Scripture for the week:
4 When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven. Nehemiah 1:4 NLT
Tuesday reading:
Nehemiah 2,3
key verse (s): 2:8
observations & questions:
2:2 The burden God had given him troubled Neh.
2:3 The burden pointed to a new direction for Neh. doing something for God.
2 God opened the door and provided the resources to accomplish what He had asked Neh to do. Wood to build, passes to go through territories, protection from officers. Favor with people in Jerusalem after he came.
2:18 Part of casting vision to the people was telling them all God had done so far.
2:19 The first spiritual attack came with scoffing and questioning what they were doing.
Chapter 3 Help came - so many families came and were willing to join Nehemiah in this building project God had given him. There were families of people and individuals who came and helped. like at Elife: The Lavos, Galanos, Knights, etc etc came to help. the Joshs, the Gregs, etc.
1:20 Zabbai zealously repaired. It was obvious his heart was in it.
1:22 people from surrounding regions came and helped.
application or concept:
I am giving thanks for those who have come to Elife and are helping build what God is building. I am praying for those specifically who will help build prayer.
prayer:
Father, we thank you for many who have come to Experience Life and joined in helping us build and restore your Kingdom. God we pray for more, because we have so much more to build. God send those whose call is to build our prayer ministries. Show us which gates to raise first, which portions of prayer to continue to add to. Give us favor as we build Lord.
Learning Agenda:
Leadership Gold chapt 3
Defining Moments Define Your Leadership
pg 21 Defining Moments can be: facing a personal failure, taking a stand on an issue, experiencing suffering, being asked to forgive, making an unpleasant decision.
pg 21 Defining Moments show us who we are
Most days in our lives come and go; they are much like all the others and don't stand out. But there are a few days that are unlike all the others. They do stand out because they give us an opportunity to stand up, be set apart from the rest of the crowd, and seize that moment - or to remain sitting with the rest of the crowd and let it pass.
pg 21 Defining moments declare to others who we are. Most days we can wear mask and hide who we are from others around us. During defining moments we can't do that.
pg 21 Leadership develops daily, not in a day
pg 22 Our character isn't made during these times it is displayed.
pg 23 After a defining moment we will never be the same again.
pg 23 Defining Moments Determine who we will become
pg 24 After a defining moment we will never be the same again.
Prayer:
Lord, you are the God who is More than, more than our problems, more than what we can imagine. Give me the strength to be consistent in my spiritual disciplines so that when my defining moments come I am making Godly decisions and not selfish ones. Thanks for molding me, even when it is not comfortable for me to be molded.
Lord, help the men and women in our ltgs to pursue you in their disciplines also. Stregthen them in your word and by your power to serve your purposes on the earth.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Asking for more
Scripture for the week:
4 When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven. Nehemiah 1:4 NLT
Tuesday reading:
Nehemiah 1
key verse (s): 1:4
observations & questions:
1:2 Nehemiah had some interest in the Jews of Jerusalem. God had already stirred and interest in his brothers and their return from captivity.
Important to note that God had already begun working on Nehemiahs heart.
God had deposited a compassion for his people and that they would be restored.
1:3 the report from the friends
1:4 Nehemiahs heart breaks. This news moved him.
1. What moves you ? What is God putting on your heart ?
2. What moves God in what moves you ? mourning, fasting, and prayer= keys to dealing with the burden.
1:5 Even though there is a burden, Nehemiah begins his prayer with Adoration. Adoration takes our minds of how big the problem is to How big our God is.
1:6 Keys to Gods heart, humility. Nehemiah does another important part of prayer with Confession for himself and for his people. He identifies with them so much that his prayer is not "deal with those people". It is God forgive us.
1:7 A different facet of Confession here. Confession of who God is. Nehemiah reminds God of what He has said and speaks it to God. Gods word is an important part of your prayer arsenal.
1:8.9 Nehemiah then goes into Supplication. He asks for favor with the King. He asks God for help on the behalf of others.
application or concept:
I am checking my own heart today. What are the things that are heavy on my heart to pray for. I will lament and pray over these things and not allow my mind and heart go to worry.
I intentionally humble myself today and ask for Gods help.
prayer:
God, Thank you that you are the great and awesome God who keeps your covenant of unfailing love with those who love you. God forgive me of my own sins. thanks for bringing me back to the place where you desire your name to be honored. Please grant me success today. Put it in the heart of men of authority to favor me and the vision I have for exalting your name.
Learning Agenda:
Revival Fire
pg 116 - Here Finney is 52 years old and God is giving him fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit that transforms him even more. He was being refreshed as he read through the Song of Solomon.
pg 117 - Finney repeatedly told people the inquiry rooms were only for those who were unsaved and wanted immediate salvation. When revival comes and God shows up mightily everybody wants more and wants to be prayed for. It is not surprising to me that most of the people wanted more prayer and more of God.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for today. I ask you would continue to pour out your spirit on myself, my family, Experience life, our staff, our people, on the city of Lubbock to those who call on your name. Lord we need you, we long for you, without you our lives are futile. God pour out your love, your grace, your mercy today.
4 When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven. Nehemiah 1:4 NLT
Tuesday reading:
Nehemiah 1
key verse (s): 1:4
observations & questions:
1:2 Nehemiah had some interest in the Jews of Jerusalem. God had already stirred and interest in his brothers and their return from captivity.
Important to note that God had already begun working on Nehemiahs heart.
God had deposited a compassion for his people and that they would be restored.
1:3 the report from the friends
1:4 Nehemiahs heart breaks. This news moved him.
1. What moves you ? What is God putting on your heart ?
2. What moves God in what moves you ? mourning, fasting, and prayer= keys to dealing with the burden.
1:5 Even though there is a burden, Nehemiah begins his prayer with Adoration. Adoration takes our minds of how big the problem is to How big our God is.
1:6 Keys to Gods heart, humility. Nehemiah does another important part of prayer with Confession for himself and for his people. He identifies with them so much that his prayer is not "deal with those people". It is God forgive us.
1:7 A different facet of Confession here. Confession of who God is. Nehemiah reminds God of what He has said and speaks it to God. Gods word is an important part of your prayer arsenal.
1:8.9 Nehemiah then goes into Supplication. He asks for favor with the King. He asks God for help on the behalf of others.
application or concept:
I am checking my own heart today. What are the things that are heavy on my heart to pray for. I will lament and pray over these things and not allow my mind and heart go to worry.
I intentionally humble myself today and ask for Gods help.
prayer:
God, Thank you that you are the great and awesome God who keeps your covenant of unfailing love with those who love you. God forgive me of my own sins. thanks for bringing me back to the place where you desire your name to be honored. Please grant me success today. Put it in the heart of men of authority to favor me and the vision I have for exalting your name.
