Friday, Oct 30, 2009

10-30 Every Possible Impossible Thing!

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Boo! A day early. Tomorrow hordes of innocent little goblins dressed like cute little princesses and jellyfish will invade the streets to beg for candy. What you may not know is that on this day several hundred thousand not so innocent American pagans, Druids, and witches celebrate a holy day called Shadowfest, a 2,000-year-old Celtic festival held to honor Samhain, the lord of earth… something Christians should avoid! Another thing you may not know is that tomorrow is “Reformation Day,” the day when Martin Luther posted his Ninety-five Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. This act triggered the “Reformation” which led to a re-clarification of the Gospel which is so important in our religious heritage. This is the day when we celebrate that heaven is a free gift! “Sola fide” – By faith alone & “Sola Gratia” – only by grace.

Today's Scripture reading is 2 Chronicles 2; Isaiah 53; Acts 17:16-34
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
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Today’s thought comes from Matthew 28:16-20 “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

Are you a trekkie? If so, you probably speak Klingon fluently and have seen every episode of Star Trek, The Next Generation, Deep Space 9, Voyager and Enterprise… beam me up Scotty! One of the standard shots in Star Trek is the transporter room where an away team is dematerialized and shot thousands of miles away onto a planet’s surface where they are rematerialized. If only we could do it for real! Jesus can. Jesus can walk on water, walk through walls, disappear in one place and appear in another… and he can “fly.” It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no its… rererererereerereeee (sound of record winding down). Jesus is not just another superhero, Jesus is God almighty, and thus he can do as he pleases. There is nothing he can’t do! Can you imagine the disciple’s reaction to the ascension of their Lord? Right in front of their eyes he floated, flew, ascended, soared into the skies! Their jaws dropped! They had seen Jesus do every possible impossible thing! He had healed the sick, raised the dead, fed the five thousand, given sight to the blind, calmed a stormy sea, and yes he had come back to life from the dead! Now he was flying! Pinch me please, is this for real or is it just special effects? Oh yeah! They didn’t have special effects back then! If he was just an ordinary human he couldn’t have done what he did. Mark, Luke and Acts record the Ascension of the Lord, Matthew does not. But I’m betting that the doubters who worshiped the resurrected Lord in verse 17, had something even larger to ponder in verse 21! (There is no verse 21, but that’s when Jesus would have ascended!) The book of Acts picks up the story and tells us that the disciples went back to Jerusalem to await the promised coming of the Holy Spirit. Days passed. Nights went by. Thomas may have looked at that starry sky, closed his eyes and replayed the ascension of Christ over and over in his mind. Maybe Peter was there with him, tapped him on the shoulder, “Are you thinking about what I’m thinking about? I keep reliving the time he walked right through the locked door and showed us his hands and side! And can you believe the ascension! We serve an awesome God!” They may have stood there in silence taking in the moment. There was no doubt in their minds, “lo I am with you always!” Anyone who could do all that, could still be here, and he is.

Dear Lord Jesus. I know that all things are possible with You. You are here now, right where I am. When I doubt, Lord, fill my heart with the hope of Your Spirit and the reminder of Your Power. I await your return with great anticipation, knowing that “this same Jesus, who was taken up into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven."

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and all your soul and all your mind and all your strength. This is the greatest commandment

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:25 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Thursday, Oct 29, 2009

10-29 Never Count God Out

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Bad days. I try not to have many of them. Life doesn’t seem quite as good during bad days, and Lord knows that I like to enjoy life, so I focus on rejoicing in the Lord, looking on the bright side, thinking on things that are good, and avoiding the bad stuff. But every so often a real hum-dinger comes around. Some of you can relate. One day you awake, sit up in bed and look around at all the problems staring you back in the face. You’ve got company! “Hey! It’s too early for this!” You hope they’re just visiting, but fear they’re here to stay. Yesterday was one of those days. Finances, family, church… you name it, it happened. Al came in at just the right time. He looked like he needed a hug, so I stole one from him. If YOU are having one of those days, here’s a hug for y’all.

Today's Scripture reading is 2 Chronicles 1; Isaiah 52; Acts 17:1-15
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
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Today’s thought comes from Matthew 28:16-20 “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

The task ahead of us is never greater than the power behind us. The power behind us is immeasurably greater than the task ahead of us! Lord don’t give us tasks according to our powers, give us powers according to our tasks. To reach the world! That is a task and a half. Whenever I tell the people of the church that our mission is to reach the world with the Gospel of Christ, they smile knowingly. “Sure thing, I’ll get right on it.” And whenever I tell the people of the church that our mission is to reach every single person in Roseburg with the Gospel of Christ, the eyebrows come up! That’s a lot of people! We’re having a hard time keeping our heads above water! OK, let’s be honest. I’d be happy to reach a few hundred with the Gospel… be realistic, how about just four or five new families in church this year… that’s reachable. Even that seems out of reach right now. Imagine the Disciple’s thoughts. There were a few hundred people at most gathered together for prayer on Pentecost… Can you hear the Apostles consternation… “And we are supposed to reach the world? I’m going fishing!” And look at us today. Christians spread across every continent, in every land… amazing. How did we get from a handful to a FEW BILLION! The odds are so against that! That’s how I feel sometimes in my little church, with our modest congregation. The odds are against us! The culture war is raging, threatening to shut us down! Where are the young people! The economy is down, giving is down! So many of us are apathetic! Some, to my grief make horrible life choices. They choose to be sinful, irresponsible, uncommitted, uncaring and yes, even hostile! The chorus of voices shout in my head, “IT CAN’T BE DONE!” The shoulders droop. The tears drop. Time to cash in the chips? How about that still small voice? “And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.” Never count God out! NEVER! In quiet confidence Jesus whispers, “ALL power is mine! The odds are never against me! I can still heal, transform, revive, regenerate, save, provide, comfort and empower. No matter what you are facing I’m up to the task. I can do immeasurably beyond what you can ask or think! Need abundant life? I’ve got it.” Got any rivers you think are uncrossable? Got any mountains you can't tunnel thru? God specializes in things thought impossible, He does the things no other can do. Fear not, I am with you, O be not dismayed, For I am your God and will still give you aid.

