Time With God
A devotional trip through the Bible with a caring community to support, love and care for each other... while spending Time With God. If you would like our daily email version of this podcast send me a note to info@pinegrovecommunitychurch.com
TWG - October 30, 2008
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TWG - October 30, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Numbers 32; John 4:1-26
Today is October 30, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. We are doing something of eternal significance. We are redeeming the time. That is one of the basic premises of TWG. We believe that what we do every day is so important that we must do the important things each day. That is why we read the word every Day
Yesterday I slept in! I didn’t mean to, but my alarm clock didn’t ring. That’s why there was no Time with God yesterday. It’s the blame it on the alarm clock trick. Well I rushed out of the house and spent the day working on Sunday’s services. I also got my Awana message finished. I had to leave my office for a while because there was a swarm of flies in there of biblical proportions. It was a plague! I bombed the place and hope to come back to a fly-less office today. Carl & Sonja were at church and fed me “pumpkin soup.” Never had it before! It was good! We had a great group at Awana even though my pickups were about 3 short. What fun we had, and a few children make first time decisions for Christ I put a picture of our men’s group praying on the Blog at http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com. Check it out.
Today’s thought comes from 1 Timothy 3:14-15 These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
Why people write non-fiction books: to pass on important information. How about some of these essential books: “Cheese Problems Solved,” “How to Read a Book” “500 Things To Do With Pantyhose” or "How to wake up and smell the flowers." Now there was some important information! Can’t wait to read some of those best sellers! Why Paul wrote 1 Timothy… so that we would know how a Christian leader is supposed to manage the church and how a Christian is supposed to behave in church. Now that is an important book! Hey wouldn’t it be great to have a handbook for how church is supposed to be done? Here it is. It’s called 1 Timothy. So let’s talk about church. What is church? Where do people get their ideas about what a church is? Let me make a few suggestions: 1. They get it from their past experience of church. 2. They get it from what the culture generally thinks a church is. 3. They get it from news reporting 4. They expect a church to be what they need it or want it to be. Like a concert, or a school, or a self service store, or a hospital. But a lot of people have a false impression of what the church is. They get it wrong. So what is a church? “A church is a group of believers in Jesus Christ who have come together to carry out His purposes.” And when we think of a church, usually it’s not so informal as a Bible Study or fellowship group. We like to say that a “New Testament Church” is a group of people committed to each other and committed to Christ. They come together for the express purpose of evangelizing the lost and edifying the saints. They follow the teachings of the apostles and preach the gospel of Christ. And by the way, nowhere in the Bible is the place where Christians meet referred to as a "church.” But what about right here in 1 Timothy 3:15 where it calls the church the “house of God?” this passage is about how to act “in church” but… let’s take a look at Ephesians 2:19-21 which says you are “members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord” We have Christ as a cornerstone. The Apostles as the foundation along with the prophets… and we are the walls, ceiling and building! We are the church! When we meet together, wherever we meet, the church is there! So when we come together, this is how you act in church! How’s that? Another tale for another time!
Dear Father. Help me to be committed to your church… the people who gather in your name and are committed to serving you and building up each other. I want to be an important building block in the Kingdom of God. Help me to love your church the way you do.
Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:53 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Tuesday, Oct 28, 2008TWG - October 28, 2008
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TWG - October 28, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Numbers 31: 25-55; Psalm 106:1-23; John 3
Today is October 28, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. This is your invitation to take one step forward every day in your relationship with Christ. We invite you to do something unbelievably radical. We invite you to deny yourself, take up your cross daily and follow Jesus
Yesterday had some twists and turns. I tried all morning to get to the rental… but running errands took up all my time. Finally I got there and Susan was hard at word. She sure is a hard working gal! We pretty much finished it yesterday… but then came the bad news. Phil & Jeannie called. Their son in Alaska just committed suicide. He jumped off a bridge. They are terribly broken up. Here is a family that really needs our prayers! I plan to go see them today. Nothing I was doing Monday really seemed to matter anymore. When tragedy strikes, it puts all of life into perspective. I hope I remember that!
Today’s thought comes from 1 Timothy 3:13 those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
There’s nothing much better than being able to stand back and look at something you’ve done and know you’ve done it well. Time was when pride in workmanship was commonplace. Nowadays if you find someone who takes pride in a job well done, it’s out of the ordinary. Too many of us are in such a hurry to get the job done that we are willing to take short cuts in quality. And we see the sad results in shoddy workmanship and a throw away society. They build them cheap, but they break easily… just throw it away and buy a new one. The servants among us are supposed to do a job well done. We are supposed to “serve well.” What does that mean? It is a beautiful thing when you see a fellow believer who puts his all into the work of the ministry. I’m thinking of Bill and Jim. When they set out to build the new building, they set out to build it right! The only short cuts they took were in finding the best deals around. I’m thinking of Kyle who pours his energy into teaching. You know that he’s always prepared and has done his homework. I’m thinking of Jayn who spends, who knows how many hours around the church weeding, planting, watering and maintaining. I’m thinking of Rich who constantly reminds me that “we don’t want to do this twice! Let’s do it right the first time.” I have Carl on my mind who is always doing something for somebody, always. He epitomizes what it means to serve well. And I have just begun to name the many servants among us! We’ve got some powerful good ones! But what’s the point? Does anyone care if you chop wood for a widow? Or serve silently where no one can see, and no one knows? Here’s an experiment… try dropping the ball and see if anyone notices. They may not be talking about you behind your back, but your ears are burning. People know when they can’t depend on you. Ability and enthusiasm mean nothing without consistent follow through. And there’s nothing worse than “looking over your shoulder,” fearing that people will remember your failures. But when you do all things well, you have nothing to be ashamed about. You ought to be bold, confident, arms crossed, standing back at a distance in admiration of a job well done. May their tribe increase!
Dear Lord, make me a servant. Help me to do everything heartily and skillfully as unto the Lord. When they write the story of my life I want them to say “he did it well!” Lord help me to take pride in all I do for you.
But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:09 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Monday, Oct 27, 2008TWG - October 27, 2008
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TWG - October 27, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Numbers 31:1-24; Psalm 105: 23-44; John 2
Today is October 27, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. Together we are strong. As we walk though the word together we help each other grow.
Well, another wonderful weekend is past and it is full speed into Monday for me. Saturday I spent most of the day cleaning up our rental. It’s almost ready to rent. Then I ran to Canyonville and refereed a soccer playoff game. It was fun and exciting. Then back to church for worship practice. Sunday – we had a good time in church… attendance was a bit low because so many ladies were still at retreat including Susan. But we had a great time talking about Elders. After church a group of us went to Sizzler for lunch. Had a great time. In the evening Kyle taught a well attended clinic on “The Bible and your Health” this time dealing with exercise. It was good to have Susan back home! .
