A little timeout before the post. Where did everyone go? We have two days left and I beleive each day get's better and better. I guess you all wanted to test my love for you with the 0 comments. I got nothing but love for ya especially after chapter 15
Last night Steve Fenner's Dad went to be with the Lord so in light of just praying with him I turned to Chapter 15. Steve we stand with you and pray you'll be encouraged with today's post.
Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
If Christ had not been raised then our faith and life would be useless. v.14 but He did raise and so will we. Steve's Dad has a new body and living in glory. The sorrow is on our side but trust me Steve's Dad is dancing and singing with the Angels.
I love the illustration of the seed in vv. 35-49. The seed never looks like the plant that sprouts. Our challenge is to not live in ignorance like the peope in Corinth were.
v. 34 Come back to our senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some ignorant of God - I say this to your shame.
That's a reality check...I am from the seed of Abraham and my seed is intended for a wonderful crop.
If a seed is not watered and nurtured it can never sprout. We have some intense Miracle gro through the Cross and it's garanteed. Sprinkle some on your seed and watch the glory of the Lord sprout in your life in this life and the eternal life to come.
Good stuff.
Joe
Monday, January 28, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Agape
Ok I am not trying to be the greek scholar here but the english language just doesn't cut it when it come to describing the type of love were dealing with in chapter 13. The word agape describes a love that is based on the one who loves rather than the worthiness of the one who is loved. This type of love is not human. It is giving, selfless and expect nothing in return kind of love.
Christ died so that we might accept him. That blows my mind. If I am going to lay down my life somebody better appreciate it. But that's the point, agape love is not concerned if somebody appreciates you or what you do for them, it's unconditional. It's like me doing the cup of Joe and hoping as many people are blessed and coming along side us as we study Corinthians. The more feedback and post that come in the more motivating it is to continue on. Now if I operated out of true agape love It wouldn't matter.
I am reading Carolyn's Study bible today and it says "True love puts up with people who would be easier to give up on." If our love is directed toward other, we will rejoice in the blessings they recieve rather than the desiring those blessings for ourselves. I love to cook for people and I get more excited when others love the food, and that to me is better than eating it myself. So today it's all about being selfless with our love for others. Today were reminded not to be so easily angered and over-sensitive.
I am sensing that today some of us are experiencing some type of injustice. You might not be able to clear your name or don't know what you are supposed to do. Many times when I am experiencing gossip about me or some type of injustice I stand on v. 7
love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Many times people will ask me what am I going to do and I'll say "Love them."
Love never fails,
Joe
Christ died so that we might accept him. That blows my mind. If I am going to lay down my life somebody better appreciate it. But that's the point, agape love is not concerned if somebody appreciates you or what you do for them, it's unconditional. It's like me doing the cup of Joe and hoping as many people are blessed and coming along side us as we study Corinthians. The more feedback and post that come in the more motivating it is to continue on. Now if I operated out of true agape love It wouldn't matter.
I am reading Carolyn's Study bible today and it says "True love puts up with people who would be easier to give up on." If our love is directed toward other, we will rejoice in the blessings they recieve rather than the desiring those blessings for ourselves. I love to cook for people and I get more excited when others love the food, and that to me is better than eating it myself. So today it's all about being selfless with our love for others. Today were reminded not to be so easily angered and over-sensitive.
I am sensing that today some of us are experiencing some type of injustice. You might not be able to clear your name or don't know what you are supposed to do. Many times when I am experiencing gossip about me or some type of injustice I stand on v. 7
love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Many times people will ask me what am I going to do and I'll say "Love them."
Love never fails,
Joe
Friday, January 25, 2008
One Body
I want to point out the change in my header after reading chapter 12. A place to share life with Joe Hogan and friends. Whether you like it or not you all are a part of me. I pray you all have the same mindset with me. The proof is in chapter 11.
v.14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.
So many people just miss what spiritual gifts are about. It's not about who speaks in tongues and who doesn't. In fact the key reason the chapter is written is because the church was giving so much attention to the "tongue speakers" (greek word used in chpts 12-14 for spiritual gifts) spiritual gifts is not about who the teachers, pastors and prophets are. A good friend of mine would always tell "I'm just one beggar to another" (Sumo) All of us are one body and Christ is the head. None of us is more important than one another based on how we use spiritull gifts. All of you have used your giftings to benefit me and I thank God for the Body that I have. (you guys) You have spoke healing to me, prophesied over me, given me words of wisdom (thanks for the word Luis) and allowed the Holy Spirit(tongues) to directly pray over my life and ministries I shepherd. Some times your prayers have even laid me out on the floor (thanks alot Jacob) I can go on for days giving testimony of times you have helped me especially my administrators who come in the office (thanks Kristie, Tiff, Becky, Shayne and others) Every single one of you have given me the greatest gift of all and that is you Love Joe Hogan v. 31 Well I least I know for sure James does and if your faking it you're doing a good job. Ok now I am tearing up again.
v. 7 But the manifestation of the spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:
I am going to have to come back to this post or maybe others can continue because the dimension and reality that we are all one connected to each other is a little overwhelming to make comment at this time. I must be silent and this time.................
v.14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.