Dear Lord God. We need roots more than we need wings. When through fiery trials my pathway shall lie,
Your grace, all sufficient, shall be my supply: The flame shall not hurt me; You only design, My dross to consume and my gold to refine. Teach me to believe that. Loudly if necessary. In Jesus Name, Amen.

All things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:14 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Wednesday, Oct 28, 2009

10-28 Intensive Discipleship

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Thank God for busy days. The phone rang incessantly, people filtered through my day like they were coming through a revolving door… thank God for busy days. After a number of phone calls, one emergency call came in from Dr. John! I’M HUNGRY! He shouted! When can you meet me for lunch. I ran to Brix where we shared some personal details of our lives. When I got back Tony was ready for me to dig a ditch so he could fix our septic system. I jumped on the backhoe and missed 2 pipes, 1 conduit, and only nicked the two manholes that were all in the way! Carl stopped by… as did a few other folks! Then it was time to work out at Kyle’s where they were turning a mannequin into a pumpkin head therapist. Finally it was back out to church for men’s meeting which was awesome! Wish you were there!

Today's Scripture reading is 1 Chronicles 29; Isaiah 51; Acts 16:16-40
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
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Today’s thought comes from Matthew 28:16-20 “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

“Do you have a RED Bible?” (Thinking… hmmm what color is my Bible anyway? Blue? Brown? Black?) “EVERYBODY ought to have a READ Bible.” Ever got caught by that little play on words before? It’s cute. The Bible is a BIG book. There’s a lot to know there. I have a huge concern for the young people of our day. There is a tremendous poverty and illiteracy gap among today’s teenagers when it comes to God’s Word. So many kids today grow up with almost no knowledge of God’s Truth. It’s a travesty! They are being taught something, and believe me, it’s not our value system! They are growing up with beliefs that are hostile to Christianity and out of step with our countries heritage. We are about to see the largest paradigm shift of world views in US history. If you listen, you can hear the rasping of the hinges just before the door slams shut on the Christian world view. Enough whining! What’s the solution? Same as it’s always been. Make disciples, “teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you.” Previously I suggested that Jesus wants ALL of us to do what he asked his original 12 disciples to do. Get your own group. Teach them. Raise up a dozen disciples who are willing to get their own group and raise up disciples for Jesus. How do you do that? It takes maturity. We must somehow get those disciples to grow up enough to see that their mission is to raise up other disciples. They must be willing to enter into the intensive training of the twelve! Jesus put it this way, “When a disciple is fully trained he will be just like his teacher,” Luke 6:40. That’s a lot of training! We throw out the net like a fisherman (The net:) “Every individual in your group must come to see himself as a potential leader!” When you see God working in a life, you pull him aside and suggest that they become “one of the twelve.” You ask them to become a disciple. That’s because “Every leader must come to see himself as a discipler of disciples.” We have a two year training course that will “teach them to observe all things I have commanded you.” (Or at least get a good start on it!) We teach about Grace, submission to God, and the whole council of God. By the time a disciple comes out of this course, he should have his own group, and then he will look to find other disciples. We don’t teach knowledge for knowledge’s sake. We teach to produce disciples. Reproduction is the goal. Are you on the discipleship track? If not, let me know so I can get you on it!

Dear Father. I want to be a disciple of yours. I want to learn the “whole counsel of God.” I am willing to disciple others. If you are willing, I will follow you in discipleship and disciple others.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:25 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Tuesday, Oct 27, 2009

10-27 Famous Trios

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The rain in SU falls mainly on U. Yesterday my one big outing was to South Umpqua to referee two soccer games. I don’t know what the weather was like in Roseburg, but Tri-City always seems to have interesting weather conditions. As I neared the field, a torrent of vertical rain pelted my car. By the time I got out, the sun was poking out of a cloud and the rain had stopped. My first game was uneventful. No rain, no sun, just clouds. Then, just as we set foot on the field for the varsity match, the wind whipped up and the rain began. Since I was running the line close to my bag, I took a detour and grabbed my gloves! Khumba, in the center, was a bit jealous. My hands and legs were cold, his must have been colder. The rain came down! Then the sun came out. For about fifteen minutes we had some glorious sunshine. That was just before MORE rain!

