The Shadow and the Reality
By Bishop Dr Robert Solomon
Recently I attended a military ceremony that included a video show and a talk wrapped around a power point presentation. At the end of the ceremony a picture of the state flag was screened while the national anthem was played. The officer on stage turned towards the screen and gave a smart salute. While taking all this in, I noticed that the officer was standing next to a real state flag, and thought that it would have been better if he had saluted the real flag rather than its flickering image on the screen.
That incident made me realise how much we have become a TV and movie generation, where reality has to be represented to us through screens, even when it is clearly all around us. This happens in church too. I have noticed that when the sermon is screened on TV screens in church, there are people who prefer to look at the screen rather than the preacher himself. In many churches, the congregation sits in front of a giant screen and watches and responds to the potpourri of images that it is made to carry.
More on our addiction to screens, perhaps in another article. But here, my point is that we often embrace the shadow rather than the substance. This is not only unhelpful but harmful as well, for in its very essence, it is idolatry. And that is why God is clearly against idolatry because it misrepresents reality and, worse, it robs us from truly experiencing God. Idols are both detestable (Dt. 32:16) and worthless (Dt. 32:21). They are hated in heaven and useless on earth. Hence we find idolatry forbidden by Scripture (Ex. 20:4).
Those who had encountered the true God have been deeply disturbed by idolatry and warned people of its dangers. The ancient prophets of Israel spoke against the rampant idolatry of their day. The apostle Paul, after having encountered the living Christ, and when visiting Athens, "was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols." (Acts 17:16). Christ's disciple John, who learned deeply about God's love, pleaded with his fellow-Christians, "Dear children, keep yourselves from idols." (1 Jn. 5:21).
Perhaps most, if not all of us, would say that thankfully we are free from such idolatry. But really? There are subtler forms of idolatry of which we should be aware. Sometimes the idol is not something foreign to God but rather something that is supposed to legitimately represent or remind us of God. The religion of the Pharisees is a good example.
The problem with the Pharisees was that they were the worshippers of shadows. They had taken the Old Testament laws, which were meant to lead them to the divine Law-Giver, and made these laws an end unto themselves. They had created a complex system of Pharisaic laws and had missed the point altogether. They had clung to Old Testament forms of religion, or rather their own distorted versions of them. They had embraced the shadow so much that when the One who caused that shadow to be formed appeared on the scene, they failed to recognise Him and worship Him.
The apostle John described this tragedy when he poignantly wrote, "He came to that which was his own, but his own did not recognise Him." (Jn. 1:11). We can perhaps excuse the other nations if they had not recognised Christ for they were worshipping idols that did not even resemble God. The shadows they clung to could not help them recognise Christ. But Israel was different. God had consistently and repeatedly revealed Himself to them throughout history. He had spoken and given them His Word. He had given them His Law. He had let them see His shadow so that when Christ appeared, they could recognise Him. But they did not! That is the troubling thing.
Why did they fail to recognise Jesus as the God who had revealed Himself to them throughout their history? Was it because they had become so used to the shadow that they did not look up to see the one who produced the shadow? Was this the reason why Paul pleaded with Christians who had a Jewish background to cling to the reality rather than to its shadow? In referring to the Old Testament dietary laws and religious festivals, Paul wrote, "These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ." (Col. 2:17). Another New Testament writer, referring to the Old Testament Law explained, "The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming - not the realities themselves." (Heb. 10:1).
It is very easy to cling to the shadows that represent God and ignore God altogether. Christians have all too often run after the gifts of God and ignored the Giver of those gifts. It is common for Christians to cling to spiritual experiences, idolising them, and even worshipping them more than God. Or we can be so enthralled by our songs and music that our hearts do not go beyond them to the One who is supposed to be the subject of all our music. We can end up idolising the shadows so much that we fail to recognise God when He comes.
But there may be another reason why the Jews, and especially the Pharisees, did not recognise Jesus for who He is. There is a hint of it in the parable that Jesus told about the two men who went to the temple to pray (Lk. 18:9-14). The Pharisee's prayer was a proud account of how well he kept the Law. But was it to God he was talking? Verse 11 could be translated to read, "The Pharisee…prayed to himself." How telling! The problem with this Pharisee was that the shadow he was looking at was not even God's. It was his own shadow! When he addressed God he was addressing himself. It was self that was on the throne, pretending to be God.
Is it little wonder then, that the Pharisees failed to recognise and acknowledge Jesus as the God of Israel? They failed not only because they worshipped the shadow more than the substance, but also because the shadow did not even resemble God; they were, tragically, worshippers of their own shadows.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Pomp...or Circumstance?
Romans 16:25-27 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
In the year 1920, young Oswald Smith stood before the examining board for the selection of missionaries. He had wanted to be a missionary for as long as he could remember, and for all that time had been crying out to God that He might open a door for him to do so. Finally, his time had come. There he stood awaiting his destiny. His long-awaited answer was about to come......... “No.”
Smith had not met the missionary board's qualifications and was turned down for service. After a time of disappointment, he decided that if he couldn't be a missionary, he would build a church which would raise up some. And that is precisely what he did. The church he planted sent out more missionaries than any other church of its time. And God used Oswald Smith mightily for His Kingdom.
This is what happens when we don't let our circumstances rule us. We will always be victorious.
Have you been disappointed recently? Not all our hopes and expectations come to pass like we think they should. Let's not let it get us down. Surely God has something better! Continue to seek. Continue to knock. Continue to ask. Continue to get revelation. We need to be walking in victory! There's so much work to be done!!
from www.worthydevotions.com
In the year 1920, young Oswald Smith stood before the examining board for the selection of missionaries. He had wanted to be a missionary for as long as he could remember, and for all that time had been crying out to God that He might open a door for him to do so. Finally, his time had come. There he stood awaiting his destiny. His long-awaited answer was about to come......... “No.”
Smith had not met the missionary board's qualifications and was turned down for service. After a time of disappointment, he decided that if he couldn't be a missionary, he would build a church which would raise up some. And that is precisely what he did. The church he planted sent out more missionaries than any other church of its time. And God used Oswald Smith mightily for His Kingdom.
This is what happens when we don't let our circumstances rule us. We will always be victorious.
Have you been disappointed recently? Not all our hopes and expectations come to pass like we think they should. Let's not let it get us down. Surely God has something better! Continue to seek. Continue to knock. Continue to ask. Continue to get revelation. We need to be walking in victory! There's so much work to be done!!
from www.worthydevotions.com
Can't Touch This!
