Pastor Wesley Kirkley blogs from Dwelling Place Church

In the story of Jacob we see a huge transition from a liar, cheater,and shady person, to one of great character and righteousness. It only happened through an interaction with God himself. After the meeting Jacob was different on all levels. As mentioned earlier his was now upright in his actions, he was more loving and dependent on God willing to trust him rather than himself, but he also walked with a limp.
The New Testament describes these types of actions with a symbol of a stumbling stone. A moment when our walked is changed. I’ve tripped before and sometimes just my pride was hurt, other times my body was hurt. A stumbling stone changes our walk on the path were on. There are 2 types mentioned in the New Testament, a bad one, and a good one. The bad one being when I am careless in my freedom and cause a weaker brother, or sister to stumble(1 Cor 8:9-13). I need to be sure to keep the path clear so those following can keep pace and not stumble. Whether it’s a minor issue or something bigger I need to be responsible enough to encourage those coming behind me( Heb 12:13).
The other is ultimately good. It’s Jesus! In 1Corinthians 1:23, and Romans 9:32, Jesus is described as a stumbling stone to the Jews. In other words he was sent to change their walk in a big way. The were walking according to the law but he came to change it to one of faith, and freedom. He did so though teaching and example, and we should lead the same way, taking opportunities to explain the freedom we have according to scriptures.
My question to you is what about your walk makes the world want to ask, what happened? We should be noticeably different. The fruits if the spirit are perfect examples of “limps”, or “scars” that show that we have encountered God. We shouldn’t be ashamed of them either, Paul said in Galatians 6:17 they he bears the marks of Jesus, and we should to. Be careful though of people who will try to heal you of your new “handicap”. Peter tried this with Jesus in Matthew 16. When talking about his death and resurrection Peter rebuked him but Jesus shot back calling him a..yep, stumbling stone(the bad kind). Jesus even bears the scars of his sacrifice openly, he showed them to Thomas so he’d believe, and Isaiah 53:5 says ” by his wounds we are healed”.
Paul prayed for God to remove the thorn from his side but God didn’t, and if you’ll remember Paul was thankful that he did what he did. The reality is, it’s not a handicap, or a burden. It an opportunity to draw close to him, and see and show his power first hand. Jacob in Hebrews 11:21 was able to lean on his staff, bless his grandchildren, and worship God! Walk in a way that shows you’ve have encountered Christ don’t be afraid to show the evidence.

Often times we find ourselves regreting something we said, or did. Many of those times might have been when you were trying to share your faith. I’ve had times were when i looked back at the persecution I faced and it wasn’t for the sake of Christ, but for me being me. I wanted it my way instead if doing things Gods way. Galatians 5:22-23 is a great checklist to grow by. If I walk in these fruits I will still be persecuted from time to time because Jesus said I would, and that just is what it is, but I can be more successful in my witness by staying spirit lead. Going to the grocery store hungry will get you following your flesh rather than the list. Walk in the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
1. Love- how many times did I share lead by love, and not arrogance, or even anger? Paul says in Corinthians that without love basically all I make is noise. By speaking and acting in love I’m far better off.
2. Joy- how is my outlook on life, am I asking someone to enjoy God, and life when I don’t? I should lead people to Christ not force them from behind to go were I have not been. People notice joy.
3. Peace- do people feel comfort when there around you? I hear a lot of people give descriptions of others like ” they make me feel uneasy, and even angry and I don’t know why it’s just when they come around it happens” that is the opposite of peace. A spirit of peace should be as easily recognizable when people are around you. Even when they know we don’t agree with their lifestyle or beliefs they don’t feel, and they see that were not, threatened.
4. Patience- am I willing to go long haul? Most people need time, like projects, and relationships, they aren’t done in a second. Are we willing to stay the course and be fully committed?
5. Kindness- don’t be pushy, be compassionate. Jesus even knowing their sins didn’t make it a point to bash, but instead chose to show kindness. The saying goes “you’ll attract more flies with honey, than with vinegar” love is kind.
6. Goodness- being holy in front of people ,when genuine, sinks through even the hardest shells. Even though people are different were the same, and deep down inside we know that. Being holy behind closed doors is were we start as we let Christ work through us to show others that it can be done. That’s what Jesus did and then told us to do(Matthew 5:48).
7. Faithfulness- I hear this one thrown against Christians a lot. How many times do you break commitments? Loyalty is lacking in our society in a big way, which makes it all the more necessary to be loyal. People notice loyalty.
8. Gentleness- forcing it rarely, if ever works. Let the spirit lead. Abraham learned this lesson trying to force fatherhood (Galatians 4:21-31). My dad always told me when working on cars, if the part comes out easy, then it should go back in easy. Don’t get a bigger hammer find out the problem, fix it then put it back like it should be. Be willing to listen….a lot, to find the problem before you go hammering away.
9. Self-Control- last but surely not least. Be wise with your time, energy, finances, friendships, and priorities. I hear people say they have a hard time listening to an overweight preacher. So I try my hardest to stay in shape, because even though in my head that may sound a little childish…it bothers them so I remove that distraction.