Today's Scripture reading is 1 Chronicles 28; Isaiah 50; Acts 16
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
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Today’s thought comes from Matthew 28:16-20 “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

Snap, Crackle, Pop! Winkin, Blinkin & Nod. Red, White & Blue… what do all these have in common? They are famous trios. And there are more of them, dozens more! The three, stooges, musketeers, blind mice, men in a tub and on and on and on! I don’t know why, but there seems to be something poetic, balanced & synergistic about the number three. Maybe it’s because they are all patterned after the original three: “the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.” It’s what we call the Trinity. The English word Trinity is derived from Latin Trinitas, meaning "the number three, a triad". The word “Trinity” is never used in the Bible. The first recorded use of it in Christian theology was by Theophilus of Antioch in about 170 AD. But the concept is there. Notice the careful wording of Matthew, “Baptizing them in the NAME of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Name is singular! One name, three persons! It isn’t three names, it’s ONE. It’s like a brand. You can’t have Rice Crispies if you only have “Snap & Crackle” You can’t have the flag without “Red, White & …” The three are one. And consider this, God created the universe after His pattern to demonstrate that you can find God in the universe. Time Trio = Past, Present & Future. Can you tell me at what point future becomes present becomes past? Time is indivisibly one, yet distinctly three. Dimensional Space Trio = Height, Width & Depth. Look at any corner of your room. At the convergent point, all three are clearly one… yet follow the line across the ceiling and it is distinctive from the other two lines. You can’t have three dimensional space without it. Three in one. And the whole universe is made up of a trinity = Time, Space & Matter. Matter exists in three dimensional space “traveling” through time… or what some have called the time / space continuum. (Matter is a trinity as well, but way beyond my ability to explain!). The universe is not partly composed of space, partly of matter, and partly of time. A trinity is not a trio or a triad, but a tri-unity, with each part comprising the whole, yet all three required to make the whole. Thus, the universe is all Space, all Time, and all Matter! Man was also created in the image of God! He is physical, mental and spiritual! It seems that God worked very hard at leaving his imprint on everything He made! “The heavens declare the Glory of God!” If you look for Him, He’s there! Father, Son, Holy Spirit.

Dear Lord. Thanks for revealing yourself to me. I am grateful for you father, for being my father. I thank you Jesus for being my savior. And I thank you Spirit for living within and giving me new life. I will worship You.

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:59 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Friday, Oct 23, 2009

10-23 Get Your Own Group!

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Cruise recap: We finally boarded Alaska Airlines for the Flight home. Originally Susan and I had seats on separate rows, but they were able to transfer us to row 7. Across from us was a gal named Kelsie and her husband. I asked what she did... she said she was a Gymnastic teacher from Salem... I asked if she knew a friend mine in Roseburg who was also a Gymnastic teacher. Khumba. She said yes she did! Small World! I referee soccer with him! I did his wedding! We had an immediate connection. I asked her if she attended church anywhere and she said that they are looking right now. The church they went to just lost their pastor and they feel a little out of place. I suggested Keizer Community Church. Pray that they’ll get plugged in.

Today's Scripture reading is 1 Chronicles 26; Isaiah 48; Acts 14
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
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Today’s thought comes from Matthew 28:16-20 “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

How many of you know what your Spiritual gift is? Does it matter? Would you live your life differently if you knew? How do Spiritual Gifts impact us? Spiritual Gifts are not exactly like natural abilities. If, for example, I have a great singing voice, I can belt out beautiful music whenever I’m in the mood. Or let’s say I have a photographic memory. Because I remember everything I see, I can regurgitate it whenever the need for useless information presents itself. But Spiritual Gifts don’t exactly work that way. If you don’t stir up a desire for the Lord, your gift won’t shine! You need to stir up your love and passion for the Lord in order for the Holy Spirit to work effectively through you. And that’s the point of the gifts: they were given to make you an effective minister. One of the errors we fall into in the discussion of gifts is that sometimes we think our gift limits our ministry! “Oh I don’t have that gift! I can’t teach, evangelize, lead, help etc.” But 1 Corinthians 11:4-7 tells us that “a variety of gifts can perform a variety of ministries in a variety of ways!” The gift makes us effective ministers wherever we minister! That brings me to today’s big topic: teaching. You all ought to be teachers. That’s right! Most of us, when we are mature are meant to be teachers. You can bring whatever gift God has given you to the table and use it to teach. Why teaching? Because it’s every Christian’s commission: “Go and make disciples of ALL nations… TEACHING THEM!” There can be no discipling without teaching! And there can be no Christianity without discipleship! You were meant to be a disciple! Once a disciple is grown up he will begin to teach others! Simple huh? Every Christian ought to aspire to have his little group of twelve that he disciples to become disciplers of disciples! To do that, you must meet with them regularly to teach and train them. Get a group… it could be a Sunday School Class or home group. Start teaching. But teaching and fellowship is NOT the objective of your class! Some groups just love to get together. They’ve been doing it for years. They like each other so much that they’d never consider moving out beyond the walls of their little group. No, no, NO! The objective is to teach others to disciple others. Every member of your group needs to consider themselves as a potential leader! Within a few years (?) of training, they need to be mature enough to get out there and get their own group. Multiplication is the aim of the group. So, move out and get your own group!

Dear Lord. I need to be discipled! I need to grow up so that I can train others! I want to make training others the goal of my life. Please help me to realize that the greatest contribution I can make to this world and to your kingdom is to invest my life in other people so that they can invest their lives in other people!

“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy.”-

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:45 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Thursday, Oct 22, 2009

10-22 The Great Pyramid Scheme

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Cruise recap: Every evening at the dinner hour, Susan and I were seated in the “elation” dining hall. Our assigned seating placed us at a table with six Baptists and two reformed Jews. I sat next to Phil, a retired School Superintendent from California. Phil, Joyce, Susan and I hit it off right away, and it seemed like wherever we went, Phil and Joyce just happened to show up! Twice we watched the evening shows together and Joyce showed up for the art auction, where we sat together. It was as if God was bringing these two wandering Jews together with us. I told Phil that I had a special place in my heart for the Jews because they are God’s Chosen People. I told him that Jesus was the Messiah. They were very open to everything. They even invited us over to their house after the cruise to kill time before our flight, and then drove us to the airport! I certainly hope they come to trust Yeshua, their Messiah.

