Being Devoted to Prayer- Are you playing or praying? The two disciplines that people struggle with the most is the word and prayer.
Matthew 9:37-38 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” “Pray Earnestly” This is why I’m so convicted because I do not believe we are a church that prays desperately, and I apologize for that. I do not believe we are a people who cry out to God like we really need Him. Sure, we come with our list of things that we want or desire, but there is no desperation. Leonard Ravenhill said, “Revival tarries because there is a lack of urgency in prayer in the church.” He went on, and said, “Hell has nothing to fear but a God anointed, prayer-powered church.” And based on that, hell is simply not afraid of church in America right now.” Samuel Chadwick put it best, he said, “The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing of prayer less studies, prayer less work, and prayer less religion. He laughs at our toil; he mocks at our wisdom, but he trembles when we pray.” And we are a people who know how to do the promotion and we know how to do the plans and we know how to do the programs. We can do them in our sleep, but have we done all those things while leaving prayer behind. Let’s look at practically Nehemiah 1:4 ESV As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. Nehemiah is a great example of a pray life and strong intimate relationship with God. We often approach prayer to get something good or avoid a bad consequence rather than to develop an intimate relationship with God. Prayer and the word are the two disciplines that we struggle with. Nehemiah 1:4-11 ESV As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. [5] And I said, “O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, • Adoration- Nehemiah 1:5 And I said, “O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, Nehemiah 1:6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father's house have sinned. [7] We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses. • Confession-Nehemiah 1:6-7 Nehemiah 1:8 Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, [9] but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’ • Thanksgiving- Nehemiah 1:8 Nehemiah 4:10] They are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power and by your strong hand. [11] O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” Now I was cupbearer to the king. • Supplication- Nehemiah 1:11 Prayer is the means to an intimate relationship with God. The problem is that we often approach prayer as a means to get something good or avoid a bad consequence rather than to develop an intimate relationship with God. Relationships require time. Intimate relationships are fashioned through time together. If we want healthy relationships with our spouse, our kids, our friends, or our God, we need to spend time with them. The obstacle is that no one seems to have enough time. Our priorities are reflected by our allocation of this precious resource...time. We generally believe that we don’t have time to pray. We must take time away from other valuable areas and devote that time to develop a life-transforming, intimate relationship with God through prayer. Prayer is not a performance, but a dialogue of intimacy with God. Prayer helps to change us and helps us to find God’s will. Prayer is like sitting down to a meal with God and getting to know Him. The purpose is to cultivate a relationship rather than fulfill a function or perform a task. God Bless, Pastor Michael Petit
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Devoted to the breaking of bread- Two phrases in Acts 2:42 may need explanation. “Breaking of bread” probably refers to their regular meals, but at the close of each meal, they probably paused to remember the Lord by observing what we call “the Lord’s Supper.” Bread and wine were the common fare at a Jewish table.
The church regularly prioritized worship, reflected in the breaking of bread (i.e., the Lord’s Supper) and prayer 1 Corinthians 11:23-30 ESV For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, [24] and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” [25] In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” [26] For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. [27] Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. [28] Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. [29] For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. [30] That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. Communion is full of symbolism in its simplicity. It is neither essential for salvation nor is it a means to salvation. Instead it is a holy and serious ordinance not to be treated lightly. It is possible to bring dishonor and insult to the very body of Jesus Christ by coming to Communion hurriedly and without self-analysis or self-judgment. Psalm 139:23-24 ESV Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! [24] And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! So Communion is a time for us to pray that God’s Spirit would help us understand ourselves rightly so that we can repent where necessary and enjoy intimate fellowship with him as he leads us in the everlasting way. Acts 2:46 ESV And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts. "Even living so close to the time when Jesus was crucified, they still never wanted to forget what He did on the cross. How much more important is it for us to never forget?" David Guzik Blessing, Pastor Michael SECOND FOUNDATIONAL PILLAR: FELLOWSHIP (ACTS 2:42)
