This is a story from Cross-Cultural Servanthood (The Lord is seriously changing my life through this book) that made me think about Prov 27:21 in a new way:
Dave = missionary
Mr. Yaka = Dave's mentour/father figure
"Dave was quite well educated; he had a distinguished career as a pilot in the Air Force and was gifted in a way that would have brought him success in any number of ventures. Mr. Yaka had little education and little to suggest that he could mentor Dave. Early on in their relationship, though, something very significant happened.
The two companions had arrived at a place where they were to speak at a conference. The person greeting them said to Mr. Yaka, "I am very sorry but would you be willing to sleep on the floor of this classroom. We have a straw mat and blanket for you". Mr. Yaka graciously agreed. Then the greeter turned to Dave and said, "We have only one bed left, which we have been holding for you. If you come with me I will show you to your room". At this point Dave hesitated only slightly before saying, "Sir, I thank you for being concerned for my comfort. But if you don't mind, I would really prefer staying with my friend, Mr. Yaka. He and I have things to discuss. Would you be so kind as to bring me a mat and blanket?"
Dave was tested by the praise given to him. His hidden motives and perceptions of himself and Mr. Yaka were revealed in this "praise". Had he accepted the room Mr. Yaka may have, from that point on, felt inferior to Dave. Instead he showed Mr. Yaka honor in humility and they both went on to be partners in taking an effective evangelistic program to many other countries on the continent!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Proverbs 27:21
"The crucible is for silver and the furnace for gold, And each is tested by the praise accorded him." (NASB)
...but man is tested by the praise he receives." (NIV)
...and a man is tested by his praise." (ESV)
This is crazy and it makes me think of two different things.
1. What you praise, honor, exalt will test you. He will test if it is genuine. He will put them through the fire and they will be revealed. He will burn away all that is impure and that which is pure will remain and become even more revealed. (Thank you Kel)
2. When a man is praised by others, it tests him. "Thus says the LORD, "Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches;(Jer 9:23)...But he who boasts is to boast in the Lord.(2 Cor 10:17)"
one translation says, "Silver and gold are tried by putting them into the furnace and fining-pot; so is a man tried by praising him".
...but man is tested by the praise he receives." (NIV)
...and a man is tested by his praise." (ESV)
This is crazy and it makes me think of two different things.
1. What you praise, honor, exalt will test you. He will test if it is genuine. He will put them through the fire and they will be revealed. He will burn away all that is impure and that which is pure will remain and become even more revealed. (Thank you Kel)
2. When a man is praised by others, it tests him. "Thus says the LORD, "Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches;(Jer 9:23)...But he who boasts is to boast in the Lord.(2 Cor 10:17)"
one translation says, "Silver and gold are tried by putting them into the furnace and fining-pot; so is a man tried by praising him".
Monday, June 28, 2010
Divine Romance. (click)
yep!
"He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; many will see and fear and will trust in the Lord." Psalm 40:3
yep!
"He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; many will see and fear and will trust in the Lord." Psalm 40:3
"SAFE" by Phil Wickham (click)
"You have enclosed me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me." Psalm 139:5
"You have enclosed me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me." Psalm 139:5
Sunday, June 27, 2010
I experienced this last night
"Something amazing happens when the people of God become accepting people. It reveals the glory of God...Accepting one another may be among the most powerful acts of love we can offer to each other because it promotes oneness. Oneness in Christ is so wonderful that the natural expression is to sing the praises of God. The world notices the healing love and wholeness of the body and sees a great and mighty God. They see his glory." -Duane Elmer "Cross-Cultural Servanthood
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEX WILLIAMS AND LAUREN SCHADE! Two amazing people I am blessed to know.
Friday, June 25, 2010
The Fire of Justice
"My heart was breaking. I knew I had to do something to help meet the needs of the desperate world that Jesus came to save.
