What’s For Dinner?
29 May 2012 Leave a Comment
in Joe Stowell Tags: Abraham, Book of Genesis, Christianity, God, Isaac, Jesu, Religion and Spirituality, Sacrifice
“It came to pass . . . that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” Genesis 22:1“
I can hardly imagine inviting special friends over for dinner and then throwing a few leftovers into the microwave to serve up to them. But if I were to do that, it would speak volumes about how I really feel about them.
Giving God the leftovers of our lives speaks volumes about His true worth to us. When God asked Abraham to give Isaac back to Him as an act of worship, Genesis 22:1 calls it a test. A test to see if there was anything in his life that he treasured more than God.
It’s no different for us. There are times when God requires something really important to get His work done. He’ll ask us to give up our natural instincts to seek revenge so that we can communicate His forgiving love by forgiving our enemies. He may call us to sacrifice portions of our time or money or comforts to advance His cause. Or He may require us to allow our sons and daughters to go to a far-off land to tell others about His saving love. The way we respond to what He requires says volumes about how we really feel about Him.
Anyone can offer the leftovers. Only those who love God more than anything else will serve up the very best for Him.
“Take up thy cross and follow Me,” I hear the blessed Savior call; How can I make a lesser sacrifice When Jesus gave His all? —Ackley
No sacrifice we make is too great for the One who sacrificed His all.
http://getmorestrength.org/daily/whats-for-dinner/
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The Root and the Star
29 May 2012 Leave a Comment
in O Christian.com Tags: Africa, Bethlehem, Christ, God, Human, Jesu, Lord, Palestine
I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star–Rev 22:16
Nothing is more notable in Jesus than the union of apparent contradictories. Qualities of the most diverse characters are brought into a perfect harmony in Him. When we set out to copy any brother, we are wrested from our true development. For other lives, even at their finest, are fragmentary and incomplete. But nobody who aims at following Christ can ever be false to his true self, for the character of Christ is universal. He combines the most opposing temperaments and reconciles diversities of being. Everything that all are meant to be, our blessed Savior actually was. That is the truth which lies in the assertion, so often fiercely combated, that our Lord was not a man but man. Speaking evangelically, it is only the redeemed who are in Christ. Not till we are born again are we in Him as the branch is in the vine. Yet in the matter of ideal character, in all its infinite diversity, there is a mystical sense in which our Savior embraces the whole human race. Nobody becomes anybody else when he aims at imitating Jesus. He grows nearer to his highest self when he becomes more like his Lord. For all the partial ideals of life which give to it an infinite variety blend into a perfect unity in the perfect character of Jesus.
The Union of the Diverse
Now, something of that reconcilement is seen in the imagery of our text. Between a root and a star there is a world of difference, and yet Jesus tells us He is both. He takes objects from two different worlds, and in both of them He finds Himself. He selects things that seem to have no unity, and He compares Himself with both of them. He brings together in a single sentence objects that are utterly unlike, and yet He sees in each of them something that is an image of His being. Take these figures separately and they are rich in spiritual significance. Take them together and they are big with hope for all the diversities of character. Men who are as different from each other as a root is different from a star may find all that they seek for in the Savior.
One notes, for instance, how this twofold figure combines the local and the universal. A root is embedded in a single spot; a star rains its influence on the world. If a root is to grow it needs a certain soil, for there and there alone it finds its nutriment. To that environment must come the searcher if he wants to get his hand upon the root. But in the crowded city and the lonely glen and far away on the solitudes of ocean a man may lift his eyes towards the heavens and be comforted by the shining of a star. The root is grounded in one place; the star sheds its light on every place. The root is fixed in a definite locality; the star is the joy of all localities. And then one thinks of Jesus, born in Bethlehem and growing up in Nazareth and yet today the light of the world. Go to Africa, and there you find Him. Travel to India, and He is them. Multitudes who have never been to Bethlehem have experienced the power of His name. Rooted deep in the rich soil of Palestine, the image of a root is not enough. On sinful men a million miles from Palestine He has shone as the bright and morning star.
