By Allen White
But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. Romans 8:10-11
I’m often frustrated that I’m not a better Christian. I committed my life to Christ almost 40 years ago. Why am I not further along?
Some things in Scripture are just so contrary to my nature. Take for instance: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” (James 1:19). Now, put that verse in reverse, and I’ve got it nailed: quick to get angry, quick to speak, slow to listen. It’s much easier.
Yet, God didn’t give us a book of rules that is impossible for us to follow. Well, let me put that a different way. God gave us a task that is too much to accomplish on our own: to conform to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). Sure, we can try harder, but after a while, we just run out of steam. (Anyone broken any New Year’s resolutions lately?) So, what are we supposed to do?
God has already given us the power to achieve His will for us. The same Spirit who inspired God’s Word to be written (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21) is the same Spirit who lives in us (Romans 8:9). This is also the same Spirit who raised Christ from the dead. Read that again. The Spirit of God who lives in every believer is the same power that raised Christ from the dead. What could we not accomplish with that?
One of our small group leaders, Shane, was advised by his doctor three years ago to undergo weight loss surgery. That wasn’t the first thing that Shane wanted to do. But, as time passed, he learned that he would need to start medication for high blood pressure and high cholesterol. But, he really didn’t want to start taking medication.
Shane chose to lose the weight instead – on his own. He started watching what he ate and exercising. In just a couple of months, 30 pounds fell off. Then, he got stuck.
By his own admission, his self-control got 30 pounds off, but couldn’t get him any further. Shane turned to God and prayed, “Lord, if you will help me, then I will work to get the rest of this weight off.” It’s been seven months now since Shane first started his weight loss. He has lost 101 pounds. His blood pressure is lower. His cholesterol is lower. He’s never taken any medication. Shane’s willingness and God’s power have transformed his life.
You have the power you need to fulfill God’s vision for your life. The Spirit who raised Christ from the dead lives in you. What is impossible for God?
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Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Water Offering Total
The 3,976 folks at Brookwood Church gave a total of $4,186 yesterday to provide fresh water to 4,186 people through Water of Life. What an awesome day! One person giving one dollar can change the life of one person in West Africa or India. Not $1 per month, or $1 per year, but $1 provides fresh water for the next 20 years. (Not a typo)
If you would like to get involved with Water of Life: http://www.givefreshwater.org
If you would like to get involved with Water of Life: http://www.givefreshwater.org
The Spirit Reveals God’s Vision for Your Life
By Allen White
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Romans 8:14-16
The Holy Spirit is not just the possession of Charismatics. You don’t have to speak in tongues to be Spirit-filled. God gives His Spirit to every believer, and then God gives spiritual gifts (charismata) to every believer as well (1 Corinthians 12:7).
In fact, according to this verse, if you do not possess the Holy Spirit, then you cannot be God’s child. Don’t worry. There aren’t any snakes involved.
Let’s put something together. Going back to yesterday’s devotional, we understand that the Holy Spirit inspired and directed the writing of the Bible. Add to that the fact that the Holy Spirit lives within every believer. This means that the same Spirit that inspired Scripture to be written lives inside you and me.
When we, as Spirit-filled people, pick up God’s Spirit-inspired Word, an amazing dynamic takes place. Sometimes it seems that words jump off of the page. Sometimes we read things that somehow we never seemed to read before, though we’ve read the passages many times. God speaks to us through His Word. But, before you get nervous about that, there is a backup.
Scholars and theologians have been writing about and interpreting the Bible for thousands of years. If we come up with something that contradicts what orthodox scholars teach, then we need to make sure that it was the Holy Spirit speaking, and not just indigestion. A quick scan of the notes in a study Bible is a great indicator of whether we’re hearing right.
The Bible was written for us. The Bible wasn’t written to us, but it was written for us. That’s why it’s good to learn about the different types of literature in the Bible and how to interpret it. This is where a BrookwoodU class could be helpful.
As you sit down with your Bible, start by praying and asking God to reveal His truth by His Spirit. Then, pay attention to what you read. What thoughts enter your mind? How do you feel about what you are reading? What do the words prompt you to do? Then, do it.
Reading the Bible is a powerful and supernatural exchange. There is no other book like it.
Follow us on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/galatians419
To subscribe or leave a comment on the galatians419 devotional blog: http://galatians419.blogspot.com/
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Romans 8:14-16
The Holy Spirit is not just the possession of Charismatics. You don’t have to speak in tongues to be Spirit-filled. God gives His Spirit to every believer, and then God gives spiritual gifts (charismata) to every believer as well (1 Corinthians 12:7).
In fact, according to this verse, if you do not possess the Holy Spirit, then you cannot be God’s child. Don’t worry. There aren’t any snakes involved.
Let’s put something together. Going back to yesterday’s devotional, we understand that the Holy Spirit inspired and directed the writing of the Bible. Add to that the fact that the Holy Spirit lives within every believer. This means that the same Spirit that inspired Scripture to be written lives inside you and me.
