A Spiritual encouragment of the day by Pastor Nate Holdrige (Calvary Church of Monterey Bay)

A Spiritual Autopsy - 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

DQ'd

The Apostle Paul saw himself as the runner of a race, a race God had given to him. Paul, in considering liberties, wanted to make sure he never did anything that would disqualify him from the race God had set before him. His passion in life was to run his race well. For Paul, he was a preacher, apostle, and teacher to the Gentile world (2 Timothy 1:11).He said this concerning his race: "I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified." (1 Cor 9:27)Picture Paul in his running shoes, tank top, and little running shorts. He wanted to be sure he ran his race well. He didn't want to do anything that would DQ him from his race. He wanted to run it well.

A Case In Point

In 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 Paul took a long, hard look at the generation of Israelites who came out of Egypt. Despite all their spiritual benefits, "their bodies were scattered in the wilderness" (10:5). Paul saw that particular group as guilty of disqualification. God had a course for them, a course that would take them to the Promised Land, but they didn't make it. Like a coroner investigating the cause of death, Paul performs a spiritual autopsy on that generation of Israelites, determining their cause of disqualification.It is important to note that this generation of Israelites had been delivered from Egypt. The blood of the passover lamb was spread on their doorposts in Egypt. They had passed through the Red Sea. They were a redeemed group of people, but their life after the blood wasn't all it could be.

Their Benefits

Paul mentions a few of the benefits of the Israelites, benefits that carry forward to the Corinthian church (and also us). Here are some of them.- Spiritual Guidance: they were under the cloud (10:1).- Spiritual Deliverance: they passed through the Red Sea (10:1).- Spiritual Identification: they were identified with Moses by the cloud and sea (10:2).- Spiritual Food: they ate the manna from heaven (10:3).- Spiritual Drink: they drank from the Rock (10:4).Obviously, this generation was set up to do well. They were not set up to fail. Still, in spite of those benefits, they experienced disqualification in their race. Here's how...

Their Crimes

1. They lusted after evil things (6): complained about manna.2. They became idolaters (7): created a golden calf.3. They committed sexual immorality (8): with the women of Moab.4. They tempted Christ (9): and were struck by serpents.5. They complained against God (10): and disbelieved He could deliver them to the Promised Land.Every one of these crimes was a step in the wrong direction for that generation, steps the Corinthians were in danger of taking. Some of them had grown tired of God's word and had begun their own campaign for something other than the manna of God's word. Some of them had begun actual or spiritual idolatry by creating their own set of rules and ignoring the teaching of the apostles. Some of them had engaged in blatant immorality. Some of them had questioned God's leadership over them. Still others had cried out against God completely.

Our Hope

Paul holds out these "examples" (10:11) to us for a reason. He isn't trying to shame that generation, but he knows that generation would want us to learn from their mistakes. He tells us that we can be victorious over temptation by taking the way of escape God provides to us (10:13).To me, Paul holds out that autopsy report as a healthy reminder that we be not disqualified from the race God has set before us. A wonderful thing about our God is the grace and mercy available when we have been guilty of the characteristics found in that generation. I find Him willing and able to forgive, cleanse, renew, and refresh us when we need to get back in that race. He is able!I would encourage you to run your race well. None of us will ever run it perfectly, not even close. Still, strap on the running shoes and live the life God has called you to live. Each one of us has a course to run, a calling to obey, and Lord to follow. Consider the great benefits we've been given and run the race with endurance, setting aside the weights of sin that so easily ensnare us (Heb 12:1). Run with endurance!

What is Strength?

For those of you not following this blog YET, we have recently started a new bible study created by Tony Dungy, the Indianapolis Colts head coach. We are starting our second session even though it is technically our fourth because it took us three weeks to get through session one. From now on, we will speak of the study sessions as chapters!

So what is strength to you? Does strength mean big physical capabilities? Does it mean mental fortitude? Does it have to do with personality types? A great excerpt from the Quiet Strength Bible Study Guide:

"Perhaps strength isn't found in a personality type or even an outlook on life. Regardless of how we are wired, strength is found in having the faith to look to God to change us and to obey Him in what He has called each of us to do."