Are you devoted to Fellowship? For most Christians today you say fellowship and they think potluck. Like did the banana pudding make it, or I may not come. Nope that’s not what we are talking about “fellowship” comes from the Greek word "koinonia" means community to share which one has in anything, participation. We actually admonish each other with the word, prayer, love, encouragement and faith. In the Book of Acts especially in Acts we see something very important they’re fellowship was relational; God designs it that way to live life together. Acts 2:43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. [44] And all who believed were together and had all things in common. [45] And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. So, fellowship isn’t just serving and spending time on Sunday. It is being devoted to commit to gathering and discipleship as a church and to meet the needs the community, and that is the community surrounding us in Devine, Texas. Koinonia (Fellowship ) is agreeing with one another, being united in purpose, and serving alongside each other. Our koinonia with each other is based on our common koinonia with Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. For the early church it was practical they would just spring into action helping each other out of love. Meaning Spirit led them to help who they could help. Many were becoming followers of Jesus. They were losing their jobs, houses and being removed from their families because they were following Jesus. Acts 2:45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. A powerful example of what koinonia should look like can be found in a study of the phrase “one another” in the Bible. Romans 12:10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 15:7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. 1 Peter 4:9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. Fellowship should be discipleship, We learn the word, apply it and grow but yet teach it to others. We should and need more church. Our churches should be open to community and to one another. No one should stand alone through crisis, illness, family troubles, sickness or death being together through the hardship, suffering or even joy. It’s being together with God’s people. So be steadfast in fellowship “koinonia” is helping others and consistent in helping the church. We help are brothers and sisters in need when we can. I also need to be responsible for what God provides for me. Fellowship is love, unity and us pressing towards the goal of sharing life, love and labor together to see Jesus move it is awesome. Fellowship isn’t just a potluck, it’s coming together as a body being imitators & sharing God, we have common life, common load and love that makes fellowship and should be a sweet fragrance. Ephesians 5:1-2 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. In church we should eagerly attend it, Sharing the Gospel of Jesus we defend it and by sharing our faith we extend it by evangelizing. Think you will share about a great movie or restaurant but will share about Christ. We will you open the doors of your home. Would you share life with those in the church? Or you the first one out the door as soon as church is over? Be eager to share fellowship with one another. Let us grow together as church family in fellowship. God Bless Pastor Michael Acts 2:42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
The early church in the Book of Acts show us the four pillars for us as church. They devoted and followed these four foundational pillars. The Word of God, Fellowship, Breaking of Bread and Prayers. Being “Devoted” Steadfastly single-hearted single minded for Jesus. To be in constant readiness for one, wait on constantly. Philippians 2:2 Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Let us look this week at the First foundational pillars the Word of God. They were Devoted to the Word: Why do I believe, read, and apply the Bible in my life? I choose to believe the Bible because it's a reliable collection of historical documents written down by eyewitnesses during the lifetime of other eyewitnesses. They report to us supernatural events that took place the fulfillment of specific prophecies. We know the writings are divine rather than human in origin. Its God breathed, sixty-six books written over a period of approximately 1,550 years, with at least 40 human writers, most of whom did not know each other and were from different backgrounds. Three different languages. The Bible is the most important book in the history of mankind it is without error, and it is complete. Nothing needs to be added to it or taken away from it. If the Bible is true, then it holds the answers to life’s biggest questions: “where did I come from?” “Why am I here?” and “What happens to me when I die?” But with all that the Bible has one unified message of Jesus the Messiah. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God[a] may be complete, equipped for every good work. The Greek word translated inspired is literally “breathed out by God.” Our God communicates, and he has worked supernaturally through the Holy Spirit to communicate perfectly to us. When we read the Bible, we are reading the very words of the living God. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” The “word of God” here is the written or spoken Word. The English Standard Bible says that the Bible is “living” and active. The living Word is active in the lives of those who receive it. Bible cannot be ignored as if it were dead or obsolete. The Word of God is still powerful and very much alive. 