Matthew 18:1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (ESV)
From the parallel section in Mark 9:33-37, we know that this question arose from an argument amongst the disciples about who was the greatest. We also get a different insight in Luke 9, also a parallel to this section, saying that Jesus’ response in turn to the condition of their hearts in asking the question. Jesus knew that their motive in asking this was they wanted to know who was the greatest amongst themselves. They had fallen into such a common sin we see in ministry. The sin of jealousy, or to dig a little deeper the sin of comparison. They were basing their actions on the actions of their brother next to them. Trying to outdo one another, but for the wrong reason. To receive praise from man, not to receive praise from God. Their motives were self seeking and hindering the effectiveness of unity amongst the disciples.
This is now a common place in ministry today instead of an exception here and there. This is where the ministry is destroyed. If the bond of unity can be split right in the heart, then all else from there is work done in vain. A laboring and toiling instead of the body working together, each person bringing a unique aspect, one that complements the others ability. You see but if we are more focused on the next guy, then on ourselves, we are not walking in a manner worthy to the Lords calling. Its once we are able to stop trying to be someone else and be who God has created, intended, shaped and fashioned us to be that we will break through to our full potential. This is not a potential that is obtained so that we may boast in our own work, but one that brings glory to God. Not about who is the best, but about the Lord cause he is the greatest. Its about what the Lord can do with a person that is poured out and seeking to be filled with his strength and might.
This is a daily battle in the ministry, we tend to forget who is equipping us to do the work we do. We then get prideful, and hard of heart, no longer hearing the voice of the Lord. The sin nature kicks in and we start to compare ourselves with one another, tearing apart the body, battling warfare that should not be taking place on this level of brotherhood. We should save the battle for the battlefield, not for the place of rebuilding. If we are never in a time of fellowship, then we will become spiritually exhausted. Time and time again we see a ministry fall apart not because of persecution from the outside but because of resentments built within the ministry.
The heart of the body of Christ. We know all parts are of equal value, but the heart is the centrality, the essence of life to the human body. Without the heart there is no life, no blood to be pumped throughout the body, same as in the spiritual realm. The heart being those who we are closet to. In my case the household of the missionaries I live with. If we are being starved of the word (our oxygen), then we have nothing to keep the heart beating, in turn no blood is flowing out (the fruits of the spirit). In this case we are left with a fleshly body, no spiritual life, only rotten decaying flesh. This is not a pretty picture, but without the Spirit giving us life within we are wasting away. "Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day." This keeps us spiritually young, although we may be old in the flesh, Gods spirit is giving us vision, guidance, ambition and strength daily to do his work till the flesh fails us.
Application:
Today I will bring this up in our family meeting.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Thursday, April 26, 2012
A Day in the City
A Day in the City
So today, we were out traveling through the lovely outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya. Towards the end of our journey, as we were heading back home, we drove through the Kibera slums. Being that we only drove through, what we saw was minimal to what is truly going on inside, although I saw enough to be shaken up. And yet this is the reality of the million plus that live in this slum. Kids playing, laughing, long stares, hopeless faces, people working, walking with an agenda and talking on the phone. So why did these occurrences I see daily shake me up so? Maybe it was the mounds of garbage surrounding the streets, the crowds of people sitting in a state of emotional numbness, the thought that this is their way of living. Why does it bother me so, when this is their accepted way of living, this is their life, so they make the best of it. I just couldn’t let the thoughts go, so I took them to God in prayer, knowing that this poverty is more then I could wrap my mind around. This was not a movie screen, this was not a picture, this was the life of a human being, created in the image of God, for the purpose of bringing him glory.
So I prayed to God, Why? What is your purpose? What have you called me to do to be a part of the solution? Is there a solution? Am I to be a part of it? Is there hope? I could never make a difference… Why God? As I am committing these thoughts to the Lord in prayer, I look up and passing by is a truck that has Romans 8:28 painted right on the front of it. And we know for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Really God? Your telling me that this slum is a part of your plan, this is to work together for good. My son do you not believe my word. Do you have a better idea of the happenings of this world. Do you know when the end is to come, do you know the day or the hour. Did you create the heavens and the earth? Do you know the number of hairs on each persons head in that slum? Do you know the number of the stars in the sky, can you call them all by name? My son, do you not trust me?
