Greg Denham

BLESSED SUBTRACTIONS

Have you ever heard the expression, “It’s a blessed subtraction?” It’s an expression that has taken a life of it’s own over the years among Christians. The reason for it is because believers have experienced that in God’s economy, He subtracts in order to ADD!

On Wednesday nights we’re studying the book of Acts. Presently we’re in Acts chapter 16.

Paul is just beginning his 2nd missionary journey but it began bitter-sweet. His faithful companion Barnabus has set out in another direction and has taken along John Mark. So, there has been a subtraction in Paul’s life. However, when he arrives in the city of Lystra he finds a young disciple named Timothy who will become like a “son” to him and will join him in his 2nd missionary journey – ultimately becoming a great leader in the church. In addition, when the team ends up in Troas, there is strong indication that Luke, a medical doctor, joins the team. This is the same Luke who will later pen the book of Luke and the book of Acts.

So, while there had been some “subtractions” in Paul’s life, there had also been some blessed additions as well!

I want to encourage you. Often the Lord will subtract in order to add to your life. It’s not always a comfortable process though. Sometimes there is pain like when the surgeon removes a cancerous growth in order to add health. The apostle Paul spoke of a painful “thorn” that hurt him for years. However, although there was a subtraction of comfort, God added POWER in Paul’s life promising that His strength is “perfected in weakness” and it was.

Be encouraged.

Keep your eyes on Jesus!

Chances are what you’re going through is a “BLESSED SUBTRACTION!”

I trust you will enjoy these great perspectives on the power of the Word of God in our life!

This is MY Bible …

I am who it says I am. Matthew 5:16
I can do what it says I can do. Philippians 4:13
I am going where it says I will go. John 14:3

God’s Word is milk for my soul. 1 Peter 2:2
God’s Word is seed for my faith. Luke 8:11
God’s Word is light for my path. Psalm 119:105
God’s Word is power for my victory. Hebrews 4:12
God’s Word is freedom for my life. John 8:32

When I read God’s Word it brings me joy.  Jeremiah 15:16
When I study God’s Word, it keeps me from shame.  2 Timothy 2:15
When I memorize God’s Word, it purifies my heart.  Psalm 119:11
When I quote God’s Word, it defeats my enemies.  Ephesians 6:10, 17
When I meditate on God’s Word, it brings me success.  Joshua 1:8
When I abide in God’s Word, it gives me confidence.  John 15:7

AMEN!

Contentment comes when you realize that you have everything you need right now.

If you needed anything else, God would give it to you.

What a liberating thought!

So, if you are struggling with contentment at this time, the source of the problem is not the Lord. The reason is because He’s given you everything you need for this very moment. He’s given you the GRACE you need!

And, remember, the GREATEST NEED we have is the Lord and He will never leave us.

The Bible says, “…be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Heb 13:5)

I was blessed by the resolutions of the great puritan preacher Jonathan Edwards, known for the famous sermon, “Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God”.

What is interesting to me is the focus on the attention of seizing the NOW, the DAY – to the glory of God!

Be encouraged and blessed:)

#1 Resolve never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends for the glory of God.

#2 Resolve never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.

#3 Resolve to live with all my might, while I do live.

#4 Resolve never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.

#5 Resolve to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.

Onward …

“Bringing It To The Father”

21 Day Fast And Prayer

“Ask” “Seek” “Knock”

Luke 11:9-13

January 25^th thru February 14th

As we begin the new year of 2010, I would like to invite you to join me in these next 21 days for a time of prayer and fasting that we’re calling “Bringing It To The Father!” Jesus promised that if we “Ask”, “Seek” and “Knock” the Father will give to us the help, comfort and gifting of the Holy Spirit. Let’s begin the year giving our Father our attention, and giving room to the Holy Spirit in our lives!

What is fasting?

Biblical fasting is refraining from food for a spiritual purpose. It is denying bodily hunger to focus on hungering after the Lord. Jesus spoke of “prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:29). And there are different types of “fasts!”

For example …

#1 There is the “Full Fast” – which is drink only.

#2 There is the “Daniel Fast” – which is: no meat, no sweets, no bread (only water, juice and vegetables).

#3 There is the “Partial Fast” – from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm (or from sunrise to sundown) – which can be a “Full Fast”, “Daniel Fast” or where you give up at least one type of food.

The type of fast that you choose, the length of the fast, and whether or not you choose to fast at all, is entirely up to you. The Bible does not command that we fast; and if you choose not to fast, no problem, you can still pray! However, before beginning any fast, be sure to consult your physician.

God Bless you as you go vertical in prayer and fasting with the Father!

“It Really Happened, Once!”