1. Learn it- What if you tell me I can’t understand, that’s not true? I was in the same boat, but I prayed and asked for help. John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Nehemiah 8:1-3 ESV And all the people gathered as one man into the square before the Water Gate. And they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses that the LORD had commanded Israel. [2] So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could understand what they heard, on the first day of the seventh month. [3] And he read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand. And the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law. Water is a symbol of the Word of God. Therefore, it’s appropriate that the people gathered at the water gate. Psalm 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. John 15:3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Ephesians 5:26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word. 2. Live it-and act on the word, it is better live the truth than just know truth. Live your life on what is based on the Word of God. When we apply the water of the Word to our lives, then the Spirit can work and bring the help we need. It is refreshing to the soul when you receive the Word and allow the Spirit to teach you. How does that look practically? Let us look at the Book of Joshua. Joshua 1:8 ESV This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall (learn it) meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to (live it) do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. It is conditional promise you will be blessed and have good success if you meditate on the word day and night but also live it do according to all that is written. My prayer for you is that would allow the Word of God to guide your life daily. This is one of the first foundational pillars of the early and church as well us our church here in Devine, Texas. Give God some time daily to read, observe, interpret, and apply His word daily in your life. It will change everything. God Bless Pastor Michael “And if I am committed to the Lord, I will also be committed to His Word and His ministry, to serve others.” Chuck Smith We just started reading through Calvary Chapel Distinctives this past Wednesday night. One thing that stood out to me is the word “commitment”, I have seen so many over the years that are fully committed to Lord, let me just say you can learn a lot from them. The three things that I loved in each of those leaders was their commitment to the Lord (Their Relationship with Jesus), their service to others and their humility. First-Our relationship with the Lord needs total commitment. This is the area where many struggle. Just think about a relationship with a spouse, if you only spoke to them once a week, never spent time together but on Sunday for little over an hour and then you leave. Your marriage would be in deep trouble, you would have two people living different lives instead of becoming one you would be divided. When I talk about being committed to the Lord let us look at Levi (Apostle Matthew). Luke 5:27-28 ESV After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.” And leaving everything, he rose and followed him. Jesus said follow me, and I love what Levi does “leaving everything, he rose and followed him.” Levi leaves it all. The money, the protection of the Roman government and his position which he couldn’t return too. Is there something of the world that you haven’t given up yet? We leave everything cause Christ is all we need. Pastor Chuck was extremely successful businessman but we he decided to answer the call to become a pastor he left everything and did just that. For us spending time with the Lord is essential. One commitment in our relationship with the Lord is being in the word of God daily. Today many will come to church and expect to be spoon fed the word of God by the pastor but never open the Bible the other six days of the week. God’s word gives light and understanding to help guide our lives. Yet we do not spend time in it, why? Psalm 119:130 ESV The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. Leaving everything means giving up your time to spend in his word, in prayer, and in fellowship on daily basis. Many do not grow because the things of the world have taken priority over Christ. So, what are you just a fan of Christ or a follower willing to leave everything to follow Jesus? A follower is someone who obedient and applies the word. Is a man or woman of prayer, like Nehemiah. Follower does not neglect fellowship and attending church. The follower commits his or her relationship with Christ first in their life. Second- Becoming a follower of Jesus means we serve others. In this culture everyone wants to be served and wants to be first. I heard a Congresswoman say that she was too important to the work in congress, not to have a $200k private security team, while she wants to cut your police department. So, her security is more important than yours, it is very prideful. That is the attitude of people today, especially those in leadership in the world, it’s all about me and my needs. In the Kingdom of God that doesn’t work. You are least. Mark 10:45 ESV For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” If Jesus came to serve and you are to be like Christ, why aren’t followers of Christ serving others? We have to have a commitment to serve. There is this great acronym JOY (Jesus-Others-You) meaning you find joy by placing Jesus first, placing serving others second and then you come last. The church has ample opportunity to serve. We have people getting sick left and right in the city again. Would you be willing to take someone caldo (soup)? Make them meals. Watch the kids. Sit and pray with them? It is important. Jesus is the example, and he didn’t ask his disciples to do something he wasn’t willing to do himself. We have become so divided in the church arguing over everything in the news. We get divided and we stop serving. So, stop complaining about the world, abide in Christ and start serving again. 