Today’s thought comes from 1 Timothy 3:11 Likewise women must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.
Let’s say you are a young male college student looking for a date. So you start asking girls out so you can get to know them. Some you like, others just don’t work out. While a date is fun, you want more. You are thinking seriously about a life partner, someone who will complete you. You don’t want to settle for just anyone. So what do you look for in a woman? Cute? Smart? A good sense of humor? Sure, sure. But there is more. How about reverent? “What?” you say? Sure! Reverence or Love for God should be the #1 reason for being attracted to someone. And how about listening to what she talks about… is it gossip, does it border on slander? Avoid a woman like that! And how about temperate? “What did you say?” Yep. This is a good one. A sad reality is that so many women (and men) today aren’t in control of their emotions… instead their emotions control them. That’s a dangerous thing. Temperance is the ability to control the spirit and be objective and calm under pressure. Sounds pretty good to me! After all you don’t want to hook up with someone who throws tantrums or frying pans! And how about adding faithfulness to the list? I think that this is probably high on your list anyway. There is an unspoken rule in relationships that says, “If you are committed to me, you can’t be flirting with other people.” But faithfulness goes far beyond a “no flirting” prohibition. Faithfulness is being dependable, trustworthy and responsible. If you have a faithful partner, you know you can trust them with your money, your most precious possessions, your important decisions, your deepest fears or anything at all in life! And they won’t let you down. They’ll always do their best to come through for you. Now that is a mark of maturity. God grant us “faithfulness.” If you find a woman like that… stick with her! I think I just said, “be faithful too!”
Dear Father make me the kind of person others can depend on. Make me faithful. I want to be known as someone who always keeps his word. Help me to control my emotions and passions, and most of all to love you with all my heart.
You are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people."
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:44 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Friday, Oct 24, 2008TWG - October 24, 2008
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TWG - October 24, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Numbers 30; John 1: 19-50
Today is October 24, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. TWG is a complete turn of events; it is a 180 degree turn around. God is changing us and turning us around as a community. This is not business as usual, this is transforming, this is spiritual, this is essential.
Yesterday I got to work late because I had an early morning appointment… that is if you call 8:30 an early morning. I met with our new renter. Once at work I set out to get some things accomplished. Bulletin done. Worship done. Bible Study done. And some other misc items. After work Susan and I ran to the Glide Bible Study, a great group of us were there where we engaged in a great discussion on the various qualifications for Elder. Then it was home and to bed! I put a picture of the apple cider makers on the Blog at http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com. Check it out.
Today’s thought comes from 1 Timothy 3:11 Likewise women must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.
Have you ever played “the Devils advocate?” A Devil’s Advocate is someone who argues against a position, simply for the sake of argument or to determine the validity of it. There are some constructive uses of the “Devil’s advocate,” but when I think of one, the first thing that comes to mind is someone who just likes to be contrary. You know, the guy who always takes an opposing position even if he doesn’t believe it. Well there is something worse than that lurking in this verse! A slanderer. If I were to do a transliteration from the Greek, we might read this verse, likewise women must “not be devilish!” That’s the Greek word “diabalo” – same word used for the Devil… so it is devilish! The word diabolo means “the accuser” or more to the point a “false accuser.” A false accusation is slander. Slander is words falsely spoken that damage the reputation of another. Now why would any woman or man want to pass on false information about someone else? The answer seems obvious to me. There is only one possible explanation; those words were meant to hurt! They were meant to cut like a knife! Someone hurt me, and I am going to get back at them! No wonder Paul put this qualification down for lady leaders! Slander has no place in the body of Christ! Instead we need to replace it with forgiveness and edification.
Dear Jesus make me like you! I don’t want to be anything like my archenemy the Devil, so keep me from lies and error. Instead make me a forgiving and loving person, only seeking the best even for those who hurt me. Help me to speak the truth in love at all times in a tender way.
So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:44 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Thursday, Oct 23, 2008TWG - October 23, 2008
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TWG - October 23, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Numbers 29:12-40; John 1:1-18
Today is October 23, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. We are doing something of eternal significance. We are redeeming the time. That is one of the basic premises of TWG. We believe that what we do every day is so important that we must do the important things each day. That is why we read the word every Day
Another very full day is past. I spent it working on the worship service and preparing for Awana. I made a take home for the Hallelujah party, our alternative to Halloween. I called the kids I pick up for Awana to make sure they were going to be ready when I came by. I also put up a new header on the Web page advertising our party. Carl, Jayn, Phil and Sonja were at church cutting up apples for cider. It was impressive. After work I ran home early to pick up kids. Marcia, Susan and I brought eleven of them to A&W to eat as an encouragement to come to Awana. That hurt the pocket book! Awana was well attended! It was a blast. Everyone had a crazy hat on and some were very creative! After Awana, I stayed up till midnight working on paperwork. No fun. I put a picture of the group from Awana with their crazy hats on, on the Blog at http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com. Check it out.
Today’s thought comes from 1 Timothy 3:11 Likewise women must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.
If you could choose any four character qualities you want in your life which four would you emulate? Do you want to be brave? Kind? Wise? Charming? Decisive? Principled? Compassionate? Diligent? …or perhaps you have some other quality in mind. Paul chose four for the women who would be in a leadership role in the church. They must be an important quartet. The first is Reverent. It is also the first on the Deacons list. In Titus 2:2 it is #2 on the mature Christian’s list. So it must be important. A reverent person is one who feels and shows profound respect or veneration for God in church and out of it. The Greek word is a sweeping word which means majestic, stately, venerable, reverent, respectful, worshipful, honorable, or a proper disposition for a person who is worshiping God. Reverence is the outer expression of our inner feelings. Jesus told us that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all our heart, soul and might! If love for Jesus is the most important inner quality, than reverence just might be the most important visible demonstration of that love. It’s the way we pray with all our heart; Intent, focused, worshipful. It’s the way we sing with all our soul; joyfully, emotively, wholeheartedly. It is the respect we show in God’s presence; one of profound awe, humility and childlike wonder. Your behavior and facial expressions are the best advertisements of your faith and love. It is also interesting that Philippians 4:8, in its list of truths to ponder translates this word “noble.” In days gone by a kings man was supposed to have his life characterized by the “old knight’s code” of conduct. When he rode down the street on his steed, his shoulders were square, his face was kind and his eye was clear. You could tell by his bearing that he was a nobleman. Perhaps that does describe a worshiping woman: a noblewoman. Want some nobility in your life? Let it be characterized by reverence.