Learning Agenda:
Revival Fire
pg 116 - Here Finney is 52 years old and God is giving him fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit that transforms him even more. He was being refreshed as he read through the Song of Solomon.
pg 117 - Finney repeatedly told people the inquiry rooms were only for those who were unsaved and wanted immediate salvation. When revival comes and God shows up mightily everybody wants more and wants to be prayed for. It is not surprising to me that most of the people wanted more prayer and more of God.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for today. I ask you would continue to pour out your spirit on myself, my family, Experience life, our staff, our people, on the city of Lubbock to those who call on your name. Lord we need you, we long for you, without you our lives are futile. God pour out your love, your grace, your mercy today.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Building His House
Scripture for the week:
Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. John 3:6 NLT
Thursday reading:
Haggai
key verse (s): 1:7
observations & questions:
Haggai 1:7
God challenged the people to quit building their own thing, but to begin to build His house.
Haggai 1:12
the whole remnant of Gods people began to obey the message from the Lord their God.
Haggai 1:12
God sends His message to them "I am with you, says the Lord".
after this Haggai tells us the Lord sparked the enthusiasm of the leaders and people. 1:14
The glory of this latter house will be greater than its past glory. 2:8
God will fill it with glory 2:7
God will bring peace there. 2:9
From this day onward I will bless you. 2:19
Even in the shaking of the world in those days, God would honor those who followed Him. 2:23
application or concept:
When our hearts and our minds pursue building God's house we put ourselves on Gods side and have His supernatural help to fulfill his purposes.
prayer:
Lord, show us how to build your house, how do we build a house of prayer for all nations ?
Learning Agenda:
Lead chapter 1
4 W's - keys to a healthy cell group meeting
1. Welcome (15 minutes) - The idea is to connect each person in the group with the others. An icebreaker is typically used here.
2. Worship (20 minutes) - worship time centers on Gods worthiness. you can worship with songs, prayer, silence, reading a Psalm, etc. Don't be afraid to use a CD player or ipod if you don't have someone playing guitar.
3. Word (40 minutes) - the goal is talking about Gods word and applying it to our daily lives. The best leaders are those that help facilitate the conversations away from political discussions, criticism of the church, etc and keep people focused on applying Gods word to their lives. One challenge for the leaders is not to talk too much. This is not a preaching platform but a place to discuss Gods word.
4. Witness (15 minutes) - This time is focused on reaching out to others in the form of planning outreaches, social action, or praying for those who don't know the Lord.
The two keys to good home group leaders were that they cared and they prayed.
Prayer:
God, you are the God who supplies all our needs. I pray that the new singles lifehouses will be filled with your supply. I pray for each of our new leaders and those of us who have been leading that you would give us caring hearts for those that come to our groups. God continue to show us how to pray for those you send us to influence.
Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. John 3:6 NLT
Thursday reading:
Haggai
key verse (s): 1:7
observations & questions:
Haggai 1:7
God challenged the people to quit building their own thing, but to begin to build His house.
Haggai 1:12
the whole remnant of Gods people began to obey the message from the Lord their God.
Haggai 1:12
God sends His message to them "I am with you, says the Lord".
after this Haggai tells us the Lord sparked the enthusiasm of the leaders and people. 1:14
The glory of this latter house will be greater than its past glory. 2:8
God will fill it with glory 2:7
God will bring peace there. 2:9
From this day onward I will bless you. 2:19
Even in the shaking of the world in those days, God would honor those who followed Him. 2:23
application or concept:
When our hearts and our minds pursue building God's house we put ourselves on Gods side and have His supernatural help to fulfill his purposes.
prayer:
Lord, show us how to build your house, how do we build a house of prayer for all nations ?
Learning Agenda:
Lead chapter 1
4 W's - keys to a healthy cell group meeting
1. Welcome (15 minutes) - The idea is to connect each person in the group with the others. An icebreaker is typically used here.
2. Worship (20 minutes) - worship time centers on Gods worthiness. you can worship with songs, prayer, silence, reading a Psalm, etc. Don't be afraid to use a CD player or ipod if you don't have someone playing guitar.
3. Word (40 minutes) - the goal is talking about Gods word and applying it to our daily lives. The best leaders are those that help facilitate the conversations away from political discussions, criticism of the church, etc and keep people focused on applying Gods word to their lives. One challenge for the leaders is not to talk too much. This is not a preaching platform but a place to discuss Gods word.
4. Witness (15 minutes) - This time is focused on reaching out to others in the form of planning outreaches, social action, or praying for those who don't know the Lord.
The two keys to good home group leaders were that they cared and they prayed.
Prayer:
God, you are the God who supplies all our needs. I pray that the new singles lifehouses will be filled with your supply. I pray for each of our new leaders and those of us who have been leading that you would give us caring hearts for those that come to our groups. God continue to show us how to pray for those you send us to influence.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Much Prayer
Scripture for the week:
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:8,9 NLT
Tuesday reading:
Acts
key verse (s): Acts - verses on prayer and observations.
observations & questions:
application or concept:
Prayer was central in the process of the early Christianity of Acts. It connected the reality of God and His power and purposes with the humanity of His followers.
prayer:
Lord, continue to teach us how to connect with you through prayer that you can add your supernatural life to our lives for you.
Learning Agenda:
Prayer:
Lord, thank you that you are a God who looks foward to meeting with your people. Thank you that you look forward to meeting with me today. God I ask that your kingdom would come in my life today and your will would be done. let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you today.
Father, would you give favor to me in all of the business transactions i am involved with. Would you continue to show Experience Life how to grow in prayer. I pray our Monday night prayer gathering would continue growing in effectiveness in communing with you and fascilitating your people to connect with you.
Lord I pray for wisdom in the next month for our singles lifehouses as we look to multiply. Would you show us who, when, where and how to accomplish this to reach new people.
I pray for the men in our ltg. God draw them to your word, speak to their lives, bring life from you into all their situations that they might serve you well.
Bless our staff today and this week as they pursue doing your stuff.
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:8,9 NLT
Tuesday reading:
Acts
key verse (s): Acts - verses on prayer and observations.
observations & questions:
Acts 1:14
They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.
- Prayer was happening consistently
Acts 2:42
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper ), and to prayer.
- Believers were devoted to prayer
Acts 3:1
Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service.
- There were set times for prayer.
Acts 4:24
When they heard the report, all the believers lifted their voices together in prayer to God: “O Sovereign Lord, Creator of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them—
- They lifted their voices in unison in prayer.
Acts 4:31
After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.
- A result of prayer is being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 6:4
Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”
- Prayer was a a primary item in the apostles agenda.
Acts 10:4,5
Cornelius stared at him in terror. “What is it, sir?” he asked the angel. And the angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering! Now send some men to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter.
- The angel let Cornelius know that God has received his prayers and his gifts to the poor were a valid offering to God.
Acts 10:31
He told me, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been noticed by God!
