The Master Key: Part Three, Diligence

2 Peter 1:10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; 11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 6:11, And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Hebrews 11:6, 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.
Definitions of Diligence,
Steady application in business; constant in effort or exertion to accomplish what is undertaken; 
A diligent person sees what needs to be done; and they do it, and do it, and do it until they get the desired result
Marked by careful attention or persistent application.
Persevering determination to perform a task
 
(Vine’s/Hebrew/Greek) – “A working,” is indicative of a process. 
MASTER KEY: For believers in Christ, diligence is not simply “works,” it is an extension of God’s grace in action.
(Joyce Meyer) We see many people who come to work in “ministry” fail to realize that they will have to change in order to have the privilege of working for God. 
Proverbs 13:4 The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.
MASTER KEY:  It takes diligence to succeed in a process that involves you.
Everything in life is a process – that is the way God has arranged things. 
1. Pregnancy and birth is a process. 
2. Growing up physically and spiritually is a process. 
3. Education and learning is a process. 
4. Why would promotion or advancement on the job or in ministry be any different? 
 
[First mention] EXO 15:26, and said, "If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.”
MASTER KEY:  God didn’t say only “heed,” He said “diligently heed.” Anyone can heed in the moment, but the process to obeying and following God is diligence.  It is the only way forward.
Deuteronomy 28:1, "Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. "And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the LORD your God:
Proverbs 10:4, He who deals with a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes one rich.
Proverbs 13:4, the soul of a sluggard desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.
Proverbs 21:5, The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.
MASTER KEY: Diligence is one of the key components of leadership.
Romans 12:8, He who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Romans 12:9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient[c] in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given[d] to hospitality
MASTER KEY:  Repentance on the part of the Corinthians produced a new level of motivation and diligence. When we are in disobedience to God, divine energy is lacking. We need God’s strenght to get things done.
2 Corinthians 7:1, Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
2 Corinthians 7:11, For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
2 Corinthians 8:7, But as you abound in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us--see that you abound in this grace also.
2 Timothy 2:15, Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Hebrews 6:11, And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Hebrews 11:6, 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.
MASTER KEY:  Diligence releases God’s rewards
2 Peter 1:5, But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6] to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness,

