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What It Means to Me: Get Out of Neutral - Deuteronomy 8:15-20
Series: Next Level Thinking
Summary
In the text, Moses reminds the children of Israel of their Next Level experiences, from the time they were freed from the bondage of slavery, to wealth and all the testing in between. The deliverance has to be placed in perspective and remembered to avoid the trap of self credit for current success. This is a reminder that all that has been given has been given by God and that the minute we take credit for the wealth is the minute that we shall perish. We should not only keep in mind the source of deliverance, but we must also follow certain principles in order to go to the next level.
Principle 1: Acquire a disciplined skill in right living to know wisdom and instruction. This means that:
1)We receive the instruction of wisdom which is the knowledge of what is good and true. We obtain it from the instructor, God, through his textbook, the Bible. In our daily lives this requires our active participation in Bible study, Sunday school, worship services and personal time spent with God. The more disciplined we are in seeking instruction on wisdom and right living, the more we hunger for it.
2)We receive instruction of justice and judgement. Justice infers the building of right relationships. The only way we can get justice is through what God, the judge says. God is the judge of the rightness/correctness of relationships, decisions and actions. Our opinion is inconsequential. As such we must remove the limitations of our minds.
3)There must be integrity, the purity of how we are made in the image of God. This is personal and requires that our integrity is based on our individual walk with God. Integrity cannot be modeled after someone else. Understand that God is always with us, except when we are sinning. (Proverbs 1:1-4)
Principle 2: Right perception is required for right understanding and insight. When we think we're processing things correctly we find out we're processing them incorrectly. In order to obtain wisdom and insight we must listen. (Proverbs 1:5-6). In order to be open to receive correct perception our minds need renewal. (Romans 12:1-2)
2)We receive instruction of justice and judgement. Justice infers the building of right relationships. The only way we can get justice is through what God, the judge says. God is the judge of the rightness/correctness of relationships, decisions and actions. Our opinion is inconsequential. As such we must remove the limitations of our minds.
3)There must be integrity, the purity of how we are made in the image of God. This is personal and requires that our integrity is based on our individual walk with God. Integrity cannot be modeled after someone else. Understand that God is always with us, except when we are sinning. (Proverbs 1:1-4)
Principle 2: Right perception is required for right understanding and insight. When we think we're processing things correctly we find out we're processing them incorrectly. In order to obtain wisdom and insight we must listen. (Proverbs 1:5-6). In order to be open to receive correct perception our minds need renewal. (Romans 12:1-2)
What It Means to Me
Next level thinking does not occur by happenstance. There are things that are required of us in order to reach that place. First we have to remember that all that we have gained at our current level is not a result of our own hard work, intelligence and skill but has been obtained through our deliverance from our past and the blessings of God our Creator. He made all that we are as well as all that we have.
Recognizing from whence we came, our next level experience is achieved via a disciplined approach in our living. Instruction, study, prayer and worship should be our daily experience, not our once per week experience. We should also steer clear of relationships that are not in line with the righteousness of God. What is just and right has nothing to do with what we think to be true, but has everything to do what we know to be true and that is the righteousness and justice/justness of God. Living justly and rightly in our relationships allows us to develop integrity that is uniquely our own, it is not of others, but is only modeled after the integrity of God.
Finally to move to the next level, to get out of neutral, we have to stop relying on our mind. A cultural reference which some of you may know is an old hip-hop song "My Mind is Playing Tricks on Me". The song is about paranoia but the essential element, the chorus is true, the mind is feeble, it will play tricks on you and keep you stuck in a place in which you don't want to be, nor does God want you to be there. There are no jedi-mind tricks, nor hip-hop paranoia when you listen to God and allow him to renew your mind.
You want to move and God wants you to move as well. Are you willing to follow his instruction to get out of neutral?
This is what it means to me.
(photo: duroque.com)
What It Means To Me: John 1:28-38 What Are You Looking For?
John the Baptist was baptizing people in the desert. Yet he knew and told everyone who asked that he was not the Messiah, nor any of the prophets. While questioned, he made it clear that that he baptized with water yet one would come, who he does not know. What he did know was that, the coming one was before him (in heaven) and after him on earth and that he would come to baptize with the Holy Spirit. Jesus came to John in the desert and at that moment John knew who he was and identified him as the Lamb of God. The disciples who were with John turned to follow Jesus and Jesus asked them, what they wanted. They replied that they wanted to see where he was staying. On that Jesus said, to come and they would see.
How does this connect us to the next level?
