destinychurch

7 Things God Hates About Religion

What? Does God really hate religion? Well, if we were to do a survey of scripture, it would become clear it is the one thing that God hates above all others. God hates religion… or at least in the way it has been predominately defined throughout history. For those who associate God with religion, this can be confusing. I’ll explain.

Our English word was derived from the Latin word religo, meaning “bind up.” So the question is does God want His people bound up in rules, regulations and ritualistic patterns? The answer is absolutely not. Modern religion is oppressive control attempting to bind something good to anything that is not. Mark 10:18 makes it clear that no one is good except for God. When we take God “the only Good” and tie it to anything else like effort, works, human rules, etc. we “crush people with unbearable religious demands." Matthew 23:4 NLT

Christianity was never meant to be a religion but rather this incredible relationship: a spiritual life that is the result of the risen Christ in the heart of His people. That’s why people will often hear believers saying things like, “Christianity is a relationship, not a religion.”

Religion, the kind that leads to bondage, has a horrific byproduct as well. This side-effect can be absolutely devastating to the children of God. It’s called legalism. Legalism is the dangerous belief that a person can, by his or her own efforts, do something to obtain or retain his or her salvation. 

In Matthew 23, Jesus erupts and opens a huge can of whoop on the religious leaders peddling legalism. In this passage Jesus outlines a handful of things He hated that the religious leaders were doing, and the effects it was having on His people.  Have you ever been caught in any of these traps?

1. Legalism - Placing burdens on people and refusing to do nothing to help them. 
Matthew 23:4

2. Piety – Personal acts of religion with the only motive to be seen by others.
Matthew 23:5

3. The desire to be recognized and rewarded publically for acts of religion.
Matthew 23:6-11

4. Customized faith - Living with loopholes and hypocrisies so as to rationalize cherished sins (specifically money). Matthew 23:16-22

5. Wrong focus - Attention on the minor things and therefore forgetting what is most important. Matthew 23:23

6. Living to look righteous - while never doing anything that is really righteous.
Matthew 23:27–28

7. Make a show - how much you know, or have of the Bible so as to belittle and control others. Matthew 23:29–31

Destiny Church Fast 2012

It's almost time for our 21 day fast at Destiny Church - an incredible time when we as a church family take the first three weeks of the New Year and set aside something "natural" in pursuit of something "supernatural." Each Destiny member is challenged to set something aside out of his or her daily routine and "fast" it as we agree in prayer. We'll talk more about this in the final weeks of 2011, but here's the heart behind our church-wide fast.

In general, for 2012 we are praying for the lost - those who don't know Christ and what the Bible refers to as the exiled - those that have been separated from God. We pray for our families, friends, coworkers and leaders who have been separated, that they will come home to God.

Specifically for 2012, we are praying as a church for God to mend broken hearts and broken relationships. Starting in January at Destiny, we will begin a new series called "MEND." The word mend is from an ancient Hebrew word, "tawfar" which meant to stitch or repair two pieces that have been ripped apart. Can you think of anyone whose life or relationship has been torn apart?

So why do we have a church fast every year? Throughout the Bible, fasting is presented as a spiritual disipline and act of voluntary humility. It was often accompanied with confession and repentance. As a church we are in pursuit of bringing people to Christ, helping them find their next step and teaching them to do the same. Using Daniel as a template, I challenge each church member to set something aside the first 21 days of the year and commit themselves to prayer pursuing what God loves most....and that's bringing people back to Him!

Here is a list of some of the most commonly fasted things: pop, carbonated drinks, drinks other than water, television, computer, video games, internet, sweets, fast food, shopping, using credit cards & lotteries/gambling, red meat, gossiping, facebook, bad-mouthing, judging/being critical, cursing, tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, naps, sleeping in/pushing snooze - - and the list goes on.

I am so excited about what God is doing in the days to come!

Six things to make a bad day BETTER or a good day GREAT!

This morning as I was having my devotion, God really challenged me to take a step back, and determine what kind of day I was "going" to have - He even put a couple of creative opportunities on my heart. 