- God notices it when we bless the poor.
Acts 12:12
When he realized this, he went to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered for prayer.
- Again many were gathered in prayer. I think they realized something, this prayer thing brings the supernatural presence of God into our life situations.
Acts 13:3
So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.
- Fasting is a prayer catalyst.
Acts 14:23
Paul and Barnabas also appointed elders in every church. With prayer and fasting, they turned the elders over to the care of the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.
- On large decisions of importance fasting was added to prayer.
Acts 16:13
On the Sabbath we went a little way outside the city to a riverbank, where we thought people would be meeting for prayer, and we sat down to speak with some women who had gathered there.
- Again these men were on the look out for a prayer gathering. It was like a gas station. A place for refueling to be sent again.
Acts 16:16
One day as we were going down to the place of prayer, we met a demon-possessed slave girl. She was a fortune-teller who earned a lot of money for her masters.
- They were headed to the place of prayer when they encountered the demon-possessed girl.
application or concept:
Prayer was central in the process of the early Christianity of Acts. It connected the reality of God and His power and purposes with the humanity of His followers.
prayer:
Lord, continue to teach us how to connect with you through prayer that you can add your supernatural life to our lives for you.
Learning Agenda:
Pray Magazine - What every pray-er needs to understand: God may be different than you think.
1.God is a distant presence
God is way above the earth operating like a satellite relay. This misconception
puts us in a place where we don't want to pester God with our minute concerns.
The truth is Jesus refers to God as Abba. An affectionate term that is kin to our
word Dad. The Bible teaches us about a God who delights in us. He looks forward
to spending time with us and hearing from us.
2. God is a celestial buddy
God is not a heavenly Santa Claus called upon to take care of our Christmas list.
God is holy. We should have a healthy reverence for who God is in His holiness.
God does hate sin and we need to have repentant hearts over sinning against God.
3. God is a Vindictive God
This leads us to believe God can not be trusted to be kind. If you have had a harsh earthly father you may struggle with seeing God as a punishing God and not really wanting you around. God is not an angry scorekeeper that you are constantly having to prove you worth to.
God is not mostly a mad or mostly a sad God, He is mostly a glad God and glad to see us and spend time with us.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you that you are a God who looks foward to meeting with your people. Thank you that you look forward to meeting with me today. God I ask that your kingdom would come in my life today and your will would be done. let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you today.
Father, would you give favor to me in all of the business transactions i am involved with. Would you continue to show Experience Life how to grow in prayer. I pray our Monday night prayer gathering would continue growing in effectiveness in communing with you and fascilitating your people to connect with you.
Lord I pray for wisdom in the next month for our singles lifehouses as we look to multiply. Would you show us who, when, where and how to accomplish this to reach new people.
I pray for the men in our ltg. God draw them to your word, speak to their lives, bring life from you into all their situations that they might serve you well.
Bless our staff today and this week as they pursue doing your stuff.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
God's grace
Scripture for the week:
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:8,9 NLT
Tuesday reading:
Ephesians 2
key verse (s): Eph 2:8,9
observations & questions:
We are saved by Grace, so what is grace ?
word is charis; one defintion says - God’s attitude toward human beings kindness, grace, favor, helpfulness
Being saved is not a reward for the good things we have done or do, so grace is not earned by us.
our access to grace is through faith. Rom 5:2
God is able to make all grace abound to us, so we may abound in every good work. 2 cor 9:8
grace is GIVEN, we get in the stores of grace by entering through the door of faith.
application or concept:
I can not in my own efforts save myself and even continue growing in God apart from His grace.
My application today is to stay fellowshiping with God and not try to earn his favor or earn my way to being a better Christian.
prayer:
Lord, thank you for your grace. I know I would not be able to grow, to be in fellowship with you, to have hope if it were not for your grace.
Learning Agenda:
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for your grace upon our lives. God I recognize I can not in my own efforts solve problems or change behaviors or make things happen. It is your power, your strength, your grace that directs life. Help me to live that out. Stop me when I am trying to do things in my own effort and redirect me to yourself.
Lord, help us in dealing with our previous company situation. We look to you for provision, for wisdom, and for grace.
Thanks you for providing for our daily needs, Lord continue to do that.
Father, thank you for your presence at prayer last night. I pray you continue to direct us. Would you bring people to help with prayer in every facet. Will you take away anyone who would be a detriment to what you are doing. Let any wolves dressed in sheep's clothing be exposed.
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:8,9 NLT
Tuesday reading:
Ephesians 2
key verse (s): Eph 2:8,9
observations & questions:
We are saved by Grace, so what is grace ?
word is charis; one defintion says - God’s attitude toward human beings kindness, grace, favor, helpfulness
Being saved is not a reward for the good things we have done or do, so grace is not earned by us.
our access to grace is through faith. Rom 5:2
God is able to make all grace abound to us, so we may abound in every good work. 2 cor 9:8
grace is GIVEN, we get in the stores of grace by entering through the door of faith.
application or concept:
I can not in my own efforts save myself and even continue growing in God apart from His grace.
My application today is to stay fellowshiping with God and not try to earn his favor or earn my way to being a better Christian.
prayer:
Lord, thank you for your grace. I know I would not be able to grow, to be in fellowship with you, to have hope if it were not for your grace.
Learning Agenda:
Leadership from bloggers from Perry Nobles blog
You and I are called to preach the Gospel every single day.
How we treat the waiter or waitress this weekend is preaching a message!
How we react when someone cuts us off in traffic is preaching a message (and our kids are on the front row!)
How we talk about our spouse is preaching a message!
What we are willing to say about others when they are not around is preaching a message!
Everything we do preaches a message…our lifestyle openly declares whether or not we love Jesus…or merely just the idea of Jesus! If we claim to love Jesus but are not living for Him then we are nothing more than, as Craig Groeschel would say, a practical atheist!
Being a Christian is NOT about simply what we KNOW (none of us will ever know more than satan!) It’s what we DO with what we know!
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for your grace upon our lives. God I recognize I can not in my own efforts solve problems or change behaviors or make things happen. It is your power, your strength, your grace that directs life. Help me to live that out. Stop me when I am trying to do things in my own effort and redirect me to yourself.
Lord, help us in dealing with our previous company situation. We look to you for provision, for wisdom, and for grace.
Thanks you for providing for our daily needs, Lord continue to do that.
Father, thank you for your presence at prayer last night. I pray you continue to direct us. Would you bring people to help with prayer in every facet. Will you take away anyone who would be a detriment to what you are doing. Let any wolves dressed in sheep's clothing be exposed.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Prayer is a Catalyst
Scripture for the week:
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!. Psalms 139:17 NLT
Thursday reading:
Acts 11,12
key verse (s): 11:5, 12:5, 12:12
observations & questions:
During the amazing spread of Christianity after Jesus ascension you see people often in prayer and gathered together to pray.
