33 of THEM

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

^1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

Today’s DISPATCH is a going to be little different. So hang with me a little.

I just wanted to pause and show GOD a little gratitude from the keyboard this morning.

Today, January 31^st is my wife Beth’s birthday.

I now have shared in 33 of these with her.

Crazy huh? I know neither one of us look a day over 33 so I must have met her in the hospital nursery right?

But today, instead of breakfast in bed for her or a little gift by her bedside, I am forced to wait until later tonight to even give her a birthday kiss. Why?

Beth isn’t here with me this morning as I write.

Instead she is waking up on this birthday at the bedside of her dearest friend, her “wife”Dawn who is in a hospital in Columbus recovering from the first round of some brutal cancer treatment.

(I pause for a second and ask that all of you please continue to life Dawn and her family up in prayer. More treatments are on the horizon. Pray for healing and deliverance from the awful disease.)

But back to Beth and I will keep it brief.

Since I couldn’t tell her in person today, I thought I would let all of you know just how grateful I am for her.

She is my inspiration!

And why? It is her "overcomer's" spirit and her servant’s heart.

1 Corinthians 15:58

…Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your work in the Lord is never wasted.

Now before you begin to roll your eyes or get queasy from the accolades, I share what Beth is doing not to glorify her.

But rather GOD.

She is not about personal recognition or attention. Never has been, never will be.

In fact this DISPATCH will make her queasy. I share this little recent act of sacrifice and selflessness because it inspired me and perhaps will inspire you.

Beth was built for what she does.

Be it at the bedside of a cancer patient these last 25+ years, in a room with a family who has a loved one departing, embracing the role of mother with the kids or standing by a damaged husband battling addiction, Beth heart beats to a simple purpose.

Serving Jesus. Helping others.

She learned a long time ago that life isn’t about her. It is about this...

Luke 10:27

The man said, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart. You must love Him with all your soul. You must love Him with all your strength. You must love Him with all your mind. You must love your neighbor as you love yourself.

And every day she goes about that business with an intense spirit and a heart of love putting others before herself; embodying this passage with aplomb!

Philippians 2:4

Get beyond yourselves and protecting your own interests; be sincere, and secure your neighbors’ interests first.

And she encourages me to do the same.

She keeps me even keeled and energized. I am a blessed man to have her! I just needed to tell someone! So you are the lucky audience today!

So I thank you for indulging me just for a second to let all of you know just how much I love the lady GOD has placed me in covenant on this her "40 something" birthday. She is a treasure and a true picture of Christ. I pray her selflessness today will encourage you to live likewise.

It has me.

Happy Birthday Beth.

Thanks for the inspiration.

Have a blessed weekend all…

I love you all!

Freedom Church

Pastor GDelaney

EQUATION

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

^1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

Ever have the kind of day that you well… just aren’t proud of? Maybe you missed the mark. Didn’t fire on all cylinders? The flesh side of the continuum overran any spiritual influence?

Maybe anger won.

Maybe selfishness won.

Maybe dishonesty or a lack of integrity ruled the day.

Was it a day dotted with impurity or self-centered thoughts?

There was more “bad” on the ledger than good?

Summed up it was a day when your “performance” was well… lacking. A day when no one would have mistaken you for a Christian?

That kind of day?

I have had days like that; days when I just don’t “perform” up to the standard of “Christian”;days where I just didn’t “measure” up.

Good thing I don’t have to.

Many of us have been engrained to think our performance is what GOD measures.

Hardly.

If that were the case, we all would be in a heap of trouble for sure; none of us would “add up” to much.

Butsadly a lot of folks preach this whole “Christian thing” as a litany and list of “dos and don'ts”; reducing faith, the Cross and grace to nothing more than a math equation.

Jesus' saving grace + doing good things - doing bad things = righteousness. That is a failed formula! It doesn’t “add up”.

And while this formula for righteousness runs counter to scripture, many of us embrace it. In fact many of us try day after day to make it add up. Adding the “good” days to the positive side of the equation and praying the negative days don’t drag us to the minus.

Jesus didn’t offer nor aspire to that sort of equation. Quite the opposite in fact!

Titus 3:5-7

...he saved us—not because we were good enough to be saved but because of his kindness and pity—by washing away our sins and giving us the new joy of the indwelling Holy Spirit, whom he poured out upon us with wonderful fullness—and all because of what Jesus Christ our Savior did so that he could declare us good in God’s eyes—all because of his great kindness; and now we can share in the wealth of the eternal life he GIVES us, and we are eagerly looking forward to receiving it.

All of the effort to advance the “good side of the equation” is simply misguided folly. We can’t begin to “perform” our way into the grace and mercy of GOD. Instead Christ did the performing for us at Calvary and He and He alone ushers us into amazing grace of the FATHER.