So how does society define strength? Now compare that with your definition of strength! I think it is a great reminder that their are many "worldly" perceptions or definitions that we still follow.

"Tony Dungy is the first African-American coach to ever win the Super Bowl. That in itself, is a great honor, but interestingly enough he is a man who has used his position of notoriety to behave in a quiet and strong way in the face of personal tragedy and he has influenced a lot of fellow citizens."

President George W. Bush
A great example to follow!

The B.I.T.E. Team Signing Out!

A little tid bit but NEVER too late!

I know it has been a little too long since the last update, especially since we are trying to get this thing up and running! I told all the guys from last week's session that I was going to make a post about a very important question from our study. We just finished session 1 last week in the Quiet Strength Bible Study by Tony Dungy which only took us 3 weeks to complete. At least we can claim to be thorough! But one of the most interesting aspects of our study have been the life application questions which are always hard to ask or answer for that matter!

Ephesians 2:10
For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

So the questions we were to ask ourselves is:

1. What do you think God wants you to do TODAY? THIS MONTH? THIS YEAR?
2. How are you going to get started?

This is a very serious question that we NEED to really pray about! How often do we allow our plans and expectations to get in the way? I know that for myself, I continue to struggle with God's plan for my life because I simply do not allow Him the opportunity to lead. So maybe another question to ask yourself is this; Who is leading your life?

I have encouraged all the guys from our group to give responses to this blog entry so that we can share with everyone reading. But I also want to ask our readers to give a response to these questions in the comment box. We look forward to learning more about all of you and we will continue to fight the good fight together!

Kindest Blessings,

Andy Rea

Encouragement not only for today but for your life

Good morning my brothers,

I visited a church of one of my close brothers in Christ this past Sunday and wanted to share a scripture that impacted my heart, soul, faith, and spirit. Again, God really spoke to my spirit.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:2-4)

God's instructions on how to face adversity are radical-but so is His healing. Don't settle for anything less than what God wants for you!

Sunday's message at CCMB - Pastor Nate

Rethinking Marriage - 1 Corinthians 7:1-9

My brothers I want to share a great message that was delivered during Sunday service at Calvary Chapel Monterey. We tackled upon scriptures in the bible of what most believers say are the toughest to face because it refers to sexual purity and immorality as a single person or married couple.

Below is a summarization of Pastor Nate's message:

"It appears that the marriage bed to be a microcosm of the entire marriage relationship. It is there that certain character traits are fostered. Here are a few:

- Servanthood

- Communication/Honesty

- Love- Respect

- Mutual Submission

I would encourage all married couples to study Paul's words carefully. There is the world's view of sex and then there is God's view of sex. Obviously, as the church, we want to view it in the pure and holy light of God's word, not the dim and defiled darkness of this world. What God has created to be beautiful, loving, safe, and a joy, man has twisted to be painful, selfish, and destructive.Many of us are like the Corinthians. We have been raised in a pagan world and a pagan culture. We wonder aloud how we are to live this life. The Corinthians had been trained by their friends and culture to view sexuality in a twisted and distorted way, so when they came to Christ their minds were in need of serious renewal. So many of us are right there, our minds need to be renewed. We need to see many issues, including sexuality, in the light that God intended.My hope is that we can look the Scriptures square in the eye, find their direct meaning and teaching, and thereby know the very heart of God on the issues we face constantly. After all, that's what it's all about. God proved His love for us on that cross, we know that He cares deeply about us. So, by knowing His heart, we are also knowing His best for mankind."