While he was praying Peter saw the vision that he was supposed to go to the Gentiles. Later as he was in jail, the church prayed earnestly for him and in the middle of the night an angel comes and frees him. When he goes to Marys house to tell them, they were all gathered together praying.
Because of prayer, God was directing people by supernatural means to complete His purposes.
application or concept:
Prayer is not a task, it is a necessity of God moving among us and upon us.
prayer:
Lord, not only show me how to pray, but show me how to encourage a movement of prayer.
Learning Agenda:
Prayer:
God thank you for today. I pray YOUR kingdom come, YOUR will be done in my life today. I pray for each guy in LTG. God draw them close to you. Convict them of all things that take them away from knowing you, and encourage and strengthen them in those daily things that lead them to you. Use them in the lives of those around them to impact them for your kingdom.
I pray that the lifehouse will encourage one another tonight as well as encourage any new people that come.
I pray for Callie and Ethan today. Keep them from any evil that may come their way. Draw their minds toward you. I pray you reveal yourself to them today. I pray for Elizabeth that you bring encouragement to her today. Let your work continue mightily in her. Give us today our daily bread. God provide for all of my families needs today. I pray that our finances would be enough to cover all of our debts.
Would you continue to change lives at Experience Life. Let your holy Spirit move mightily on the people who are coming and involved this week.
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!. Psalms 139:17 NLT
Thursday reading:
Acts 11,12
key verse (s): 11:5, 12:5, 12:12
observations & questions:
During the amazing spread of Christianity after Jesus ascension you see people often in prayer and gathered together to pray.
While he was praying Peter saw the vision that he was supposed to go to the Gentiles. Later as he was in jail, the church prayed earnestly for him and in the middle of the night an angel comes and frees him. When he goes to Marys house to tell them, they were all gathered together praying.
Because of prayer, God was directing people by supernatural means to complete His purposes.
application or concept:
Prayer is not a task, it is a necessity of God moving among us and upon us.
prayer:
Lord, not only show me how to pray, but show me how to encourage a movement of prayer.
Learning Agenda:
Live chapter 7
40 verses on baptism, 275 on prayer, 650 on love, and 2350 related to finances and material possesions.
We are stewards of
the earth Genesis 1:28
gifts of the Spirit 1 Peter 4:10
the gospel 1 corinthians 4:1-2
Martin Luther: people go through three conversions, their head, their heart, and their pocketbook.
Prayer:
God thank you for today. I pray YOUR kingdom come, YOUR will be done in my life today. I pray for each guy in LTG. God draw them close to you. Convict them of all things that take them away from knowing you, and encourage and strengthen them in those daily things that lead them to you. Use them in the lives of those around them to impact them for your kingdom.
I pray that the lifehouse will encourage one another tonight as well as encourage any new people that come.
I pray for Callie and Ethan today. Keep them from any evil that may come their way. Draw their minds toward you. I pray you reveal yourself to them today. I pray for Elizabeth that you bring encouragement to her today. Let your work continue mightily in her. Give us today our daily bread. God provide for all of my families needs today. I pray that our finances would be enough to cover all of our debts.
Would you continue to change lives at Experience Life. Let your holy Spirit move mightily on the people who are coming and involved this week.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Obedience is not a Trivial Thing
Scripture for the week:
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!. Psalms 139:17 NLT
Tuesday reading:
1 Kings 10,11; 2 Chronicles 9, Romans 6
key verse (s): 1 Kings 11
observations & questions:
God clearly instructed the Israelites not to marry foreign women and told them why, because they would turn your hearts to other gods. God even specifically told Solomon not to do this, yet Solomon took many foreign wives. And sure enough, they did turn his heart away from the Lord. In his old age his heart worshiped many gods instead of being totally faithful to the Lord. Because of this his kingdom was to be taken away after his death.
god allowed Solomons son to have 1/12 of the kingdom because of Gods promise to David, the other portions would be given away to be ruled by others.
Because of Solomons disobedience, God raised up adversaries against him.
Our disobedience not only affects us, it affects our families, and many around us. Gods commandments are not trivial, but there is a reason for obedience.
application or concept:
Search for areas where i may not be serving God fully.
prayer:
Lord show me areas in my life where I have allowed compromise and steer me back to serving you fully.
Learning Agenda:
Prayer:
God, your love is something beyond what I can understand. Your word says your thoughts about me cannot be numbered. I can't fathom that. Teach me more about this. Thank you for how you reveal yourself through your word. Lord let your word become more and more of a love and focus for me. Your ways are above my ways and I want to embrace your ways more and more.
Lord I pray for this movement called Experience Life. Thank you that your hand is upon us. Will you continue to reveal yourself to us. Continue to lead us in your pathways. Continue to pour out your Spirit upon us. Let More become our cry. Would you bless us as we reach out to the community. Please send more of the unchurched our way. We pray that many would be saved this week, and that saved people would hunger and thirst for you and get on fire. We pray that on fire people would step up and fulfill your plans for them on the earth. Show them how to pursue kingdom efforts with their life energy. Show them how and where to use the gifts of the Holy Spirit you have given them.
Lord, lead our LTG. Draw men to you this week. Let your word be something they can not get enough of. Help us to sharpen one another in our walks with you.
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!. Psalms 139:17 NLT
Tuesday reading:
1 Kings 10,11; 2 Chronicles 9, Romans 6
key verse (s): 1 Kings 11
observations & questions:
God clearly instructed the Israelites not to marry foreign women and told them why, because they would turn your hearts to other gods. God even specifically told Solomon not to do this, yet Solomon took many foreign wives. And sure enough, they did turn his heart away from the Lord. In his old age his heart worshiped many gods instead of being totally faithful to the Lord. Because of this his kingdom was to be taken away after his death.
god allowed Solomons son to have 1/12 of the kingdom because of Gods promise to David, the other portions would be given away to be ruled by others.
Because of Solomons disobedience, God raised up adversaries against him.
Our disobedience not only affects us, it affects our families, and many around us. Gods commandments are not trivial, but there is a reason for obedience.
application or concept:
Search for areas where i may not be serving God fully.
prayer:
Lord show me areas in my life where I have allowed compromise and steer me back to serving you fully.
Learning Agenda:
Leadership from Bloggers Perry Noble 191-202
its not our job to feed, but to lead people to places where food can be found.
Growth
Spend time with those who are where you have been - people who you can pass on things you've learned to
Spend time with those who are currently where your at in your walk - people who are growing as your growing
Spend time with those who are where you want to go - these people have all sorts of insight to offer you.
There are times when we are called out of our comfort zone and gift zone ... to serve people in a way we've never served before. If anything is "beneath us" then we truly are not beneath Christ.
