Otra dia, otra adventura! ~ Mark Balmer

ANOTHER DAY ANOTHER ADVENTURE

Based on “Under HIS Influence – Yes, Lord” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 10/3-4/09,

Message #MB391; Daily Devotional #5 - “Otra dia, otra adventura!”

Preparing the Soil (Introduction): As stated in Wild Goose Chase, by Mark Batterson, “Otra dia, otra adventura. Translation: Another day, another adventure.” That is how we should approach our Spirit filled life!

Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): I have been fortunate enough to visit the Hawaiian Islands. Before my last visit, I stumbled on a wonderful book that was absolutely fascinating. In this $14.95 paperback book, the author guided his readers, literally step by step and sometimes rock by rock, to cascading waterfalls, breathtaking ocean views, and hidden tropical finds unknown and undiscovered by most travelers. There was one catch; in order to arrive at these unimaginable places, the traveler needed to say, “Yes,” and follow the author’s instructions. During one of my adventures, I specifically remember arriving at a wall of towering rocks. Wearing non-skid sneakers, I glanced at the ocean waves crashing loudly nearby. The entire scene looked a little dangerous, to say the least. The power of the ocean was undeniable. I continued to read the words written in my wet paperback book. The author instructed me to walk across this fifty foot wall of rocks. If I chose to do so, a hidden path to a spectacular waterfall promised to be waiting. I thought, “This can’t be right. The author must be talking about another wall of rocks, because if I try to walk across this wall, I don’t think I’ll make it.” I found myself hesitating and questioning the authority of the author. But eventually, I trusted him and ventured out into unknown territory (Psalm 17:5). And he was right. When I walked in faith and trust, I found myself running down paths I would not have otherwise discovered. I saw beauty only seen by those willing to trust the author. As Mark Batterson suggests in Wild Goose Chase, “If you chase the Wild Goose, He will take you places you never could have imagined going by paths you never knew existed.” Yes, the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands is spectacular; but it is nothing in comparison to the beauty of a Spirit filled life. The paths that the Holy Spirit leads us down are truly spectacular (Psalm 16:11). These journeys are unforgettable and powerful. These journeys change our lives and the lives of those around us.

Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): As Christ followers, it is time to go on our own personal wild goose chases. It is time to put our busyness aside and put our Lord where He belongs in our lives. He is to be the center of our focus, each and every day. Throughout the day, we should constantly say, “Yes, Lord! Yes, Lord! Yes, Lord!” Our “yeses” are to be full of joy, eagerness, excitement, and great anticipation. Only when we choose to freely embark on our personal wild goose chase, will we be able to experience the exhilarating, exciting, and satisfying life of a Christ follower (Psalm 25:4). Examine your heart. Are you excited to live for our Lord? Do you wake up every day with a fire and passion to bring Him glory? We should! A Spirit filled life is the best way to live! We must have the right attitude. Our heart must be focused on serving and bringing our Lord honor and glory.

Cultivating (Additional Reading): Isaiah 2:3; Acts 8

His perfect timing ~ Bob Coy

Then He said to Abram: "Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions. . . . But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete."-Genesis 15:13-16 (NKJV)

God had shared with Abraham that his descendants would be in bondage 400 years before entering the land He had promised to them. Four hundred years is a long time, and if we were among the Israelites, we might have been tempted to ask God, "If you're capable of doing whatever you want, why do we have to wait so long for the fulfillment of this prophecy?"

The answer comes at the end of this prophecy as God told Abraham, "The iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete." At that time, the Amorites were living in the land promised to Israel. Later, in the book of Leviticus, we're told that they were extremely wicked, and that God would eventually cast them out of the land because of their sinful practices (Leviticus 18:24-25). But He had graciously determined a set amount of time-400 years-before His judgment would come in the form of the Israelites, not so they could go on sinning but so His patience could be proven and they would have plenty of time to repent.

Why did it take so long for this prophecy to be fulfilled? Because God saw what was happening on the other side of the equation and had set the timer accordingly. This is a powerful reminder that prophecy is governed by God's perfect timing. He ordains fulfillment at just the right moment so that every side of the issue is perfectly served. Israel needed a homeland, the Amorites needed judgment, and God needed to demonstrate His grace and longsuffering-for 400 years.

