11.13.08
Posted in 1 Corinthians at 6:53 am by Administrator
Text: 1 Corinthians 6:1-7 Theme: It is better to be cheated by another believer than to go to court in front of non-believers. Key verses: “If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints? (v. 1) “Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of  little account in the church!” (v. 4) “…one brother goes to law against another — and this in front of un-believers! The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers.” (v. 6-8) What God said to me: Dwayne, I take it very seriously when my children don’t act like salt and light in front of a world I died for. What’s more, I am deeply offended and angered when they act worse than the world they are supposed to be saving! Paul was shaming the Corinthian church by saying the no-account and carnal Christians are still better to judge than than lost people. Don’t let lost people see your quarreling. You don’t want outsiders to see your fussing and disagreements within your home and family, do you? You don’t call your neighbors to mediate everytime you and your wife get into an argument, do you? Then why go to the unchurched to judge things they know nothing of, and that they should no nothing of? If you as my church really love those you are called to be lights to, then you will be willing to offended and wronged rather than offend and be a stumbling block to those who don’t know me. It comes down to dying to yourself and your own rights. Paul was not saying let other Christians run all over you. However, if the matter can’t be resolved among yourselves, then it is better to let it go than to risk misrepresenting my Son and his church to the lost and dying and going-to-hell world. What I said to God: Thank You, precious and Holy One. I so appreciate You meeting with me and speaking so clearly to me this morning. I do see the supernatural logic in this passage. I do understand that we must die to ourselves and not insist on our own vindication if it might hurt or offend or confuse someone who is lost. Thank You for clear instructions like these in Your Word. Forgive us when we don’t heed or even know about such instructions. That is to our shame and for that we will give an account before You. Help me today to represent You properly in front of those who don’t know You. Help me respond and react the way Your Son would when He was hurt and wronged. In essence, help me be filled up with You rather than me…
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11.10.08
Posted in 1 Corinthians at 9:19 am by Administrator
Text: 1 Corintihians 5 Theme: We are to judge those in the body of Christ and deal with them scripturally and appropriately. Key verses: “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you…A man has his father’s wife. And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have been filled with grief and have put out of your fellowship the man who did this?… I have already passed judgment on the one who did this…When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord.” (v. 1-5) “What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. ‘Expel the wicked man from among you.’” (v. 12-13) What God said to me: Son, this is a very difficult passage to absorb and even more difficult to apply. Yet, Paul was determined to preach and live the whole counsel of my truth and Word. On the surface it might appear harsh and loving what Paul is telling the Corinthian church to do with the immoral man in their local body of believers. Yet, to leave him there among them was like a cancer, like bad yeast that sours the entire loaf. As leaders of my flock you must deal quickly and effectively with such rebellious and outwardly sinful people. Notice there was a sense of arrogance among the church regarding this. It was as though they were above being corrupted by this man, like his behavior wouldn’t affect them. Or perhaps they thought their tolerance of his sin was an overt sign of their extraordinary love for the saints. But Paul knew the real reason was pride in their hearts — and no doubt pride in the heart of the one who was immoral. Dwayne, as much as you may want to, you cannot truly love someone who is in direct and deliberate opposition to my Word by overlooking their sin. You must expel that person from your fellowship. In doing so, you will save not only your congregation, but also that person. What I said to God: Holy Father, You are so right in saying we may not want to follow these apparently unloving and confrontational directions from Paul. Yet, I do see why what he says is true. And I acknowledge that we as leaders are responsible for the health of our congregations. To continue to allow outward rebellion will affect and eat away at everyone around. At the least it will produce a spirit of apathy toward Your clear precepts and laws. Right now I’m feeling real thankful I’m not a lead pastor, for those undershepherds must stand before You for what they allow and what they overlook. However, I know that I too have a responsibility to pray for and support my pastor — even in the hard decisions that might seem unloving and unwise.
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11.06.08
Posted in 1 Corinthians at 11:03 am by Administrator
Text: 1 Corinthians 4:8-17 Theme: Paul warns us against arrogance and comfort in what God has given us. Key verses: “We (apostles) are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored!” (v. 10) “When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly…” (v. 12-13) “I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you, as my dear children…you do not have many fathers…Therefore I urge you to imitate me. For this reason I am sending you Timothy…He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere… Some of you have become arrogant…” (v. 14-18) What God said to me: Dwayne, be very, very careful that you do not become too comfortable with all I have blessed you with. When you do, you will lose your edge and drop your guard. You may even begin to think that what you have you somehow deserve or worked to achieve. Paul was one of my greatest and most faithful servants ever to walk your earth. Yet, you see how little he received or desired creature comforts. Why do you think you should have it any better? Paul wanted the Corinthians — and the church in general — to see his consistent walk with his talk, how that Christ really was his only hope, joy, comfort and goal. Can you say that about yourself? Will my Son say that to you at the Judgement Seat? What I said to God: Holy God, I acknowledge my sin of arrogance before You. I have become comfortable and settled in my Christian walk. I have taken for granted Your amazing and undeserved blessings of health, material posessions, peace with others, and human freedoms. If all that was suddenly taken away, would I still praise You? Would I cling to You in new and deeper ways? Do I in fact depend on You as my one and only Source? I fear not… Help me and my family love You and You alone, above ourselves and our “creature comforts.”
