****This Devotional Blog ties in with my Podcast, "Why Reach Out?" at http://tompounder.podomatic.com or go to iTunes and type in Tom Pounder under the Podcast menu.****
Opening Questions:
1. What was the best gift you ever got for Christmas or your birthday?
2. What was the most meaningful gift you gave to someone else?
3. What meant the most to you? Getting the gift or Seeing the joy in someone else’s face because of the gift they received?
If you are honest with yourself, most of us would say that we get more out of giving to others than getting. Why do you think we get more joy out of giving than receiving?
Last question, I promise - Is there a limit on how much you will give? Will you give freely to someone up to a point? Or will you give to certain people more than others? Why?
Today, we are going to look at moving beyond ourselves and reaching out to our friends, family and community for Christ. Why should we reach out? Let's look and see:
Scripture:
Read Matthew 18:19-20; Acts 1:8
1. What does Christ command us to do?
2. How should we go and make disciples?
Christ commands us to – “Go and Make Disciples”; “You will be my Witnesses”. Why should we reach out? Because Christ commands us too. The great thing about Christ, though, is that not only does He tell us what to do, but he tells us how to do it.
He tells us to go and teach them everything you have learned from Him. Then He gives us a strategy - Start with your inner circle of influence (Jerusalem) and then branch out to your school (Judea and Samaria) and eventually to the world (ends of the earth). We have to start with those closest to us, then move out, slowly but surely to the ends of the earth.
Read Matthew 4:19; Philippians 2:3-4
1. What sticks out to you about these verses? How do they relate to reaching out?
When we choose to follow Christ, we have an obligation to move it beyond ourselves and be fishers of men and women. Christ didn’t say, Come follow me and I will make you the best Bible readers ever! No, he said, to Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men!
Also, when we reach out to our friends, family and community we are serving them. Sharing your faith is a way of serving because you are helping them come to a better life by following Christ. We get blessed more than the people we serve. We should do this selfishly because we will be blessed.
Application:
1. Write down a list of names you can eventually share your faith with. Pray that God would open doors for you to share your faith with them.
2. Remember what Christ said, "teach them everything I have commanded you". Take 1 thing you learned in your relationship with Christ and prepare to share with with them.
Be prepared and ask God for guidance and He will present the opportunity. Let's make the most of it.
Whether they know it or not, these people on your list are counting on you to share with them about the life transforming power of Jesus Christ. Let's not let them down.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
It ain't over till it's over!
Thing of some famous, inspirational quotes. Write them down.
Yogi Berra – Not Yogi Bear, the cartoon, but Yogi Berra, the Hall of Fame Catcher for the N.Y. Yankees, once said, "It ain't over till it's over"
Ladies and Gentlemen, It ain’t over till it’s over! That is what we are going to talk about today. So many times things will happen when we get down on ourselves, down on life or down on others. Things not going right in life can lead to some pretty severe depression, anger or even death. Why do you think the suicide rate is so high amongst teenagers?
You may get cut from the baseball team, or get the last seat in the orchestra, you may get dumped by your boyfriend/girlfriend or your parents might split up. There are so many things that could lead us to say, “What’s the point”.
But, boys and girls, “It ain’t over till it’s over” Hey, you may flunk the final, but… It ain’t over till it’s over! You might get dumped, but… It ain’t over till it’s over! Your best friend might turn on you, but… It ain’t over till it’s over!
It ain’t over till it’s over! Why? Because, God is there, waiting for us to turn to Him. We’ve got to persevere and put our trust in God. Then, we will be able to experience the true fulfillment in life.
In the Bible, it talks about this. Let’s see what it says.
Scripture
Read Hebrews 10:22-25; 32-39
1. There are 4 “Let us” statements. What are they?
· Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart
· Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess
· Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds
· Let us not give up meeting together
2. How do these “let us” statements help us to persevere and not give up?
By drawing us near to God, not wavering in our faith, being in community with others and encouraging others in love and good deeds, we know that we have better and lasting possessions. That despite all that will happen to us, we don’t care, because we know that what we have in God, could not be taken away from us! It was better than anything taken away and lasted so much longer.
What you can have in God is better than anything that was taken away and can last eternally. So, no matter what happens, It ain’t over till it’s over! In God, it is never over till it’s over. Remember what Christ did for us? Romans 6:23 – we earned death, but because Christ had a say in it, life wasn’t over. He came and sacrificed his life for us.