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Carl Armerding wrote a funny story in Moody Monthly, about his experience at the zoo. "As I stood there," he said, "an attendant entered the cage through a door on the opposite side. He had nothing in his hands but a broom. Carefully closing the door, he proceeded to sweep the floor of the cage." He observed that the worker had no weapon to ward off an attack by the beast. In fact, when he got to the corner of the cage where the wildcat was lying, he poked the animal with the broom. The wildcat hissed at him and then lay down in another corner of the enclosure. Armerding remarked to the attendant, "You certainly are a brave man." "No, I ain't brave," he replied as he continued to sweep. "Well, then, that cat must be tame." "No," came the reply, "he ain't tame." "If you aren't brave and the wildcat isn't tame, then I can't understand why he doesn't attack you." Armerding said the man chuckled, then replied with an air of confidence, "Mister, he's old -- and he ain't got no teeth."
Such is the devil in our lives when we realize that God is for us! We should be like the attendant. He knew that cat couldn't hurt a fly. Satan will make a big ruckus, fussing and hissing all he wants but we need to keep our eyes focused on our Lord.
Are you being hissed at today? The enemy would love nothing more than to make us feel powerless against him -- but "he ain't got no teeth" next to our Lord! Let's turn to God and put our trust in Him. If God is for us, who can be against us?!
from www.worthydevotions.com
Carl Armerding wrote a funny story in Moody Monthly, about his experience at the zoo. "As I stood there," he said, "an attendant entered the cage through a door on the opposite side. He had nothing in his hands but a broom. Carefully closing the door, he proceeded to sweep the floor of the cage." He observed that the worker had no weapon to ward off an attack by the beast. In fact, when he got to the corner of the cage where the wildcat was lying, he poked the animal with the broom. The wildcat hissed at him and then lay down in another corner of the enclosure. Armerding remarked to the attendant, "You certainly are a brave man." "No, I ain't brave," he replied as he continued to sweep. "Well, then, that cat must be tame." "No," came the reply, "he ain't tame." "If you aren't brave and the wildcat isn't tame, then I can't understand why he doesn't attack you." Armerding said the man chuckled, then replied with an air of confidence, "Mister, he's old -- and he ain't got no teeth."
Such is the devil in our lives when we realize that God is for us! We should be like the attendant. He knew that cat couldn't hurt a fly. Satan will make a big ruckus, fussing and hissing all he wants but we need to keep our eyes focused on our Lord.
Are you being hissed at today? The enemy would love nothing more than to make us feel powerless against him -- but "he ain't got no teeth" next to our Lord! Let's turn to God and put our trust in Him. If God is for us, who can be against us?!
from www.worthydevotions.com
Stop Pretending!
Psalms 56:2-4 Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most High. What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
Some experts believe that acute stress can provoke changes in the heart that may lead to death. In one study, fifteen cases were identified in which people died after a physical assault, even though the injuries alone were not enough to kill them. Eleven of the fifteen showed a type of heart-cell death, similar to a reaction in experimental animals that feel helpless to anticipate or avoid danger.
We live in a day that godlessness is on the rise -- a day in which the world (and even some of the church) is motivated by money, power and the desire for worldly pleasures -- a day in which the fruit of this behavior is apparent even to the worst of us. It's a scary time.
Even amidst these frightful times, though, isn't it wonderful to know that we don't have to pretend we're not afraid? God knew we would be afraid from time to time. But He encourages us to redirect our attention to put our trust again in Him. He, who is all powerful and watches over us intently. What a gracious and compassionate Father we have!
Let's ask the Lord to help us keep our focus on trusting Him for all things. When we are focused on this, there's no stopping us from doing the great things He has called us to do! And there's SO much work to be done!!
from www.worthydevotions.com
Some experts believe that acute stress can provoke changes in the heart that may lead to death. In one study, fifteen cases were identified in which people died after a physical assault, even though the injuries alone were not enough to kill them. Eleven of the fifteen showed a type of heart-cell death, similar to a reaction in experimental animals that feel helpless to anticipate or avoid danger.
We live in a day that godlessness is on the rise -- a day in which the world (and even some of the church) is motivated by money, power and the desire for worldly pleasures -- a day in which the fruit of this behavior is apparent even to the worst of us. It's a scary time.
Even amidst these frightful times, though, isn't it wonderful to know that we don't have to pretend we're not afraid? God knew we would be afraid from time to time. But He encourages us to redirect our attention to put our trust again in Him. He, who is all powerful and watches over us intently. What a gracious and compassionate Father we have!
Let's ask the Lord to help us keep our focus on trusting Him for all things. When we are focused on this, there's no stopping us from doing the great things He has called us to do! And there's SO much work to be done!!
from www.worthydevotions.com
Which would you choose?
Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
We came across this story, about a man who was slowly losing his memory. After a lengthy examination, the doctor said that a risky operation on his brain might reverse his condition and restore his memory. However, the surgery would be so delicate that a nerve could be severed, causing total blindness.
The surgeon asked, "So, which would you rather have, your sight or your memory?" The man pondered the question for a while and replied, "My sight, because I would rather see where I am going than remember where I have been."
Our enemy is always trying to dig up the past and keep us all bound up in our failures. But be encouraged! Today is a new day! Today and every day we have a choice to make! Like Paul, we must choose to press forward and put aside our past. We must purpose to keep our eyes on the Lord, not on our successes or failures, but upon on what can we do for Him today!
Be free from the shackles of the past! Keep your eyes on the prize! There's so much work to be done!
from www.worthydevotions.com
We came across this story, about a man who was slowly losing his memory. After a lengthy examination, the doctor said that a risky operation on his brain might reverse his condition and restore his memory. However, the surgery would be so delicate that a nerve could be severed, causing total blindness.
The surgeon asked, "So, which would you rather have, your sight or your memory?" The man pondered the question for a while and replied, "My sight, because I would rather see where I am going than remember where I have been."
Our enemy is always trying to dig up the past and keep us all bound up in our failures. But be encouraged! Today is a new day! Today and every day we have a choice to make! Like Paul, we must choose to press forward and put aside our past. We must purpose to keep our eyes on the Lord, not on our successes or failures, but upon on what can we do for Him today!
Be free from the shackles of the past! Keep your eyes on the prize! There's so much work to be done!
from www.worthydevotions.com
Good things?
Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
An old chinese legend tells of a group of elderly, cultured gentlemen who met often to exchange wisdom and drink tea. Each host tried to find the finest and most costly varieties, to create exotic blends that would arouse the admiration of his guests. When the most venerable and respected of the group entertained, he served his tea with unprecedented ceremony, measuring the leaves from a golden box. The assembled epicures praised this exquisite tea. The host smiled and said, "The tea you have found so delightful is the same tea our peasants drink. I hope it will be a reminder to all that the good things in life are not necessarily the rarest or the most costly.
No, the good things in life are right in front of our faces and we so often neglect to see them for how very precious they are – our redemption in Jesus, our spouses, our children, our parents and extended family, our brothers and sisters in the Lord, our wonderful five senses, the talents and abilities He's given us – and soooo much more!
Let's thank God for all the precious things he's given us and let's cherish them as so! We have so much! And there's so much work to be done!!
from www.worthydevotions.com
An old chinese legend tells of a group of elderly, cultured gentlemen who met often to exchange wisdom and drink tea. Each host tried to find the finest and most costly varieties, to create exotic blends that would arouse the admiration of his guests. When the most venerable and respected of the group entertained, he served his tea with unprecedented ceremony, measuring the leaves from a golden box. The assembled epicures praised this exquisite tea. The host smiled and said, "The tea you have found so delightful is the same tea our peasants drink. I hope it will be a reminder to all that the good things in life are not necessarily the rarest or the most costly.
No, the good things in life are right in front of our faces and we so often neglect to see them for how very precious they are – our redemption in Jesus, our spouses, our children, our parents and extended family, our brothers and sisters in the Lord, our wonderful five senses, the talents and abilities He's given us – and soooo much more!
Let's thank God for all the precious things he's given us and let's cherish them as so! We have so much! And there's so much work to be done!!
from www.worthydevotions.com
Take the leap!
Psalms 33:4 For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.
One night a house caught fire and a young boy was forced to flee flames by jumping to the ground from the roof. His father stood on the ground below with outstretched arms, calling to his son, "Jump! I'll catch you." But the boy was afraid -- he couldn't see his father -- all he could see was flame, smoke, and blackness. He was afraid. Still, his father kept yelling: "Jump son! I will catch you!" But the boy refused, crying, "Daddy, I can't see you!" His father replied, "It's ok son -- I can see you -- and that's all that matters!"
Sometimes we find ourselves in the midst of the fiery trials of life and all we can see is the smoke and the flames. But faith is knowing who will catch us when take that leap. In Hebrew, the word 'truth' in this verse, is em-oo-nah, which is also translated faith. God delights in responding to our faith. He wants us to jump into His arms --- especially when we can't see Him.
George Mueller said, "Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in that which is humanly possible. Faith begins where man's power ends."
Let's practice some faith today. Our Father's arms are biggest and strongest they come!
from www.worthydevotions.com
One night a house caught fire and a young boy was forced to flee flames by jumping to the ground from the roof. His father stood on the ground below with outstretched arms, calling to his son, "Jump! I'll catch you." But the boy was afraid -- he couldn't see his father -- all he could see was flame, smoke, and blackness. He was afraid. Still, his father kept yelling: "Jump son! I will catch you!" But the boy refused, crying, "Daddy, I can't see you!" His father replied, "It's ok son -- I can see you -- and that's all that matters!"
Sometimes we find ourselves in the midst of the fiery trials of life and all we can see is the smoke and the flames. But faith is knowing who will catch us when take that leap. In Hebrew, the word 'truth' in this verse, is em-oo-nah, which is also translated faith. God delights in responding to our faith. He wants us to jump into His arms --- especially when we can't see Him.
George Mueller said, "Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in that which is humanly possible. Faith begins where man's power ends."
Let's practice some faith today. Our Father's arms are biggest and strongest they come!
from www.worthydevotions.com
Can we be trusted?
1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
"On Sunday, believers arrived at a house church in the Soviet Union in small groups throughout the day so not to arouse the suspicion of KGB informers. They began by singing a hymn quietly. Suddenly, in walked two soldiers with loaded weapons at the ready. One shouted, "If you wish to renounce your commitment to Jesus Christ, leave now!" Two or three quickly left, then another. After a few more seconds, two more. "This is your last chance. Either turn against your faith in Christ," he ordered, "or stay and suffer the consequences." Two more slipped out into the night. No one else moved. Parents with children trembling beside them looked down reassuringly, fully expecting to be gunned down or imprisoned. The other soldier closed the door, looked back at those who stood against the wall and said, "Keep your hands up--but this time in praise to our Lord Jesus Christ. We, too, are Christians. We were sent to another house church several weeks ago to arrest a group of believers." The other soldier interrupted, "But, instead, we were converted! We have learned by experience, however, that unless people are willing to die for their faith, they cannot be fully trusted." (From "Living Above the Level of Mediocrity," by Chuck Swindoll).
Wow. Can you imagine being faced with a decision to run or die for our faith? We are living in a day where this could very well become reality! But how many of us would be willing to stand?
Let's start deepening our relationship with the Lord today so that our minds may be focused on heavenly things and not consumed with the weight of all the worldly ones. That it would be easy for us to make a stand for Him should that day ever come. There's so much work to be done!
from www.worthydevotions.com
"On Sunday, believers arrived at a house church in the Soviet Union in small groups throughout the day so not to arouse the suspicion of KGB informers. They began by singing a hymn quietly. Suddenly, in walked two soldiers with loaded weapons at the ready. One shouted, "If you wish to renounce your commitment to Jesus Christ, leave now!" Two or three quickly left, then another. After a few more seconds, two more. "This is your last chance. Either turn against your faith in Christ," he ordered, "or stay and suffer the consequences." Two more slipped out into the night. No one else moved. Parents with children trembling beside them looked down reassuringly, fully expecting to be gunned down or imprisoned. The other soldier closed the door, looked back at those who stood against the wall and said, "Keep your hands up--but this time in praise to our Lord Jesus Christ. We, too, are Christians. We were sent to another house church several weeks ago to arrest a group of believers." The other soldier interrupted, "But, instead, we were converted! We have learned by experience, however, that unless people are willing to die for their faith, they cannot be fully trusted." (From "Living Above the Level of Mediocrity," by Chuck Swindoll).
Wow. Can you imagine being faced with a decision to run or die for our faith? We are living in a day where this could very well become reality! But how many of us would be willing to stand?