Today's Scripture reading is 1 Chronicles 25; Isaiah 47; Acts 13:13-
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
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Today’s thought comes from Matthew 28:16-20 “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

Have you ever been recruited by a direct marketing company? Years ago, when I was in my twenties, Susan and I did. We signed up for _________, one of the mothers of all marketing companies. They know how to sell! Ordinary folks sign up with the dream that if they can just recruit a dozen people who will recruit a dozen people who will recruit a dozen people you’ll be financially set for life! It’s a brilliant strategy. While not technically a pyramid scheme, the resulting chart of recruitees does look like a pyramid and the beauty of it is that you get residual income from everyone below. The key to success is personally turning every person below you into a master recruiter. That takes time, training, personal interaction and “a little luck.” I’m not suggesting that you go sign up, on the contrary, I have a bone to pick with Direct Sales companies like this: THEY STOLE THE CONCEPT FROM JESUS! Jesus created the original pyramid scheme. He chose 12 disciples and spent three years training his “sales force.” He took the time to train them personally, and he was personally committed to each one of them. He prayed passionately for his dozen. Then he let them loose on the world! Now what do you suppose they did? They did what Jesus trained them to do. “Go and make Disciples of all nations!” They went out and found a dozen of their own disciples to train. They poured their lives into their disciples just as Jesus poured his life into them. Once they had trained their disciples, they sent each of them out to find a dozen others for themselves. Every person they won to the Lord was a potential disciple! And every disciple was a potential discipler of disciples! But somewhere along the line, this pyramid concept has been replaced by the western concept of the “chairman and board of directors.” In our churches we have one main discipler (the pastor) who is supported by a small group of leaders (teachers). They do all the discipling work on a large group scale! Now I’m not denying that the Apostles preached to the crowds as we should, I am suggesting that the main work of the ministry should be the training of disciples who will train disciples to train disciples! Everything we do in the large group is aimed at this! Either be a disciple or train a disciple. That’s the mandate! Isn’t it time that you found your twelve?

Dear Father. I have been content to sit, soak and sour when all along I should have been passing the message on to others. I want to be a disciple, and I want to be a discipler! Give me a passion to reach individuals with the good news of the Gospel and then pour my life into them so that they can grow.

“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”-

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:21 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Wednesday, Oct 21, 2009

10-21 Responding to Those who Doubt You

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Cruise recap: On the last day of the cruise I sat on the floor of the ship near the stairs to avoid the tossing of the ship. What had been the smoothest ride ever ended with a day of rough seas. I was sitting, watching people walk up and down the stairs when Adriana - a random cruiser - flopped down on the floor next to me for a chat. One of the first things she said was, "do you believe in reincarnation?" I was a little stunned at the abruptness of the question. I answered, "I believe in resurrection." That began an hour long conversation about the gospel and Christianity. There we were sitting on the floor in this opulent ship talking about Jesus with dozens of curious people walking past on the stairwell! We talked about the trustworthiness of the Bible… she had never heard that it was trustworthy! The myth out there is that it is full of errors from copyists and multiple translations. She was surprised! We talked about the fact that God, not us has the right to determine how to get eternal life. She left with a lot to think about! Pray for Adriana.

Today's Scripture reading is 1 Chronicles 24; Isaiah 46; Acts 13:1-12
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
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Today’s thought comes from Matthew 28:16-20 “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

How do you react when people doubt you? Ever been hurt and had someone laugh it off? “Oh, come on, that didn’t hurt!” Like they would know. Or have you ever had someone express the opinion that you were faking an injury to get sympathy? I’m sure it happens. Just watch a professional soccer game. After they get the foul, they jump up like nothing ever happened! And then there’s the case where you share something factual and your friends look at you like you are from Mars! “Dude! That can’t be true!” What does doubt mean? That you aren’t trustworthy? That you are lying? Or just as distasteful, maybe they think you are incompetent, hallucinating or just plain deceived. The natural reaction to doubt is to become defensive and angry. They have just impugned your good reputation and character! “What? You don’t believe me???? I thought I was your friend? Isn’t friendship based on trust? If you don’t trust me, then I have nothing to say to you!” How did Jesus respond to the disciples doubt? “OK boys. Apparently I was wrong about appointing you as Apostles. All of you who doubt that I am really here in front of you right now, and instead think that this just an amazing magic trick complete with smoke and mirrors, can either man up or resign. Thomas, you first... YOU’RE FIRED! Anyone else? Come on. Line up and turn in your “Apostle” badge and business cards. You will be escorted off the mountain and will NOT get to see me ascend into heaven. GUARDS!” Jesus did nothing of the kind. Instead he calmly pointed out the obvious. If he was in front of them now, which he was… then, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given unto me!” That’s a powerful antidote for doubt. What other explanation could there possibly be? How often do you get to talk to a dead man? Or in Jesus case a resurrected man! How about NEVER! So if it happens you are either dreaming, hallucinating, on drugs, confused… or Jesus really is who He says He is! If Jesus is really alive from the dead than HE IS GOD ALMIGHTY! Truth is a great antidote to doubt! Douse them with the truth and even the most skeptical of them will finally begin to really worship and energetically win the world for THE resurrected Savior.

Dear Lord Jesus, I do believe that you died and came back to life. As incredible as that is, it is nothing if you are truly the almighty God. I would expect nothing less from the real thing. Thank you that I can trust you to have all authority and power in heaven and on earth!

