Time to Worship

Hebrews 10:23-25

(23) Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; (24) and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, (25) not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

Last week in Sunday Youth Group, we discussed why people come to church.  Some are forced to come, some are allowed to come at will and others "look forward " to church (gasp!)!  I know, amazing, but true!  He.he.he....

There was a time (and may still be in some areas) when most businesses were closed on Sundays.  Up and to a few years ago, most malls and shopping plazas opened by 11 a.m. and closed by 6 p.m. on Sundays.  Rarely now will you find retail & food chain businesses closed on Sundays.  There are still a few exceptions.  Chik-Fil-A, for one, is a Christian owned organization.  They are closed on Sundays.

Growing up, they were called the "Blue Laws."  Laws on the books from days gone by declaring business should not be conducted on Sunday.  On Sundays, places of businesses were closed so everyone could attend their particular church or worship service (in the morning AND evening).  When we would drive to Northeast Texas to visit family for our vacation, sometimes we'd find ourselves traveling through Texas on a Sunday (shocking, I know).  Back then, mom liked to stop at a convenience store and get a loaf of bread, some bologna and cold drinks for us to eat on the road.  However, if she wasn't vigilant and waited until we were in Texas, and it was a Sunday...we'd be suffering bologna sandwich withdrawals!  Not one place would be open!  Even certain gas stations were closed.  Only the major truck stops remained opened with their greasy spoon diners (where my mom never allowed us to eat, much less use the restroom).

I was always intrigued by these closed places of businesses on Sundays.  I had this euphoric thought that all these people were in church worshipping God!  Then, I'd feel a little left out that I wasn't in church with them.  To this day, I still feel a sense of loss when I am not in church worshipping God on Sundays.  Do you ever feel that way?  I hope so!

Where-ever you stand on the issue of which day is supposed to be set aside to rest and worship God, the fact remains we ARE supposed to set aside a day to rest and worship God.  Many Messianic Jewish congregations believe Saturday is the Sabbath.  Today, most western Christian churches have made Sunday the day of Sabbath for rest and worship.

I think we can all agree, God desires for us to take a day to rest from our work and worship Him.  And, He wants us to do it together with other believers (Christians, you & me).

I have to tell you, visiting family has never been my idea of a vacation.  And yet, growing up, that is what our vacations were always about:  visiting family in Texas.  For me, it was kinda boring and dull.  Unless my cousins, who were closer to my age, were there to hang out or play with, we'd usually just do a lot of sitting around, eating boat-loads of food, listening to stories of days gone by and taking naps.  B.O.R.I.N.G.  Us kids wanted to play and have fun.  Sitting around was never fun for me, cause I had to sit and listen...never talk.  Old people talk was always unexciting to me.  However, sometimes my dad would get to talking and we'd all be transfixed.  My dad had the gift of storytelling.  Dad wasn't always in the mood to talk. But sometimes, when the stars would be perfectly aligned something would prompt my dad to start talking.  His eyes would twinkle and he'd laugh a little at his memories and capture us all with whatever story he had to tell.

Sundays are like little vacations from work.  And, for good or for worse, it is also like visiting your family for a vacation!

Some of you think church is B.O.R.I.N.G.  And, you know, you may be right.  The church we have today is not really how God designed for the gathering of His people resting and worshiping Him to be.  We serve a living God who has done incredible things in our lives. He has redeemed us with the precious blood of His Son, Jesus!

On Sundays, we need to come to church with that twinkle in our eyes and laughing thankfulness in our hearts for the richness of what God has done in our lives.  We need to come ready to hear the Good News of God's Word to us and to worship our Savior and Creator!

Maybe our churches appear dead and boring to us because we have forgotten the purpose of why we gather there.  Maybe we don't feel the love we are to have for one another because we don't take it seriously that we are supposed to love one another.  Maybe my church is a reflection of me, and your church is a reflection of you.  And if so, that is wrong.  Our churches are supposed to be a reflection of God's people in love with Him, worshipping Him and enjoying the fellowship of others who come expressing their love for God through their worship.

Our church isn't about us at all.  It is supposed to be about God.

When was the last time you eagerly looked forward to resting and worshipping God on the Sabbath?

PlanetWisdom.com Devotionals

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The Ten: A Day Off Posted: 27 Aug 2009 02:02 PM PDT "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy." (Exodus 20:8-11) Of the Ten Commandments, this one about the Sabbath is the only one, more or less, not explicitly restated in some way for New Testament Christians. If it were, the church would not have moved its primary day of group worship to Sunday and none of us would do any work on Saturdays. Does that mean the commandment doesn't matter? Of course not. Each of God's Top Ten in Exodus 20 were important to Him and, therefore, important for Israel. God cares about the Sabbath. In fact, Jesus said that the Sabbath was created for us. It is a gift. Like all of the commands, God meant this one for Israel's good. The word Sabbath means "rest," and we all need rest. God chose to rest after His work of creation. In that creation, He designed us to function best with a day of rest each week, as well. We're not meant to go 24/7 without a break. We're built to follow His pattern of 6 + 1 -- and for that one to involve focused worship of the Creator. Ever since Jesus showed up, people have been debating about what, exactly, are the rules of the Sabbath. But our Christian freedom from the law of Moses doesn't mean we have to give up the benefits of the Sabbath command in some form or another. We can still enjoy a day off each week for God's glory and our own good. Think: Do you or your family intentionally find a way to enjoy a day of rest each week? If not, what would it take for you to do so? What would it cost you? How would it benefit you and/or God? Pray: Ask God to help you know how you should practice keeping a "day of rest and worship" each week. Do: Ask some of the Christians you know and respect if, how, and why they practice a day of "Sabbath rest" each week.

His Name is Special

Psalms 148:1-14

(1) Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights!

(2) Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts!

(3) Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all stars of light!

(4) Praise Him, highest heavens, And the waters that are above the heavens!

(5) Let them praise the name of the LORD, For He commanded and they were created.

(6) He has also established them forever and ever; He has made a decree which will not pass away.

(7) Praise the LORD from the earth, Sea monsters and all deeps;

(8) Fire and hail, snow and clouds; Stormy wind, fulfilling His word;

(9) Mountains and all hills; Fruit trees and all cedars;

(10) Beasts and all cattle; Creeping things and winged fowl;

(11) Kings of the earth and all peoples; Princes and all judges of the earth;

(12) Both young men and virgins; Old men and children.

(13) Let them praise the name of the LORD, For His name alone is exalted; His glory is above earth and heaven.

(14) And He has lifted up a horn for His people, Praise for all His godly ones; Even for the sons of Israel, a people near to Him. Praise the LORD!

Do you get the impression we are to praise the LORD!?

Somewhere in the annals of my memories, I seem to recall a stern lecture on using "gosh" or "darnit" or "gosh darnit" when I was a in 1st or 2nd grade.  My mom pulled me aside and explained why that was inappropriate for someone who loves God and has a relationship with Him.  She claimed these were thinly veiled references to the more serious offenses of, well, you know, damning someone using God's name. My sister must've received the same reprimand or something, as I remember her using "good gravy!" as an exclamatory response or remark.

When we came to Calvary (back in the predawn of time), our then pastor, Pastor Ramey, used to say "Praise the Lord!" ALL the time.  Whether it was good or bad, "Praise the Lord!" was the exclamatory joyfully spilling from Pastor Ramey's mouth.  He said he took God literally when told "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD."

 

Here are just a few examples of what the Bible says about continually praising God:

 

Psalm 34:1 - I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Psalm 35:28 - And my tongue shall declare Your righteousness and Your praise all day long.

Psalm 63:3 - Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips will praise You.

Psalm 71:6 - By You I have been sustained from my birth; You are He who took me from my mother's womb; my praise is continually of You.

Psalm 71:8 - My mouth is filled with Your praise and with Your glory all day long.

Psalm 74:21 - Let not the oppressed return dishonored; let the afflicted and needy praise Your name.

Psalm 99:3 - Let them praise Your great and awesome name; Holy is He.

Psalm 102:18 - This will be written for the generation to come, that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD.

Psalm 109:30 - With my mouth I will give thanks abundantly to the LORD; and in the midst of many I will praise Him.

Psalm 117:1 - Praise the LORD, all nations; laud Him, all peoples!

Psalm 145:2 - Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever.

Psalm 147:1 - Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant and praise is becoming.

Psalm 150:6 - Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!

 

Even the "OMG" emoticon/abbreviation used in textings, emails and comments on MySpaces, Facebooks, etc., is an offense to God.  Do you agree or disagree with that?  Read on to see what God says about His every special name.
 