Let's start deepening our relationship with the Lord today so that our minds may be focused on heavenly things and not consumed with the weight of all the worldly ones. That it would be easy for us to make a stand for Him should that day ever come. There's so much work to be done!
from www.worthydevotions.com
Rise up!
Romans 4:20,21 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
A story is told of Napoleon Bonaparte. As he was busy conquering Europe in the 1800's during one of his military campaigns, Napoleon accidentally let the bridle of his horse slip while he was looking through some papers. The horse reared itself and the Emperor lost his balance. One corporal quickly leaped forward and caught the bridle just in the nick of time, bringing the horse under control and saving Napoleon from what might have been serious injury or even death. Napoleon saluted the corporal and said, "Thank you, Captain!" "Of what company, Sire?" asked the corporal. "Of my guards," replied Napoleon.
The young corporal took his musket and hurled it aside, and walked across the field toward the Emperor's staff, tearing off his corporal's stripes as he went. When he took his place among the officers, they asked him what he was doing. I am the captain of the Emperor's Guards, he replied. "By whose order?" they asked. "By the order of the Emperor himself" he replied.
A man of less faith might have been happy returning back to his ranks as a corporal and boasting for the rest of his life about how the Emperor once called him Captain. But no, He took the Emporer at his word. And He knew his potential.
In the same way, some of us have been happy just hearing about the promises of God without ever laying claim to them. Others of us have never realized the strengths with which God has gifted us. May it not be! We who know the Lord must become aware of our status as sons and daughters of the King! We must believe that God has promised great things to those who love and serve him and we must also recognize the potential God has placed upon us from the beginning of time! Let's start practicing some faith today! There's so much work to be done!
from www.worthydevotions.com
A story is told of Napoleon Bonaparte. As he was busy conquering Europe in the 1800's during one of his military campaigns, Napoleon accidentally let the bridle of his horse slip while he was looking through some papers. The horse reared itself and the Emperor lost his balance. One corporal quickly leaped forward and caught the bridle just in the nick of time, bringing the horse under control and saving Napoleon from what might have been serious injury or even death. Napoleon saluted the corporal and said, "Thank you, Captain!" "Of what company, Sire?" asked the corporal. "Of my guards," replied Napoleon.
The young corporal took his musket and hurled it aside, and walked across the field toward the Emperor's staff, tearing off his corporal's stripes as he went. When he took his place among the officers, they asked him what he was doing. I am the captain of the Emperor's Guards, he replied. "By whose order?" they asked. "By the order of the Emperor himself" he replied.
A man of less faith might have been happy returning back to his ranks as a corporal and boasting for the rest of his life about how the Emperor once called him Captain. But no, He took the Emporer at his word. And He knew his potential.
In the same way, some of us have been happy just hearing about the promises of God without ever laying claim to them. Others of us have never realized the strengths with which God has gifted us. May it not be! We who know the Lord must become aware of our status as sons and daughters of the King! We must believe that God has promised great things to those who love and serve him and we must also recognize the potential God has placed upon us from the beginning of time! Let's start practicing some faith today! There's so much work to be done!
from www.worthydevotions.com
Keep Digging!
Isaiah 58:11 And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.
Bill Bright tells an amazing story in his book, "How You Can Be Filled with the Holy Spirit".
During the Great Depression, poverty swept across America like a whirling tornado, ripping up dreams and scattering hopes to the wind. One such poverty twister hit a small part of Texas where a man named Yates ran a sheep ranch. Struggling even to keep food on the table, Yates and his wife did all they could to survive. Finally, they had to accept a government subsidy or lose their home and land to the creditors.
One day, in the midst of this bleakness, a geologic crew from a large oil company came knocking. With Yates' permission, they wanted to drill a wildcat well on his property, promising him a large portion of the profits if they struck oil. "What could I lose?" thought Yates, and he signed the papers.
The oil crew immediately set up the machinery and began drilling. Five hundred feet down, they came up dry. Eight hundred feet, dry. One thousand feet they sunk the shaft, and still no oil. Finally, at a little over eleven hundred feet, they tapped into one of the richest oil reserves in Texas. The hole sprayed its black wealth high into the air, and soon the well was pumping eighty thousand barrels of oil a day.Overnight, Yates and his family became millionaires. His property, once called Yate's Field, became known as Yate's Pool. And soon hundreds of oil wells dotted the land where once only sheep grazed.
Hmm. What if they had stopped at a thousand feet?? I believe that there is a well of blessing within us that is just waiting to be found. And the victory will only come when we dig for it. We need to to press in when the circumstances look their bleakest! We need to believe that the blessing is there for the taking and not stop when we get discouraged and don't see the fruit of our labor! We need to expect great things and rich oil in the Spirit! Because this is what the Lord has for each one of us!
Our breakthrough is just under our feet! Be encouraged! Keep digging! God has more in store than you can imagine!
from www.worthydevotions.com
Bill Bright tells an amazing story in his book, "How You Can Be Filled with the Holy Spirit".
During the Great Depression, poverty swept across America like a whirling tornado, ripping up dreams and scattering hopes to the wind. One such poverty twister hit a small part of Texas where a man named Yates ran a sheep ranch. Struggling even to keep food on the table, Yates and his wife did all they could to survive. Finally, they had to accept a government subsidy or lose their home and land to the creditors.
One day, in the midst of this bleakness, a geologic crew from a large oil company came knocking. With Yates' permission, they wanted to drill a wildcat well on his property, promising him a large portion of the profits if they struck oil. "What could I lose?" thought Yates, and he signed the papers.
The oil crew immediately set up the machinery and began drilling. Five hundred feet down, they came up dry. Eight hundred feet, dry. One thousand feet they sunk the shaft, and still no oil. Finally, at a little over eleven hundred feet, they tapped into one of the richest oil reserves in Texas. The hole sprayed its black wealth high into the air, and soon the well was pumping eighty thousand barrels of oil a day.Overnight, Yates and his family became millionaires. His property, once called Yate's Field, became known as Yate's Pool. And soon hundreds of oil wells dotted the land where once only sheep grazed.
Hmm. What if they had stopped at a thousand feet?? I believe that there is a well of blessing within us that is just waiting to be found. And the victory will only come when we dig for it. We need to to press in when the circumstances look their bleakest! We need to believe that the blessing is there for the taking and not stop when we get discouraged and don't see the fruit of our labor! We need to expect great things and rich oil in the Spirit! Because this is what the Lord has for each one of us!