1 John 2:6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. Third- Humility teaches me that I am to obey the Lord, love my Jesus, and point people to Jesus. We need to approach those goals with humility instead of a concealed pride. Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. [4] Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. I Love that verse because Paul is pointing us to care more about others than ourselves. But not to be conceited, be humble. “Do nothing” that means nothing out pride but be committed to humility always. That is tough because we live in a very “look at me society”, right now. Every aspect of my life needs to be posted, everyone needs to broadcast their day on every social networks, every bit of shine (stuff). We think everyone is dying to see every part of our day. It can become very narcisistic. It is funny I remember my grandfather playing and singing a song title “Lord it’s hard to be humble, when I am perfect in every way.”, pride comes before the fall. The Word of God says we should clothe ourselves with humility. 1 Peter 5:5 ESV Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” If I am honest, my own opinion doesn’t matter as much as I think it does. Guess what? Neither does yours. The only thing that matters is Jesus and our relationship with him. We have to get to place of humility, don’t look for the applause of men. Don't look for people to say, "Oh, thank you. Oh, you mean so much to me, your best thing since slice bread.” You point them to Jesus. God gives his grace to humble. James 4:6 ESV But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Philippians 2:8 ESV And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. God teaches you humility, keeps you dependent upon Him, shows you how to follow Him, and protects you from pride through trials. Remember people will try to puff you up with compliments and that is just hot air into a balloon which one day if you let fill your head it will pop. Jesus humbled himself to what? Being obedient to God, committed and humbled to die on the cross. I know it is so easy to want to be heard. We all have an instrument in hands and in our homes that will allows us to broadcast our opinions and life. Put down the phone, turn off the laptop and walk away from those prideful arguments that hurt others. Be committed to share Christ humbly. So be committed to Christ leave everything and follow Him. Be committed to your relationship with Christ, to serve others and be committed to be humble. God Bless Michael Petit Nehemiah 13:31
“Remember me, O my God, for good.” This past Wednesday we finished our first Book of the Bible the book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah was a wonderful leader. He had vision, plan of action and motivation to build the wall in Jerusalem. The key to Nehemiah’s success was his relationship the Lord. We one of the main things I learned from Nehemiah, was he was a man of prayer. Nehemiah had real concern for the temple, walls and Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 1:2) Hanani, explained to him the condition of the walls. Nehemiah knew as a cupbearer, no walls, you have no security . (Cupbearer is like a the Chief of staff for the Whitehouse) The city was a ghost town and thieves were constantly harassing those in the area. Nehemiah 1:3 ESV And they said to me, “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.” Most people would come up with a quick strategy on how to fix the walls and get right to the work or just send money. Not Nehemiah he went to pray and fasting. Nehemiah 1:4-7 ESV As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. [5] And I said, “O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, [6] let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father's house have sinned. [7] We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses. The prayer is beautiful and throughout the book, Nehemiah constantly prays. We have fourteen prayers recorded in the Book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah gives adoration to the Lord in his prayer, he says “Great and awesome God”, He even says “God who keeps covenant and steadfast love.” So many people pray today and just get at it straight to their needs. Where is the Adoration? Read Revelation 4:8-10 and take a moment, just ponder it. Revelation 4:8-10 ESV And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” [9] And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, [10] the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying,[11] “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” Let us not just rush into prayer, there is worship going on right now in heaven. Picture this as you read this “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” That is happening day and night. Now do you understand your speaking to God, and guess what God wants to hear from you. The Creator of the Universe is wanting to hear from you. God is constantly surrounded by adoration, yet we can learn from Nehemiah because he always praised God and gave adoration. Nehemiah Prayed and fasted for four months before getting an answer on going to Jerusalem. He was patient. Do you have a daily prayer time? Do you rush through prayer quickly? Do listen during your time of prayer? Do you practice the ACTS acronym for prayer?