In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:43 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Tuesday, Oct 20, 2009

10-20 Worship of the Doubters

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Cruise recap: The first night on the ship, Peter - Cruise Ship Staff, engaged me in an hour long conversation - he sells art. He told me about a complete stranger who paid for his lunch at Subway that same day. It completely blew him away! He really didn’t know how to handle it. "I just want to bless you!" the guy had said. So I told Peter how God gave his love gift Jesus to die for us to bless us! This is what really ought to blow us away! I told him that this “coincidence” was just a way God was doing to communicate His love to him. We talked about world religions that Peter had come into contact with, so I shared how Christianity is radically different: Every religion in the world requires good works to please God. Do enough of them and you are in. Christianity requires only one “work” - that we Trust Christ and accept his finished Work on the cross. I shared the gospel with him. He left really thinking about it. Pray for Peter.

Today's Scripture reading is 1 Chronicles 23; Isaiah 45; Acts 12
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
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Today’s thought comes from Matthew 28:16-20 “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

Two words that don’t normally go together: Worship & Doubt. Is it possible for a doubter to worship? You tell me. Here’s the context, “they (the 11 disciples) worshiped him; but some doubted.” Did the doubters worship too or did they just doubt? And what was the doubt about? Every one of the four Gospels ends with a little snippet about doubt. The most well known story is of “doubting Thomas” in the book of John. He said, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails …I will not believe." Mark’s tale of doubt is tied to the first appearance of Jesus to his eleven disciples. They had barricaded themselves behind locked doors for fear of the Sanhedrin. During dinner, Jesus appeared to them and “rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him” (Mark 16:14). It wasn’t just Thomas; it was all of them who doubted. Luke tells the same story and adds, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have" (Luke 24:38-39). Even then, “they still did not believe for joy” (verse 41). That was early on after the resurrection. That I can understand… but 40 days later after numerous appearances some still doubted?” Let me clarify, some of the ELEVEN DISCIPLES still doubted! They still doubted that it was possible for a dead man to come back to life. After all Jesus had done, even raising the dead during his ministry, they still doubted! So, is it possible for doubters to worship? Before I give my opinion, let’s observe one other thing. In three of the four gospels IMMEDIATELY AFTER noting the disciples doubt Jesus gave the great commission; Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:15 and Luke 24:47. Jesus gave the commission to reach the world with the gospel to doubters! Not a good idea! If I’m going to entrust a great task to someone, I want him to be absolutely convinced of it. They doubted. So can doubters worship? I am reminded of the story of in Mark 9 of the father of the demon possessed child. When Jesus asked if he believed, he replied, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" Apparently doubters can worship. And apparently doubters can turn the world upside down. In fact, I suggest one of the greatest antidotes to doubt ever is WORSHIP.

Dear Father, I do believe! Help me in my unbelief. I will worship you when I am confident, and I will worship you when I doubt. Turn my doubts into joy and help me to channel my doubts into reaching the world with the good news about the resurrection of Jesus Christ!

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 11:03 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Saturday, Oct 17, 2009

10-15-09 Time with God

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Today is October 15. This is time with God, I’m Dave sitting in for Pastor Dennis while he is on vacation - 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 Time With God. 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.

Today’s quote is from Hudson Taylor, “Whatever is your best time in the day, give that to communion with God.”

Today’s readings are from the New King James version; 1 Chronicles 21, Isaiah 43, and Acts 10.

To Listen to today’s reading at: http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com

Prayer
The LORD is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him. O LORD, I have heard your speech and was afraid; O LORD, revive Your work in the midst of the years! In the midst of the years make it known. In wrath remember mercy. Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls— Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

You’ll find me at www.pinegrovecommunitychurch.com

Dennis’ phone number is 541-672-7278 – or email him at info@pinegrovecommunitychurch.com

Encouraging Verse
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus

Let’s take 60 seconds to close your eyes and just focus on Jesus and his love for you. Draw near to God with all your heart and he will draw near to you.

This is Time With God, for Pastor Dennis, I’m Dave.

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:36 PM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Friday, Oct 16, 2009

10-14-09 Time with God

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Today is October 14, this is Time with God, I’m Dave sitting in for Pastor Dennis while he is on vacation - 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.

Today’s quote is from R. V. G. Tasker, “An essential condition of listening to God is that the mind should not be distracted by thoughts of resentment, ill-temper, hatred or vengeance, all of which are comprised in the general term, the wrath of man..”

Today’s readings are from the New King James Version, 1 Chronicles 20, Isaiah 42, and Acts 9.

To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com

Daily Prayer
The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; Lord we pray that you will send out laborers into His harvest. And help us to Love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, bless those who curse us, and we pray for those who spitefully use us. If you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. We believe and do not doubt in, so we know the things we ask will be done, and we will have our requests.

Encouraging Verse
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 1:18 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Thursday, Oct 15, 2009

10-13-09 Time with God

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Today is October 13, this is time with God, I’m Dave sitting in for Pastor Dennis while he is on vacation - 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

Today’s quote is from Andrew Murray “We are to be shut out from men, and shut in with God.”

Today’s readings are from 1 Chronicles 19; Isaiah 41; Acts 9
Listen to Today’s Reading at http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com

Dave’s Daily Prayer
Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one for Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Encouraging Verse:
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 11:11 PM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Tuesday, Oct 13, 2009

Time with God 10-12-09

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Today is October 12, this is time with God, I’m Dave sitting in for Pastor Dennis while he is on vacation - 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.

Today’s quote is from Robert A. Cook “Cut your morning devotions into your personal grooming. You would not go out to work with a dirty face. Why start the day with the face of your soul unwashed?”