This is the call of every Christian. If we dare to get close enough to the harvest, we will begin to feel God's burden for the lost and dying. God will ruin us. We will not be able to live "normal" lives again. We will feel compelled to speak on behalf of the downtrodden. This burden is not just reserved for full-time missionaries. Every Christian has a place in the fields of the Lord. We are each called to love the unloved, feed the hungry, protect the vulnerable, heal the abused and cry out for justice for the oppressed."
-J. Lee Grady from The Holy Spirit Is Not For Sale
*Another book that was convicting, affirming, and instructive when compared and sifted by the Word of God. I recommend it. More on this later.
This is the call of every Christian. If we dare to get close enough to the harvest, we will begin to feel God's burden for the lost and dying. God will ruin us. We will not be able to live "normal" lives again. We will feel compelled to speak on behalf of the downtrodden. This burden is not just reserved for full-time missionaries. Every Christian has a place in the fields of the Lord. We are each called to love the unloved, feed the hungry, protect the vulnerable, heal the abused and cry out for justice for the oppressed."
-J. Lee Grady from The Holy Spirit Is Not For Sale
*Another book that was convicting, affirming, and instructive when compared and sifted by the Word of God. I recommend it. More on this later.
Cross-Cultural Servanthood by Duane Elmer
"Therefore, when we show openness toward people who are different from us, welcome them into our presence and make them feel safe, the relationship becomes a place of healing. As we welcome people just as they are and invite them to join us just as we are, it becomes a sacred event reflecting what Jesus did for us - providing us with a healing relationship."
*I highly recommend this book. I'm only a third of the way through but it's so incredible instructive and true.
*I highly recommend this book. I'm only a third of the way through but it's so incredible instructive and true.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Prayer
"Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones." Proverbs 3:7-8
"The Lord favors those who fear Him, those who wait for His lovingkindness." Psalm 147:11
"It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man." Psalm 118:8
Fear of man
The fear of man lays a snare,
but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.”
Proverbs 29:25
“Fear of man is such a part of our human fabric that we should check for pulse if someone denies it.”
—Ed Welch, When People Are Big and God Is Small.
Some points Welch sets forth in his book:
1: Recognize that the fear of man is a major theme both in the Bible and in your own life.
2: Identify where your fear of man has been intensified by people in your past.
3: Identify where your fear of man has been intensified by the assumptions of the world.
4: Understand and grow in the fear of the Lord. The person who fears God will fear nothing else.
5: Examine where your desires have been too big. When we fear people, people are big, our desires are even bigger, and God is small.
6: Rejoice that God has covered your shame, protected you from danger, and accepted you. He has filled you with love.
7: Need other people less, love other people more. Out of obedience to Christ, and as a response to his love toward you, pursue others in love.
but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.”
Proverbs 29:25
“Fear of man is such a part of our human fabric that we should check for pulse if someone denies it.”
—Ed Welch, When People Are Big and God Is Small.
Some points Welch sets forth in his book:
1: Recognize that the fear of man is a major theme both in the Bible and in your own life.
2: Identify where your fear of man has been intensified by people in your past.
3: Identify where your fear of man has been intensified by the assumptions of the world.
4: Understand and grow in the fear of the Lord. The person who fears God will fear nothing else.
5: Examine where your desires have been too big. When we fear people, people are big, our desires are even bigger, and God is small.
6: Rejoice that God has covered your shame, protected you from danger, and accepted you. He has filled you with love.
7: Need other people less, love other people more. Out of obedience to Christ, and as a response to his love toward you, pursue others in love.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
All
"We were considering the Christian idea of 'putting on Christ (Romans 13:14),' or first 'dressing up' as a son of God in order that you may finally become a real son.
What I want to make clear is that this is not one among many jobs a Christian has to do; and it is not a sort of special exercise for the top class. It is the whole of Christianity. Christianity offers nothing else at all....
The Christian way is different: harder, and easier.
Christ says 'Give Me All. (Mark 10:21) I don't want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work:
I want You.
