S.O.A.P. I Timothy 3 Carlos Herrera

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Scripture
1 Timothy 3:15
…you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and support of the truth.

Observation
The Church of God is a BIG deal. He does not take the church lightly. He is building it and that is the path that He chose to reveal himself to the world.  There is no plan B – we are it.  You and I (not an organization) are the church. It is the pillar of the truth.

Application
For a long time I wanted nothing to do with the church - although I was growing spiritually. I thought I could be a Christ follower without being in a church setting. In time I found out that it was unbiblical to be a Christ follower and not be fully active in a church.  The church of God is flawed and imperfect because human beings like me are part of it…but that is the point. Scripture tells us to make allowances for each other’s faults.  

Prayer
Lord, thank You that You have given me a love for Your church. I know that I have a long way to go in getting the true picture of the church but You have brought me a long way in my understand and love for Your bride.

S.O.A.P. I Timothy 2 Oscar Dupuy

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Scripture
1 Timothy 2:1-2
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

Observation
There is a since of urgency in what Paul is saying.  There is power in prayer.  But that is not why we pray.  The following two verse tells us that it not pleases God to hear our prayers but the verses also lets us know that desires for everyone to know him.  Prayer is a way of life where by there is communion with God in conversation.  But more than anything a “being with Him”.  

Application
Jesus invites us to be with him at all times.  There isn’t a waking moment that Jesus doesn’t want to be included in our everyday affairs.  He takes delight in what we might think are insignificant moments of our lives to the major ones.  He redeemed all of us, good times and bad, beautiful moments, bad experiences.  All things work together for the good of those who love him.  That is why it should be of no surprise that he desires all men to be saved, to come to knowledge of the truth.  God wants to communion with us all day everyday in every way. For that is why he created us, to be with and know Him.

Prayer
Father I praise you and worship you.  You take delight in hearing the prayers of your people.  You love when we come to you for that is why you created us – to be know and be with you.  Father I invite you to be the center piece of today.  I want to be aware of your presence with today.  Open the eyes of my heart in Jesus. Amen.

Religion Bytes Part 3: Disciples

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S.O.A.P. I Timothy 1 Oscar Dupuy

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Scripture
1 Timothy 1:16
But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.

Observation
Paul considered himself worst of sinners.  He didn’t think too high of himself that he couldn’t relate to others.  He understood that he was susceptible to falling like any other man.  Yet this proper perspective to his vulnerability kept him in honest.

Application
Honesty keeps us grounded in the reality of who we are and the greatness of God’s mercy.  Being truthful with ourselves grants us a different perspective on how vulnerable we really are and our need for God.  Yet many don’t really think they need God.  Many don’t think their hearts are that bad according to their own standards.  And so it hinders their understanding of Jesus’ immense patience and love for them.  We are all in need of a transformed heart. We all miss the mark and fall short.  All of us are need of Jesus.

Prayer
Jesus I am in so much need of you.  For too long I did life without you and ran into dead end roads, places that left me empty inside.  Grant me a proper perspective on life and you.  I thank you for finding me and letting realize how much I needed you.  I praise you and thank you for that.  In Christ name. Amen.

S.O.A.P. II Thessalonians 3 Oscar Dupuy

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Scripture
2 Thessalonians 3:7-8
For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.

Observation
There was nothing idle about Paul in his dealing with those he served.  Paul wasn’t about being a burden to anyone.  He went as far as trying make sure he paid for his own food, made his own money, not depending on others to support him.  Yet he continued to wait upon the coming of Christ.  Actively waited on the coming of Christ.

Application
I am active when I engage God in disciplines of reading scripture, prayer, being apart of a community of believers, serving in what God would have me serve.  I am waiting in God as I do these things trusting that in silence and solitude, He will lead me to do what needs to be done next.  I can’t depend on others to do what only God can do in me and through.  No one else can care for my soul or no one else will be giving an answer on my behalf to Jesus when I stand face to face with Him.

Prayer
Jesus as we wait on your arrival may we have the conscious to do what you have called us to do.  Help me not to be idle but actively waiting on your arrival.  Come Lord and meet with today as I wait upon your arrival.  In Jesus name.

S.O.A.P. II Thessalonians 2 Oscar Dupuy

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Scripture
2 Thessalonians 2:4
He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.