C.S. Lewis, the great Oxford professor, was at one time a hardened atheist. Interestingly, what began the process that ultimately revolutionized Lewis’ life in becoming a Christian was an idea that came from, an unlikely source, an even more hardened atheist than Lewis who remarked to him, “the historicity of the gospels were really surprisingly good!” This same atheist then referred to pagan mythology of a “dying god” who rose again, then mused, “It almost looks as if it really happened once.”

Did it really happen, once?

The popular talk show host LARRY KING was once asked whom he would choose to interview if he had one person to choose from throughout history.  King answered that it would be Jesus and he would ask only one question: “Are you indeed VIRGIN BORN?” “The Answer to that Question,” said King, “would explain history to me”.

Why did King say this?

Because if Jesus was not virgin born, everything begins to break down! If Jesus was not supernaturally conceived in the womb of Mary then He was not God. And if He was not God then His death on the Cross really meant nothing at all. Even more, He was a fraud giving “False Hope” by claiming to be God in human form!

Some say that the Gospel’s were written by individuals inspired by imagination not historical realities. But if the Gospel’s are not true, if the Bible is a con, an attempt to CREATE a reality in the readers mind(inspired by an agenda and the imagination of man), the information used by the writer’s would have been counterproductive to their attempt to persuade a public that Jesus is the Son of God!

No one who would try to make up the story of the Lord Jesus, pawning it off as fact/credible, and write into the story shepherds being the first to hear of the news of Christ’s birth, why? Because shepherds were despised in this culture, regarded as thieves and not even allowed to stand trial as a witness. In addition, why would the leaders of the early Christian movement have made up the story of the crucifixion if it didn’t happen? As New York Times best selling author Timothy Keller concisely put it, “Any listener of the gospel in either Greek or Jewish culture would have automatically suspected that anyone who had been crucified was a criminal, whatever the speaker said to the contrary.” Keller continues, “Why would the Gospel’s depict the apostles – the eventual leaders of the early church – as petty and jealous, almost impossibly slow-witted, and in the end as cowards who either actively or passively failed their master? Why would anyone in the early church want to play up the terrible failures of their most prominent leader, Peter?”

The shepherds, the cross, the failings of the apostles… they are all mentioned in the Gospel narratives … BECAUSE they ARE a part of historical reality! Because the Gospel’s are ACCURATE historical accounts!

C.S. Lewis made an insightful observation that ancient fiction was nothing like modern fiction. In ancient times the details for epics and legends were sparse. He noted that the genre of fiction had developed only in the last 300 years! He said, “I have been reading poems, romances, vision literature, legends, and myths all my life. I know what they are like. I know none of them are like this. Of this (gospel) test there are only two possible views. Either this is reportage ….or else, some unknown (ancient) writer …without known predecessor or successor, suddenly anticipated the whole technique of modern novelistic, realistic narrative …”

So, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

And, enjoy reading the “Christmas Story” of the birth of the Savior, Christ the Lord. A story mixed with the natural and supernatural.

Because…

“It REALLY Happened, Once!”

It’s been an incredible year of God’s grace and new beginning!

I, believe, it all began two years ago at the start of 2008, when by prayer and fasting we sought the Lord for personal REVIVAL! I believe the Lord began a process of renewal in our lives and in the life of the church.

In the better part of this year, we have witnessed passion and public expression of praise and adoration for the Lord unparallel at Calvary, along with an excitement and buzz among the church family hanging together and fellowshipping long after services.

Simply, there is Joy!

And, the church has become a beautiful, REFUGE!

This morning we learned that Nehemiah prayed the prayer of “covenant!” He brought to the Lord the promises that God had given to Israel. Well, YOU, are a Nehemiah in this generation. I encourage you to also pray the promises the Lord has given us. Listed below are some great promises!

“Father, you promised to supply my needs …” (Phil 4:19; Matt 6:33)

“Father, you promised not to withhold any good thing from those who walk uprightly …” (Ps. 84:11)

“Father, you promised that ALL things work together for the good …” (Rom 8:28)

“Father, you promised that I would not be tempted beyond my ability to handle it and that you would make a way of escape!” (I Cor 10:13)

“Father, you promised that I am saved by grace through faith!” (Eph 2:8)

“Father, you promised that in Jesus nothing shall separate me from your LOVE!” (Rom 8:35)

“Father, you promised the help of the holy Spirit if I just ask!” (LK 11:9-13)

You are a Nehemiah! We are ALL Nehemiah’s. Every Christian is a NEHEMIAH!

“Greg, that is not my name I don’t know what you’re talking about …”

Here’s what I mean:

 #1 The Lord called Nehemiah to make a contribution in his generation. We too have been called to build.