When we, as Spirit-filled people, pick up God’s Spirit-inspired Word, an amazing dynamic takes place. Sometimes it seems that words jump off of the page. Sometimes we read things that somehow we never seemed to read before, though we’ve read the passages many times. God speaks to us through His Word. But, before you get nervous about that, there is a backup.
Scholars and theologians have been writing about and interpreting the Bible for thousands of years. If we come up with something that contradicts what orthodox scholars teach, then we need to make sure that it was the Holy Spirit speaking, and not just indigestion. A quick scan of the notes in a study Bible is a great indicator of whether we’re hearing right.
The Bible was written for us. The Bible wasn’t written to us, but it was written for us. That’s why it’s good to learn about the different types of literature in the Bible and how to interpret it. This is where a BrookwoodU class could be helpful.
As you sit down with your Bible, start by praying and asking God to reveal His truth by His Spirit. Then, pay attention to what you read. What thoughts enter your mind? How do you feel about what you are reading? What do the words prompt you to do? Then, do it.
Reading the Bible is a powerful and supernatural exchange. There is no other book like it.
Follow us on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/galatians419
To subscribe or leave a comment on the galatians419 devotional blog: http://galatians419.blogspot.com/
Sunday, March 13, 2011
God's Vision for Your Life
If you missed my message, God's Vision for Your Life, today, it will be available online at http://www.brookwoodchurch.org/mediaplayer on Monday morning.
If you'd like to contribute to Water of Life and provide fresh drinking water to people in West Africa and India: http://www.givefreshwater.org
God bless,
Allen
If you'd like to contribute to Water of Life and provide fresh drinking water to people in West Africa and India: http://www.givefreshwater.org
God bless,
Allen
The Bible Reveals God’s Vision for Your Life
By Allen White
For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:21
I love books. Like some people love chocolate, I love books. At any given time, I am in the middle of six or more books. Always. So, you can imagine that over the years, I’ve collected quite a few books.
So many books, in fact, that when we moved into the new offices at Brookwood Church, there wasn’t enough room in my office for all of my books and me. My books are in my office, in my house, in my garage, and in other people's offices.
What do I read? I’m so glad that you asked. I read books on leadership, discipleship, spiritual formation, sales and marketing, reference, theology, commentaries, novels – all kinds of pastor/leader/teacher sorts of things.
Most of my books were written by one author. Sometimes there is a co-author. But, among my sets of biblical commentaries there are many authors and a general editor. Since each book is written by a different scholar, the general editor makes sure that the whole thing makes sense together. You don’t want a legalist interpreting James, and then an antinomian translating Galatians in the same set of books. That would be confusing. The thoughts have to flow.
I have one book that was written by 40 authors over 1,500 years on three continents in three different languages. It has no general author. How could it? The writing took 40 generations to complete. That book is the Bible.
The Bible is a remarkable book. Using the personalities and experiences of the writers, the Holy Spirit led them to compose different elements to reveal God’s vision for our lives.
Both kings and peasants wrote of grace and redemption. A murderer reveals the origins of the universe (Genesis). A tax collector translates Jesus to a Jewish audience (Matthew). A terrorist leads us down the Romans Road of God’s grace.
No one could have planned the Bible. There were no cheat sheets as to what should be written next.
We aren’t told everything that we want to know, but we are given everything that we need to know. Are these the end times? We don’t know that. What we do know is that God has given us His power to win the lost (Acts 1:6-8). But, what about all of this turmoil in the Middle East? Is that a sign?
If it is a sign, it points us to look up from the internet and look across the street to our neighbor who needs Christ. The answers to their problems are found in God’s Word.
God’s Word is alive and active. It’s not a dusty old book. The Bible is the bestselling book of all-time, yet it’s nearly 2,000 years old.
What do you need to hear from God today? The Bible reveals God’s vision for your life.
Follow us on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/galatians419
To subscribe or leave a comment on the galatians419 devotional blog: http://galatians419.blogspot.com/
For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:21
I love books. Like some people love chocolate, I love books. At any given time, I am in the middle of six or more books. Always. So, you can imagine that over the years, I’ve collected quite a few books.
So many books, in fact, that when we moved into the new offices at Brookwood Church, there wasn’t enough room in my office for all of my books and me. My books are in my office, in my house, in my garage, and in other people's offices.
What do I read? I’m so glad that you asked. I read books on leadership, discipleship, spiritual formation, sales and marketing, reference, theology, commentaries, novels – all kinds of pastor/leader/teacher sorts of things.
Most of my books were written by one author. Sometimes there is a co-author. But, among my sets of biblical commentaries there are many authors and a general editor. Since each book is written by a different scholar, the general editor makes sure that the whole thing makes sense together. You don’t want a legalist interpreting James, and then an antinomian translating Galatians in the same set of books. That would be confusing. The thoughts have to flow.
I have one book that was written by 40 authors over 1,500 years on three continents in three different languages. It has no general author. How could it? The writing took 40 generations to complete. That book is the Bible.
