For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. (1 Corinthians 3:11-13 ESV)

Paul is talking about our work as servants in expanding the Kingdom. We build foundations in people (planting seed, watering it). It is important that we build the right foundation in them – Jesus Christ. Believers need to have a solid foundation, which is only Jesus because when we are tested with life’s trials and “going through the fire” our foundation is laid bare.

What will our foundation be when revealed? Will it be something other than Jesus or will we be clinging to Him as our foundation and salvation? Like Job, when all other things are stripped away, will we continue to love Him despite the circumstances?
That is when our foundation is God.

In Exodus 36, we see that God gave specific people skill and intelligence to know how to do any work in constructing the sanctuary. Moses called every craftsman who God gave skill, everyone whose heart stirred him to come do the work.

²And Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whose mind the LORD had put skill, everyone whose heart stirred him up to come to do the work. ³And they received from Moses all the contribution that the people of Israel had brought for doing the work on the sanctuary. They still kept bringing him freewill offerings every morning,⁴so that all the craftsmen who were doing every sort of task on the sanctuary came, each from the task that he was doing, ⁵and said to Moses, ”The people bring much more than enough for doing the work that the LORD has commanded us to do.”

Back up a chapter and we also see that God moved on people to bring all the supplies (and more). Those whose hearts were stirred brought materials.

²¹And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him, and brought the LORD’s contribution to be used for the tent of meeting, and for all its service, and for the holy garments…²⁹ All the men and women, the people of Israel, whose heart moved them to bring anything for the work that the LORD had commanded by Moses to be done brought it as a freewill offering to the LORD.

God calls everyone to do something for His Kingdom, and yes, even for the local church. Just as He did with the craftsman in Exodus, He has put a skill into you — a passion for something and it is meant to glorify Him, grow His Kingdom and equip His Church.

Romans 12:4-6

⁴For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, ⁵so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. ⁶ Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them…

Paul explains in Romans that we are all part of the Body of Christ and we all function in different areas. 1 Corinthians 12 also tells us that God arranged the members of the body each as He chose (verse 18). You have a gift that He has to chosen especially for you!

In 1 Corinthians 12:4-10, Paul gives a (non-comprehensive) list of spiritual gifts:

⁴Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; ⁵and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; ⁶and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. ⁷ To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. ⁸For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, ⁹to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, ¹⁰to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.

1 Corinthians 12:11, Paul explains that all these are empowered by His Spirit and He apportioned to each one individually as He wills.
He gives spiritual gifts as well as ‘natural’ gifts. He also gives ‘natural’ skills and intelligence, just like the craftsman in Exodus, who he put knowledge into.

Psalm 37:4

⁴ Delight yourself in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Exodus repetitively states that hearts were stirred to give — those who God moved on. Our hearts are stirred when the Spirit of God moves on us. When you delight yourself in Him, He gives you the desires of your heart; He is the One who moved on you and put those desires in your heart.

My example
I am graphic and web designer, that is something I have a passion and skill to do. I believe God has given me that and I know it is not just for me to use in my business. That is why I make it a priority to serve His Kingdom and my local church with my gifts. This is what I would consider more of a “natural” gift. Spiritually speaking, I have always had a desire and passion for the prophetic and the Lord uses me in that area.

Spiritual gifts are “harder” in my opinion because they really are empowered by His Spirit (1 Cor 12:11) and I have to stay tuned in to Him. When I am in a season of complacency and not seeking Him as often or deeply as I should, then I’m not walking in the Holy Spirit’s power, so it is harder to hear His voice. Obviously, we should have a close relationship with the Lord, but sometimes life happens and we get “too busy.” (It happens to all of us!) We have to strive to seek Him, not just for His gifts and blessings, but to know Him more and we will be able to recognize His voice. Spirit-empowered gifts can’t function without His Spirit.

For what is your heart stirred?

Are you serving your church in that area yet?

Today a little slow, so I thought I’d start something new on my blog. I am a big RSS fan (subscribing to people’s blogs) and wanted to share some of my recent “good reads”.

Want to know more about RSS? Here’s some basic info:

To subscribe to someone’s blog (or a website that has a blog) you can easily use Google Reader. Sign in or create a google account. Then you just hit “Add a Subscription” and enter the website url. No need to find the feed url or anything. Often times, blogs will have a RSS icon, like this:  , that you can click on and will allow you to subscribe via google or other readers.

A reader such as Google Reader, takes all the websites and blogs you subscribe to and puts it into one place for you to read. Some, such as Google, even allows you to categorize them.

Some of my favorite apps and stuff…

If you use iGoogle, you can have your reader right there in a widget. It is convenient to make your iGoogle your homepage so you can have all your favorite things right there (facebook, twitter, RSS Feeds, etc.)  

My favorite reader app for iDevices is Pulse . You can enter your favorite blogs, or even search to find some new ones. And the app has a clean and modern look, with smooth functionality.

