I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon, 5 because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. v. 4-5 (NLT)
There are two things that stand out to me when I read this passage! One is probably more obvious than the other but they are both challenging.
First, you see the commitment and testimony of Philemon. Paul says he hears about Philemon from time to time and how the Lord is using him in the lives of other. Philemons reputation is going before him and his influence is gaining because people are talking about him in positive ways. This encourages not only Paul, but all the others that are carrying the name of Christ.
Second, you see the commitment Paul has as a mentor. This is not only a letter asking for help with some instructions, this is a letter of encouragement. Paul was stating the things that sometimes never get said or leave people wondering if they are making a difference. He was able to do this because he kept up with what was going on in Philemons life even tho they were in different areas serving.
It’s a short book with 2 great challenges for each of us to question. First, has to deal with our reputation, testimony, and influence. Could others say the things Paul says about Philemon about us? Why or Why not?
The second challenge for each of us to question is this, Do we have someone we are mentoring? Is there someone we are challenging to be more like Christ, serving with, and capable of passing the baton to if God calls us somewhere else or something happens to us.
These are the things that challenge me, and I hope they challenge you also. Let’s not just talk about it, Lets be About it!
Today, ask yourself these two questions, “What type of reputation is my lifestyle producing?” and “Who am I mentoring and challenging to be more like Christ?”
“But—’When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.[a]6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.’ 8 This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.” v. 5-8 (NLT)
This is another big BUT that changes how we live. The fact that God, through Jesus, would step out of Heaven to provide a way for us to have a relationship with Him still blows me away. But God chose to provide for me not based on my good works or my own righteousness, but with the nailing of His own Son to an old rugged cross.
Its at the cross where the wrath of God and the Love of God collide. Because God is just, he has to punish sin and because God is love, He provided a way to deal with sin for us! This means I can never be good enough for God to earn Gods forgiveness or love! But it also means that I can never be bad enough to keep God from loving me.
Now don’t think that gives us permission to do whatever we want and just ask God to forgive us. One day we will be held accountable for the things we have done, both good and bad. Because of Gods generosity toward us, we should be compelled to live life in a different way, trying to learn and become more like Jesus everyday.
Today, think about the difference God has made in your life. Thank Him for stepping in and changing you from the inside out and providing a way for you to have a relationship with Him.
Sometimes it’s easy to overlook the opportunity we have to influence others for the sake of the Gospel. However, I wanted to share with you 8 things that will help you maximize your influence as a Leader, Mentor, Small Group Leader, Disciple Maker, or what ever title you want to give yourself.
Be Yourself
Let’s face it; there is always a temptation to try to be someone we’re not because of the insecurities with in us. Things like, feeling like you don’t know enough, or that you’re not cool enough, or that you have to lead just like so-and-so to be effective. When we buy into these ideas, it cheapens who God has made us to be and limits how we allow God to use us! Don’t get caught up in the temptation to try to be someone you are not, be yourself and let God use you in the ways he has wired you to be used.
Be Led by the Holy Spirit
Because people are different, every conversation, every activity, and every situation is unique! It is vitally important that you are spending time with the Lord on a regular basis so you can be ready for anything. Remember, we lead out of the overflow of our own relationship with Jesus. If we haven’t spent time with Him, we will try to lead out of our own power instead of being led by the Supernatural Power of the Holy Spirit.
Be Prepared
Let me make something clear, being led by the Holy Spirit is not at the expense of being prepared. Before meeting, spend some time thinking about what you are going to teach and how you model it with your life. If you’re not modeling it, begin to model it to establish credibility, integrity, and accountability. Being prepared enables you to follow the direction of the Holy Spirit more clearly because He has already been leading you to the defining moment.
Be Transparent
None of us are perfect! Let me say that again, none of us are perfect! Leaders who act like they have it all together and never share their struggles, challenges, and learning’s, can cause others to struggle with sharing struggles, challenges, and learning’s. But when a leader uses wisdom and shares appropriate things with the group it can ease the tension and allow others to share the things they are dealing with also. This may be the greatest risk as a leader, but it also has the greatest return when it comes to developing genuine community.
Be a Good Listener
Many times people aren’t looking for an easy answer; they are simply looking to be heard! Remember, God has given us two ears and one mouth for a reason. A Good leader knows when to listen and when to talk.
Be Aware
Because we live busy lives, spending a lot of time together can be challenging. However, with social media being the way it is today, we can keep up with each other through Facebook, Twitter, & or by reading a Blog. We can leverage our influence with a simple encouraging wall post, message, or comment! This allows you to stay aware of what’s going on in their life and show them that you care.