John the Baptist, did not know Jesus but knew that he would come. John, was not operating in the natural but was operating on the next level by 1)doing his job -- baptizing the people in a dry place (the desert) and; 2) witnessing to the people that he was not "the one" but was simply preparing the way for Jesus. He was not concerned about folks questioning him, he took no credit for himself, though it appears by the questions he'd been asked, that people tried to make him what he was not. John was hungry for the deliverance of the people that he knew would come through Christ and when Jesus arrived, he knew that the Lamb (sacrifice) of God had come.
The two disciples who up until that time were disciples of John became alert when John called Jesus the Lamb. They turned to follow Jesus, maybe out of curiosity, John had spoken of him so much and now he finally arrived that had to see what this Jesus was all about. Jesus stopped them though and asked what they wanted and this is critical because it is at this moment that the disciples could have turned away. They could have said, we just wanted to meet you or had any type of conversation along those lines, but instead they asked to see where Jesus lived, how Jesus lived, they wanted more than just a cursory glance or an empty conversation. So when Jesus invited them in they went.
What it means to me?
We have all been given the invitation to come to Jesus. We have accepted Christ as our savior, but the buck does not stop there. Next level thinking is conducive to a hunger, to a thirst for more. Our daily lives and circumstances often prove to be stumbling blocks to the next level. We think and operate in the natural instead of in the supernatural, which the Spirit of the Lord has given us. Next level thinking requires us to tear away the boundaries of our minds AND to not place boundaries on God by telling him/asking him for what we think we need. If you're paying attention, you know that you have right NOW, what you need. In order to get beyond the natural, to go beyond the necessary, to go beyond TODAY we've got to think on the next level. We've got to hunger for that deeper, personal relationship with Christ.
If you feel like you're in a dry place, if you're thirsty, if you're running around trying to fill your life with all those things that we as humans think we need to quench that thirst, all of your running is in vain. The Spirit of the Lord is calling because He knows you're looking. Shut all that other stuff down and be still for a minute, let the next level mind (the mind of Christ) take hold. When you do that, you can go to the next level, operate in the gift you've been given and glorify the Lord in what he has given to you.
That's what it means to me. What does it mean to you?
What it Means to Me - "Do What You Can" Mark 14:1-9
[Part 1 of the series on Next Level Thinking]
This scripture's historical time-frame is in the last week of Jesus life. The plotting priests and scribes are on the ready to murder Jesus, yet they delay their plans because of the simultaneous celebrations of the Passover and Festival of Unleavened Bread.The text tells the familiar story of a woman who does something very special. This woman arrives at the home of Simon the leper, where Jesus and his disciples were. She brings a precious gift, an alabaster box filled with perfume. Upon reaching Jesus, she breaks the box and anoints Jesus head with it, much to the chagrin of his disciples. The pouring out of the perfume is seen as wasteful, by them as they see it, the perfume could have been sold to benefit the poor. Jesus, told the disciples to leave her alone, because she had done what she could. She was preparing him for his burial. The disciples could not understand because the woman who anointed Jesus was operating on the Next Level.
What the woman did in the text was what she was called to do. She did it in spite of the naysayers who surrounded her. She was focused on doing her job, not the job of anyone else and her job was the one that the Lord gave her. Had she not been operating on the next level, she may have felt sorrow over what she did. She may have hesitated or even refrained from doing it at all yet she knew that what she had was a gift a from God, that she was to use to glorify him.
What does it mean to me?
All people have been given a gift, one that is not meant to be shared according to the way we determine, but the way God has determined for us to use it. In order for us to glorify God through our gift we have to first look at the inside instead of the outside. Looking outside of what God has placed in us can only serve as a distraction. God receives no glory in distractions. Secondly when we inquire of what's on the inside, instead of trying to acquire what is on the outside, we will see that what we need has already been acquired. A step further, it was already given to us, because God supplies all of our needs. Third, the gift that God has given us is uniquely ours. The job (not jobs) that God has given us is uniquely ours. We can't have the gift that someone else has, nor do the job of someone else. With that said, there's no use in concerning ourselves with what others have, nor with what others do. Our focus is to cultivate that gift that has been given to us and do the job that God has called us to do.
But how?
The gift, the subsequent work and the ultimate glory given to God is cultivated by next level thinking. We cannot focus on what things look like right now. We have to forget about the visual by concentrating, ruminating and mediating on on what the spirit of the Lord speaks to each of us. Next level thinking requires a deeper level of spiritual commitment and understanding, through study of his word, through the elevation of our prayer lives, through the elevation of our giving and sacrifice and by obedience to God's calling on our lives.