(Adoration-Confession-Thanksgiving and Supplication) Isn’t funny supplication being last. Will you become someone like Nehemiah that puts a priority on prayer. Would you pray for four months, until God opens the door? “Real prayer keeps your heart and your head in balance, so your burden doesn’t make you impatient to run ahead of God and ruin everything. As we pray, God tells us what to do, when to do it, and how to do it—all are important in accomplishing God’s will.” Warren Wiersbe I do believe there are times we need to pray quickly even Nehemiah shows us that in chapter two. Nehemiah 2:4 ESV Then the king said to me, “What are you requesting?” So I prayed to the God of heaven. He prayed before answering the king in just a moment. He was talking to a secular worldly king and yet he stops to pray to the one true King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We can learn a lot about prayer through the Book of Nehemiah. We also see that even when Nehemiah was under attack by the enemy, he prayed. Nehemiah 4:14 ESV “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.” Nehemiah 6:9 ESV For they all wanted to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will drop from the work, and it will not be done.” But now, O God, strengthen my hands. The enemy will try to intimidate you, try to get you stop the work of Lord, but we do not quit. We go to the Lord in prayer. We pray for strength, guidance and we get back to doing the work of Lord. It is so easy to feel defeated when the enemy comes to cause problems and people just walk away, many do. We can find strength to push forward with prayer. Nehemiah prayed and went right back to the work. Nehemiah was a man of prayer. He set out on the project; Nehemiah prayed. When he talked to the king, he prayed. When he was in trouble, he prayed. Hopefully as we closed this book out this week you will be a person of prayer as well. Place a priority on prayer and make time daily to spend with the Lord just in prayer. We need to hear from the Lord, and we need to speak to Lord daily. I hope you will commit to that this year. God Bless Pastor Michael This week in our scripture Jesus has to deal with false accusation from the religious leaders.
Mark 3:22 ESV And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “by the prince of demons he casts out the demons.” They actually accuse Jesus the Messiah of being possessed by “Satan” to do the work of Satan. It made me wonder as the crowd was listening how many of them believed this misinformation from the religious leaders that Jesus was possessed by Satan? As I studied the scripture, I realized the people being used by Satan were the prideful religious leaders. Satan has really caused major problems in our nation with misinformation, and we have seen the nation become divided because of it. Just look a simple search on our current pandemic, wearing a mask or not, vaccines or no vaccines, justice or social justice, and even defund the police or crime statistics. Regardless of what side you fall on everyone has opinion and there is so much misinformation out there it is hard to find the truth. Satan disguises himself as an angel of light and his servants will disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Satan deals in deception and misinformation. Now you see the problem, in America. 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 ESV And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. [15] So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. It is the same religious leaders that falsely accuse Jesus in the Book of John 8:41 They said to him, "were you not born of sexual immorality". They accuse Jesus of being of an illegitimate birth, your mother was pregnant before she was married. Again, Fake news and deception, from the father of lies. John 8:44 ESV You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. The reason I brought up this topic is because it is not just our nation that is divided but the American Church or the body of Christ in America that has become so divided in the past few years. We are told in the scriptures there should be no division among you, yet we know it exist. 1 Corinthians 1:10 ESV I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. I do believe some have been deceived by the “Father of Lies”. Some believe these current popular topics in the culture is more important then being united in the church. Divisions among believer’s block God’s work in their lives and in the church. Opinions in the church have become extremely vocal in this day and age of technology. Just go through Instagram or Facebook post of friends and families see how much is about current cultural topics and the fighting that is happening in the comments. Christians will push those same lies and talking points. They would rather argue with them and be right then draw people to Christ. Christians will begin to be throwing scriptures at each other, but the scripture is taken out of context. They will use the word of God out context to get there point across. We have a lot of “eisegeses” happening from politicians, celebrities, Christian musicians and even some pastors from the pulpit. What is “eisegesis” it is just a fancy word that means the mishandling of the text and often leads to a misinterpretation. Eisegesis is concerned only with making your point, it does not care about the context of scripture. It is misinformation that is happening online, with politicians, in the news, and even from the pulpit in America. Satan loves it, we weaponize and misinterpret the word of God to prove our point, so prideful. We have allowed our ideologies to trump our theology in Christ. We have placed an importance of our ideologies and opinions of popular topics to take priority in the church and it has caused major division. You know the