Seeking God's will

There are times in our lives when we find ourselves seeking the Lord's will. Let me encourage you that God is in control! Proverbs says:

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. (Proverbs 19:21)

Yes, we should seek God's will in everything we do. More importantly, we should seek to follow God in all we do. We should pursue God - to know Him!

As we live our lives, we formulate plans and develop desires. Even though we want what is best... we still make "our own plans." This proverb reveals the truth that God's purpose will be accomplished. So, don't search for the details of God's plans for your life... Seek His purposes!

And trust Him... He is in control!

When it rains...

I have heard the phrase "When it rains, it pours" a countless number of times. I have even used this phrase. This phrase is usually shared from a negative perspective. But, think about it... rain helps things grow. Rain helps to produce and sustain life. I have prayed for God to let His presence "rain" on me.

Maybe that should be our prayer... for His presence and power to "rain" on us. This would bring excitement to the phrase "When it rains it pours."

Could you imagine if God's presence was in your life like a powerful rain storm? The pouring rain saturates the ground. Oh, that God's presence and power would SATURATE my life... helping to sustain me, and to help me grow in Him!

Lord, LET IT RAIN!

Sir, Yes Sir!

Every person on the planet has needs. Whether we recognize it or not - every person has spiritual needs. The need for salvation, the need for spiritual growth, the need for intimacy with God. We have needs of restoration, healing, provision, guidance; and the list goes on.

Last week as I was seeking God I was challenged to consider how I model the pursuit of God. I strive to seek Him first. My goal as I pray is to honor God, and to know Him more. I also bring my requests before the Lord as I approach the throne-room with boldness.

Again - my thought became: "How am I modeling my pursuit of God?" I want to share one of the truths that God settled in my heart.

Often times we pray for God to do things "FOR" us. We pray for Him to offer wisdom, guidance, provision, healing, restoration, etc... This is Biblical to pray for these things!

However, my recommendation is not only to pray that God would work "IN" me (as referred to above); but also "THROUGH" me.

Do not just pray - "Lord, what will you do in me..." But, pray: "LORD, WHAT DO YOU DESIRE TO DO WITH ME."
We are all soldiers in the God's army. It is as if God is giving us marching orders. What are your marching orders from God? What is your assignment?

We have assignments that are general and long lasting. Some of us have assignments that place us in certain geographical locations - and for decades. However, we also have daily "marching orders" (assignments) from the Lord.

What is God doing "WITH" your life - TODAY?

Let's not just strive for fulfillment - strive for OBEDIENCE. And, obedience (through complete surrender) will produce the fulfillment and abundance that only God can offer.

HOLY WEEK Devotion

Here is the devotional for HOLY WEEK!

The Passion Week…

Sunday: The Triumphal Entry (Luke 19:29-44)
Monday: Jesus curses the fig tree (Matthew 21:18-19)
Jesus cleanses the temple (Matthew. 21:12-13)
Tuesday: Jesus’ authority questioned (Luke 20:1-8)
Jesus teaches in the temple (Luke 20:9-21:4)
Jesus anointed (Matthew 26:6-13)
Wednesday: The plot against Jesus (Luke 22:3-6)
Thursday: The Last Supper (Luke 22:7-20)
Jesus comforts his disciples (John 14:1-16:33)
Gethsemane (Luke 22:40-46)
Thursday / Friday: Jesus’ arrest and trial (Luke 22:47-23:25)
Friday: The crucifixion (Luke 23:26-49)
Jesus’ burial (Luke 23:50-56)
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Sunday: The tomb is empty: JESUS IS ALIVE! (Luke 24:1-12)

I am in over my head...

I am in over my head...

I have just completed a sermon series entitle "SATURATE." The result of this sermon series is that it has enabled me to be in over my head. What am I talking about? I have chosen to submit to the Lord, and His power, anointing, and leading at a deeper level.

Using Ezekiel 47, and the illustration of the river: I recognize that there are people who have been on the banks of the river just watching. I have noticed others who are wading in the water - and getting their feet wet regarding the things of God. There are others who are knee deep in it all... and it is no secret that they are followers of Jesus Christ!

Yet, there are others who are waste deep. It is at this level that the river of God starts to really take control. Unaware, I was at this level. I was allowing the river of God to move me... yet, the shore was in still sight! I could swim to the banks of self reliance if I so chose. I could dig my feet into the river's floor and try to stand on my own strength.

During this "SATURATE" sermon series God has directed me to go deeper into His presence. I now feel like I am "in over my head."

I no longer have control of the situations I am in. The church I pastor belongs to God! I am but a steward of HIS church as I shepherd HIS flock!

I am drowning in his presence!

I have already invested more time in prayer this week (and it is only Tuesday) than any week so far in 2010. I am SEEKING HIM!!! I feel like the river of God is in total control of my life! The river of His presence and power will take me where I need to go. I am at the mercy of God!

I love being in His presence! I love being in His will! Lord - give me the strength to continue to obey your leading; to be faithful to your calling; and to fulfill YOUR desires for my life!!!

It really matters

Being a man who is spending my life to "Develop Passionate Followers of Jesus Christ" I always get so excited to hear about how people are growing "spiritually."

Well, 2009 is now long gone. So much so, that we now have stories of what God has done for us (and others) in 2010. I would love to hear from some of you about what God is doing in your life!

I was asked the question today, "What is God doing in your personal life?" I was able to share about some of my personal growth plan, what God is doing in my family, and my opportunities to personally disciple several people. I am also enjoying reading through the Bible this year!

Through my private prayer time, God has really been speaking to me on how to lead Harvest Ridge Church to grow... and we have seen results in 2010! We have seen many people seek God at our altar on Sunday mornings. We have seen people rededicate their lives to God, and we have seen people connect with H.O.U.S.E. Groups. God is truly moving!

PLEASE COMMENT ON THIS BLOG, AND LET ME KNOW WHAT GOD IS CURRENTLY DOING IN YOUR LIFE (since January 1, 2010). I look forward to this opportunity for you to encourage others by sharing how you are developing as a passionate follower of Jesus Christ.

SIGNS OF SPRING

Spring is a wondersul time of the year. It is a beautiful display of God's creativity as we can see flowering trees, flowers coming up from the ground, lawns turning green, etc...

Spring shows a "newness" of life that is energizing and exciting. This season provides a word picture of sorts as we consider our own lives:
Are there signs of spring in your life?

Is there energy and excitement in your life? Are you following God's lead regarding the "new things" in your life?

Spring is a reminder to us that we too (as Christians) need to be growing! Spring is a time of growth. It is also a time of working the soil and planting.
So, do you need the spiritual soil of your life to be tilled? Do you need to plant some spiritual based seeds in your life? Do you need to grow?

It is my contention that there should be signs of growth in our lives as believers. So, receive this blog as an encouragement to consider if you are experiencing "measured" spiritual growth in your life...