The Union of the Hidden and the Evident
Another aspect of this twofold figure is the union of the hidden and the evident. A root is something concealed from observation; a star is conspicuous in its shining. There are roots which lie very near the surface, and there are others which run very deep. But one mark of every root is this, that it shuns the light and moves into the darkness. And just there, between root and star, what a world of difference there is, for a star is something that is seen. Nobody in the brightest day can see a root. It lives and moves concealed from human eyes. But in the darkest night the stars are shining in the wonder of the heavens. And does not one feel at once that it takes both, infinitely diverse though they be, to picture for us the mystery of Jesus? The kingdom cometh not with observation, yet Jesus could not be hid. The mighty world knew not when He came, and yet He is the light of every man. He lives in the secret of the heart and in our hidden being has His dwelling, and yet in the outward and habitual life He reveals the shining of His presence.
The Unity of the Earthly and the Heavenly
And then lastly in this twofold figure we have united the earthly and the heavenly. For a root is one of the children of the earth, and a star one of the glories of the sky. You find the root where common feet are treading, where lovers walk and little children play. You find the star beyond all human reaching in the infinite heights of heaven that are above us. And then we think of Him, whom we discover on our Emmaus roads, while He shines on us from the altitude of glory. One cannot explain these things nor understand them. They are mysteries beyond our fathoming. How can one be here, where the green grass is, and yet radiant in a world beyond our reach? And then we remember how these contradictions were reconciled in the consciousness of Him, who called Himself a root, and then–a star.
http://devotionals.ochristian.com/george-h-morrison-devotional-sermons-devotional.shtml
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Tozer Devotional-Daring to be Different
29 May 2012 Leave a Comment
in A. W. Tozer Tags: Christian, Christianity, Evangelism, God, holyspirit, Jesu, Old Testament, Religion & Spirituality
Daring to be Different
The fear of man brings a snare, said the prophet, and this enemy, too, must be defeated. Our whole modern world is geared to destroy individual independence and bring all of us into conformity to all the rest of us. Any deviation from the pattern, whatever that pattern may be at the time, will not be forgiven by society, and since the Christian must deviate radically from the world he naturally comes in for the world’s displeasure. If he surrenders to fear he has been conquered, and he dare not let this happen. Other enemies may be identified, such as love of luxury, secret sympathy with the world, self-confidence, pride and unholy thoughts. These we must resist with every power within us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
The Holy and the Ordinary by Mark D. Roberts
29 May 2012 Leave a Comment
in The High Calling Tags: Christian, Ezekiel, God, Jerusalem, Jesu, Lord, Old Testament, Prayer
On all four sides he measured the wall all the way around. Its length was seven hundred fifty feet, and its width seven hundred fifty feet. So he made a division between the holy and the ordinary.
In Ezekiel 42, the angelic being in Ezekiel’s vision measures various dimensions of the temple in Jerusalem, ending with the large area outside of the temple, which was surrounded by a wall. This outer wall “made a division between the holy and the ordinary” (42:20).
Holiness was central to the temple and its people. The area of the temple was holy in that it was set apart from common use for God’s purposes only. Only special people could enter the holy areas of the temple, according to certain variables. The high priest alone could enter the holiest place in the very center of the temple. The wall signified the impenetrable boundary between that which was set apart for God as holy and the rest of life.
This notion of holiness, so central to the Old Testament, was turned inside out by Jesus. As you may recall, he scandalized the religious leaders of his day by hanging out with known sinners. This was not something Jewish holy men were supposed to do. Yet Jesus did not separate himself from the people he came to serve. Though not joining in their sin, he joined them in life.
Too often, Christians have lived according to the vision of Ezekiel rather than the example of Jesus. As servants of our Master, we are called to be holy people. God has set us apart for himself and for serving him. Yet, this does not mean we hide in the safety of Christian community. Rather, we are to live in the world in a distinctive way. We are to represent God to our coworkers, neighbors, friends, and even enemies. We are to be “in, but not of” the world, living with a contagious holiness that draws people to God’s love, grace, and holiness.
QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER REFLECTION: When you hear the word “holy,” what comes to mind? How is it possible to be “in, but not of” the world? What helps you to live in the world in a distinctive way as a follower of Jesus?
PRAYER: Holy God, you are set apart from the fallenness of this world, from its impurity and decay. In you, there is no hint of sin, evil, or death. Yet, in Jesus, you have entered into this world. You are not watching us from a safe distance. Rather, you have come to dwell among us that we might become your holy people.
Help me, Lord, to be set apart for you, a sanctuary for your Spirit. Help me to live according to your ways, not the ways of this world. Yet, may I continue to live in this world, among its people, bearing witness to you through my words and deeds. May people be drawn to you as you are present in my life. Amen.
