Daily Reading

"Praise Through The Problem": Day 5

Throughout this series, “Why Church?” we’ve talked about the benefits and blessings that God has for us which we can only experience while gathering together as part of God’s family, the church. What we’ve begun to see is that God blesses a church that celebrates Him. People want to be where there is joy! There’s enough bad news in the world. Church should be a place where people hear good news (the gospel) not bad news. Honestly, it should be fun to go to church. God wired us to express emotion. But too many people have been taught not to express it in church. But when we let go and worship joyfully, people are drawn to our church. We see prisoners literally set free by the worship of Paul and Silas. In Acts 16:22-26, Paul and Silas had been put into prison. It says, “They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks. Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.” Notice that Paul and Silas made the decision to praise God in the middle of their pain. They were praising God, not because their situation was good, but because they knew God was still good in the middle of their situation. Here’s the result: “Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!” They made the decision to worship when they could have been crying, complaining or at least angry, instead, they chose to praise God. Paul and Silas had to decide the same thing you will have to decide when things aren’t going your way--which is, “Will your chains break your praise, or will your praise break your chains!” They didn’t wait to praise God AFTER they got their miracle-they began to praise God TO get their miracle! Don’t wait one more minute. Start thanking God for who He is, what He’s done, what He’s said and what He’s promised to do. That is worship and worship changes everything!

"Praise Through The Problem": Day 4

In Matthew 2:2, it says, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” Notice that the wisemen didn’t come to get something FROM God, but they came to give something TO God. They came to offer their worship. Sadly, much of Christianity today has been reduced to some sort of a formula where people actually believe that God exists for us; That God is some sort of cosmic vending machine, and if we do the right thing or say the right prayer then God has to do whatever we want him to do. The reality is that God does not exist for us, but we exist for him, and we were actually created to worship him. Our worship should not be limited to the weekend. We can actually become worshippers and bring honor and gratitude to God every day of the week. You can honor God by the words you speak, the way you live, the way you react, what you post or don’t post on social media, how you love your spouse and on and on. It’s about offering all of you to all of God. Paul said in Romans 12:1, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Notice that Paul connects mercy and worship. Paul is saying because of God’s mercy toward us, our response should be to offer all of us “as a living sacrifice” to God. If we are not worshiping in the way we live, we aren’t displaying God’s mercy in Christ, and we are not giving people what they need most. And that is not merciful. A merciful lifestyle depends on a worshipful lifestyle. So before Paul defines Christian living as merciful, he defines it as worshipful. And when we get this, we will start to understand that worship isn’t something we do, it’s who we are. We have been wired to worship God from the depths of our heart.

"Praise Through The Problem": Day 3

“I just don’t feel like worshiping God. Things are coming unglued in my life, and I have too many troubles to deal with.” Sound familiar? Even though we may not ever verbalize these words, it is probably too often the scenario. If you are the one who is experiencing a struggle, a problem or spiritual oppression, you may be the very person who needs more than anyone else to begin to praise God! When the storms of life hit, instead of giving in and giving up and saying, “Woe is me,” (which only fuels our problem) our reaction should be to praise through the problem and worship like crazy! Do we praise Him because of the problem? No, we worship Him because He has all of the help and solutions we need in the midst of life’s problems. Satan desires for us to depend on on our power to get through the struggles of life. Unfortunately, we aren’t powerful enough to overcome our problems. If we were, they’d no longer be our problems! Instead, God desires us to look to Him. He is the source of the power we need to overcome the obstacles of life. The apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6–7, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” If you are looking for real answers to the storms of life, turn to prayer and praise and in return receive the peace of God!

