Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” NKJV

Life Lesson: Challenges while we serve God do not mean we aren’t called. Don’t quit.

Pastor DA did a great job sharing last night on the Calvary Chapel Distinctive: “The Call to Ministry.” As I listened, I was reminded of this point… God does not always call the equipped but equips the called.

Many assume that “ministry” is something exclusively for pastors or “people with a calling.” That sort of thinking, while probably propagated in part by pastors, is simply not true. Every disciple of Christ is called to minister. What is ministry? Ministry is serving. Good works, while not the source of salvation, are for all Christians to walk in. Its boundaries are not defined by length, height, width or depth, but by need. Wherever people are, there is need. Ministry can be challenging to our flesh because ministry requires us to deny “self.” We make it complex to justify the excuse, “I’m just not ready.”

God equips and preordains us for works He has specifically prepared for us. Not only are the works set aside specifically for us, but we are uniquely created for them. As a result, we find ourselves without excuse. What excuses have you made not to serve others? God has set the bounds of ministry and given every Christian a call to actively love others. God tests the hearts of His servants so that we can be conformed to the image of His Son. Are you up for the challenge?

Dear Father,
Thank You for loving me. Thank You for sending Your Son to set me free. I know You have a plan for my life and trust that You will complete a good work in me. Lord, lay it on my heart daily to share with others about Your love. In all my shortcomings, empower me with strength to press on and challenge me to be live in the attitude and nature of You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say,

Pastor David McGee
Senior Pastor
Calvary Chapel of the Triad
Reachthetriad.com
Twitter.com/CCOT
336.996.6880

1 Corinthians 2:3 “I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.” NKJV

Life Lesson: We should be real with people and not portray some ‘False Spirituality’.

Paul is being very honest in this verse. He is not trying to make himself look better than he really is. He isn’t covering up his weakness. In fact, in 1Timothy 1:16, Paul proclaims that he is an example of God’s longsuffering. He is not a perfect man but a perfect example of God’s loving kindness, grace and mercy.

At times, Christians act like we don’t have any problems. One problem with this is the impression it gives to those who don’t know Jesus. They see Christians pretending they are not messed up and assume that since they still struggle with problems, they don’t belong in church. In doing so, are we proclaiming God’s goodness or our own?

We need to proclaim God’s goodness by being open about our problems and proclaiming that it is the goodness of God that saves! That’s being real. It’s real life, demonstrating the real love and real hope of the real God. In your weakness, the good news of Jesus Christ is made strong.

Dear Father,

Thank You for loving me. Thank You for the forgiveness of my sins and for giving me the opportunity to experience a life more abundantly. Lord, thank You for revealing Yourself to me through Your Word. Lord, I want the offer of joy, hope and peace that only You can give. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say,

Pastor David McGee
Senior Pastor
Calvary Chapel of the Triad
Reachthetriad.com
Twitter.com/CCOT
336.996.6880

1 Chronicles 17:6 “Wheresoever I have walked with all Israel, spake I a word to any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to feed my people, saying, Why have ye not built me an house of cedars?” KJV

Life Lesson: We should desire to feed the local community and the world the life-changing Word of God.

God has commanded leaders to feed His people. There are Christian ministries designed to meet the physical needs of people. That’s great; there are so many people on this planet in the grip of poverty and starvation. The desire to meet these physical needs is a demonstration of a hunger and a thirst for righteousness. It is a desire to see this world as God truly intended and created it. There’s only one problem…What about the spiritual needs of people?

Some of these ministries meet both the physical and the spiritual needs and that is how it should be. That’s why it is our mission to Reach and Teach. Not only do we meet someone’s physical needs, but we also meet spiritual needs through the faithful verse by verse teaching of the Bible. We provide real, hands-on discipleship to action.

People are hungry for the Word of God, and in a time and place where there is a church building on every corner, I am amazed at how rare it is to find expositional teaching.

Amos 8:11 “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD.” KJV

Is there a famine of the Word of God on this earth? I believe there is and it is time for Christians everywhere to step up and make the change happen according to the abundant sufficiency of our Lord.

Now is the time to feed the starving people of this world. Are you with me? Don’t miss it. There will be a blessing for all who lock arms in this wave of change. If you hesitate you could miss it.
Come ‘on, let’s change the world.

Dear Father,

Thank You for loving me. I am so humbled by Your invitation to use me in building Your kingdom. Lord, I am not worthy. Who am I to serve in this glorious plan? Looking back at my past, I am gripped in my fear to step out at times. I desire to live Your will for my life. Lord, empower me to respond to Your invitation. Help me to become a kingdom builder. Use me to reach others so they can know You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say,

Pastor David McGee
Senior Pastor
Calvary Chapel of the Triad
Reachthetriad.com
Twitter.com/CCOT
336.996.6880

1 Corinthians 2:1 “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.” KJV

Life Lesson: Tell people your God story often.

The power of your testimony is not in how well you speak or how you couch the details. It’s not in the clothes you wear or in worldly prosperity. The power of your testimony is in God and the lengths He went to make you right with Him. Your testimony is your walk with Jesus now. That’s why it’s so precious. People don’t see who you were, but they do see who you are.

There is power in your story. It is the “I used to be but now I’m…” God story. People need to hear it. There is no issue you need to work through first. You will always be working through issues and if you are waiting to be perfect, have the Bible memorized or have a refined Christianese vocabulary filled with ten syllable words, you will be with Jesus before you ever share your story. That would be a shame. How many can be reached through the hearing of your testimony? I don’t know and neither will you unless you step out, uncomfortable or not, and share. Do you want to find out?