church is like an Orchestra. We have our conductor “Jesus” then we have the body of Christ. We have some in the percussion section, some in the wind section, some in the string section and so on. Now each of us are different, some violins, trumpets, cellos, and drums. Each of us probably have an idea (opinions) on playing the song a certain way. If each instrument played the music, the way they wanted and not the way the conductor wanted the sound would not be in harmony. The orchestra would be divided. An orchestra is unified (just like the body of Christ)—not because everyone performs on the same instrument—but because everyone plays in harmony the same song under the direction of one conductor. A church is to be united—not because every Christian is exactly alike—but because we all follow the same Jesus our Lord. We have forgotten that. My opinion on cultural is just not that important, and I should never use my opinions to create a divide with my brother or sister in Christ. Regardless of where they stand on the issues of today. It is not easy; I mean the problem is we have way too much information available in our hands through our devices and a lot of it is pushing agendas, propaganda and misinformation. How about turn off the news, the politicians, but also followers of Christ with platforms or even pastors that misuse the context of scripture and implant their personal opinions. Turn it all off for a bit. Remember the Devil wants to deceive the whole world, how do think he is doing? Remember you have the ultimate lie detector the “Bible”, use the word of God to filter the things of this world, God’s word will guide you, and give you discernment in making decision. Revelation 12:9 ESV And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. We are the family of God we cannot allow the devil to divide us over the things of this culture and world. We have the power of Holy Spirit be eager to maintain the unity and the bond of peace in the church. We have God’s word. If the church becomes united again the nation will wake up and draw closer to Christ. Ephesians 4:1-6 ESV I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, [2] with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, [3] eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. [4] There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— [5] one Lord, one faith, one baptism, [6] one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. The Family of the Lord needs to love each other with humility, gentleness, patience and we need to be united not divided. God Bless Pastor Michael Mark 1:35 "How Important is rest?" with Pastor Michael Petit. Calvary Chapel Devine Devotion.7/9/2021 Do you need rest? We have covered about three chapters of the Book of Mark, and we see Jesus already takes time to spend with the Father to pray and withdraw with the disciples. How Important is rest? About 6 in 10 Christians say that it's "often" or "always" true that "the busyness of life gets in the way of developing my relationship with God." It is sad but in America the schedules for most are overwhelming and they are being stretched in every direction. When that happens something always gets lost on the radar, maybe it is our relationship with Jesus, for some their marriage, neglect time with family, or even hinder work.
Mark 1:35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. Jesus wanted fellowship with His Father, he was shutting the distractions of the world down for a moment to spend with God. Jesus considered prayer a priority, do you? Busyness pulls us away from the things of God, like prayer, reading the bible or even church. There is an acronym for being busy it is (Being Under Satan’s Yolk). I can attest to this; I have been so busy even in ministry serving God that I became ineffective as husband and father. It also impacted my time in the word and prayer. I burned out quickly and my flesh was on full display. Now I pace myself I learned ministry is always happening just like the waves of the ocean. The Lord showed me I was not as important to the ministry as I thought. Jesus wants us to serve. We are not saved by works but by the free gift of grace. But God has prepared us for good works, that He prepared. Ephesians 2:10 ESV For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. We are His masterpiece, and He wants to mold us and shape us to be more and more like His son Jesus. I remember when I struggled with busyness in the ministry my good friend and mentor spent time with me and told me “You have allowed the ministry to become your mistress, you are being stretched so much the flesh is being exposed.” God never wants us to neglect our relationship with Him even for his church. Many Christians have allowed their busyness of life to chain them up and put them into bondage. God blessed me with a spouse and kids, I am the pastor of the home and forgot that. They needed me. They are your first ministry before the church. My brother loved me enough to bluntly tell me of my mistake. My wife had been trying for months but I just was too busy for the conversation. Just figure I am doing God’s work, what is the problem. Mark 3:7 ESV Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great crowd followed, from Galilee and Judea I love this verse cause Jesus sees the need of the disciples and withdrew with them. The crowds would always be there. Our lives should be guided by the Lord as well. To many of us are just so busy we do not take time to seek God before we take another thing on. The problem is you are directing your steps, not the Holy Spirit. One thing I did I realized I was in multiple ministries in the church