Prayer:
God, your love is something beyond what I can understand. Your word says your thoughts about me cannot be numbered. I can't fathom that. Teach me more about this. Thank you for how you reveal yourself through your word. Lord let your word become more and more of a love and focus for me. Your ways are above my ways and I want to embrace your ways more and more.
Lord I pray for this movement called Experience Life. Thank you that your hand is upon us. Will you continue to reveal yourself to us. Continue to lead us in your pathways. Continue to pour out your Spirit upon us. Let More become our cry. Would you bless us as we reach out to the community. Please send more of the unchurched our way. We pray that many would be saved this week, and that saved people would hunger and thirst for you and get on fire. We pray that on fire people would step up and fulfill your plans for them on the earth. Show them how to pursue kingdom efforts with their life energy. Show them how and where to use the gifts of the Holy Spirit you have given them.
Lord, lead our LTG. Draw men to you this week. Let your word be something they can not get enough of. Help us to sharpen one another in our walks with you.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
A Great Commission
Scripture for the week:
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.. 2 Tim 2:15 NKJV
Wednesday reading:
Mark 16, Matthew
key verse (s): All, listing the appearances of Jesus after his resurrection and before his ascension.
observations & questions:
Appearances in Mark and Matthew
No specific appearances. All general. Mark tells about the appearance to two men headed to the country from Jerusalem which is probably the men on the road to Emmaus. He emphasizes that when these men told the disciples about this the disciples didn't believe them. The same emphasis came about Mary telling the disciples she had seen Jesus and they did not believe her.
Matthew and Mark end with Jesus giving the disciples the great commission before he was taken up to heaven.
application:
It is in human nature to doubt even though we have seen the miracles and have had God do great things in us.
prayer:
Lord, continue to point me to faith with new understandings of you and what you are doing in us.
Learning Agenda:
Live chapter 7
The three major enemies of the believer are the world, the sinful nature, and the devil.
We have victory over all three through the cross of Jesus Christ, however we have to choose living out that victory.
Prayer:
Lord, you were gracious to the disciples to continue to encourage their faith when they doubted. Thank you that you know our frame and how to encourage us. I pray for your continued encouragement for myself and my family. Would you continue to stir our faith at Experience Life and encourage us onward with you. God help us not to grow weary in serving you.
I pray for everyone involved in an LTG today. Unveil yourself to them as they pursue your word, prayer and fellowship. Stir leaders hearts to have people be accountable for their walk with you. I pray for the second site at Elife today. Lord, prepare people to step out and help this new initiative get off the ground well. We pray that you would use it to bring many who don't know you to a face to face knowledge of you. Give all involved wisdom from on high as they plan and pray for the future.Tuesday, May 19, 2009
A Burning Heart
Scripture for the week:
31 After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:31 NLT
Tuesday reading:
Luke 24
key verse (s): All, listing the appearances of Jesus after his resurrection and before his ascension.
observations & questions:
Learning Agenda:
Lessons from Bloggers
Noone falls into a life of sin, they have to choose it.
When you meet with a mentor, nover go into the meeting without having a list of questions you want to ask ? Maxwell told Perry Noble "I will mentor you, but you ave to ask the questions ?"
Vision doesn't come through a committee, a conference, books, excellent ideas can come from these, but a white hot, hell charging, world changing, and people inspiring vision comes from intentional and uninterupted time with Jesus, in His Word, seeking His face through prayers and staying connected with the Holy Spirit throughout the day.
posts from Perry Noble
Prayer:
Lord, Thank you for your goodness, thank you for the mercy you give to your people. Thank you for grace. We thank you that through Jesus mercy replaces justice.
I pray today that your kingdom, your rule on earth and your reign would come on earth in my life as it is in heaven. Show me how to allow you to live through me today. Enable me with all the empowerment of heaven on the earth.
I pray that you would take care of all our financial needs God. Help us to pay all of our debtors. I pray your hand would be on my children today. Reach out and make yourself known to them. Speak to their minds your thoughts. Show them how your ways are different from the ways of this world.
I pray your encouragement to be upon Chris, Tim, Justin, Brandon, and Clayton today as well as Rebecca, Missy, Heather, Greg, and Nicole.
Lord keep me in a mindset of prayer all day.
31 After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:31 NLT
Tuesday reading:
Luke 24
key verse (s): All, listing the appearances of Jesus after his resurrection and before his ascension.
observations & questions:
Appearances in Luke
Jesus appears to the two followers on Emmaus road (Cloepas) Luke 24:13 – 32Time:
Sunday the same day – day of resurrection
Sunday the same day – day of resurrection
Setting:
two followers were on their way to Emmaus seven miles from Jerusalem. These two arrived and asked Jesus to stay with them.
two followers were on their way to Emmaus seven miles from Jerusalem. These two arrived and asked Jesus to stay with them.
Awareness:
As they sat down to eat he took the bread and blessed it and then broke it. Suddenly their eyes were opened and at that moment he disappeared.
As they sat down to eat he took the bread and blessed it and then broke it. Suddenly their eyes were opened and at that moment he disappeared.
Topic:
Jesus took them though the writings of Moses and all prophets, explaining from all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
Jesus took them though the writings of Moses and all prophets, explaining from all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
Interesting note:
Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked - within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem to tell the the eleven disciples, when they arrived. He had appeared to Peter already.
Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked - within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem to tell the the eleven disciples, when they arrived. He had appeared to Peter already.
Two travelers from Emmaus had come back to Jerusalem and were telling the disciples about how Jesus had appeared to them when he appears to this group. Luke 24:35 – 39
Time:
Sunday the same day as they had traveled seven miles back to Jerusalem so it had to be that night – day of resurrection. This may be the same account as John 20:19
Sunday the same day as they had traveled seven miles back to Jerusalem so it had to be that night – day of resurrection. This may be the same account as John 20:19
Setting:
two followers from Emmaus were telling the disciples about how Jesus had appeared to them..
two followers from Emmaus were telling the disciples about how Jesus had appeared to them..
Awareness:
As they were telling about it Jesus was suddenly standing there among them. He addressed them Peace be with you” The group was startled and frightened
As they were telling about it Jesus was suddenly standing there among them. He addressed them Peace be with you” The group was startled and frightened
Topic:
Assures them they don’t need to be frightened, he is not a ghost. Addresses their doubts by showing them his hands and feet. He ate something to show he is still human. He opened their minds to understand the scriptures. He tells them to wait on the Holy Spirit who would fill them with power.
Assures them they don’t need to be frightened, he is not a ghost. Addresses their doubts by showing them his hands and feet. He ate something to show he is still human. He opened their minds to understand the scriptures. He tells them to wait on the Holy Spirit who would fill them with power.
Interesting note:
Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked - within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem to tell the the eleven disciples, when they arrived. He had appeared to Peter already.
Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked - within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem to tell the the eleven disciples, when they arrived. He had appeared to Peter already.