Check your grocery list and ,make sure you got plenty of fruits. Allow the Holy Spirit to grow these things in your life. It’s impossible for the natural human to overcome a supernatural, or spiritual void. We need supernatural help!

Don’t rob the poor just because you can, or exploit the needy in court. Proverbs 22:22

Human beings have a natural tendency to be selfish. I don’t know why we try to act like were not. Few accept it and the rest struggle to overcome it.  We see alot of our selfishness come out in the area of our giving. When we give, if we even do, to people who are in need or to cause  were filled with thoughts about ourselves. Almost immediately our brain is filled with thoughts of  ”are they going to pay me back” , or “will this benefit me in anyway”.

When we give to people we wonder are they actually going to use what i;m giving them for the need they have, or will they ever be able to do anything for me. We have a bad habit of naturally seeking out people who will be able to do something in return for us. The ultimate plan is to not lose.  We never want to be the sucker who feel for it and helped the one that will never in anyway be able to pay us back.

To be like Jesus we have to overcome this. Jesus helped people who had nothing, and even if they did it was stuff he didn’t need. Those people are us, God helped a being that in no way could ever pay him back for what he gave. Jesus gave his life for the poor in spirit, sick, broken, and lost. In other words people who couldn’t do anything for him in return to even come close to a re-payment. When we have an opportunity to help…we help, no strings attached. Rebuke those thoughts of selfishness, and profit to allow thoughts of charity and love to overcome. Love holds no records, it doesn’t wait for a payback, it just doe’s whatever it has to do to be show that it’s there.  Don’t rob the poor by not giving or helping, it’s what we are called to do!

This past weekend the world was supposed to end according to Harold Camping and his followers. I found it humorous and I even made a joke or two …or fifteen who’s counting.  The world was all watching and waiting to see what was going to happen, but I have to ask the question, were did he get his facts?  The bible is clear that the hour is unknown even to Jesus!( Mark 13: 32). But this is not the first time this has happened and it won’t be the last unfortunately. What bothers me the most though is the other “made up” theologies and beliefs that we live out everyday that causes the rest of the world to point and laugh at us. When we do church our way, when we do outreach our way, or when we do charity our way. When we do God things in general our way we set ourselves up for disaster.

I honestly believe that If we would live according to the word, then the impact of the church in the world would be HUGE! Mainly in the area of love. When we as a church try to pick and choose who comes into the building on Sunday mornings, or who is worthy to receive our charity, or time. When are not living accordingly we become the blunt of jokes. I’ve heard the jokes and you have to about how closed-minded, hypocritical, and judgmental the church is, and therefore people want nothing to do with it.

I guess what I’m saying is to quit trying to act like we have a special hook up with God that know one else has or can have, painting a picture that he is unreachable. Camping did that, but what he really did was act against the word of life. Lets just be honest about who we are, and show the world that God is not unreachable and they can know him like we do ( Deat 30:11-14). I need God, you need God and through the cross he showed that he’s here for both of us. Jesus died for the white, black, brown, rich, poor, middle class, long hair, no hair, believers , and the atheist. When it comes to God things, let God lead, let him set the dates, and let him say who can and who can’t enter.  We didn’t create Christianity so lets stop trying to act like we own it.  Love you guys, be happy in Christ!

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. Galatians 5: 22-26

There are churches and ministries all over the world that are full of great ideas to reach the world for Christ. They have plans and strategies that if they were to happen would be huge for the Kingdom of Heaven. There just one problem, they have no people to make it happen. Were guilty as “church folk” of thinking that either A:somebody else will do it, or B: That by some miraculous turn of events the vision or idea will fall in to place by itself. The reality is this, your church needs you. Your pastor is God sent to lead the people, he is surrounded by a supporting team often called Deacons, Elders,etc. You’ve got you Youth Pastors and Worship Leaders as well, and they all have one thing in common…they can’t do it all. They may want to, or even think they can, but it’s not possible or meant to be that way.

The people make up the church not the building, or the staff alone, its the people. When you volunteer your making a difference, every time you volunteer your bringing the vision of the church one step closer. Don’t wait on the pastor or the staff to to do everything. Believe it or not you have the power and ability to make a huge difference. Don’t be afraid either, so many people are afraid that they may fail or get overloaded with responsibilities, and that should never dicourage you from doing even the smallest thing around the church.

Here are some quick things to know about volunteering

- Don’t fear failing at the task. The only true failure is not moving when the opportunity arises, and you miss the blessing of serving, and even if you do fail, and you probably will mess up from time to time, you learn and grow wiser from it. We all make mistakes but its up to us to either learn from them or let them stop us. Never waste a failure!