Today's Scripture reading is I Chronicles 18; Isaiah 40; and Acts 7
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.podbean.com - Archives can be found at http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com

Dave’s Daily Prayer
I pray that we may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass. I pray that our faith will not fail; and that if it does that we will return to Jesus, and strengthen each other. I pray that we may not enter into temptation. Father, if it is Your will, take life’s difficulties away from us; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done. God, be merciful to me a sinner!

Encouraging Verse:
He shall regard the prayer of the destitute, And shall not despise their prayer.

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:39 PM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Thursday, Oct 08, 2009

10-8 Why Does God Love Me?

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“God saved me for a reason, and I want to know what it is!” While the cutest little long-haired dachshund wiener dog “Daisy Mae” played at my feet or on my lap, Don and I sat on his front porch and shot the breeze. The temperature was cool and invigorating in the morning, enough to keep my hands in my pockets, but not quite enough to make me shiver. Don is recovering nicely from his racing accident… except that his seventh vertebrae has begun to slant inward a little. Pray that it doesn’t slip any further. We all have a personal journey of discovery. We all ask the same question: “What does God want me to do with my life?” For starters, it would be to please Him, worship Him and serve Him! That’s why God has me on this earth. I better get at it!

Today's Scripture reading is 1 Chronicles 16; Isaiah 38; Acts 5:12-47
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
to subscribe go to http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com/rss.xml

Today’s thought comes from Mark 10:17-27 Now as Jesus was going out on the road, a man came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" 18 So Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 19 "You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’" 20 And he answered and said to Him, "Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth." 21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me." 22 But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. 23 Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!" 24 And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25 "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." 26 And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, "Who then can be saved?" 27 But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible."

God so loved the world! John 3:16. Obviously, God doesn’t know my neighbors! They are like, totally unlovable! How could anyone love them? If He knew them, He would amend John 3:16! Do you think God loved Hitler? How about Ted Bundy? Does God love rapists? Terrorists? Does He love atheists? How about those Hindus in Andhra Pradesh, India who burned down the local Christian Church? Does he love them? Or the Islamic group that recently shot Ahmed Matan dead for converting to Christianity? When the Bible says that God loves everyone, is He serious? I can understand God pouring out His love on nice people and good folk, but to love the most vile, evil, despicable people of the world? That is beyond reasonable! And I can understand why Jesus might look at the rich young ruler and love him because at least they guy was trying! So how does God love the worst the world has to offer? God doesn’t look at the world the same way we do. When I look out of my human eyes I evaluate everything from where I stand. A lot of us think, “I’m better than most, and not as good as some… but I rate pretty good on the human evolutionary scale of goodness.” Let’s just say that people who live in Roseburg, Oregon are good folk. We’ll represent their goodness by marking it on the elevation scale… Our goodness = 500 feet above sea level. We have 500 feet of goodness. And let’s say that the people who live in Death Valley represent the dregs of society. The worst of the worst live at 282 feet BELOW sea level. Compared to me, they are pretty bad. Do the math, they are 782 feet worse than I am! And let’s say that the best of us live in Denver, a mile high, 5281 feet up! Woah! Some people are really good! I can see how God can love them, and I can even see how God can love me. But the people in Death Valley! They are bad! Now let’s get God’s perspective. Let’s say, for example, that God’s standard is the moon! The moon is 238,857 miles above us! When I stand on the moon, the goodness of the best and the badness of the worst don’t really seem much different. None of them come anywhere near God’s standard of perfection. As bad as I am in comparison to perfection, I guess the real question should be, “Why does God love me?” Read John 3:16. Without it, there isn’t any hope for any of us!

Dear Lord. Help me to see things from your perspective. I have been measuring life from my point of view and it has left a skewed picture of what the world is really like. Help me to love like you love. Thank you for loving me even though I don’t deserve it! Thanks.

If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:32 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Wednesday, Oct 07, 2009

10-7 Things that are Impossible

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Susie, one of our Time With God subscribers writes: As you may have heard, there was an earthquake and a tsunami in American Samoa. Two of the linemen that I work with are natives of Samoa. They still have extended family there, so EWEB is flying them down there to help out with rebuilding the power system or doing other relief work. Tavita's family is all accounted for, but Eddie's family is missing a couple of uncles. Eddie is from a smaller island that was devastated by the flood waters. Tavita is from the Pago Pago area and it sounds like they lived inland, away from most of the devastation. Tavita's sister worked in the harbor and on her way to work, she saw that the harbor was completely drained of water; boats lying on their sides. She turned around and started running back up the hill.....she is safe. Eddie and Tavita will leave on Sunday and be gone for 4-6 weeks. Lane Electric and EPUD are also sending some personnel down to help. Please pray for their safety and that God will be able to touch the hearts of my coworkers with His love.

Today's Scripture reading is 1 Chronicles 15; Isaiah 37; Acts 5:1-11
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
to subscribe go to http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com/rss.xml

Today’s thought comes from Mark 10:17-27 Now as Jesus was going out on the road, a man came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" 18 So Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 19 "You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’" 20 And he answered and said to Him, "Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth." 21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me." 22 But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. 23 Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!" 24 And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25 "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." 26 And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, "Who then can be saved?" 27 But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible."