Romans 6:4

Your old sin-loving nature was buried with him by baptism when he died; and when God the Father, with glorious power, brought him back to life again, you were given his wonderful new life to enjoy.

So why continue to rely on a failed equation? Why place your trust in your frail self? Seems silly.

Instead be grateful that the math has already been worked out and the equation perfected by the amazing grace and mercy of Christ. Rather than trying and failing at performance, why not embrace and live a life worthy and in appreciation of the grace that is ours?

Ephesians 2:8-9

Because of his kindness, you have been saved through trusting Christ. And even trusting is not of yourselves; it too is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good we have done, so none of us can take any credit for it.

Now that does “add up”!

Have a blessed day…

I love you all!

Freedom Church

Pastor GDelaney

EMBRACE THE PRESENCE

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

^1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

Last night Anna (she is on a roll this week) shared a little from a book on EXTRAVENGANT WORSHIP from Darlene Zchech. For those of you not familiar with the spiritual leaders when it comes to the topic of worship, Darlene is on the Mt. Rushmore of worship leaders. She is a “good” authority.

And as Anna was sharing a little from the book as to the nature of our worship, it made me think of this little passage:

Luke 10:38-42

As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem they came to a village where a woman named Martha welcomed them into her home. Her sister Mary sat on the floor, listening to Jesus as he talked.

But Martha was the jittery type and was worrying over the big dinner she was preparing.

She came to Jesus and said, “Sir, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “Martha, dear friend, you are so upset over all these details! There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it—and I won’t take it away from her!

Jesus reminded Martha and us and much like Darlene was sharing through Anna last night, worship is a state of priority.

Mary had discovered it.

Jesus first. All of the “tasks” second.

The more and more we make Jesus the center of attention in our day, mind and spirit, the better. Our worship is not limited to leading songs or exhortations from the pulpit. It is not bound by “our efforts” or busyness. Rather it is a state of mind and heart.

We are to enter in to the continual and constant presence of the LORD each and every morning and allow ALL of our thoughts, deeds, work, and efforts to be marshaled by Him. Then our “work”becomes less about the “what we are doing” and much more about the “WHO WE ARE DOING IT FOR!”

Jesus prefers that!

But the Lord said to her, “Martha, dear friend, you are so upset over all these details! There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it—and I won’t take it away from her!

Mary was simply listening. She was worshipping! She embraced the “presence”

So when you pause to offer a warm cup of coffee to the impoverished at McDonalds, that is worshipping. You have embraced His presence; shared His heart!

Shovel the driveway of a shut in…WORSHIP!

Sit quietly while a friend catches some much needed rest in the hospital…WORSHIP… Presence.

When you, as my dearest friends David and Shannan did Monday night, pause and look up from dinner at Wendy’s long enough to notice the homeless girl in the corner and offer her our shelter that is worshipping. That is embracing the presence!

We don’t have to be overly busy “doing and exerting” as Martha was doing to “prove our WORTH and WORSHIP to GOD.”

Rather we can be as simple as Mary and listen and take all of our cues from Him!Remember all GOD asks is that our hearts and spirits be tuned to HIS leading and that our efforts EMULATE Him.

Ephesians 5:17

Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants.

So usher in and embrace the presence of GOD today. Prepare yourself to WORSHIP Him in all facets of your activities and even in your times of rest!

Embrace the presence!

Exodus 33:14

And he said, “My presence will go with you…

For now, yes right now, is your TIME to worship!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBczkmLHdVo

Have a blessed day…

I love you all!

Freedom Church

Pastor GDelaney

PLEASANT SURPRISE

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

^1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

I was pleasantly surprised yesterday.

He arrived at the TREE looking for a little practical help and I couldn’t help but notice that as he walked into my office he did so “very cautiously”.  It was only after he sat down that he revealed that he was “legally” blind.

Sadly the light from the window in my office caused some trouble for him due to his condition, but once he settled in, he was fine.

Our conversation was like most at the TREE.  He needed some help. The good news is we had the help he needed.  I could have ended the chat with that.  But I noticed he was referred to us from a church I hadn’t heard of.  So as we were wrapping up, I asked him about the church. 

I was glad I did.

I learned that he found this church via a bible study held on Monday’s at a closed chess club.  I learned that in the last year thanks to this good fellowship he then began to attend the affiliated church.  I then learned that while attending the church, his relationship with Christ had begun to flourish and grow.  He then told me that thanks to Christ, he had quit smoking.

Good stuff right?

Then he said the thing that was the “pleasant surprise”. 

He said he couldn’t imagine ever going back to smoking or that lifestyle because he “wasn’t” that person anymore; that that person was long gone.

For him GOD had delivered him not just from smoking but GOD had truly made him something new!