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How Jesus Taught Us to Pray (4)
29 May 2012 Leave a Comment
in The Encouraging Word Tags: Christ, Gideon, God, Israel, Jesu, Midian, New King James Version, Paul
“Deliver us from the evil one.” Mt 6:13 NKJV
Jesus taught us to pray: “Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (v.13 NKJV). Satan knows your areas of weakness and he will exploit them. But there’s good news. It’s your weaknesses, not your strengths, that draw you closer to God and make you lean on Him. Paul wrote: “I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me” (2Co12:9 NLT). At first this verse doesn’t seem to make sense. You want to be freed from your weaknesses, not boast about them. But Paul gives you several reasons: (1) Your weakness prevents pride. Paul writes: “So I wouldn’t get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations” (2Co 12:7 TM). You’ll often find a weakness attached to strength, acting as a governor to keep you from becoming boastful or running ahead of God. Gideon chose 32,000 men to fight the Midianites, but God reduced his numbers to 300 (See Jdg 7). Why? So that Israel would know it was God’s power and not their own that saved them. (2) Your weakness creates fellowship. Your struggles show you how much you need the support of others. Vance Havner said, “Christians, like snowflakes, are frail, but when they stick together they can stop traffic.” (3) Your weakness enables you to help others. It’s the broken who become masters at mending. Your most effective ministry can come out of your most painful experiences. The things you’re most reluctant to share are often the very things God will use to help others.
http://theencouragingword.wordpress.com/2012/05/29/how-jesus-taught-us-to-pray-4/
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Will You Practice Sin or Right Living? Object Lesson for Kids by Tony Kummer
28 May 2012 Leave a Comment
in Childrens Corner, Ministry To Children, Tween/Teen Tags: Christ, David, English Standard Version, God, Jesu, Psalm, Righteousness, Sin
One of my biggest frustrations is when kids know right & wrong but choose to do wrong anyway. This drives me crazy, especially when it’s just a small temptation that wins them over. So, I began to brainstorm a way to teach about the practical effects of sin even when they don’t get caught.
Watch the video below to see a demonstration featuring my son David. You can also click here to add your own thoughts or suggestions for this object lesson.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TspPDjbSGT8&feature=player_embedded
Supplies Needed: One child to volunteer (preferably a kid who plays basketball) and a basketball.
Gospel Connection: Don’t let this object lesson come down to only behavior. This tenancy for all of us to choose sin shows us the need for Jesus. We are all born sinners and practice doing wrong all our lives. It takes the power of the Gospel to remove our guilt and change our inward desires. Then we can begin to practice right living.
Scripture Connection: This can be used with any Bible lesson about doing right or growing in God’s ways. Here are a few Bible verses that come to mind when I think of these truths.
Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. (1 John 3:7 ESV)
For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. (Psalm 1:6)
http://ministry-to-children.com/will-you-practice-sin-or-right-living-object-lesson-for-kids/
Support the Troops!
28 May 2012 Leave a Comment
in Joe Stowell Tags: Christ, Epistle to the Ephesians, Hong Kong, Jesu, Memorial Day, Papua New Guinea, Support our troops, United States
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against . . . the powers of this dark world.” Ephesians 6:12
As the war in Iraq drags on, we are all a little war weary from the complex battle that continues to wage over there. The tired troops want to come home, but with courage and dedication to the cause, they remain on the frontlines. Those of us watching from a distance do what we can to support them, driving around with our “Support the Troops” stickers on our cars and praying fervently for their safety and success.
While no one can accurately predict the resolution, the war carries a poignant lesson for all those who care about the cause of Jesus Christ. As God’s people, we are engaged in a war of far greater proportions—warfare against the hierarchies and unseen powers of the satanic hosts (Ephesians 6:10-12). This battle concerns the liberation of the eternally lost, the advancement of Christ’s kingdom, and the glory of His name.
What strikes me is the surprising lack of support for the frontline men and women who are in the trenches waging this war against the gates of hell. Some of our spiritual troops are dug in on battlefields far away. From massive urban centers like Hong Kong and Rio de Janeiro to the remote jungles of Papua New Guinea, among executives and shopkeepers and natives, these soldiers are penetrating enemy territory with the life-changing claims of Christ.
I am frequently brought face-to-face with the everyday struggles of missionaries who serve as soldiers in the work of the kingdom. Some spend an inordinate amount of time getting to the frontlines because the funds they need are not available. Others often feel forgotten and neglected during their stint on the field. When they finally come home, they feel that somehow they don’t fit.