Things that are impossible: It is impossible to turn common backyard dirt into gold… Rats! And I was hoping to get rich off of it. It is impossible for you to fly on your own. Don’t try this at home. The last time someone jumped from the Golden Gate Bridge he dropped like a rock! Splat. Water feels like concrete after a 746 foot plunge! It is impossible for you to create your own reality using nothing more than the power of positive thinking. It works ok until your reality bumps into someone else’s reality, or dinner time comes. Imaginary food won’t satisfy real cravings. It is impossible for a rich man to get into heaven. In fact it is impossible for any man to “save” himself! With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God, all things are possible. Is God really “all powerful?” Is anything possible with God? Can God lie? Can God do evil? Can God create a rock so big that he can’t lift it? “Listen!” the argument goes, “if there is even one thing God can’t do, then he’s not all powerful. If he can’t tell a lie or do evil, he’s not omnipotent, and therefore not God!” Prosecuting attorney, “Are you God?” “Yes.” “Can you tell a lie.” “No.” “Then you are not all powerful.” (smothered laughter from God). Attorney. “So, God, what’s the big deal about a lie? Even the wimpiest human in the world can tell one.” “You really want to know?” “Yes.” God: “If I was to tell a lie or do evil, I would NOT be God. If I were not God, there would be no more universe… it would come apart at the seams. “Big Bang.” If there were no more universe, you wouldn’t be here asking me these stupid questions! Anything else you want to know?” But here’s the deal. God doesn’t need to lie or do evil to get his purposes accomplished! He is so powerful can even use other people’s lies and can use the evil that other people do to get the job done! He’s in complete control. That’s because he’s God. God can even save the unsavable by human definition. That’s why there’s hope for the rich man… and hope for me. “Whew!”

Dear Father. I am in awe of your unlimited power. I don’t comprehend such boundless energy. You are the almighty God and I will worship you. You are a loving God and I need you. Thanks for your promise of eternal life. I realize that there is no greater gift to fill my greatest need.

You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, For in the LORD, is everlasting strength

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:31 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Tuesday, Oct 06, 2009

10-6 The Gospel for the Rich

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Notes. They are everywhere. 3 X 5 colored index cards. There is one on the bed, one by the clock, one on the pellet stove, one in my referee bag, one in my sock drawer, one in my car, one inside my laptop, one on the milk… who knows where else I’ll find another card! Susan left them. Not with “honey dew” stuff on them… they are the sweetest little love notes you ever did see! Susan is gone for a few days to Washington, and she didn’t want me to forget her! So she left some reminders… “Think of me… I love you… socks done with care…” and on and on ad-nauseam! Aren’t you jealous! What a sweetheart! I think I’ll text her and tell her how much I miss her!

Today's Scripture reading is 1 Chronicles 14; Isaiah 36; Acts 4
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
to subscribe go to http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com/rss.xml

Today’s thought comes from Mark 10:17-27 Now as Jesus was going out on the road, a man came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" 18 So Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 19 "You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’" 20 And he answered and said to Him, "Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth." 21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me." 22 But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. 23 Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!" 24 And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25 "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." 26 And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, "Who then can be saved?" 27 But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible."

Is this the Gospel message: “You must give all you own to the poor and follow Jesus to enter the kingdom of heaven?” That isn’t the Gospel message I was taught. In fact it appears to be contrary to so many other passages which clearly and explicitly state, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy has He saved us…” “Not of works, so that no one can boast…” “Now to him that does not work, his faith is credited as righteousness.” Charitable giving is a work, it’s “good works.” But we are saved by faith, not works! Why then did Jesus tell the rich man that he had to give all his possessions away? Is there one Gospel for us poor folk and another for the rich? Hey, I have an idea! Maybe I can find a desperate rich man who will give his possessions to me so that he can enter the kingdom! That would be a “win – win” situation for both of us. Do you think he’d go for it? I kind of doubt it. But Jesus had other followers who were rich and he didn’t command them to sell their homes and businesses. So why, then, did Jesus set up such a stringent requirement for this particular man? He knew his heart. As Randy Alcorn stated, “None of us can enthrone the true God unless we dethrone our other gods.” The rich young ruler was serving his money. Riches and financial security was his god. He loved his money more than he loved God! When Money Has You, God does not. Jesus was trying to get him to see that he had broken the law and was really spiritually broke and in need of a savior! But the bottom line is that even if the rich young ruler had given away everything it still wouldn’t have been enough to get into heaven. What he needed to do was surrender himself, his riches, his family… everything he had to God. Isn’t that what TRUST is all about? When you say that you Trust Christ as Savior, you are saying that nothing else can do the job. There is no one else out there who can don a cape and Savior suite and rescue us… and that includes YOU, and it includes Me, and it includes one of the things we depend on the most for safety and security: money! Let it all go. To really trust Jesus, we must not trust anything else. It must be Christ and Christ alone!

Dear Lord Jesus, I need a Savior. I am in desperate need of saving. I have floundered around on my own looking for solutions in many places to my spiritual needs… only you can provide the solution. Thanks for your Saving Grace. I place my complete faith and trust in you. Nothing else will do.

“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.”-

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:59 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Friday, Oct 02, 2009

10-2 Life Without Boundaries

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“In the past God has made nations into Monkeys... I am superior to… Christians and Jews... they follow satin. I am no more a Monkey. Isn’t it wisdom?” Zeeshan, a Muslim is reading Time With God. We’ve been having a conversation on the TWG forum on my 8/26 posting “The Oldest Book Ever Written.” It’s really quite interesting. Now he wants to know two things. #1 Can I prove the existence of the God I believe in and #2 Which was the first guide book revealed to humans? If it is the Bible, what took Him so long? As to #1, there is overwhelming evidence to the existence of God… Jesus Christ being God in the flesh (short answer) and as to #2 Muhammad didn’t enter into history until 570 AD! Judaism had already been in existence 1500 years by that time And Christianity for 500 years! The Quaran was not collected and put together until 653 AD, twenty years after Muhammad’s death. If it’s history you want the Judeo / Christian record speaks for itself.

