01.29.07
Posted in Thoughts on Colossians at 10:23 am by Administrator
Text: Colossians 2:6-8 Theme: Key instructions on how to move beyond starting with Christ to continuing in Christ. Key verses: “…just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy…” (v. 6-8a) What God said to me: I have many children who started with my Son, who have trusted Jesus as their Savior at some point in their past. But they have not continued with Christ. They have stopped growing in Him. They no longer thrill to worship Him, to pray and talk to Him, to read my Word and learn about Him. Dwayne, you can relate because there was a time when you, too, struggled to get off the starting line and around the track more than once. You came in for a premature pit stop and liked it so much you didn’t want to get back in the race. Remember those days? Don’t ever forget them, and for sure, don’t ever relive them. For my people to continue to grow and flourish in their faith, there are four key deliberate actions they must do: 1) Get established. They must dig their roots deep into their fellowship with Jesus. They must see him as their source of all hope, joy and peace. They must determine he and only he directs their future and builds them up. 2) Pump up. Those who would name the name of my Son should exercise and strengthen their faith. And that’s not some new, unknown and mystical belief system they develop. They must avoid chasing after new and strange doctrines. They should go back to the tested and true foundation of their faith, my Holy Bible. 3) Be extremely thankful. Dwayne, this one is particularly important. The most well-indoctinated and knowledgable Christian can become stale and useless and apathetically pathetic. Often, the first step in that sour direction is allowing their hearts to become ungrateful for what I have done for them and for what they have and who they are in Christ. 4) Don’t get duped. Despite growing and strenthening themselves, and even in spite of their thankful hearts, sometimes Satan’s forces can still manage to lead my little ones astray. This is most distressing and painful to watch. As their Shepherd I want so much to warn them of such ditches and deep ravines. But you see, Dwayne, spiritual knowledge and heart-felt gratitude aren’t enough against such a strong enemy as you have. You must be on your guard at all times. You must expect the dark powers to seek to destroy you, to deceive, discourage and discredit you. You must avoid certain places, certain books and magazines and websites. You have to deliberately say no and close your mind to particularly foul-smelling thoughts and ideas. Like an animal sniffs out a substance before taking it into his mouth, you must sniff out deceptive and harmful teachings and run far away from them. What I said to God: Thank You, my precious Shepherd. These are powerful and practical instructions to help me and all Your children stay vitally growing and flourishing in You for a lifetime. Praise You for Your awesome and ever-relavant Word! I love and adore You and lay my life before You today.
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01.27.07
Posted in Thoughts on Colossians at 12:26 pm by Administrator
Text: Colossians 2:1-5 Theme: Paul’s purpose was to help people truly know Christ. Key verses: “My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (v. 2-3) What God said to me: Son, here again, we see Paul’s clear and confident understanding of his purpose in life. He knew what was most important and he passionately struggled toward that goal. Paul wanted others to know my Son. Not just to have met him, Paul desparately desired that people get to know Christ’s qualities - to embrace him, pursue his character, enjoy his friendship, employ his power and wisdom, and ultimately become more like him. Look at some of the words Paul used involving his purpose in these verses. He said he was “struggling;” he wanted them to be “encouraged” and “united” and have “full riches” of “complete understanding.” He was full of “delight” to see their faith in Christ. Dwayne, consider your own heart and mind on any given, average day. Could you use words like these to describe your thoughts and prayers for those I have entrusted you to encourage and help? How often do you even have thoughts and prayers for others, rather than just for yourself and your concerns? You know your purpose. It is to proclaim me to others and help them grow into mature believers who will influence even more to follow me. Yet, how passionately do you pursue that purpose? Look for ways to share me with those around you today. Watch closely. Be ready. I will give you the opportunity to witness and encourage someone if you will but open your spiritual eyes to see. What I said to God: Father, please forgive me. You have read my mail and written my ticket on this one. I didn’t realize how focused I am everyday on my own agenda. No wonder I’m not getting more opportunities to share my faith. I’m not even aware of people’s needs much of the time. Oh Lord, what does all this other stuff matter - my writing, my websites, my so-called ministry - if I’m not actively and daily investing my life in others and being available to personally help someone? May I see a stranger as my neighbor and as my responsibility today. But first of all on this day, may I simply see…
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01.26.07
Posted in Thoughts on Colossians at 10:30 am by Administrator
Text: Colossians 1:28-29 Theme: Paul knew his job and how to accomplish it Key verses: We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. What God said to me: Know your job, Dwayne, and how to accomplish it. This is your theme passage for the remainder of your days on this earth. This is your personal and professional mission statement. Let’s dissect it and see what it is I expect of you and the ministry I’ve now called you to.