I have not come to torment your natural self, but to kill it.
No half-measures are any good.
I don't want to cut off a branch here and a branch there, I want to have the whole tree down.
I don't want to drill the tooth, or crown it, or stop it, but to have it out.
Hand over the whole natural self, all the desires which you think innocent as well as the ones you think wicked--the whole outfit.
I will give you a new self instead. (Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10) In fact, I will give you Myself: My own will shall become yours.' (John 17)
Both harder and easier than what we are all trying to do. You have noticed, I expect, that Christ Himself sometimes describes the Christian way as very hard, sometimes as very easy.
He says, 'Take up your Cross' (Matt. 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23) --in other words, it is like going to be beaten to death in a concentration camp. Next minute He says, 'My yoke is easy and my burden light.' (Matt. 11:28-30)
He means both."
~Mere Christianity
...June 23...A Year with C.S. Lewis, Daily Readings from His Classic Works. ...
What I want to make clear is that this is not one among many jobs a Christian has to do; and it is not a sort of special exercise for the top class. It is the whole of Christianity. Christianity offers nothing else at all....
The Christian way is different: harder, and easier.
Christ says 'Give Me All. (Mark 10:21) I don't want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work:
I want You.
I have not come to torment your natural self, but to kill it.
No half-measures are any good.
I don't want to cut off a branch here and a branch there, I want to have the whole tree down.
I don't want to drill the tooth, or crown it, or stop it, but to have it out.
Hand over the whole natural self, all the desires which you think innocent as well as the ones you think wicked--the whole outfit.
I will give you a new self instead. (Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10) In fact, I will give you Myself: My own will shall become yours.' (John 17)
Both harder and easier than what we are all trying to do. You have noticed, I expect, that Christ Himself sometimes describes the Christian way as very hard, sometimes as very easy.
He says, 'Take up your Cross' (Matt. 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23) --in other words, it is like going to be beaten to death in a concentration camp. Next minute He says, 'My yoke is easy and my burden light.' (Matt. 11:28-30)
He means both."
~Mere Christianity
...June 23...A Year with C.S. Lewis, Daily Readings from His Classic Works. ...
Ezekiel 16
"I also swore to you and entered into a covenant with you so that you became Mine," declares the Lord GOD.
"Then I bathed you with water, washed off your blood from you and anointed you with oil."
Ezekiel 16 (link with cross references)
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
"Free to Fulfill an Extraordinary Purpose"
"Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" (Luke 1:45 NIV).
"Mary, the mother of Jesus, was certainly an extraordinary woman. All through the gospels we see her playing leading roles in God's redemptive plan. In the book of Acts, we see Mary one last time. After Jesus' resurrection, he addressed the disciples one final time before his ascent to take his seat at the right hand of the Father. He instructed them to wait for the promised Holy Spirit, reassured them that he would return again, and commissioned them to share the gospel to the ends of the earth. Then Jesus was taken up before their very eyes, and the group headed to Jerusalem to wait.
So who was among this commissioned group of disciples? Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew James Simon, Judas son of James, the women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. Hold everything! The women? Yes, the women. Mary? Yes, Mary. For centuries, the religious leaders had been an all boys club. But now, a fresh wind blew in to change the scenery of the new order called "the church." Jesus' parting words commissioned both men and women to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth.
Mary, the mother of Jesus was among the disciples. She was a disciple, a learner, a follower. She was commissioned with the rest to spread the gospel "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." And while we don't meet up with this incredible woman again, we can be sure that she did just that.
Mary was among the collective prophesy of Joel: "'In the last days,' God says, 'I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy'" (Acts 2:17-18; Joel 2:28-32 emphasis added).
We have to be careful not to worship Mary. Jesus didn't. When someone from a crowd yelled, "Blessed is the mother who gave birth and nursed you;" Jesus answered, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it" (Luke 11:27, 28).