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11.03.08
Posted in 1 Corinthians at 12:00 pm by Administrator
Text: 1 Corinthians 4:6-7 Theme: Paul wanted us to understand why we shouldn’t boast in other people or in ourselves. Key verses: “I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, ‘Do not go beyond what is written.’ Then you will not take pride in one man over against another.” (v. 6) What God said to me: Dwayne, too many of my children take their eyes off of me, their true Source, and focus their attention and sense of belonging and pride in another person. While often their focus turns toward worldly personalities, like authors, movie stars and secular musicians, far too often my children place too much value on other believers. They tend to follow the teaching of one or two authors or preachers to the point of making their teachings infallible and without question. Be careful never to assume one or two people have it all figured out concerning my Kingdom and my Word. I give partial revelation to my servants, and they should be honored for their diligent study and faithful teaching. However, beware of rallying around men rather than looking to me for guidance and insight. Paul was wanting the Corinthians to understand this valuable principle — that no man deserves such a high level of credit and esteem. He didn’t make up the stuff he taught and wrote about. I gave it all to him. Likewise, others who read his writings should not think too highly of the writer but rather of the Author and Source of all wisdom and righteousness. What I said to God: Thank You, holy Father. You are my one and only true Source of help and peace and direction and instruction. Thank You for the many authors and preachers and mentors You have brought into my life over the years. But even with them, You were the One who led and taught me through their efforts and example. I pray that as You continue to exalt me and increase my platform and influence among your Body others will not look to me but look through me to You and You alone.
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10.27.08
Posted in Prayer Journal at 10:28 am by Administrator
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10.24.08
Posted in 1 Corinthians at 10:49 am by Administrator
Text: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Theme: Only God can judge our true hidden motives. Key verses: “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” (v. 2) “…indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.” (v. 3b-4) “…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.” (v. 5b) What God said to me: Dwayne, be very very careful not to get lulled into thinking you are OK, and that I am OK with your inconsistencies, your wondering eyes and thoughts, your little breaches of integrity. Don’t assume that just because you can wake up the next morning and move on with your day and life that your behavior from the day before is forgotten and of no consequence. Remember, your heart cannot be trusted. It is deceitfully wicked. It is so deceitful, in fact, that it can even deceive you into thinking it is pure and its motives are good. When was the last time you excused your actions by saying to yourself, “Well, I mean well. I have a good heart. God knows my heart is to serve Him.” Oh, do I? Dare you presume to know what I know and see what I see? Dare you think for a moment that you can decide what is OK and acceptable about yourself before me? I am your creator and your judge. I will decide what will pass the test of fire, and one day when you will stand before me, I will expose for all to see what your true motives were. Be sure you humble yourself and obey everything I say. Be quick to confess and forsake every sin. Then and only then should you rest well at night, knowing you are forgiven and fully following me. Only then will you receive my praise. What I said to God: Oh, I knew this one was going to be ugly. Thank You, heavenly Judge, for caring enough for your child to give me a heads up about my motives. Please forgive my presumptions that I can be my own judge. I cannot. I must not be so arrangant and foolish. I surrender my all to You now — that means turning from my wicked ways and allowing You to clean out any closets in my heart that I have not been willing to give over to You. Oh Lord, I want to love You with my life, and I want to prove that I am faithful to the awesome trust You have given me.
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10.21.08
Posted in 1 Corinthians at 9:52 am by Administrator
Text: 1 Corinthians 3:18-23 Theme: We do not need to vie for position or find our identity in certain people since we belong to Christ. Key verses: “If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a ‘fool’ so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight.” (v. 18-19) “So then, no more boasting about men! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future — all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.” (v. 21-23) What God said to me: Dwayne, think you’re pretty smart, do you? Think you’re doing a good job “navigating” your way through these opportunities of late? If it weren’t for your incredible persistence and careful strategizing some of these doors would not even be open. Is that what you think? Well, news flash for you: You belong to me and all is therefore yours. Any open door you have has come to you because I ordained it and because you are in me. Any favor you notice from other godly people comes because of the favor you have found in me. Now on the other side of that coin, be very leary of those who will want to rally around you and claim your theology as their own. Some will love you to the point that they will not even scrutinize what you write or say. (By the same turn, others will despise you despite what you write or say.) Keep your eyes and ears and heart turned upward toward me. Give me every ounce of credit and seek me with every decision and before every email or phone call you make. Furthermore, be real quick to point others toward me and away from you. It is fine if they compliment you and it is wonderful if they encourage and appreciate you. But they, like you, need to be reminded of Whose dirt ball you are spinning on, and of Whose you are, and what I have made you to be in me. What I said to God: Holy and Righteous God and Master and Creator. Elohim and El Shaddai, I worship You alone. Forgive me for those moments when I think I am crafting my life and scheming my way to success. Any true success I have ever had or will ever have is Your doing, not mine. I know I must remain faithful to You and follow You, but You are the One who makes me a fisher of men. Please help me point those men, women and children straight back to the Source of true satisfaction and peace and eternal life — You, my Father, Savior, Shepherd and Friend.