When meeting together, watching body language, attitudes, and hearing the things said and seeing the things not said, can allow you to gain great insight to what is going on in their world. Simply taking the time to be aware will allow you to have a greater relationship and greater influence with the people you are leading.
Be an Example
Nothing is more damaging to a group of people than witnessing the fall of a leader or having a leader that says one thing but then does another. The reality is this, people may not remember everything they hear you say, but they will remember what you do, how you act/react, and how you live. Invite them into your life and be the living example that they need to see in-order to be more like Jesus!
Be a Friend
Your greatest influence may not be in a teaching or within a small group gathering. Your greatest influence might be gained more effectively through the casual conversation that happens when you hang out as friends. Take advantage of the everyday things and invite people to participate with you as you watch a game, eat some food, or go to a movie! You don’t have create new opportunities, just take advantage of the things you will do anyways and invite them along to have fun and simply enjoy hanging out with each other.
God has given you the opportunity to lead and influence others. I hope these 8 things will help you maximize your influence as you challenge others with the truth of the Gospel.
“And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. 8 Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us.” Titus 2:7-8 (NLT)
“And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.” v.7
We kind of example are you? We often know what kind of example should be and want to be, but sometimes the everyday things keep us from being that type of example. Regardless, we are living examples of something. Being an example of what it means to be a Christ Follower is a privilege, but it also comes with a high responsibility. People are making judgments about Jesus by looking at our life as an example of what it means to be a Christ Follower!
Just like a mirror reflects whatever is put in front of it, our life should reflect the changes Christ has made in us. We will never be the example to others we need to be, and the example they need us to be, until we allow God to have complete control of the day-today and spend time with him consistently. It’s gonna take work, but if we are going to be the example we are called to be its time to man up, stop making excuses and get serious about the things of God, so you will be an example to anyone that see’s you from a distance, or get to know you personally!
Today, determine in your heart to be the kind of example worthy of the name of Christ! Don’t settle for being good enough, but challenge others to live for Him boldly by your genuine, authentic, and transparent example!
As you know, ONE Retreat is this weekend!!!! We have a great weekend planned for our students, but we also have some very urgent needs as we head into the weekend. Because we take registration up to the last minute, we are in need of some Host Homes for Friday and Saturday Night.
If you would be willing to let students sleep on your living-room floor, have spiritual conversations in your home, as they draw closer to God, and some even surrender their life to Jesus, then we need your help!!!! We will do everything we can to make this a positive experience for you! If you can help by opening your home, please e-mail Helene Millsap ASAP!
Secondly, Steve Adkins is looking for some help providing Breakfast on Sunday Morning for all the students that will attend this weekend. He has it down to an art and would love to have you help and participate in what God will do in Big Ways this weekend. If you can help cook on Sunday Morning please e-mail Steve Adkins ASAP!
Lastly, because this is such a big weekend, will you join me in praying that God would convict, correct, challenge, & change our students and adults from the inside out!?! We want this weekend to be life changing as we focus on different aspects living in an “Unstoppable” way!
“Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live. They are detestable and disobedient, worthless for doing anything good.” v 16
This verse is pretty clear that there will be many that claim to be Christ Follower, but when you look at their life, their words and their lifestyle seem to contradict each other. These people say one thing and then do another. Some of them even go to church every Sunday but live like they don’t the rest of the week. Sadly the world watches and make decisions about Christ based on how they see these people live.
However, it’s easy to want to point the finger at other people and say things like, “They are such a hypocrite!” or “They call themselves a Christian?!?” Yes, it is easier to look at others and find faults with them. But we have to understand that by the same measure we are looking and judging others, others are using that same measure to look and judge our life.
Therefor, it’s important that our words and actions align! That our love for God transcends into our love for people, and we live a life that points people to Christ, not away from Him. We can’t control what others do or don’t do but we can set an example by living out the life Jesus has restored.
Today, when people look at your life, who will they see? Do the people around you see a person that is different, or do they see a person whose lifestyle and words seem to contradict each other?
Here’s my manuscript from this past Sunday’s teaching in the Adult Service. I always enjoy my time worshiping in that service and then being able to share from Gods Word! Praying that we are seeking Him daily as we talked about Sunday! Feel free to re-use it where ever you’d like!