Perhaps the most remarkable character trait of Mary, the one we can grasp with both hands and soar with her to great heights, is her radical obedience. From the very beginning, Mary's response to God's call on her life rings through the ages: "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said" (Luke 1:38). When that is our response to God's call on our lives, we will indeed lead extraordinary lives filled with great exploits for the kingdom.
Yes, God chose Mary. Yes, God chose you. He has freed us from insignificance, and the key to access that freedom lies in Jesus' words: "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it." That is where our significance lies.
That type of obedience flows from a relationship of trust. It is not a burden or a "have to" but a joy and a "want to." It is not obedience simply because the Bible says so, but an adventure because we link arms with Jesus and follow him into great purpose. This is a place where our simple water is transformed into the robust wine of life.
God has great plans for all of us. "Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him" (1 Corinthians 2:9). As Mary has shown us, God sets the offer before us, but He will not force His plan on anyone. We have to choose and say "yes" to Him. "Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" (Luke 1:45). That, my friend, is the key to experiencing the abundant life!
God freed Mary from an ordinary life and freed her to fulfill an extraordinary purpose. He called an ordinary girl named Mary center stage, and she willingly walked forward to take her place. I'm so glad she did."
Let's Pray
Dear God, I want to be radically obedient like Mary. Help me to be a woman who says "yes" when You call. I know that You have a great plan for my life. My prayer is that others will say about me..."Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished".
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
by Sharon Jaynes
"Mary, the mother of Jesus, was certainly an extraordinary woman. All through the gospels we see her playing leading roles in God's redemptive plan. In the book of Acts, we see Mary one last time. After Jesus' resurrection, he addressed the disciples one final time before his ascent to take his seat at the right hand of the Father. He instructed them to wait for the promised Holy Spirit, reassured them that he would return again, and commissioned them to share the gospel to the ends of the earth. Then Jesus was taken up before their very eyes, and the group headed to Jerusalem to wait.
So who was among this commissioned group of disciples? Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew James Simon, Judas son of James, the women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. Hold everything! The women? Yes, the women. Mary? Yes, Mary. For centuries, the religious leaders had been an all boys club. But now, a fresh wind blew in to change the scenery of the new order called "the church." Jesus' parting words commissioned both men and women to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth.
Mary, the mother of Jesus was among the disciples. She was a disciple, a learner, a follower. She was commissioned with the rest to spread the gospel "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." And while we don't meet up with this incredible woman again, we can be sure that she did just that.
Mary was among the collective prophesy of Joel: "'In the last days,' God says, 'I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy'" (Acts 2:17-18; Joel 2:28-32 emphasis added).
We have to be careful not to worship Mary. Jesus didn't. When someone from a crowd yelled, "Blessed is the mother who gave birth and nursed you;" Jesus answered, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it" (Luke 11:27, 28).
Perhaps the most remarkable character trait of Mary, the one we can grasp with both hands and soar with her to great heights, is her radical obedience. From the very beginning, Mary's response to God's call on her life rings through the ages: "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said" (Luke 1:38). When that is our response to God's call on our lives, we will indeed lead extraordinary lives filled with great exploits for the kingdom.
Yes, God chose Mary. Yes, God chose you. He has freed us from insignificance, and the key to access that freedom lies in Jesus' words: "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it." That is where our significance lies.
That type of obedience flows from a relationship of trust. It is not a burden or a "have to" but a joy and a "want to." It is not obedience simply because the Bible says so, but an adventure because we link arms with Jesus and follow him into great purpose. This is a place where our simple water is transformed into the robust wine of life.
God has great plans for all of us. "Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him" (1 Corinthians 2:9). As Mary has shown us, God sets the offer before us, but He will not force His plan on anyone. We have to choose and say "yes" to Him. "Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" (Luke 1:45). That, my friend, is the key to experiencing the abundant life!
God freed Mary from an ordinary life and freed her to fulfill an extraordinary purpose. He called an ordinary girl named Mary center stage, and she willingly walked forward to take her place. I'm so glad she did."
