1 Corinthians 5:6 “Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?” NKJV

Life Lesson: Bragging about your sin is wrong.

I’ve heard many well meaning people share fifty-eight minute testimonies on the blood and guts of their life, before Christ, and then two minutes on the beauty of their walk with Jesus. Friend, don’t do that! Don’t glorify the past while playing down the future. Don’t let your sin steal the glory from God … In your testimony and in life.

If you glorify your past sin, guess what will happen when you are eventually tempted? You will begin to reason about the size of the sin. “It’s just a little sin,” you might say. You are a living testimony. My friend, a little bit of leaven will violate your entire life if you let it in. Guess what then happens to your testimony?

Dear Father,

Thank You for loving me. Thank You that even though I have done wrong things, You invite me to come to You. It is through Your sacrifice, my sins will pass over me. Thank You for revealing Yourself to me. Lord, I come to You afresh and ask that You forgive me of my sins. Give me the power to live for You, and help me to walk in the newness of life. I choose to be a kingdom-builder and a world-changer. 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

Proverbs 12:1 “Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction is stupid.” NKJV

Life Lesson: Be open to rebuke and correction from God’s Word.

Each week when this church comes together, I instruct you in righteousness through God’s Word. A beautiful thing happens when I teach verse-by-verse through the Bible. I hit all the points of instruction and not just my favorite topics. This is a very balanced approach that ensures you will receive the full counsel of God.

Have you ever been in a teaching and it feels like I’m speaking directly to a situation in your life? It’s not me. Your wife didn’t call and tell me your struggles. We are just there in scripture. That’s God speaking to you through His living, powerful and cut-to-the-heart-of-the-matter Word. Heed His counsel, my friend, and you are wise. It means you are loved. Take heart, beloved of the Most High God, the Lord loves you too much to leave you where you are.

Dear Father,

Thank You for loving me. Thank You for speaking directly to me through Your Word. Lord, I desire to follow You. Because of Your mercy, love and grace, I am blessed. Please protect my days and draw me closer to 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

1 Corinthians 5:1 “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father’s wife” NKJV

Life Lesson: If you are a follower of Jesus, then your moral absolute compass is the Bible.

Jeff Foxworthy once quipped, “You might be a redneck if…your state’s got a new law that says ‘when a couple gets divorced, they are still legally brother and sister.’”

According to 1 Corinthians 5, if someone is introducing their momma and their girlfriend to you and there is only one lady standing there…yeah…there’s a problem.

Hopefully, you have never come across that but more and more all you have to do is glance at the front page of the local daily to see just how disoriented and off-course humanity has become. Some people try to convince themselves that they ultimately cannot know right and wrong. That, my friend, is false. Even children know the difference between right and wrong. After a while, repetitive sin and sinful thoughts become adoptive behavior, and the heartache from willful sin begins to wane. Sin is still sin. We need to recognize that there are moral absolutes.

We shouldn’t expect someone, who does not know the Lord, to abide in the moral absolutes of the Bible. But Christians have no excuse. We know what is right, and when we are confused, we have God’s instructions of what we should do. Something as simple as a compass will lead a whole fleet of ships to their destination. The Bible is the Christian’s moral compass. When the Bible tells us not to do something, it is because God loves us enough to tell us what will hurt us. He will instruct us the right way to go. I love my own kids, teach them to do right and discipline them when they disobey. How much more so our Father in Heaven who loves us? No matter how much I love and discipline my children, they still have to make the decision to be obedient.

So, how would you finish this sentence, “You might be a child of God if …?”

Dear Father,

Thank You for loving me. Thank You for inviting me to come to you. Lord, through Your Word, You warn me of what is right and wrong. I desire to respond to You. Because of Your mercy, love and grace, I can give You my broken dreams and struggles. Thank You for accepting me where I am, but not leaving me there. Lord, help me to live in the fullness of my new nature. I want to be kingdom- builder and a world-changer. 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 23:3 “Now the Levites were numbered from the age of thirty years and above; and the number of individual males was thirty-eight thousand.” NKJV

Life Lesson: We have the incredible opportunity to serve God together.

