Commissioned

Matthew 28:16-20 (NLT)

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

What do you do for a living? Some of us work with our hands. Some of us work with our brains. Some of us work with both. Many of us are caught up somewhere between working hard and hardly working. Either way, it’s very easy in the midst of our daily grind to forget about the larger calling that Christ has placed on our lives as believers.

When we give our lives to Christ and accept his forgiveness, we are called and commissioned to live for something greater than ourselves. Jesus commands us to “go and make disciples,” which means forsaking the self-centered temporary pleasures of this life for the eternal impact our lives can have on the people we interact with on a daily basis.

Furthermore, the moment we choose to take our faith seriously, every single aspect of our life begins to change. Conversations that used to seem meaningless begin to matter greatly. The music we listen to. The movies we watch. What we spend our Friday nights doing. All of these things take on greater significance.

When we begin to understand and live like everything we say and do has eternal ramifications, we are well on our way to pointing people AWAY from us and TO Christ, which is exactly what Christ has called us to do.

End-of-Series / Month Reflection and Meditation

What once seemed a dim glimmer in the distant future is now upon us. We’ve reached the end of a three month journey through the Back to the Basics series. To the few who’ve remained faithful, I say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Won’t sound as sweet as when Jesus says it later, but you get the jest, I’m proud of you.) Here are a handful of questions to conclude:

1. How has Jesus changed you during the course of the Back to the Basics series? Be specific.

2. Which part of the vision do you struggle with the most? What can you do about this?

3. If you signed the commitment card, are you continuing to be part of the “solution”? Continuing to live out the vision?

4. Who can you share all of the things you’ve learned through the series with?

5. Take a moment to thank God for his working through this series. Then, at the next opportunity you have, thank John for his courageousness and effort in bringing all this to our attention. And, while you’re at it, thank the wiser and wittier Jason for his devotion (no pun intended) in taking the writing and getting it posted on the website.

Author’s Note: Today the torch of the LifeTogether devotions will be passed to my fellow scribe in the Refugee Writers Collective (you know and love him as the wiser and wittier Jason). Like any Jesus Freak, I have offered you what I have, what I’ve been given. And its now my time to step back and drink deeply of the water so that I may be refilled. Come full circle once again. Press on...

The Solution

Hebrews 10:22-25 (NLT)

Let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

After three months of mouth watering anticipation (of the spiritual variety), we’ve come to the end of the Back to the Basics devotions. All of the writing, Scriptures, stories, quips, and quotes have led to this moment, this conclusion, the solution promised us by John (the Pastor, not the Baptist). And it is this: will you answer the call, will you commit to accomplishing the Gospel and the vision of Refuge Church, will you-

1. Passionately seek a relationship with Jesus Christ

2. Grow and mature as part of a spiritual body

3. Reach the least, lost, and broken with the Gospel

4. Become a living, breathing church in the community

It's been less than a month since I witnessed the humbling act of people- dozens of them- signing their names on the “Commitment cards” and walking to the front to drop them into the basket in a public act of servant-leadership. Let’s not permit this memory to fade from the collective conscious. Think back to the card and ask yourself if you’re still on the narrow road of commitment. Praise Yahweh for taking us through this series and giving us the Solution. Prayerfully ask him to help you as you undertake this vision in your life. And watch in awe as God moves amongst his people.

Serving the Body

Ephesians 4:11-13 (NLT)

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.

As the icon for underdogs worldwide, Rocky Balboa endured many a pummeling through his self-titled series. Similarly, we as Refugees have been pummeled by the idea of reaching out during the Back to the Basics series. As previously highlighted in the “Reaching In” devotion (13 February), we must also serve within our body, the church. John nailed down this thought in week nine’s message, “Serving the Body and Community.” Focusing mostly on the body, he did this by summarizing many valuable ideas into three powerful bullet points:

1. Giving our time and service. More than throwing money in a basket or at the problems of the world or an hour-long service on Sunday morning, serving the body should be about giving our time and service. Time is the most valuable commodity in this life, due to our inability to get it back once its spent and the limited amount we have in this life. When we sacrifice our time, we’re completely emptying ourselves. We’re, in essence, saying, “This person or thing is special. They/it mean something.” Jesus says, “There is no greater love than a person who lays their life down for another.” That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to launch yourself into traffic, shove a pedestrian out of the path of a Mack truck, and absorb the blow yourself. Quite simply, you giving your “life-time” to build up another accomplishes this.