"Praise Through The Problem": Day 2

Worship is more than just singing a few songs; it’s a lifestyle. It’s about showing gratitude and love to who God is, what He’s done, what He’s said and what He’s promised to do! Everyday, you and I have an opportunity to worship God through the way that we live. So, why does God want our praise and worship? Here are four quick thoughts to help you think this question through. He alone is worthy. One of the most elementary teachings of our faith is that there is a God, and you are not him. God alone is the creator and redeemer. At the end of it all, all creation will give appropriate praise and glory to our great God. Romans 14:11 says, “For the Scriptures say, ‘As surely as I live,' says the LORD, ‘every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will confess and give praise to God.’” It’s good to glorify what is glorious. At the end of a concert, it is a natural response to give glory to the performer by applauding, cheering and when it’s really good, even giving standing ovations. If God is glorious and has done glorious things, then it is entirely appropriate to make this known and celebrate it. That means applauding, cheering and sometimes standing and honoring His word. Yes, He’s that good! God wants – but doesn’t need – our praise. Don’t believe for a second that God needs our praise, our approval, our gratitude and our glory to shore up his fragile ego and help his self-development. This is far from the case. God knows exactly who He is. He is the creator; we are the created. God doesn’t need our praise to be God but does desire His children to understand and appreciate who He is and what He’s done. And when we do, our only natural response is to show honor, love and gratitude toward him. It is to our benefit that we give glory to God. You and I were wired to worship. God made us on purpose for a purpose and part of that purpose is to worship Him. Worshipping not only gives glory to God, but fulfills a void in our lives that we can only fill through doing what we were made for. Maybe you’ve had a void in your life that you’ve been trying to fill. If so, try turning your heart and mind to God. Worshipping Him takes our minds off of our problems and helps us focus on the ultimate solution.

"Praise Through The Problem": Day 1

Did you know that God has hardwired each of us to worship? The truth is we all worship…something. Every person everywhere worships something. Some people bow to the great football gods; others worship their bank account, some their hobbies or habits, but we all have been wired to worship. Over the next 5 days, we want to show you that when you begin to worship the one true God, that Jesus will be glorified, the devil will be terrified and your worries will be set aside! When you worship, you will begin to see that your life can be changed and be transformed. So what is worship? Worship is expressing our love and gratitude to God for who He is, for what He’s done, for what He’s said and what He’s promised to do. God’s desire for us is to worship Him. In fact, you and I were created to worship. And when we do, there are benefits to us. James 4:8 says Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. One of the major benefits of worship is that when we draw near to God, He draws near to us. This is why worship is crucial to the life of a believer. If we don’t worship God on a regular basis, we won’t sense His closeness and we won’t know which way to turn when trouble comes. As we enter into worship, our stress level goes down. You cannot worry and worship at the same time. When you start to worship, your focus shifts from the problem, to the solution. Your focus is off of what’s wrong and onto the one that can help make it right. It is very difficult for your problem to coexist in the presence of God, because when you enter His presence with praise, he enters your circumstance with power! God said I want you to come to my house, because we are a family. I want you to gather together as my family and I want you to worship together as my family. And when you do, you’ll begin to experience me in a up close and personal way. Question: Are you participating in worship or are you watching worship? Because watching worship is not worship. Real worship requires you to step in and play an active role and give your heart and your best to God for who He is and what He’s done. Over the next week, I want to challenge you to begin to look at every area of your life and begin to offer it to God. When you do, you will begin to experience God in a fresh new way that blesses you as much as it does Him!

"The Tools Are In The Tent": Day 5

FISHING POLE As you’re headed into the wilderness from the tent (the church), you need to take a FISHING POLE. Did you know fishing is a biblical sport? There are many references to fishing and fisherman in God’s word. Some of Jesus’ closest disciples were fisherman. And Jesus has called each of us to fish. In Matthew 4:19, Jesus called out to his disciples, "Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!" Even though fishing may not be your favorite sport, Jesus has positioned his followers, you and me, to go out and share all about Him with as many as we can. That’s what it means to ‘fish for people’, and no one is excluded from fishing. So who are you fishing for? Who has God put in your pond? There are people all around you who God has placed directly in your path for you to reach for Jesus. Is it the grocery store clerk, the bank CEO, your kids’ soccer coach, your siblings, your college lab instructor? And what bait are you using? The bait is the way you live, what you are putting on social media, how you speak to and treat others, and even how you deal with and get through tough times. Is the way you live your life an attractive bait to draw people back to the tent to meet Jesus? As you take your fishing pole into the wilderness, stay alert and aware for those who God has put around you. Ask him to help you share his love and grace with those who need it most. There are still so many who don’t have a relationship with Jesus. You could be positioned as the one person who could help them to begin to follow Him.