PlanetWisdom.com Devotionals

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The Ten: His Name Matters Posted: 26 Aug 2009 02:35 PM PDT "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name." (Exodus 20:7) Before our son was born, my wife and I talked about all the different names we could give to him. Some of them were funny. Some were unusual. Some were traditional. We settled on Samuel, and now we can't imagine him with any other name. His name and his identity are connected. He is Sam. Sam he is. God takes His own name very seriously. Throughout Scripture, He makes a huge deal about it. He is connected to His name, especially Yaweh, in a sense that goes beyond the connection we have to our own names. It is His identity, His reputation, and it carries His power. So this command is a warning: If you disrespect God's name, you disrespect Him. How would you do that? You could borrow its power for lying ("I swear by God's name I didn't cheat on the test!") or -- in the ancient world, especially -- for certain ungodly spells or rituals. But the most common way to misuse His name now is to use it as if it doesn't matter, at all, by cussing with it, joking with it, or "damning" people or things with it (even if you don't really mean it). The third commandment tells us that God takes that personally. Think: Have you noticed yourself or other Christians using God's or Jesus' name disrespectfully? Why do you think so many of us seem to be okay with that? Pray: Ask God to help you to never use His name inappropriately or disrespectfully. Do: Notice how many times you hear people use God's or Jesus' names for swearing in the next few days.

Dating, Waiting and Reflecting God

Today's Daily Bread is an excellent reminder about why it is important for Christians (who are single and dating) to only date other Christians.

 

Frank always says, "show me your friends and I'll show you who you are."  I'll leapfrog on that statement to add, show me who you are dating or interested in and I'll see a snapshot of your spiritual life.  If you are hotly pursuing God, you will want to date or be interested in another who is hotly pursuing God.  If you are "not that into God or church right now," then you will date or pursue someone who also is not that into God or church right now.

 

I believe it would be a valid statement to say our friends, people we pursue and date are mirror reflections of what is going on in our heart.   And, those we choose to hang around or date affect the direction we take in our lives either toward God or away from Him.

 

I know it is extremely hard to find anyone who is interested in God or spiritual things.  I would ask you to take a long look at your heart's desire and trust God to bring the right person into your life.  Liking a boy or girl "because they are cute" or "because they make me laugh…feel good…etc." are not good springboards from which to launch a relationship.  And yet, sadly, many of you do just that.  In fact, when you are interested in another, finding out if they are a Christian isn't a priority on your list of qualities you are looking for in a person to date.

 

Recently, I had lunch with a young lady who revealed she had feelings for someone.  The most exciting thing (for me) she said was, "every time we talk on the phone we ask each other how we are doing in our relationship with God."  They encourage each other to read their Bibles, pray and attend church.

 

Who you befriend, hang out with or date will either push you toward God or away from Him.  Dwell on that this week as you hang out with your friends, flirt with that special someone or are out on a date.  If God is a priority in your life, do your choices in friends and whom you date reflect that?  Why or why not?

 

Here's the Daily Bread….

 

August 26, 2009

The Importance of Theology

READ: 1 Kings 11:4-13

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. —2 Corinthians 6:14

 

When looking for a new car, potential buyers look at more than the exterior styling. They check out the inner workings that make it run smoothly and efficiently.

 

When choosing a spouse, however, some are not so careful. They discover too late that a beautiful body is camouflaging a defective mind and soul. Men and women both make this mistake, but author Carolyn Custis James was specifically concerned about men when she wrote: "[A] woman's interest in theology ought to be the first thing to catch a man's eye. . . . [Her] theology suddenly matters when a man is facing a crisis and she is the only one around to offer encouragement."

 

Solomon should have known this. He was, after all, the wisest man who ever lived (1 Kings 3:12; 4:29-34). But Solomon followed his own desires rather than God's command and married women whose allegiance was not to God (11:1-2). The results were disastrous. Solomon's wives turned his heart toward other gods (vv.3-4), and God became angry with him (v.9). The kingdom of Israel was eventually divided and defeated (vv.11-13).

Good theology is important for everyone. And it is difficult to make good decisions if our allegiance is to someone who does not know and love God. —Julie Ackerman Link

 

Thinking It Over

Why is it unwise for a follower of Christ to marry an unbeliever? What advice does Peter give to wives of unbelieving husbands? (see 1 Peter 3:1).

 

Faulty beliefs about God lead to faulty decisions about people.

Shhhhh! Don't tell anyone...

Frank and I are going back to 24-hour Fitness to reclaim our trimmer, slimmer, healthier bodies.