Let's Pray
Dear God, I want to be radically obedient like Mary. Help me to be a woman who says "yes" when You call. I know that You have a great plan for my life. My prayer is that others will say about me..."Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished".
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
by Sharon Jaynes
Monday, June 21, 2010
The Love of Jesus
**Thank you Amanda Lee for showing me this!**
Beautiful beautiful prayer by an unknown author.
The Love of Jesus
O Father of Jesus,
Help me to approach thee with deepest reverence, not with presumption,
not with servile fear, but with holy boldness.
Thou art beyond the grasp of my understanding,
but not beyond that of my love,
Thou knowest that I love thee supremely,
for thou art supremely adorable, good, perfect.
My heart melts at the love of Jesus,
my brother, bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh,
married to me, dead for me, risen for me;
He is mine and I am His,
given to me as well as for me;
I am never so much mine as when I am His,
or so much lost to myself until lost in Him;
then I find my true manhood. [or "womanhood" :)]
But my love is frost and cold, ice and snow;
Let His love warm me,
lighten my burden,
be my heaven;
May it be more revealed to me in all its influences
that my love to Him may be more fervant and glowing;
Let the mighty tide of His everlasting love
cover the rocks of my sin and care;
Then let my spirit float above those things
which had else wrecked my life.
Make me fruitful by living to that love,
my character becoming more beautiful every day.
If traces of Christ's love-artistry be upon me,
may He work on with His divine brush
untill the complete image be obtained
and I be made a perfect copy of Him, my Master.
O Lord Jesus, come to me,
O Divine Spirit, rest upon me,
O Holy Father, look on me in mercy for the sake of the well-beloved.
Beautiful beautiful prayer by an unknown author.
The Love of Jesus
O Father of Jesus,
Help me to approach thee with deepest reverence, not with presumption,
not with servile fear, but with holy boldness.
Thou art beyond the grasp of my understanding,
but not beyond that of my love,
Thou knowest that I love thee supremely,
for thou art supremely adorable, good, perfect.
My heart melts at the love of Jesus,
my brother, bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh,
married to me, dead for me, risen for me;
He is mine and I am His,
given to me as well as for me;
I am never so much mine as when I am His,
or so much lost to myself until lost in Him;
then I find my true manhood. [or "womanhood" :)]
But my love is frost and cold, ice and snow;
Let His love warm me,
lighten my burden,
be my heaven;
May it be more revealed to me in all its influences
that my love to Him may be more fervant and glowing;
Let the mighty tide of His everlasting love
cover the rocks of my sin and care;
Then let my spirit float above those things
which had else wrecked my life.
Make me fruitful by living to that love,
my character becoming more beautiful every day.
If traces of Christ's love-artistry be upon me,
may He work on with His divine brush
untill the complete image be obtained
and I be made a perfect copy of Him, my Master.
O Lord Jesus, come to me,
O Divine Spirit, rest upon me,
O Holy Father, look on me in mercy for the sake of the well-beloved.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Eph 4 - Unity of the Spirit
vs. 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
vs. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.
vs. 10 He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.
vs. 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;
vs 15,16 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.
but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with
one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7
"He [Jesus] will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." Matthew 3:11
Please Lord, unify Your body. Bond us together by Your Spirit, by Your love, by Your peace.
Bond- (v.) join or be joined securely to something else, typically by means of an
adhesive substance, heat, or pressure. Lay in an overlapping pattern so as to form a strong
structure.
vs. 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
vs. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.
vs. 10 He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.
vs. 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;
vs 15,16 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.
but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with
one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7
"He [Jesus] will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." Matthew 3:11
Please Lord, unify Your body. Bond us together by Your Spirit, by Your love, by Your peace.
Bond- (v.) join or be joined securely to something else, typically by means of an
adhesive substance, heat, or pressure. Lay in an overlapping pattern so as to form a strong
structure.