plus teaching. Honestly, I am not sure I was doing any of them effectively. I learned and I let some things go, guess what some of them I just jumped into headfirst. It was my will not God's. I learned I was directing my steps. You know that is what busyness will do. Pull away daily seek God through His word, pray and be guided by His every step. Jeremiah 10:23 ESV I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps. Burnout is real, so you need to slow down. Most people when they realized they are burned out, were burned out months before. Take breaks to be at the feet of Jesus. Now, I run to the sea, the coast about every four months. I spend one on one time with the wife, family, or even other friends in ministry. I slow it down and I can tell that time has been such a blessing in my life. I quiet things down, I am getting so much more in the word, prayer is sweeter and fellowship is encouraging. God comes through so clearly. I get direction, I am well rested and refreshed for ministry. But I learned to do this even without a vacation, I learned to practice it my life daily. So, who are you today Martha or Mary? When I read in the Book of Luke about Martha, and Mary I can so relate to this scripture because it is so easy to be that servant, asking how come I am doing everything, and you are just sitting there? Is that you, a prideful, fleshly servant? Maybe it is time to slow it down and withdraw with Jesus. Put the busyness away and put Christ first choose the good portion. Luke 10:41-42 ESV But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, [42] but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” God Bless Pastor Michael Hebrews 12:26-29 ESV At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” [27] This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. [28] Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, [29] for our God is a consuming fire. If I were to ask you if your life or a life of loved one has been shaken in 2020 or 2021 for most of us the answer would be yes. I honestly think the country has been shaken or maybe still be shaken by the Lord. Do you believe the Lord will do this? Read from the Book of Haggai. Haggai 2:6-7 ESV For thus says the LORD of hosts: Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. [7] And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of hosts. God will disrupt things here on earth to reveal his eternal kingdom that cannot be shaken. Hebrews 12;28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Why would God do this? The American Church has become extremely comfortable, entertainment focused, insulated, and divided within the body of Christ. I believe God has shaken up the earthly things. Christians have forgotten that God reigns over class, race, politics, and culture. God has shaken us through Covid, racial divide, elections, Presidents, genders, socialism, and the battles with our culture. We have received a Kingdom that cannot be shaken and yet we as followers of Christ put more focus on our opinions and beliefs, and we stop pointing people to Christ and His Kingdom. God is in control not us. I have heard more opinions on mask, vaccines, Fauci, Racism, Biden, Trump, Critical Race Theory, Border Crisis, Election Fraud, Left, Right, Police, Gender, and this is just in the church. This turns people away from the church, it does not draw people to Christ. I know it is so easy to focus on certain topics and have our opinion heard. But does this point people to Jesus and His Kingdom? Where is love, peace, and perfect harmony of the body? Colossians 3:14-17 ESV And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. [15] And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. [16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. [17] And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. What would your life look like if you just turned off the social networks, news, and the phone for a week? We see the people in the Book of Nehemiah turn back to the Lord. They get back to worship, word, confession, and prayer. They had been shaken up, they were building the wall in one hand and have their sword ready in the other hand to stop attacks. Their lives were in danger daily the enemy wanted to stop the work of the Lord. The wall is done and the city Jerusalem is being transformed. They were obedient to God, His word and they even confess their sin and revival has come. God revived his people. Remember revival is to revive the people of God. Nehemiah 10:28-29 ESV “The rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the temple servants, and all who have separated themselves from the peoples of the lands to the Law of God, their wives, their sons, their daughters, all who have knowledge and understanding, [29] join with their brothers, their nobles, and enter into a curse and an oath to walk in God's Law that was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord and his rules and his statutes. In Nehemiah 10 they were separating themselves for the work of the temple of God. They begin to remove the things of the world that would hinder them. They dedicated themselves to the Law of God. Is there something you need to separate from, maybe a sin pushing from the Lord? Allow God to shake those worldly things that hinder our relationship with Him. We need too. It is so easy to be divided today, but when the people of God cannot get along, we have a hold of some things of this earth that need to go. Colossians 3:2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. You know I have wrinkles in my life. I put it on daily like a dress shirt it looks like I slept in it, yet God is ready come steam and press out all that stuff that needs to go. The pride, anger, unforgiveness, bitterness and more. Why? God loves us, He cares about His children, He is jealous God, a consuming fire. He wants to bless us, and for us to walk in obedience with Him. Hebrews 12:29 ESV for our God is a consuming fire. I am going to attach a video from Dr. Tony Evans that inspired this devotional, I will tell you it is not an easy teaching to watch he touches on some sensitive topics that need to be touched on. Dr. Evans shared this teaching at the National Radio Broadcast Conference. Watch it I really hope you will. God Bless Pastor Michael Petit Nehemiah 9 "Worship & Confession." Calvary Chapel Devine Devotional with Pastor Michael Petit6/26/2021 Nehemiah 9:5-6 ESV