Discuss and share with your group this idea of perfect timing. What things in your life do you feel God is “taking His time” to accomplish? How does gaining God’s perspective help you understand your present predicament?

Dig into Genesis 15:13–16. What does this passage reveal to you about God’s timing? What personal promises did Abraham receive? Why did Israel have to wait 400 years to inherit the Promised Land?

Decide as a group to pray for one another. Remind one another that God’s timing is perfect, not just in prophecy but in everyday life. Recall this prophecy when you’re tempted to question God’s timing.

Eternal vision ~ Jon Courson

When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 1:10-12

When Jesus comes, He will be glorified not among His saints — but in them.

I venture to guess that none of us bought the latest Ladies Home Journal expecting to see our names on the Ten Most Admired People list. Nor did we buy the latest edition of Who’s Who in America, eager to see our names inside.

You see, this is not our day. This is the ‘day of man’ (Job 10:5) — ‘man’ referring to fallen humanity. But when Jesus returns, He will be glorified and admired in all who believe. This means we’ll see Jesus in each other. ‘Wow, I thought you were a lightweight,’ we’ll say; or, ‘I thought you were weird;’ or, ‘I thought you were callous, cruel, pompous, or vain. But now look at you! I see Jesus in you!’

Oh, to have such a mindset this side of eternity — to join Paul in ‘knowing no man after the flesh,’ (2 Corinthians 5:16), but instead seeing Jesus glorified in His saints even now.

Our greatest need ~ David McGee

Acts 13:29-30

"Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. But God raised Him from the dead."
NKJV

Life Lesson

God's greatest deed met man's greatest need.

When we stop to consider the creation of the world, it is staggering. It is immense and huge and yet intricately beautiful to the smallest detail. Yet for all its wonder and beauty, it was not God's greatest work. His greatest work was the cross. If you were just a bystander on the day Jesus died, you would not have thought it a thing of beauty, yet strangely enough, it was the most beautiful thing ever created. This was a massive display of strength and power yet, at the same time, an overwhelming statement of grace, humility and love. In short, it was the most incredible picture of love this world has ever seen or ever will see. God, who was perfect, reached out to imperfect man so that He could have a relationship with him. Sin was in the way, and it had to be dealt with. God made the way and that way was the cross. This is our greatest need. Food is not the greatest need because there will come a day when we need food no more. Shelter is not the greatest need because we will not live eternally where we are now. The greatest need is to be forgiven and in a right relationship with God. If you are right with God, if you have been forgiven, then you have your greatest need already met. Now may your eyes be opened to those around you who have not had their greatest need met.

Dear Lord,
I thank You that because I asked You to forgive me and I believe in You, You have forgiven me. So often Lord, I think only of my needs. Lord, help me to be thankful that my greatest need has been met. Please help me to consider others in the world out there that have not had the joy of having their sins forgiven. Thank You for the cross and for making the forgiveness possible. Thanks God. In Jesus' name, Amen.

A matter of the Heart ~ Greg Laurie

Is a Christian entitled to self-defense? If that is the case, how does that work with the teaching of Jesus that we are to turn the other cheek and go the extra mile?

Should a true follower of Jesus be a complete pacifist? Or can a Christian actually be in favor of war? More specifically, can a Christian, in good conscience, serve in the military or as a law enforcement officer?

These questions have been asked for hundreds of years, and they are valid questions. In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), Jesus deals with this issue and far more.

Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount to His disciples. Its standards are not those by which a society is governed as much as they are principles by which a true follower of Jesus is to live. The real theme of the Sermon on the Mount is simply this: the heart of the matter is the matter of the heart.

That is why Jesus saved His most scathing words not for tax collectors or for prostitutes, but for Pharisees. He told them, "Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness" (Matthew 23:28).

Jesus was looking at their hearts. And God is still looking at human hearts today.

Have you ever actually wanted to kill someone? Has someone ever made you so angry that you almost could have? Let me put it another way: Have you ever driven on a freeway during rush hour?

Let's be honest. We have all felt that kind of anger. This is why we are warned about going "in the way of Cain" in Jude 1:11.