Thank you God, I do trust you. I must admit some things do not make sense to me. Please make sense of these things to me. Surely if a local Kenyan can live in this city and travel in the identity of Romans 8:28, then I must be able to believe it. So Lord what am I to do? As I read the rest of Romans 8: For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised— who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,
“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Shall distress, or persecution, or famine separate us from the love of Christ? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Standing on this truth I am now lead back to Romans 8:26-27, Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Now I will seek God, and his Spirit is faithful to reveal to my spirit his will for my life. For I know he has a work for me to walk in an is faithful to reveal and equip me for that work.
So today, we were out traveling through the lovely outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya. Towards the end of our journey, as we were heading back home, we drove through the Kibera slums. Being that we only drove through, what we saw was minimal to what is truly going on inside, although I saw enough to be shaken up. And yet this is the reality of the million plus that live in this slum. Kids playing, laughing, long stares, hopeless faces, people working, walking with an agenda and talking on the phone. So why did these occurrences I see daily shake me up so? Maybe it was the mounds of garbage surrounding the streets, the crowds of people sitting in a state of emotional numbness, the thought that this is their way of living. Why does it bother me so, when this is their accepted way of living, this is their life, so they make the best of it. I just couldn’t let the thoughts go, so I took them to God in prayer, knowing that this poverty is more then I could wrap my mind around. This was not a movie screen, this was not a picture, this was the life of a human being, created in the image of God, for the purpose of bringing him glory.
So I prayed to God, Why? What is your purpose? What have you called me to do to be a part of the solution? Is there a solution? Am I to be a part of it? Is there hope? I could never make a difference… Why God? As I am committing these thoughts to the Lord in prayer, I look up and passing by is a truck that has Romans 8:28 painted right on the front of it. And we know for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Really God? Your telling me that this slum is a part of your plan, this is to work together for good. My son do you not believe my word. Do you have a better idea of the happenings of this world. Do you know when the end is to come, do you know the day or the hour. Did you create the heavens and the earth? Do you know the number of hairs on each persons head in that slum? Do you know the number of the stars in the sky, can you call them all by name? My son, do you not trust me?
Thank you God, I do trust you. I must admit some things do not make sense to me. Please make sense of these things to me. Surely if a local Kenyan can live in this city and travel in the identity of Romans 8:28, then I must be able to believe it. So Lord what am I to do? As I read the rest of Romans 8: For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised— who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,
“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Shall distress, or persecution, or famine separate us from the love of Christ? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Standing on this truth I am now lead back to Romans 8:26-27, Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Now I will seek God, and his Spirit is faithful to reveal to my spirit his will for my life. For I know he has a work for me to walk in an is faithful to reveal and equip me for that work.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Spirit Lead Life
Luke 2:25-27
Background:
The Gospel of Luke was written by the well educated Luke himself.
Also the author of Acts, a chronological account of the beginning of the church and some say this was an account written by Luke, as a defense for the life of Paul as he was to be presenting his case in front of Caesar of Rome.
Luke’s perspective is very accurate, factual and brings a unique take on the life of Jesus.
We see the life of Simeon introduced
(vs25) Righteous & Devout man
Its easy to overlook a verse like this, but anytime in the bible we are given insight into another’s life, I think there is application to be drawn from that.
Taking into consideration they are people just like you and I
We can then glean off the character and insight as we allow the word of God to disciple us, viewing the lives in the bible as mentors, mere humans, spirit lead, that lived life just as you or I would
Noah Webster’s 1828 - Devout: Yielding a solemn and reverential attention to God in religious exercises, particularly in prayer.
Simeon was a devout man, yielding his rights to the Lord. Offering up his time in prayer, this holds weight as we look deeper into the life of Simeon.
This is a character quality we should all strive toward
Consolation: That which comforts, or refreshes the spirits; the cause of comfort; as the consolation of Israel.
He was waiting for the consolation of Israel
He was driven by the hope of the Messiah to come
This was his motivating factor
I think we can say the same, we have our hope set on the coming of the Messiah, only this coming is the second coming.
He was comforted by the Spirit, the Holy spirit that was upon him.