The Ascension – 40 days later Luke 24:50-53
Time:
40 days after resurrection
40 days after resurrection
Setting:
Bethany
Bethany
Awareness:
Doesn’t tell us.
Doesn’t tell us.
Topic:
He was blessing them as he lifted up his hands to heaven
He was blessing them as he lifted up his hands to heaven
Interesting note:
They worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy and spent all their time in the Temple, praising God.
They worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy and spent all their time in the Temple, praising God.
Learning Agenda:
Lessons from Bloggers
Noone falls into a life of sin, they have to choose it.
When you meet with a mentor, nover go into the meeting without having a list of questions you want to ask ? Maxwell told Perry Noble "I will mentor you, but you ave to ask the questions ?"
Vision doesn't come through a committee, a conference, books, excellent ideas can come from these, but a white hot, hell charging, world changing, and people inspiring vision comes from intentional and uninterupted time with Jesus, in His Word, seeking His face through prayers and staying connected with the Holy Spirit throughout the day.
posts from Perry Noble
Prayer:
Lord, Thank you for your goodness, thank you for the mercy you give to your people. Thank you for grace. We thank you that through Jesus mercy replaces justice.
I pray today that your kingdom, your rule on earth and your reign would come on earth in my life as it is in heaven. Show me how to allow you to live through me today. Enable me with all the empowerment of heaven on the earth.
I pray that you would take care of all our financial needs God. Help us to pay all of our debtors. I pray your hand would be on my children today. Reach out and make yourself known to them. Speak to their minds your thoughts. Show them how your ways are different from the ways of this world.
I pray your encouragement to be upon Chris, Tim, Justin, Brandon, and Clayton today as well as Rebecca, Missy, Heather, Greg, and Nicole.
Lord keep me in a mindset of prayer all day.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Appearing after the Resurrection
Scripture for the week:
They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus. Acts 1:14 NLT
Thursday reading:
John 20,21
key verse (s): All, listing the 4 appearances of Jesus after his ressurrection and before his ascension.
observations & questions:
Awareness:
she turned and saw someone standing there.
Topic:
go and tell your brothers and the Ascension
Interesting note:
Jesus lets here know he has not yet ascended to the Father
John says this was the third time he had appeared to the disciples. Some wondered if it was Jesus. I wonder what about his look made them question.
Lord, I want to be aware that you may show up at anytime in my life. Thank you that you understand the human frame and know what will help them to have faith in you.
Learning Agenda:
Live - lesson 5 Living in Victory
We are free in Christ, but experiencing that freedom requires something additional. It means dealing with areas of sin and strongholds and allowing Christ to be Lord of every area of our lives.
Old habits die hard. Selfishness is hard to give up. We're born with the propenisty to think, "it's all about me." The sin of pride and self-sufficiency, in fact, is one of the most deeplh rooted sins. to reach spiritual freedom, you must allow christ to rule your life.
Prayer:
God, You are an amazing God, Your ways are so wise and so above and beyond the ways of humanity.
thank you for health, thank you for a city like Lubbock to live in, thank you for simple things like getting to eat out at a places where other people serve us. thank you for a house to live in with so many modern luxeries, like running water, air conditioning, yards to play in. Thank you for times with family like this past mothers day. Thank you for bringing me close to my whole family.
I pray today for those who represent us in our Texas government. Lord direct there lives, speak wisdom into their minds, give them discernment to vote against evil policies and to vote for those policies that would encourage your ways.
I pray for prayer at Experience Life. Lord let us grow in prayer and how we pray. continue to teach us to pray. Continue to grow our body of believers in the art of prayer. Let us be known as those who call upon the Lord.
I pray you meet all my families needs financially, emotionally and spiritually today. God prepare godly spouses for both of my children. Bring godly influences into their lives that they might know you and follow you all of their days.
They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus. Acts 1:14 NLT
Thursday reading:
John 20,21
key verse (s): All, listing the 4 appearances of Jesus after his ressurrection and before his ascension.
observations & questions:
Appearances
- Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18)
Time:
Sunday morning – day of resurrection
Setting:
At the tomb, she is standing outside, she saw someone standing there and presumed it was the gardener
At the tomb, she is standing outside, she saw someone standing there and presumed it was the gardener
Awareness:
she turned and saw someone standing there.
Topic:
go and tell your brothers and the Ascension
Interesting note:
Jesus lets here know he has not yet ascended to the Father
- Jesus appears to the disciples minus Thomas (John 20:19-22)
Time:
Sunday evening– day of resurrection
Sunday evening– day of resurrection
Setting:
at a meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders.
at a meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders.
Awareness:
suddenly Jesus was standing there among them.
suddenly Jesus was standing there among them.
Topic:
peace, being sent, receive the holy spirit, forgiveness of sins
peace, being sent, receive the holy spirit, forgiveness of sins
Interesting note:
Jesus breathed on them and said “receive the Holy spirit. This was before Pentecost.
Jesus breathed on them and said “receive the Holy spirit. This was before Pentecost.
- Jesus appears to Thomas and the disciples (John 20:24-28)
Time:
Eight days later – so Monday of the second week
Eight days later – so Monday of the second week
Setting:
The doors were locked.
The doors were locked.
Awareness:
even though the doors were locked suddenly Jesus was standing there among them.
even though the doors were locked suddenly Jesus was standing there among them.
Topic:
peace, and showing Thomas his hands and his side
peace, and showing Thomas his hands and his side
Interesting note:
Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.
Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.
- Jesus appears to Several of the Disciples: Simon Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, the sons of Zebedee, and two others (John 21:
Time:
Later – so past eight days
Later – so past eight days
Setting:
Were in the boat fishing
Were in the boat fishing
Awareness:
At dawn someone called out to them from the beach “Fellows, have you caught any fish? Then he said throw out your net to t he right-hand side. John said to Peter “It’s the Lord”. Peter swims to the shore and the other disciples follow in the boat with a full net of fish.
At dawn someone called out to them from the beach “Fellows, have you caught any fish? Then he said throw out your net to t he right-hand side. John said to Peter “It’s the Lord”. Peter swims to the shore and the other disciples follow in the boat with a full net of fish.
Topic:
do you love me, feed my sheep
Interesting note:do you love me, feed my sheep
John says this was the third time he had appeared to the disciples. Some wondered if it was Jesus. I wonder what about his look made them question.
Lord, I want to be aware that you may show up at anytime in my life. Thank you that you understand the human frame and know what will help them to have faith in you.
Learning Agenda:
Live - lesson 5 Living in Victory
We are free in Christ, but experiencing that freedom requires something additional. It means dealing with areas of sin and strongholds and allowing Christ to be Lord of every area of our lives.
Old habits die hard. Selfishness is hard to give up. We're born with the propenisty to think, "it's all about me." The sin of pride and self-sufficiency, in fact, is one of the most deeplh rooted sins. to reach spiritual freedom, you must allow christ to rule your life.