For Chrome users, you might want to check out NewsSquares, it’s a web app and chrome extension that makes reading your RSS feeds fun and pretty. I love that you can use your Google Reader account with it.

What are your favorite ways to subscribe and read your RSS feeds?

Now, here’s my good reads this week.

Good Reads – Aug 26th

Why Have A Mission Statement?, via Collide Magazine

Do You Like Where you Work?, via Phil Cooke

“Tweet” & “Social Media” Added to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, via Mashable

Google +1 Button Now Shares Directly to Google+ <– good news! This was one of my feedback suggestions , via Mashable

The perfect formula for God., via Jon Acuff – Stuff Christian Like

Share your Good Reads!

Continuing on with the remainder of James chapter 1… you can find part 1 here.

James 1 is talking about trials and testing of our faith. I will pick up where we left off at verse 13,

13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:13

So, this time we have:
Trials > Temptation > Desire > Sin > Death

Compare that with Verse 2:
Trials > Joy > Testing of Faith > Steadfastness > Perfect & Complete

Our trials can lead us to either sin or life. When you face a trial, whether it is a hardship or a struggle or whatever you’re going through, you have a choice, to
fall prey to the temptation the trial brings or declare God’s goodness and remain joyful and steadfast. Each will lead you to a different path of life.

The word tempt is peirazō meaning:

to try; make trial; test faith, virtue, character; entice to sin, solicit

The same word is used when referring to Satan, the tempter.

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted (peirazō) by the devil. Matthew 4:1

And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted (peirazō) by Satan. Mark 1:9

The Pharisees also attempted to test Jesus…

And Pharisees came up to him and tested (peirazō) him by asking… Matthew 19:3

So looking at all of these scriptures that refer to tempting/testing of faith ((peirazō)), we learn that Satan is the tempter, He is the one who tempts us to sin.

Satan tempts because of our lack of self-control (1 Corinthians 7:5). The key to getting through trials and temptations is to have self-control. We encounter a trial, Satan brings temptation, we need to have self-control (along with all the other fruit of the spirit) to get through it without giving into Satan.

The verse in James I want to focus on is verse 13… Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God” for God cannot be tempted with evil and He Himself tempts no one. This clearly says God does not tempt us or cause us to sin (peirazō).

It’s important to note, though, that this word translated “tempt” (peirazō) is also “testing of our faith, virtue, character and this chapter of James is talking about trials and testing of our faith. We get that God doesn’t try to make us sin but we often say “God is testing our faith”. Verse 13 says, “Let no one say…”I am being tempted (tested) by God”. Think about it, our trials and times we are being tested are times the enemy is soliciting us to sin. He is the tempter. He is tempting us to sin. James says God does not tempt us with evil.

Remember Job? The ultimate story of a man’s faith being tested. Who was it that tested Him? Satan! God allowed it because He knew Job’s faith would lead to steadfastness (James 1:2). God did not bring evil or temptation to Job; however, He did allow Satan to tempt him.

We are reminded in 1 Corinthians 10:13:

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted (peirazō) beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

“He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability”… notice it does not say, “He will not tempt you beyond your ability”. He allows it to happen because it will develop our faith and lead to steadfastness. During our trials we need to rebuke the tempter and look to Jesus with unwavering faith.

This also reminds us that God is in control. Even in our trials we know that God is sovereign! There is nothing Satan can do to us that God will not provide a way out. That is comforting to know that God is all-powerful and higher than the enemy who brings attacks. When you’re facing a struggle, trial or attack, remember it’s the enemy and God is providing an escape. He knows what is going on and He is wanting you to seek Him; His gifts are good and perfect (James 1:16)

Lately, I’ve been studying James (my favorite book). If you have read James at all, you know that it is a hard one. It challenges us and brings wisdom and correction in the places we need it most but don’t want to go. I will share from my personal study, much like I did on the book of Joel.

What I find interesting as I read and study James, is that there are many verses we all have memorized and can quote but I think we forget what’s in between these often quoted verses.

James is first bringing up trials and testing of our faith.

² Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, ³for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ⁴And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2

So we have:  Trials > Joy > Testing of Faith > Steadfastness > Perfect & Complete

This means we have hope during our trials because we know it is good for us, that good will come out of it. We may not be jumping up and down and celebrating because of our trials and I don’t think that is what he is saying. But what is your usual response to trials? We might get upset, frustrated, worried; rather, we are to be joyful aka have hope because God is taking us through something that is eventually leading us into perfection and completion.

⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. ⁶But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; ⁸ he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. Verses 5-8

Another set of verses we know well. Remember that we are still talking about trials here. So, in your trial, ask God for wisdom. He gives generously! We are warned about asking in faith without doubting. When we doubt, it shows our heart. We know God is faithful, we know He provides, we know He is good and sovereign, so when we doubt, what are we putting our trust and faith in? If you are doubting, then you are double minded and supposing you will not receive what you ask. This isn’t about having enough faith to get something you want… it doesn’t depend on our amount of faith. But God knows our heart. Are we trusting in Him? If you say to God, “Please help me get through this situation,” and then you don’t put your trust and faith in Him to do that, you are double-minded, having faith and then not having faith. That is why James keeps telling us to “remain steadfast” in our trials.