So many people just miss what spiritual gifts are about. It's not about who speaks in tongues and who doesn't. In fact the key reason the chapter is written is because the church was giving so much attention to the "tongue speakers" (greek word used in chpts 12-14 for spiritual gifts) spiritual gifts is not about who the teachers, pastors and prophets are. A good friend of mine would always tell "I'm just one beggar to another" (Sumo) All of us are one body and Christ is the head. None of us is more important than one another based on how we use spiritull gifts. All of you have used your giftings to benefit me and I thank God for the Body that I have. (you guys) You have spoke healing to me, prophesied over me, given me words of wisdom (thanks for the word Luis) and allowed the Holy Spirit(tongues) to directly pray over my life and ministries I shepherd. Some times your prayers have even laid me out on the floor (thanks alot Jacob) I can go on for days giving testimony of times you have helped me especially my administrators who come in the office (thanks Kristie, Tiff, Becky, Shayne and others) Every single one of you have given me the greatest gift of all and that is you Love Joe Hogan v. 31 Well I least I know for sure James does and if your faking it you're doing a good job. Ok now I am tearing up again.
v. 7 But the manifestation of the spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:
I am going to have to come back to this post or maybe others can continue because the dimension and reality that we are all one connected to each other is a little overwhelming to make comment at this time. I must be silent and this time.................
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
All to the Glory of God
1 cor 10:31
Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Today I am reflecting on the whatever I do. In my life that is being a son, brother, husband, father, pastor, friend, triathlete, and founder of a cup of Joe. I do want to bring glory to God in everything I do, and yet I do find myself coming short daily. I would love ot hear comment on what brings glory to God. God is good- so if I do something that is good- it brings Him glory since he is the author of anything that is good. Let us spur one another on to good works. Lord today I want to bring you glory. Help me be sensitive to where you're working. When it comes to what I do everyday I am constantly meditating on the words Jesus spoke in John
"I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.
Father help me see what the Father is doing because that is what I must do.
The Father is working in lives all around you and he has positioned you there to bring him glory. Can you see Him. I do
I see dead people...and I see people alive in Christ...
What do you see?
Joe
Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Today I am reflecting on the whatever I do. In my life that is being a son, brother, husband, father, pastor, friend, triathlete, and founder of a cup of Joe. I do want to bring glory to God in everything I do, and yet I do find myself coming short daily. I would love ot hear comment on what brings glory to God. God is good- so if I do something that is good- it brings Him glory since he is the author of anything that is good. Let us spur one another on to good works. Lord today I want to bring you glory. Help me be sensitive to where you're working. When it comes to what I do everyday I am constantly meditating on the words Jesus spoke in John
"I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.
Father help me see what the Father is doing because that is what I must do.
The Father is working in lives all around you and he has positioned you there to bring him glory. Can you see Him. I do
I see dead people...and I see people alive in Christ...
What do you see?
Joe
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Win Rocky!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTihNTFNOcc
Ok, I tear up almost everytime I see the part of the movie when Adrienne tells Rocky from the hospital bed "Win Rocky". Rocky's attitude and whole being in transformed. He is not only fighting for himself but now he fights for and with Adrienne. The music comes on and Rocky is training like a champion. Paul knew he had to discipline his body; he had to force himself to maintain he daily routine and the consistent practice needed for success.
v. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection...
Paul had the best training available but he did not assume he would persevere to the end of the race. He continued to discipline himself to fight, and to follow his call from God.
Many of you know I enjoy racing in the sport of Triathlon. Before the gun goes off I know if it's going to be a good race or a bad one based on my training leading up to the race. Lately my training has been slacking and I feel it in my workouts and in my belly. I don't consider myself a serious triathlete but I do consider myself a serious follower of Jesus Christ. If I miss more than two days working out I start going backwards in my training. Many times I have blown up in a race. Blowing up means I just can’t keep the pace I set for myself or I strained a muscle and I basically have to shut down and putt to the finish line. I have also had the days when I know that I have done the training and I know it’s going to be a great day. A serious follower of Jesus Christ is also serious about their devotions, media intake, mindset, fellowship with the body and also serious and confident in who they are in Christ.
v.26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.