We now see three different aspects of the Spirit revealed
Holy Spirit Upon Him: this is the key part, now revealed is the very guidance and direction of Simeon’s faith
The Holy Spirit, leading and compelling him to his very ministry placed before him
(vs26) Revealed by the Holy Spirit
Simeon is in communion with God, being the devout man that he is
With this as a pre requisite, the Spirit has come upon him
Therefore the Spirit reveals to him : he would not see death…
(vs27) Lead by the Spirit
We see now that he enters into the temple by the Spirit
The spirit compelling him, guiding, leading and directing him
Application: I think we see in these three verse what a spirit lead life looks like.
First we stay in prayer. Being devout in our devotions to the Lord. Asking that the Spirit would fill and empower us.
This then prepares us, and brings us to a state of communion with the Spirit, where we are able to listen and hear the voice of God speak to us
Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God
It is in this stillness that we are able to hear clearly the voice of the Lord
When he give him undistracted, undivided time
Then we are lead to action
Through the empowerment of the Spirit, we then answer the call of the Lord
Through his strength and might
Isaiah 40:26 Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power not one is missing
Do not limit our God to the confines of your earthly scope
Know that where God is calling, there his strength awaits to carry you through
Background:
The Gospel of Luke was written by the well educated Luke himself.
Also the author of Acts, a chronological account of the beginning of the church and some say this was an account written by Luke, as a defense for the life of Paul as he was to be presenting his case in front of Caesar of Rome.
Luke’s perspective is very accurate, factual and brings a unique take on the life of Jesus.
We see the life of Simeon introduced
(vs25) Righteous & Devout man
Its easy to overlook a verse like this, but anytime in the bible we are given insight into another’s life, I think there is application to be drawn from that.
Taking into consideration they are people just like you and I
We can then glean off the character and insight as we allow the word of God to disciple us, viewing the lives in the bible as mentors, mere humans, spirit lead, that lived life just as you or I would
Noah Webster’s 1828 - Devout: Yielding a solemn and reverential attention to God in religious exercises, particularly in prayer.
Simeon was a devout man, yielding his rights to the Lord. Offering up his time in prayer, this holds weight as we look deeper into the life of Simeon.
This is a character quality we should all strive toward
Consolation: That which comforts, or refreshes the spirits; the cause of comfort; as the consolation of Israel.
He was waiting for the consolation of Israel
He was driven by the hope of the Messiah to come
This was his motivating factor
I think we can say the same, we have our hope set on the coming of the Messiah, only this coming is the second coming.
He was comforted by the Spirit, the Holy spirit that was upon him.
We now see three different aspects of the Spirit revealed
Holy Spirit Upon Him: this is the key part, now revealed is the very guidance and direction of Simeon’s faith
The Holy Spirit, leading and compelling him to his very ministry placed before him
(vs26) Revealed by the Holy Spirit
Simeon is in communion with God, being the devout man that he is
With this as a pre requisite, the Spirit has come upon him
Therefore the Spirit reveals to him : he would not see death…
(vs27) Lead by the Spirit
We see now that he enters into the temple by the Spirit
The spirit compelling him, guiding, leading and directing him
Application: I think we see in these three verse what a spirit lead life looks like.
First we stay in prayer. Being devout in our devotions to the Lord. Asking that the Spirit would fill and empower us.
This then prepares us, and brings us to a state of communion with the Spirit, where we are able to listen and hear the voice of God speak to us
Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God
It is in this stillness that we are able to hear clearly the voice of the Lord
When he give him undistracted, undivided time
Then we are lead to action
Through the empowerment of the Spirit, we then answer the call of the Lord
Through his strength and might
Isaiah 40:26 Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power not one is missing
Do not limit our God to the confines of your earthly scope
Know that where God is calling, there his strength awaits to carry you through
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
To Capture a Soul
Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits (ESV)
The complexity of the tongue, untamable but yet very powerful, and if taken into the captivity of Christ, a tool that can bring much glory to His name. James 3:8-10 “but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing.” Clearly we see a stark contrast in the blessing and cursing of the tongue, one leads to life and the other leads to death. The choice is ours, whether we choose death or life we will eat the fruits of that choice.