Today's Scripture reading is 1 Chronicles 12:19-40; Isaiah 34; Acts 2:15-47
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
to subscribe go to http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com/rss.xml

Today’s thought comes from Mark 10:17-27 Now as Jesus was going out on the road, a man came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" 18 So Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 19 "You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’" 20 And he answered and said to Him, "Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth." 21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me." 22 But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. 23 Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!" 24 And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25 "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." 26 And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, "Who then can be saved?" 27 But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible."

Live life without boundaries! Imagine a life where people are completely free to think, act and do as they wish, free from religious and societal boundaries… it’s either excessively Utopian or an absolute Hell. That was the message of the “Legendary Life Blog” I just read. I just don’t get the life without boundaries philosophy. People have been doing their own thing since Adam! History is replete with free thinkers who have started new revolutions to overthrow the old guard. There’s nothing new about individualism and free-thinking. It’s as ancient as sin. Adam tried it, he ate the whole enchilada! “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing!” It’s amazing what just one bite will do. The Children of Israel tried it. “Every man did what was right in his own eyes.” But believe me, it didn’t result in utopia! It never does. It resulted in societal chaos and slavery. Boundaries may feel restrictive and suffocating, but believe me, a fence around the yard for a four year old is the safest way to go! Look, we were built for boundaries. There are some places humans should never go. Experimentation in the vices is like drinking “acid and lemonade!” Not only does it leave a foul taste in the mouth, but it has devastating effects! And humans instinctively know that. We may deny it, protest it, legislate it away or file a suit against it, but deep down, even the most calloused knows that wrongdoing is wrong. God put the law of the conscience in every single person that ever lived. So when you lust, you KNOW it’s wrong, even if you want to lust anyway. And when you hate, you KNOW it’s wrong, even if you want to hate. And when you are jealous of Jessica Alba’s looks or Bill Gates riches, or the neighbor’s new i-pod, you KNOW it’s wrong. Yet, even the best of us sinners, as hard as we try to hide our sin must admit to failing the Ten Commandment test. Once you take the test, “every mouth is stopped, and all the world is guilty before God.” Romans 3:19. Guilt is good. It drives us to the realization of how much we really need God!

Dear Father. I know I’m a sinner. I once thought I’d grow out of it, but now I know my problems will be here to heckle me all my life. That’s why I need you. I just can’t overcome these things unless you are with me. Thanks for the love, grace and power to live a life that is liberating because we are bound to you.

“Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”-

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:24 AM |  5 comments  

Thursday, Oct 01, 2009

10-1 Are You A Law Abiding Citizen?

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“My husband wants to talk to you.” I had just spent five minutes talking to Darrion’s mom about Awana. She wanted to know where it was, how long they would be there, how many adults were there… I was a stranger to her and she wanted to make certain her children were safe with me. I opened my window and he began to ask me questions. It’s a parent thing. It’s a good thing. Johnny’s mother was standing on the other side of the car. “So Johnny goes to this thing?” he asked. “Oh yeah. Every week. He loves it!” That sealed the deal. There’s nothing better than a personal testimonial or a satisfied “customer.” So here’s what happened next. Instead of picking up four kids (the max for my car) we buckled in six! HELP! My car is over the max. I need another set of wheels! Pray about it, would you!

Today's Scripture reading is 1 Chronicles 12:1-18; Isaiah 33; Acts 2:1-14
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Today’s thought comes from Mark 10:17-27 Now as Jesus was going out on the road, a man came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" 18 So Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 19 "You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’" 20 And he answered and said to Him, "Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth." 21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me." 22 But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. 23 Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!" 24 And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25 "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." 26 And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, "Who then can be saved?" 27 But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible."

Are you a law abiding Christian? How about a legalist? Is there a difference? The Law / Grace tension is one we constantly grapple with. Should Christians break the law? No. Should Christians keep “The Law?” That question makes some of us wiggle with discomfort. We don’t want to say “no!” Of course Christians should be law abiding citizens. But we feel like we have to qualify our “yes” with a “but…” but not to gain favor with God… but not as a matter of spiritual status… but the law was O.T. and I am N.T… but I am not under Law, but under Grace. For the Christian it’s a matter of perspective and a matter of the heart. I obey - not out of duty, not out of fear that if I don’t measure up I won’t get enough brownie points with God and thus be shut out of heaven… my obedience flows from love! I don’t want to hurt my Savior. I don’t want to disappoint Jesus! I want to please the one I love the most. The whole law is fulfilled in two commandments: #1 Love God with all your heart #2 Love your neighbor as yourself. But how do we apply this Law / Grace tension to the unbeliever? Should we avoid the perception that we are a “religion of rules and regulations” and instead portray the church as a “love fest” for Jesus? “We just love everybody. We don’t tell anyone they are wrong or sinful.” Enter Jesus. “You know the commandments, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’ And there is the implied consequence “I hope you have not broken them, because if you have, you are in serious trouble with God!” Isn’t that the message of The Law, that we have serious trouble with God? Maybe we’ve tried too hard to evangelize by telling people that “God has a wonderful plan for your life” (and he REALLY does) but have failed to start where people are… “Friend, you just ain’t cutting it! The Law is here to convict you of your sin!” Once you evangelize with the Law, then you can evangelize with the Gospel!

Dear Lord Jesus. I do love you. But I am afraid that so often my love falls short! I’m half hearted. I’m not into you as much as I should be. My focus is elsewhere. There are other things that have the corner on my heart! I do want my love for you to be the most passionate thing in my life. Increase my faith and my love I pray!

You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”-

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:48 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT