What God Wants

Scripture: Isaiah 58:1-9
"Shout! A full-throated shout! Hold nothing back—a trumpet-blast shout!
Tell my people what's wrong with their lives,
face my family Jacob with their sins!
They're busy, busy, busy at worship,
and love studying all about me.
To all appearances they're a nation of right-living people—
law-abiding, God-honoring.
They ask me, 'What's the right thing to do?'
and love having me on their side.
But they also complain,
'Why do we fast and you don't look our way?
Why do we humble ourselves and you don't even notice?'
"Well, here's why:
"The bottom line on your 'fast days' is profit.
You drive your employees much too hard.
You fast, but at the same time you bicker and fight.
You fast, but you swing a mean fist.
The kind of fasting you do
won't get your prayers off the ground.
Do you think this is the kind of fast day I'm after:
a day to show off humility?
To put on a pious long face
and parade around solemnly in black?
Do you call that fasting,
a fast day that I, God, would like?
"This is the kind of fast day I'm after:
to break the chains of injustice,
get rid of exploitation in the workplace,
free the oppressed,
cancel debts.
What I'm interested in seeing you do is:
sharing your food with the hungry,
inviting the homeless poor into your homes,
putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad,
being available to your own families.
Do this and the lights will turn on,
and your lives will turn around at once.
Your righteousness will pave your way.
The God of glory will secure your passage.
Then when you pray, God will answer.
You'll call out for help and I'll say, 'Here I am.'

Observation: Looking the part but not living the part. It's so easy to pretend to be a Christian. To try and look the part and do what others think should be done. But having Christ in one's life brings about life change and that is what the Prophet Isaiah is talking about here. Life change...doing things different from the rest of the world. God is not as concerned about being busy with worship or fasting or praying...if they are not backed up by life change. In this passage, we are given what kind of fast God desires...it involves loving others. Helping those out in need. Feeding the hungry and clothing the naked. This brings honor and glory to God much more than parading around telling everyone that you're fasting and how much it hurts.

Application: There's something in me that wants, desires and seeks recognition. I want people to know that I am fasting and to make a big deal about it. I want to realize and to remember that bringing attention to those things that are between me and God cheapens them. The way that I treat others is a direct reflection upon my relationship with God. There's an old camp song that says, "They'll know we are Christians by our love" and there is not a truer statement which can be made.

Prayer: Almighty God, create in me a desire to bring you glory...not by telling people I'm fasting but by the love that I have for others. Help me to put self aside adn to love even those who it is so hard to love...those who make me angry, upset. Help me to see them as one of your children whom you love with all your heart so that I can love them with all of my heart.

Role of More Mature Christians

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-3 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Observation: The author is talking directly to those who have been put in leadership positions. Those who are in a place to have other Christians looking to them for their care and protection and how leading should be done. Being willing and eager to serve because God wants you to...not for money nor to lord over someone but only for the glory of God.

Application: This is a great scripture to keep in mind for me as a pastor, but also to pass on to the core team as we build The Bridge. Our model is one of servanthood. Through that servanthood, we will grow spiritually but we will also be helping someone else grow closer to God.

Prayer: Almighty Lord and Savior, as I begin this journey, constantly remind me of the honor and the responsibility that has been given to me. Help me to always seek to do your will, being eager to serve those who are entrusted to my care and not lord over them. In Christ.

Scripture 1 Peter 4:7- 11: The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Observation: As the author of this letter wrote, it was his belief that the end was near and the expectation was that Christ would be returning soon. There was and stil should be an urgency in these words of advice. In this letter the author writes, "Above all" do he following and all of his advice is directed at loving others and loving God.
1. Above all, love each other deeply.
2. Use your gift to serve others.
3. Speak as one speaking the very words of God
4. Serve with the strength God provides so that God is praised.

Application: This scripture as with most does not refer to self glory nor self gratification. In our world today, self is what life is all about. Yet, Christ flipped this world upside down and expects the opposite from the world. Christians are called to lead a different life A life that brings glory to God but also showers others in love and service.

Prayer: Almighty God, it's so difficult to live in an unselfish way, but that is what you expect of us. We can only do it with your help. Please fill us with your Holy Spirit so that I may live a life tat will cause you to say "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Tough Times

Scripture: Isaiah 42: 16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
I will not forsake them.

Observation: The Lord is acknowledging that people are not perfect in the reference to the blind. (We are all blind in different ways) We all find ourselves on paths that we do not know and places that are unfamiliar to us. These places are scary, intimidating and overwhelming. However, we have a promise from God of His presence and His action. He will turn the lights on and smooth out the rough spots. We are promised that He wil not forget us.

Application: We face such turmoil in our lives. The death of a loved one; the struggle to pay bills; the foreclosure on a house; receiving the word from the doctor that it is cancer; the loss of a job; and the list goes on and on. Often times we wonder how we can go on to the next moment in life. How am I going to get through this time? The Lord has promised and we find hope in knowing that He is leading us by was we have now known. He is our guide in life that will light the path and make the rough places smooth. It is through His love and grace that we can endure and prevail in whatever life may throw at us. He is God! There is nothing as powerfule and yet wonderful in the universe.

Prayer: Loving God, we find comfort in your words of encouragement. There is a strength found in the knowledge that you are with us as we walk down the path of life. We thank you for that assurance and ask that we be constantly reminded of your love and our need for it. Aen.

Being an Example

Scripture: 1 Peter: :11-12 "Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."

Observation: Live a life that will be an example even to the pagens. God will work through you life to change their view, belief and trust in God.

Application: There are going to be those how accuse ou of doing wrong, those who try and persuade you to join them in things you know you shouldn't do. Scripture tells us to resist. To live a life that is good even among those who are accusing you of doing wrong. They want you to get on their level. Their desire is for you to get into the mud with them. Peter tells us not to do that...to be above it adn through our good life, we will be an example that God can work with.

That's is an extremely easy thing to say and an incredible hard thing to put into practice. Especially when there are those who are a part of your life and are not going anywhere. Those who hae an impact on someone you love and care for. Our natural tendency is to rip them to shreds but here the Lord is guiding us as Christians down a path that does not make sense according to worldly standards. Peter is telling us to abstain from those sinful desires...I believe this means showing grace even to those who have hurt/damaged you and the people loved. It's hard and it goes contrary to my feelings inside, but I know it is what Christ would do. Turn the other cheek.

Religion

Scripture: James 1:26-27 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. 27Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Observation: James (who might be the brother of Jesus) is writing in this verse on religion. He in 2 verses tells what religion is and what it is not. James says that someone that does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, dceives himself and his religion is worthless. Someone who wears their religion on their sleeve but lies in a way that does not mirror what they say. James says that action speak louder han words. Religious people have two duties: 1. Help those in need. In James' day the people most in need were widows and orphans. They were the outcast and thus they needed the most help. Part of being a disciple is reaching out to the outcast. 2. Keep oneself from being polluted by the world. Don't allow the world to determine your religion.

Application: It's so easy to get caught up in the ways of the world and to almost desire the praise from others of being a Christian. And so we begin to tell people how religious we are and yet live lives that do not reflect what has come out of our mouths. James says to put your money where your mouth is. There have been long struggles between the writings of James and Paul. Paul says faith is all you need and James puts an emphasis on works. However, I believe it is a mixture of the two. I believe when you have an encounter with the love and the grace of God there is something that calls you to reach out to others.

Prayer: Almighty God, help me to walk each day with the love for others that you have for me. Guide me in the direction of those who need to hear about you and give me the words to say. You have called us to something greater than the place we are at today, yet we cannot get there without you. Lord, light the path, grasp my hand and lead on. Amen

Finding Strength in Each Other (Small Groups)

Scripture: "So Brothers and sisters, be careful that none of you has an unbelieving heart that will turn you away form the Living God. But encourage each other everyday while it is toda. Help each other so none of you will become hardened becuas sin has tricked you. We all share in Christ if we keep till the end the sure faith we had in the beginning.

Observation: In this letter the author is encouragin the Hebrew church to keep the faith. there are 3 points in this Scripture:

1. We have to encourage each other. To hold one another accountable. To be there for them and help them out along the way. Christianity is not a spectator sport.

2. sin is at work and will trick you and harden your heart.

3. Faith is something that can be lost.

Application: The importane of finding and being a part of a small group is demonstrated in this passage. It is vitally important in our walk to walk with others along the way. This allows us to help them but also allows them to be there for us. there will be low points in life and its extremely hard and difficult to navigate life as a Lone Ranger. That's not what God has called us to do. We are called to be a family supporting one another.

Prayer: Almighty God, its so easy to want to do things my own way. To go it alone. Yet I realize I need others. Thank you for blessings my life with those who love and care for me. Amen.

The Power of Scripture

Scripture: "Since you've been a child you have known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise. And that wisdom leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given b God and is useful for teaching, for showing peopel what is wrong with their lives, for correcting fauls and for teacing how to live right. Using the scriptures, the person, who serves God will be capable of having all that is needed to do every good work." 2 Timothy 3:15-17

Observation: Scripture is the road map to life. It contains all the answers to all the questions ever asked. It can be painful and uncomfortable to read becuase it will show plaes in life that need to be turned around. It is also like a tool box given to the person reading it. All the tools they will need to do God's work.

Application: "The Bible says..." The Scripture is able to make you wise and that wisdom leads to salvation. The imporance of Scripture can never be denied or taken for granted. I will be different as I continue to dele into the Scriptures every day. As I follow this plan and journal so that I can experience spiritual growth.

Prayer: Almighty God. I know the answers lie in the Scripture. I know that my life will be blessd by reading them everyday, but days get so hectic. Give me strength and a burning desire to read scripture. Make me so hungry for your word that I can't do anything else. In Christ...Amen.

Ruined by Pride

Scripture: "But when Uzzah became powerful, his pride led to his ruin. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God." 2 Chron. 26:16

Observation: U. was a powerful king of Judah and became King at 16 years of age and ruled 52 years. He was aught by Zecheriah how to respect adn obey the Lord and as long as he obeed God, he was ver successful with many victories adn conquest. Yet his power brought pride and he was going to do the right things the wrong way. He went into the temple and insisted on burning incense to the Lord. 81 brave preiset went to him to get him to stop but he didn't and as he was stading there a skin disease broke out on his head and he carried this disease ntil he died . He had to live in a separate house and could no longer enter the temle of the Lord.

Application: How many timesdo I "get too big for my britches?" Too man. It's very difficult to keep pride in check when things are going well. No matter how much we know, we still desire to do things our way and often that leads to trouble. I'm on a mission trip right now and the them is "It's not about us...It's about Him (Christ) and yet so often the good things we do become "bad" because they become inwardly focusd. Instead being about God. This happens to the best of us and each day, I will work to put aside myself and focus on being a true servant of God.

Prayer: Almighty God. Its so easy to put self first. To allow pride to come into our life and begin to put ourselves first instead of being the servant you have called us to be. Oh Lord, place in mea humble heart so that I can be more like Christ. Amen.