Today it’s all about examining our training. I know this cup of Joe has made me more confident in my walk and calling with God. I also know that I could use even more time in the word. How about you…What adjustment do you need to make in your training?
YO…ADRIENNE…WE DID IT….WE DID IT…
In light of this post I am inviting whoever on a run tomorrow (weds) at 7:15am from my house. We’ll go for about 6 miles and eat raw eggs after. If the post is choppy it’s because my computer keeps throwing me off the internet.
Yo!
Rocky
Ok, I tear up almost everytime I see the part of the movie when Adrienne tells Rocky from the hospital bed "Win Rocky". Rocky's attitude and whole being in transformed. He is not only fighting for himself but now he fights for and with Adrienne. The music comes on and Rocky is training like a champion. Paul knew he had to discipline his body; he had to force himself to maintain he daily routine and the consistent practice needed for success.
v. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection...
Paul had the best training available but he did not assume he would persevere to the end of the race. He continued to discipline himself to fight, and to follow his call from God.
Many of you know I enjoy racing in the sport of Triathlon. Before the gun goes off I know if it's going to be a good race or a bad one based on my training leading up to the race. Lately my training has been slacking and I feel it in my workouts and in my belly. I don't consider myself a serious triathlete but I do consider myself a serious follower of Jesus Christ. If I miss more than two days working out I start going backwards in my training. Many times I have blown up in a race. Blowing up means I just can’t keep the pace I set for myself or I strained a muscle and I basically have to shut down and putt to the finish line. I have also had the days when I know that I have done the training and I know it’s going to be a great day. A serious follower of Jesus Christ is also serious about their devotions, media intake, mindset, fellowship with the body and also serious and confident in who they are in Christ.
v.26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.
Today it’s all about examining our training. I know this cup of Joe has made me more confident in my walk and calling with God. I also know that I could use even more time in the word. How about you…What adjustment do you need to make in your training?
YO…ADRIENNE…WE DID IT….WE DID IT…
In light of this post I am inviting whoever on a run tomorrow (weds) at 7:15am from my house. We’ll go for about 6 miles and eat raw eggs after. If the post is choppy it’s because my computer keeps throwing me off the internet.
Yo!
Rocky
Monday, January 21, 2008
BEING
My title is taken out of Numba 1's post. Nathan was commenting on his insight of not just understanding what a servant is or does but BEING a servant. We just read three chapters with some heavy knowledge about Marriage, Widows, and things offered to idols. These issues have divided friendships, churches and denominiations, I love Pauls comment concerning knowlege.
8:1 We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing as he ought to know.
All of us read the scripture from a different place and a different understanding. Paul gives us understanding from the place he is coming from, and is hoping others would live where he comes from. It is found in v.6
yet for us us there is one God, the Father of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.
He then quickly points out that everybody does not come from this place of understanding. True life comes when somoene lives from a place of love. I am not sure how well you know your abba Father Daddy. When coming from a place where all things (your marriage, relationships, your freedoms, struggles, life) are in Him. Those things (your marriage, relationships, your freedoms, struggles, life) are not issues anymore but rather just part of the way you be (live).
So today it's not what I know about my marriage, what I eat or drink that may cause other people to stumble it's who I am (Be) and like Paul, my being is through Him. It is not I who lives but Christ in me.
How is Christ going to work through me today? My prayer is that we would function out of love today and not knowledge. If you want more insight call me up and be ready to buy me a cup of joe.
Love Ya,
Joe
Hey I would love to know who still is with us after 8 days. Don't let the fear of making a comment keep you from posting. Remember knowledge puffs up. Give a shout out if you've been loving the study even though you haven't had the time to post.
8:1 We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing as he ought to know.
All of us read the scripture from a different place and a different understanding. Paul gives us understanding from the place he is coming from, and is hoping others would live where he comes from. It is found in v.6
yet for us us there is one God, the Father of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.
He then quickly points out that everybody does not come from this place of understanding. True life comes when somoene lives from a place of love. I am not sure how well you know your abba Father Daddy. When coming from a place where all things (your marriage, relationships, your freedoms, struggles, life) are in Him. Those things (your marriage, relationships, your freedoms, struggles, life) are not issues anymore but rather just part of the way you be (live).
So today it's not what I know about my marriage, what I eat or drink that may cause other people to stumble it's who I am (Be) and like Paul, my being is through Him. It is not I who lives but Christ in me.