3. What will happen if you persevered and do the will of God (v.36)? You will receive what he has promised
God is faithful and will always fulfill on his promises. Numbers 23:19. God is not like us. He doesn’t lie, doesn’t change his mind. Every time he speaks, he acts. Every time he promises, he fulfills. The promise he has for us are countless. Where do you find them? In the Bible.
Application
When tough times come, what do you do? Where do you turn?
When tough times come, know that It ain’t over till it’s over! It’s never over because God is involved. Think about it, if he didn’t even spare his own son for us, how can anyone say that God won’t stop at anything to help us?
The questions that remains now is do you want what He is offering?
So, I want to challenge you to do 2 things this week:
1. What 1 “let us” statement do you need to work on this week?
2. How can you persevere in Christ this week?
It ain’t over because God has a hand in it and can make a lasting difference in your life.
Yogi Berra – Not Yogi Bear, the cartoon, but Yogi Berra, the Hall of Fame Catcher for the N.Y. Yankees, once said, "It ain't over till it's over"
Ladies and Gentlemen, It ain’t over till it’s over! That is what we are going to talk about today. So many times things will happen when we get down on ourselves, down on life or down on others. Things not going right in life can lead to some pretty severe depression, anger or even death. Why do you think the suicide rate is so high amongst teenagers?
You may get cut from the baseball team, or get the last seat in the orchestra, you may get dumped by your boyfriend/girlfriend or your parents might split up. There are so many things that could lead us to say, “What’s the point”.
But, boys and girls, “It ain’t over till it’s over” Hey, you may flunk the final, but… It ain’t over till it’s over! You might get dumped, but… It ain’t over till it’s over! Your best friend might turn on you, but… It ain’t over till it’s over!
It ain’t over till it’s over! Why? Because, God is there, waiting for us to turn to Him. We’ve got to persevere and put our trust in God. Then, we will be able to experience the true fulfillment in life.
In the Bible, it talks about this. Let’s see what it says.
Scripture
Read Hebrews 10:22-25; 32-39
1. There are 4 “Let us” statements. What are they?
· Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart
· Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess
· Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds
· Let us not give up meeting together
2. How do these “let us” statements help us to persevere and not give up?
By drawing us near to God, not wavering in our faith, being in community with others and encouraging others in love and good deeds, we know that we have better and lasting possessions. That despite all that will happen to us, we don’t care, because we know that what we have in God, could not be taken away from us! It was better than anything taken away and lasted so much longer.
What you can have in God is better than anything that was taken away and can last eternally. So, no matter what happens, It ain’t over till it’s over! In God, it is never over till it’s over. Remember what Christ did for us? Romans 6:23 – we earned death, but because Christ had a say in it, life wasn’t over. He came and sacrificed his life for us.
3. What will happen if you persevered and do the will of God (v.36)? You will receive what he has promised
God is faithful and will always fulfill on his promises. Numbers 23:19. God is not like us. He doesn’t lie, doesn’t change his mind. Every time he speaks, he acts. Every time he promises, he fulfills. The promise he has for us are countless. Where do you find them? In the Bible.
Application
When tough times come, what do you do? Where do you turn?
When tough times come, know that It ain’t over till it’s over! It’s never over because God is involved. Think about it, if he didn’t even spare his own son for us, how can anyone say that God won’t stop at anything to help us?
The questions that remains now is do you want what He is offering?
So, I want to challenge you to do 2 things this week:
1. What 1 “let us” statement do you need to work on this week?
2. How can you persevere in Christ this week?
It ain’t over because God has a hand in it and can make a lasting difference in your life.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Thriving in our new seasons
School is ending and a new year is just around the corner. Some of you will be moving away, others going from middle school to high school and others going from high school to college.
As every new season in your life begins, it can be a turning point in your life – for the good or for the bad. Every season presents it freshness, a new exciting thing. However, it also presents its challenges and difficulties.
When you move to a new community, move up in grades or even go off to college, you will be with a whole bunch of new people who are in the exact same situation. If you are going to college, you will be free from “parental” rules and will be forced to make decisions on your own. You will encounter people who are trying to push you into this club or that sorority. You will be invited to parties or encouraged to go to this fellowship group or that one. Regardless of where you will be or what grade you are going too, you will have so many decisions to make on your own that can have lasting effects.
I want to encourage you, that as this new season begins, not to forget some of the things you learned in past seasons. Particularly, what you learned to be true about Christ.
Scripture
In the Bible it says in Matthew 6:33, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." It also says in John 15:7, "If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you."