2. Realize your spiritual function. This is where most people get lost. “What’s my function?” “How will I know when I’ve found it?” I don’t know how many people read this devotion, but I’d be willing to bet (and I’m not a gambler) that all of you haven’t turned in your Spiritual Gift Survey. This priceless resource is painless (minus maybe a wicked paper cut) and steers you toward an understanding of your spiritual functions. You may even learn something new about yourself! The other way to realize your spiritual function is by trial and error. Find an area of the church which needs help and volunteer. Test it out on a trial basis. With the amount of ministries, you’re bound to lock onto one you will both enjoy and encourage others.

3. Plug in relationally. Relationships grant life meaning. Our relationship with Jesus brings salvation, hope, peace, eternal life, and a host of other things. Relationships with others brings us closer together, allows us help and accountability, and makes life more memorable. As John advised, get with him about joining one of the upcoming small groups, called LifeGroups. An easy way to get started to changing your life…and strengthening the body as a whole.

Morning Message

Scripture References:

Title or topic of message:

Notes:

Questions I have about the message:

How can I apply this message to my life?

Reflection and Meditation

1. During this week, we looked at the three most notable ways to worship corporately (song, Bible study, and tithing/giving). Using self evaluation, which of these do you humbly excel at? Which of these is your weakest area? What are some things you can do during the week or prior to entering service that will prepare your heart for worship?

2. Accountability time: How many of you have continued following the steps we’ve discussed in the past: praying for the lost, finishing your spiritual gift surveys, reaching out in creative ways, living a life of worship. If you’re doing so, press on and keep fighting the good fight. If not, allow this to be an encouragement to steer back to the narrow path.

Corporate Growth #5 (Giving/Tithing)

Malachi 3:8,10 (NLT)

“Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! But you ask, "What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?" You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! 

Isaiah 29:13 (NLT)

And so the Lord says, “These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote.

Keep in mind yesterday’s question: “Is the Scripture enough?” Without laying a guilt trip on you or blathering on about how the church should be willing to give everything (read the book of Acts), I will allow these Scriptures John shared on tithing to do that for me. After considering these passages, prayerfully ask Yahweh what he wants you to do about it. Then obey, with a heart of joy and worship.

Corporate Growth #4 (Reading The Scripture #2)

Isaiah 55:10-11 (NLT)

The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.

Never will I look at salad the same way again.

John (the Pastor, not the Baptist) continued his message on corporate growth by making an observation that went something along the lines of, “Studying the Bible is like the salad bowl story.” He went on to explain how a salad- with its spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, and so forth- is good and nutritious for the body. It gives us energy to burn, loads us with vitamins and minerals for growth, and is a small piece of the greater plan for a long and healthy lifestyle. But as we flawed humans tend to do, we’re not satisfied with that. We desire the pleasure of more, more, more. More taste, so we pile on the bacon bits. More fill, so we pour on the dressing high in fat and corn syrups. More muscle, so we scoop on the protein powder (okay, that’s sickening, but you get the point). The salad alone is adequate; we just overdo it. Make a good thing bad.

Like Jesus with his parables, John is illustrating both a physical and spiritual message with his salad metaphor. Bible study is the salad to a healthy believer. Simple. Nutritious. Healthy. Vital to our eternal well-being. What we tend to do, however, is play Captain Christian and pile on all the “extras” to enhance our spiritual stature. We make an elaborate schedule of how we’re going to study the Bible, purchase a specific commentary, research the latest fad or interpretation of the passage, read until we garner some sense of philosophical truth or revelation. Its lasts about two days, then we give up. And we won’t feel full or like we’ve got our money’s worth.

We may all splurge on the extras from time to time, but here is the point I believe John is trying to convey: To grow (as individuals and the collective body), we simply need to feed on the Scripture. Its powerful enough to stand alone, to speak for itself. We can read it and apply it without all the gimmicks and gizmos designed to enhance it. We could even read it in service or in our morning devotional and stop there. Allow its words to sink in and change us. Do what it says without the added fluff.

Reflection time in the Refugee camp. Ask yourself the question, “Is the Scripture enough?” If John stood up to preach one Sunday morning and said, “I’m only going to read the Scripture aloud this morning,” would you feel like you wasted your time in coming to service? If Jason plied to the stage wielding his guitar and confessed, “I’m just going to strum and sing straight from Psalms,” would you still worship with the same ferocity? On those days where I give you a portion of Scripture in the devotional and tell you to do something about it, do you feel let down that you didn’t get my witty and intellectually stimulating commentary?(that’s a joke people, you can laugh).