Six creative ideas to make a bad day better or a good day great!

1. Live it. Live your life, not someone else’s. God has a plan just for you today and it’s not mimicking, mocking, or meddling in the lives of others.
2. Love it. Slow the heck down and enjoy life a little more and work on trying to stress a little less – the greatest treasures are found in the little things... and they're right in front of you.
3. Own it. If you screw up, take responsibility. God always gives grace to the humble. Everyone blows it, but only the confident people will own it. 
4. Shut it. Intentionally show interest in the lives of others. In other words listen a little more, and speak a little (or a lot) less.
5. Laugh at it. No, not at the antagonistic co-worker who just doused themselves in coffee and has toilet paper stuck on the bottom of their shoe, but rather learn not take yourself, or life, so seriously.Today is practice for the rest of your life – you might as well enjoy the ride. It’s a medical fact: people who laugh at themselves live longer, and those who laugh at others sometimes live much shorter (just think about it).
6. Give thanks for it. Thankfulness is the key to more. Start with God and say, "Thanks!" Discipline yourself to find the good in your world, and as God leads you, communicate your thankfulness to others for the big and little things they do.

 

 

 

 

PO'd (Purposefully Offended) With God

So, you’re in a bad mood. Something, or someone, has set you off. Your blood pressure is rising, and your mind is racing... and somewhere in it all you might even feel God is somehow to blame. What do you do?

Here are a couple of suggestions, ways to invite God into your frustration and fury. Prayerfully turn that feeling of being “PO’d” aka Purposely Offended into an opportunity for God to show up and show off... and to remind you that He loves you. 

1. Pray for the idiot. This sounds a little spiritually sophomoric, but I can personally testify this is a power tool of change... not to mention a mandate from God that we pray for those who persecute or hurt us.
2. Encourage a stranger. Find a person, and make a purposeful investment in their world. Whether by words or action – this can be a game changer for many of us when we realize how many have it far worse than we do.
3. When waiting on the miracle, be the miracle. Every follower of Christ is believing for something. Ask a friend what they are believing for and make an investment in the dreams of someone else. Believe for what they want and need. Getting our mind off our own circumstances can be liberating. Many times that's when God shows up in our lives. 
4. Be honest with God. During a memorial for a teen many years back, I confessed to God under my breath that I was angry…. and I was angry with Him. That day God spoke to my heart. He wasn’t “afraid” of my honesty or of my feelings. In fact, He let me know that He'd rather spend time with me while I was wounded then to spend no time with me at all. It's OK to get real with God.
5. Take a wiff of your own "stank". No matter how “great” we think we are, separate from Christ, we stink. Sometimes a quick reminder of who we are without Christ (a putrid filth) and then who we are in Christ (a beautiful and amazing, reborn creation) can bring a change and a sense of peace to the situation.

Today, if you are PO’d (Purposefully Offended) - I pray that you take a minute and give it all to God, both the good and the bad. You'll be able to walk away from these few moments with Him refreshed and ready to go another day in His amazing plans for your life.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Psalm 139:23 

One last thought: In case nobody told you today, "You are loved!"

 

How do I know when God is talking to me?

Are you "restless"? Is there something inside you crying out, longing to know and fulfill what God has for you next?

When we know God's voice we learn God's heart. And when we know God's heart, then we can follow His will. 

Take the first step and determine to know the voice of God like never before! 

Here are the most frequent ways God has spoken throughout history. Jesus said we are His "sheep" and we know His voice... the question is are we listening? John 10:27 "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."

God speaks through Scripture

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

God speaks directly to your heart (still small voice)

Isaiah 31:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

1 Kings 19:11-13 The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

God speaks through the ministry of the Holy Spirit (Convictions, leadings, dreams, visions and Prophecy)

John 16:8-11 When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 about sin, because people do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

Romans 8:14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

2 Peter 1:19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Joel 2:28 “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.

God speaks through Peace

Col 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 

God speaks through common sense and wisdom

Proverbs 11:14 For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.