How is Christ going to work through me today? My prayer is that we would function out of love today and not knowledge. If you want more insight call me up and be ready to buy me a cup of joe.
Love Ya,
Joe
Hey I would love to know who still is with us after 8 days. Don't let the fear of making a comment keep you from posting. Remember knowledge puffs up. Give a shout out if you've been loving the study even though you haven't had the time to post.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Immorality
The reason for the day off posting is I felt a need to give some time to allow others to comment. I can't stress how encouraged I am with all the insight and emails I have been recieving, keep it up. Remember the key is to get in the word, so if you find your self away from the word, or even a little cup of Joe, don't hesitate to pour yourself another cup and jump write in.
Since this is coming from my journal you're getting my heart from Chapter 5. To be honest I have had many restless nights when believers fall into sexual immorality. It's especially difficult when kids are involved and dad had an affair. Paul gives us clear instruction how the church should deal with someone that falls in to sexual immorality.
v. 5 deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.
Paul makes it clear that the churchs goal and always in my dealings with people who have fallen into sexual immorality is the person be restored.
The sexual offender was guilty of sin, but the whole congregation was also guilty for leaving the sin unchecked. I know of many examples of brothers in the Lord that allowed a simple wandering eye go unchecked that later led to him losing his family. I believe our sexuality is the enemies prime target to bring destruction in our lives. I pray constantly for the Lord to give me eyes only for my wife. What a good word for us to meditate on and to know, that God has given us the counsel on how we can walk in victory when it comes to our roles as husbands and wives. Hours before reading Chapter 5 I was just meditating how blessed I am to be married to Carolyn and the two beutiful girls that God has given us. If you or someone close to you has allowed some leaven(v.6) in their house either through pornography, an inappropiate relationship, or just a wondering eye lets purge it out. (v.7)
I honestly beleive that this cup of joe if received will be the most rewarding and I am going to posted a picture prove it.
I'm Out
Joe
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Got Milk!
1 cor 3:2
I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.
What a slam! Love to here some comment on what is milk and what is solid food. Many beleive that solid food would mean the ability to debate and give commentary on scripture that is not clear in meaning. We have already discovered in chapter one and two that many beleivers in Corinth were struggling with boasting in man rather than Christ. They were struggling with Holiness and Character. They had issues with one another and were quick to judge. Solid food is loving your enemies, laying ones life down for another. Solid food is being a person of character the type of character that radiates Christ. He laid down his life for those who spat on him, cursed him, rejected him so that they might accept them. If you can lay all your dreams and passions down for the sake of loving others especially for those you just don't care for to me that is some solid food. I would rather be a person to give a cup of water to someone in need rather than give my view on end times to an audience of thousands.
v.9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.
Father grant me the capacity to love others as you do. Make me a man of Character...Holiness is what I long for...
This post was filled with double shot espresso...
Joe
I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.
What a slam! Love to here some comment on what is milk and what is solid food. Many beleive that solid food would mean the ability to debate and give commentary on scripture that is not clear in meaning. We have already discovered in chapter one and two that many beleivers in Corinth were struggling with boasting in man rather than Christ. They were struggling with Holiness and Character. They had issues with one another and were quick to judge. Solid food is loving your enemies, laying ones life down for another. Solid food is being a person of character the type of character that radiates Christ. He laid down his life for those who spat on him, cursed him, rejected him so that they might accept them. If you can lay all your dreams and passions down for the sake of loving others especially for those you just don't care for to me that is some solid food. I would rather be a person to give a cup of water to someone in need rather than give my view on end times to an audience of thousands.
v.9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.
Father grant me the capacity to love others as you do. Make me a man of Character...Holiness is what I long for...
This post was filled with double shot espresso...
Joe
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Chapter 2 - A fool for You
I have been so blessed by all the responses and know there are many more setting up gmail accounts so they can comment as well. On to chapter 2
"...Natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him." 2 Cor 2:14
That word receive means "to welcome" this verb is not about discovering the meaning but applying the meaning in my life. A life in the spirit is very much different than living life in the natural world. Many times I have been considered a fool for Christ. I remember my co-workers and friends telling me I was gay because I hadn't kissed my girlfriend (now wife) after dating for two years. The comments and looks people made when I walked away from my career to join the ministry gave a black and white understanding of having the mindset of Christ. The natural just doesn't understand the spiritual and once you've tasted a life in the spirit that natural world will forever be tainted. The problem is my mind has been trained and programmed in the natural world. Every day my prayer is that the spirit will transform my mind so that I may know Gods good, pleasing and perfect will for my life. (Heb 12:2)
Last night we had three pit bulls in our backyard and my natural man came out. My mind told me to kill the dogs or maybe that was my spiritual man. I don't know but I do know that when the Animal Control guy came and told me that he couldn't seize the dogs we had a heated conversation. All I can think about is my kids being malled by the dogs. Later we had the Neighbors outside all fighting to get the dogs out of the community. Let me tell you if Joe Hogan from 15 years earlier would have handled the situation I probably would have been the one they would be taking away.