Observation
The person described here is seen to be extremely defiant and pretentious.  He is described as one with much audacity in thinking he himself is bigger and better than God.  The person would think that God is unnecessary in his life.  Deceitfulness and cunning will be his forte, and he is full of evil.  Yet by “the breath of his mouth”, and the “splendor of his coming” Jesus will expose  and overthrow him.

Application
Though this passage speaks of someone else portraying these qualities, I would be deceived to believe that I or anyone couldn’t live today with the same attitude.  I display these same attitudes when I look after myself more than the interest of others.  When I am more concerned about me than those closest around me and don’t care, then there is a problem.  In our attitudes and decision making, we can easily make ourselves to be god and dismiss his existence.  Yet Jesus’ mere presence can dispel this.  Through Jesus the chains of self are broken and I can surrender to his leading.  Jesus is God and I am not.  I think all of us need a bit of his life giving breath and the splendor of his presence in our lives.

Prayer
Jesus, you have dismantled the powers of the enemy at the cross and sit enthroned in glory and majesty.  I confess sometimes I think that I am you.  My attitude stinks and I don’t even notice it.  I ask that you may expose what needs to be exposed in me by your presence and give me the strength to surrender to you.  I want you to lead me, not myself.  In your name I pray.

II Thessalonians 1 Oscar Dupuy

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Scripture
2 Thessalonians 1:6-7
God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you  and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.

Observation
Paul reminds the Thessalonians that God is just even in their persecution.  He is fair, he is true, and if he ever fails to be so he fails to be God.  He is full of justice and mercy all at once.  Everything that deserves justice will be dealt with by him.  Inspite of we experience here on earth God is in the business of restoring all of creation beginning with the heart of men.

Application
I often see and experience things like others know that things shouldn’t be that way.  In the face of injustice we ask questions like where is God in all of this, why hasn’t he done something about it.  But one thing I am remind of is that he did do something about injustice over two thousand years ago through Jesus Christ.  His death, burial, and resurrection offers forgiveness of our sins, it has defeated death, and broken the power of sin that leads to all kinds of injustice.    

Prayer
Father you are so faithful and just.  I praise you because even when I don’t understand what this world is up to you have it all under control.  I thank you for your Son and the power of your Spirit.  As I go about today may you help me to see how I could join you in the restorative work of your Spirit in this injustice world.  In Christ name I pray.  

S.O.A.P. 1 Thessalonians 5 Carlos Herrera

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Scripture
I Thessalonians 5:14
Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.

Observation
Lazy, timid, and weak…this is addressing a lot of people. Those that are lazy need to be addressed…those that are timid should be motivated…and those that are weak should be cared for. I see this as a beautiful picture of the church, in which everyone is taken into account and everyone is being addressed according to where they are at in their journey.

Application
The easy thing to do is to disregard the lazy, and to allow the timid to be by themselves. Yet this verse is telling me to take all people into account. The lazy need to be warned and the timid encouraged. It’s easy for me to care for the weak and even to be patient with others, but warning the lazy and encouraging the timid does not come natural to me – I must be honest…the natural tendency for me is to bypass or even write off the lazy and the timid. But I’m wrong and I need to be more in tune with this reality.

Prayer
Lord, help me to love others well. I want to love the way that You desire for me to love. I want to lead and shepherd the way You created me to. Forgive me for writing people off and bypassing them. I want to learn how to warn the lazy in a way that is respectful to them and pleasing to You. In Jesus name, amen!

S.O.A.P. 1 Thessalonians 4 Carlos Herrera

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Scripture
I Thessalonians 4:11
This should be your ambition: to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we commanded you before.

Observation
Ambition is a word that gets a lot of bad press. Ambition is talked about as if it’s something bad and worldly. Ambition like most things is neutral. Ambition in itself is not bad or good. The problem is that in our culture we usually associate ambition with divineness, money, and moving up the ladder of success.

Application
I have a driven personality. This means that it comes easy for me to be ambitious for the wrong things – things that don’t last – things that seem important but only in the short term. I love that scripture teaches me how to redirect my tendencies. I don’t have to die to my ambition, but I have had learn (and continue to do so) how to direct my ambition in a way that brings life and honors God and others around me.

Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your Word! Thank You for this love letter that we call Scripture. In it I constantly find myself but most importantly I find You. Thank You for Your willingness to make Yourself known through it. In Jesus name, amen!