 

We are going on a "scouting" expedition tonight to watch the cycling class.

 

This is definitely my idea of working out:

 

Drive somewhere,

hunt for a place to park,

go into a fitness center and

break a sweat just watching other people work out.

 

Yep! I like this regimen already.

 

In all lackluster seriousness...Frank works with a guy who used to be a fitness trainer.

The used to be part is a tad bothersome to me.

Why did he quit?

Did he work his clients to death?

Wasn't he any good?

 

If he laughs at me and calls me a whale of a woman...I'm going to rip off Frank's left arm and beat the trainer with it.  That's reasonable, don't you think?  Frank's right-handed.  At least I'm leaving him his good arm.

 

I am DEFINITELY in a strange mood today.

 

Oh!  And, I get to bring a pliable (fabric) tape measurer tonight.

 

Cannot POSSIBLY imagine what that is for...

 

Like I REALLY want to know the circumfrance of my fat.

 

I think I should go to the cafeteria for a double chocolate chip macadamian nut super huge cookie.

 

Don't judge me:  I need my strength for the strenuous watching I'm going to do in about 2 hours & 45 minutes from now.

 

Which Way?

I discovered I don't have permission to forward on to you the Daily Bread as it is copywrited.  However, today's was very good and cut to my heart!

 

The passages it covers are:

 

2 Timothy 4:1-8 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: (2) preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. (3) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, (4) and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. (5) But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

(6) For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. (7) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; (8) in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

This is Matthew Henry's Commentary:  2Ti 4:1-5 - People will turn away from the truth, they will grow weary of the plain gospel of Christ, they will be greedy of fables, and take pleasure in them. People do so when they will not endure that preaching which is searching, plain, and to the purpose. Those who love souls must be ever watchful, must venture and bear all the painful effects of their faithfulness, and take all opportunities of making known the pure gospel.

Notice verse 5, "...do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry."  This is why Frank and I feel it is critical that we share the Gospel whenever our Youth Group meets. 

Verse 3 - "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine..." This was to be the case in the Early Church and is quite literally the case in the world we live in today.  "...but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires,"  this portion of this verse reminds me of  Proverbs 14:12 "There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death."

Too many of our mega-churches (and even little churches) have focused on telling people what they want to hear, rather than teaching/preaching the Word of God.  This is a very slippery slope that misleads millions of people into being comfortable with their lifestyles and focuses on man, rather than God.

I don't know about you, but I don't want my ears tickled!  I want to hear the Word of God preached!  I hunger and thirst to know God as He reveals Himself to us in Scripture and through the instruction of the Holy Spirit!

Our way, without God at the center of it, leads to our destruction.  My way is always wrong.  God's way is always right!

Which way are you following today?  If you aren't following Jesus - you're headed in the wrong direction.

Read what Jesus said - Matthew 7:13-14 "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. (14) "For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

URGENT: Maryam & Marzieh Summoned for Court Decision on August9 2009

Let us band together before the Lord on behalf of Maryam & Marzeih.

The following is from my dearest friend, Debbie:

Dear Church Family,

A couple of months ago I sent out a request for prayer for two Iranian Christians that are in prison for their faith.  Please read the attachment and please be praying today for them.
Oh how I pray the Lord will make the way for them to be released from prison.

Thank you for praying,
Debbie

After five months of being detained in Evin Prison in Tehran for their conversion to Christianity, Maryam and Marzieh have been summoned to appear before the court. Tomorrow (Sunday 9th August) at 7am they will be taken to the court where they will hear of the court's decision.  Hopefully their lawyer will be allowed to be present.

Marzieh is in pain due to her spine, her tooth and searing headaches.  She desperately needs to see a specialist but she has not been allowed.

Let us urgently go to the Lord in believing prayer for Maryam and Marzieh in this most sensitive time.

Let us thank Him
       For preserving, sustaining and strengthening them in prison.
       For giving them the grace to be steadfast in their faith.
       For the witness they have been in prison.
       For the love, concern and prayer of many believers around the world.

Pray for their court hearing tomorrow morning
       Pray that the court will set them free.
       Pray that the presence and the anointing of the Holy Spirit will be with them.
       That they will receive healing from all illness
       That the peace of God will cover their minds and their hearts, and will keep them safe in Jesus and refresh them tonight.
       That in all this the Lord will be greatly glorified and His perfect will be done.