All kidding aside though, fall in love with the simple, yet eternally profound Scripture. Allow it to change you.

And never look at a salad the same way again.

Corporate Growth #3 (Reading The Scripture #1)

Acts 2:42 (NLT)

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

2 Timothy 4:2 (NLT)

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

Only prayer has been covered more in these Back to the Basics devotionals than Bible study. Don’t blame me. I’m only writing these little lessons based off my notes from John’s messages. So blame him. Naturally, I’m kidding. I stand behind John and his hammering the importance of Bible study both to us as individuals and as a collective body. Coupled with prayer, it will determine our survival as believers and as a church body. Yahweh is such a powerful and glorious and creative entity that He speaks in countless ways. Many of us simply don’t know how to listen or get mixed messages in this convoluted and confusing world. Enter the Scripture. Nowhere short of Yahweh Himself can we find guidance, encouragement, correction, instruction, principles, and hope like we can here. In short, everything we need to be a new creation, a Christ follower, a Spirit-filled soldier, a disciple and mentor, a servant-leader, is found in these pages. And I understand I’m preaching to the choir (if you’re reading these devotions, you’re already studying the Word…and afford me this digression to say I’m proud of you. Continue to relish the journey.). But imagine if half of us Refugees did it! Lay aside the church a minute, just imagine the changes that would take place in homes, lives, workplaces, schools, and the community!

If you’re already studying the Scripture, continue to do so. When you grow weary of doing it this way, grab a different devotion or a methods book. Dig around (or ask me or John). There are resources out there to guide you through diverse ways to read and analyze the Bible. Growth sometimes requires a change. But once again, if you’re reading this you already know this. So I’ll use the reminder of my time with you this morning to share ways you can encourage others to blow the dust off the cover and pick up their Bible. I’m often asked, “How can I get my friends to read the Bible more? Or read it with me?” Some experienced observations:

1. Live it out. It seems it always comes back to this. When people see Life-Change in you, they will wonder how you changed. Now is your opportunity to describe the role of God’s Word on and in your life. This tends to go over much better than “preaching” to them about the importance of Bible reading.

2. Relate Biblical principles to situations. One of the ministries Jesus uses me in is working with recovering alcoholics and drug addicts. Many are lost in trying to follow steps that sound good but are backed up by no purpose other than trying to stay “sober.” This allows me the opportunity to share with them that the steps are based off of Biblical principles and if you go straight to the source, you find not only sobriety but a relationship with the Savior and Lover of our soul. You find more than hope- you find Jesus and all He entails. Usually this salvo leads them to search the Scriptures. Keep your eyes peeled for opportunities like that. They happen all the time.

3. Simply ask. If you want to encourage a friend to read the Bible and try to live it out, pay them a visit. Or a phone call. Tell them you’re interested in going deeper in your relationship with Jesus and you chose them to go through the process with. They will appreciate being thought of, you will have encouraged them to study the Bible, and you will have accountability as well. You may even ask them to follow the LifeTogether devotionals with you (shameless plug). It’s a win-win situation.

Corporate Growth #2 (An Inventory of Sorts)

Although this devotion is labeled “Corporate Growth,” it's more of a personal exercise than a group one. If you choose to go through this with honesty and transparency though, you will find it will not only help your growth…but all of ours together. As usual, I will use myself as the example, not because of ego (okay, some ego) but I don’t want to ask anything of you I haven’t done myself. Yesterday, we discussed the power music has upon us. Both in our former lives. And in our current ones. This is an inventory to display the massive growth that takes place when you sellout everything- including your musical selections- to Jesus. This inventory contains two parts; the first is if you currently struggle with the music you listen to, the second if you’ve already laid down your music at the cross and replaced it with more uplifting influences. Here is the exercise:

Part 1 (if you never analyzed your musical selections). Complete the following exercise:

Write down the last five songs or artists you’ve listened to. Include some of the lyrics to the songs. Now ask yourself the following questions:

1. What effect did the words and/or music of this song have on me?

2. Would you describe these as positive or negative effects?

3. Does the song or artist glorify Jesus in both word and deed?

4. Is this music conducive to your growth as a follower of Christ?

5. Would you want your children or friends or spouse listening to this music?

Part 2 (compare/contrasting your “old” music with your “new” music) Complete the following exercise:

Write down the lyrics to five of the songs you once listened to. (If you’re like me, the Lord has removed most of these…but usually you can remember a few). Next, write down some of the lyrics from the last five songs you’ve listen to. Now look at the differences. And praise God!