2 Corinthians 5:17

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

He said he had NEVER been full of more joy; more content with life and circumstance.  He had never found such peace.  He loved being who Jesus was crafting him to be.

By the way, did I mention that he was blind?

Not one time did he “complain” over being a little behind on his bills and needing help because of his disability.

Never once did he bemoan as to why GOD left him with hindered sight and a less than a “normal” life.

Nope. 

All he could talk about was that GOD was doing some GREAT things in his life, that he was changed and was ready for whatever was next!

What a refreshing perspective! What a pleasant surprise!

Truthfully an attitude we all (especially me) should embrace! This kind of attitude...

Philippians 2:14

Do all things without grumbling or questioning…

1 Thessalonians 5:18

No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

I got to tell you, this fella inspired me.

After he left, I was reminded of this passage…

1 Peter 1:8

Though you have not seen him (in his case literally), you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory…

This fella believed!

This fella was packed full of joy!

A pleasant surprise indeed…

Have a blessed day…

I love you all!

Freedom Church

Pastor GDelaney

GOD AND CIRCUMSTANCE

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

^1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

Yesterday our WORSHIP Pastor Anna made one of those “inspired” comments. She never ceases to surprise and delight me.

She said (and I am paraphrasing a little), “GOD is not impacted by our circumstances, rather GOD impacts all our circumstances.”

That is good.

I mean really good.

I almost broke the cardinal rule and texted it to myself from the choir risers so I wouldn’t forget it.

She is right!

How many times do we look at the challenges that we are facing and think there is no way out or worse yet that GOD isn’t engaged or paying attention?

Too many I am afraid.

But Anna is right on the money.

Nothing, I mean nothing escapes GOD’s attention.

Proverbs 5:21

For God is closely watching you, and he weighs carefully everything you do.

And without question, NO circumstance is beyond GOD’s capacity to turn it around, turn it on its ear, change it mid-stream or overcome it entirely!

John 16:33

…you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

We should BELIEVE that GOD is not the least bit rivaled, staggered or impressed with our circumstances. So we can take heart! He can and does overcome!

So I ask you. What are you up against today?

Illness?

Unexpected changes at work?

A layoff?

Maybe you are like the several I am to meet with later today saddled with homelessness, low on hope, options and possibilities.

We all need to listen to ANNA!

The circumstances while seemingly dire and bleak are no match for this incomparable truth of GOD!

Luke 1:37

…nothing will be impossible with God.

So stare those circumstances dead in the eye. Offer them over to a GOD who is anything but disinterested or surprised. Trust His wisdom, trust His provision, and trust His power!

GOD is ready for anything!

Isaiah 43:13

God’s Decree. “Yes, I am God. I’ve always been God and I always will be God. No one can take anything from me. I make; who can unmake it?"

Exactly!

2 Corinthians 9:9

As one psalmist puts it, He throws caution to the winds, giving to the needy in reckless abandon. His right-living, right-giving ways never run out, never wear out.

Believe it!

Have a blessed day…

I love you all!

Freedom Church

Pastor GDelaney

THAT WORD

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

^1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

At times, things can get…well…overwhelming.

A good friend started cancer treatment yesterday. Another will on Wednesday. Family after family in deep need paraded through the TREE and our well of benevolence is starting to spit a little dust.

Fatigued is a good word to describe how I was feeling.

Probably“listened” for 9 hours yesterday; probably talked for another 6. My brain got a little...fatigued.

And was all the counsel “good”?

Hard to say.

Did I have moments when I failed to meet the mark?

For sure!

I think they wrote that song “Momma said there would be days like this…” on a January 23^rd some year ago.

It was a long one.

Yet I am sure I am not alone when it comes to a tough day or two of late. All of you have them too. Maybe not yesterday, but I know you could easily tell me when. Days when the stark reality of life and all of its “stuff” is front and center and make some of those bright expectations for 2014 seem awfully distant in the rear view mirror. That kind of day.

Truth is it would be easy to let days like that discourage us if it wasn’t for the amazing truth and power of the WORD!

WORD like...

2 Corinthians 12:9

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Romans 8:26

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

1 Peter 5:7

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

That WORD!

So while yesterday did it’s best to upend me and even though I likely had a hand or two in its frustrations and issues with some less than stellar behavior and thinking, it is good to know that this WORD, those words, are as fresh and POWERFUL as the day they were penned and are exactly what you and I need to carry us through this day, TODAY. They help to erase the sin of yesterday and open a door of hope for what is on the slate for today.

So I say let's bid a hearty goodbye to yesterday. I am up and ready for the promise of today! I am…

Romans 8:16-17

…adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” … If we go through the hard times with him, then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with him!

I am believing all of it!

Wanna join me? (How bout you Bri?)

Have a blessed weekend

I love you all!

Freedom Church

Pastor GDelaney