This is what it means to me, what does it mean to you? What is the gift that is in you? What glory can you give to God by using that gift? Look within to begin your journey to the Next Level with the Lord.
What it means to me: "I'm Determined to Love You" 4/17/11
Text Ruth 1:1-18
Naomi, a widower living in Moab with her daughters-in-law Orpah and Ruth had learned of the end of the famine back home in Bethlehem. Having lost her husband and two sons, Naomi was ready to return home. Her intent was to go to Bethlehem with Orpah and Ruth but she changed course, telling them to go home to their families. They still had an opportunity to restart their lives and remarry. She didn't want to deprive them of the privilege to start anew and was willing to go it alone back in her home country. Orpah decided to return home. Ruth however, did not. She clung to Naomi and let her know in no uncertain terms that wherever Naomi went she would be there with her and that she would worship her (our) God. Naomi having seen Ruth's determination, discontinued pressing her to leave and they traveled together to Naomi's home of Bethlehem.
Naomi, a widower living in Moab with her daughters-in-law Orpah and Ruth had learned of the end of the famine back home in Bethlehem. Having lost her husband and two sons, Naomi was ready to return home. Her intent was to go to Bethlehem with Orpah and Ruth but she changed course, telling them to go home to their families. They still had an opportunity to restart their lives and remarry. She didn't want to deprive them of the privilege to start anew and was willing to go it alone back in her home country. Orpah decided to return home. Ruth however, did not. She clung to Naomi and let her know in no uncertain terms that wherever Naomi went she would be there with her and that she would worship her (our) God. Naomi having seen Ruth's determination, discontinued pressing her to leave and they traveled together to Naomi's home of Bethlehem.
The story of Naomi and Ruth is a love story. Naomi, a widower who was ready to go home with Orpah and Ruth could have done so and grown to be a bitter woman, with no hope. She could have gone on with the two women and made their lives miserable. However, Naomi loved unselfishly. The love that she had for Orpah and Ruth allowed her to let them go and face the rest of her days back home, alone. Ruth's love for Naomi was a determined love. By refusing to leave Naomi, she wasn't being disrespectful nor disobedient, she just loved Naomi so much that it was not even a thought for her to leave. Naomi recognized that love and refused her no more.
Human beings are quick to flip the off switch on love. When we are disappointed, we pout. When we are refused, we become dejected. When we are hurt, we lash out. When we are asked for forgiveness, we may turn our back and walk away. Naomi and Ruth teach us that obstacles, protestations against or even infliction of pain should not lessen our determination to love. They taught this lesson before Jesus arrived in the flesh and the people of their time still didn't get it (some of us still don't). When Jesus came he paid the ultimate cost, his own life to save us. Jesus did not allow naysayers, protesters, and those who inflicted harm upon him to get in the way of loving us. This is the kind of love we were placed here to give and do so freely. We should be determined to love just as Naomi and Ruth loved and as the Lord continues to love us.
Are you determined to love?
What It Means to Me - "You Know That I Love You" 4/3/11
Text: John 21:15-19
(John 21:1-14) Jesus is making his third appearance to the disciples after his crucifixtion and resurrection. When the Lord appeared to the seven disciples on the fishing boat, they did not question him, they just did what he asked them to do, which was cast their nets on the right side of the boat. He asked them to come and dine with him. Having caught 153 fish, without breaking the net, they came to shore to dine with Jesus, however Peter jumped overboard and swam to shore.
Beginning in verse 15 Jesus inquires of Simon (Peter) "Simon, son of Jonah, lovest thou me more than these?" and Peter answers him, "Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee." Jesus asks him again in verse 16 receiving the same answer and again in verse 17, in which Peter becomes visibly frustrated, almost flippant when he replies to Jesus "Lord though knowest all things; though knowest that I love the." Why did Jesus ask him three times?
Jesus loved Peter. Peter loved Jesus and was always near him, asking, talking and defending. Peter was the rock upon which Jesus would build his church (Matthew 16:18). Peter is the one who said he would lay down his very life for Jesus (John 13:37) and was also the one who cut the high priest's servant when they came for Jesus (John 18:10). The examples go on and on of the love they had for each other but when the rubber met the road -- when the time came for Jesus to pay the ultimate price for Peter, for us all, Peter denied that he even knew Jesus three times. Jesus knew this would happen (John 13:38). Jesus bore the cross, rose and came back and questions Peter about his love.