Prayer:
God, You are an amazing God, Your ways are so wise and so above and beyond the ways of humanity.
thank you for health, thank you for a city like Lubbock to live in, thank you for simple things like getting to eat out at a places where other people serve us. thank you for a house to live in with so many modern luxeries, like running water, air conditioning, yards to play in. Thank you for times with family like this past mothers day. Thank you for bringing me close to my whole family.
I pray today for those who represent us in our Texas government. Lord direct there lives, speak wisdom into their minds, give them discernment to vote against evil policies and to vote for those policies that would encourage your ways.
I pray for prayer at Experience Life. Lord let us grow in prayer and how we pray. continue to teach us to pray. Continue to grow our body of believers in the art of prayer. Let us be known as those who call upon the Lord.
I pray you meet all my families needs financially, emotionally and spiritually today. God prepare godly spouses for both of my children. Bring godly influences into their lives that they might know you and follow you all of their days.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Swollen with the Spirit
Scripture for the week:
They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus. Acts 1:14 NLT
Tuesday reading:
Acts 2
key verse (s): Acts 2
observations & questions:
they were sitting in house and the sound of a mighty windstorm filled the room. Everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit. The word for house here is oikos, which could be used of any inhabited place.
The word for filled in verse 4 pimpremi is translated many times as swollen or to swell. So you might say they were swollen (filled to the brim) with the Spirit.
They spoke with other tongues. This infers it was not their normal tongue or language but another one. This ability was given to them by the Holy Spirit.
Interesting that people came running when they heard the loud noise. Many of the people who had come to hear what the comotion was all about heard these people speaking in their own native tongues.
I am curious what these filled with the spirit Christians were telling about God as they spoke in the various languages of all these people groups.
Peter steps up and addresses the crowd and addresses their confusion. This is not ... but this is ...God pouring out His Spirit on all men and women.
prayer:
Lord teach us how to be filled to the brim with your Spirit. Teach us about how the Holy Spirit can give us abilities beyond what are in us naturally.
Learning Agenda:
Leadership Learning from Bloggers
WHAT I WISH SOMEONE WOULD HAVE TOLD ME
#1 - Your Primary Objective Should Be To Be Faithful To Jesus And His Vision.
If you are planting a church then PLEASE–do read books, go to conferences, ask
questions…BUT PLEASE, at the end of the day don’t try to do what someone else has
done…and don’t try to become something you are not–even if something is a GREAT idea…if
God isn’t leading you to do it–DON’T, I can promise if you do it will be a HUGE waste of time.
You and I are called to be faithful to Jesus. How has HE called you to do church? You’ve GOT
to get a WORD from HIM…and when you do–pursue it with relentless passion and do not
apologize or alter your course for ANYONE!
#3 - You Cannot Take People To A Place You’ve Never Been!
One of the mistakes I believe church planters/pastors often make is that we want our churches to
go on incredible journeys with God–yet we are not personally on going on an incredible journey
with God. We want to see our people grow closer to Jesus–yet we aren’t growing closer to
Jesus.
If you want your church to get a fresh word from God then you need to beg Him for a fresh word for yourself.
If we are not being faithful in our personal walk with Christ then how in the world are we ever
going to hear His voice in regards to the direction of the church and messages. I personally
believe if we would spend more time on our faces before God and less time on the internet
searching for sermon illustrations that God would continue to rock our worlds–AND the people
in our church!
#5 - You Will Be Criticized When God Begins To Move–Expect It And Get Over It.
#7 - Be True To Who God Designed You To Be
you will never, I mean EVER, do life and/or ministry in such a way that wins the approval of everyone–so STOP TRYING. (Please see Galatians 1:10)
God wired me in a unique way. I use comedy. I laugh a lot. I am A-D-D. I am not “deep.” I
love Clemson. I hate cats (yes, even yours!) I wear blue jeans. I make fun of religious idiots. I
am “abrasive” at times. I get emotional about the church and what I perceive to be God’s
passion for it.
#9 - Never, I MEAN EVER, Underestimate The Importance And Power Of Prayer
Prayer isn’t just a good idea when we can’t think of anything else to do. It isn’t something to tack
on to every Christian meeting to make us feel better about ourselves. It should never take a
backseat to anything…it should be THE THING that guides the people in the church on a
personal basis.
Prayer:
God, Thank you for life itself. Thank you for the freedom to live in America where I have so many personal freedoms. Thank you for the privileges I have.
I pray for Experience life that all of us would hear Gods voice for our future, that we would her Gods voice for our present, and we would hear Gods voice on how to deal with the past. Lord help experience life be a blessing to the city of Lubbock. Show us how to serve you in loving our neighbors and loving our brothers and sisters in the body of Christ in Lubbock.
Lord I pray for our singles lifehouses today. I pray that you would direct us to your vision for our lives. I pray for each single adult that is involved at Experience life that you would lead them to not only knowing you, but being on fire for you, and you would direct them to be leaders in the city of Lubbock but more than that in the kingdom of God. Show us Lord how to multiply our lifehouse that more people can be reached and encouraged and pointed toward you.
They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus. Acts 1:14 NLT
Tuesday reading:
Acts 2
key verse (s): Acts 2
observations & questions:
they were sitting in house and the sound of a mighty windstorm filled the room. Everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit. The word for house here is oikos, which could be used of any inhabited place.
The word for filled in verse 4 pimpremi is translated many times as swollen or to swell. So you might say they were swollen (filled to the brim) with the Spirit.
They spoke with other tongues. This infers it was not their normal tongue or language but another one. This ability was given to them by the Holy Spirit.
Interesting that people came running when they heard the loud noise. Many of the people who had come to hear what the comotion was all about heard these people speaking in their own native tongues.
I am curious what these filled with the spirit Christians were telling about God as they spoke in the various languages of all these people groups.
Peter steps up and addresses the crowd and addresses their confusion. This is not ... but this is ...God pouring out His Spirit on all men and women.
prayer:
Lord teach us how to be filled to the brim with your Spirit. Teach us about how the Holy Spirit can give us abilities beyond what are in us naturally.
Learning Agenda:
Leadership Learning from Bloggers
WHAT I WISH SOMEONE WOULD HAVE TOLD ME
#1 - Your Primary Objective Should Be To Be Faithful To Jesus And His Vision.
If you are planting a church then PLEASE–do read books, go to conferences, ask
questions…BUT PLEASE, at the end of the day don’t try to do what someone else has
done…and don’t try to become something you are not–even if something is a GREAT idea…if
God isn’t leading you to do it–DON’T, I can promise if you do it will be a HUGE waste of time.
You and I are called to be faithful to Jesus. How has HE called you to do church? You’ve GOT
to get a WORD from HIM…and when you do–pursue it with relentless passion and do not
apologize or alter your course for ANYONE!