Dear Heavenly Father: Make me a reverent person. I want to worship you with all my heart, soul and might. In all I do, I want to be a great advertisement of the fact that you are my King and I am your representative. Most of all I want to worship you in awe, with all my heart.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:01 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Wednesday, Oct 22, 2008TWG - October 22, 2008
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TWG - October 22, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Numbers 29:1-11; Psalm 105:1-22; 2 Corinthians 13
Today is October 22, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. You are part of a devotional community where we put Christ first and our commitment is to spend time with each other and Time with God every day.
Yesterday was a beautiful sunny day here in Oregon. Pastor Gerald Pynch stopped in to visit with me and catch me up to date on what God is doing in his life. He’d like prayer as he pursues being a hospice chaplain! He’s a regular on our TWG email list. Ken stopped in to pick up a wireless router for his computer. He had just tripped and scraped his knees on the walkway! Ouch. He’s working out a deal with Lowes for a new window for our house. Marcia stopped in for a moment to pick up her keyboard. And I worked on Power Point and a few various administrative items. After work I ran out to river forks and refereed a thriller of a game between #3 UVC boys and #2 Creswell. UVC won in double overtime! The guys were so exited they all dog piled in the middle of the field. After that I stopped at the rental and laid some linoleum, hooked up a few electrical outlets and then went home.
Today’s thought comes from 1 Timothy 3:11 Likewise women must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.
Almost every translation struggles with this verse. The Greek phrase is literally "women likewise must be dignified". There are three possible interpretations. #1 General: All Christian WOMEN should be reverent. The word “gune” in the Greek can be translated either women or wife depending on context. #2 Deacons WIVES: In order to be a Deacon, your wife must be tested and approved as well. #3 Deaconesses. The Women mentioned here are a separate class of leaders in the church. There are compelling reasons to think that these verses relate to either #2 wives, or #3 Deaconesses. Let me review them. Those who believe that this is talking about DEACONS WIVES say that it seems odd that right in the middle of a list on deacons, Paul would stop and give a blurb on deaconesses. Then return to Deacons qualifications. If it were Deaconesses he would have added them AFTER the Deacons. If Paul had wanted to call them deaconesses, he could have clearly done so by using a different word. Because the wives were to be a part of the ministry team in serving the church ladies they also had qualifications along with their husband deacons. Those who believe that this is talking about Deaconesses note that there is no mention of wives qualifications for the elder who has a higher position. Secondly, Romans 12:1seems to indicate that Phoebe was a deaconesses. Thirdly, Paul used the word “likewise” in verse 8 when he began a new list for Deacons, and he used the word “likewise” in verse 11 to start a new list for Deaconesses. Fourthly, he could have clearly called them “their” wives or women, but he did not. As a practical matter, to me, it matters not whether this is talking about wives or deaconesses. Neither view violates Scripture as far as I can tell. I have leanings toward one at times, and then the other at other times. I do know that women are important to ministry. In the early church these hard working ladies took care of the sick and poor, ministered to prisoners, instructed the younger women, taught children and assisted at baptisms. May God bless the ministry of those hard working saints.
Dear Lord: make me a servant. Help me to serve as you served, to love as you loved and to think of others as more important than myself. Thank you for your wonderful saints, men and women who serve with a whole heart.
"Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame."
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:10 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Tuesday, Oct 21, 2008TWG - October 21, 2008
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TWG - October 21, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Numbers 28; Psalm 104; 2 Corinthians 12
Today is October 21, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. This is your invitation to take one step forward every day in your relationship with Christ. We invite you to do something unbelievably radical. We invite you to deny yourself, take up your cross daily and follow Jesus
The weekend is over and we are deep into a new week. Saturday we had a good time at Kyle’s 50th Birthday Party – supposed to be a surprise. Sunday all of Kyle and Marcia’s family were in church – that was great. Kyle’s brother Chris, a regular subscriber to our email was there! And I had his two daughters in my Sunday School Class, Megan and Catherine. What a pleasure. Kyle began his “Biblical Health” seminar Sunday night… it was really good. If you can, you ought to come; it’s every Sunday night for 12 weeks. Yesterday I worked on a rental all day, oh joy, and then reffed a soccer game with Khumbaloni. It was a fun game and the underdogs won! I put a picture of a pickup with the empty husks from the corn shuckers on the Blog at http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com. Check it out.
Today’s thought comes from 1 Timothy 3:10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless.
When my son Zac made application to be a police officer, he had to go through some extensive background checks. Not only did he have to get drug tested, credit checked and criminal history checked, but one police department had a 35 page personality profile questionnaire. They wanted to know everyone he has ever had association with, every kind of response he has ever had to any kind of situation and every other possible question in the book about his life. And he had to pass before he could be accepted onto the force. He had to be interviewed, analyzed and cross examined! No stone was left unturned. In the quest to find men of maturity to fill the office of Elder and Deacon there is to be an examination and testing as well. Their Christian walk is to be examined to see if they measure up to the standards listed here. How long should a person be a Christian before he can be a Deacon or Elder? No specific time period is given. The Elder must not be a new believer, so we would suggest a minimum of five to seven years, for Deacon at least two or three. That gives us time to see how a person matures. The idea of “testing” comes from the process used to determine the genuineness of precious metals. In the ancient world all money was made from metal, heated until liquid, poured into moulds and allowed to cool. When the coins were cooled, it was necessary to smooth off the uneven edges. The coins were relatively soft and many people shaved off the edges so that they could create more money out of less metal. To be considered genuine coinage, each coin had to be a certain weight or it was counterfeit. In one century, more than eighty laws were passed in Athens, to stop the practice of shaving coins. There were some money changers of integrity who refused to manufacture counterfeit coins. They put only genuine full weighted money into circulation. Such men were called "dokimos" or “tested” and “approved.” For a man to be considered for leadership in the church his life needs to be genuine after such testing and weighing. When the tough questions are asked about his life, he must have a clean slate. He must be “blameless.” The idea here is that if someone can bring an accusation against his character that sticks, he doesn’t pass the test. But when questions are raised and found to be baseless, he is “above reproach.” None of us are perfect, but when tested may you be approved and come out shining like gold.
Dear Father, help me to pass the test and be approved. I need the Holy Spirit to fill me with the character of the Lord Jesus Christ. May I be found to be the “genuine article.” Give me the consistency of life and the desire to walk with you. Fill me with your love.
"And it shall come to pass in the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not My people,’ There they shall be called sons of the living God."
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:30 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Saturday, Oct 18, 2008TWG - October 18, 2008
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TWG - October 18, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Numbers 27; 2 Corinthians 11
Today is October 18, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. TWG is a covenant to seek the LORD God with all our heart and with all our soul. If you seek Him, He will be found by you.