#2 Nehemiah’s work had to with Jerusalem. God called him to rebuild the broken down walls of Jerusalem. Our work has to do with Jerusalem in this way: Jesus is coming back to Jerusalem and we all play a role in this generation in getting people ready for the rule of the King in making the Gospel known.

#3 Nehemiah’s WORK was temporary but important to the big picture in the impacting generations to come. Our work is temporary, in fact, our “life” is temporary here on earth yet our contribution – though menial at times, is essential to the big picture and to a work that continues for eternity.

#4 There were forces that were against Nehemiah! This is true in our lives as well. All of us face a battle. The Bible says, “… we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” We need to understand this. The stakes are high. We need to learn what is necessary to be victorious.

#5 Nehemiah held onto the promises of God which provided the right direction for his life and the strength that he needed (see Neh. 2:20)

Again, you need to know: YOU are a NEHEMIAH!

But you also need to know that there is a devil who is opposing your life and work. He is not behind every bush of opposition and temptation. However, he is real and he is motivated.

When Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem, two individuals who lived there, Sanballat and Tobiah, were very upset. Immediately, Nehemiah was in the cross-hairs of their scope. Similarly, as a Christian, you are a marked person. Sanballat and Tobiah wanted to weaken Nehemiah. They wanted to undermine his life and work in the care of the Jewish community. Neh 2:19 tells us that their initial method was the spearheading of a “misinformation campaign” by implying that Nehemiah’s leadership did not have the approval of the King. It was slander by insinuation. If true Nehemiah would be a traitor and anyone joining him would be committing treason.

It’s important to understand the temptation that Nehemiah faced at this point because by nature you will face a similar temptation. He faced the temptation to stop his great work and expend his energy on a public relations campaign to clear his name! The temptation he faced was the dividing of his focus and energy. The temptation he faced was to walk away from his chief objective of building the wall of Jerusalem. There was much at stake!

 Here’s the big picture …

 Building the walls of Jerusalem was the beginning of a great revival and awakening in Israel. The walls needed to be restored in order for the Temple to be fully operational, worship to be restored and God to be glorified. So, it was very important that Nehemiah, remain focused and disciplined on THE objective which was building the wall in Jerusalem.

If Nehemiah turned from building the wall and put his energy in answering slander with a public relations campaign justifying the integrity of his work, the enemy would have accomplished the goal of dividing Nehemiah’s focus.

Nehemiah would have been be expending energy on two fronts. He would have been divided and weakened, and the advantage would have gone to Sanballat and Tobiah. But Nehemiah chose to do what was right and profitable for God’s chosen people. He kept moving forward in his calling even in the face of personal attacks and the obstacles of ear and confusion.

 Remember, YOU are a Nehemiah. God has a calling on your life. There is a “WALL” the Lord wants you building. It’s the Gospel in this generation. It’s the ministry He has called you too. It’s your family! Beware, there is opposition to divide your attention and focus and weaken your resolve. Beware of the devil. He is real. Sanballat and Tobiah personified his influence. Today, may the Lord strengthen your hands. Build! Remember, YOU are a Nehemiah.

EVERYTHING that God has SAID is TRUE and WILL come to pass!  

The Lord wants us to BELIEVE this and when we do it is called faith and faith becomes the funnel through which God blesses our lives.

You can perhaps better understand why Scripture says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6)

Think about the NATURE of what takes place when you CHOOSE to believe something. It immediately sets your thinking in a particular direction. What a person believes influences how they perceive things and how they live.

For example, if the fire marshal ran into your office warning you of an approaching fire you would then face a decision whether to accept the threat or not. It impacts the direction of your thinking. If you disregard the warning, you remain in your office. If you believe the warning you run out of your office.

Can you see how “belief” triggers thinking, and thinking impacts your outlook and ultimately what you do?

Now, the OPPOSITE of faith is doubt! Doubt is the lack of assurance and confidence that God will keep His promises. Doubt is NOT believing what God will do. It is a choice to live in uncertainty.

Remember: EVERYTHING that God has SAID is TRUE and will COME to pass! The Lord wants us to believe this and when we do it’s called faith and faith becomes the funnel through which God blesses our lives. So, what are some of the promises God has given us that He wants us to believe and accept to be true?

#1 He will PROVIDE our NEEDS Phil 4:19 “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

#2 He will PROTECT us from ENEMIES Is 54:11 “No weapon formed against you shall prosper …”

#3 He will PROSPER us for our HIGHEST GOOD Ps 84:11”No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly…”

Every day your faith will be tested on whether God will PROVIDE, PROTECT and PROSPER your life. I encourage you, trust the Lord. Believe Him today. Accept His Word is TRUE! As you do, it will impact your thinking, your outlook and the way you live. When you believe him and His word you will “please” the Lord and experience His approval and blessing.