I hope this message encourage you as it did for me. Your brother in Christ, Jason

Dear Heavenly Father,

We are faced with terrible decisions based upon the world's view of marriage every single day. In today’s radio and media campaigns there are little if any encouragement of building and sustaining a healthy Christian marriage. Shows such as desperate housewives are tuning our people into the world's frequency. The world's views tend to rub off in our faith at times but I thank you for keeping us grounded in your ways and truth. Father God I thank you for your encouragement and the hope that you have provided for us through the recent movie Fireproof and upcoming Family Life Weekend to Remember Marriage Retreats. I ask for your continued protection in all marriages and your favor in today’s voting for YES on Proposition 8 honoring the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman. I pray that the purposes of all marriages are “to mirror your image, multiply a godly heritage, manage God’s realm, mutually complete one another, and to model Christ’s relationship to the church.

In Jesus precious name,
Amen

Are you a Warrior?

So another question for everyone out there in this world...Are you a warrior? Are you a prayer warrior?

The idea of this post came from my love of basketball and my love for the Golden State Warriors. I was so excited when they were close to finishing the game with a win last night. Unfortunately they lost and opened their season with loss. I was obviously dissappointed and began to wonder if this was going to be another long season of high hopes. We still have another 81 games to keep hoping and that is all we can do at this point.

That is exactly what we need to do in our everyday lives. There are times when we are expected to be "warriors" in our walk with God and more often than not we fail. Many times we have great expectations and know there is a great deal of pressure on us when the world's eyes are fixed upon us. So what happens when you slip during your walk with God? Do you try and be a warrior and get up by yourself? Do you have a band of brothers, better yet spiritual warriors to stand beside you and offer you a helping hand? This post is more of a challenge to myself and my many brothers in Christ out there. The challenge is simple...we are often quick to judge and say, "I can't believe he did this" or "why would he do that?" Let us be quick to pray and not judge. Let us be a band of spiritual prayer warriors ready and willing to help another brother when he is in need of our help.

Let us be humble warriors that are capable of asking for help when we need it!
We are here for each other and should make it clear to everyone around us!

Andy

Father,
We thank you for an amazing opporunity to become closer followers of your son, Jesus. We pray that you would be willing to bless us with spiritual armor and weapons to help each other as we battle with sin. We praise you for your son and our forgiveness.
Amen

Midweek Service at Calvary Chapel Monterey Bay

My brother's, I want to share the blessings I received from tonight’s midweek service. It was another awesome message delivered by our senior pastor, Nate Holdridge. God has truly blessed me with an awesome church lead by a young, but passionate pastor. All of you know that this year has been a rebuilding year for me- spiritually, physically, emotionally, and financially. In the face of my devastated hardships I endured this year, God has consistently used Pastor Nate every week to speak to my heart and spirit to provide hope, comfort, courage, strength, guidance, perseverance, and FAITH. I love my Pastor dearly. Praise God!

Our study tonight focused on Matthew 17:1-27 and how Jesus was on the move of the life of his disciples. A verse that stood out to me was v.20. This verse spoke about FAITH. Using the situation of a demon possessed boy that His disciples could not cast out, Jesus taught His disciples that “nothing will be impossible for you” when “you have FAITH as a mustard seed” (v.20). The disciples were being taught that seemingly impossible situations are actually divine opportunities to exercise and use their faith in a miracle-working God. What is your faith? Despite the downfall of the economy, high gas prices, and a new president on the horizon, let's put our faith to the one and only Christ Jesus. I love God so much and will always put my faith on him in every aspect of my life. My faith has made me a stronger and confident man of God I am today.

May God’s grace continue to be with all of you,
Jason

Encouragement for today...

I'm listening to Pete McKinsey who spoke at the men's retreat and want to share one of many points he talked about. And that is... "A profetic friend is a friend who cares more about what God thinks then I think." Those are the type of friends or brothers we need to desire, because it's too easy to go unchecked or held accountable for things we can say. As I remember someone saying that... "No one is above slipping and falling, no matter how spiritual you are." Just wanted to share that with my brothers.

The Weeve, A Man Of God

Lastnight's bible study

Lastnight was another blessing from Christ Jesus. I really love my brothers! We watched the "Quiet Strength" DVD lastnight during our men's group and God spoke to our hearts again through Tony. What an awesome man of faith he is! I long to be a "Man of God" like Tony. We serve a great God!