The Bible is a remarkable book. Using the personalities and experiences of the writers, the Holy Spirit led them to compose different elements to reveal God’s vision for our lives.
Both kings and peasants wrote of grace and redemption. A murderer reveals the origins of the universe (Genesis). A tax collector translates Jesus to a Jewish audience (Matthew). A terrorist leads us down the Romans Road of God’s grace.
No one could have planned the Bible. There were no cheat sheets as to what should be written next.
We aren’t told everything that we want to know, but we are given everything that we need to know. Are these the end times? We don’t know that. What we do know is that God has given us His power to win the lost (Acts 1:6-8). But, what about all of this turmoil in the Middle East? Is that a sign?
If it is a sign, it points us to look up from the internet and look across the street to our neighbor who needs Christ. The answers to their problems are found in God’s Word.
God’s Word is alive and active. It’s not a dusty old book. The Bible is the bestselling book of all-time, yet it’s nearly 2,000 years old.
What do you need to hear from God today? The Bible reveals God’s vision for your life.
Follow us on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/galatians419
To subscribe or leave a comment on the galatians419 devotional blog: http://galatians419.blogspot.com/
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Putting Yourself Forward Only Moves You Backward
By Allen White
Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews. Esther 10:3
Mordecai now occupied the spot that Haman once held (Esther 3:1). What Haman scratched and fought to attain, Mordecai was given as a reward for his faithfulness. The last person was now in a high position, the one putting himself first, Haman, was no more. The end of the story is poetic. The good guy finished first. The one who did the right thing got the reward. It was just. It was also Christ-like.
Jesus didn’t come to be served, even though God Almighty deserves our service. Jesus came as a servant to seek and save the lost (Matthew 20:28). When His disciples argued over who deserved what, Jesus very clearly explained that in His kingdom putting yourself forward only moves you backward, but the guy at the end of the line is better positioned to lead (Matthew 19:30).
Mordecai supported Esther and guided her along the way (Esther 2:7). Mordecai reported the plot to assassinate the king (Esther 2:19-23). Mordecai mourned the plight of his people (Esther 4). The humility of sackcloth and ashes brought about the power to save God’s people.
Our temptation is to self-promote and to brag about what we have done and what we can do. This is opposite to Jesus’ attitude:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness” (Philippians 2:3-7).
I don’t add this verse to shame us. God’s way is completely different from how we are wired. This is part of our fallenness. But, God doesn’t leave us there.
Rather than beating ourselves up with Paul’s words about Jesus, ask God to build this kind of character in your life. Granted, God often uses opposite situations to forge our characters. Surrendering to God is a dangerous prayer. But, depending on ourselves is far more dangerous.
Follow us on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/galatians419
To subscribe or leave a comment on the galatians419 devotional blog: http://galatians419.blogspot.com/
Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews. Esther 10:3
Mordecai now occupied the spot that Haman once held (Esther 3:1). What Haman scratched and fought to attain, Mordecai was given as a reward for his faithfulness. The last person was now in a high position, the one putting himself first, Haman, was no more. The end of the story is poetic. The good guy finished first. The one who did the right thing got the reward. It was just. It was also Christ-like.
Jesus didn’t come to be served, even though God Almighty deserves our service. Jesus came as a servant to seek and save the lost (Matthew 20:28). When His disciples argued over who deserved what, Jesus very clearly explained that in His kingdom putting yourself forward only moves you backward, but the guy at the end of the line is better positioned to lead (Matthew 19:30).
Mordecai supported Esther and guided her along the way (Esther 2:7). Mordecai reported the plot to assassinate the king (Esther 2:19-23). Mordecai mourned the plight of his people (Esther 4). The humility of sackcloth and ashes brought about the power to save God’s people.
Our temptation is to self-promote and to brag about what we have done and what we can do. This is opposite to Jesus’ attitude:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness” (Philippians 2:3-7).
I don’t add this verse to shame us. God’s way is completely different from how we are wired. This is part of our fallenness. But, God doesn’t leave us there.
Rather than beating ourselves up with Paul’s words about Jesus, ask God to build this kind of character in your life. Granted, God often uses opposite situations to forge our characters. Surrendering to God is a dangerous prayer. But, depending on ourselves is far more dangerous.
Follow us on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/galatians419
To subscribe or leave a comment on the galatians419 devotional blog: http://galatians419.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
I'm Speaking at Brookwood Church This Sunday
If you live in or around Simpsonville, South Carolina, I will be speaking this Sunday, March 13 at Brookwood Church on "God's Vision for Your Life." Services are at 9, 10:30 & 11:59 am. For directions: brookwoodchurch.org.
Don't forget to "Spring Forward" this weekend. We lose one hour of sleep on Saturday night as we move our clocks forward one hour. Free coffee is available in the concourse.
Don't forget to "Spring Forward" this weekend. We lose one hour of sleep on Saturday night as we move our clocks forward one hour. Free coffee is available in the concourse.
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