"The God of Israel will be your reward" (Isa. 52:12).

Security from Yesterday. "God requireth that which is past." At the end of the year we turn with eagerness to all that God has for the future, and yet anxiety is apt to arise from remembering the yesterdays. Our present enjoyment of God's grace is apt to be checked by the memory of yesterday's sins and blunders. But God is the God of our yesterdays, and He allows the memory of them in order to turn the past into a ministry of spiritual culture for the future. God reminds us of the past lest we get into a shallow security in the present.

Security for Tomorrow. "For the Lord will go before you." This is a gracious revelation, that God will garrison where we have failed to. He will watch lest things trip us up again into like failure, as they assuredly would do if He were not our rereward. God's hand reaches back to the past and makes a clearing-house for conscience.

Security for Today. "For ye shall not go out with haste." As we go forth into the coming year, let it not be in the haste of impetuous, unremembering delight, nor with the flight of impulsive thoughtlessness, but with the patient power of knowing that the God of Israel will go before us. Our yesterdays present irreparable things to us; it is true that we have lost opportunities which will never return, but God can transform this destructive anxiety into a constructive thoughtfulness for the future. Let the past sleep, but let it sleep on the bosom of Christ.

Leave the Irreparable Past in His hands, and step out into the Irresistible Future with Him.

—My Utmost For His Highest – Oswald Chambers

Pursue and Profess -- Matt. 9:28

Can I credibly profess love w/o evidential action?
When consumed by true adoration can I disguise intense affection?
Is devotion to a person wholly revealed only by actions?

While walking through His hometown [Matthew 9], Jesus caught the attention of a large number of people. Strolling through the densely populated town of Capernaum, this carpenter’s son from Nazareth…

1. Healed a paralytic man (vv. 6-7)

2. Confronted the entire local religious system (v. 3, 10-17, 33-34)

3. Called a [useless] tax collector into the ministry (v. 9)

4. Merely brought healing to a “free-bleeder” by the hem of his cloak (v. 19-22)

5. Healed yet another sick girl (vv. 23-26)

By the time Jesus exited from the heckling crowd surrounding the young girl that they mockingly assumed to be dead, he made his way to a local home. Many believed that he was entering into the house of Cephas [Peter], possibly for a meal and a break from the day’s activities. While coming into this dwelling two blind men addressed Jesus as “Son of David”, [Isa. 9:7] signifying their faith in His Messianic identity. This was the first address of this kind in the book of Matthew.

Why was Jesus so quick to heal the handicapped, confront the Pharisees, call a sinner into Kingdom service, stop a twelve-year bleeding, and even face a crowd of critics to bring a young lassie back to health?

Beyond that question; why did He seemed to ignore these two that screamed with such a targeted address [v. 27]? These two guys were compulsive and brash enough to follow this Messiah into a private home.

Concerning Jesus, do you require “seeing” before “believing”?

We know a great deal about Him and His claims.

Have you truly taken the courageous step through the door?

John 14:6

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7) If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well.

Jesus allowed these two blind men to earnestly pursue and then profess Him. Was it necessary? Did Jesus ever do anything in vain? These men were seeking God’s mercy through the Messiah, and mercy they received.

Have you pursued Christ and will you profess Him when He asks you…

"Do you believe that I am able to do this?"

With Head and Heart,

Chad Carroway

Authentic Sovereignty -- Authentic Worship

Around 3 B.C., while living in the East (Arabia, Persia, etc.), some astrologers notice an epiphany in the celestials, something abnormal to say the least. A star had risen and was hovering over Palestine. After they consulted their writings, these Magi (wise men) set off on a pilgrimage, a faithful journey to find a newborn king.

Even at an early stage I ask...

1. Who was this king proclaimed by the stars?
2. Did Palestine have anything to do with this star and its position?
   
3. Why was finding him so important?
4. Upon what information did these men base their motive to take this voyage?
5. Would they need local help when they began to close in on this royal figure?

Taking a close look at Old Testament prophecy, one can find the sorcerer named Balaam quoting nearly 700 years prior to this event something fascinating...

"I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel.

Numbers 24:17 NIV

Upon arrival in Palestine, in the Religious Metropolis of Jerusalem, the Great King Herod (great in wickedness) is accessed by these men from the East. This consultation sets off a firestorm of jealousy, fear, and subsequent genocide.

After the traveling astrologers break free from the mad usurper-king, they are reunited with the star once again and are led directly to the house of the true King of the Jews -- the Christ Child who is named Jesus.

The wise men immediately brought forth praise of the King's royalty (Gold), gifts symbolizing divinity (incense), and spices that were the best for burial (myrrh). While reading about these men as they bowed, worshiped and laid forth the best they possessed, my mind reels.

God through His sovereign hand, took the ancient words of a pagan sorcerer, a star-like figure among the skies leading a caravan of secular astrologers, even throwing in a crazed ruler to perform His will.

God used these unlikely elements to draw the world to His Son. The Christ Child waits for you to visit His feet as did the faithful Magi. Remember that we only approach with an authentic attitude of worship as we offer unto Him the very best that we have as children should when approaching such a wonderful God and Father.

Merry Christmas,


Chad Carroway

Uncertainty?

What is around the corner, will it handle you or will you be ready to handle it?

We have been following Jonathan and his armor-bearer as they have stepped towards the Philistine garrison with a dark cloud of uncertainty looming over them. What does God have up His sleeve of challenges?