Our breakthrough is just under our feet! Be encouraged! Keep digging! God has more in store than you can imagine!
from www.worthydevotions.com
Keep your clothes on!
Revelation 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.
What is this passage talking about -- anyone know?
During the days of the Temple, the Levities were in charge of keeping the Temple holy. So throughout the night, the captain would make his rounds to make sure that those assigned were watching attentively, so that no one would defile the Temple during the night. If a watchman was found sleeping, he was beaten and his garments were set on fire so that he had to return home naked in his shame!
We are today's watchmen! With the turmoil of events surrounding us in these last days, it's imperative that we watch carefully and do not become weary. We need to stay alert and awake to see danger coming from afar and be ready to defend what is what is holy! There's so much work to be done!
from www.worthydevotions.com
What is this passage talking about -- anyone know?
During the days of the Temple, the Levities were in charge of keeping the Temple holy. So throughout the night, the captain would make his rounds to make sure that those assigned were watching attentively, so that no one would defile the Temple during the night. If a watchman was found sleeping, he was beaten and his garments were set on fire so that he had to return home naked in his shame!
We are today's watchmen! With the turmoil of events surrounding us in these last days, it's imperative that we watch carefully and do not become weary. We need to stay alert and awake to see danger coming from afar and be ready to defend what is what is holy! There's so much work to be done!
from www.worthydevotions.com
Happy Yom Yerushalayim!
Isaiah 62:6,7 I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence, And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.
Today, May 16th, 2007, is Yom Yerushalayim or Jerusalem Day. It marks the 40th year of the restoration of Jerusalem back into Israeli hands. Hundreds of thousands of tourists have come to participate in the various celebrations going on in this beautiful city today.
Why do you think Jerusalem is so significant? Let's look at a little of her legend and history.
According to Jewish legend, the earth was created from Jerusalem's center, from the foundational stone on the Temple Mount called the Eben Shetiyah. And thus, on the first day, legend says, God created light, and that light came forth from the Temple Mount and illuminated the entire world. Hmmm. Very interesting. Especially being that Jesus was crucified, buried in and resurrected from Jerusalem, and He is the Light of the World. He not only departed Jerusalem, but the Bible says that His return will also be to this Holy City. It's no wonder that Jerusalem is constantly the focus of the news -- it's the center of prophecy!
While we can see with our physical eyes, the restoration of the Land to her Rightful Owner, we also recognize there's much work to do in Israel spiritually. There are only about 10,000 Jewish believers out of 5.5 million Jews. We've barely touched the tip of the iceberg!
The Lord is strategically placing watchman throughout the world who will attentively watch and pray over Jerusalem and those of us in the Land preparing the way of the Lord. Please continue to pray -- we need it! There's so much work to be done!
from www.worthydevotionals.com
Today, May 16th, 2007, is Yom Yerushalayim or Jerusalem Day. It marks the 40th year of the restoration of Jerusalem back into Israeli hands. Hundreds of thousands of tourists have come to participate in the various celebrations going on in this beautiful city today.
Why do you think Jerusalem is so significant? Let's look at a little of her legend and history.
According to Jewish legend, the earth was created from Jerusalem's center, from the foundational stone on the Temple Mount called the Eben Shetiyah. And thus, on the first day, legend says, God created light, and that light came forth from the Temple Mount and illuminated the entire world. Hmmm. Very interesting. Especially being that Jesus was crucified, buried in and resurrected from Jerusalem, and He is the Light of the World. He not only departed Jerusalem, but the Bible says that His return will also be to this Holy City. It's no wonder that Jerusalem is constantly the focus of the news -- it's the center of prophecy!
While we can see with our physical eyes, the restoration of the Land to her Rightful Owner, we also recognize there's much work to do in Israel spiritually. There are only about 10,000 Jewish believers out of 5.5 million Jews. We've barely touched the tip of the iceberg!
The Lord is strategically placing watchman throughout the world who will attentively watch and pray over Jerusalem and those of us in the Land preparing the way of the Lord. Please continue to pray -- we need it! There's so much work to be done!
from www.worthydevotionals.com
Need a promotion?
Matthew 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
I used to sell newspaper subscriptions door to door and deliver flowers for a living. I also volunteered for years with my churches inner city bus ministry. My wife waited tables and cleaned houses. She volunteered with a number of ministries, doing youth work and teaching worship dance among other things. Never could we imagine that the Lord would take us to Israel and use us in full time ministry in this capacity. Neither of us ever did anything great in this world but we were faithful in some little things and God found it in His heart to promote us.
D.L. Moody once said, "A good many are kept out of the service of Christ, deprived of the luxury of working for God, because they are trying to do some great thing. Let us be willing to do little things. And let us remember that nothing is small in which God is the source."
The Lord is always looking for opportunities to promote us - to take us to a higher calling. The problem is that we're often so busy tring to promote ourselves that He can't get a word in edgewise!
Let's not neglect the little things God has put in our path to do. Help clean the church once a week, bless that neighbor or family member God has put on our heart, share the gospel with a coworker. Those little things will eventually lead to bigger things -- don't you doubt it! There's so much work to be done!
from www.worthydevotionals.com
I used to sell newspaper subscriptions door to door and deliver flowers for a living. I also volunteered for years with my churches inner city bus ministry. My wife waited tables and cleaned houses. She volunteered with a number of ministries, doing youth work and teaching worship dance among other things. Never could we imagine that the Lord would take us to Israel and use us in full time ministry in this capacity. Neither of us ever did anything great in this world but we were faithful in some little things and God found it in His heart to promote us.
D.L. Moody once said, "A good many are kept out of the service of Christ, deprived of the luxury of working for God, because they are trying to do some great thing. Let us be willing to do little things. And let us remember that nothing is small in which God is the source."
The Lord is always looking for opportunities to promote us - to take us to a higher calling. The problem is that we're often so busy tring to promote ourselves that He can't get a word in edgewise!
Let's not neglect the little things God has put in our path to do. Help clean the church once a week, bless that neighbor or family member God has put on our heart, share the gospel with a coworker. Those little things will eventually lead to bigger things -- don't you doubt it! There's so much work to be done!
from www.worthydevotionals.com
Do ya love me?!
John 15:9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
An ancient story in Church history tells of the apostle John. He would constantly repeat the words, "Little children, love one another." And his disciples became weary of the phrase. Finally, in his old age, as John was being carried to their assembly, the disciples asked him, "Why do you always repeat these same words?" "Because friends," John replied, "it is the Lord's commandment -- and if only this one were fulfilled, it would be enough."
What is the greatest witness we Christians have to the world around us? I can tell you it's not only our words of wisdom, though they may be wonderful. It's not only our knowledge of the Scripture, though it may be vast. It's not only our material giving, though it may be great.
The greatest witness we have is the kind of love that the Bible defines above. Have we been patient and kind with others? Perhaps instead, we've been envious, boastful, proud, rude, self seeking or easily angered. I know I have. Have we kept a record of wrongs? Have we we delighted in evil? Uggh. When we express the true love of God, we always rejoice in the truth, protect, trust, hope and persevere.
Love never fails. Love can turn evil to good, darkness into light and enemies to friends. True love can totally transform the world around us.
I am humbled, are you? Let's strive to start loving the way the Lord would have us love. Yeah -- you know why. 'Cause there's just so much work to be done!!
from www.worthydevotionals.com
An ancient story in Church history tells of the apostle John. He would constantly repeat the words, "Little children, love one another." And his disciples became weary of the phrase. Finally, in his old age, as John was being carried to their assembly, the disciples asked him, "Why do you always repeat these same words?" "Because friends," John replied, "it is the Lord's commandment -- and if only this one were fulfilled, it would be enough."
What is the greatest witness we Christians have to the world around us? I can tell you it's not only our words of wisdom, though they may be wonderful. It's not only our knowledge of the Scripture, though it may be vast. It's not only our material giving, though it may be great.
The greatest witness we have is the kind of love that the Bible defines above. Have we been patient and kind with others? Perhaps instead, we've been envious, boastful, proud, rude, self seeking or easily angered. I know I have. Have we kept a record of wrongs? Have we we delighted in evil? Uggh. When we express the true love of God, we always rejoice in the truth, protect, trust, hope and persevere.
Love never fails. Love can turn evil to good, darkness into light and enemies to friends. True love can totally transform the world around us.
I am humbled, are you? Let's strive to start loving the way the Lord would have us love. Yeah -- you know why. 'Cause there's just so much work to be done!!
from www.worthydevotionals.com
Fill up!
Jeremiah 31:31-33 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
This evening begins the celebration of Shavuot. Most Christians might recognize this as the celebration of Pentecost in Acts 2. However, the very first Shavuot actually took place fifty days after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea about 1500 years before Acts was even written. It was on this day that the law was given on tablets of stone.
Interestingly, it was also fifty days after the resurrection of Jesus that Shavuot was celebrated again. But this time, the law of God was written upon the hearts of men, just as God promised through the prophets Ezekiel and Jeremiah.
Shavuot is both a celebration of the God's faithfulness in the early harvest and an anticipation of the abundance of the harvest yet to come. This day, a couple of thousand years ago, 3000 Jewish people came to faith in Messiah. The day will soon come when those for whom we've been weeping and petitioning God in prayer will come to know the Lord and all of Israel shall be saved!
Let's pray for a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit today, and let's anticipate great things! Be praying for revelation for those we love who haven't yet seen the truth of the Lord. And please also be praying for the salvation of Israel! There's so much work to be done!
from www.worthydevotionals.com
This evening begins the celebration of Shavuot. Most Christians might recognize this as the celebration of Pentecost in Acts 2. However, the very first Shavuot actually took place fifty days after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea about 1500 years before Acts was even written. It was on this day that the law was given on tablets of stone.
Interestingly, it was also fifty days after the resurrection of Jesus that Shavuot was celebrated again. But this time, the law of God was written upon the hearts of men, just as God promised through the prophets Ezekiel and Jeremiah.
Shavuot is both a celebration of the God's faithfulness in the early harvest and an anticipation of the abundance of the harvest yet to come. This day, a couple of thousand years ago, 3000 Jewish people came to faith in Messiah. The day will soon come when those for whom we've been weeping and petitioning God in prayer will come to know the Lord and all of Israel shall be saved!
Let's pray for a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit today, and let's anticipate great things! Be praying for revelation for those we love who haven't yet seen the truth of the Lord. And please also be praying for the salvation of Israel! There's so much work to be done!
from www.worthydevotionals.com
Have Abundant Faith!
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
One of the greatest stories of the Bible is David and Goliath. It's such a good story, in fact, that the world has come to make common use of it! A prime example of this is when the underdog faces an invincible champion in just about any sport on national television, commentators always seem to make mention of David and Goliath.
Imagine the scene at the time of David. The children of Israel were small compared to the Philistines (incidently, they are still small today -- there are very few tall people in Israel!). And here they are faced with this enormously frightening giant, Goliath, champion of the Philistines.
All the Israelites shook in their sandals, saying Goliath's too big for us to hit! All but one -- young little David. Instead of fearing Goliath's enormity, David saw his size to be an advantage! He said, on the contrary -- Goliath is too big to miss! That day, David became a hero for the Israelites and his name would be remembered well --even to this day.
It all depends on our point of view -- the way we see our circumstances. We can either walk in doubt, asking "Can God do this thing?" or walk in faith, proclaiming "God surely will!"
We all have some scary Goliaths to face in our lives. You may be facing one right now. Have faith, my friend! In our greatest distresses God wants to show Himself powerful! Let's walk in faith for His victory!
from www.worthydevotions.com
One of the greatest stories of the Bible is David and Goliath. It's such a good story, in fact, that the world has come to make common use of it! A prime example of this is when the underdog faces an invincible champion in just about any sport on national television, commentators always seem to make mention of David and Goliath.
Imagine the scene at the time of David. The children of Israel were small compared to the Philistines (incidently, they are still small today -- there are very few tall people in Israel!). And here they are faced with this enormously frightening giant, Goliath, champion of the Philistines.
All the Israelites shook in their sandals, saying Goliath's too big for us to hit! All but one -- young little David. Instead of fearing Goliath's enormity, David saw his size to be an advantage! He said, on the contrary -- Goliath is too big to miss! That day, David became a hero for the Israelites and his name would be remembered well --even to this day.
It all depends on our point of view -- the way we see our circumstances. We can either walk in doubt, asking "Can God do this thing?" or walk in faith, proclaiming "God surely will!"
