Acts 3.1-11

S.O.A.P.
Acts 3.1-11
Observations: A) Peter and John were doing what they knew to do. B) They were not anti-Jewish or simply Christian; they were just followers of Christ. C) Some people, like the beggar don’t want to change or have given up that it will never be any better than begging. D) “Look at us”; how is it meant? “Do we look like we can help you?” or “Look at us, because we’re going to help you.” My grandmother used to say, “Look at me!” because she couldn’t explain it without motions and eye contact. E) The lame man was just asking everybody like a pastor at the door on a Sunday morning, “God bless you, God bless you, God bless you…” F) People are so quick to think that money will fix their issue. G) Spirit filled leaders like Peter and John are able to look beyond and see the real need. Pet and John knew from Jesus it wasn’t worth worrying about food; they remember the 5,000, the sparrow falling to the ground, and the fishing stories! They knew the future of the lame man was not in gold or silver by in meeting the Master! I) All the people were curious about the healing. Curious does not mean converted.

Application: Once you allow the Holy Spirit to fill you life it’s overwhelming how the confusion and emptiness leaves you. In Acts 1 & 2 it was Christ followers who were scared and empty and hopeless but they immediately (following the Holy Spirit) started to serve those that were scared and empty. Because they could relate to felling lame and begging and they knew what the Spirit could do. What do I have to offer? I know this about God… when you are obedient financially, He changes things. I know that God will give you strength to go through relationship disasters. I know God will give you strength as a parent if you turn to Him. I know God will open doors for serving opportunities and mission if you’re willing to walk through the doors. I know God will provide at your deepest need when you are listening. What do you know about God?

Prayer: Father God, I identify with three people in this story. I identify with the beggar because there are so many times I think I know exactly what my need is when all along you want to meet a deeper need that would solve what I am thinking. I identify with Peter and John, having confidence at the power of your Spirit working in someone’s life. I identify with the crowd that stood in amazement at the healing but had so many questions. All of these attitudes come and go; Needing, Confidence and Amazement. I think that’s okay with you. So today I say this: I need more of you in my life. I have confidence that you will meet my deepest need and I stand amazed at your work, your love and your devotion in my life. In Jesus name, Amen

Question from a young teenager.

sorry this kind of doesn't have anything to do with your blog. but i have a question, im really young & my dream has always been to be a singer, dancer, and actress. and the good thing is i can sing, dance & act. haha but the thing is i dont have faith in myself & i dont belive that i can do it so when i think about that dream i get depressed because i cant fufill it.

i know we all have a purpose because God had everything planned out before the beginning of time but i really truely belive my purpose was to share my music to everyone.

i just need a really powerful scripture or someting that will lift me up & give me faith that i can do this & fulfill my dream. and i want to do it young so i can enjoy it longer & what not. i was just wondering if you had any advice on what you think or a real powerful scripture or maybe ?--

PASTOR ERIC'S NOTE: Part of the idea of a blog is to let others sound off. What would you tell this young person? Follow your dream or seek wisdom? Do we say 'go for it!' or something else?
Post your thoughts and let's discuss this. By the way, this is a real person seeking guidance!

Kyle DeHoff's Teaching on Sunday

To comment or dialogue on Kyle's message visit this link: http://anonymousmonk.blogspot.com/

S.O.A.P.

Scripture – Acts 2.1-21

Observation – The infilling of the Spirit or the joy of the Spirit can resemble drunkenness. We need more joy like this in our life. Good ole belly laughing fun that brings pleasure to the Father. The prophecy that was fulfilled in the morning goes like this: God gives the Spirit. His children receive the Spirit for the purpose of telling others about the coming of Jesus. Young people will see visions and Older people will see dreams. Could it be the breakdown of age carries an implication that the young people (defined as my age and younger) are to see visions of what can be in their lifetime. To envision what God is going to do. There is a urgency in this thought. Then the older people dream dreams. Could it mean that they are excited about the vision just as much as the younger? They know perhaps they might not see vision but they can dream about it? Notice the vision or dream has to do with one thing – people getting saved and ready for the return of Jesus Christ.

Application – The infilling of the Spirit was to equip people to speak and serve in such a way that would draw people to Jesus. The role of the Holy Sprit is not to make us feel anything do anything or say anything a certain way. To be filled with the Spirit (Sanctification) is to possess an all consuming power that draws people to Jesus. Its clothing we wear on the outside because of the Spirit living on the inside. It’s not how we act or how we behave. It’s yielding to the all consuming power of the Spirit. Outside changed without inside workings result in works and judgment. Drawing people to Jesus has nothing to do with out talents, personality, or ability. The power of the Spirit is the power of the Spirit not our power. Peter moves from confused, lonely, powerless, broken, sad, to spokesman of the church! And he speaks with authority and wisdom and power. Peter was always bold but not wise. Peter was always the first to speak but he was always inserting his foot in his mouth. When he is filled with the Spirit he becomes wise and articulate.

Prayer: Lord, fill me with your Spirit once again. I pray for a boldness to speak of the return of Christ and that whosoever calls upon your name will be saved. I spend so much time becoming equipped to speak that I often fail to speak. Pour out power upon my life for the glory of God so that others find the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Being In Your Game

Here are the questions I left you with at the end of my teaching today. I am anxious to dialogue.

What’s your story?

Identify yourself in the game: Overcome with problems or Ready to be a lifter?

How would your story lift someone?

Does your story point to Jesus (as the deliverer) or yourself?

What does it mean to ‘let God move you’?

First Blog

This is new to me and like anything new; it will take me a while to get use to it. I feel like I am talking to myself and in reality, I guess I am. My hope is that this blog will be a way for me to stay connected to the people I am called to serve. It used to be in ministry that pastors had Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, Wednesday Night, Sunday School and probably two meetings a week. It's different today - small groups and multiple worship services just don't always allow for the pastor shaking hands at the door. So this is my attempt at shaking your hand, letting you know how I'm connecting with God and saying, "Have a great week, you matter to God and to me!"

I just recently finished reading The Divine Mentor by Wayne Cordeiro. It was a book given to me by Jen, my creative assistant, secretary and someone that just ran to McDonalds for me to pick up a Happy Meal. The book gripped her heart and I couldn't wait to read it. It caused two reactions in my life. I started journaling! I am the worst at this discipline so don't try any excuses, I have said them all. The second was a great new way to journal. He uses the acronym SOAP. Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Check out the sample I put on the next blog. I wanted you to see what I mean. Give it a try.

S.O.A.P.

Scripture: Psalm 1.1-3
Observation: Listening to advice from people that don't know God and joining in their bad talk leads to misery. Delighting in God's Word is like a solid tree that always produces and prospers and that leads to joy. Mission exist because worship doesn't. Let the nations be glad and worship with joy. Mission is temporary (until all nations hear) but worship never ends.
Application: We have so many things pressing on us from all directions in life. How we approach these things lead to a life of misery or joy. If you desire misery - look to the world for advice instead of God's Word. Hanging out with people wasting time talking about nothing always leaves you empty. Instead reflect the glory of God.
Prayer: God, I long for the strength in my life to be Your Word. I don't want to be persuaded with new ideas or fine sounding arguments. It's your voice I desire/ Let me turn my face to you for guidance. When I am with people that don't know you - give me confidence to not get trapped by their arguments but to be light in the darkness. Make me like that tree that prospers with fruit - year after year and season after season. In Jesus name, Amen.