-When people see you volunteer it will undoubtedly challenge them to follow. So the fear of being overloaded is trumped when we encourage others to follow suit. It may take some time but it is possible.

-Somebody always has to go first, don’t wait around on others to go first, If you see an opportunity, take it.

-Serve cheerfully, a good mood and positive attitude always gets a better job done, and draws others to help

-You are needed, the mentality that you are not important in your church is a lie from the chief of liars. Refuse to believe it and find your place!

- Find the time, look at your schedule and find time to help whenever you can, the joys of serving are beyond measure

When we volunteer were showing that we believe in the purpose of the church, and the message and calling of the gospel. Thats why its important to go to your pastor or leaders, and say “what can I do?”

Dwelling Place is packing up ice chest for the victims of last weeks tornadoes. We’re filling 48qt ice chest with items listed below to be delivered May 16.  You can get the coolers at Wal Mart for $20 and have it filled with the items below.  For less than $40 you can help an entire family. They not only have items, but if your were here for Katrina you know how valuable an ice chest is. Any help is appreciated, and you can drop off the chest at the church or we can come pick them up. Thanks

I know, I know, alot of you guys are saying Ive heard of Jesus Culture already, but it’s surprising how many have not. Jesus Culture is one of those groups that will definatley not pull any punches. There music is not meant to entertain anyone but God. Seconds into it and you’ll feel yourself wanting to move, its almost impossible to sit still and listen. It is in my opinion one of the most authentic worship groups out there today. They started as a conference in Redding Ca, and after a clear calling from the Lord they broke out with revival in mind. The talent and dedication from these guys is refreshing to say the least, you’ll notice from the get go that this band is about one thing and one thing only, and thats the worship of a worthy God  .  So if your on the hunt for a band that will help you grow and experience worship in a new way, look no further. You can find out more @www.jesusculture.com

This week is for all you Hip Hop fans out there. If you love good clean faith laced hip hop then you’ll love Shad. I find his music to be smooth, positive, and just down right amazing. This guy has more talent in his pinky finger than most main stream artist do in there whole body. Hailing out of Canada Shad is becoming more and more popular as each song emerges.  Culuture Bully says this “shad’s rhythm is as tight as a metronome. he may be an amorous dreamer who still lives with his parents, but there is nothing juvenile about his lyrics and delivery. the old prince may not be that old yet, but he already sounds like he has perfected his art.” He has tons of videos out on You tube as well as his as he calls it his  bloogy blog, www.shadk.com/bloggyblog. Soif you like hip hop and your looking for something clean and Faith based, check him out.  Below is the video for I don’t like to, but do yourself a favor and check out his video for hot dog garbage, a 6 minute long non stop freestyle thats nothing short of amazing.

Its funny to me that when I go into a book store there are multiple versions of “bibles”. I’m not talking about different translations or anything like that, I;m talking about the sports bible, the biker bible, the bible of car enthusiast. There are tons of different types of books out there claiming to be the “bible” of a certain topic. The funny thing to me is that by this labeling, they are saying “this book is the meca of all books pertaining to that particular subject.”It’s saying we are the book you need, to know all there is to know about cars, fishing, etc.

I love this because that’s exactly what the actual Bible is to life. It’s the book to go to for info and instruction on life as a whole, from the begining to the end. It’s not just a book, it’s the book for all you need to know about were you’ve been, are , and going in life. There is no other place that you’ll find the knowledge, and wisdom that is to be found in the bible. Its not just a book either, it calls itself “living and active” what other books do you know claim that title? It’s the number one seller, and the author is Creator of all we know and see every single day.

We would be wise to stop putting off reading it. Don’t hesitate to go to it for advice, it’s not the #1 seller for nothing.

This week well be looking at one of my favorite bands of all time, Gungor. The band comes out of Denver Co, and is actually fairly popular, but because they’re not on K-love most have never heard of them. Two minutes in to Beautiful Things, the new CD by Gungor, the listener realizes, “Wow. This is really different. And it’s really good.”
There is remarkably creative instrumentation throughout, hinting at influences ranging as wide as Sigur Rós, Muse, and Sufjan Stevens. Gungor calls this unique sound “liturgical post-rock,” noting that it was written for and still works in a corporate worship setting. Israel Houghton guests on a bass-driven romp called “Heaven.” Rocker “Call Me Out” makes a banjo sound downright funky. And “Higher” feels like a more accessible form of Sufjan. The self-produced album’s credits, which reflect a loose and varying lineup, include Gungor’s wife Lisa on glockenspiel along with bandmates on horns, strings, banjos, a melodica, “foot-stomping mayhem”, and Gungor’s now-signature toy piano

SO if your looking for a little something different to listen to then check em out. Its a very refreshing break from the “norm”. I actually find the music easier to connect with than most of the mainstream stuff out there today. Your can check there website out at www.gungormusic.com, and have listen below.