We all have some scary Goliaths to face in our lives. You may be facing one right now. Have faith, my friend! In our greatest distresses God wants to show Himself powerful! Let's walk in faith for His victory!
from www.worthydevotions.com
A flower to you
Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
I heard a story about a man who was imprisoned during Napoleons reign. While sulking in his dungeon one day, he etched on the wall the words "Nobody Cares".
A few weeks later, through a crack in the dungeon floor, a little green shoot sprang forth, reaching toward the tiny ray of sunlight that came from his small prison cell window. The prisoner began giving a portion of his daily water to the little shoot and it began to grow. One morning the man awoke to a beautiful flower. A tear rolling down his face, he crossed out the words, "Nobody Cares" and replaced them with "God Cares."
The story goes on to tell that His devotion to the flower was reported to the Empress Josephine. She was so very moved that she convinced Napoleon to set the man free.
How many times do we feel like "Nobody Cares"? God has planted little shoots of hope in each and every one of our difficult circumstances -- do you know that? Perhaps we're stepping on them, not even noticing they exsist. Perhaps we're pulling the shoots before they spring forth into beautiful flowers.
God want's us to be released from our prisons of despair. Look around! See what God has planted since the beginning of time especially for us today. Be encouraged! There's so much work to be done!
from www.worthydevotions.com
I heard a story about a man who was imprisoned during Napoleons reign. While sulking in his dungeon one day, he etched on the wall the words "Nobody Cares".
A few weeks later, through a crack in the dungeon floor, a little green shoot sprang forth, reaching toward the tiny ray of sunlight that came from his small prison cell window. The prisoner began giving a portion of his daily water to the little shoot and it began to grow. One morning the man awoke to a beautiful flower. A tear rolling down his face, he crossed out the words, "Nobody Cares" and replaced them with "God Cares."
The story goes on to tell that His devotion to the flower was reported to the Empress Josephine. She was so very moved that she convinced Napoleon to set the man free.
How many times do we feel like "Nobody Cares"? God has planted little shoots of hope in each and every one of our difficult circumstances -- do you know that? Perhaps we're stepping on them, not even noticing they exsist. Perhaps we're pulling the shoots before they spring forth into beautiful flowers.
God want's us to be released from our prisons of despair. Look around! See what God has planted since the beginning of time especially for us today. Be encouraged! There's so much work to be done!
from www.worthydevotions.com
Sometimes we gotta get down and dirty!
John 9:6-7 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.
I read this passage and I wonder how I would react if someone mixed their saliva with some dirt on the ground and put it on my face like this. Ewww! Why didn't Jesus just heal this guy and be done with it? Why the messy prelude?
If you'll notice, Jesus did two things. First, He placed mud on the man's eyes. Then, He told him to go and wash himself in the pool of Siloam. Of course, the man willingly obeyed. If you had some gross concoction smeared on your eyes, wouldn't you? The mud actually provided the motivation for his obedience.
My point? We don't always have to understand why we find our selves muddy sometimes. Perhaps if we weren't muddy, we'd never be motivated to obey! And obedience is crucial to a successful and flourishing walk with the Lord.
Let's not despise the mud on our face today. We all have times of trial. Let's use them for an opportunity to be obedient! God is just trying to help us see better!
from www.worthydevotions.com
I read this passage and I wonder how I would react if someone mixed their saliva with some dirt on the ground and put it on my face like this. Ewww! Why didn't Jesus just heal this guy and be done with it? Why the messy prelude?
If you'll notice, Jesus did two things. First, He placed mud on the man's eyes. Then, He told him to go and wash himself in the pool of Siloam. Of course, the man willingly obeyed. If you had some gross concoction smeared on your eyes, wouldn't you? The mud actually provided the motivation for his obedience.
My point? We don't always have to understand why we find our selves muddy sometimes. Perhaps if we weren't muddy, we'd never be motivated to obey! And obedience is crucial to a successful and flourishing walk with the Lord.
Let's not despise the mud on our face today. We all have times of trial. Let's use them for an opportunity to be obedient! God is just trying to help us see better!
from www.worthydevotions.com
Cave Man
David was stuck in a cave (Psalm 142). Some Bible commentators think this was when he was running from King Saul, who wanted to kill him (1 Samuel 22:1). Trouble and troublemakers hounded him. Hemmed in by his circumstances and smothered by danger, he turned to God for help.
- David was frightened, so he poured out his complaint to God (v.2).
- He felt alone and uncared for, so he cried out to God (vv.1,4-5).
- His situation was desperate, so he pleaded for rescue (v.6).
- David was trapped, so he begged for freedom (v.7).
What cave surrounds you today? A cave of despair brought on by grief or illness? A cave of difficulties caused by your own poor decisions? Are you stuck in a cave of questions or doubts that rob you of joy and confidence?
Here's what David did when he was trapped in his cave: He asked God for mercy, he sought refuge in Him, and he promised to use his eventual freedom as a way to praise God. In the end, he looked forward to the comfort of fellow believers.
Complaint followed by faith. Desperation followed by praise. Loneliness followed by fellowship. We can learn a lot from a cave man.
—Dave Branon
When we experience suffering,
God's comfort will abound;
For tribulations teach us where
True comfort can be found. —Sper
from www.rbc.net
- David was frightened, so he poured out his complaint to God (v.2).
- He felt alone and uncared for, so he cried out to God (vv.1,4-5).
- His situation was desperate, so he pleaded for rescue (v.6).
- David was trapped, so he begged for freedom (v.7).
What cave surrounds you today? A cave of despair brought on by grief or illness? A cave of difficulties caused by your own poor decisions? Are you stuck in a cave of questions or doubts that rob you of joy and confidence?
Here's what David did when he was trapped in his cave: He asked God for mercy, he sought refuge in Him, and he promised to use his eventual freedom as a way to praise God. In the end, he looked forward to the comfort of fellow believers.
Complaint followed by faith. Desperation followed by praise. Loneliness followed by fellowship. We can learn a lot from a cave man.
—Dave Branon
When we experience suffering,
God's comfort will abound;
For tribulations teach us where
True comfort can be found. —Sper
from www.rbc.net
Saturday, May 26, 2007
"Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up, "Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?" John 6:8-9
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It seemed like a good idea at the time. Any thoughts of a diet were out the window when I spotted the steak on the menu. Not just any steak, mind you. It was a succulent, juicy premium cut weighing in at 28 ounces! As I ordered, I scrupulously avoided eye contact with my wife, Martie, knowing that she would discourage such a self-indulgent choice.