God speaks audibly (the actual voice of God)

Exodus 3:4 When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” 

God speaks with messages sent through angels

Acts 5:19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. 20 “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.”

God's talking - are we listening?

Lies That Attack Our Character

Everyday our character comes under attack; the question is do we have the truth to address the lies thrown at us?

The first 7 below are from last weekend's service at Destiny. There are 8 more added to them for personal study. There are countless other things that attack our character, but I see a few on the list below that I know will keep me busy for a while. 

Taking specific truths from God’s Word and addressing those specific lies is key to victory. Here are some of the prevalent lies that attack our hearts… and a starting point from Scripture. Truth should be vocalized (spoken), personalized, prayed, and meditated on. 

John 8:32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Lies that Attack Our Character

Pervasive Thoughts (sins in our thinking)

 The Lie – I can’t help what I think about

The Truth – Our hearts follow what we feed them

Col 3:1-4 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Besetting Sins

The lie – I can manage the outcome of sin

The truth – wherever there is sin, there is death

James 1:15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Lying/Exaggeration/Deception 

The Lie - We believe a lie can get us something or somewhere the truth can’t

The Truth – a lie works against what God wants to do in me

Col 3:9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices

Unforgiveness

The Lie – We can’t forgive, or they don’t deserve it - so I refuse to.

The Truth – we forgive, because Christ forgave us

Col 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Pride

The lie – It’s ok to play God

The Truth – We are to be the hands and heart of God

Jer 9:23 – 24 This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,”

Greed

The Lie – there’s not enough, I have to take all I can

The Truth – Hoarding brings poverty, sharing brings prosperity.

Proverbs 11:24 One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. 

Relationships

The Lie – I’ll influence them, they won’t rub off on me

The Truth - The company you keep, determines the direction you go.

Proverbs 13:20 He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.

Possibility of Personal Change

The lie – Meaningful, lasting change, can’t happen to me

The Truth – Anything is possible for God

Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Authority

The Lie - If I don’t agree with the rule, I don’t have to keep it

The Truth – God is the one who establishes authority

Romans 13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

Selfishness

The lie – my things are most important

The Truth – we should look out for the needs of others before our own

Phil 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Materialism

The Lie – As soon as I get "x,y,or z" I’ll be content

The Truth - Prosperity without character is devastation.

Proverbs 30:8-9 Keep falsehood and lies far from me give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.  Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.

Speech

The Lie – I can’t help what I say

The Truth – Words give life or death

Eph 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Anger / Revenge

The lie – I deserve to see them get what they’ve got coming

The Truth - Our anger never accomplishes God’s will

James 1:19-29 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. 

Majority Rule

The Lie – The majority must be right and we should follow a crowd

The Truth – God has set you apart

Gal 1:15-16 But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man,

Work Ethic

The Lie – Minimum effort is permissible as long as minimum responsibilities are met. 

The Truth – We work for God, not money or man

Col 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,

 

Male and Female in Heaven?

In Matthew 22, Jesus blows up the Sadducees theology regarding the resurrection. In the passage a woman has had seven husbands, each of them die, and the question is asked whose wife will she be in heaven. (By the way, the main difference between the Sadducees and Pharisees was that the Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the dead.) They thought they had given Jesus a question that could not be answered. 

What Jesus does next is not only answer the question, but gives a glimpse of "what" believers will be like in heaven. Crazy stuff. 

Matt 22:30 "For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as angels in heaven." It seems clear that our gender will not matter in heaven as it does on earth. Now don't freak out on me yet. 

Another passage that gives us a glimpse at the Kingdom of Heaven: Gal 3:28 "There can be neither Jew nor Greek, there can be neither bond nor free, there can be no male and female; for you all are one in Christ Jesus." This does not mean that we are all nebulous-asexuals, or some kind of hermaphrodites. What it does mean is that there will be no classification of people based on our worldly or natural understanding of such things.  