I want to focus in on the fruits of one who chooses life. Which brings me to Proverbs 11:30, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.” From the tree of life abounds the fruits of righteousness. I love the latter part of verse 30, because I believe this is a priceless fruit that abounds from the tree of life. I look at it like this. To capture ones soul and lead them to Christ, there is truly no greater gift. For when this life is over what are we left with. A soul, that will spend an eternity somewhere. Either heaven or hell, one who finds eternal life here on earth will forever be in the presence of the Lord. I can not think myself of a better gift to give someone. I could make earthly items my priority, giving to those who have need, which is biblical and is a blessed action. Although earthly items are only temporary, the eternal matter of a soul is priceless.
I am lead to proverbs 10:21, “the lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense.” This verse is such an encouragement to me, knowing that my lips, or words, which I have the ability to freely give, can feed many. I could meet needs physically, but this is a limited action, I am stuck within the scope of what I can afford and the means to disburse. Although with words, I can feed many. With no cost, expect a death to self. The cost was already paid, Christ gave his life that I might have salvation. I am now driven by a love for my savior, to pour out what has been freely poured into me.
Its verse 22 of chapter 10 that brings my point home. “The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.” The last part can be translated and toil adds nothing to it. When we allow the Lord to use us, we are able to be a blessing and take part in that blessing. I think of it like this. When your in the ministry serving the Lord, its not another day at work, if it is you have missed the point. If the work you are doing is in the Lords will it is not in vain. I look at the life of Paul, “For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God.” Paul understood what it meant to toil for the Lord. That yes there will be struggles, yes it will get hard, we will grow tired, physically, mentally and spiritually but the key is perspective.
With a proper perspective we are then able to take the task at hand and be driven by the eternal hope set before us. A proper worldview drives our behavior, it is then we are able to do a work with no sorrow added. It is important we keep this order, because its when we try and let our behavior drive our worldview we experience shortcoming. We grow weary and let our flesh limit us to our own perspective, our own frame of reference, only taking into consideration our own knowledge. But we look at this world through the lenses of Christ, filtering our thoughts and motivations through His word. Know this truth, “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete. Look at what is before your eyes. If anyone is confident that he is Christ's, let him remind himself that just as he is Christ's, so also are we.”
Application:
Today I am flying to Kenya. I will have opportunities to share Christ and what he’s doing in my life. I will trust that the Lord wants to use me to “capture souls”, and being obedient to that call step out in faith and be bold.
The complexity of the tongue, untamable but yet very powerful, and if taken into the captivity of Christ, a tool that can bring much glory to His name. James 3:8-10 “but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing.” Clearly we see a stark contrast in the blessing and cursing of the tongue, one leads to life and the other leads to death. The choice is ours, whether we choose death or life we will eat the fruits of that choice.
I want to focus in on the fruits of one who chooses life. Which brings me to Proverbs 11:30, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.” From the tree of life abounds the fruits of righteousness. I love the latter part of verse 30, because I believe this is a priceless fruit that abounds from the tree of life. I look at it like this. To capture ones soul and lead them to Christ, there is truly no greater gift. For when this life is over what are we left with. A soul, that will spend an eternity somewhere. Either heaven or hell, one who finds eternal life here on earth will forever be in the presence of the Lord. I can not think myself of a better gift to give someone. I could make earthly items my priority, giving to those who have need, which is biblical and is a blessed action. Although earthly items are only temporary, the eternal matter of a soul is priceless.
I am lead to proverbs 10:21, “the lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense.” This verse is such an encouragement to me, knowing that my lips, or words, which I have the ability to freely give, can feed many. I could meet needs physically, but this is a limited action, I am stuck within the scope of what I can afford and the means to disburse. Although with words, I can feed many. With no cost, expect a death to self. The cost was already paid, Christ gave his life that I might have salvation. I am now driven by a love for my savior, to pour out what has been freely poured into me.
Its verse 22 of chapter 10 that brings my point home. “The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.” The last part can be translated and toil adds nothing to it. When we allow the Lord to use us, we are able to be a blessing and take part in that blessing. I think of it like this. When your in the ministry serving the Lord, its not another day at work, if it is you have missed the point. If the work you are doing is in the Lords will it is not in vain. I look at the life of Paul, “For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God.” Paul understood what it meant to toil for the Lord. That yes there will be struggles, yes it will get hard, we will grow tired, physically, mentally and spiritually but the key is perspective.