It was a classic case of my eyes being bigger than my stomach. As hungry as I was, there was no way I could finish this slab of beef. In fact, looking at the plate, it seemed that I had hardly made a dent in it. I had it boxed up, and I walked out of the restaurant stuffed but eagerly anticipating the leftovers that the box would yield for tomorrow’s lunch.
That’s about the time I spotted the homeless person. Or, more specifically, he spotted me. He asked for some money, and after I initially refused, a guilty stab of conscience prompted me to slip him five dollars and a quick blessing in Jesus’ name. Having done my Christian duty, I was ready to head home, boxed steak in hand, when I heard him call out, “What about the box?”
My selfish instincts kicked in as I tightened my grip on the box. I had just parted with a crisp five-dollar bill. How insultingly bold for him to ask for my steak as well! Then God moved in and reminded me that it’s not the act of giving but the sacrifice in giving that makes the greatest statement about true love and dynamic selflessness. So, a little reluctantly, I handed over the box as well.
I’m reminded of John 6—a little boy, a little lunch, and a huge miracle. The story appears in all four of the Gospels and stands as a powerful example, not only of self-sacrifice, but also of trust in God’s ability to do much more than we could imagine with the little bit that we surrender to Him.
This little guy had a choice. He could be a consumer, using the lunch to satisfy only his own needs and desires, or he could be an investor, willingly placing it in the hands of One who could do so much more with it. The choice was his and it was not an easy choice—we all know how much lunch means to a hungry boy! He could keep it and devour it only to be hungry again or trust his precious commodity to the work of Jesus Christ. We all know the rest of the story. Christ gave him the privilege of partnering in a colossal miracle. Today he ranks as a Bible story hero, and Jesus made sure he didn’t go hungry after all.
So what do you have in your hands today? You probably have a lot more than a few leftovers from supper. How about some time? Maybe some abilities or talents that could be used to serve others? Maybe it’s financial resources. A smile, a note in the mail, a reassuring phone call, or a combination of sacrificial acts of love go a long way to open the door for Jesus to make a difference in someone’s life.
Right now, you may be saying, “But I don’t have much to give.” You’ve done the math, and it seems like it will be a drop in the bucket compared to the depth of the needs around you. And humanly speaking, you’re probably right. How can we possibly make a difference in the face of the overwhelming physical and spiritual needs around us? That’s just the point. We can’t! But our gifts of love—regardless of the size—open the door for Jesus to do some surprisingly great things. As has been often said, “Little is much when God is in it!”
When you give in Jesus’ name, you invest in the One who can “do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).
If a little kid could give up his lunch for Jesus, we’ve got no excuse!
YOUR JOURNEY…
* Take a few minutes to think through some of the physical and spiritual needs of the people around you. How do you feel as you think about all these needs?
* What resources do you have in your hand? Think about blocks of time, God-given talents and abilities, and financial resources that might be available.
* How can you grow in your passion to be an “investor” in God’s kingdom, rather than just a “consumer” in this temporary world?
* Make a specific plan today to give to a need in the world around you.
from www.rbc.net
Text sizeIncrease fontDecrease font
It seemed like a good idea at the time. Any thoughts of a diet were out the window when I spotted the steak on the menu. Not just any steak, mind you. It was a succulent, juicy premium cut weighing in at 28 ounces! As I ordered, I scrupulously avoided eye contact with my wife, Martie, knowing that she would discourage such a self-indulgent choice.
It was a classic case of my eyes being bigger than my stomach. As hungry as I was, there was no way I could finish this slab of beef. In fact, looking at the plate, it seemed that I had hardly made a dent in it. I had it boxed up, and I walked out of the restaurant stuffed but eagerly anticipating the leftovers that the box would yield for tomorrow’s lunch.
That’s about the time I spotted the homeless person. Or, more specifically, he spotted me. He asked for some money, and after I initially refused, a guilty stab of conscience prompted me to slip him five dollars and a quick blessing in Jesus’ name. Having done my Christian duty, I was ready to head home, boxed steak in hand, when I heard him call out, “What about the box?”
My selfish instincts kicked in as I tightened my grip on the box. I had just parted with a crisp five-dollar bill. How insultingly bold for him to ask for my steak as well! Then God moved in and reminded me that it’s not the act of giving but the sacrifice in giving that makes the greatest statement about true love and dynamic selflessness. So, a little reluctantly, I handed over the box as well.
I’m reminded of John 6—a little boy, a little lunch, and a huge miracle. The story appears in all four of the Gospels and stands as a powerful example, not only of self-sacrifice, but also of trust in God’s ability to do much more than we could imagine with the little bit that we surrender to Him.
This little guy had a choice. He could be a consumer, using the lunch to satisfy only his own needs and desires, or he could be an investor, willingly placing it in the hands of One who could do so much more with it. The choice was his and it was not an easy choice—we all know how much lunch means to a hungry boy! He could keep it and devour it only to be hungry again or trust his precious commodity to the work of Jesus Christ. We all know the rest of the story. Christ gave him the privilege of partnering in a colossal miracle. Today he ranks as a Bible story hero, and Jesus made sure he didn’t go hungry after all.
So what do you have in your hands today? You probably have a lot more than a few leftovers from supper. How about some time? Maybe some abilities or talents that could be used to serve others? Maybe it’s financial resources. A smile, a note in the mail, a reassuring phone call, or a combination of sacrificial acts of love go a long way to open the door for Jesus to make a difference in someone’s life.
Right now, you may be saying, “But I don’t have much to give.” You’ve done the math, and it seems like it will be a drop in the bucket compared to the depth of the needs around you. And humanly speaking, you’re probably right. How can we possibly make a difference in the face of the overwhelming physical and spiritual needs around us? That’s just the point. We can’t! But our gifts of love—regardless of the size—open the door for Jesus to do some surprisingly great things. As has been often said, “Little is much when God is in it!”
When you give in Jesus’ name, you invest in the One who can “do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).
If a little kid could give up his lunch for Jesus, we’ve got no excuse!
YOUR JOURNEY…
* Take a few minutes to think through some of the physical and spiritual needs of the people around you. How do you feel as you think about all these needs?
* What resources do you have in your hand? Think about blocks of time, God-given talents and abilities, and financial resources that might be available.
* How can you grow in your passion to be an “investor” in God’s kingdom, rather than just a “consumer” in this temporary world?
* Make a specific plan today to give to a need in the world around you.
from www.rbc.net
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