“You talk too much about serving,” Pastor David. Perhaps you’ve thought something like this before. Well yes, I do talk about serving but only when it comes up in scripture. That’s the beauty of teaching verse by verse. I don’t get to pick my pet topics. I teach what appears in the scripture as we come to it. Even though serving comes up a lot in scripture, I also teach on many varied topics as they come up. So… if serving is a theme that keeps getting stuck in your craw, then friend, in love, perhaps the Holy Spirit is trying to tell you something?

God has called you to serve and has set you a part for special use. He has uniquely gifted you with talents and gifts to serve and be a blessing to others.

Ephesians 4:11-12 “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,” NKJV

Ministry is the responsibility of God’s people. We get the incredible opportunity to serve God together in this place and across the world. The choice is yours. Fence-sitter or world-changer…Which will you choose?

Dear Father,

Thank You for loving me. Thank You that although You know my past mistakes, You would still ask me to help serve in Your kingdom. Lord, I don’t want to be a spectator. Help me to step outside of myself and be a world-changer. I want to help build the kingdom of God and live a life poured out in service to You. Thank You for calling me Your redeemed, Your chosen generation. I choose to live in the fullness of life You have for 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

1 Corinthians 4:19 “But I will come—and soon—if the Lord lets me, and then I’ll find out whether these arrogant people just give pretentious speeches or whether they really have God’s power.” NLT

Life Lesson: We should have creeds and deeds.

With the introduction of social media, a lot of claims get thrown around. Unfortunately, very little proof exists to back up most of the claims. It’s easier than ever to puff yourself up and make yourself look better than everyone else.

Christians, that have been in church, learn to speak what I call “Christianese.” “I’ve been washed in the blood of the Lamb,” you might hear. That’s all fine and dandy until you start to hide behind the jargon. The real test of your faith is the action behind it…not what you say.

James 2:18 “Now someone may argue, ‘Some people have faith; others have good deeds.’ But I say, ‘How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.’” NKJV

James went on to write that, “faith without works is dead” (James 2:20). What about you? Does your track record prove your faith without the hype? Talk is cheap and it doesn’t blaze trails. Christians willing to get down in the dirt and minister are the ones who forge roads of reconciliation. There’s a world in need of Jesus and I’m not content to just talk about it. Won’t you work with me?

1 Corinthians 4:20 “For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power.” NLT

Dear Father,

Thank You for showing Your love for me by dying on the cross for my sins. Thank You for the glorious opportunity to choose You. Lord, Your Holy Spirit draws me to You, and I am so grateful that You love me that much. Help me to not just talk about my faith, but to show my faith by serving others. Lord, help me to be a kingdom-builder and a world-changer. I choose life…I choose blessing…I choose 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

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: IF we have given our life to God, He has given us the power to live for Him.

The other morning, I left my wife with a list of things we needed for the garden. I knew she would be out to purchase groceries, and it’s only a small hop from the grocery store to the hardware store. Later, when I arrived home from church, she had purchased those items. At some point during the day, she confidently went into the store to make those purchases because she knew there was money in the bank to cover the expense. She was empowered and she knew it

We see clearly in Ephesians 2:10 that God has planned out, in advance, works which we are to walk in. We can be confident in His plans for our life because He has given us the power to walk in His plans. He tells us He has given us the power to live out His will. It’s up to us to go where that knowledge takes us.

Matthew 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” NKJV

This may mean taking the gospel to your family or it may be taking the gospel to another country; it might be taking the Gospel to your community. Whatever it looks like, it is living out the very Gospel that saved you…A powerful expression of God to the world.

Dear Father,

Thank You for loving me. Thank You for desiring to have a relationship with me. Lord, I want to walk in Your power. Give me the strength to submit to You and put You first in my life. Thank You for being so patient with me. Help me to fall in love with 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 4:14 “I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you.” NKJV

Life Lesson: Sometimes, we would rather be ruined by praise than be saved by criticism. That can be deadly.

A battleship was on exercise at sea in bad weather. The air was thick with fog and the ship’s captain was on the bridge. Just after dark, the lookout spotted a light on the starboard side. The captain asked if it was steady or moving. The lookout replied the light was steady, meaning they were on a direct collision course with the other ship. The captain ordered the lookout to signal the other ship…

“Change course 20 degrees. We are on a collision course.’
The signal came back ‘Advisable for you to change course.’
The captain signaled ’I am a captain. Change course 20 degrees.”
‘I am a seaman second class. You had better change course 20 degrees’ came the reply.
The captain was furious. He sent back, ‘I am a battleship. Change course!’
Back came the signal, ‘I am a lighthouse.’”
The captain changed course.

