the bull’s-eye but you stare down to the right or to the left – the chances go way down, to near impossible, to hit your goal.
Consistency in the eyes of God is staying focused on him. It is one foot in front of the other – not taking your eyes off of him. It’s hard, But, there’s good news – as a believer in Christ – we’re not alone.
Read Joshua 1:6-9
1.) How is Joshua to keep from going to the “right and/or to the left.” Why is that so important? Have you been consistent with it?
2.) What are some other words for strong and courageous? Make a list of words that are similar. Think about this – are these words more about you, or more about God? What do you have to do to be consistent with these words? Write down a specific plan to put your faith in him to help you walk straight and live a consistent life for him.
Philippians 2:12-21.
3.) Look at 2:17. Striving towards the goal and staying consistent can be difficult when we live in a world that doesn’t believe in Christ. But what is Paul’s solution?
I know it’s been a long time – but here starts the consistent streak! Believe it or Not!
Rock on!
Joey
God desires that we remain consistent as well. For instance, there are hundreds of times in scripture where God says to not turn from the Right or the Left. Have you ever thought what that means? “Do not turn to the right or to the left.”
It’s like if you’ve ever trying to hit one object with another object; like a baseball with a baseball bat. It’s called hand-eye coordination.
If the person up to bat, prepares to hit the ball and looks to the right or to the left of the ball as it comes from the person throwing it – what do you think the chances of hitting the ball is?
Maybe in darts – imagine if you’re trying to hit the bull’s-eye but you stare down to the right or to the left – the chances go way down, to near impossible, to hit your goal.
Consistency in the eyes of God is staying focused on him. It is one foot in front of the other – not taking your eyes off of him. It’s hard, But, there’s good news – as a believer in Christ – we’re not alone.
Read Joshua 1:6-9
1.) How is Joshua to keep from going to the “right and/or to the left.” Why is that so important? Have you been consistent with it?
2.) What are some other words for strong and courageous? Make a list of words that are similar. Think about this – are these words more about you, or more about God? What do you have to do to be consistent with these words? Write down a specific plan to put your faith in him to help you walk straight and live a consistent life for him.
Philippians 2:12-21.
3.) Look at 2:17. Striving towards the goal and staying consistent can be difficult when we live in a world that doesn’t believe in Christ. But what is Paul’s solution?
I know it’s been a long time – but here starts the consistent streak! Believe it or Not!
Rock on!
Joey
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