"The Tools Are In The Tent": Day 4

The second tool you need as you go from the tent (the church) into the wilderness is LIGHT. The wilderness can be a dark place, so we need light to guide us in the right direction. Jesus says in John 8:12, “...I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” Everyone of us has been commissioned to shine and share the light of Jesus. We not only need the light to show us the way, but we need to be the light to show others the way also. Situations will occur in your workplace, in your school, in your family, with your friends, that will require you to bring your light. And as a follower of Jesus, people are watching and looking to you. You carry the hope that so many desperately desire. People may even challenge your relationship with Jesus and question your faith in God. Remember, Jesus has empowered you to be an influencer in this world, so you let your light shine even brighter in those moments. You know your purpose and value and who you are in Jesus! Don’t ever stop shining your light because someone else cannot handle your brilliance! In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus tells us, “You are the light that shines for the world to see. You are like a city built on a hill that cannot be hidden. People don’t hide a lamp under a bowl. They put it on a lampstand. Then the light shines for everyone in the house. In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.” Never diminish your light. Shine with purpose. Treat others well. Speak with kindness. God has given you a special purpose to be a light in the dark places. He needs you to shine bright. As you go into the wilderness from the tent, carry your light with confidence and assurance so that others can see the light of Jesus beaming brightly through you.

"The Tools Are In The Tent": Day 3

As you go from the tent (the church) into the wilderness, you need some tools to take with you. The first tool you need is FOOD. Spiritual nourishment is what will fuel you and keep you strong as you head out on an excursion. John 6:35 Jesus said to them, “I am the Bread of Life. Come every day to me and you will never be hungry. Believe in me and you will never be thirsty. Jesus wants you to be strong and ready. So when He says, “I am the Bread of Life,” he means “I will give you all of your spiritual nourishment. Just come to me everyday to get your spiritual-belly full!” Little babies grow with the appropriate amount of food. When a baby is deprived of food, the child becomes malnourished and does not grow in the same capacity as a fully nourished child would. From a spiritual perspective, God wants us to be fed to be strong and fully nourished as we face uncertainty and unpredictable circumstances in this world. He never wants us to be weak and malnourished. Being spiritually nourished (being fed) means we are gaining an understanding and knowledge of God’s word (the bible). This “food” will strengthen our minds to be wise and confident as we go from the tent. Before Jesus started in ministry, he went into the wilderness and was tempted by the devil. He hadn’t eaten physical food in 40 days so he was physically weak. Do you know what kept him strong against the enemy? It was his spiritual food, the word of God. Jesus spoke God’s word back to devil so that enemy could not defeat Him and also so that Jesus could stay strong ad not fall. His spiritual food was God’s words. This food provided the foundational nourishement He required as he ventured out and ministered in the world. We’ll close today with these questions for you to ponder: What are you doing to stay nourished? Are you being consistent in coming to church? Are you learning what God says about you? What are you continuously ingesting so you can grow? Are you taking a Life Class, in a Limitless Grow Group or the Foundation Bible Study? Remember, the spiritual food (scripture) you ingest will give you the spiritual nourishment you need to stay strong and sustain you as you go into the wilderness.

"The Tools Are In The Tent": Day 2

If you are following Jesus, the greatest influencer in history, that makes you an influencer too. Jesus says in John 14:12, “I tell you the truth: whoever believes in Me will be able to do what I have done, but they will do even greater things, because I will return to be with the Father.” You see, you were designed to be an influencer. You are called to do even greater things than Jesus. Isn’t that great? But too often, we shrink back because we don’t understand how influential we can be. Why? Because we aren’t fully accessing the tools God has for us. He wants us to be equipped, encouraged and empowered by consistently going back to the tent (the church). Remember from Week 3, Day 1, the church is like a tent, and we go to the tent to get the equipment we need to go into the wilderness where we’re called. Each day we go into the wilderness--that’s the place where you work, the college where you attend, your annual family reunion, the outing with friends, or the high school football game. And just like a camping excursion, if you do not have the right tools to go from the tent into the wilderness, you can get easily hurt, intimidated, lost, overwhelmed or even attacked. God is willing to give you every tool you need to be the influencer he’s created you to be. You just have to ask yourself, “Have I accessed all that I need to stay strong and equipped in the wilderness where I’m called? Am I consistent in going back to the tent to get the right tools?” In tomorrow’s reading, we’ll take a detailed look at the first tool you’ll need as you go from the tent to the wilderness.

