Unbound (part 2)

Unbound from Captivity




In our student ministry we have been in a series entitled "Unbound". It is based upon the passage of scripture found in Luke 4:14-21

¹⁴ Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. ¹⁵ And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. ¹⁶ So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. ¹⁷ And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:
¹⁸ “ The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
¹⁹ To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.”

²⁰ Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. ²¹ And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

It is awesome that our God has the ability and desire to set captives free! No matter how long we have been Christians, or been on the journey of life, there are things that seek us out to take us captive. But it is God's desire that we would live the type of lives that are unbound from any area of captivity.

It can happen quickly. We are running the race strong in our faith. We are running it to win. Yet quickly there can be little things that start to weigh us down. Things we take up that we think we control...but all too often they end up controlling us. Area's that, if left undelt with, will take us captive and hinder our ability to run the race that God has called us to.

The word "captive" in Luke 4 in the original language gives us a picture of a prisoner of war who was taken from spear point to be held captive. Have you ever felt that way in life? There are things that you just cannot seem to get past? Things that seem to have a tight control of you - even though you truly love Jesus and commit your way of life to Him?

What has you held captive? Is there areas in your thoughts, attitudes, desires or patterns in your life that are holding you, more than you are holding them? It is the TRUTH that will set us free. Allow His truth of love and redemption to break the chains that hold you in captivity in your life.

Allow the chains to be broken, so that you can be Unbound from captivity.

Taking Steps Forward in Faith

I love seeing young people take steps forward in their faith. At our summer camp this year we made a big push for students to get baptized in water if they have not yet done so. I was amazed by the response. Over 20 students signed up to get baptized in water. Beginning this past weekend we started the process, and this weekend even more will be getting baptized.

Being a part of seeing young people dedicate their lives to Jesus is amazing! And I love being at a church that is a part of the Great Commission!

Get it in you

Today I was thinking and reflecting on the importance of us getting the Word of God into our hearts and minds. God's Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12), it is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105) and it teaches us how to live right lives (Psalm 119:9-11). It is vital for us to be people who are reading it, learning it and applying it's truths in our lives.

A while back I came across a great resource that you may find helpful. There is a company who's mission is to record the bible in audio for every nation and language. On their website they have a free audio bible download. As well, you can make a donation to their cause to see bibles translated into every language and spread around the world. This means if you have an iPod, computer, or any other way to play mp3's you can listen to the bible while doing whatever it is that you do.

Imagine taking a month to listen to the bible during your commute instead of listening to music or the radio. What if you were listening to the book of Romans while you were at the gym instead of the same songs you always listen to. There are a lot of students who have told me over the years that they don't like to read. I wouldn't recommend replacing reading your bible with just listening, but if you can't or won't read, at least listen. I challenge you to get the Word in you. Allow it to change you from the inside out.

Get the Word in you.

Here is the link to their website:
http://www.faithcomesbyhearing.com/

Unbound (part 1)

In our student ministry we started a new series last night entitled "Unbound". It is based upon the passage of scripture found in Luke 4:14-21

¹⁴ Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. ¹⁵ And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. ¹⁶ So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. ¹⁷ And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:
¹⁸ “ The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
¹⁹ To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.”

²⁰ Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. ²¹ And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

I love the fact that we have a savior that said he came to heal the brokenhearted! Jesus in this passage communicates that God wants His people to live lives that are UNBOUND. Even though this is His desire, the truth is that many people live lives that are bound up. One area that many deal with: areas of brokenness.

Brokenness can come from different places: brokenness caused by others, brokenness caused by ourselves (inflicted from difference choices and decisions) and brokenness caused by disappointment. No matter what it stems from, I truly believe that Jesus came to heal the areas of brokenness in our lives, so that we are able to live WHOLE.

Why do we allow brokenness to remain in our lives when we have experienced the love and grace of God? Many are either unwilling to face the pain of that brokenness or don't have the ability to know where to start dealing with it. But we cannot fix what we are unwilling to face. Ignoring it won't help. And the truth is that even when God pours into us, if we allow areas of brokenness and fracture to remain without being mended by Jesus, what is poured into us will slowly leak out - leaving us empty and dry.