Example-

Old (the last song I used to listen to that came up in conversation with a friend):

“…disarm you with a smile, and leave you like they left me here, to wither in denial, the bitterness of one who’s left alone…” -Disarm by the Smashing Pumpkins

New (the last song I listened to before writing this devotion): “…I get carried away, like I’m the only one who’s ever felt the way I do, but I can hear you say, you’re not the only one cause everybody hopes to get through…” -Sleeping In by Relient K

Can you see the glaring difference; one oozing misery, the other exuding hope. What you put in will eventually come out. Praise Yahweh for being my Hope! And yours!

Corporate Growth #1 (Song)

Psalm 122:1 (NLT)

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.”

Perhaps no power on earth can sway our emotions or tug our heartstrings as much as music. It has the rare ability to evoke nostalgia, inspire, encourage, depress, fill with sorrow, release anger, praise the Savior, and much more. It transports us to memories, both good and bad, and creates new ones. It’s the soundtrack of our lives. If you listened to “worldly” music before coming to Christ, you understand the difficulty of surrendering it to Jesus. You know the pain of trying to pry those deep roots from your heart. Of hearing those opening notes and being jettisoned back to feelings and emotions that ruled and suppressed your life long ago. Or still now. As believers, you also realize the power that “Godly” music has over your spirit. How it takes you out of self. How it allows an avenue of worship. How it lifts your spirit, pulls you through storms, affords opportunities to share the Gospel in a less-preachy way.

Because of all this, its no wonder John (the Pastor, not the Baptist) described song as one of the key aspects of our growth and maturity as Refugees. Singing and making music before (and about) Yahweh is the easiest way for many of us to worship. Its what draws many people to church. It prepares our hearts for the reading and studying of the Word. It allows us get excited about God, jump up and down, lift our hands, form a holy mosh pit, release pent-up praise. All commendable things. All things John mentioned as good. But in order to grow, here is something to dwell on. Call it a thought-provoker. Call it a growing pain. Call it whatever you will.

It's not about you!!!

I’ll never forget this phrase. Not only because John mentioned it as it related to worship music, but also because the first devotional I ever completed began Day 1 with this statement. It's not about us! Worship…and worship music isn’t about us. The music is meant to be an offering before God, lending our voice and blending it with others with the sole purpose of thanking and lifting up Yahweh. Its great that you have favorite songs or sprint to the front to shout and do the hand motions when the wiser and wittier Jason and company strum the opening chords of “Like a Lion.” But what about the other songs, the songs that may not draw an emotional response from us. Can we shift the focus off of us and onto God? Can we worship anyway? Can we dwell on the words…or the heart, even if we don’t “like” the music? If we can, we’re living up to the Scripture, “Lord, you become greater and allow me to become smaller.”

Morning Message

Scripture References:

Title or topic of message:

Notes:

Questions I have about the message:

How can I apply this message to my life?

Reflection and Meditation

1. What does the phrase “reaching in” mean to you. List three Refugees that you can reach in to this week and describe some ways you can encourage or build them up. Now follow through.

2. Accountability time. Did you follow through with the devotion’s request during the week. Have you listed five lost people and begun to pray for them daily? Have you found a prayer partner to agree with you in prayer?

3. Recall the analogy of the Potter and the Clay. What are some issues Jesus is “thumbing” out of you now? How does it feel to know that you are being lovingly shaped (or reshaped) into the image of God?

4. Reread (or listen to) the lyrics from yesterday’s devotion. Allow them to sink in. Then act upon them in your own way.

A Closing Word on Reaching Out

Mark 9:37 (NLT)

Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me.

To close part three of the vision, John mentioned a song by the band Caedmon’s Call that had a profound impact on him and the way he perceived the least, lost, and broken. I will share my space with them today. And, on a side note, I have included my own musical inspirations when it comes to the least, lost, and broken (Leeland and Brandon Heath).

P.S. Perhaps the wiser and wittier Jason can use his magical technology and put a link to these songs so we can listen to (or purchase) them as well. We’ll call it the Refugee Soundtrack to Reaching the Least, Lost, and Broken.