Student Invasion Weekend BE RENEWED 1.2.11
“Put on the new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.” Colossians 3:10 (NLT)
Happy New Year!!! We’ve kinda started a tradition here with me teaching on the 1st Sunday of the New Year! If you were here last year you might remember that as we began our time together I started by sharing a bunch of my failed New Years Resolutions. Well, to get a jump-start on today, I thought I would share one of my failed Resolutions from last year, are you ready for this? … P90X
Yeah, you all laugh, but I bet I’m not the only one who failed at this one … How many of you got caught up in the media hype and purchased P90X last year? How many of you actually stayed committed to it?
One of the things that I like about the New Year is the fact that many of us are thinking about life! We are thinking about habits we want to start and habits that we want to stop. And if you’re like me, you have made some sort of New Years Resolution. Today, I want to build on that thought and talk about the two words at the top of your notes! Look at them with me, the words are “BE RENEWED!” What does that look like for you in 2011?
In September, we started something in Fusion called the Bible Challenge. The challenge is quiet simple; you read the Bible one chapter a day, 5 days a week. If you miss a day, you have two days to catch up.
Whoever wanted to take the challenge received a tri-fold with the reading plan on it. I made a personal commitment to blog about each of the daily reading. I did to simply record some of my thoughts and to help encourage others to read the Bible on a consistent basis.
On October 21st we read from Colossian 3. If you look at my Bible, I have most of chapter 3 highlighted. It’s a chapter that challenges Christians to live in the New Life that’s found only in Christ. And to put to death the old life that is controlled by sin.
I don’t know about you, but there is an intense battle between the old nature and new nature that rages within me over every thought, action, and situation. I’ll be honest, some day’s are better than others! There are days I feel like I am making real advances in becoming Christ like. But then there are other days where I feel as if I just coast by, or simply go thought the motions.
These were the thoughts going through my head as I read that day and then I got to verse 10. Look at it with me,
“Put on the new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.” Colossians 3:10 (NLT)
Will you circle the words “BE RENEWED”! If I am real honest, I am at this point in my journey with Christ that I don’t want to just be good enough. I don’t want to just go through the motions, because I should, or because I have learned its what I am supposed to do as a Christ Follower.
I want everyday to be fresh, new, inspiring, and challenging in the sense that I am learning to be WITH Him. These two words BE RENEWED, are words that I need to hear today. These are words that I need to experience! And I bet these are words you need to experience also or you wouldn’t be here today!
So lets BE RENEWED by looking at what it take to experience Spiritual Renewal.
SPIRITUAL RENEWAL INVOLVES A …
1. Renewed DEVOTION!
Let me be careful and clear here, Devotion is more than just saying a prayer, walking an isle, or putting an A on your communication card. Yes, those can be starting points to a relationship with Jesus, and they help Church Leaders know what the Lord is doing in your life, but they are not the end in themselves.
Devotion requires Commitment, Confession, and Change! It’s something that defines Who You Are and What You Become! Jesus says that His followers have to be devoted!
“Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. 24 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 25 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed? 26 If anyone is ashamed of me and my message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in his glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels.” Luke 9:23-26 (NLT)
This kinda redefines Devotion for us doesn’t it!?! Being a Christ Follower means that you are fully committed to following Christ on a daily basis!
Will you be Devoted to Jesus 100% in 2011?
2. Renewed LOVE!
“But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! 5 Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first.”
Revelation 2:4-5 (NLT)
Love is the central word in what Jesus says is the greatest commandment, look what it says,
“Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:37 (NLT)
Somewhere in the mix we have lost sight of this very important statement by Jesus. You see, Loving God fully, requires commitment, self-discipline, and a giving heart. And let’s be honest, loving others takes time, work, and sometimes resources. It’s much easier to love ourselves than to love others.
But, when we experience and understand the depth of God’s love, it changes the way we love. In order to understand the depth of God’s Love, we have to understand the importance of the Cross!
The Cross reveals the Greatest Expression of Love and Devotion. You see without the Cross, we are held responsible for our sin. The Bible says, “that the wages of sin is death.” Because God punishes sin, the Cross was the extreme punishment for sin. The Cross was the place where sin collided with God’s wrath & judgment!
But, because God is a loving God, the Cross is the extreme expression of God’s love! Jesus took on God’s Wrath and Judgment, when He was crucified on the Cross. The Cross stands between God’s wrath and God’s love! It reveals both a God that seeks Justice and God that provides Love. Therefore, it’s through the cross, where we experience the love of God and are able to love Him and others!
Will you fully love Jesus and others in 2011?
3. Renewed IDENTITY!
If I were to ask, “Who are you?” Besides giving me your name, what would you say? Matter a fact, why don’t you write down three words that describe who you are!