The Master Key, Part Two - Lessons from Eagles

Deut 32:9 (NLT)  For the people of Israel belong to the Lord;  Jacob is his special possession.  10 He found them in a desert land, in an empty, howling wasteland. He surrounded them and watched over them; he guarded them as he would guard his own eyes. 11 Like an eagle that rouses her chicks and hovers over her young, so he spread his wings to take them up and carried them safely on his pinions. 12 The Lord alone guided them;  they followed no foreign gods. 
God compares Himself to a mother eagle.  God declares Himself in scripture by comparing His previously unknown attributes with other attributes that are known to mankind. 
“Rouses her chicks"  It means "to rouse, to incite or awaken."  God stirs His people in many ways including sermons, trials, the conviction of the Holy Spirit and more.
This verse is found in a passage known as the Song of Moses.  In this song, Moses recaps for the children of Israel their short history and magnifies God's perfections and holiness.  An outline of the passage might be: 
1.  God's Promise To His People     v. 7-9
2.  God's Perfecting of His People    v. 10-12
3.  God's Provisions For His People    v. 13-14 
In these verses we also see how God sought them (v.  7-8); He saved them (v. 9); He schooled them (v. 10 ...he instructed him...); He shielded them (v. 10 ...he kept him as the apple of his eye... ); He established them (v. 11 ); and He separated them (v. 12 ).  Let us narrow our focus to verse 11.  In this great song of Moses, why does God compares Himself to a mother eagle?  I believe that we can learn some great truths by studying this comparison: truths about God and His people, and truths about mothers.
Male and female bald eagles mate for life
I.    The Mother Eagle Speaks of the Nurturing Nature of Our God
Moses compares the work of his God in removing Israel from Egypt to the mother eagle's stirring over its young.  Bondage in Egypt had been an incubation period for the Jewish people, but God, like the mother eagle, had plans for His young. 
Nurture defined: to give tender care and protection to a child, a young animal, or a plant, helping it to grow and develop; to encourage somebody or something to grow, develop, thrive, and be successful
How does God nurture like a mother eagle?
1.  The Eagle's Sight  (God's Omniscience) It is said that eagles have such extraordinary sight that they can see an object as small as a rabbit from hundreds of feet in the air!  In its sight, he eagle typifies God's omniscience.  He sees and knows all.  Isaiah 40:28 says "...there is no searching of God's understanding..."
2.  The Eagle's Swiftness (God's Omnipresence)  The eagle can fly at  speeds over 100 miles per hour, and can reach 180 MPH in a dive.  God does not need to travel at high speeds because he is everywhere present.  “A very present help in time of need.” “Behold, I come quickly.” “Before you call, I say here I am.”
3.  The Eagle's Strength  (God's Omnipotence)  The adult eagle weighs around 25 pounds but can pick up and carry animals that weigh between 50-75 pounds.  Eagle handlers must wear protective gear to keep the birds from crushing their arms.  The eagle's strength reminds us of God's omnipotence.  “Cast all you care upon him, for he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
4.  The Eagle's Soaring  (God's Holiness)  Eagles can fly higher than any other birds.  They have been accidentally hit by jets in flight.  This shows us God's holiness, which is far above all.  No one can approach God's holiness.  Jehovah Elyon: “The Lord God most high.”
5.   The Eagle's Offspring (God's Children)   Mother eagles are very protective and supportive of their young.  Many animals ignore their young and some even devour them.  But eagles train and teach the little eaglets.  Likewise, God does not leave His children to themselves.  Think of the children of Israel in the wilderness.  God fed them, gave them water, kept them warm at night and shaded in the day. 

The Master Key, Part 1

The Master Key, Part One
Romans 8:1, There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God [New Covenant Principle], nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
A master key is a special key design to unlock every door in a facility. Lesser keys only unlock specific doors. When you have the master key you can go everywhere and open any door. A master key is possessed by fewer people an is related to their authority and/or responsibility
In God’s kingdom there are keys which are truths God has created and enacted through Christ that open doors. There are also lesser keys in which people trust that cannot open doors that only God can open:
The keys (law/principle) that people use:
1. Their knowledge & understanding
2. Their point of view
3. Their prejudices and presumptions
4. Their privilege
5. Their experience
6. Their delegated authority
7. Their religion or non-biblical religious beliefs
What you need is the Master Key
“The law of spirit of life in Christ has made me free from the law of sin and death”
With the master key there is no condemnation from God or anyone else. With the master key there is freedom from sin and death. Things you could never overcome by yourself are overcome in Christ. With the master key you can live and function through the Spirit of God, and be enslaved to your carnal (flesh-ruled) nature.

It Is Finished. So You Can Begin.

John 19:28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” 29 Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. 30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
Easter Sunday has passed, but resurrection power is still here! For some “holidays” like Halloween, the day after has no significance or meaning. Jesus’ resurrection continues to impact our lives in real ways because what He finished was our beginning. He finished many things including: His obedience to God; His sacrifice leading to our redemption from sin; Our salvation on every level - spirit, soul, and body; Peace and power through the Holy Spirit: The fruit of the Spirit in our hearts, and so much more.
The apostle Paul spoke of “knowing” Jesus and “the power of His resurrection:"
Philippians 3;9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
You can’t know something that is not real and present in your daily life. In your daily time, deepen your relationship with God through Christ. Reflect on the teachings of the Bible and let the principles and power of the word of God work in you!
What Does Tetelestai Mean?
"It is finished," which is one of Jesus' most important statements, is translated from the single Greek word tetelestai. The grammatical structure of the Greek word, perfect passive indicative, is very important. 
The perfect tense indicates that the progress of an action has been completed and the result of that action is ongoing and with full effect. 