Paul today is addressing the way we think and my prayer for us is that we would welcome the spirit to change our thinking so we can have the mind of Christ. How about you where is their an error in your thinking or how about testimony of you being made a fool for Christ.
A Fool For Christ,
Joe
v. 16 But we have the mind of Christ.
"...Natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him." 2 Cor 2:14
That word receive means "to welcome" this verb is not about discovering the meaning but applying the meaning in my life. A life in the spirit is very much different than living life in the natural world. Many times I have been considered a fool for Christ. I remember my co-workers and friends telling me I was gay because I hadn't kissed my girlfriend (now wife) after dating for two years. The comments and looks people made when I walked away from my career to join the ministry gave a black and white understanding of having the mindset of Christ. The natural just doesn't understand the spiritual and once you've tasted a life in the spirit that natural world will forever be tainted. The problem is my mind has been trained and programmed in the natural world. Every day my prayer is that the spirit will transform my mind so that I may know Gods good, pleasing and perfect will for my life. (Heb 12:2)
Last night we had three pit bulls in our backyard and my natural man came out. My mind told me to kill the dogs or maybe that was my spiritual man. I don't know but I do know that when the Animal Control guy came and told me that he couldn't seize the dogs we had a heated conversation. All I can think about is my kids being malled by the dogs. Later we had the Neighbors outside all fighting to get the dogs out of the community. Let me tell you if Joe Hogan from 15 years earlier would have handled the situation I probably would have been the one they would be taking away.
Paul today is addressing the way we think and my prayer for us is that we would welcome the spirit to change our thinking so we can have the mind of Christ. How about you where is their an error in your thinking or how about testimony of you being made a fool for Christ.
A Fool For Christ,
Joe
v. 16 But we have the mind of Christ.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Journal Entry One - What a Mess!
Welcome to all who will be joining me in my time in 1 Corinthians. The whole idea is us reading the Word and sharing life together.
Chapter 1
Yes the Corinthian church was a mess. They failed to protect themselves from the culture of the city. The letter was written to respond to divisions in the church, their desire to sue each other, sexual immorality and people really just didn't trust each other any more. What blows my mind is how Paul addresses the church in verse 2.
...to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
Can't believe with all the goings on in the church we are still called saints. We can boast and get caught up in all that is destructive in our lives or in the church or we can choose to boast in who we are in Christ Jesus. Paul ends chapter one with this statement.
...He who glories (boast), let him glory (boast) in the Lord."
Based on what I read today how will I be changed?
Even though myself and the church is far from the goal of holiness, I position myself to be set apart and like Paul boast in the Lord who is at work in me and those around me.
Paul in v. 10 pleaded with the church to have the same unity and mind toward one another. A simple I'm in agreement post would be encouraging I believe to all of us that stand on this axiom.
The young adults are starting a verse by verse study in 1 Corinthians this Tuesday. Now that was a good cup of Joe. mmmm. Feel free to comment on anything in chapter 1.
Chapter 1
Yes the Corinthian church was a mess. They failed to protect themselves from the culture of the city. The letter was written to respond to divisions in the church, their desire to sue each other, sexual immorality and people really just didn't trust each other any more. What blows my mind is how Paul addresses the church in verse 2.
...to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
Can't believe with all the goings on in the church we are still called saints. We can boast and get caught up in all that is destructive in our lives or in the church or we can choose to boast in who we are in Christ Jesus. Paul ends chapter one with this statement.
...He who glories (boast), let him glory (boast) in the Lord."
Based on what I read today how will I be changed?
Even though myself and the church is far from the goal of holiness, I position myself to be set apart and like Paul boast in the Lord who is at work in me and those around me.
Paul in v. 10 pleaded with the church to have the same unity and mind toward one another. A simple I'm in agreement post would be encouraging I believe to all of us that stand on this axiom.
The young adults are starting a verse by verse study in 1 Corinthians this Tuesday. Now that was a good cup of Joe. mmmm. Feel free to comment on anything in chapter 1.
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