Dear Father,

Thank You for the simple story of Your Son, Jesus, who died for me so I could be forgiven. Lord, thank You, that in Your love, You offer me Your grace and mercy. Give me the strength not to drift in sharing the simple message of Your story. In boldness to glorify You, allow me the opportunities to tell others my story. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say,

Pastor David McGee
Senior Pastor
Calvary Chapel of the Triad
Reachthetriad.com
Twitter.com/CCOT
336.996.6880

1 Chronicles 16:3 “And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine.” KJV

Life Lesson: We should offer God our lives not just pieces of it.

We have a tendency to compartmentalize our lives don’t we? We find ourselves saying, “This part of my life belongs to my family, this other part belongs to my job, this section belongs to my wife and kids, and I’ve set this part aside for God.”

That sounds very religious and sacrificial but should Melekh HaOlam (Hebrew for the King of the Universe), God our Creator, Lord and Savior, be relegated to a portion of your life? That’s not sacrifice. Sacrifice occurs when we lay down our whole life for God, not a portion of it. But, you may ask, “How do I know when I’m giving too much?” Friend, you will never out give God.

When we sacrifice for God, He always meets our needs. There is a blessing in giving our lives to God that cannot and does not come in any other way. Don’t hold back. Give your whole life to God. I’m reminded of the story of a man, of little means, sitting in a church pew as the offering plate was passed. When the usher reached him with the offering plate, the man motioned for the usher to lower the plate. The man motioned again and again until finally, the plate was on the floor, at which point, the man stepped into the plate and said…”This is all I’ve got, but He’s got all of me.”

So, tell me friend. Does He have all of you?

Dear Father,

Thank You for loving me. Thank You that Your mercy endures forever and is available to me. Lord, I need your mercy and grace right now. I confess to You that I have not always given You all my life. Lord, I want to give You ALL of my life, not just a portion. I surrender my life to You. Forgive me for loosing focus. I want to worship You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say,
Pastor David McGee
Senior Pastor
Calvary Chapel of the Triad
Reachthetriad.com
Twitter.com/CCOT
336.996.6880

I came across this video and it reminded me that God has gifted each in unique and amazing ways. Are you excelling in your gifts? Are you using your gifts to serve the One Who blessed you with them?

1 Corinthians 1:18 “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” KJV

Life Lesson: The fact people think we are foolish is evidence that they are perishing.

There are many websites, books, movies and other things portraying the message of the cross as foolish. People pursue legal action to remove the cross and its meaning. Why? The cross offends those who do not want to hear the message. Jesus Christ came and died for our sins, and that’s offensive?! Yes, we are all sinners. “Well, that is just so judgmental. “ No, friend, it’s the truth. People don’t want to hear it. Jesus and the cross demand that we admit our failings. We cannot admit we are sinners and yet cling to our pride.

Pride feels so good, doesn’t it? “Look at me. I am a self-made man. Come and be amazed by my shiny pride.” No friend…You are an incomplete and malfunctioning created being without Jesus in your heart. In spite of your pride, He stands knocking and waiting for you to open the door and ask Him in. It’s an incredibly simple plan that requires an incredibly simple response of child-like faith and a King David sized heart of boldness.

Dear Father,

Thank You for loving me. Thank You for the invitation of the cross. I know my sins have separated me from You, Lord. I ask that You forgive me of all of my sins. Give me the power to live for You all the days of my life. Thank You that You have made my relationship with You so simple. In humble faith, I give You my weaknesses and flaws and ask that Your glory be revealed in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say,
Pastor David McGee
Senior Pastor
Calvary Chapel of the Triad
Reachthetriad.com
Twitter.com/CCOT
336.996.6880

Could you resist?

Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” NKJV

Life Lesson: There is a fundamental connection between your relationship with God and how you use money and possessions.

Pastor Chas did a great job Thursday night with his teaching on financial stewardship. If you or someone you know needs help in the areas of Finances or Stewardship, please invite them to come out to our Allied Forces: “Help for Life” conference. It’s free and will provide practical instruction for wise stewardship of finances.

Everything we need to know about money and possessions can be wrapped up into the very first verse in the Bible. If we understand that God created everything and owns everything, then we can understand that our possessions are on loan from God. We are stewards of these things.

The Bible holds over 2,300 verses relating to finances and stewardship. In fact, Jesus spoke more about stewardship of money than He did about both Heaven and Hell combined. Obviously, it’s important. Why is that?

Matthew 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” NKJV

Who or what has your heart? That’s the issue. God enjoys blessing us with things we can enjoy. The problem is, we get turned around and start to love the gift more than the Giver. When that happens, God has to remove this new idol from our lives. Friends, enjoy the things God has blessed you with, but remember Who your provider is and love Him.

Dear Father,

Thank You for loving me. Thank You for providing Your Son, Jesus, to die for me. Lord, I thank You that You are also faithful to provide for my needs. Everything I have and all that I am is because of Your loving desire to have a relationship with me. I know at times I can get my focus off You and on the material things of the world. Help me to see the bondage of debt and become the Godly steward of Your possessions. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say,
Pastor David McGee
Senior Pastor
Calvary Chapel of the Triad
Reachthetriad.com
Twitter.com/CCOT
336.996.6880