Risen King. Rising Hope.

Philippians 3:7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Hebrews 6: 9 “But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner.”
The key statement in this text is: “That I may know Him and (know) the power of His resurrection.
Living in the power of resurrection requires knowing, not just knowing about. Not about head knowledge. It's about heart knowledge.

"Why Your Season Never Fails," Part 2 - "The Season of Sharpening"

"Why Your Season Never Fails," Part 2 - "The Season of Sharpening"
Ecclesiastes 3:1, To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:
We need to be sharpened to get our sharp edge back on.
“If the ax is dull, and one does not sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but wisdom produces success.” Ecclesiastes 10:10
Since a dull ax requires great strength, sharpen the blade. That's the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed. Ecclesiastes 10:10 (NLT)
If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success. Ecclesiastes 10:10 (NIV)
Luke 24:45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
Acts 1:12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey. 13 And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. 14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers
Acts 2:1; When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all [a]with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them [b]divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Hebrews 11:6, 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
Most seasons do not affect you, because you don’t live in it. 
Sharpening For Your Season:
Connect with God. Connect with your purpose and assignment, Connect with key people.
1. Be a doer of the Word because 
Ecclesiastes 10:18 Through laziness, the rafters sag; because of idle hands, the house leaks.. 
2. Prayer: Individual, corporate
3. True Worship; John 4:23
4. Fellowship: Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 John 2:7
5. Preparation: 2 Tim. 2:15, 1 Cor. 14:12
6. Accountability: Heb. 13:7, 17
7. Faith - Walking by faith, not by sight. 2 Cor. 5:7 (“He who observes the wind shall not sow...” Pr. 11:4)
8. Teaching & Training: 
 
2 Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers.”
We are in that time where leaders should not bring what is popular, we should bring what is pertinent.
Popular: ”Liked, enjoyed, or supported by many people”
Pertinent: “Having a clear decisive relevance to the matter in hand”
Be like Apollos - Some who is good who can still be sharpened
Acts 18:24 Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. 27 And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; 28 for he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.

Why Your Season Never Fails

Why Your Season Never Fails
Part One: Planted Beside Living Water
 Watch featured video: https://youtu.be/lonp1dRNw6M
Psalms 1:1, Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners,Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2  But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3  He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. 4  The ungodly are not so,But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6  For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Now that we are into the spring season I’d like to talk about seasons in life. The essence of what David said in this psalm is that seasons bring success. But we need to properly understand God’s seasons,
What is success? Success is discovering and living God’s will in your life. Discovering and living in God’s will requires balance in life. Living out of balance is a problem:
 

There is a Blessing In the Refining Fire

Messing delivered at Fervent Prayer Church, Indianapolis.
Mark 9:49 “For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. 50 Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”
In our text, Jesus said that everyone will be seasoned by fire. Then he said that every offering will be seasoned with salt. The last thing he said in the text was, “Have salt in ourselves and peace with one another.” Let’s understand these words in context before we proceed. Let’s look at first Peter
1 Peter 1:6, In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7] that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8] whom having not seen you love.
In the Bible, there are basically three types of fire:1, There is the fire of adverse circumstances2. There is consuming fire3. There is refining fire
We need to resist the fire of adverse circumstances,We need to avoid God's consuming fire,We need to embrace God's refining fire.
Notice in this text what is most important. Many times we are only focused on the heat and pressure of our trials and tests, but we are not looking at God’s intended outcome.
Verse 7: that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
We know Peter is not talking about a consuming fire because the text says, “Tested by fire.” God’s consuming fire does not come to test, but to judge, consume and destroy. Our focus needs to be on the quality of our faith which is more valuable to you than money and gold. “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Too many of us are consumed with fear, doubt, and constant conflict in our relationships. Sometime people are speaking everything other than faith over our relationships
I suggest in our text that Jesus is talking about refining fire. What happens when you put fire on different types of items? as Paul said, would he and stubble or burned up. Precious stones, gold, are refined and made better.