"The Tools Are In The Tent": Day 1

Have you ever gone camping in the wilderness? Well, one of the first requirements of camping is that you need a tent. The tent is the place that provides shelter and where you keep all the tools and equipment you will need when you go out on an excursion. Typically, you don’t stay exclusively in the tent, but you grab items you need to take with you when you go into the wilderness. Did you know God has designed the church to be like a tent? It’s the place God has set aside for us to get the tools so we need to daily go out into the wilderness where Jesus has called us. In Mark 16:15, Jesus gives us this command, “Go out into the world and share the good news with all of creation.” He is saying to us that it’s our job to go and reach others with the gospel or good news. We can’t stay in a holy huddle within the walls of the church and expect to reach those who aren’t there yet! What good would it be if we never venture away from God’s house? So God’s plan for the tent (the church) is for us to belong then go beyond. It’s in the tent where we get built up, encouraged, empowered and equipped to go out into the world, to expand our reach, and ultimately, to share the good news with others and invite them back to the tent where they can also belong. Did you know that God gave you the potential to be an agent of change who will influence culture, change communities, and point people to Jesus? By just going back to the tent consistenty, you can get the tools you need. So tell me, what might be holding you back from going out from the tent? Do you believe that you can influence others? That you’re capable and qualified? Are you regularly going back to the tent to get the tools you need to refuel and recharge? Lastly, will you use your influence with the tools you’ve been given to go out and reach more?

"Wired For This": Day 5

I need others to WALK with me, I need others to WORK with me, I need others to WATCH OUT for me, I need others to WEEP with me and... I NEED OTHERS TO WITNESS WITH ME Did you know that God expects you and I to fulfill a mission in the world? But he doesn’t expect you to always do it alone… We have been given a great mission in what Jesus calls the great commission found in Mark 16:15 And then he (Jesus) told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. It’s also found in Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.. God’s plan to change the world and populate heaven runs directly through his church. The model for this was found in an early church in a city near Greece called Phillipi…The apostle Paul wrote them a letter found in Philippians 1:27 saying “…You are working together and struggling side by side to get others to believe the Good News.” Changing our family, our friends, our classmates, our co-workers and ultimately our city and the world doesn’t happen by just one person doing this. It happens when all of us, together, decide to tell the world how God changed our story and how He can change their story. And for many of us, our story changed because someone invited us and we stepped into the church. Let me ask you this: Is anyone going to be in heaven because of you? I want to help you with that. Let’s reach your friends, your co-workers, your family and the others God has placed in and around your life. It can all start with a simple invitation to church. Never underestimate the power of the invite. Your invitation could lead to a conversation that could cause transformation and change someone’s eternal destination! Who are you bringing this weekend to church? God wants his family to continue to grow!

"Wired For This": Day 4

I need others to WALK with me, I need others to WORK with me, I need others to WATCH OUT for me and... I NEED OTHERS TO WEEP WITH ME Another reason you need a church family is because there are certain things that you should never have to do alone. No one should ever have to stand alone in front of a fresh grave; no one should ever go through a difficult time with a child alone; no one should ever go through a divorce alone. There are times in this life you need a support group in place and God has made that possible through His church. When you are going through a hard time, you need to reach out to this family and say “I need somebody...I can’t do this alone.” 1 Peter 3:8 The first part of the verse says this: “You should be like one big family, full of sympathy toward each other.” 1 Corinthians 12:26. “If one member suffers, all suffer together.” Romans 12:15 “Be happy with those who are happy, weep with those who weep.” Do you see the theme? As a family, we are called to experience life and go through the good times and the bad times of life with each other. That means I need people who will walk with me, laugh with me and sometimes weep with me… I’ve learned in ministry that it’s not always about having the right answers, but sometimes it’s just about listening and being available…sometimes it’s literally just a being a shoulder to cry on. As a church, our job isn’t to fix people but to love, to be there and sometimes cry with people.