- First, make sure what you do proclaims - and that you do proclaim - me and only me. Never proclaim yourself and draw more attention to your name than you do to mine. Purposefully and continuously seek ways to make me known among the lost around you. Your calling to worship leaders is secondary to your mandate to witness to those who could go to hell separated from me.
- Secondly, I have gifted you to teach. I have given you unique insights regarding worship and praise. Be a student of my Word for life. Never stop growing. Then passionately and joyfully pass your knowledge and wisdom on to anyone who will listen. Let me decide who those people are. You just be faithful to teach and admonish.
- Third, know your goal, which is “to present everyone perfect in Christ.” In other words, you should feel the responsibility to help bring my people into maturity in my Son. That weight comes in the form of a cross for you - dying to yourself and allowing me to work through you to impact my little ones.
- Fourth, once you clearly comprehend and accept your mission or “end,” then labor, work, even struggle at times to accomplish it. Plowing is back-breaking. Planting can be tough work. Breaking up fallow ground in men’s hearts is my doing, but I will do it in part through your labors. Dwayne, I love to see you rejoice. I enjoy the thrill that all my blessings are bringing to you and your family right now. However, understand and know this: What I have called you to will be some of the most challenging and difficult work you have ever done.
- Fifth and most important, as you labor, as you stuggle, be sure to always do it in my energy. Never try to do it your own feeble weakness. You have all the power in and out of the world living inside you. That power is my Holy Spirit, and he is powerfully working in you to help you finish the tasks, the mission to which I have graciously and clearly called you.
What I said to God: Oh my Lord and my God, I hear and see this mission, this calling. I know this will be the theme verse of our ministry and our life for the remainder of our time here. Thank you for making it so abundantly clear. I submit to it. I claim your power. And by your grace I and my family will finish well!
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01.24.07
Posted in Thoughts on Colossians at 9:39 am by Administrator
Text: Colossians 1:26-27 Theme: Jesus in me is still a mystery to me Key verses: “the mystery that has been kept through the ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” What God said to me: Dwayne, welcome to the most profound thought of the New Testament. It climaxes and encapsulates all other sin-shattering statements such as “Jesus loves you” and “Before Abraham was, I am.” All that Jesus Christ came to say and do is brought to bear in those 6 simple words, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Why is it so rich? Why is it so glorious? It is because the King of all ages has taken residence inside of you. His indwelling power and presence assures your place in heaven. You now have hope that your life has purpose. You will change and become more like my Son. Because He lives in you, you are righteous in my sight. Absorb that, Dwayne, if you possibly can. The Great I Am is right now living in you. And all his wisdom, all his power, all his righteousness is available to you. He is in you, thus he has become for you all this and much more. The prophets could never see it. They never quite understood how my Spirit would move inside of hearts, rather than only fill temples and guide like pillars of clouds or fire. The Jews certainly never saw the day coming when all people, Jews and Gentiles alike, would have the opportunity for hope of glory and salvation, when anyone could be called my child. This mystery has now been revealed. It is now within your grasp to comprehend the what of this incredible truth. The part you will never understand is the why… What I said to God: Holy and loving Father, my All in All, my Defender, Counselor and best Friend, I appreciate a little better now this “mystery” I’ve heard about for so long from Your Word. I think I get what the mystery is. I acknowledge that the Holy One of Israel, the Messiah, the Prince of Peace has moved inside of me forever. I even somewhat grasp the incredible and glorious hope that fact brings to me and to all those in whom You dwell. But even as You said, I cannot for the life of me comprehend why You would come and live then die for the likes of me. I do not understand why You would move inside a vessel that is so much less than perfect. I cannot fathom why You would demonstrate Your love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, even then You died for us - You died for me. I suppose that part of this mystery, the whole undeserved favor and love part, will forever remain a mystery to me. I may not ever fully understand it, that is true; but I can forever accept it and be indebted to You for it! That part I know I can and I must do…
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01.19.07
Posted in Thoughts on Colossians at 9:21 am by Administrator
Text: Colossians 1:23b-25 Theme: Servanthood isn’t exactly automatic Key verses: “…I, Paul, have become a servant.” (v. 23b) “…for the sake of the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness.” (v. 24b-25) What God said to me: Dwayne, good morning. I’m glad you rose early and decided to meet with me. I enjoy my time with you and miss it when you don’t come. Notice how Paul worded his calling in this passage. Twice he said he had “become” a servant. Now, of course that happened as a result of my commissioning him to present the Gospel to the Gentiles. Nonetheless, he didn’t say he was made a servant or that he was commissioned to be a servant. He was commissioned to preach to others. And that necessitated him becoming a servant. The becoming a servant part was his choice. Jesus “took upon himself the form of a servant.” I didn’t make him be one. It was Jesus’ choice to come down to humanity and serve you on a cross. I told Paul to go and preach, and he willingly submitted, understanding that would require a servant’s heart and humility to be truly effective. Dwayne, my