The truth here is that if we seek Him and remain close to Him – remain in fellowship with Him, he will provide for us, he will help us make those tough decision. The key here is that WE have to seek Him and WE have to remain in Him. It takes our initiative. God is always there, desiring to help. WE have to go to Him.
Moving to a new community, moving up in grades, or even going off to College is a new and exciting time in which you get to recreate who you are on so many levels. However, I want to encourage you – don’t recreate who you are in Christ and what you know to be true in him. He will be the one you need to cling to, especially early on.
I have talked to so many people, especially college students, who told me how fortunate and lucky they were to get involved in a fellowship group when they first got down to college. It was by being involved in that group early one that made a difference in their time there because they got plugged in with new great people who were encouraging her in her faith and who were helping her sort through all that college has to offer her. It was a great support for her…especially early on.
So, when you begin your new year, don’t leave Christ at home. Take Him with you and allow Him to help you through this new season in your life. Get plugged into fellowship early on and stay connected to Christ. He will be the key in your survival.
Application
What is 1 thing you can do this summer to get you ready for the school year ahead?
What Christlike disciplines can you build into your life this summer to get your ready to survive and thrive in the year ahead?
As every new season in your life begins, it can be a turning point in your life – for the good or for the bad. Every season presents it freshness, a new exciting thing. However, it also presents its challenges and difficulties.
When you move to a new community, move up in grades or even go off to college, you will be with a whole bunch of new people who are in the exact same situation. If you are going to college, you will be free from “parental” rules and will be forced to make decisions on your own. You will encounter people who are trying to push you into this club or that sorority. You will be invited to parties or encouraged to go to this fellowship group or that one. Regardless of where you will be or what grade you are going too, you will have so many decisions to make on your own that can have lasting effects.
I want to encourage you, that as this new season begins, not to forget some of the things you learned in past seasons. Particularly, what you learned to be true about Christ.
Scripture
In the Bible it says in Matthew 6:33, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." It also says in John 15:7, "If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you."
The truth here is that if we seek Him and remain close to Him – remain in fellowship with Him, he will provide for us, he will help us make those tough decision. The key here is that WE have to seek Him and WE have to remain in Him. It takes our initiative. God is always there, desiring to help. WE have to go to Him.
Moving to a new community, moving up in grades, or even going off to College is a new and exciting time in which you get to recreate who you are on so many levels. However, I want to encourage you – don’t recreate who you are in Christ and what you know to be true in him. He will be the one you need to cling to, especially early on.
I have talked to so many people, especially college students, who told me how fortunate and lucky they were to get involved in a fellowship group when they first got down to college. It was by being involved in that group early one that made a difference in their time there because they got plugged in with new great people who were encouraging her in her faith and who were helping her sort through all that college has to offer her. It was a great support for her…especially early on.
So, when you begin your new year, don’t leave Christ at home. Take Him with you and allow Him to help you through this new season in your life. Get plugged into fellowship early on and stay connected to Christ. He will be the key in your survival.
Application
What is 1 thing you can do this summer to get you ready for the school year ahead?
What Christlike disciplines can you build into your life this summer to get your ready to survive and thrive in the year ahead?
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Goal Setting: Loving Others
Think of some recent goals you have set for yourself? Have you been successful or have you not been able to follow through with them?
Unfortunately, most of our goals have not been too successful; not because your intentions are bad, but because we often set goals that we cannot do. Often times, the goals are too high and we don’t have a plan to achieve it.
This week, I want to look at succeeding in our goals - that we would make a goal and follow through with it. These goals can be achieved because they are grounded in God’s plans and purposes for our lives.
This week, the goal I want to look at is Loving Others. Why would we want to do that?
Read Matthew 22:36-39
- What are the two greatest commandments? love God and love others
- Why is loving others important? Because, as Jesus points out, everything else is dependent on loving God and loving others.
There are tons of examples of how to love others in the Bible, but I want to look a pretty familiar/famous story. It’s the story of the Good Samaritan.
Read Luke 10:30-37
What sticks out to you abot that story?
It is clear that this man was beaten and left for dead. People came, saw him and passed right by him, never once helping him. Then, a Samaritan came and helped him. I want to focus on what the Samaritan did.
What did the Samaritan do? (3 things found in v. 34-35)
Jesus told us to go and do the same. Well, how can we do the same to this? Let’s take a look at this passage again.
We have a man who was beaten up and left for dead, sitting on the side of the road. Who, today, would correlate well with this person? The odd ball, the one all by him/herself…the one without friends, sitting alone in the cafeteria.