If you are like me, your list may have things like this, Husband, if you have that on your list raise your hand! (Wife, for the Ladies), Daddy, raise your hand if you have that on your list! (Mommy, for the Ladies), and Student Pastor, raise your hand if you have that on your list!
I thought I would be the only one! Raise your hand if you put some kind of job related thing down.
See when I look at my list, I have to understand that these things are things that I DO! If I find my Identity in any of these things I’m in a scary place! Why? Because at any moment I could lose anyone of these things! And if my Identity is found in them, I’ve just lost my Identity.
Therefore, my Identity has to be found in something I cannot lose!
When I surrender my life to Christ, He becomes the constant in my life! Because I have done nothing to earn my salvation, I can do nothing to loose it! My Identity is found safe and secure in Him. It’s what’s described in Galatians 2:20,
“My old self has been crucified with Christ.It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 (NLT)
When my identity is found in Christ I have security, even when I experience loss, or messed up circumstances. My identity changes from What I Do, to Who I Am.
I am a Christ Follower, who loves his wife, loves his boys and tries to be the best daddy in the world, and serves as a Student Pastor.
Will your Identity be found solely in Christ in 2011?
4. Renewed MIND!
The only way we can have a renewed mind is by making sure we are filling it with Gods Word! This is why we have strongly encouraged you to begin reading the Bible on a daily basis. By reading His Word we get a deeper understanding of who God is and how we should adjust our lives to His ways!
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 (NIV)
“Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.” v. 2 (NLT)
If you had the chance to tell someone about the hope you have a found in Jesus, would you be able too? What would you say? Would you be able to show them what the Bible says? Would they even see something different enough in you to ask you a question like this?
The words “Preach the Word of God” hit me hard today. It’s a conviction that I have had over the last couple of months to help people understand how important the Bible is to a our everyday life, both the Christ Follower and the non-believer. However, if I don’t know the Word of God, I cannot Preach it, and my lifestyle will not reveal it to the non-believers that are in my sphere of influence. I don’t know when or where the next opportunity for me to share outside of the church walls will be, but I want to make sure I am prepared for whatever situation presents itself.
When I am prepared, I will know what to say, how to say it, I’ll be able to back up what I say with Scripture and be able to share what the Bible says with that person.
Now, I don’t know what each day holds, or what topic might brought up, or who I might have the chance to share with. I don’t even know the situation at which to be prepared for …. I just know that I want to know God and His Word so well that:
I have wrestled with it myself!
I have adjusted my life to it!
I have prepared to share it!
If I can do these three things, I will be prepared to preach, teach, or share what the Bible says to a world that desperately needs it!
Today, are you you prepared to share? If you had an opportunity would you know what to say, what the Bible says, and would your life match up to it? Maybe the first place to start is by spending consistent time in the Word allowing God to work in you, so He can use you to work in others!
“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” v. 1-5 (NLT)
Are we living in the last days? If you compare our world to the way Paul describes the last days it is easy to see some similarities. However no-one knows when their last day will be. Because of this, we should have a since of urgency about how we live and who we live for.
Two words sum up the attitudes and habits of people living in the last days, those two words are pride and selfishness. Pride causes us to feel and live as if we don’t need anyone. It’s the, “I am good enough” or “not that bad” syndrome. Selfishness on the other hand, causes us to only look for what makes us happy. Both of these attitudes keep us from the Heart of God. A prideful person doesn’t see the need for God and therefore doesn’t trust Him with the details of his or her life. A selfish person lives a life totally opposite of the life God calls us to live, looking at themselves, instead of looking at others. If you look at your life, would you see these two things anywhere?
Today, will you read this passage and think about these two attitudes. Will you ask God to help you deal with pride and selfishness? Then commit to begin to live each day as a gift taking advantage of each situation you are given.
“If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.” v. 21 (NLT)
The extent to the way that God uses us is found in the purity of our heart. In a practical sense, we understand using the right tool for a job, or using clean dishes to eat off of verses using dirty ones. However, when it comes to our own spiritual life, we expect there to be some kind of exception. We expect God to use us despite the dirtiness of our life and lifestyle. The scripture doesn’t say that God can’t or won’t use us, it simply says that the extent of how we are used is based on our purity.
Purity is a big topic that includes our pride, thoughts, actions and words. When we pursue to live with a pure heart, we prepare ourselves to be used in greater ways in the advancement of Gods Kingdom! Purity takes surrender, transformation, and discipline. Will you seek the purity that God desires?
Today, are you going to pursue purity so you can be used in greater ways by God, or are you going to limit how much God can use you by not pursuing a pure heart?
Dan Gould 