Jesus came through multiple generations to earth as a man. He was a man with feelings. He loved Peter dearly and Peter professed loudly and often his love for Jesus. When crunch time came Peter did not show love, he showed indifference, he shut down out of fear. Although Jesus knew things would go down exactly as they did, although he know that his very life would be sacrificed for man's sake, he had to be hurt by this. When he came back, he had to ask Peter -- why did you do this? You told me you loved me, you even acted as though you did, but when times got really tough, you were no where to be found. I believe that Jesus knew that Peter loved him, and I believe that he had to get closure on the events that took place. I believe that Jesus understood that it wasn't love for him that Peter lacked, but it was fear that made him deny him.
All of us have been in a position and may even be iin a position now in which we have been told we are loved, that said love may have even been demonstrated, yet when a test comes, those who profess love turn their backs, hide their faces or may even become angry. As human beings, when those we love turn their backs even though they say the love us it is a crushing blow. We don't understand it, we try and try but somethings are not meant to be understood, we are not Jesus, we cannot know all things. Yet we can be like Jesus, and continue to love in spite of hurt, in spite of persecution. What we must do, is love in spite of pain inflicted upon us. This is how Jesus loves us and that is what "You Know that I Love You" means to me.
What it Means to Me for 12/19/10 - Don't Forget the Baby
Elijah is on the move. Having proven that the Lord is God and that Baal was not and ordering to death all the prophets of Baal, Jezebel has placed a price on Elijah's head. He is tired and he his fearful, that he will be killed for working so zealously for the Lord. He no longer wants to be on the run and has asked God that he may die. The Lord did not kill him, he strengthened him instead, because his work was not finished.
Elijah was tasked with anointing two kings over Aram and Israel and to anoint Elisha as his successor (prophet). Elijah first anointed his successor, Elisha as prophet and he did so subtly. He did not force the role on Elisha but freely gave it out of faith, obedience and love. Elisha accepted it and followed him.
What does this have to do with the baby?
Jesus came down through multiple generations as a gift of LOVE to all of us. Jesus, who had all power as the Son of God is King, but does not act as such. In Jesus contact with sinners, he never acted selfishly, nor did he act in fear, he always acted in love and obedience to the Lord who sent him for our redemption. In our daily lives, we "forget the baby" whenever we make "self" the center of our world, whenever I is more important than we, whenever me is more important than you. To "remember the baby" is to operate in love for others as they are, without judgement, without exertion of power and or force. Remembering the baby is remembering that Jesus IS love and to be like Jesus, we also must love.
That is what it means to me. What does it mean to you? Let me know in the comments.
New feature! What it Means to Me
What it Means to Me, where the "it" refers to the sermons of our Senior Pastor Gregory V. Baker. In these posts my hope is to begin a conversation about the weekly sermons, the word of God and the life application that each of us receives as Pastor Baker rightly divides the word of truth. We want everyone to join in and post "what it means to you" in the comments. Links to each weekly post will be found on Facebook as well. This week I'll start with "Jesus Did This" from December 5, 2010. The sermon text is from Isaiah 61:1-7
In the text Isaiah is pointing the kingship towards Jesus. Kingship is usually granted via an anointing of the flesh of the person to become king. In the case of Jesus He is already anointed prior to showing up in the flesh--his anointing is internal. Once this anointing takes place (after Christ has been received as your savior), everything is different. This type of anointing is extremely active and it does many things. The anointing:
- Bring good news (heralding) to the poor. The poor person is in the greatest position ever. He/she can have courage and faith that everything will be alright. When you are hanging around the anointing your position shifts.
- Initiates a climate of healing. The power of Jesus can heal the wounds that man cannot heal. When you start walking in faith your entire house can change and miracles can happen.
- Grants liberty and freedom for captives and prisoners. A captive is someone who is limited and in darkness but doesn't know that they are locked up because they are in darkness. A prisoner knows they are locked up and they know why. When the captive or prisoner acts in obedience and allows the anointing to take root he/she can operate in freedom.
- Allows us to rejoice in the day of vengeance. There is a way to cry and have a pity party. Because of the anointing one can experience joy even in the bad times. When the anointing is in your life things turn around like they never have before. The anointing (of Jesus) is not poured on us but we walk around with it in us
- Rebuilds, restores, renews (reclaims). The anointing removes all the maybes from our lives and declares that rebuilding, restoration and renewal WILL happen
- Promises that you will receive "double for your trouble". After all the tribulations you will receive more than you could ever expect.
What does this mean to me? I have already accepted the anointing. Through faith and obedience I can walk in freedom, rejoice in bad times and good, be healed and be rewarded for enduring tribulation that I know will come.
What does it mean to you? Please share in the comments.
Michelle A. Thorns
"Shower Down" - BRRBC Choir
Produced by: Robert Pate
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