Yesterday I set my mind to getting out of the office early, and I did it – amazingly! The Ladies showed up for Bible Study in the morning and a few of them priced Awana store items. John and Colleen came for music practice with a new “son in the faith!” Brandon had just placed his faith and trust in Jesus Christ! How very exciting! He also plays a mean lead guitar. Susan did the bulletin and cleaned the church. Carl and I checked out the capacity of the new wireless router. It does work better. We are trying to figure out how to boost the signal even more. I got my message done and jetted out of the office to work on a rental. I fixed a few doors, shopped for some materials and put a threshold down. It’s coming along. I put a picture of the corn shuckers on the Blog at http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com. Check it out.
Today’s thought comes from 1 Timothy 3:9 deacons must not be greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
The last character quality in verse 8 is “not greedy.” This is the same standard for an Elder. Greed is the vice which is never satisfied. It is a drive to constantly get your hands on more and more stuff. A greedy person is willing to seek dishonorable and unscrupulous ways to gain the profit he is after. The man after God’s heart knows that God will take care of him. He doesn’t need to steal, weasel people out of their hard earned cash, cheat them, or sell them a bill of goods on a stack of lies. Honorable gain is good. Gain at any price is greed. Just trust God to supply all your needs and you’ll be satisfied! As we continue moving down the list, we get to the one about how a maturing individual relates to his faith. When a person first comes into contact with the gospel it appears as a “mystery” they have never heard before nor understand. They examine it with curiosity, doubt and perhaps skepticism or unbelief. But the Spirit of God challenges their heart and they believe. The more they hear the truth the more their faith grows. Their questions slowly get answered and their faith gets stronger. Along the way “tests” happen. Skeptics challenge the facts, the trials of life buffet their faith, the cares of this life attempt to dull their spiritual interest… but there comes a time when neither doubts nor difficulties move a man or woman of faith! A man of faith “holds fast to the mystery of the faith.” It is no longer a mystery to him. His faith is full of vibrancy and strength. That’s a sign that he is maturing! But it is not just a mind thing where he knows the facts and accepts them, the faith has worked its way down to his heart! One way we can tell if a person is ready for leadership is if he has no doubts about what he believes, no qualms, no hidden reservations. God has settled the issue, and his conscience does not lead him to be double minded. His faith is genuine, certain and settled. He could place his hand on a Bible and say, “I solemnly affirm that my faith is settled in heaven!” Are you there? Are you hanging on to “The Rock?” Have you settled the big questions of life? It’s a matter of stability. Make it so.
Dear Lord. Please strengthen my faith. In these difficult and uncertain days where every day seems to bring a new economic challenge, a new political uncertainty, a fresh barrage of corruption, I need a rock that I can stand on, an anchor for my soul. I will trust in you and never be ashamed!
"A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:04 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Friday, Oct 17, 2008TWG - October 17, 2008
Download this episode (17 min)
TWG - October 17, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Numbers 26: 28-65; 2 Corinthians 10
Today is October 17, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. TWG is a complete turn of events; it is a 180 degree turn around. God is changing us and turning us around as a community. This is not business as usual, this is transforming, this is spiritual, this is essential.
Some days have twists and turns you don’t’ expect. In the morning the canning crew was here with over 800 ears of corn! They went to work, and so did I. I worked some more on Sunday’s service. My Tax preparer called asking for a few last details to finish off my taxes before the extension expired. Susan called to say that the rear end was going out on the truck and was going to cost nearly $800 to fix. We put it off for now. The Awana missionary stopped in to check on us, so Marcia and I grilled him. I prepared for Awana and it was home to pick up kids. As is their habit of late, no one was home and we had to go searching for them. I almost gave up… then I found them and I took 6 kids to Awana! What a great time we had. Lots of kids are earning awards! After that we drove to our accountants place to sign taxes and received a heart attack when she showed us her bill. It’s going to take me a year to pay it off! It was off the charts! I put a picture of Carl next to his corn on the Blog at http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com. Check it out.
Today’s thought comes from 1 Timothy 3:8 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money
Deacons are not to wine or at least not to do too much wining. And we are back, once again talking about the tiny bubbles. Oh boy it’s happy hour! Let’s do a comparison between Elder and Deacon. An Elder is not to be “near wine,” A Deacon is not to have “much wine.” A near wine person is someone who drinks socially for the joys of drinking. An Elder is not to be one of them. He’s not to have a can routinely attached to his hand in front of the TV like the general populace, nor is he to have a bottle on his table at every meal. Generally speaking he’s chosen to dry it up. But the construction of the Greek is different for a Deacon. An Elder is more restrictive, a Deacon is less restrictive. Neither of them is to be addicted or given to wine. One is not to be “near wine,” the other is not to have “much wine.” Do you see how things change from Deacon to Elder? …A bit tougher qualification for a more intense office. The use of the words “not given to MUCH wine” is translated by the NIV “Not indulging in much wine.” It might also be translated, “Not paying much attention to wine, or having much attachment to wine.” In other words, as a person grows in Christ, we encourage them to be weaned from wine. Let me emphasize that neither qualification is a complete restriction from wine, but both show varying shades of self-restraint. Most people in the world see no problem with alcohol until a drunk driver kills their son! Then they swear it off. But when a person comes to Christ he realizes that Jesus not alcohol is to be his joy, relaxation, peace and warmth. As he grows and becomes serious about serving he may have the privilege of being chosen a Deacon. This requires a change in thinking. His mind must choose to take a step away from the world of wine. Instead of using it to affect the senses he chooses to stay clear minded. He is careful about how much and how often he has a cup. When a man is called to be an Elder he is even more concerned about his use of alcohol. Greater responsibility requires greater care. As you grow in the Lord, you will want to have greater care for your Lord and Savior Jesus.
Dear Lord. I want to be drawn to you, to find my hope, peace, joy, relaxation and love in your presence. Help me to choose to please you with all my heart, soul and mind. I want you to consume me and lead me with your Spirit. Fill me with more of you.
The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:16 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Thursday, Oct 16, 2008TWG - October 15, 2008
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TWG - October 15, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Numbers 26:1-27; Psalm 103; 2 Corinthians 9
Today is October 15, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. You are part of a devotional community where we put Christ first and our commitment is to spend time with each other and Time with God every day.
Yesterday was day one at the office for me. I spent time doing administrative stuff. I looked through another Awana software program. That took me a while. I worked on a few songs for Sunday and made a few phone calls. It really wasn’t much of a day to write home about. I did note that the Stock Market dropped a bit again. Many of us are very concerned about the economy. Make it a matter of prayer and remember that God is in control! After work I ran to Tri-City to referee a real sleeper of a soccer game. Then the rush was on to get home, get changed, eat and be to men’s meeting by 7. I didn’t quite make it, but I tried. We had a good men’s meeting with Jim, Carl, Rich, Dave and I. Carl noted that the “canning crew” will be working on 700 ears of corn tomorrow! I put a picture of one of the many deer that frequent our church property on the Blog at http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com. Check it out.
Today’s thought comes from 1 Timothy 3:8 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money
So, who are you voting for? Or do I need to ask? Democrat? Republican? Or “none of the above!” You’ve heard the old stand by joke, “You know how to tell when a politician is lying? - His lips are moving!” I am sure that somewhere there must be an honest politician, but most of us are filled with skepticism. We know that they speak with forked tongue. Deacons are NOT to be politicians… at least they are not to be double tongued. Instead they are to be reverent. A mark of a maturing individual is that he is a man or woman of honor and character, known for his love for the Lord. When you honor the Lord with your words and deeds, you can’t help but be a person of character. A reverent person is one who feels and shows profound respect or veneration for God in church and out of it. When we pray, he is intent… not a jokester. When we sing, he is focused on Jesus with all his heart. Worship is not a laughing or trivial thing to him. It is something he does with all his mind, emotions and life. And out of church he is not “double tongued.” A double tongued individual is one who says one thing to one person, and another thing to another person. He says whatever he thinks they want to hear, even if it is the opposite of what he just told the last guy. Now this can really get you into trouble, especially if the two people get together and compare notes! A double tongued individual also says one thing and does another. He sounds sincere. He talks a good story. He may even believe what he is saying, but for some reason, he regularly fails to follow through. The problem with a double tongued individual is that, like the politician, he wants to look good to others, he wants people to like him, he tries to run a good public relations campaign, but he lacks the character to back his words up with action or to follow through with his promises. When you sit down and think it over and you analyze the problem with the double tongued guy, you realize that deep down inside, his words are just out and out lies. He’s a pretender. Sooner or later everyone around him figures it out… and he has to move on. My suggestion? Get honest before God and commit yourself to being a man or woman of your word.
Dear Heavenly Father: I worship you with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. I bow reverently before you because you are the mighty God. Keep lying lips far from me and help me not to be a “people pleaser” but may I choose to be a “Jesus pleaser.” I know that when I please you with my words and works, that I’m doing the right thing.
The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 8:22 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Tuesday, Oct 14, 2008TWG - October 14, 2008
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TWG - October 14, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Numbers 25; Psalm 102; 2 Corinthians 8
Today is October 14, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. This is your invitation to take one step forward every day in your relationship with Christ. We invite you to do something unbelievably radical. We invite you to deny yourself, take up your cross daily and follow Jesus
Yesterday was no day off, I can tell you that! Susan and I went to a rental and cleaned the place out. That took up most of the day. Shaphen was there to help us. Nothing too exciting here! Then I had a double header of soccer games to ref. Glide boys vs Coquille, and Glide girls vs Sutherlin. I made it and am only a little sore for all the 180 minutes of running around that I did. In the evening I just sat around trying to recover! I put a picture of Esther in her PJ’s on the Blog at http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com. Check it out.
Today’s thought comes from 1 Timothy 3:8 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money
Somebody’s got to be in charge. Elders “rule.” They administrate, teach, lead and shepherd the flock. Deacons serve. They are the arms and legs of the ministry. They take care of the needs of widows, chop wood, carry water or mow lawns. They work in the background at church, setting up tables, maintaining the building and grounds and doing whatever needs to be done to make the ministry work. Elders and Deacons are like “Chiefs and Injuns.” You’ve got to have them both for an effective ministry. The word Deacon means “Servant,” or “one who runs errands.” A servant is one who carries out the commands of another. This term is used of a waiter who serves food and drink. 20 times “diakonos” is translated “minister,” 8 times as “servant” and 3 times as deacon. One of the notable references is Mark 9:35 where Jesus tells His disciples: "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." If you want to be a leader, Jesus noted that the place to start is at the bottom rung of the ladder, as a servant. Learn to lead by serving. Servant leadership is where it’s at! Deacons have qualifications which are similar to Elders except that they aren’t required to be “apt to teach.” That’s because an Elder’s main responsibility is to Shepherd the flock and a Deacon is more of a support role. God calls some to lead and others to humbly serve in the background. Both are “calls” of God. God grant that those with a servant’s heart would multiply! May their tribe increase. We need several Elders, but the need for Deacons and those who will serve the needs of the needy in our churches is multiplied! We require many servants for the needs are great. One of the most noble positions you can ever aspire to is that of a humble servant. The greatest in the Kingdom of God is the servant of all!
Dear Lord; make me a servant. I want to step up to the highest position in the Kingdom; servanthood. Please give me a heart that sees the needs of others and humbly puts on the servant’s robe to meet those needs. I realize that I must no longer selfishly think of me, but instead service the needs of others.
As many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:33 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Monday, Oct 13, 2008TWG October 13, 2008
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TWG - October 13, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Numbers 24; 2 Corinthians 7
Today is October 13, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. Together we are strong. As we walk though the word together we help each other grow.
For the first Saturday in a month, it was almost restful! I put away some patio furniture and read a little. Then I went to a RHS soccer match. They lost. After that it was to music practice. That was fun. And back home. I even got a little nap in Sat afternoon. Sunday was a great Lord’s Day. I hope you made it there! I talked about “What Women Wear!” We had a good Sunday School and then a nice quiet afternoon, where, as is my usual tradition, I slept through ½ of a football game! That night was our first Christmas Choir practice! Wow! It sure is nice to have someone leading who knows what they are doing! Thanks Karen. I put a picture of Kyle, John & Penny on the Blog at http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com. Check it out.
Today’s thought comes from 1 Timothy 3:7 An Elder must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
Reputation: It takes a lifetime to build one, and only a single moment to ruin it! The question is, “how does the public feel about you?” …I mean your neighbors, workmates and loose social contacts. A man's reputation, what other people think of him may not be true at all. It’s but a shadow cast by your passing. Your character is who you really are. Yet a bad reputation is telling. If the world outside thinks of me as a lying, cheating, dishonest crook, and I am your pastor… we’ve got a problem! We won’t be winning too many of them to Christ any time soon. That’s why the public perception of “Televangelists” is such a problem for us. “All they want is my money! Shysters, all of them!” Someone once said something like, “10% of Christians give a black eye to the other 90%!” I don’t know if the numbers are right, but the concept is! We need to be concerned about reputation because it either damages or blesses our Christian testimony. So, tell me, how do you treat the clerks at the checkout line when they are rude? How do you respond to the neighbors when their children trample your flowers? How do you respond to the world when they turn the screw on you? Let’s imagine this scenario: You have just dressed down a salesperson for a faulty product they can’t let you return. You used some very imaginative words and to put it mildly, you were very angry. The person behind you steps up and says, “OK (clerks name), did you know Dennis is a Christian? Yes and he goes to Pine Grove Church! In fact let’s sit down right now and Dennis is going to explain to you what a Christian is and how to become one!” So do you think the clerk is going to be receptive? I don’t think so! He probably won’t hear one single word you say! Instead he’s going go home from work, and for the next few years, whenever the memory of this encounter comes up, he will tell people, “Those Pine Grove Christians are phonies!” You have just fallen into reproach! You have just stained and sullied the good name of the Lord Jesus Christ. You have dragged it through the mud and given yourself and the rest of us a big black eye! The problem with a bad reputation is, as the saying goes, “your reputation precedes you.” If you act like that when none of the brothers is watching, what happens when you get elected to Church office and you have to deal with a difficult church member? What happens if you go off like that in front of the church? Ouch! Now you have fallen into the snare of the devil. He’s caught you. He set you up to fail! You thought that you could hide your character flaws, but Satan was waiting for just the right time to spring the trap and you have fallen from grace! People are hurt and the church is in a tizzy! No wonder we take our time choosing leadership! There is a lot riding on our shoulders. This is a wake up call for me and you to start acting like the Lord Jesus Christ.
Dear Father. I want to honor your name. I want the character of Christ so that I can respond to believers and unbelievers in a Christ like way. Please make me spread a good reputation among unbelievers so that they will be attracted towards your love and beauty.
To God be the glory, great things he has done.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:47 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Saturday, Oct 11, 2008TWG - October 11, 2008
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TWG - October 11, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Numbers 23:13-30; 2 Corinthians 6
Today is October 11, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. T TWG is a covenant to seek the LORD God with all our heart and with all our soul. If you seek Him, He will be found by you
It’s a miracle! I actually finished Friday’s work on Friday! I have no idea how that could be possible, but I think I’m all ready for Sunday. I worked all day on the message on “what women wear!” Oh, oh. Now you’re meddling. I got power point finished and ready to go. After work I limped out to the tennis courts and let Phil beat a lame man. My leg is still not all the way over my cramp. And I have to do a soccer game today! Fortunately its only Girls JV… but it is Roseburg High, so it could be a bit of work. I put a picture of Candita on the Blog at http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com. Check it out.
Today’s thought comes from 1 Timothy 3:6 An Elder must not be a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.
Rookies in the church. We could use more of them! I like seeing new believers around. I love hearing when adults trust Christ as Savior. It is a joy and a treat to watch them figure out what the Christian life is all about. Jesus is so real to them! They often take their faith so seriously. I love it. Oh that we all could have that kind of passion! But we have to be careful about who we put into ministry positions! Just because there’s a warm body standing there willing to do whatever you ask, doesn’t mean you should put him or her in charge! Youth are full of energy and enthusiasm but what happens when you turn a 14 year old into mom? She’s not ready! It’s a bad idea. The word for novice is “neophyte.” It is someone who is newly planted. A papoose. A new Christian. What happens when you let a young buck run the herd? They start blowing smoke. They sometimes swell up as big as a hot air balloon. Some become power hungry. I remember one such fellow. He was young. He was enthusiastic. It was election time at Temple Baptist Church. Someone from the nominating committee came downstairs to let him know he was nominated and would he like to serve… “It’s about time!” he shouted enthusiastically at the top of his voice! He thought he was being nominated for the Board of the Church. What a disappointment when the office turned out to be for a lowly yard maintenance crew: the stewards. This guy was gunning for power! Good thing they didn’t give it to him! For a moment there he was really puffed up. They had finally recognized his superior spirituality! And we all know what happens when you are filled up with too much of yourself. The example Paul gives is of our old pal Beelzebub, who went from Lord of the Angels to Lord of the flies after he brazenly challenged God for HIS position. The Archangel Lucifer thought that he, not God should run the show, so the old Devil himself attempted a coup to take the throne by force. He lost. It is not a bad thing at all to let time tame youthful bravado. Enthusiasm is awesome! Maturity is better. Mature enthusiasm is even better than that! Don’t loose your enthusiasm, just grow up!
Dear Heavenly Father. I will honor your name. I want to learn to be content in the position and situation you have put me in. Help me to grow up, and yet Lord may I never loose my youthful enthusiasm for you!
Because Your loving kindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:21 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Friday, Oct 10, 2008TWG - October 10, 2008
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TWG - October 10, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Numbers 23:1-12; Psalm 101; 2 Corinthians 5
Today is October 10, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. TWG is a complete turn of events; it is a 180 degree turn around. God is changing us and turning us around as a community. This is not business as usual, this is transforming, this is spiritual, this is essential.
Yesterday was a productive day. I got the bulletin finished. I made 3 DVD’s of Irene’s memorial Service presentation for the family. That always takes a while. Sonja was there working in the kitchen. I published our church podcast to the internet. I brought an old rusty home made “hand truck” to church which I thought would be good for moving chairs. It was just like someone had made it specifically for our chairs. It ain’t that purty, but it works great! After work I ran to Glide to referee a soccer game vs UVC. It went into overtime. Then it went to a shoot out and was finally won 2 to 1 by UVC. I had just 8 minutes to make it to Bible Study, that didn’t give me much time to get there and change, so I did Bible Study in shorts! We talked about (gasp) the role of women in the church. I put a picture of Mary on the Blog at http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com. Check it out.
Today’s thought comes from 1 Timothy 3:4-5 An Elder must be one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?);
Do you rule the roost? When we get to all things relating to the family, everyone does things a bit differently. But often, you can tell from the way kids act, whether or not there are big problems in the family. You can tell if they get enough attention and love. By watching mom and dad relate to their children you can often tell if they know how to relate to their children, if they are too harsh, or if they are helpless and have no clue how to deal with their children. In some households, the kids rule the roost and they know it. Just about everyone has the correct pluming to create children, raising them right is optional! Unfortunately those new born bundles of love don’t wait until you grow up and learn how to be a mommy and daddy. Every one of us must learn on the job. Since your children depend on you to be the adult you better figure out how to be one quick! One of the qualifications of Elder is that he knows how to be a dad. The word “rule” means one who over sees the affairs of the home well. His family is respectful. It’s a beautiful thing to watch them when they are together. They are comfortable with his leadership, they know they are loved, they know the boundaries and for the most part they stay inside the lines. Family is where the rubber of Christianity meets the road. If you are going to be spirit filled, it will show at home. If you are going to express the fruit of the spirit… love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, you must learn to do it in the hum drum, tense, everyday life of the family. If you can’t do it a home, PLEASE DON’T EXPORT IT! That’s the point of Eldership. The Elder is supposed to be somewhat of a relationship expert; at the very least he is supposed to be able to do it himself. The point of being an example is that you are a good one. So check out how you are doing as a mom or dad. If you need some help, go to The Book, and check out some good family resources, and get an accountability partner, a mentor or some counseling. You only get one crack at raising kids. Do it right the first time!
Dear Father. I want to learn from the greatest father of them all how to be a parent. Please help me to have your mind and your spirit. Help me know when to be firm and which battles are not worth fighting. Help me to raise my children to love you with all their heart, soul and mind.
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:04 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Thursday, Oct 09, 2008TWG - October 9, 2008
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TWG - October 9, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Numbers 22: 21-41; Psalm 100; 2 Corinthians 4
Today is October 9, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. We are doing something of eternal significance. We are redeeming the time. That is one of the basic premises of TWG. We believe that what we do every day is so important that we must do the important things each day. That is why we read the word every Day.
I slept in until 6 this morning. I don’t remember if the alarm rang or not. I think it did. I must have been tired! Yesterday things started off calmly. I worked on some more power point, did some misc administration and then began working on Awana. About that time Sonja came in to talk for a few moments. After that Ken dropped in. He just had an abscessed tooth drained! Nice hair cut though. Carl popped in. Marcia called to talk about Awana, and the phone rang off the hook! I set up the laptop so the secretaries could try an Awana software program and ran home to eat. And did I mention our truck broke down! Susan had to call our mechanic to tow it into the shop to get it fixed! Last night we had a good group of kids show up for Awana and had a lot of fun. I put a funky picture of Sonja on the Blog at http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com. Check it out.
Today’s thought comes from 1 Timothy 3:3 An Elder must not be given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous
Did you know that covetousness is equivalent to idol worship? That is according to Colossians 3:5 which explicitly states “covetousness is idolatry.” In fact the word “covetous” means “one who loves silver,” or “one who loves idols!” Idolatry may have become associated with covetousness – or vise versa – because of the fact that idols were so often the most costly possessions in the house. When you didn’t have a dependable banking system (do we have one of those?) you would either wear your savings account (money bags, bracelets, earrings and necklaces), bury or hide your savings account, or turn it into an idol. Who would steal god? If god was worth a bundle in gold or silver, you’d best station guards around it because someone, somewhere is sneaking about, plotting to steal your god! And they may kill for it! That is what covetousness is: greed! It is the sin craving something that does not belong to you. James 4 expresses the problem like this: You long for things that you do not have. You covet them and yet cannot get them for yourself so you are willing to steal, fight, murder and even go to war to get them. And yet the reason you don’t have them is because you do not ask God for them. And when you do ask, the reason you don’t receive them is because you are asking with the wrong motives: to spend it frivolously on your own pursuit of pleasure! An important leadership quality in a man is someone who is free from covetousness. In the Old Testament, God had the same requirement: “you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers” (Exodus 18:21). We are supposed to be content with the things we have because life does not consist in the abundance of the things we possesses. God feels so strongly about this that in Ephesians 5:3 he says, let covetousness “not even be named among you.” And in 1 Corinthians 5:11 Paul said, don’t even eat with a covetous person who calls himself a “brother.” Get the idea? Greed is bad. Covetousness is depending on stuff, not God to take care of you.
Dear Lord: I place my dependence on you for my stability and provision. I know that you will take care of me. I’m trusting in You! Please make me satisfied with what I’ve got. Help me to reject all envy and greed. I realize that life is not about what I’ve got, it’s all about you!
Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:04 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Wednesday, Oct 08, 2008TWG - October 8, 2008
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TWG - October 8, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Numbers 22:1-20; Psalm 99; 2 Corinthians 3
Today is October 8, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. You are part of a devotional community where we put Christ first and our commitment is to spend time with each other and Time with God every day.
Yesterday was my “light” day in the office. And it was a bit quieter than normal. Carl stopped in to talk Awana. I worked on Power Point and took care of some administrative things. I also worked on the church web page. I fielded a few phone calls, and killed a few flies. Susan called to say she was going to the hospital for an ultrasound test on her leg to see if she still had a blood clot. It turns out she did not, but she is in serious pain. Pray the doctors will figure out what’s going on. I went to referee a soccer game at River Forks Park, where St Mary’s beat UVC 3 to 2. I put a picture of the ladies in the kitchen canning on the Blog at http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com. Check it out.
Today’s thought comes from 1 Timothy 3:3 An Elder must not be given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous
Let me tell you a short story. George Washington was fox hunting with a group of friends. One of the fields through which they were passing was bordered by a stone wall. As his horse jumped the wall it knocked off a stone. Washington immediately stopped, got down from his horse, and replaced the stone. One of his friends said, “You are too big a man to bother with that.” He replied gently, “No, I am just the right size.” True or not, I don’t know. But it does illustrate the biblical quality of leadership known as gentleness. Gentleness means “to yield to another, to be mild, patient and kind.” It is the opposite of hubris, haughty, boastful insolence. One man noted that “Only the weak are cruel. Gentleness can only be expected from the strong.” When Christ has captured our heart with love and compassion, we will respond to trying situations and people in a gentle manner.
The next quality on our list is “not quarrelsome.” “is not!” “Is too!” “Not!” “Yes it is!” “Wrong again!” “No, you are wrong!” This is getting scary! I’m arguing with myself! Some people love to “debate.” Just call them the “Devil’s advocate.” It doesn’t matter which side you take, you can count on one thing: they will take the other view point. And it isn’t just that they disagree, it is THE WAY they disagree: in a quarrelsome manner. They border on belligerence and controversy… sometimes they are over the top! Their style is abrasive and contentious. Hey, it’s OK to disagree, but just don’t take it so personally! When you do take the other side, try removing the fire of emotions from the rejoinder. A “non-quarrelsome” person will return with a measured, steady, calm, thoughtful and dispassionate response. That takes maturity! The dynamics of quarreling works like this: As soon as one of us flares up and bullies our way in with emotion and a venomous snarl, the fight is on. And notice what always happens: The focus inevitably changes from the problem to the person. Instead of attacking the issue you have attacked the person. Now the person is the problem! The “attack” produces hurt and pain, and we must deal with a persons attitude before we can return to the original problem, if we ever get back to it! The entire focus changes from the “quarrel” to the “quarrelsome person.” So… calm your spirit before you dive into a conversation and give a soft, mature response.
Dear Father. Please give me the gentleness and kindness of Jesus. I want to be compassionate and considerate. I know I have so much growing to do. Please help me to grow into the kind of man who is big enough to be gentle and sympathetic to the needs of others.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:06 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2008TWG - October 6, 2008
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TWG - October 6, 2008
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Numbers 21; Psalm 98; 2 Corinthians 2
Today is October 6, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. This is your invitation to take one step forward every day in your relationship with Christ. We invite you to do something unbelievably radical. We invite you to deny yourself, take up your cross daily and follow Jesus
Staring out my front window across the valley, this cool morning, a wispy cloud of fog has just rolled in slowly covering the evergreens on the hillside. Beautiful. Saturday was a very busy day for me. First we had men’s breakfast in the morning, then a few hours of work day where several of us put rocks in Gabion baskets by the creek. Then it was off to two soccer matches. By the time I was finished, I was done! It must have been about 4 PM and I needed the rest of the day to recover. Sunday was the Lord’s day. I suppose, due to hunting season, we had quite a few people missing. The service was good and it was great to be with God’s people. Yesterday I played electrician. I rewired electrical for a heater and tried to seal a garage so it wouldn't leak when it rained. Then I ran to Winston for a soccer game. I put a picture of the view out my front window on the Blog at http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com. Check it out.
Today’s thought comes from 1 Timothy 3:3 An Elder must not be given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous
Are you pugnacious? What is that? A “Pug Nation?” Some kind of nation made up of wrinkly faced toy dogs? Now some people think that a Pug is a cute dog, but to me, it does kind of look like his face got a bit smushed. And just to give you a bit of useless information you really didn’t care to know; the Pug got his name from an Olde English word which was affectionate term meaning playful little devil or monkey. And Pug puppies are often called puglets. Ok, so what does that have to do with anything? Not a thing! An Elder must not be violent or “pugnacious” (not to be confused with puglets). This is a word which means eager and ready to fight and resort to force or violence. It describes a person who is aggressive, combative, war-like, or belligerent. The measure of a man is that he has overcome his tendency to be defensive at the drop of a hat. Some people flash to anger quickly. To some people’s senses, every comment feels like a personal attack on them, and they take off the gloves and put the fists up for a street fight. The mature Christian has grown out of that kind of insecurity. A mature Christian is secure enough with himself and with his relationship with Christ that he realizes that many of the unconstructive remarks people make are more a reflection on their own faults than they are on his weaknesses.
Let’s move on to GREED. Greed can be described with one word “MORE!” Greed is the vice which is never satisfied. It is a drive to constantly get your hands on more and more stuff. The Old King James calls this greedy of filthy lucre. Lucre is a Latin word which is similar to our English word “Lucrative.” And the Greek word has a dark meaning: it implies that a greedy person is willing to seek dishonorable and unscrupulous ways to gain the profit he is after. Working for a living is honorable. Saving your hard earned money and investing it for a return is also honorable. But the man after God’s heart knows that God will take care of him. He doesn’t need to steal, weasel people out of their hard earned cash, cheat them, or sell them a bill of goods on a stack of lies. Honorable gain is good. Gain at any price is greed. Just trust God to supply all your needs and you’ll be satisfied!
Dear Lord, I pray for self control when everyone around is tense. Help me to bring peace and harmony to my home. I also pray that I would be satisfied with what you give me. Help me to trust you to supply all my needs.
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:45 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Saturday, Oct 04, 2008TWG - October 4, 2008
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TWG - October 4, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Numbers 20; 2 Corinthians 1
Today is October 4, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. TWG is a covenant to seek the LORD God with all our heart and with all our soul. If you seek Him, He will be found by you.
Yesterday I worked on the final message on your “SQ” (Spiritual Quotient), and the key to maintaining it – Faithfulness. The ladies showed up for Bible Study in the morning. I talked a bit with Rochelle. I peeled off the plastic covering off our Awana Sign letters. There’s a story. I obviously didn’t know how the letters were meant to be applied and the plastic covering began to peel… then I noticed that the letters themselves were sticking! A renter we had lined up for our place fell through… that was a bit discouraging. Bill stopped by to hook up the gas stove. I called the gas company to get things relit, but they couldn’t come till Monday, and oops, I forgot to relight things myself! Later Dave stopped in to help me put the sound system together and then we had worship team practice. I finally got home about 7:30 PM. I put a picture of Mary, Dot & Marcy in the Kitchen on the Blog at http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com. Check it out.
Today’s thought comes from 1 Timothy 3:3 An Elder must not be given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous
Let’s talk about the dangers of alcohol. Oh boy! I’m getting ready to move from preaching to meddling! A mark of maturity is that you have no addictive behaviors. The wording from the Greek Language is that an Elder must not be “near wine.” This is not talking about a person who has an occasional drink. Nor is it talking about drunkenness or an alcoholic, although they would certainly be included. The word picture is of someone who is by habit a social drinker. Whether at home or at the bar, the “near wine” kind of guy is often found sitting on his stool by his wine – often with others, sipping away for pleasure, relaxation, and the buzz. In the first century world just about everyone drank wine in one form or another. The “Kosher” and customary way to drink it was to mix your wine with water – 3 to 5 parts water to 1 part wine. The reason for that was to kill germs. “Don’t drink the water” in undeveloped countries because you’ll get sick, unless you purify it, say, with alcohol. Only barbarians and raucous party goers drank their wine straight. When Paul told Timothy to take a little wine with his water (1 Timothy 5:23) he was suggesting that he cut out the complete abstinence idea in order to make sure he stayed healthy. Bad water will cause you all kinds of stomach problems. This character quality isn’t talking about kosher home use “mixed wine” which was the common beverage. It was talking about people who drank wine as in a social setting just for the joys of drinking. It’s difficult to know how many glasses of wine he’s talking about because a “near wine” kind of guy always seems to have a glass of it by his elbow. And who’s counting anyway? Besides we were just filling the top half of the glass. So here’s the point. This qualification does not rule out an occasional cup of wine with dinner. The character flaw comes in when a person enjoys wine, or beer, or any alcoholic beverage so much that it becomes a staple, and one usually leads to a second, and he uses it to relax, unwind and escape from the very real problems of life. When it becomes a habit or a coping method, “Danger, Will Robinson!” It’s nigh equivalent to an additive behavior which replaces and derails your spirituality. Don’t be “near beer” instead draw near to God.
Dear Father. Please let me depend only on you. Let me be mastered by nothing except Jesus my Savior. I wish to be free from the need to have crutches in life that do nothing but give me a temporary escape from reality. Help me to find my peace, my joy, my warmth in You!
Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:47 AM | MAKE A COMMENT
Thursday, Oct 02, 2008TWG - October 2, 2008
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TWG - October 2, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Numbers 19; Psalm 97; 1 Corinthians 16
Today is October 2, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. We are doing something of eternal significance. We are redeeming the time. That is one of the basic premises of TWG. We believe that what we do every day is so important that we must do the important things each day. That is why we read the word every Day
I did get some things done yesterday, honest! I did power point for our song service. I published a new puppet play to the internet. I published our new Church podcast. And I got ready for Awana. Bill stopped in and we talked about having two doors in the hallway between the buildings.