Tuesday, May 11, 2010
God's Gift
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Sore Feet; Soft Hearts
and so as we stood at the ticket counter we didn't really expect to have any difficulty.
Receiving my boarding pass along with one of the other guys we began to walk for the
gate. We thought we might miss our flight and were determined to hold the people at the
gate to wait for the rest of the group. Finding the gate there was no time designation, we
needed to know the departure time. Asking one of the officials we knew the Lord was doing
something. The plane was an hour and 30 minutes late. The rest of the group had not shown.
What could possibly be keeping them this long? They were handing out boarding passes
when we left.
Our stomachs were now informing us of their neglect, and so finding a small pizzeria we sat down for a delicious meal. We were discussing the Lord's return when one
of the guys looked at his watched and we realized another half-hour had passed. The rest
of the group was still absent. Pray. We must pray, this is not a normal thing taking place.
Apparently the Lord was seeking to use our group as those through whom
he could express his love. We prayed. We all prayed. Those being held back were
praying as well. Prayer changes things. The Lord was beginning to move in hearts.
Back at the ticket counter a discrepancy had risen concerning the wait and
cost of the luggage. Each person had been instructed to pack their bags lightly
this would allow for us to carry the supplies we would bring to Boca Del Rio.
Sometimes what you have to give is not always for the people whom you had in mind.
Our group was told that there would be an $1100 charge for the extra weight in our
luggage. This was an impossibility, but our God is the living God. He knew the needs of
every person working there at the airport. Two bags had been set aside as those which
we were willing to lose if any loss were necessary. Opening these bags two things could
be seen; shoes by the dozens and Bibles by the hundreds. Someone from our group
was standing by an employee from the airport and asked, "Do you want a pair shoes?"
Her eyes increased two sizes at least, and began to say how her children were in desperate
need of shoes. As she began sorting through the shoes something happened.
Hearts were touched. Workers from began talking to people in our group, and one
after another, shoes were being handed out to those families in need. Shoes then led to Bibles. Those with sore feet now had softened hearts and his love came flowing through.
Certainly we couldn't allow these people see the love of God and not know that it is
indeed his love. So they began to speak. Sharing the great love of God for each of them.
Tears were being shed, compassion was being shared, and darkness was shred to pieces.
Lives were changed as the gospel was both demonstrated and spoken.
Seeing such compassion the airline allowed the group to go on not
charging but for a single bag, which with such results we were glad to pay.
Meanwhile back at the pizzeria myself and those with me all said, "Amen," as we finished praying. We immediately began discussing the greatness of Christ's love for
those here on earth in light of his return that he would care for each of our needs.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Fear; Not Knowing Him
Friday, March 12, 2010
Making Disciples; Making Him Known
~Making disciples must always remain on the forefront of our minds. The production of those who maintain the same disciplines that we have learned from Christ is the mission of the Great Commission. Making disciples is the activity which bridges the gap between the physical and the spiritual dimensions of the Christian life—the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
~Setting our eyes to the making of disciples is a mistake, for we are to be looking unto the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Setting our eyes to making disciples is a mistake, yet without the making of disciples we are without a mission. Like a high-powered sports car spinning its tires at the start line is the life of the believer who is not making disciples. Fuel is in the engine, the engine is on, and the peddle is to the floor, but you’re going nowhere, accomplishing nothing for the Kingdom of God. Please understand that we do have times when we need to take time to be filled with his Spirit and be sure that we are ready to go, but all this is done for purpose of knowing our God and making him known.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Being Faithful and thereby Knowing God
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Conduit of Grace
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Before His Throne
Revelation 4:6
and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire,which are the seven spirits of God,
~Where are the seven spirits of God? They are before his throne. Now you remember back in the first chapter in verse 4 we were introduced to the seven spirits of God. There they were indeed made out to be a part of God—a person of God. We were told that they were ‘before his throne’. Then we saw that not only were the seven spirits before the throne of God, but also the lampstands were before his throne. The lampstands are the churches (Rev. 1:12-13, 20). So, the lampstands and the spirits of God are in the same location and of the same number. In the Tabernacle the lampstands were filled with oil—the oil is a type of the Holy Spirit. The oil fueled the fire which was the light of the Tabernacle, and was certainly in the same location as the lampstands. As we moved into the third chapter of Revelation we saw as Jesus referred to himself as “him who has the seven spirits of God”. This is enforcing that the seven spirits of God are indeed a part of God. Now here, in chapter 4, we are told, “Before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God.” So, we are looking at that part of God which is like a fire.
In the book of Acts we see as the Holy Spirit is poured out upon the church for the first time the disciples began to speak in tongues and tongues of fire appeared above them. As Paul spoke to Timothy he exhorted him to ‘fan the flame’ that was within him; referring to his gifts of the Spirit. Hereto it would seem that the Book of Revelation is painting a picture for us of the Holy Spirit.
But why seven spirits? Well, traditionally the number seven is the sense of completeness. Remember Jesus told his disciples that it was better for him to leave and to send the Holy Spirit rather than to stay. Why would it be good for God in the flesh, the Creator of the Universe on earth, to leave earth? Well, that person of God which would be sent would be able to be with them no matter where their location. Jesus could only be in one place at a time. The seven spirits of God indicate that the Holy Spirit is that part of God who being in multiple locations is still complete.
Understanding this let it be known that God will be with you no matter your location (Psalm 139). Furthermore, ask yourself this question: How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit, overflowing day after day? Is this not a necessity of the Christian life? The Holy Spirit is our power for godly living, and for the bold proclamation of the Gospel. Where is the completeness of the Spirit of God? The completeness of the Spirit of God is before his throne. Therefore, I plead with you come boldly before the throne of grace that you might receive mercy and grace in the time of need (Heb. 4:16). Each morning as you arise come before his throne and let the fire of God burn within that you may be the light of the world. Allow men to see the good works produced from such a burning and give glory to the Father who is in heaven (Matt. 5:16).
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Toil of Growth
For all of you who have loved ones and others whom you desire to the Lord be encouraged if you've planted seeds, the seeds are being watered and the Son is shining, soon they'll being growing. Remember it's God who gives the increase.
Dark, lonely, without the light of day
Wide and straining the eyes remain
Looking, Hoping for the smallest glimmer or ray
Wet and moist is the ground due to rain
Small, delicate, seemingly dying
When will it end, this struggle for life
Little one please cease the sense of worry
In the hand of life’s author, currently you rest
Breathe, stop, be still and know
After all this is where seeds grow
Days are long, rest is little
On your knees continue focused and determined
No distractions, the matter is settled
Hearts are hard, but with time soften
As rain falls long and often
When the sun comes out, begins to shine
Take hold of the plow, without a glance behind
Time seems long, and work seems slow
But God is God, be still and know
After all this is where seeds grow