"Wired For This": Day 3

I need others to WALK with me, I need others to WORK with me and... I NEED OTHERS TO WATCH OUT FOR ME You need a group of people in your life that will warn you IF you need it and defend you WHEN you need it. God has designed His family (the church) to be on the look-out for your life. The bible says in Philippians 2:4, “Look out for one another’s interests, not just your own.” That is what a family is all about, looking out for and being there for each other. You will begin to see that when you take the focus off of you and put it on others, the purpose for your life becomes clearer. When you go on vacation, many times we will ask our friends or neighbors to please watch out for our stuff. Let me ask you this, “Who is watching out for your soul? Who is watching your spiritual backside?” We need someone to be concerned about us, and we to be concerned about others. Hebrews 13:1 says “Keep being concerned about each other as the Lord’s followers should.” Satan fights with an arsenal of habits and hurts and hang ups and many times we allow ourselves to be defeated because we try to fight him alone. You need others to help resist temptation. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple braided cord is not easily broken.” God’s plan is for you to not be alone. The church is not just a place that we go to, it’s a family we belong to! God has assigned people to your life so you don’t have to stand alone against a world that sometimes feels as if it’s caving in around you. We are those people, the church, and we are here to watch out for each other.

"Wired For This": Day 2

I need others to WALK with me and… I NEED OTHERS TO WORK WITH ME Did you know that God has assigned you a special work for you to do? God has wired you to do something good in your life. “God made us to do good works, which He planned in advance for us to live our lives doing.” Ephesians 2:10 (NCV) Part of the purpose FOR your life is to do something good WITH your life. And what you are about to find out is that God doesn’t expect you to do it alone. This life (in part) is preparation for the next life with Jesus. In Heaven we will be spending our time worshipping and serving God, but we will never be tired or burned out because we will all be worshipping and serving together! God’s plan for us is to get prepared now by serving each other here. Why we encourage you to get on a serve team at TE Church isn’t because we need you to fill a position; It’s because we want you to fulfill your purpose! Galatians 6:10 says “Every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.” (MSG) You and I can accomplish far more together than we ever could alone. It takes teamwork to make the dream work! Ecclesiastes 4:9 “Two people are better than one, because they get more done by working together.” (NCV) If you are not yet on a serve team, decide today that you’re going to take that step. Sign up at the What’s Next Center. It’s just another way to be part of God’s family and experience the blessings that He has for you while you begin to discover your purpose.

"Wired For This": Day 1

God has wired you and I, His children, to need a church family. Maybe you’ve heard people say “I’m a Christian but I don’t need the church.” That’s nonsense! Anyone that says that doesn’t fully understand the blessings and benefits that God has in store for his family, the church. This week I want to give you 5 reasons why you need a church family for your spiritual, relational and emotional health. I NEED OTHERS TO WALK WITH ME “Just as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him…” Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV) Life is a journey and God’s plan is for you to never have to walk alone. You need others to walk with you because: IT’S SAFER TO WALK WITH SOMEONE… You’ve heard people say to never walk alone in the dark. For Christians that means we should never have to go through a dark time without someone walking through it with us. IT’S SUPPORTIVE TO WALK WITH SOMEONE… Life is a journey and the object is to finish well, not finish first. There will be times you want to quit and say I’m done and we need others to walk with us to encourage us to keep on going even when we feel like quitting. IT’S SMARTER TO WALK WITH SOMEONE… Proverbs 13:20 says, “Walk with the wise become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” Just about every time I’ve done something stupid I was WITH someone stupid! We need to walk with other believers who seek God’s wisdom to help us be the best we can be. God gave us our church family so we would never have to walk alone. We are on this journey together!