Cain was a murderer. His murderous motive started with envy when he saw that God accepted his brother Abel's sacrifice over his. That envy ultimately led to murder. And that is why we have to nip these things in the bud.

How are you doing in the battle to maintain your personal integrity? (90-5) ~ Barry Werner

How are you doing in the battle to maintain your personal integrity? (90-5)

October 9th, 2009 in Authority, Character, Commitment, Dependence on God, Integrity, Leadership Principles, Personal Development, Power and Influence, Proverbs, Relationships, Titus, Values | leave a response

A leader’s integrity is judged not only by what they say and do but also by what their subordinates say and do. Read 2 Samuel 3:26-30 and 4:5-12.

David’s words and actions revealed his integrity and commitment to both Saul, “The Lord’s anointed,” and to the people in the nation of Israel. David personally refused to usurp power from those in authority over him by manipulation or violent action and grew angry when those on his team took actions that discredited his values and integrity.

By conducting himself in an honorable way, David modeled his beliefs to his team and before God. He recognized that manipulating his way to power would only break trust with God who was directing his path. David refused to sacrifice mission and calling on the altar of convenient timing or inappropriate actions even when the stakes were very high. How are you doing in the battle to maintain your personal integrity and that of your team who act on your behalf?

David’s greatness and influence vastly increased as those around him recognized he had committed himself to higher principles. David sacrificed personal gain for those in authority over him even when they sought to destroy him. He kept his heart close to God and his behavior reflected strong inner character and his trust in God’s timing. Godly leaders strive for the same core values today.

Titus 2:7-8 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

Proverbs 11:3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.

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Tags: Manipulation

« Is vengeance disqualifying you as a leader? (90-4)

Distracted listeners ~ Charles Stanley

1 Samuel 3:1-10

Have you ever tried to have a serious discussion with someone who you knew was not really listening to you? It can be quite frustrating. Not only is it practically impossible to get your message across, but it also betrays a selfishness on the part of the other person that we often find irritating and disrespectful.

You see, when we have a significant message to share with someone, we naturally want his or her undivided attention. God is the same way. When He speaks to us, He always has something extremely important to say. Therefore, He rightfully expects our complete focus and attention.

When the Holy Spirit communicates with us, we will often hear His voice immediately if we have been walking in step with Him. His "voice" may be a gentle whisper in our spirit, or it could be an obvious, miraculous sign "from out of the blue." However God chooses to speak, those who are attuned to His voice will hear Him.

But we don't always walk perfectly in the Spirit, do we? At those times when we are distracted, God must do something to get our attention. He may give us a restless spirit or speak a word of wisdom through a friend. He might even do something drastic, like bring about an unexpected move or career change.

When we're not tuned in to the Spirit, God's warning signs can feel like spiritual attacks. Yet these could be the very times when the Lord is revealing Himself to us. Could He be trying to break through your distractions? Prayerfully consider how He may be speaking, and see if you can discern His message.

Jesus talk ~ Joyce Meyer

Speak as God speaks

But avoid all empty (vain, useless, idle) talk, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness.
— 2 Timothy 2:16

Avoid all empty, idle, vain, and useless talk. Instead, learn to speak as God speaks. It is the Word of God, spoken in truth and love from your lips, that will return to Him after accomplishing His will and purpose.

But in order to speak that Word in truth and love, your heart must be right before the Lord, for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks—for good or for evil. You are bound by your words, by your declarations.

You are also judged by them. Watchman Nee once said, "If you listen to a person, you can detect by their words the spirit that is coming forth from them." That is why it is so important to place a guard upon your lips so that what issues forth from them is not only truthful, but also kind and positive and edifying and in line with the will of God.

You can change your action and behavior, but to do so you must first change your thoughts and words. And to do that, you need the help of the indwelling Spirit of God.

If you truly want your life to be totally different, then submit yourself to the Lord and in humility ask Him to transform you into the image and nature of His Son Jesus Christ. He is doing that for me; and if He can do it for me, He can—and will—do it for you too.