son, I have commissioned you to mentor many worship leaders, teach many worshipers and share my Gospel with your neighbors and friends. How you go about that is your choice. Will you do it to honor me? Will you first of all serve others with your gifts and anointing, or will you choose to serve your own interests first? If you truly want to be like my Son, you will take it upon yourself to become a servant. What I said to God: Thank you, my Lord and Savior, my El Shaddai, I humble myself before You and before others today. I choose by Your grace and power to become a servant in my dealings with others. You have already shown me this year that my first and foremost priority is seeking ways to help and serve others. You are already opening doors and giving me creative thoughts as to how to connect people and encourage other ministers. Praise You for allowing me such an opportunity! This whole servant thing is actually quite what it is cracked up to be! But even when it’s not fun and rewarding, I want to still be the servant I am becoming in You - for the sake of Your church…
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01.18.07
Posted in Thoughts on Colossians at 9:37 pm by Administrator
Text: Colossians 1:22-23 Theme: We have a responsibility in our sanctification Key phrases: “…to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation - if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel…of which I…have been become a servant.” What God said to me: Dwayne, for the rest of your life you will hear debate on both sides as to how much is my work and destiny in you and how much is your free choice. There will be seasons when one side gains momentum over the other, and then the pendulum will swing again in time. It is healthly to consider such things and form strong, well-researched opinions. However, you must never explain away the “if” in this passage. Paul wasn’t confused and he didn’t mince words. You will be holy and without blame before me one day if you do something on your end. Sure, my grace allows for it, draws you to it in fact. But the if remains. On the other hand, certainly you have your responsibilities as well, but the if remains to point you toward the hope of the Gospel of my Son. You cannot make yourself holy period. Yet, I will not force holiness upon you. Debate all you will. But never rest on your mere human intellect and self-gratifying speculations. Yes, I am the Finisher of your faith. Yes, I am able to present you faultless in my dear presence with exceeding joy. Yes, you’ve been predestined to be conformed into the image of my dear Son. And yes, my Son’s blood makes you righteous. Yes, yes, yes. But the if remains - “if you continue…” If not, some blemishes will remain… What I said to God: Whoa, this doesn’t quite jive with my theology, Lord. I don’t really understand what’s being said here. I know You’re not saying work for my salvation. Yet, I’m getting the hint that I am supposed to stay faithful, stay the course, keep my eyes on the prize of your high calling in Christ. I have a clear responsibility. I’m not off the hook and holiness isn’t automatic. Is that what Paul means? Please help me grasp and then apply this profoundly important warning. Help us to continue in our faith and set our focus steadfastly on the hope we have in You! Thank you for speaking - even if I don’t always comprehend it all!
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01.15.07
Posted in Thoughts on Colossians at 4:25 pm by Administrator
Text: Colossians 1:19-22 Theme: Christ’s blood made peace between us and God Key verses: “For God was pleased to have all the fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things…by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God…but now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight…” (v.19-22) What God said to me: Dwayne, you cannot comprehend just how necessary my Son really is for you. Consider for a moment just a very few examples among the millions of times my creation has failed and offended me: Adam and Eve ate forbidden fruit. Cain murdered Able. Mankind sought to build a tower taller than me. In Noah’s day, every inclination of the heart of man was only evil all the time. Because of jealousy, Joseph’s brothers despised their brother and deceived their father. The Children of Israel prefered a golden calf over my shining presence. They grumbled and complained even as I provided and loved them in the desert. Numerous times I have heard my people vow to serve me out of desparation for their deliverance, only to watch them soon act again as though my name and my laws were worthless to them. Grasp this, Dwayne. Try to wrap your finite mind around the horror of this situation to my holiness. And then think of your own offenses, those countless times you’ve known to say yes to me, but said no instead. Those thousands of moments you’ve known to say no, but rather in wickedness affirmed your intent to rebel. My Son came to make right all those who have wronged me. Jesus is the only choice that could please me, that could embody in one Person enough righteousness, enough perfect blood to atone for the billions who deserve to die in their sin. He was in fact the only perfect and therefore acceptable choice. Unfortunately for me, He was also my one and only child, my very own Son that became the obvious and only choice for mankind’s redemption. Reconciled, that’s what you are, Dwayne. You have been restored to a place of peace with me. Reconciliation is an amazingly beautiful word for you and the humans on earth. It’s the word that will keep you out of hell and get you into heaven. It’s a word my Son provided through his death, so he could make that very word a reality in your life… What I said to God: Oh, my God, why have I forsaken You? How could I ever fail You and go my own way, even for a moment? I accept that I am made righteous through the blood of Jesus. But I don’t, I can’t comprehend why I have been shown such favor from above. Praise You, holy and heavenly Father. I know it is because of the great love wherewith You loved us! Thank you that I and my family are reconciled to You! May we live everyday like we appreciate that fact.