I also have the privilege of talking heart-to-heart with pastors who labor in their homelands. While some feel loved and supported, others speak of the difficulty they face in trying to focus their church’s attention on the advancement of the gospel. Often a pastor is the target of bickering and petty agendas that turn the congregation inward and end up dividing and sapping its strength.
Laymen fight it out in the trenches of the marketplace, where they see their careers as an opportunity to show Jesus to their world by working with integrity and ethical purity, and some of them do this against great odds. Yet many find little enthusiasm or support for what they are doing in the tough arena of secular society.
So, as Americans commemorate Memorial Day, I think it’s fitting to stop and consider how we are doing in terms of spiritual warfare. Let’s take seriously Paul’s advice to “put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Eph. 6:11). If each of us were to make a personal commitment to put away what is petty and temporary and instead concentrate on what will advance the cause of Christ, think of the ground we could claim for His kingdom! If we pledge to pray consistently and specifically for those involved on the frontlines, we will provide a vital aspect of support. And if we put our money where we say our hearts are, we will keep the battle lines supplied.
The big difference, of course, between earth-side battles and spiritual battles, is that we already know the outcome. Jesus already claimed eternal victory, and in the meantime He gives us the power for victory in the skirmishes we face along the way. So enlist yourself today, and don’t forget to support the troops!
YOUR JOURNEY…
- Are you on the frontlines waging war with the forces of darkness? If so, make a list of the personal battles you are facing, and commit those areas to prayer with your armor on!
- What are some of the battles the church at large is facing today? How can you help support the cause in a way that brings glory to the name of our Leader?
- Think of some specific ways you can encourage others who are slugging it out on the frontlines. Write a note, send a gift, or make a phone call—be creative!
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Unquestion Revelation
28 May 2012 Leave a Comment
in Oswald Chambers Tags: Christ, God, God the Father, Holy Spirit, Jesu, John, Life of Jesus in the New Testament, Lord
In that day you will ask Me nothing —John 16:23
“In that day” there may be any number of things still hidden to your understanding, but they will not come between your heart and God. “In that day you will ask Me nothing”— you will not need to ask, because you will be certain that God will reveal things in accordance with His will. The faith and peace of John 14:1 has become the real attitude of your heart, and there are no more questions to be asked. If anything is a mystery to you and is coming between you and God, never look for the explanation in your mind, but look for it in your spirit, your true inner nature— that is where the problem is. Once your inner spiritual nature is willing to submit to the life of Jesus, your understanding will be perfectly clear, and you will come to the place where there is no distance between the Father and you, His child, because the Lord has made you one. “In that day you will ask Me nothing.”
http://utmost.org/unquestion-revelation/
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The Lord’s Times
28 May 2012 Leave a Comment
in O Christian.com Tags: Christianity, George MacDonald, God, Jesu, Marah, Morning, Spirit, Sweet
“Thou makest the outgoing of the morning and evening to rejoice” (Ps. 65:8).
Get up early and go to the mountain and watch God make a morning. The dull gray will give way as God pushes the sun towards the horizon, and there will be tints and hues of every shade, that will blend into one perfect light as the full-orbed sun bursts into view. As the King of day moves forth majestically, flooding the earth and every lowly vale, listen to the music of heaven’s choir as it sings of the majesty of God and the glory of the morning.”
In the holy hush of the early dawn
I hear a Voice
“I am with you all the day,
Rejoice! Rejoice!”
The clear, pure light of the morning made me long for the truth in my heart, which alone could make me pure and clear as the morning, tune me up to the concert-pitch of the nature around me. And the wind that blew from the sunrise made me hope in the God who had first breathed into my nostrils the breath of life; that He would at length so fill me with His breath, His mind, His Spirit, that I should think only His thoughts, and live His life, finding therein my own life, only glorified infinitely. What should we poor humans do without our God’s nights and mornings? –George MacDonald
“In the early morning hours,
‘Twixt the night and day,
While from earth the darkness passes
Silently away;
“Then ’tis sweet to talk with Jesus
In thy chamber still
For the coming day and duties
Ask to know His will.
“Then He’ll lead the way before you,
Mountains laying low;
Making desert places blossom,
“Would you know this life of triumph,
Victory all the way?
Then put God in the beginning
Of each coming day.”
http://devotionals.ochristian.com/mrs-charles-cowman-streams-in-the-desert-devotional.shtml