Twitter Proverbs from Rick Warren

• Jake, PDL stands for Purpose Driven Life.You can now get one of the 35 million USED hardbacks for a penny on Amazon! Sweet!about 9 hours ago from web

• Guys, Saddleback's systematic theo course for our members is FOUNDATIONS & is now pub. by Zondervan. 15,000+ have taken itabout 9 hours ago from web

• Change ur life by changing ur mind."Metanoia"(Repentance) is THE key that opens the door to freedom from ur past.Rom 12:1-2about 10 hours ago from web

• Whatever u resist gets reinforced by attention.To break a habit or thought, DONT REISIST it, REFOCUS elsewhere.PDL ch26-27about 10 hours ago from web

• Follow @KayWarren1 for wisdom.Co-wrote our 9mo. sys.theology course studied by15,000+ members &required 4 all our leadersabout 20 hours ago from web

• 2b wise-spend more time w God! "It is the Spirit in a man,the breath of the Almighty,that gives him understanding"Job 32:8about 20 hours ago from web

• It's stupid to let people from your past continue to hurt u today thru memory. They can't hurt u anymore unless u allow it.9:27 PM Oct 8th from web

• Holding on to past hurts is like driving looking at the rearview mirror.You'll crash.Your past is past! Let it go. Phil3:139:20 PM Oct 8th from web

• Heresy-hunting lets u to ignore the mess in your own life. God is more concerned about your hypocrisy than other's heresy.12:46 PM Oct 8th from web

• I'll follow anyone attending Catalyst 09 who lets me know you're there.Send me your favorite insights.Praying for u #CAT0910:26 PM Oct 7th from web

• For every book on serving,there's a 100 written on leading.Which have u read more of & what does that tell u? Matt20:264:38 PM Oct 7th from web

• I hate missing Catalyst this yr.I believe in Next Gen & I'm praying for u! Please tweet me the best insights u hear.#CAT0912:19 PM Oct 7th from web

• True success:Having those who know me best,respect me most.“I will lead a life of integrity in my own home” Psalm101:2(LB)11:56 AM Oct 7th from web

• Paul's last request:Bring my books! 2Tim4:13 In Dec-begin a wkly webcast on essential books.Began mylibrary@16. 20,000vols11:26 PM Oct 6th from web

• Show me ur library& I'll predict ur future in ministry.Cant build without tools! I buy used hardback instead of new pb.11:07 PM Oct 6th from web

• WorshipWars arent new.Benjamin Keach wrote "A Breach Repaired" in1691 His controversial innovation? Congregational sInging!6:02 PM Oct 6th from web

• @Ann Dunagan- AMEN Rick! God isn't Republican, Democrat- or even American! His heart is for the WHOLE WORLD & HIS KINGDOM!10:44 AM Oct 6th from web

• Joshua:"Are you for us or for our enemies?" Angel:"NEITHER! I'm commander of God's army"Josh5:14 Pastors cant be partisans!10:38 AM Oct 6th from web

• Balance ur preaching:“Edification,Exhortation & Comfort”1Cor.14:3 BUILD UP(doctrinal)FIRE UP(motivational)HOLD UP(pastoral)12:29 AM Oct 6th from web

• 95% of criticism is caused by envy, ego, or erroneous info.The 3rd is usually motivated by first 2. James3:16=why confusion12:00 PM Oct 5th from web

Our Father, who art in heaven...~ Daily Light

MORNING

The whole family in heaven and earth.

One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. - Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. - That in the dispensation of the fulness of times, he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.

He is not ashamed to call them brethren. - Behold my mother and my brethren! Whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. - Go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father.

I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: ... and white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. - That they without us should not be made perfect.

EPH. 3:15. Eph. 4:6. -Gal. 3:26. -Eph. 1:10. Heb. 2:11. Matt. 12:49,50. John 20:17. Rev. 6:9 11. Heb. 11:40.

EVENING

After this manner ... pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven.

Jesus lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father. - My Father, and your Father.

Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. - Ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.

Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

MATT. 6:9. John 17:1. -John 20:17. Gal. 3:26. Rom. 8:15,16. Gal. 4:6,7. John 16:23,24. II Cor. 6:17,18.