Is it embarassment or victory?

Do you have a giant lurking after you?

Maybe there is that challenging person that you are having a time understanding?

Is it your marriage, possibly an uncomfortable relationship with a business partner?

What is bringing uncertainty into your life?

Join us this Sunday @ 3pm to see how we can Chase Daylight amidst the uncertainty of the darkness that looms throughout this world in which we live.


Send any q's or comments to this blog or chad@journeymin.com

Initiative

Today during small groups, we took a trip with Jonathan and his armor-bearer.
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Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, "Come, let's go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few."
(1 Samuel 14:6 NIV)
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God engaged Jonathan with a vision to conquer the Philistine garrison, and by trusting that God would act on their behalf, these two men locked forces and charged together.
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"Do all that you have in mind," his armor-bearer said. "Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul."
(1 Samuel 14:7 NIV)
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In what ways are we going to take initiative this week? What is God calling you to do, what is the vision?

God can complete His mission with a great army of people or with you and I alone.

What will we do?

Will I hide behind prayer or will I commit as though it all depends on me, knowing all the while it depends ultimately on God?

Initiative --- will I embrace it or deny it?
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Spread servant love to our fellow members of humanity

Be intentional

Be intimate

Be indisputable

Have a great week

Invite and Invest this week:)

Kindled Passions...

Today we delved into the subject of passions. We shared those deep, driving ambitions and desires that drive us. At the end of the rotation, we all had one thing in common, an outstretched hand to help as our denominator. Whether it is for animals, children, or other members of humanity, we all have a passion to see others helped. Let's take a moment to thank God for His Love and how He transfers that Mercy to us and then through our choices to assist this world on its faith journey.

Have a great week and remember to read 1Samuel 14:1-23

Pop Quiz for the Gilmore Group...

Hey Gilmore Group...

Quick Pop Quiz before our time together tomorrow...

Read 1 Samuel 14:1

We find an emphatic, one-word declaration in this verse!

How did Jonathan tap into the power of his divine moment?

Take some time this afternoon and consider how Jonathan worshiped his God in this opportunity.

Send a shot to me on this post or just bring it with you on Sunday.

Celebration @ 10 am // Small Groups @ 3pm

Choices, choices, choices...

Hey Gilmore gang,

I wonder about the choices made this week thus far that truly had a great impact on our lives?

Just Sunday, my good friend Fred made a conscious choice to keep a closer eye than usual on a car exiting a driveway onto the road. As he observed this car he began to press the brake of his vehicle, for the woman was not aware of his oncoming truck. While her attention was focused on the infant in the back seat, Fred was doing his best to swerve out of the collision zone.

Fred shared with me that he managed to leave the near catastrophe with nothing more that a smudge between the painted exteriors of the two vehicles. His choice to respond was crucial in avoiding a potentially horrible outcome.

How about your choices this week? How important are those moment-to-moment decisions?

Remember to read 1 Samuel 14:1-23 and prepare your hearts to discuss the importance of our choices that we make in every-day life.

See at small groups:)

The Relationship Prior to the Record

This afternoon I was studying for my w/e talk and I came across some simple yet profound truths.

For many years I have studied the Scriptures and I have found the Bible to be alive and fascinating. Throughout the the Bible can be seen a common reality that understanding and applying the principles of scripture is key to growth as a follower of Christ. Paul tells us that God forcefully and intentionally breathed the Scriptures. From within Him, in His very essence, God sent forth a magnificent love letter.

Never do I wish to convey anything negative about God's Word. It is however a very serious problem when we would prefer winning an argument over winning someone's heart.

It has always been God's desire to be my friend and daddy. I would never pay more attention to a love letter from my wife than I would cherish the heart of the writer. Why should God be any different?

Did you get that?

Let me suggest and pray to model a challenge for us all. Take the next opportunity to investigate Scriptures and do so with the intent to know the writer more than just what was written. Send a shot back to me and let me know how this challenge turns out. Remember, before the record there was the relationship :)

While it is day we must do the work...

During our small groups session today, our gathering was a catalyst used to provide some wonderful insight.

Considering the fact that we all experience "up" weeks and "down" weeks, I wonder if we remember the negative more than the positive.

Jesus told His disciples that we must do the work that God sent Him to carry out.
He also reminded His followers that a sense of urgency constantly looms over us.

What we do with our Mondays does matter...really!

Our discussion led us to a collective understanding that we can...

1. ...do a great work in not so attractive surroundings.
2. ...make the best of an ordinary, mundane day.
3. ...see a miracle through common circumstances.

It is by our daily obedience and desire to live a noble life that we can seize every powerful moment and harness that dynamic. This will allow God to do in us and then through us that which we could never do ourselves. Take these next several weeks have a TGIF day each day, no matter what the day may bring. Learn to chase daylight as you bloom where you are planted.

Assignment for the September 21st session --- Read 1 Samuel 14:1-23

From the Mundane to the Miraculous

New and Upcoming on this blog...

Chasing Daylight will be the theme for our new small-groups series in September.

Based on the account of Jonathan and his armor bearer found in 1 Samuel 14, this account will be used to address those issues in our life that most hinder us or hold us back.

Jesus, in the Gospel of John (9:4)said...

As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. --- (NIV)

Revisit this blog in the coming weeks for updates and follow-ups to this great unfolding where God and opportunity find the possibility to collide in your life and mine.

Go from the mundane to the miraculous --- join me as we Chase Daylight together!!!!