With a proper perspective we are then able to take the task at hand and be driven by the eternal hope set before us. A proper worldview drives our behavior, it is then we are able to do a work with no sorrow added. It is important we keep this order, because its when we try and let our behavior drive our worldview we experience shortcoming. We grow weary and let our flesh limit us to our own perspective, our own frame of reference, only taking into consideration our own knowledge. But we look at this world through the lenses of Christ, filtering our thoughts and motivations through His word. Know this truth, “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete. Look at what is before your eyes. If anyone is confident that he is Christ's, let him remind himself that just as he is Christ's, so also are we.”
Application:
Today I am flying to Kenya. I will have opportunities to share Christ and what he’s doing in my life. I will trust that the Lord wants to use me to “capture souls”, and being obedient to that call step out in faith and be bold.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
All for His Glory
1 Timothy 1:16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life (ESV)
When I was reading this morning this verse spoke very clearly to me. Paul, a man who was forgiven for much, is someone I can relate to on a very personal level. Sometimes I wonder why would God choose to save me, to show me the light, remove the blinders from my eyes. When so many others are lost, bound by chains and living a life of hopeless regret. Then I am reminded, have I not just made this all about me in asking this? I let my self pity turn into pride instead of letting Gods mercy turn into an unconditional love for him. Paul, a former persecutor of the church, a sinner, of whom is referred to as the foremost, saved by the mercy and grace of God…and for what? That Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. I was saved by Christ, an unworthy narcissist. Not to walk in honor of self, as a chosen one, but to honor the one I was chosen by. All for his glory! If this fundamental truth is missed, then we have missed the faith. To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. Through the testimony of my life, God would will that his saving power would bring him all the glory. I find myself struggling with the capacity God has given to man. More so struggling with prideful thoughts, in turn holding back from ministering for the Lord in fear that my motives might not be pure. “You love say you love me, yet you are not over yourself. You don’t get it. It’s not about you! Put yourself aside and let me do the work, the words come from me anyway.” Then I was given this scripture. Psalm 67:1-2 May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all the nations. This is what its all about. Oh that God would make his face shine upon us, that someone might see Christ in us and come to know him. What rest I have found in this, I have seen God able to use me now for his glory. John said it, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” And that’s what it is, taking this perspective I have seen God do a work in me right before my eyes. His desires are becoming my desires, my story has become his story. Oh that someone would see Christ in me and find eternal life.
Application:
I am seeing the power of prayer in my life. Today I will pray for meekness and ask God to bring someone in my path that I could minister to. Knowing this requires an action on my part, that he will give the words as long as I give him the effort.
When I was reading this morning this verse spoke very clearly to me. Paul, a man who was forgiven for much, is someone I can relate to on a very personal level. Sometimes I wonder why would God choose to save me, to show me the light, remove the blinders from my eyes. When so many others are lost, bound by chains and living a life of hopeless regret. Then I am reminded, have I not just made this all about me in asking this? I let my self pity turn into pride instead of letting Gods mercy turn into an unconditional love for him. Paul, a former persecutor of the church, a sinner, of whom is referred to as the foremost, saved by the mercy and grace of God…and for what? That Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. I was saved by Christ, an unworthy narcissist. Not to walk in honor of self, as a chosen one, but to honor the one I was chosen by. All for his glory! If this fundamental truth is missed, then we have missed the faith. To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. Through the testimony of my life, God would will that his saving power would bring him all the glory. I find myself struggling with the capacity God has given to man. More so struggling with prideful thoughts, in turn holding back from ministering for the Lord in fear that my motives might not be pure. “You love say you love me, yet you are not over yourself. You don’t get it. It’s not about you! Put yourself aside and let me do the work, the words come from me anyway.” Then I was given this scripture. Psalm 67:1-2 May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all the nations. This is what its all about. Oh that God would make his face shine upon us, that someone might see Christ in us and come to know him. What rest I have found in this, I have seen God able to use me now for his glory. John said it, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” And that’s what it is, taking this perspective I have seen God do a work in me right before my eyes. His desires are becoming my desires, my story has become his story. Oh that someone would see Christ in me and find eternal life.