Everyone likes to be praised. The warm-fuzzy praise gives strokes our pride just the right way. The danger is that we start to pay more attention to the praise than to the criticism. Praise is fine, but criticism offers something better … the opportunity to change course from catastrophe. Are you open to criticism or do you prefer praise?

Dear Father,

Thank You for loving me. Thank You that You speak to me through Your Word. Thank You for Your forgiveness of my sins. I am so grateful that there is a hope and a future in You. Help me to not become prideful of what You are doing through my gifts and talents. Lord, help me to be a kingdom-builder and a world-changer. 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 22:5 “Now David said, “Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the LORD must be exceedingly magnificent, famous and glorious throughout all countries. I will now make preparation for it.” So David made abundant preparations before his death.” NKJV

Life Lesson: We are to help others build the kingdom of God as well. Kingdom builders are not concerned with who gets to do what; just that it is getting done.

This is such an important ministry lesson. David, one of the greatest kings and one of the greatest leaders of Israel, asks God to allow him to build the temple, but God told him no.

Nobody wants to be told no.

David proves the greatness of his leadership by setting aside his wants and begins to help. Instead of complaining, David begins to prepare so Solomon can build the temple.

Sometimes, God says no.

Sometimes, though we have the grandest of plans and the purest of hearts, God says “no” to our plans. What should we do then? Should we grumble and whine? Of course not! God wants us to help one another to build His kingdom. We should take joy in helping those who God has chosen. Kingdom builder’s work together in the roles God has uniquely gifted to each, and by such, live up to their God-given utmost potential … And God smiles.

Dear Father,
Thank You for loving me. Thank You for Your Word and for giving me the opportunity to be a kingdom builder. Lord, I desire to be used in whatever capacity You would have me to serve. Help me to recognize the gifts and talents You have equipped me with and give me a boldness to put Your kingdom first. I don’t want to be a spectator in the Kingdom. I want to be a world-changer. 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 4:10 “We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored!” NKJV

Life Lesson: We need God’s help to see things clearly.

We see each other one way but God sees us another way. We are all a work in progress…God’s work in progress. We all need God to show us who we really are. Let Him work, friend. Don’t be preoccupied with yourself. Instead, consider the people around you. We all have blind spots but through God’s spirit, God’s Word and the fellowship of others, we can see ourselves more clearly. When we can truly see ourselves the way God sees us we can then see others the way God sees them. That’s a challenge isn’t it? People can stink, especially when they are not like you.

Get this…you’re trotting through life just fine until Mr. Skunk enters the picture. Eventually, you learn to tolerate Mr. Skunk, but one day you find him eating out of your food dish! It’s your food dish and it’s your kibble!

Get out!

It is hard to love people, but that is what you are called to do. You are to love and bless those who cramp your style. You are to rise above the ways of the world and take a higher path of faith. Respond with love and power and not hate and weakness. God will empower you to take the high road. “That skunk ate my kibble,” you might respond. Love the unlovable! Bless him. Ask God to bless him. Do this and fulfill your freedom from the ways of this world.

Dear Father,

Thank You for this day. Thank You that You desire me to see things more clearly. Lord, I want to see myself as You see me, and I want to see others the way You see them. Lord, help me. I am sorry for being judgmental and hard-hearted. Forgive me. I ask You to bless others who have wounded me. I am ready to let grudges go. Lord, I thank You for Your goodness and mercy. Empower me with strength and open my eyes to see You, Lord. 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

How timely it is to stop and consider this verse today. As we have a new year starting, in like manner we have a fresh new start in our life for the Lord. What does the year hold for you? Well I can assure you that the Lord has some awesome things prepared for each of us individually and as a church. This past year the Lord did some incredible things and I look forward to a new year filled with family and friends coming to know the Lord. We will see multitudes moved forward in the spiritual journey from discovery to discipleship. What an adventure! It is all made possible by a fresh start … Thanks Lord for new beginnings!

Dear Father,
Thank You for new beginnings. What an incredible day this is with a fresh year’s potential stretched out before me. I want to be found faithful this year in each and every opportunity you bring to me. Thank You, Lord, for new beginnings. I pray this 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