Webster defined steadfast as:

1. Fast fixed; firm; firmly fixed or established; as the stedfast globe of earth.
2. Constant; firm; resolute; not fickle or wavering.

Fix your eyes on Him, remain constant, do not be fickle but keep your feet firmly planted in His Word and trust Him!

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Verse 12

There is a reward at the end of your trial. God promises the crown of life to those who love Him. That would be referring to eternity, right? So, yes, our whole life is a trial but if you remain steadfast…back to verse 2…you will be “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Need some encouragement? Do you know who are you? Do you know what God thinks of you?
This comes from Unka Glen on Tumbler.. We all need this reminder!

You are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26,27)
You are God’s treasured possession (Deuteronomy 14:2)
You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)
You are a child of God. (John 1:12)
You are a branch of the true vine. (John 15:1-5)
You are a friend of Jesus. (John 15:15)
You have been justified and redeemed. (Romans 3:23-24; Romans 6:6)
You will not be condemned by God (Romans 8:1-2)
You have been set free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1-2)
You are a child of God, you are a fellow heir with Christ. (Romans 8:17)
You have been accepted by Christ. (Romans 15:7)
You have been called to be a saint (1 Corinthians 1:2)
Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19)
God leads you in the triumph and knowledge of Christ. (2 Corinthians 2:14)
The hardening of your mind has been removed in Christ. (2 Corinthians 3:14)
You have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in Heaven (Ephesians 1:3)
You are redeemed and forgiven by the grace of Christ. (Ephesians 1:7)
You have been chosen by God to obtain an inheritance. (Ephesians 1:9-11)
You have been sealed with the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 1:13)
You have been made alive with Christ. (Ephesians 2:4-5)
You are God’s workmanship created to produce good works. (Ephesians 2:10)
You have bold and confident access to God (Ephesians 3:12)
God supplies all your needs. (Philippians 4:19)
The peace of God guards your heart and mind. (Philippians 4:7)
You were bought at a price (1 Corinthians 7:23)
The Son of God gave His life to ransom you. (Mark 10:45)
You have been brought near to God by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:13)
You are no longer a slave but a child and an heir. (Galatians 4:7)
You are joined to the Lord and are one in spirit with him. (1 Corinthians 6:17)
You are a new creature in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
You have been made one with all who are in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)
You are a member of Christ’s body (Ephesians 3:6; Ephesians 5:30)
You are a partaker of His promise. (Ephesians 3:6; Ephesians 5:30)
You are like a living stone, built into God’s house (1 Peter 2:5)
You are a member of a chosen people (1 Peter 2:9)
You are a member of a royal priesthood, and a holy nation (1 Peter 2:9)
You will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. (1 Peter 5:4)
You are a citizen of heaven. (Philippians 3:20)
You are seated in the heavenly places with Christ. (Ephesians 2:6)
You are chosen, holy, and blameless before God. (Ephesians 1:4)
You have been set free in Christ. (Galatians 5:1)
You have been made complete in Christ. (Colossians 2:9-10)
You have been raised up with Christ. (Colossians 3:1)
You have been chosen of God, and you are holy and beloved. (Colossians 3:12)
Christ is your life, and you will be revealed with him in glory. (Colossians 3:4)
…And you will resemble Christ when He returns (1 John 3:1-2)

“We must accept that this creative pulse within us is God’s creative pulse itself.”—Joseph Chilton Pearce

God has really been opening doors for us with Shekinah Arts and proving His faithfulness and I might even say we are walking in His favor right now in our little business, and I intend to honor God with what He has given us. I never want to forget why this business exists, who it exists for and even, how it exists. It is ALL for His Glory and His Kingdom! We are helping to build the Kingdom by equipping churches and ministries in their media, (and even social media marketing) and we will be His Light in the darkness.

Creative Matters

I ran across this through Collide Magazine and of course, immediately, went to download it. (Did I see “free”? and “creative”? That’s definitely for me!)

Oh. My. Goodness.

I recommend this book to anyone creative or not. Actually, I believe everyone is creative whether they realize it or not; maybe we have different levels of creativity or different areas of creativity, but

God is a creative God and we were created to be creative!

So, I downloaded this book and really, I haven’t read it yet. I confess. But I skimmed through the first few pages to see what it was about and WOW!

In their preface they describe what the book is about and why it was written. They end with this:

We reject Copy and Paste. We reject settling. We reject excuses. We reject creative atrophy. You were created for more. You were created to create. You matter. Your work matters. Creative Matters.

WOW! Again!

So go download the Creative Matters e-book (pdf) by Clark for FREE and enjoy!

OK, So I’m going to be reading this and keeping it accessible for sure! Loading it onto my iPhone so I can read in bed