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01.12.07
Posted in Thoughts on Colossians at 8:20 am by Administrator
Text: Colossians 1:15-18 Theme: Christ is supreme above all. Key verses: “He is the image of the invisible God…” (v. 15a) “…all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (v. 17) “…so that in everything he might have the supremacy.” (v. 18b) What God said to me: Dwayne, Paul was battling false teaching that had crept in among the Colossian believers. Some of them were falling victim to legalism, believing that salvation required special behavior such as circumcision, keeping special dietary laws and religious ceremonies. Others felt that they needed special knowlege, secret information and insights, in order to gain salvation. That’s called Gnosticism and it’s very dangerous. Paul knew he had to hit this false teaching head on. What better way than to proclaim my Son, Jesus, as above and before all? The strong and solid foundation Paul was building here is the understanding that there is none other but Christ. He is eternal. There is nothing, no “secret” knowledge or hidden powers beyond Christ. If you want to know the answers to the universe and to life and eternity, you will only find them in the Supreme Jesus the Christ. Afterall, he was a perfect image of me. How can you improve on that? - You can’t. And that’s the point Paul is beginning to make here by beginning at the beginning - and end - of all things: my precious and all-sufficient Jesus. I expect you to love and honor him today and always… What I said to God: Yes, Lord, I surrender. What other choice do I have? I fall at the feet and before the throne of the absolutely supreme Maker of all things, the One who reigns on high. I submit before You, Jesus. May You reign in me today. Please show me any closed closet in my heart that is not completely yeilded to You. May I never feel I have some special knowledge that others can’t possess. I only have and know You, Jesus, and You can be shared by all! I praise You for being my personal All in All. Come and reign and rule in my heart today and forever. I pray that over my wife and boys today as well.
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01.11.07
Posted in Thoughts on Colossians at 9:28 am by Administrator
Text: Colossians 1:12-14 Theme: God has qualified us to share in the saints’ inheritance Key verses: “Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the Kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (v. 12-14) What God said to me: Dwayne, make sure you give me huge thanks today and every day. You have great reason to, you know. I have automatically qualified you, stamped you approved, granted you full credentials, made you worthy to be called my son. I rescued you from darkness - i.e., hell. You deserved punishment, but I granted you pardon and transformed you from death to life, from judgment to joy. Don’t ever run past those two little words of exhortation from Paul: “giving thanks.” You see, I don’t require anything in return but your thanks and your sincere heart-felt appreciation for all I’ve done for you. Of course, I expect you to prove your sincerity by submitting your now-redeemed, blood-purchased, completely forgiven heart and soul to me, your Inheritance Qualifier. What I said to God: Thank You, Lord, for all You have done for me. I sit here amazed in Your presence this morning. Why would You love me to that degree? You’ve seen every willful, stupid sin I’ve ever committed. You’ve heard every foul thought in my head and every dishonoring word that’s come from my mouth. You know me, yet You still call me qualifed. You still declare me an heir with Your children of an out-of-this-world inheritance. Wow, that’s some potent blood Your Son spilled. I am cleansed and forgiven, and I am Your child! Hearing those words still astound me and continue to humble me. Even now they call me to my knees in full surrender to my Father.
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01.09.07
Posted in Thoughts on Colossians at 9:09 am by Administrator
Text: Colossians 1:9-12 Theme: Praying for others in order for change Key verses: “…since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father…” (v. 9-12a) What God said to me: Dwayne, you must die to yourself. Playing days are over, no more dabbling in sin. You have many people interceding for you. (It would blow your mind if you knew how many!) Do you think I will turn a deaf ear to them? Do you think I will continue overlooking your blatant willful rebellion? I will conform you into the image of my dear Son. I will present you faultless in my presence with exceeding joy. I will finish your faith. Just look at all the benefits the Colossian believers received from Paul’s powerful praying: knowledge of my will, spiritual wisdom and understanding, life that was worthy and pleasing toward me, fruitfulness in all they did for me, growth in their knowledge of me, strength through all my power (and that’s a lot…), great endurance and patience, joy and thankfulness. I heard Paul’s prayer because it came from a pure and passionate heart that loved me and the ones for whom it interceded. Likewise, I expect you to make time daily to intercede for others, beginning with your family, your church, your close friends and those you are mentoring. Then make time to pray for your neighbors and those across the seas. What I said to God: Lord, You have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born and You brought forth the earth and the sea, from everlasting to everlasting You are God. Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love. Cleanse me, precious Jesus. I confess my rebellious thoughts and actions. I want the power on me to intercede for others, just as so many are interceding for me. I want that power manifested in and through my wife and my boys. Oh God, You are our source of holiness, joy, and fulfillment. There is none like You! Thank you for speaking so clearly and loudly to my soul today. I (really do) love You…
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