2 Thess 3:5
May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.
Friday, June 11, 2010
John 3:21
"But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God."
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
humility on mission
Mission…must take the form of servanthood. Only in this way can it escape the charge of arrogance.
— G. Thompson
from chrislazo
— G. Thompson
from chrislazo
A view from the new
"God wants us to be victors. We don't become victors by conquering the enemy. We become victors through surrender to Christ. We don't become victors by our independence from the enemy. We become victors by our dependence on God.
The road to freedom seems to be a paradox. To experience victory and freedom we need to become captives. We need to develop minds captive to Christ. In this life, we are most free whose minds are captivated by Christ. Victorious lives flow from victorious thoughts. Thinking victorious thoughts comes from setting our focus on a victorious God.
We can be led astray by the cords of an evil yoke, or we can be led to victory by the cords of divine love. Remember, this war is for freedom, and the battlefield is the mind." -Beth Moore, Breaking Free, Chp. 39 A View From the New
"I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them." Hosea 11:4
"Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you." Joshua 3:5
The wonders God wants to do in all our tomorrows are prepared for in our todays.
The road to freedom seems to be a paradox. To experience victory and freedom we need to become captives. We need to develop minds captive to Christ. In this life, we are most free whose minds are captivated by Christ. Victorious lives flow from victorious thoughts. Thinking victorious thoughts comes from setting our focus on a victorious God.
We can be led astray by the cords of an evil yoke, or we can be led to victory by the cords of divine love. Remember, this war is for freedom, and the battlefield is the mind." -Beth Moore, Breaking Free, Chp. 39 A View From the New
"I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them." Hosea 11:4
"Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you." Joshua 3:5
The wonders God wants to do in all our tomorrows are prepared for in our todays.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
His sacred altar
On the Day of Pentecost, God poured out His Holy Spirit on the waiting, willing disciples. They received, prophesied, and preached everywhere - the Lord working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following. The hour of God's visitation in the last days is upon us. As with the former rain, there must be receptive hearts and willing co-workers with God. We have received as on the Day of Pentecost. We must present our bodies, our lives, and our all on His sacred altar to carry this holy flame to the ends of the world. Pentecost is tailored of God for this very hour. Beloved, it is powerful and altogether sufficient for the need. Let us march under its banner and its cloud of blessing to God's appointed victory. -Ralph M. Riggs
Sit at the feet of Jesus and hear His word
Above all, feed the flame with intimate fellowship with Christ. No man was ever cold in heart who lived with Jesus on such terms as John and Mary did of old, for He makes men's hearts burn within them. I never met a half-hearted preacher who was much in communion with the Lord Jesus. The zeal of God's house ate up our Lord, and when we come into contact with Him it begins to consume us also.
Charles Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students
Charles Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students
Friday, June 4, 2010
Iceberg
You've probably heard this before: The deepest most beautiful part can't be seen from the surface. Good one to remember.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Breaking Free
I keep going back to Beth Moore's book "Breaking Free". I love it so much.
In this book she says, "A Christian is held captive by anything that hinders the abundant and effective Spirit-filled life God planned for him or her".
She lays out 5 benefits God has graciously extended to His children
1. To know God and believe Him (Isa. 43:10, 64:4, John 8:32)
2. To glorify God (Num. 20:6, 2 Chronicles 5:14, Psalm 29:9, Isa. 6:3, 43:7, John 1:14, 2:11, 8:50, 8:54, 17:9-10, 1 Cor. 10:31, 2 Cor. 3:18, 4:7, Col. 1:27, 1 Peter 4:10-13, 2 Peter 1:3)
3. To find satisfaction in God (Psalm 63! Psalm 71:8, 119:172, Isa. 50:4, 55:1-2, Jer 31:23-25, John 4:13-14)
4. To experience God's peace (Isa 9:6, 26:3, 32:17, 48:17-18, 53:5, John 15:4, Gal 5:22, Col. 3:15, 2 Thess 3:16)
5. To enjoy God's presence (Duet 31:6-8, Joshua 1:5, Ps. 16:11, 139:7-12, Isa 43:2-3, Matt. 14:25-32, Heb 13:5, 1 John 4:4)
The absence of any benefit is a helpful indicator of captivity.