Application:
I am seeing the power of prayer in my life. Today I will pray for meekness and ask God to bring someone in my path that I could minister to. Knowing this requires an action on my part, that he will give the words as long as I give him the effort.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Foundation for Ministry
John 13:3 Jesus, knowing that the father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God (ESV)
This verse is the pinnacle of this section, a glance at the thoughts of Jesus. We see his motivating factor, it was for this reason Jesus washes the disciples feet. This is insight into the driving force that enabled Jesus to be the man he was. I wonder how often we try and create our faith, we spend more time creating an image of God in our head instead of allowing the mere that fact that he is present and within be enough. Jesus understood who God was, I am confident to say until we can gain a right perspective of who God is and our identity in him then our motives will not be pure and our work will be in vain. There are a few key things that are clearly shown in the section alone on how Jesus’ perspective of God allowed him to be obedient to the end. Looking back at verse 1 is, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. I think this is such a key verse as well. What makes it better is we see what enabled Jesus to walk this way, aside from an empowerment from the spirit, he allowed the fact that he has come from God and was going back to God to be his motivator to the end. This reminds me of Paul, I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus. Again Paul was a man who knew God, his worldview was shaped and molded by the word of God, and Gods character found within. Paul like Jesus, allowed this perspective and right understanding of God to motivate him till the end. To finish strong. In the words of Paul, Every athlete exercises self control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. Paul makes such a strong point here. If an Olympic trainer is willing to let a perishable wreath, motivate and drive them day in and day out until they receive their earthly reward, how much more should we be pressing on till the end for the eternal reward that awaits us. I look at the life of Paul and think if nothing else, what we can grab from him is perspective. He was a man who knew who he was, Paul a bondservant of Christ Jesus. He wore that badge proudly and had an eternal view of his identity in Christ. So back to the verse, what I grab from this is a better understanding of how Jesus viewed his relationship with the father. He knew from beginning to the end, God was in control of every step leading and providing along the way. He let the mere realization of that simple truth be his foundation for ministry.
Application:
Today I will set aside an hour to get into the word. I am coming to the end of one chapter in my life and about to start another, instead of taking a break and rewarding myself I will press on and finish out my time here strong.
This verse is the pinnacle of this section, a glance at the thoughts of Jesus. We see his motivating factor, it was for this reason Jesus washes the disciples feet. This is insight into the driving force that enabled Jesus to be the man he was. I wonder how often we try and create our faith, we spend more time creating an image of God in our head instead of allowing the mere that fact that he is present and within be enough. Jesus understood who God was, I am confident to say until we can gain a right perspective of who God is and our identity in him then our motives will not be pure and our work will be in vain. There are a few key things that are clearly shown in the section alone on how Jesus’ perspective of God allowed him to be obedient to the end. Looking back at verse 1 is, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. I think this is such a key verse as well. What makes it better is we see what enabled Jesus to walk this way, aside from an empowerment from the spirit, he allowed the fact that he has come from God and was going back to God to be his motivator to the end. This reminds me of Paul, I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus. Again Paul was a man who knew God, his worldview was shaped and molded by the word of God, and Gods character found within. Paul like Jesus, allowed this perspective and right understanding of God to motivate him till the end. To finish strong. In the words of Paul, Every athlete exercises self control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. Paul makes such a strong point here. If an Olympic trainer is willing to let a perishable wreath, motivate and drive them day in and day out until they receive their earthly reward, how much more should we be pressing on till the end for the eternal reward that awaits us. I look at the life of Paul and think if nothing else, what we can grab from him is perspective. He was a man who knew who he was, Paul a bondservant of Christ Jesus. He wore that badge proudly and had an eternal view of his identity in Christ. So back to the verse, what I grab from this is a better understanding of how Jesus viewed his relationship with the father. He knew from beginning to the end, God was in control of every step leading and providing along the way. He let the mere realization of that simple truth be his foundation for ministry.
Application:
Today I will set aside an hour to get into the word. I am coming to the end of one chapter in my life and about to start another, instead of taking a break and rewarding myself I will press on and finish out my time here strong.
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