Jesus said "You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32). The Truth He communicated to us in Luke 4 is that He came to heal the brokenhearted. If there are areas of brokenness that you face - allow the healer to bring wholeness where there is brokenness.

Reflections from Summer Camp 2009

It is always amazing to see what Jesus will do in the life of a student during a week of camp. I love seeing students build new friendships, having fun and most of all connecting with the God who loves them! This years camp was no exception!

As the nights unfolded, it was fun to watch as the messages of our camp speakers seemed to totally line up and build on one another. God was definitely orchestrating some things! Having Pastor Steve Jamison, our Sr. Pastor, as our opening speaker was an amazing gift. I have never seen such a hunger and transparency on a first night of camp. I had quite a few conversations with young people who were very open about what God was doing in them and how He was delivering them from areas of compromise.

Pastor Josh was amazing on Tuesday as he talked about An Awakening. The altar time was powerful as students pressed into God. I loved being able to preach Wednesday night at camp about A New Reality. Again that night students packed the altar. Thursday night, my good friend Matt Wakefield came and brought the word. It was phenomenal what was taking place! Throughout the week we had many kids dedicate their lives to Jesus, got baptized in the Holy Spirit, had breakthrough in areas of their lives, called into full time ministry...what an amazing week!

I can honestly say I love this church and our student ministry, and cant wait to see what is ahead!

Enjoy Life

Last week Amber, the boys and I loaded up and headed out for a few days of camping with some family and friends. It was a great time to get away, rest, think, pray and enjoy life.

One thing many people lack is simply enjoying the simple things in life. Being able to "unplug" for a few days, build fires, catch fish, laugh, talk, and swim really brings a sense of refreshing to your life.

One highlight of our trip was Judah (2 1/2 years old catching his first fish! He was so excited as he pulled in that Rainbow Trout! It was amazing to take Judah and Justus swimming, and just enjoy the moments with my boys. I loved being able to sit by my wife at the fire each night and just hang out - no phone, no TV, no computer...just relationship. We also had some dust and bugs (comes with the territory I guess when you are camping), a huge lightning storm, great food and we ate a lot of smores.

On Tuesday afternoon, Amber's cousin Chris and I went up into the mountains on dirt bikes. We rode up a forest service road that seemed to have no ending. As we wove along the river and through the trees there was a simple reminder: life is good. We came to a clearing after a long hill and I had to pause and think, "Wow God. You are BIG." All around us were huge mountain peeks, some with snow still covering them. As I stood there and starred, it seemed like all of life's worries faded away. It is interesting how we can sometimes make a big deal out of things that really are not that big. Perspective is important. There is something about being way up near mountain peeks to put life into perspective for you.

As each of us go through life, we must find those moments where we can slow down and enjoy what God has given us. Being with family and friends. Having moments where you are reminded that He is God and we are NOT! Life is good!

What’s in You is Coming Out of You...

Yup, that’s right - what’s in you is coming out of you. Jesus said it: “A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.” (Luke 6:45).

Words reveal something about you... what’s in you. Are you full of God’s presence - his Spirit or are you full of (your) self?

Your words reveal whether you have love or hate, pride or humility, bitterness or forgiveness, ignorance or understanding, foolishness or wisdom, rudeness or kindness stored up in your heart.

Proverbs 18:21

Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit—you choose. (Message)

Matthew 12:34-35

…for whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good words from a good heart…

James chapter 3 warns us of the destruction that our words can bring and reminds us of the need to reign in our tongues.

Restrain yourself - know what not to say:

1. Don’t allow your words to tear down

2. Bless and do not curse (Romans 12:14)

3. Don’t let yourself become critical, negative, cynical and mean

4. Not every thought should be communicated

5. Not every opinion is needed or desired

6. Don’t just be an “observational communicator” (Ezekiel 37)

Speak with grace - know what to say:

1. Let your words be full of grace (Colossians 4:6)

2. Bless

3. Praise

4. Encourage

5. Build up

6. Speak to what is good

7. Be generous with compliments

“…let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” - Ephesians 4:29

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This article was written by Pastor Brian Dolleman (www.briandolleman.com), lead pastor of Fairwood Church. He has been a mentor and great friend in my life, and I thought it would be a great reminder for all of us about the power of our words and what it reflects about what is in us.