S.O.A.P. 1 Thessalonians 3 Carlos Herrera

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Scripture
I Thessalonians 3:12
And may the Lord make your love grow and overflow to each other and to everyone else, just as our love overflows toward you.

Observation
This whole chapter seems so paternal. It’s like Paul is really writing to his children - his love and sincere concern for the Thessalonians jumps off the page. Paul is asking them to get to a place where their love overflows towards others. And that is exactly what Paul is doing…his love overflows towards them.

Application
Paul was so effective in ministry (and life) because he loved in the same way that he was being loved by God. It seems that through the pages of the New Testament we see Paul simply loving those that he came in contact with. Sometimes it was tough love and other times it was sacrificial love. But it was always love! This inspires me to do all in life from a place of love, but I always have to be sure to be connected to the source of love so that my love is an overflow and not a human desire from human efforts.

Prayer
Lord, I must admit that I don’t know how to love well. Please teach me to love the way that You created me to love. Holy Spirit I ask that You take control of my life this day. Guide me and direct me. I’m Yours! In Jesus name, amen!

Religion Bytes P2 Guilt and Grace

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S.O.A.P. 1 Thessalonians 2 Carlos Herrera

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Scripture

I Thessalonians 2:20

For you are our pride and joy.

Observation

Paul has no problem stating that people are his pride and joy. Leaving a mark on people’s lives and pointing them towards God, and seeing them bear fruit was his pride and joy. Paul was a Sheppard/Pastor at heart.  

Application

Those words of Paul resonate with me. As I look over my time in ministry it is the people that are my pride and joy. As I look around and see people serving God whole-heartedly and walking with Him, my heart rejoices. On the other side of the same token, when I see people completely unplugged from their maker it breaks my heart. 

Prayer

Lord, allow me to rejoice in the work that You are doing and guard my heart from being broken by those that know You and yet don’t act like it. But above all else guard my own heart from ever drifting from Your love. In Jesus name, amen! 

S.O.A.P. 1 Thessalonians 1 Carlos Herrera

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Scripture
I Thessalonians 1:5
Because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.

Observation
The word “power” in this verse jumps out. The Gospel is alive and powerful. It has the power of transformation and healing. It’s not just words – it’s a message that changes what it touches. It’s a person (Holy Spirit) that takes words and brings about change.

Application
This lets me know that I live within the power of God’s Spirit. I (we) have been called to live in His power and for His glory. Many times I don’t feel like I’m living in the power of the Holy Spirit, but that happens when I’m not creating room for the Holy Spirit to be reigning in my life.

Prayer
Holy and precious Lord, thank You for sending Your Spirit! Thank You for allowing us to consistently live within Your power instead of our own. Help me to surrender to Your Spirit this day. Guide me and direct me – I’m all Yours! In Jesus name, amen!

Blood Drive Today!!!

Blood Drive being held at: Journey Church

Address: 12085 W. Yorkhouse Rd

Beach Park, IL 60087

Date: Sunday, April 15, 2012

Time: 09:30 AM - 02:30 PM

G.L.U.E. Religion Bytes Allow me to re-introduce JESUS

Colossians 4 Oscar Dupuy

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Scripture
Colossians 4:17
Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”

Observation
In the Message translation it says do your best in the job you received.  Although it is not clear what exactly Archippus was doing or responsible of, it didn’t matter.  Whatever he was up to, it was something to be done at his best and completed.  There is a since of stewardship of his responsibility in what he was involved with.

Application
It is easy to do just enough just to get by.  God has invited us into a process that he has been up to for ages, that is the redemption of the world through Christ.  It is something that can be taken lightly or seriously.   Never the less it is it matters to the heart of God.  If that means surrendering to Him, joining a church, small group, or serving, in that context a responsibility of listening and joining God will be present and it will be something that that needs to be done completely and to the best of our abilities.

Prayer
Jesus so many times I have taken lightly the call to follow you.  You have given all you have so might die to himself and live with and through you.  Forgive me for making my life out to be all about me.  Forgive me for giving you left over of myself.  I commit to you today all that I am and ask that you may open the eyes of my heart that I might see what you may be inviting me into with you.  In Jesus name.