In Christ, Jason

Fire Protection System

So I was inspired late, and I mean LATE last night to ask everyone this simple question:

Do you have Fire Protection? What do I mean by Fire Protection? Look away from your computer screen for a moment and close your eyes and ask the question again! Do you have a Fire Protection System in your home?

This question evolved from a scene in a movie I had the pleasure of viewing last night. The movie of course is

Some of you may know about it and maybe have even watched it. If you have not, I would highly recommend that every man and woman, married or not, make time to view this movie. A great new way to see how God can change any situation, no matter how hopeless or lost you think the situation may be.

Just because something is Fireproof, doesn't mean a fire will never come! It simply means it will help protect it from the fire!
~ This is not an exact quote from the movie but it is darn close and so true! ~

There is a reason for writing this post today and it is simply for the reason that God is amazing and how He works in our lives is just as amazing. Yesterday was a brutal day for me in the sense that my thoughts and emotions were officially not functioning to full capacity. I was having a breakdown! I have a tendency to hold it all in until someone eventually gets the worst of the volcanic eruption! Yesterday it was my wife which endured the sarcasm and hurtful words and the unexpected emotional eruption. Be careful guys about how your emotions control you. When your outbursts of emotion and anger involve another person, you are controlling them too for those moments and during the damaging aftermath that they endure. Think about it again; Are you fireproof? Do you have someone to protect you when the fires come knocking on your door? If you don't, take the time to pray and ask God to install a fire protection system in your home today! After yesterday, I realized that I have not fully allowed God to protect my marriage and that I have put our family at great risk of failure and divorce.

Heavenly Father, I seek your protection over my marriage and the many others which are struggling with little fires and raging fires. Lord I know that through you, all things are possible and today I beg you forgive my ignorance toward our covenant of marriage and seek your restoration in my life and that of my marriage. Lord I pray that you continue to protect healthy marriages and I also pray that you help heal the hearts of those which have experienced divorce and are trying to learn a new way of life. In your son's name we pray.

AMEN

With all the love in my heart,

Andy

Click on this link for help!

"An encouraging quote for the day"

Hello Guys,

I would like to share this quote from the mens retreat that I thought was inspirational.

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."
~ Jim Elliot ~

Philip James Elliot (October 8, 1927 – January 8, 1956) was a Christian missionary to Ecuador, where he was killed by Huaorani Indians.

>>Click here for more information on Jim Elliot

Be blessed, Boz

FOCUS ON YOUR SOUL

"If you truly want to break through your addiction to mediocrity, your recovery must be spiritual. It doesn't necessarily involve going to church. That is good, but without a personal relationship with God, churchgoing is empty. Focus on what your soul hungers and thirsts for: to relate to God."

Bishop T.D. Jakes A beloved pastor, a successful entrepreneur, a global advocate and philanthropist, shepherd to millions around the globe, Bishop Thomas Dexter (T. D.) Jakes Sr., founded Greater Emmanuel Temple of Faith, his first pastorate, in 1979. It was a small beginning, in a small West Virginia church, pastoring a small congregation 10-members strong.

>>Click here to know more about Bishop T.D. Jakes

God bless you today.

In Christ - Jason

Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy

I am really excited for the next several weeks as our B.I.T.E Ministry team prepares to be fully blessed by what All-Pro defensive lineman Warren Sapp stated, "The greatest man I've ever met in my life."

We will start off this upcoming Thursday, October 23, 2008 watching Tony Dungy- On Winning with Quiet Strength DVD. Based on the #1 New York Times bestseller Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy and Nathan Whitaker.