She then identifies 5 obstacles. "These five obstacles are so prohibitive that if they are not addressed and removed in advance the personal visitation of our King will be greatly hindered. These are the 5 obstacles that stand in the way of our benefits: unbelief, pride, idolatry, prayerlessness, and legalism."
"Yes, we face a few obstacles that need to be removed, but we have the approval and blessing of the matchless King in our favor. We don't have to wonder if He's willing and able to deliver us from the bonds that are withholding abundant life. Remember, it is for freedom Christ has set us free. He's more than willing. He's ready. The question is whether or not we are ready to cooperate and prepare the way for our Liberator."
"Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people." Isaiah 57:14
In this book she says, "A Christian is held captive by anything that hinders the abundant and effective Spirit-filled life God planned for him or her".
She lays out 5 benefits God has graciously extended to His children
1. To know God and believe Him (Isa. 43:10, 64:4, John 8:32)
2. To glorify God (Num. 20:6, 2 Chronicles 5:14, Psalm 29:9, Isa. 6:3, 43:7, John 1:14, 2:11, 8:50, 8:54, 17:9-10, 1 Cor. 10:31, 2 Cor. 3:18, 4:7, Col. 1:27, 1 Peter 4:10-13, 2 Peter 1:3)
3. To find satisfaction in God (Psalm 63! Psalm 71:8, 119:172, Isa. 50:4, 55:1-2, Jer 31:23-25, John 4:13-14)
4. To experience God's peace (Isa 9:6, 26:3, 32:17, 48:17-18, 53:5, John 15:4, Gal 5:22, Col. 3:15, 2 Thess 3:16)
5. To enjoy God's presence (Duet 31:6-8, Joshua 1:5, Ps. 16:11, 139:7-12, Isa 43:2-3, Matt. 14:25-32, Heb 13:5, 1 John 4:4)
The absence of any benefit is a helpful indicator of captivity.
She then identifies 5 obstacles. "These five obstacles are so prohibitive that if they are not addressed and removed in advance the personal visitation of our King will be greatly hindered. These are the 5 obstacles that stand in the way of our benefits: unbelief, pride, idolatry, prayerlessness, and legalism."
"Yes, we face a few obstacles that need to be removed, but we have the approval and blessing of the matchless King in our favor. We don't have to wonder if He's willing and able to deliver us from the bonds that are withholding abundant life. Remember, it is for freedom Christ has set us free. He's more than willing. He's ready. The question is whether or not we are ready to cooperate and prepare the way for our Liberator."
"Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people." Isaiah 57:14
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Psalm 85:8-13
"I will hear what God the Lord will say;
For He will speak peace to His people,
to His godly ones;
But let them not turn back to folly.
Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him,
That glory may dwell in our land.
Lovingkindness and truth have met
together;
Righteousness and peace have kissed
each other.
Truth springs from the earth
And righteousness looks down from
heaven.
Indeed, the Lord will give what is good,
And our land will yield its produce.
Righteousness will go before Him
And will make His footsteps into a way.
Psalm 87:7
"Then those who sing as well as those who play the flutes shall say, "All my springs of joy are in you'."
For He will speak peace to His people,
to His godly ones;
But let them not turn back to folly.
Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him,
That glory may dwell in our land.
Lovingkindness and truth have met
together;
Righteousness and peace have kissed
each other.
Truth springs from the earth
And righteousness looks down from
heaven.
Indeed, the Lord will give what is good,
And our land will yield its produce.
Righteousness will go before Him
And will make His footsteps into a way.
Psalm 87:7
"Then those who sing as well as those who play the flutes shall say, "All my springs of joy are in you'."
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