#3 - You Cannot Take People To A Place You’ve Never Been!
One of the mistakes I believe church planters/pastors often make is that we want our churches to
go on incredible journeys with God–yet we are not personally on going on an incredible journey
with God. We want to see our people grow closer to Jesus–yet we aren’t growing closer to
Jesus.
If you want your church to get a fresh word from God then you need to beg Him for a fresh word for yourself.
If we are not being faithful in our personal walk with Christ then how in the world are we ever
going to hear His voice in regards to the direction of the church and messages. I personally
believe if we would spend more time on our faces before God and less time on the internet
searching for sermon illustrations that God would continue to rock our worlds–AND the people
in our church!
#5 - You Will Be Criticized When God Begins To Move–Expect It And Get Over It.
#7 - Be True To Who God Designed You To Be
you will never, I mean EVER, do life and/or ministry in such a way that wins the approval of everyone–so STOP TRYING. (Please see Galatians 1:10)
God wired me in a unique way. I use comedy. I laugh a lot. I am A-D-D. I am not “deep.” I
love Clemson. I hate cats (yes, even yours!) I wear blue jeans. I make fun of religious idiots. I
am “abrasive” at times. I get emotional about the church and what I perceive to be God’s
passion for it.
#9 - Never, I MEAN EVER, Underestimate The Importance And Power Of Prayer
Prayer isn’t just a good idea when we can’t think of anything else to do. It isn’t something to tack
on to every Christian meeting to make us feel better about ourselves. It should never take a
backseat to anything…it should be THE THING that guides the people in the church on a
personal basis.
Prayer:
God, Thank you for life itself. Thank you for the freedom to live in America where I have so many personal freedoms. Thank you for the privileges I have.
I pray for Experience life that all of us would hear Gods voice for our future, that we would her Gods voice for our present, and we would hear Gods voice on how to deal with the past. Lord help experience life be a blessing to the city of Lubbock. Show us how to serve you in loving our neighbors and loving our brothers and sisters in the body of Christ in Lubbock.
Lord I pray for our singles lifehouses today. I pray that you would direct us to your vision for our lives. I pray for each single adult that is involved at Experience life that you would lead them to not only knowing you, but being on fire for you, and you would direct them to be leaders in the city of Lubbock but more than that in the kingdom of God. Show us Lord how to multiply our lifehouse that more people can be reached and encouraged and pointed toward you.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Hanging out with the Resurrected Christ
Scripture for the week:
They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus. Acts 1:14 NLT
Thursday reading:
Acts 1
key verse (s): Acts 1:2,3
observations & questions:
In the forty days after the crucifixion he appeared to the apostles from time to time. Think of the expectation they must have had as Jesus just popped in from time to time. What an encouragement to pray.
His topic of conversation during that time was the kingdom of God. Jesus gave them some more expectation by telling them in a few days they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
When he would appear and they were with him they kept asking Him questions like has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom ? His encouragement was that they would receive power (dunamis) when the Holy Spirit comes upon them to be witnesses. God gives power for a witness of Jesus. He is not giving power for our pleasure.
What an amazing 40 days to get to sit with the resurrected Christ and ask him questions. He also proved to them many times that he was alive
application or concept:
Jesus knows where we are at and will show us himself to encourage us and He sent the Holy Spirit that we would have power and witness about him.
Pray for an awareness of the Lord and ask for continued power from the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses.
prayer:
Lord, I ask that you continue to fill me with Power through the Holy Spirit. Give me opportunities to be your witness until you come again as you left then.
Learning Agenda:
Google Reader: Quotes from Seth Godin in Tribes reviewed by Tony Morgan
Prayer:
God, Thank you for vision that is beyond our capabilities. Help me not forget that my capacities will be weaker than what I am capable of. Yet I can come to you and find your capacities more than enough.
Father, enable me to carry out all you have called me to do.
I pray for our country today Lord, I pray president Obama would hear your voice. Speak directly to Him by your Spirit. Speak to him from people you strategically place around him. God I call out to you to direct our countries leaders, senators and representatives to your will. Make your will clear to them. I pray for our local leaders. Today encourage our local leaders at the prayer gathering at the court house.
I pray today for Mike and Terri McCombs in Guatemala. God strengthen their hands today. Provide for their financial needs. Continue to bring wisdom and revelation to thier ministries. I pray also for workers for the harvest their in Guatemala. Encourage Mike and Terri with your presence today Lord. Lead them as they plan furloughs and retreats.
They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus. Acts 1:14 NLT
Thursday reading:
Acts 1
key verse (s): Acts 1:2,3
observations & questions:
In the forty days after the crucifixion he appeared to the apostles from time to time. Think of the expectation they must have had as Jesus just popped in from time to time. What an encouragement to pray.
His topic of conversation during that time was the kingdom of God. Jesus gave them some more expectation by telling them in a few days they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
When he would appear and they were with him they kept asking Him questions like has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom ? His encouragement was that they would receive power (dunamis) when the Holy Spirit comes upon them to be witnesses. God gives power for a witness of Jesus. He is not giving power for our pleasure.
What an amazing 40 days to get to sit with the resurrected Christ and ask him questions. He also proved to them many times that he was alive
application or concept:
Jesus knows where we are at and will show us himself to encourage us and He sent the Holy Spirit that we would have power and witness about him.
Pray for an awareness of the Lord and ask for continued power from the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses.
prayer:
Lord, I ask that you continue to fill me with Power through the Holy Spirit. Give me opportunities to be your witness until you come again as you left then.
Learning Agenda:
Google Reader: Quotes from Seth Godin in Tribes reviewed by Tony Morgan
“When you fall in love with the system, you lose the ability to grow.”
“If it’s about your mission, about spreading the faith, about seeing something happen, not only do you not care about credit, you actually want other people to take credit.”
“People yearn for change, they relish being part of a movement, and they talk about things that are remarkable, not boring.”
tonymorganlive.com
Prayer:
God, Thank you for vision that is beyond our capabilities. Help me not forget that my capacities will be weaker than what I am capable of. Yet I can come to you and find your capacities more than enough.
Father, enable me to carry out all you have called me to do.
I pray for our country today Lord, I pray president Obama would hear your voice. Speak directly to Him by your Spirit. Speak to him from people you strategically place around him. God I call out to you to direct our countries leaders, senators and representatives to your will. Make your will clear to them. I pray for our local leaders. Today encourage our local leaders at the prayer gathering at the court house.
I pray today for Mike and Terri McCombs in Guatemala. God strengthen their hands today. Provide for their financial needs. Continue to bring wisdom and revelation to thier ministries. I pray also for workers for the harvest their in Guatemala. Encourage Mike and Terri with your presence today Lord. Lead them as they plan furloughs and retreats.
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