“In football and in the game of life, Tony Dungy is a winner.” James Brown, Host of the NFL Today, CBS Sports

Tony Dungy up-close and personal! Coach Tony Dungy led his team to #1- and showed the world a better way to live, lead, and succeed. When Coach Dungy led the Indianapolis Colts to victory in Super Bowl XLI- and made history as the first African American coach to win the big game- millions of people, amazed by the success of his quiet, authoritative leadership style, wondered: how does he get it done? In this engaging and revealing DVD, Coach Dungy reveals the principles, practices, and priorities of a winning life including:

- Stay focused on God during life’s struggles and disappointments
- Live life with a sense of purpose and significance
- Toss materialism aside and enjoy the simple things
- Focus on gratitude, love, and joy
- Be salt and light to the world

Move forward and persevere Anyone who loves sports and desires a winning life will enjoy this candid look at how one man reached the top of his profession despite overwhelming personal and professional obstacles.

Afterwards we will tackle a six-week bible study that addresses tough questions men ask. Or, more accurately, don't ask-though men crave the answers.

- What's my game plan?
- What's my strength?
- What's success?
- Where's my security?
- What is my significance?
- What's my legacy?

Each of the six weeks of Bible study is crafted especially for men, and provides biblical answers, relationship-building discussion questions, fun activities, and character-building insights from the life of Tony Dungy. Men in your church will be eager to explore the lessons God has taught Coach Dungy and is eager to teach them.

Updates will follow...stay tune - Jason

God's presence through prayer!

Last night was such an amazing night of fellowship and prayer! I love that God can completely fulfill our needs through the simple power of prayer! 4 of us prayed fervently and simply sought His presence! Thank you God for always being with us on Thursday nights when we meet and every second we breath on this Earth.

Last weekend (10/10-10/12), a bunch of the guys from our group had the opportunity to go to a Men's Retreat at Mount Hermon. Mount Hermon retreats have always been a place to recharge your faith and grow in fellowship with other Christian Men. One of the guys, Steve, shared with me a wonderful message given by Peter McKenzie, a member of Influencers Ministry. Steve shared with me a wonderful visual reminder of how we are to react when asked if are "Men of God." Ask yourselves for a moment how often you shy away from proclaiming your faith to the world. Perhaps at home, at work, or maybe even with other believers! Maybe you are not a believer but want to know more and you are not sure how to ask for help. Peter provided all the guys at the retreat with a rubber bracelet which serves as a reminder that we ARE men of God and are attitude should be one of pride and ABSOLUTE loyalty to our savior Jesus Christ!

Are you a man or woman of God? What would be your answer if someone asked you right now?

Words of wisdom by Peter McKenzie:

"I am a Man of God! I am not confused about who I am, who I belong to, why I'm here, where I'm going, or how I'm going to get there. That has all been settled in my relationship and identification in, Jesus Christ."

"But you, MAN OF GOD, ...pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the ETERNAL life to which you were called..."

~ 1 Tim. 6:11-12 ~

Have a blessed day everyone!

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

So this is the first official post of the B.I.T.E. blog! It is always difficult starting something new because the learning curve can be brutal and the results can be just as evident. The goal of this blog is to become a place on the web where we can be fed with God's love and spirit. It is my hope that as the list of people following this blog grows, transparent personalities begin to develop in our lives. I encourage all of you reading this, to share your own personal testimony of your salvation with us. Through our testimonies, personal devotionals, prayer request, and simple stories of how God has answered prayers, we can encourage ourselves and others in this world to grow in faith that God is with us. This is where we can share all of it.

B.I.T.E. is an acronym for "Believe In The Eternal." We are a group of believers that know God's greatest gift is salvation through the faith of His son Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.

The idea of B.I.T.E. came from a Men's group that meets every Thursday. One of the men (Jason) has a tendancy to get very excited about his golf ball flight and always yells, "BITE, BITE!" This quickly became an inside joke for all of us, but without much warning, we began to try and find meaning behind the word. It did not take long to come up with "Believe In The Eternal" and so this is how B.I.T.E. Ministry began. Thanks again for visiting for the first time and we look forward to seeing you come back time and time again.


Jesus said, "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

~ John 3:16 ~


Don't forget to get yourself in the "Followers" list on the right side of the blog and to send us a comment to let us know you visited!