Thank you so much for praying.


This is a broadcast from support@prayforiran.org. If you do not wish to receive such broadcasts in the future, please answer to this email with the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject box.

Obedience

Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. —James 1:22

 

We don't really know the Bible unless we obey the Bible.

 

This is from today's Daily Bread.  Wow.  How does it look in our lives when we KNOW AND OBEY God's Word?

 

I believe it starts with loving God, chasing after Him, pursuing Him with all that we are.  If we are in-love with God, I believe it spills over into or expresses in action when we love one another.  Loving one another means: I care more about your best interest, preferring you, encouraging you, prompting you on to love & good deeds.  Your needs are more important than my own.

 

I don't do a good job of this in my church.

 

Lord!  Help me to love others as you command me to.  Help me to be a hearer and doer of Your Word.

 

Jesus said, "If you love Me, you will obey my commandments."

 

John 13:34-35 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. (35) "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

John 14:15

"If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

John 14:21

"He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him."

 

Whom to Follow?

If you don't subscribe to the Daily Bread (cause you don't have two cents to rub together...actually, I think it is free to subscribe to it...or you can pick it up from the church foryer quarterly), they will send you "bread" to your email!  How economical is that!?

 

I REALLY liked this devotional for today, especially as we go into the weekend.  Why don't you visit Our Daily Bread online at http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2009/08/07/devotion.aspx ?  You can sign up to receive their devotionals on a daily basis!

 

Whom do you follow in your daily life?  If you are a child of God, you are supposed to follow Jesus.

 

I love you all & pray for you daily!

Mary

 

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August 7, 2009

Subtle Wisdom

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READ: Mark 8:34-38

If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. —John 12:26

When I was in college, my co-worker Bud, a fork-truck driver, often enriched my life with his pithy wisdom. We were eating lunch one day, sitting on the back of his fork truck, when I announced that I was transferring to another school.

"Why?" he asked.

"All my friends are transferring," I answered.

Bud chewed his sandwich for a moment and then replied quietly and with subtle irony, "I guess that's one way to pick a school."

His words struck me with rare force. Of course, I thought. But is this the only way to choose a school? Will I follow my friends for the rest of my days, or will I follow Jesus? Will I seek His face and His will and go where He wants me to go?

Twenty-five times in the New Testament, Jesus said to His disciples, "Follow Me." In Mark 8:34, He said, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." No matter what others do or what direction their lives may take, we must do what He asks us to do.

The words of an old song come to mind: "My Lord knows the way through the wilderness; all I have to do is follow!" —David Roper

As I walk along life's pathway,
Though the way I cannot see,
I shall follow in Christ's footsteps,
For He has a plan for me. —Thiesen

To find your way through life, follow Jesus.

Rejoicing in our tongue-tied-ed-ness...

Today I am detouring away from Planet Wisdom Devotionals to share with you a gem found in Oswald Chamber's, MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST.  If you'd like to read other devotionals from this timeless treasure, click here: http://www.rbc.org/utmost/index.php

 

I have to admit, it is naturally easy for me to write my heart out!  But, it has always been unnaturally difficult for me when teaching about spiritual things or sharing the Gospel.  Usually, I am hesitant and stumble over my words.  In my brain, it is like there is this person sitting there grabbing at my words and quickly jumbling them around so they don't make sense!  When anyone tells me I did a good job or what I said helped them, I am so thankful God allowed me to be used at that time.  It is truly His working through me and not my own doing.

 

As we prepared to go to Guatemala...we all practiced giving our personal testimony of how God called us to be His child forever.  The biggest thing Frank would emphasize is "stick with what you know."  That seemed so simple to me!  And yet, I still got jumbled up and somewhat tongue-tied.

 

I was asked to be prepared to give the womens' quilting group devotional on the first night we were in Guatemala.  I had this elaborate outline, solid verses to support Biblical principles and even some witty line or joke.  Then, tired and a tad jet-lagged, we all settled down for a nap shortly after we arrived in Guatemala.  I really tried to sleep.  But, I couldn't.  So, I went over my outline and I prayed.  At some point in my prayer, the verses about Mary & Martha and Jesus kept popping into my head...which had NOTHING to do with my outline or what I had planned to teach.  And, just like that, what I had planned to say changed, completely.  I "stuck with what I knew."  I know about being busy and focusing on the things of this world rather than focusing and sitting at Jesus' feet.  My longing and heart's desire is to rest at the feet of Jesus and know Him completely.  I believe God used that to prepare me for the rest of the week.  I wasn't involved with the plans of the trip nor the details of how every day was supposed to pan out.  And, I am so thankful!  I was able to be a tool to be used as the leaders saw fit and for God's use...even in the little things.