One thing that we do see in scripture is that the family design still exists in heaven. God is our Father, Christ is our Elder-Brother, and we are as brothers and sisters. The will be positions, 

Another type of questions I get  a lot about heaven are things like will people know us or remember us, will we be conscience, have feelings, what about minds to think or reason, the ability to feel, and things to do besides sing songs for all eternity. I think I wait and answer those this Wednesday night at Destiny Church. You should join us in person or online at www.destinychurchlive.com. I'll give you a hint though, the answer is yes - and it's going to be better than anything you could have ever imagined in this life. 

 

What a Summer - Charlie and Jayme Van Risseghem!

Let me introduce you to an incredible young couple: Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wesley Van Risseghem.

Yep, hard to believe, my little girl got married. And WOW what a wedding it was! Never have I laughed, or cried, so much in such a short amount of time. She married the young man I believe we have been praying for her entire life. 

Other news: My son Mikey got his drivers license... my prayer life is officially at an all-time high. At sixteen, and on his fourth month of driving, he remains ticket-free... two years longer than I had made it before I got my first - I know, do the math, right?  

If that weren’t enough, Renae found a house outside of town so we up and moved (all the way from Tulsa to East Broken Arrow). Country living rocks and we love it!

And don't forget church - man I love our church... still the most amazing bunch of people I have ever come into contact with! Such an honor to pastor this body of believers!

All said, this summer was wonderful, and it was nuts. As I look over the last few months, it’s all a blur…. a beautiful blur, but definitely a blur.

God pushed us, but looking back, it was all worth it. Even as I write this Renae I are rediscovering stars (formerly hidden by city lights), smiling at Jayme’s wedding pics (aka Mrs. Van Risseghem), and I'm even contemplating sending Mikey to the store for a late-night snack - so he can put that license to work.

Life is good!

 

There's A Better Way To Do Relationships!

There was one thing God chose not to solve alone - The best investments you will make in life next to God are your relationships. What does real love look like anyway?

A Prayer of Victory Over the Destroyer!

This was from a teaching a few weeks ago - to get the audio or video of the teaching you can go to Destiny's website.

"Today, God I thank you that my life and health are blessed by You - I thank You that you have given me supernatural health, a clear mind at peace, and ALL the blessings pertaining to Your life and godliness. There is no sickness, affliction, or suffering that can come near my dwelling – I walk in Your power God - and have exercise Your authority over the Destroyer - I have the power to discern, the power to protect, and all power that comes from being your child - and I am free - covered in the blood of Jesus. Satan I rebuke you, any influence you have over me - on my life - and over my loved ones - your power is now broken – I walk in the authority given to me through Christ, I demand the honor given to me by God, and I take hold of and command the right to my health and a blessings in Jesus for me, In Jesus name amen!"

Uncovered – The Destroyer

Offering – 2Cor. 8:7 But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

There are four strategies that Satan has in his war with believers.

Rev. 9:11 They had as king over them the angel of the Abyss, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek, Apollyon.

Apollyon – gr. Abaddwn – the minister of death, the author of havoc, the great destroyers

These notes are about the second strategy of "The Destroyer"

• Target – All things material

1Pet. 4:12-14 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

• Weapon – Affliction, Sickness, and Suffering

• Purpose – To cause believers give up (specifically on God’s will for their lives)

• The Believer’s Defense – God’s Supernatural Power

Power to discern

2Tim. 1:13-14 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

Power to be free

Luke 13:10-13 On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, 11 and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” 13 Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.

Power to know our identity in Christ

Luke 10:17-18 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” 18 He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.

Luke 10:19-20 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Power to censure (rebuke) the enemy

Luke 4:33-35 In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an evil spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, 34 “Ha! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” 35 “Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him.

Luke 4:38-39 Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her. 39 So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them.

Rebuke – gr epitimao  - merited penalty, censure, demand honor from, and ridicule  /

How can I tell if a “condition is demonic?

When there’s havoc and destruction that distracts or impairs the spiritual life of the one who is suffering.

Every believer must know their authority in Christ in order to live a victorious Christian Life.

Phil. 2:9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

God wants us to use the authority He has given us and put it to work in every area of our lives