Colossians 3 Oscar Dupuy

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Scripture
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Observation
Throughout this chapter, Paul tells the Christ followers to do many things. Yet in this one sentence he sums it all up.  "In the name of Jesus" is what he wanted the hearers to get.

Application
It would be easy for me to do things today for my purpose or even the purpose of others.  However, what would my life look like if everything I do is done in the name of Jesus?  Spoken words or thoughts would all be in the name of Jesus.  I think that would make me think twice of what I would say or do.  So before I watch TV or get on the computer or call someone or engage in a conversation, I can do it in His name, inviting Jesus into whatever I do, ultimately to do life with Him.

Prayer
Jesus, I so desire for you to be a part of everything I do and say.  I so desire to be aware of your presence.  I confess that many times I forget the reality of you being with me in everything I do.  May everything I do be in your name so that your presence will be acknowledged and embraced in that moment.  In your name I pray.

Colossians 2 Oscar Dupuy

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Scripture
Colossians 2:6-76 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live yourlives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as youwere taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Observation
Apparently the people Paul was writing to had some challenges when it cameto staying connected to what mattered most.  Later in the chapter it is noted that there were old habits and beliefs creeping in to sway them away from the power of Christ's death on the cross and resurrection.  Paul knew that if people were to become the kind of people Jesus desired, they would have to live in Him.

Application
Living in Christ is what matters.  In the culture we live in today, everyone wants to tell me how I should live, what things I need, and how I need to be a part of something if I am ever going to be somebody. Listening to those voices and trying to keep up with them is tiring.  There is only one voice that really knows what I need.  Living in Christ leads to the idea that life is meant to lived with God.  Through Jesus' death and resurrection, it is possible for me set all the noise aside and live with God in Christ, enjoying the whisper of who I really am through His Spirit.

Prayer
Father you are so faithful.  You always complete what you start, and I amthankful that you have begun a work in me.  Jesus, I ask that you help me surrender my life to you on a daily basis that I might learn what it means to live in and with you.  In your name I pray.

Colossians 1 Oscar Dupuy

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Scripture
Colossians 1:22
But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—

Observation
Before this passage it was said that the Colossians were enemies of God, separated from God.  In their minds they thought of ways to rebel against God and acted it out.  Yet the love of Jesus reached them.  Their relationship with God that was once non existence has been restored .  Before God, because of Jesus there is hope in the reconciliation between them and God through Jesus.

Application
As ugly and unappealing the cross was to the first century Christ followers it was through that the something as beautiful and appealing as reconciliation came through.  There was no way I could brought peace between God and I.  As much as I desired to be right with God, there was nothing I could have done.  Yet through the cross of Christ God the Father offers reconciliation, a relation with himself.  A relationship where by we stand right and Holy before Him because of Jesus has done.  And now we have the freedom to think and live differently from what is common in the world we live in.

Prayer
Father I praise you and thank you for what came through the cross of Christ.  I praise you and worship you for the magnitude of your love and desire for us to be reconciled.  I as that you help me to walk with you in this relationship.  May you remind me of how now I can live freely with you and through you.  In Jesus name.

Philippians 4 Oscar Dupuy

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Scripture
Philippians 4:11-12
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Observation
Being content was something that Paul learned throughout his journey in life.  It wasn’t something that he just felt it was something he learned.  It began as a practice for him.  He trained his soul to be mind and heart to be steadfast in Christ with much or with little.  For Paul Jesus was enough.

Application
How many people can really say that they are content in life.  It seems like most of the people that I meet are constantly striving for more even when they already have much.  Or I meet people that are working to the bone for more and in the process not even enjoying life.  Yet those that seem to be content the most are those that enjoy the moment and practice being thankful.  The most content people that I know are the ones that focus on all they have, not what they don’t have.  They have made it a practice to silent their hearts desires for anything else but the moment.  For them Jesus is enough.

Prayer
Father you have faithful to me.  You have given me so much and I often find myself desiring more.  Grant me a heart of contentment.  Jesus I want you to be my satisfaction.  You are everything I need.  In your name I pray.

Easter Sunday Service...Religion Bytes P1 4-8-2012

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Come Join Us...

Happy Day of Resurrection everyone!! Come join us this morning for our new series "Religion Bytes" (Religion Never Works). Service starts at 10:30AM at 12085 W Yorkhouse Rd in Waukegan IL...or catch us live online at 
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/journey-church-service

Happy Easter!!!