Jeremiah 14:11-16:15 ~ 1 Thessalonians 2:9-3:13 ~ Psalm 80:1-19 ~ Proverbs 25:1-5 ~ One Year Bible Blog

Jeremiah 14:11-16:15 ~ 1 Thessalonians 2:9-3:13 ~ Psalm 80:1-19 ~ Proverbs 25:1-5
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on DailyAudioBible.com (podcast) or OneYearAudioBible.org ~

Old Testament - We have powerful readings in Jeremiah today! I love the exchanges between God and Jeremiah. Today in Jeremiah 15:16, we read these words of Jeremiah's to God: “When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God Almighty.” What does this verse mean to you? Can you eat God’s words? Can they feed you? Spiritually? Are you being fed by God’s Word through the One Year Bible daily readings? Are God’s words your joy and your heart’s delight? Are you making it a practice to memorize scripture? Would this practice help you in making God’s words your joy and heart’s delight? What does it mean to bear God’s name? Is God’s name written on your heart? How else are you being fed by God, in addition to his Word? Are you being fed by attending and investing in a church each week? Do you think that church, the bride of Christ, can spiritually feed you? Is there any reason to refuse this spiritual food?

New Testament - The First Thessalonians readings today are nice! I found chapter 2 verse 18 to be an interesting verse: "We wanted very much to come, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan prevented us. " I think this is an important reminder that Satan can indeed prevent good work from taking place in our lives. Through prayer, reading the Word, and obedience we can avoid some attacks. But, they will still come while we are in this world. I would just encourage you to keep in mind that Satan is real. Don't dwell on this, but realize it is true. And that by growing your relationship with Jesus & God, I do believe great protection can come over you - but keep in mind that even a person as close to the Lord as Paul was prevented by Satan from doing some things Paul wanted to do. How is your prayer life today? Do you pray to God to protect you and keep you from Satan and all his tricks and lies and temptations? Let us be prayer warriors for not only ourselves, but also for others in our lives! Do you consider yourself to be a prayer warrior? Would you like to be a prayer warrior? What is stopping you from being a prayer warrior? All it takes is prayer...

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in First Thessalonians chapter 3 titled "The Concern Expressed" is at this link. Below is a great Fall image of 1 Thessalonians 3:12 from today's readings:

Psalms - Psalm 80 verse 19 today is powerful! "Turn us again to yourself, O LORD God Almighty. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved." I like that opening - "turn us again to you God." I don't believe that God turns himself away from us - but that we do indeed turn ourselves away from God. And like the Psalmist, maybe sometimes we literally need to pray that God will turn us back toward him. I kind of come up with the imagery of us maybe sometimes being like pouty kids with our arms folded and our backs toward God - and God is looking at us lovingly - all we simply need to do is turn our face toward God and his grace will heal that pout and whatever is troubling us immediately... If you need to, will you turn yourself again toward God?

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 25 verses 4 & 5 today are interesting: "Remove the dross from silver, and the sterling will be ready for the silversmith. Remove the wicked from the king's court, and his reign will be made secure by justice." I believe dross is some sort of impurity that is in silver when it is heated up. Actually, I just looked it up in the dictionary and dross means: "impurity: worthless or dangerous material that should be removed; "there were impurities in the water"" or "[n. DRAHSS] Something that is useless or worthless is dross. This noun refers to the less-than-desirable parts of something. Near synonyms include: refuse, rubbish, and impurity. Another more specific use of the word dross describes the scum or slag thrown off from metals in the process of melting them. It traces back to the Old English dros, which corresponds to the Middle Dutch droes and the Germanic dros. All of these are words for dregs (less than desirable parts)." So, this proverb is also saying the wicked in the king's court is an impurity that must be removed for a secure reign with justice. This makes sense in a governmental sense. You don't want crooks on the cabinet. But, I think this also works well in our own personal lives. Sin is a dross - an impurity - in our life that must be removed so that we will be of use to the "silversmith" - Jesus. Do you have dross / sin in your life? Will you allow God to remove the dross - the impurity - from your life through the work of his expert Silversmith, Jesus? Please let Jesus heal you of the dross in your life. Jesus is the only one who truly can!

Worship God: This brief reflection on Jesus healing us of our sin above reminded me of the Casting Crowns song "East To West." Here's a fantastic live version of this song!

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

Do you know how far the east is from the west? Click here to learn about the Silversmith who can forgive the "dross" in your life!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week: "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15 (NIV)

Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you from today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike