10/11/2005 Beginnings with Kingdom of Truth . . .
I remind you as I remind myself, we are not kingdoms unto ourselves.
Personally, my most significant group experience is weekly meeting and praying
with other pastors struggling to make disciples in the Diablo Valley. There is
support and accountability. There are pastors still here that likely would have
left this community without this group. There are churches that have been
encouraged, directed and supported because of the relationships in this group.
Perspective, spiritual encouragement and power is multiplied.
This same kind of experience and support can be yours when you give yourself to a
small group commitment. Notice how I try and motivate you? I make you
aware of personal benefits that await you.
But you and I need to maximize our vision. We need to see God at work
beyond what we can see that benefits our own family, beyond our work, or
church's benefit. There is a larger kingdom we are called to serve and there is
an effect beyond our own devising. When we only look at benefits we can see we minimize
our vision.
 One of the new series on TV this season
is Commander in Chief. Mackenzie Allen (Genna Davis) is not only the first
female President of The United States, she is also the first independent. (Video
sample: http://abc.go.com/fsp/index.html?channel=CommanderinChief#
Touchstone Television in association with Battle Plan Productions)
President Mackenzie has her eye on a former opponent whom she wants to serve as
Vice President. He points out there is no chance of an independent being
re-elected. Mackenzie shoots back, "That right. So for the next two years I am
going to give my very best to do good for America. What are you doing for the
next two years?"
Lets make it personal. How are you investing your life? The truth is
you are going to give yourself to something. You are going to invest your life
somewhere.
When John Scully, ad exec at Pepsi was recruited by Steve Jobs for the top
position at Apple Computer he was asked, "John, do ya wanna sell sugar water for
the rest of your life or do you want to change the world?"
What are you going to do with the time you have?
The truth is you have been called by God to do certain things.
Are you called to be a speaker? Then speak as though God himself were speaking
through you. Are you called to help others? Do it with all the strength and
energy that God supplies. Then God will be given glory in everything through
Jesus Christ.1 Peter 4:11 (NLT)
The Truth is God's kingdom works is different than man's.
I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a
stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me
clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited
me.' Matthew 25:35-36 (NLT)
We minimize many of the things we do. But in God's kingdom even giving a drink
to someone can be significant. Jesus stood before Pilate and said, "I am not an
earthly king. If I were, my followers would have fought when I was arrested by
the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world."John
18:36 (NLT) Jesus' kingdom runs on different rules. It is effective beyond our
own devising. Maximize your vision.
Sometimes I think leading a small church plant is not important enough. Maybe I
should go where the laborers are plentiful and the harvest is ripe. Maybe I
should go where something "big" is happening. I have a great place in Hawaii
picked out. Then the Spirit reminds me, "The truth is you are a part of
something bigger than you can see."
What are you doing that isn't big enough? Do you just take care of kids? Just do
a little volunteer service helping out the neighbor? Just teach a Sunday School
class? Just love your wife? Do you just encourage people? Open your eyes.
Maximize your vision. Jesus' kingdom runs on different rules. It is effective
beyond your own devising.
In heaven there is not going to be one place for the famous speakers and another
for people who fed the hungry. There won't be a box seats for the upper class
and lawn seating for the others. The only division of those in heaven will be
made on one question. "How did I do with what God called me to do?" Don't
minimize, maximize your vision.
Pontius Pilate, governor of Judea looks Jesus in the eye and says, "You are a
king then?" "You say that I am a king, and you are right," Jesus said. "I was
born for that purpose. And I came to bring truth to the world. All who love the
truth recognize that what I say is true." "What is truth?" John
18:37-38 (NLT)
Maybe in some way you can relate to Pilate. He was powerful, he was political
and he was popular - even if he had to demand it! But he was also tired,
disappointed and disillusioned. He would have liked to believe in something
beyond what he could see. Pilate would have like to believe Jesus could point
to the truth. He would have liked to believe. He would have liked to hear the
voice of Jesus but didn't.
If you want to know what Jesus wants you to do. If you want to live
confident in the call of God learn to hear his voice above the crowd.
If you continue in My word, ("Get into the bible and
keep going back.)
then
you are truly disciples of Mine; (Jesus' disciples hear his voice and
follow)
and [then]
you will know the truth, (Looking for a personal benefit? How about living with
confidence that you are investing your life in ways that God maximizes?)
and [then]
the truth will make you free." (Here is another benefit. A life of
freedom to serve and know you are answering the call.) John 8:31-32 (NASB)
But. . . . v33 They answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never
yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, 'You will become free'?"
Some have trouble hearing Jesus. What do you mean - I am free? Are you? Open
your eyes. What are you investing in?
Are you answering the call? If so don't minimize what you are doing.
I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand
the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. Ephesians
1:18a (NLT)
Maximize your vision. Serve where you are called with what you have been
called.
Pastor Art
How to have hair like Donald Sutherland,
Nathan Templeton on the sizzling new ABC series - Commander In Chief.
1. Shampoo and
condition with products designed for your type, texture, condition and length
of hair.
 2. Finish with a cool/cold
rinse to crank up shine and close the cuticle.
Towel blot to remove excess moisture.
(Image of Donald Sutherland, Natasha Henstridge &
Michael O'Neill - Commander In Chief -
3. Apply a quarter sized
glop of gel,
styling cream or similar styling product that are completely distributed
through out damp strands.
4. Blow dry individual sections straight using a
large boar's head bristle paddle brush, to "cover the most possible hair
surface area".
5. When hair is completely cool, spritz with the
hairspray
of your choice.
6. Gently rake the entire style with fingers. Arrange front and
sides. Use a boar's bristle brush or similar and brush very lightly to
even out the style.
7. Finish with a spritz of shine serum, spray or
similarhttp://www.hairboutique.com/tips/tip21011.htm
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