Now, be careful…just because this is the character in the story, doesn’t mean that this is the only sort of person we need to be reaching out too…we need to love everyone!
The man who helped him, bandaged his wounds, put him on his donkey and took care of him.
What, today, could we do to help someone? Sit down and chat with them at lunch, give an encouraging word
Then, he paid the innkeeper to look after him. What, today, could we do that is similar? Take him/her to church, get them involved with a support network, etc
Application
So here’s the model. Christ made it a priority and the Samaritan put it into practice. What are you going to do when you see the opportunity? Are you going to act or just shy away, hoping that someone else will love him or her?
Think of the impact you can have on just one person by simply loving him/her. What do you think could happen?
In the movie “the Untouchables”, Sean Connery’s character challenges Elliot Ness (played by Kevin Costner) to really step up and make a difference in their war vs. organized crime. As they were getting ready to make an impact, he says 2 things to them:
1. “Do you really want to get him (Capone)…What are you prepared to do?”
2. "If you walk through this door now, you are walking into a world of trouble and there is no turning back…you understand”
In the same way, I want to challenge you by asking you…what are you prepared to do? If you claim to be committed to loving God and loving others…what are you prepared to do? Because once you walk through that door, there is no turning back. God will move and impact many lives, including your own.
My challenge to you this week is this: Pick 1 person to love as God would love you!
John 13:34-35 says - "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
People will know that you are a follower of Christ by the love you portray. Lives can be changed because of it. Loving others is a simple but powerful goal that we can all achieve.
Make a plan of 1 or more persons you are going to love the way Christ would.
- Who are you going to be intentionally loving this week?
- How will you love them?
Unfortunately, most of our goals have not been too successful; not because your intentions are bad, but because we often set goals that we cannot do. Often times, the goals are too high and we don’t have a plan to achieve it.
This week, I want to look at succeeding in our goals - that we would make a goal and follow through with it. These goals can be achieved because they are grounded in God’s plans and purposes for our lives.
This week, the goal I want to look at is Loving Others. Why would we want to do that?
Read Matthew 22:36-39
- What are the two greatest commandments? love God and love others
- Why is loving others important? Because, as Jesus points out, everything else is dependent on loving God and loving others.
There are tons of examples of how to love others in the Bible, but I want to look a pretty familiar/famous story. It’s the story of the Good Samaritan.
Read Luke 10:30-37
What sticks out to you abot that story?
It is clear that this man was beaten and left for dead. People came, saw him and passed right by him, never once helping him. Then, a Samaritan came and helped him. I want to focus on what the Samaritan did.
What did the Samaritan do? (3 things found in v. 34-35)
Jesus told us to go and do the same. Well, how can we do the same to this? Let’s take a look at this passage again.
We have a man who was beaten up and left for dead, sitting on the side of the road. Who, today, would correlate well with this person? The odd ball, the one all by him/herself…the one without friends, sitting alone in the cafeteria.
Now, be careful…just because this is the character in the story, doesn’t mean that this is the only sort of person we need to be reaching out too…we need to love everyone!
The man who helped him, bandaged his wounds, put him on his donkey and took care of him.
What, today, could we do to help someone? Sit down and chat with them at lunch, give an encouraging word
Then, he paid the innkeeper to look after him. What, today, could we do that is similar? Take him/her to church, get them involved with a support network, etc
Application
So here’s the model. Christ made it a priority and the Samaritan put it into practice. What are you going to do when you see the opportunity? Are you going to act or just shy away, hoping that someone else will love him or her?
Think of the impact you can have on just one person by simply loving him/her. What do you think could happen?
In the movie “the Untouchables”, Sean Connery’s character challenges Elliot Ness (played by Kevin Costner) to really step up and make a difference in their war vs. organized crime. As they were getting ready to make an impact, he says 2 things to them:
1. “Do you really want to get him (Capone)…What are you prepared to do?”
2. "If you walk through this door now, you are walking into a world of trouble and there is no turning back…you understand”
In the same way, I want to challenge you by asking you…what are you prepared to do? If you claim to be committed to loving God and loving others…what are you prepared to do? Because once you walk through that door, there is no turning back. God will move and impact many lives, including your own.
My challenge to you this week is this: Pick 1 person to love as God would love you!
John 13:34-35 says - "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
People will know that you are a follower of Christ by the love you portray. Lives can be changed because of it. Loving others is a simple but powerful goal that we can all achieve.
Make a plan of 1 or more persons you are going to love the way Christ would.
- Who are you going to be intentionally loving this week?
- How will you love them?
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