Love Works, Part 3, Marriage by God’s Book

Love Works, Part 3, Marriage by God’s Book
Insights from, “The Five Love Languages” by Dr. Gary Chapman
Ephesians 5:25-33, Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church — for we are members of His body. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery--but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
 1 Peter 3:7, Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding [knowledge], giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker [delicate] vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.
Proverbs 4:3-4, Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; By knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
1 John 3:18My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 19 And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.
 Today’s view of marriage in popular society has changed in ways that we know very well. However, God’s view of biblical marriage, which we call Holy Matrimony, has not changed. For believers in Christ, God’s word is our guide. We live and walk by the high standards and grace-filled principles of the Bible. A lot of what we see in marriages, that are failing at the rate of 50%, is people walking in their understanding and selfish ways. People certainly have the right to not follow God or obey the Scriptures, but true Christians do not have an alternative—nor do we desire an alternative.
Ephesians 5:25 says, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her...31 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery, but I am talking about Christ and the church."
A mystery is not something hidden. It is something revealed to those who have "ears to hear" and "eyes to see" what the Lord is saying and showing. Jesus is either "Lord of all" or He is not "Lord at all" in your life.
 The husband is head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church. What is the revealed mystery  of Christ’s relationship to His church?
He makes holy (special, “other than”).
Provide care and support
Loves us more than we love ourselves
Unified and not divided: One
Summary: However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
Respect Defined:A feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements. Due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others 
Anyone who has a leadership position has a greater responsibility before God. That includes husbands. Leadership needs follow-ship to be effective. As the old saying goes: “He that leads and no one follows is taking a walk.”

LoveWorks, Part Two "Cultivating & Growing Your Relationships" by Bryan & Patricia Hudson

LoveWorks 
Part Two:  Cultivating and Growing Your Relationships
Teaching notes and DISC self-assessment tool: http://newcovenant.org/Cultivating_Growing_Relationships.pdf
2 Corinthians 5:14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. 16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 
Because attitudes and relationships need to “grow,” we have to pay attention to the “soil” and foundation of relationships. That soil begins with our own hearts and minds. As Myles Munroe taught, the key to being single or being in a relationship is being whole in yourself. My lesson today will look at relationships from the perspective of cultivating our own hearts. We will address the important of having a good attitude or mindset.
“Cultivate” is a farming term. Cultivation is not only about growing plants. It is mainly about preparing the soil and working the ground to raise good crops.
“A good attitude will not always change our circumstances, but it will always change us.” ~ John Maxwell
Attitude is not what people perceive. It is not something we figure our in others. Attitude is your internal disposition. It is something we figure out in ourselves.
Your attitude or mindset determines your altitude, or how high and far you can go. In relationships we learn to navigate attitudes, moods, and mindsets. We should operate at a higher level of relating spiritually, but no one is purely spiritual. 
2 Cor. 5:16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh
According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, the word "attitude" means "an internal position or feeling with regard to something else." Other words often used as synonyms are: "disposition, feeling, mood, opinion, sentiment, temper, tone, perspective, frame of mind, outlook, view, or morale."
Airplane pilots often use "attitude" to describe their relationship the horizon during flight and with the runway for landing.
We have to manage the “version” of ourselves and our spouses and high level relationships.
Ephesians 4:22 NIV, "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off the old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds." 
Ephesians 4:2-3, TLB. "Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. Be led together by the Holy Spirit to be at peace with one another." 
We have to pay attention to personality types, both within ourselves and others.
DISC is a well understood and widely accepted model of behavior styles. The letters DISC stand for:
DOMINANT
INFLUENCE
STEADINESS
CONSCIENTIOUS
DISC measures a person’s natural, hard-wired behavioral style.  It focuses on a person’s natural, most comfortable way of doing things. This model is mainly designed to help each person become self-aware and then to respect the behavior styles of others