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10.10.08
Posted in 1 Corinthians at 8:04 am by Administrator
Text: 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 Theme: We are God’s temple, so don’t mess with it. Key verses: “…you yourselves are God’s temple and…God’s Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple.” What God said to me: Dwayne, I don’t need to say much to you about this. It is very explicit and straight-forward. I live in you. My Spirit has made His home inside you. Yes, you should feel honored and humbled. But you should also feel some fear and trembling when you think about that awesome truth. You take me everywhere you go. You subject me to everything you do. You are my house, my home. You wouldn’t mistreat your home, would you? You wouldn’t take a sledge hammer to it, or pour horrible and destructive chemicals on it or in it. No, I see how well you treat your house. You paint it and clean it. You keep it up and then show it off to your neighbors. I want my house treated the same way, with just as much care. I have some showing off to do of my own — to the world and those I died for, and ultimately to anyone and everyone in the ages to come. I am proud of my house. I am proud to be in you. I have give you care over my house, my temple. Now, don’t let me down… What I said to God: Holy Lord, I thought You didn’t have much to say to me today? That was a mouthfull! And I am more than a little convicted! Thank You for moving into my heart and life. Thank You for wanting to take my nothing and make it something. Thank You for cleaning out my house so You could live and reign there. I surrender my life, my mind, my thoughts, my body, my will to You today.
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10.08.08
Posted in 1 Corinthians at 10:04 am by Administrator
Text: 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 Theme: Building into others’ lives requires careful and correct materials and blueprints. Key verses: “I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds.” (v. 10b) “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation…his work will be shown for what it is…and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.” (v. 11-13) What God said to me: My son, no more important a warning could be given to you as my servant and follower. Notice three profound instructions from Paul in this passage: First, the foundation has already been laid — Jesus Christ. Paul was very specific to use both His names. This is not just any Jesus; this is the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God. You cannot improve on perfection. My Son is the perfect, holy and anointed One, who is the Rock on which all lives should and can be built. Second, you must be careful how you build. Don’t settle for other ultimately sandy foundations. Accept no substitute, no idol, no get-rich-quick scheme, no sure-fire, supposedly proven alternative path to happiness and peace. My Son is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Furthermore, don’t place on top of Him man’s philosophies and half-baked doctrines that will lead people astray. Be most careful when you teach and how you live in front of others. They are watching your life; they are forming your statements and actions into little building blocks they hope to use in their own lives. So walk straight and humble and consistent in righteousness before me. Finally, Paul uses the word “if” — if anyone builds. You see, you must choose to deliberately pour into others. Not everyone is a builder, and certainly not an expert builder. Choose today to pour your life and your wisdom and experience into someone else. Tell someone who needs to know of my love and forgiveness about the love and forgiveness you have discovered. Encourage one of your brothers or sisters in Christ to love and trust me more. Build on the foundation that was laid 2000 years ago. Build using quality stones of truth from my Word. By my grace, be an expert builder to someone today. What I said to God: Father, I accept this assignment. I cannot live up to Your expectations and the needs of others without Your grace and help and power. May I begin with building into my sons and my wife today. And lead someone across my path who needs to know about You.
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10.07.08
Posted in 1 Corinthians at 11:12 am by Administrator
Text: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 Theme: We need to see ourselves and our leaders as God sees us — as His servants, each doing his own part. Key verses: “Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly — mere infants in Christ.” (v. 1) “For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men?” (v. 3) “What, afterall, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants through whom you came to believe — as the Lord has assigned to each his task.” (v. 5) “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” (v. 7) What God said to me: Dwayne, notice how matter-of-fact Paul was here. He sincerely saw nothing special about himself — he was simply my servant doing what I had called him to do. He was not more important than his fellow laborers in his mind. That is a powerful statement and show of maturity in the faith. For a man of his stature and accomplishments to not only say he was no more special, but to really believe it, could only mean he was seeing things from my perspective rather than some greatly short-sighted, immature, and worldly point of view. All too often my people try to idolize and celebritize preachers and musicians and other church leaders. Yes, you are to be respected and appreciated and followed. But servants are in no way glamarous. Furthermore, my little ones want to vie for position among themselves. If they would only realize the highest calling in heaven is the lowest position on earth. What I said to God: Thank You, my precious Lord, for speaking to me and meeting with me this morning. I am so thankful You never give up on us, but You keep on forming us into Your Son’s image — one that is mature and complete, lacking nothing. Please help me gain and maintain a heavenly perspective on my place and calling and service. I am not more special or needed. My work, my assigned task is not more important than anyone else’s. Nonetheless, I am incredibly privileged to have and know my task — and no one else can fulfill my purpose from You. Hallelujah!
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