 

So much so that when my little group was lost (though we didn't know it) and separated from the rest of the group, I was not afraid, just relaxed and waiting - not panicking, not trying to control the situation...just at peace and waiting.

 

A friend of our translator showed up and met us where we were as we waited for the larger part of our group to join up with us.  His name is Ronald (like "Ronald McDonald" they kept saying...cause I kept saying "Roland").  Ronald is a dentist.  I politely listened to him as he explained to me how he could "fix" my teeth, bond them and give me a beautiful, white smile.  We then discussed his business idea of providing cosmetic dental services to tourists.  He offered me a discount rate the next time I came to Guatemala.  I thanked him genuinely and said I'd think about it.  He then asked me about what we were doing in Guatemala and the bracelet I was wearing.  All week, I'd been wearing the "Gospel" bracelet many of our teams were doing as a craft in the local school.  So, without an original thought in my head, I "stuck with what I knew" and shared the good news of the Gospel with Ronald.  Who, by the way, is not a believer.  I actually didn't know this at the time...but, according to the translator, I did a very detailed job explaining each colored bead and the Bible verses that supported each step of the way to Salvation.  I even shared what a difference Jesus had made in my life!  Ronald then commented that I really did have a beautiful smile and maybe I didn't need his help after all.  Which I was a little confused about.  But, Raquelina, the translator, said my face was glowing and my smile was beaming as I shared the Good News of Jesus Christ with Ronald.  I am still amazed by this!  I cannot really relay to you what exactly I said.  I just know at some point I felt free to show Christ's love to this young man and share God's redeeming plan with him.  Please pray for Ronald.  He now is without an excuse and must make a decision to accept or reject Jesus.

 

And, because of God's choosing to use me on this trip and the experiences I encountered there...I am eager to share Christ with anyone who asks me.  I am now more confident than ever that God will provide the opportunities and the right "words" to say to show and share His love with whomever.  I seem to smile a little bigger, show kindness to others more than is typical of me and am eager to offer help to complete strangers.  And, this is all because of God...NOT me!  Is it possible God had to take me to Guatemala to show me He can work through me...in spite of me?  If so, praise God!

 

God doesn't need our elaborate outlines or well-thought-out clever quips and jokes.  He wants to use us with our inadequate, word-jumbled brains.  He also wants us to know Him intimately by spending time with Him in prayer, through reading His Word and "practicing His presence."  God loves to use His unshiny, tongue-tied, totally dependent on Him children.  That's when He shines most and it is obvious He is at work.  He gets the glory and we get the joy of being used by Him for His purposes!

 

(Don't get me wrong...we should be prepared and "...always ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;" (I Peter 3:15).  So don't think I'm advocating "winging it."  I am advocating you go with what you know, experience and understand as Truth about God.  And, to hunger and thirst to know God more!  The Christian is to be ever vigilant and put on the full amor of God found in Ephesians 6:10-20.)

 

Read on to see Mr. Chambers' comments on this Truth.

 

August 4, 2009

The Brave Friendship of God

He took the twelve aside . . . —Luke 18:31

Oh, the bravery of God in trusting us! Do you say, "But He has been unwise to choose me, because there is nothing good in me and I have no value"? That is exactly why He chose you. As long as you think that you are of value to Him He cannot choose you, because you have purposes of your own to serve. But if you will allow Him to take you to the end of your own self-sufficiency, then He can choose you to go with Him "to Jerusalem" ( Luke 18:31  ). And that will mean the fulfillment of purposes which He does not discuss with you.

We tend to say that because a person has natural ability, he will make a good Christian. It is not a matter of our equipment, but a matter of our poverty; not of what we bring with us, but of what God puts into us; not a matter of natural virtues, of strength of character, of knowledge, or of experience— all of that is of no avail in this concern. The only thing of value is being taken into the compelling purpose of God and being made His friends (see 1 Corinthians 1:26-31  ). God's friendship is with people who know their poverty. He can accomplish nothing with the person who thinks that he is of use to God. As Christians we are not here for our own purpose at all— we are here for the purpose of God, and the two are not the same. We do not know what God's compelling purpose is, but whatever happens, we must maintain our relationship with Him. We must never allow anything to damage our relationship with God, but if something does damage it, we must take the time to make it right again. The most important aspect of Christianity is not the work we do, but the relationship we maintain and the surrounding influence and qualities produced by that relationship. That is all God asks us to give our attention to, and it is the one thing that is continually under attack.