Caedmon’s Call - This World

And the least of these, look like criminals to me, so I leave Christ on the street, this world has held my hand, and has led me into intolerance, but now I’m waking up, and now I’m breaking up, but now I’m making up, for lost time







Leeland - Follow You

And I’ll follow you into the homes that are broken, follow you into the world, meet the needs for the poor and the needy God, follow you into the world







Brandon Heath - Give Me Your Eyes

Give me your eyes for just one second, give me your eyes so I can see, everything that I keep missing, give me your love for humanity, give me your arms for the broken hearted, the ones that are far beyond my reach, give me your heart for the ones forgotten, give me your eyes so I can see

The Broken

Isaiah 64:8 (NLT)

And yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand.

A few years ago, my dad and I embarked on a father-son road trip to the Ozark Mountains. Before seeking seclusion, we took a detour to the Passion Play. For those of you not familiar with the place, its an outdoor theater drama based on Jesus' ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension. Prior to the actual play, there were several side attractions to entertain and enlighten. One of those was a man who imitated Jesus, teaching a lesson as he shaped a lump of clay on an old spinning wheel. As he molded the mud into a cup, he shared the Scripture above. He went on to detail the process of creating something beautiful out of a chaotic mess. How you have to dig your thumbs into the knots until they smooth out. How if unsupported by a gentle hand, the piece being fashioned will flop over and fall off the wheel. How you must place the finished product through the fire to strengthen its structure. How you can take broken pottery and make it new again.

These gripping images have shaped my understanding of brokenness and restoration. We, along with those around us, are all beautiful pieces in God’s collection. Along the way, sin (and the consequences of it) cracks and peels us until we’re ugly and marred. Some of us even shattered into a million little pieces. It takes a potter- the Potter- to mend us back together. To make us new. So we’re returned to the spinning wheel. Jesus lovingly thumbs the knots out of us. A painful, but necessary process. His gentle hands reshape us in his image. He sends us through the fire to galvanize us for his cause. And we’re being used to carry his living water to the lips of others. Other broken people.

Just something to think about.

Praying for the Lost #2

Luke 19:10 (NLT)

For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.

Once again, we’ve reached an impasse. Rather than reading three more paragraphs on reaching the lost, let’s reach the lost.

Make a list of five people you know are lost. Or those not currently walking in personal relationship with Jesus. Now make a commitment to pray for them daily. Then let your deeds back up your faith. List some ways in which to reach out to them (you may refer to your answers from Saturday’s reflection questions). Find a prayer partner and share your list with them. Add their list of names to your own. Pray together and as individuals. As you do this, remember what it was like when you began your walk with Jesus and found out all the people that were praying for you. It’s a powerful thing. And finally, praise God ahead of time for the harvest!

Praying for the Lost #1

John 14:6 (NLT)

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

At first glance, this verse fits the mold of a good one to share with someone to lead them to salvation. But if we venture straight there, we’re missing an essential truth along the way, coming prior to a “salvation experience.” And that is Yahweh must show us our need for Him even before we can cry out for salvation. Quite simply, before we can be saved, we must recognize our need for salvation through Jesus. Its God’s Spirit- the Holy Spirit- which pricks our heart and makes us aware that there is Someone beyond us and that we desperately need him.

If we are to reach the lost, we need to remember what it was like to be lost. As John mentioned, “We didn’t act like we had a relationship [with Jesus] because we didn’t have a relationship [with Him].” We had no concept of a loving God. Or if we did, we lacked concern or were rebellious toward him. Praying for God to bring us the lost is noble, but perhaps we should first pray that God draws people to Himself first, then to us. This thought is driven home by the powerful pamphlet, Praying Effectively for the Lost, John shared during this message. As it points out, we spend massive amounts of time in fellowships, families, and festivities. And most of us even pray. But when was the last time we prayed for a specific lost person? By name. And really cried out to Yahweh on their behalf, begging him to reveal Himself to them in such a way that they can’t deny his love.

It happens to be Valentine’s Day. Besides being a corporate holiday designed to take advantage of the emotions and wallets of millions, it’s a day to celebrate love. So share the greatest love story ever with someone who has never heard it today. Keep that in mind and we’ll finish this thought on the morrow.

Reaching In

1 Thessalonians 5:11-15 (NLT)

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other. Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.

As believers, its easy to get caught up in the “routines” of being a Christ follower. Praying, studying the Word, attending service, and even reaching out. Often neglected, however, is the act of reaching in. By reaching in, I’m not referring to some sort of meditative mysticism. I’m talking about reaching inward when it comes to our body. Many times we busy ourselves so much by reaching out to the least, lost, and broken outside of our four walls that we overlook the need for encouragement within. This isn’t a loophole where I’m granting you permission to stop reaching out. I’m simply suggesting you follow Jesus in reaching both out (to the world) and in (to the Refugees). Full circle.

An example: John and Jason are the “faces” of Refuge. They are the pastors. Its their “job” to shepherd the flock. We hold them in high esteem and look toward their example. We sometimes have the thought that their lives are perfect, that they never grow weak or weary, that they’re superhuman, like they have capes underneath their church clothes. But in reality, they are people much like you and I. People who need encouragement, need a kind word, need to be reached out to. And they aren’t alone. How many Refugees do you know that toil both on stages and behind-the-scenes who could use a hand- a hand of help or applause. A pat on the back. An offer to talk. An invitation to dinner. An “I’m proud of you!“ sentiment. Yes, I know we fellowship and visit and eat. But I’m referring to one-on-one reaching in. By doing so, we’re completing the following:

1. Imitating Christ - Jesus’ entire life was about reaching the least, the lost, and the broken. But notice as you read the Gospels that Jesus continually reached in as well. Pouring his love, time, and teaching into a small group. A rabble that he held accountable, scolded, and encouraged time and time again.

2. Strengthening  the Body - As we’ve discussed previously, serving the Lord is exhausting and sometimes lonely work. In order to maintain balance, its as important for us to reach in toward other Refugees as much as it is to reach out. By building up the body, we will gain endurance and perseverance to continue reaching out.

3. Completing the discipleship process - The church isn’t a factory spitting out new believers and sending them into the world unprepared. Once Jesus delivers us a new believer, we’re responsible for building them up. We do this by continuing to reach out to them as much as (or more than) we did when they were lost. Its easier for some to make a decision for Christ; the difficulty comes in living it out daily.

Morning Message

Scripture References:

Title or topic of message:

Notes:

Questions I have about the message:

How can I apply this message to my life?

Reflection and Meditation

1. Describe what Jesus' reaching out to you means.

2. What are several ways in which Jesus has reached out to you? (Think outside the box; he does)

3. List several people who have reached out to you with the love of Christ. Take a moment this weekend to share with them their role in your life and thank them for it.

4. Make a list of people you will make an effort to reach out to in the coming week. Be specific (but don't limit your reaching out to only them)

5. What are some simple and creative ways to reach out to others with the love of Christ?

Reaching The Least

Mark 9:35 (NLT)

He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.”

Despite its short length, I hope we didn’t miss the point of yesterday’s exercise- to reach out in a simple way to another. Practicing it, not simply preaching it. Today’s lesson picks up there and begins with a question:

Have you ever uttered the following prayer (or one similar): “Jesus, I pray that you send me (us) the least, lost, and broken so that I (we) can minister to them. Lead them to you. See them changed. And praise you because of it.”

Those of us who have soon discover that we had no idea as to the consequences of our actions. We figure out that beyond (and in) our little personal world, there are people with issues, hurts, hang ups, habits, and histories. They’re loud, annoying, dirty, stinky, selfish, ungrateful, complaining, arrogant, depressed, dishonest, and in denial. Just to name a few. But let’s understand something here- hurting people are the ones who need help! Jesus says in the Gospels, “Its not the well who need a doctor, but the sick. That‘s what I‘m here for” (Jason’s paraphrase). Those who grace the doors of Refuge don’t do so because their lives are perfect. Rather, we come because we are hurting in some form or fashion, from a literal pain to emotional scars to feeling homesick for our digs in heaven.

Let’s get down to the heart of the matter. Most of us don’t even pray for the least. Period. Fewer still pray… but honestly don’t want their prayers answered, for fear of dealing with the mess that comes with working with the least. There is wading through the garbage of the past, evicting skeletons from the closet, confessions and amends and relapses. There are inconveniences and phone calls and mentorship. It’s a spiritual janitor job. Scrubbing and polishing and cleaning and restoring.

And truth be told, everyone fits into this category, for it is the church. You and I.

In the words of Matthew (of Hope Ministries, not the Gospel writer), “If you’re willing to minister to the hurting, you’ll always have an audience.”

A Practical Guide To Reaching Out

James 2: 14-18 (NLT)

What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”

This devotion will be different from most days. This is because I will stop writing after the next sentence and challenge you to follow its instructions. With the time you usually use to complete this devotional, reach out to someone else- write a letter, make a phone call, visit a friend, volunteer with a neighbor, feed the hungry, share a Scripture, whatever.

On Sunday, tell me about it...

Ultimate Act of Reaching

John 3:16 (NLT)

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

Yesterday, we defined what it meant to reach out. We even compared scenes from a couple of films John mentioned to inspire us to do so. Today, we get not just examples of such reaching but rather, the ultimate act of reaching. And that is, in a word (or the Word):

Emmanuel. Emmanuel- God with us. God reaching out a fleshly arm, Jesus, to reconcile us to Himself. The Creator stepping into, reaching into, His creation.

Use your imagination (remember child-like faith). We live in a technological world so it won’t be too far of a stretch. Let’s say you create a world on your computer. Sort of like a SimCity deal. You program and create beautiful, good things like people and trees. Your desire is to have these people love you because you love them, not because they have been programmed to. In fact, you create them with the intelligence and free will to make their own decisions. Then one day as you turn on your computer to spend some time with them, you instead discover a virus. And no sign of them. They’re hiding. Ashamed of the choice they made when you weren’t “there.” Ashamed they’ve allowed a virus in. Before long, the creation goes haywire. Your cute little people turn to face you in the screen and curse you. They kill one another. Fight over material fashions. Destroy the world you gave them reign over.

But alas, you desperately love these people, this world that you creatively and uniquely shaped. Despite their failures. You love them so much that you, in your infinite power as Creator, scan yourself and step into your broken program. Only to have these once beautiful people turn on you. And no matter your time and love for them, they want to delete you from the hard drive, erase any semblance of you from the program. You know this. But you enter your created world anyway, die at their hands. All for the chance to redeem them.

Would you?

I wouldn’t.

Bet you’re glad I’m not Yahweh. Its been quoted until we nearly ignore it, but read the Scripture reference again. And praise Him for reaching out to us...

Reach

Mark 16:15 (NLT)

And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.

Part 3 of the vision: Reach out to the least, lost, and broken.

Pastor got no further than the word “reach” during this message. That should tell us something! Reach, he described, is defined by such words as “come to, stretch out with hands, take effort.” Continuing his introduction, John mentioned two films (Cliffhanger and The Guardian) which painted perfect pictures of how we are to reach out. Each includes a scene where the protagonist clutches a helpless victim with a steel grip, refusing to allow them to free fall to their death. By doing so, we witness how we should view our reaching and its implications on the least, lost, and hurting.

Everyday, we encounter hundreds of people who are free-falling through life. Burdened by the toil and turmoil of life, they are flailing at the air, clawing for any stable thing to cling to. Anything to give life meaning. To offer a purpose worth living for. To give shelter from the storm. They are headed for a collision course with the ground, death, and an eternity away from the Loving God. This is where we come in…

We aren’t just saved to go to heaven. Certainly, an eternity in heaven with Yahweh is the reward of the faithful servant. Be we’re saved to be just that- a faithful servant. We are saved to reach out and share such salvation with others. We are saved to reach out and snatch unbelievers …and believers alike. (Read the book of James).

As always, our discussion inevitably leads to questions. John concluded by inquiring, “How do we reach out?”

We do this in numerous ways. The easiest:way is to live out what we believe. Or even more simply, practice what you preach. Follow Christ. Obey his word. Study the Scripture. Pray. Whether people are watching or not. Especially when they aren’t. Another way: Build relationships with people. Not checking on their Facebook status or shaking their hand at church. But really getting to know them. Invite them to the Chinese joint or Subway (especially if that person is me). Watch the game together. Dance the Zumba together. Spending time with others strengthens relationships. Period. And as the wiser and wittier Jason so eloquently articulated, “What if instead of being social in the shallow end, we sought relationships in the deep end (without floaties even).” Things would change.

Reach…

Passion and Spiritual Gifts

1 Corinthians 12:1-11 (NLT)

Now, dear brothers and sisters, regarding your question about the special abilities the Spirit gives us. I don’t want you to misunderstand this. You know that when you were still pagans, you were led astray and swept along in worshiping speechless idols. So I want you to know that no one speaking by the Spirit of God will curse Jesus, and no one can say Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit. There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.

For fear of getting bogged down in the “one” verses of Ephesians, we’ll move on to week five of the Back to the Basics series. (If you’d like more of the “one” verse discussion, let’s meet for coffee). Mostly review, John did mention one thing we have yet to elaborate on- passion. Yes, we touched on passion when it came to being as passionate about Jesus as we are about our favorite team or TV program or fitness regimen. This passion, however, deals with our spiritual gifts.

Anyone who completed those “Spiritual Gift” surveys the Pastor passed out realized something fairly quickly: your spiritual gifts are something you’re already passionate about. Most times anyway. For example, my wife Elizabeth tested extremely high in the giving category. One of her many passions (besides me of course) is giving to anyone who needs anything. Her time, money, talents, possessions, and dozens of other things. It's something I fell in love with her for and has always been a part of who she is. It's something she loves doing and is passionate about! God planted the gift in her and she waters it. And that is what the spiritual gifts are all about. A God-given gift intended for us to use to further His kingdom.

What I witness in my wife is similar for those of you who took the time to fill out the survey. God created each of us differently. Uniquely. Creative and diverse. These little variations set us apart from others. Some use such gifts and passions for selfish reasons; we, as believers, are called to use ours to help the entire body. To strengthen and encourage. And if we all (imagine that!) heed the Pastor’s challenge, the church’s vision, and God’s call and exercised these gifts, imagine the change that could take place not only among the Refugees, but in the entire community.

Morning Message

Scripture References:

Title or topic of message:

Notes:

Questions I have about the message:

How can I apply this message to my life?

Reflection and Meditation

1. Do you consider yourself a patient person? Do you find it easier to be patient with Jesus, others, or yourself? Why?

2. Do you tolerate others or do you bear with them in love? What types of things can you put into practice to help you better bear with others?

3. List three opportunities you've had this week to share the hope you have in Jesus. Did you? If not, how can you change that?

Growth and Maturity #7 (One Hope)

Ephesians 4:1-6 (NLT)

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.

1 Peter 3:15 (NLT)

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.

A while back, John pounded into us the importance of planting the Scripture into our hearts, even if we had to write it down and tape it up all over the house and workplace. During my various stages as a believer, I’ve done just that. My apartment resembled my writing notebooks, with scribbled scraps of paper covering everything. One anonymous quote I cut out and attached to the backside of my front door read, “Hope is more than just a feeling, it’s a call to action, it's what you are willing to sacrifice for, as much as that power lies in you.”

The “one hope” Paul alludes to revolves around Jesus, his salvation of us, and our future home with him in eternity. Furthermore, we are to share this hope with others. Whenever the opportunity arises. This begs the question, “Do we?” Are we prepared to share the hope we have in Jesus? Are we willing to share our hope with others, so that our hope may be their hope? Are we, as John (the Pastor, not the Baptist) asked, comfortable sharing this?

You, like me, would say, “Of course I share the hope I have in Jesus.” But give it some brutally honest thought. Between the conversations about the weather, football, hunting, shopping, diets, work, and television programs, the hope of Jesus can get suffocated.  We get side-tracked. Jesus gets lost among the hustle and bustle. Or rather, we lose grip of him. In addition to posting notes around our house, we should post notes on our hearts. Notes that shout, “My hope is you, Jesus. Allow me opportunities to share your hope, my hope!”

A last question to ponder, from John (the Pastor, not the Baptist):

Is everything we do about him?

Growth and Maturity #6 (One Body-Bearing One Another in Love)

Ephesians 4:1-6 (NLT)

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.

Most of us have mastered the art of tolerance with one another. Fewer have passed the test when it comes to bearing with one another. And nearly no one does so with love. Doing so requires all the characteristics previously mentioned on this topic…plus love. It's possible to have them all without love, but only in an empty sort of way, like pottery. Fragile. But when you add love, you’re living like Jesus.

I've been writing the phrase “practice [the topic of the day]” at the end of the lessons because it takes just that- practice! Like a ball player, guitar strummer, or zumba dancer, all of these attributes must be put into practice. Apply it when the time comes to shine. Remember the words of James, “Faith without works is dead.” Practice is the action…or the application of faith. John (the pastor, not the Baptist) can preach about peace and unity until he’s blue in the face, we can nod our heads in agreement for years to come, we can sing songs dealing with us united until we’re hoarse. But until we long for unity and are willing to lose our self in the Savior and his body, its only faith. And it will be dead.

Most of us desire the action, the application. We just seem to get bogged down along the way. For those of us who need such things, here’s a list-

-Pray. Ask God to make His will, your’s.

-Participate. Get involved in being the hands and feet of Jesus.

-Practice. Make the prayer and participation a habit. Habits become lifestyles.

-Peace. To bear one another in love, live a life of worship. Do this by following the other “p”s. And enjoy the “peace that passes all understanding.”