Then the Levites, Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, “Stand up and bless the LORD your God from everlasting to everlasting. Blessed be your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise. [6] “You are the LORD, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you. Nehemiah is one of my favorite books of the Bible. We see Restoration, Rebuilding and Revival. One of the things that we need to remember about Revival it is not for those who are not following Christ, but it is to revive the people of Christ. Have you lost your first love? People get busy and allow things in there life that pulls us from our first love, Christ. Revelation 2:4-5 ESV But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. [5] Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. When we look at Nehemiah we see four key essentials as they come together after the wall is built in 52 days. Worship, Word, Confession and Prayer. Just looking at these four, is there one that you have neglected? It is so easy to get distracted in these crazy world we are living in today but God is still in control. When the people of God are revived it overflows out of our houses, into our church and then into our cities, states and nation. It changes everything. Let us focus on "Worship & Confession" this week in this devotional. Worship & Confession: Chapter Nine is beautiful chapter to read. They have spent time daily in the word of God and brings them to a place of Worship but draws them to confess of the nation of Israel and their sin. Hebrew word for “Confess” means to cast out and praise, to confess and profess. You see the connection of worship and confession. See sin separates us from God. Why? God is Holy. God always draws a clear line. Yet we want to blur the line or try to get as close to the line as we can before we know it, we are over it and in sin. Holy Spirit convicts us of the sin. We need to repent. The beauty of it is we are in agreement with God. Our heart is acknowledging to God we have sinned. Nehemiah 9:2 ESV And the Israelites separated themselves from all foreigners and stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. They separated themselves from the world, they are acknowledging in agreement with God they that have sinned. You have lost your first love and what was told them "Repent". As you read further into the Nehemiah 9 you see the word "You" (Represents the Lord) 34 times and "They" (Nation of Israel & People of Nehemiah) as they confess their sins. Just look at the worship. Nehemiah 9:6 ESV “You are the LORD, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you. You alone You have made. You preserve them. Heaven worship you. It is an amazing portion of scripture that worships God. It is also one of the longest prayers in the bible. Yet it is tying in story of God's faithfulness and Israel's sin. Then they confess their sin and repent. Nehemiah 9:33 ESV Yet you have been righteous in all that has come upon us, for you have dealt faithfully and we have acted wickedly. YOU were Righteous, YOU have dealt with us Faithfully and we have acted wickedly. They didn't shift blame like everyone does in our society today. They owned their sin. I mean Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent. Revival does not start until the person in the mirror is ready to be revived. We can not shift blame or try to make ourselves look holy by pointing out others sin. Confess it and He is faithful to forgive us our sins. 1 John 1:8-10 ESV If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. [9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [10] If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. We worship God. God is omniscient, meaning He knows the past, present, and future, including what we are thinking at any given moment. In Nehemiah 9:10 “performed signs and wonders” God is omnipotent; He is all-powerful and can do anything that pleases Him, but His actions will always be in accord with the rest of His character, plus in Nehemiah 9:11 His mercy speaks of his deliverance. But also, his righteousness & God is righteous, meaning that God cannot and will not pass over wrongdoing. We confess and acknowledge God your right I need to repent. You alone You have made. You preserve them. Heaven worship you. You found and made a covenant. You kept your promise. You are Righteous. You cared and heard. We serve a mighty merciful and loving God that wants us to return to our first love, just as the people of Nehemiah did. We can cry out in prayer for revival but it begins with the people of the church first and the person in mirror. You want to see change, live for Christ. Put a priority on Worship, Word, Confession and Prayer daily. Be like Christ, that is what Devine needs and our Nation. 1 Corinthians 11:1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. God Bless Michael Petit |
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