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Bible in One Year: Psalms 66-67; Romans 7

Are You Filled with Awe?

Howdy everyone!

Sorry I missed out on church on Sunday.  Frank allowed me to get some much needed sleep.  I am sad that I missed out on an opportunity to corporately worship God with my church family.  What about you?  Shout out to AJ for coming.  I guess he and Frank had a great breakfast time together doing the study and chatting about the possibility of a Czech Missions Trip.
 

On to today's devotional.  Do you know anyone who is filled with awe about God, His plan/message/purpose for Christians, the amazing instant transformation that takes place in a new believer's life and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in each Christian's life?

 

I can report we were in awe alot during out time in Guatemala.  We saw firsthand, the amazing power of prayer and how God chose to answer our prayer requests in a way that brought Him glory & honor!  We saw some "growth spurts" in some of our students in their relationship with God, other students and the Guatemalans.  And, I was in awe over the way God had totally changed my heart and desires to go on the trip! 

 

When I think of someone being filled with awe, I think of my dearest friend Debbie.  The joy on her face when she wants me to listen to a beautiful worship song about Jesus...or the excitement she exudes when she wants to discuss a Bible passage just read...or the tear-filled eyes reflecting her deepest desire to love God with all her thoughts, words, deeds and actions, and not disppoint Him...reflect an awe of God at work in her life that is almost hard to describe.  But, you cannot mistake it.  It is genuine and not fabricated.

 

Everyone gets excited about different things.  Debbie always gets excited about her Lord and Savior!  Lest you think she is perfect, think again.  She will be the first to admit she isn't.  In fact, my immediate proof is that she doesn't like fantasy fiction (like I do!), only science fiction. Bleh.  Seriously though, Debbie is keen on speaking the Truth in love and receiving Truth.  From the first moment we met, I could not help but be completely honest with her.  We are kindred spirits in many ways, this being foremost for both of us. Telling each other what we NEED to hear, not what we WANT to hear, has always been the mark of our true friendship.

 

The same joy that radiates from Debbie when she is talking about the Lord is the same kind of joy I can imagine you would see from the early church in this passage in Acts 2.  Sometimes this joy manifests in emotion, and sometimes it manifests in a peaceful, quiet confidence only found in a growing relationship with Christ.  But, the results are the same: a reverential awe of God and His work among His people.

 

When was the last time you were in awe of God?

PlanetWisdom.com Devotionals

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Filled with Awe? Posted: 30 Jul 2009 02:36 PM PDT "Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles." (Acts 2:43) What does it take to impress you? Are you skeptical, sarcastic, cynical, a hard sell? Yeah, me too, sometimes. I think most of us learn to put up some kind of wall against being too easily impressed because we live in the advertising age. Too many people want us to get fired up about too many worthless things. But people still get plenty excited about what matters to them. If you caught any of the coverage of Comic-Con '09 in San Diego last week, you likely saw some fanboys (and fangirls) that were "filled with awe" by photo ops with movie stars and scoops from directors about their favorite shows and films. Part of being in a group is getting excited about the same things together. Church people get excited about God together. Of course, it would have been impressive to see the miracles performed by Jesus' supernaturally empowered apostles in the early days. But God's power is still at work, still on display through His Spirit in the lives of His people. His creation still boggles the mind; His sacrificial love still overwhelms the emotions. Feelings of awe come and go. Our relationship with God through Jesus isn't defined by emotion. But if we never feel any enthusiasm about God when we're together with Christians -- if we never get a little fanboy thrill about moving closer to Him -- we might be missing out on part of what it means to belong to the church. Think: Does it bother you when a roomful of Christians "doing church" feels completely lifeless? Does it bother you when a roomful of Christians seems to be trying so hard to be excited that it feels fake? What does it mean to you to be "filled with awe" with other Christians in a way that is real and meaningful? Pray: Ask God to help you to be able to be impressed by who He is and what He has done, is doing, and will do. Do: Notice this week anyone in your church who seems to be genuinely filled with awe by some aspect of God or His Word. Visit PlanetWisdom.com for more great resources!