Grace to Finish the Race
I was reading from Hebrews 12, "let us run with patience the race that is set before us". It made me reflect for a moment upon the bumps or crises we encounter in the race of life.
He was a pastor from Virginia, and I was visiting with him. "Everyone I know who has become a Christian has done so in a time of crisis," he said. I began to think about it. The more I ponder it, the more it seems true.
A crisis brings a person to God. It is when a child is suddenly stricken with illness that the parent prays. It is when a business faces bankruptcy that the owner turns to God for help. It is when the weather becomes so severe that people can not manage that it is called "an act of God." Curious, isn't it?
I read recently about Saul of Tarsus, from the Biblical book of Acts, Chapter 9. We know him today as "the Apostle Paul." Something happened to change him from Saul of Tarsus to the Apostle Paul - and that something was a crisis. He was smitten with temporary blindness as he traveled from Jerusalem to Damascus. During this time of crisis, he turned to God. In turning to faith, he learned two valuable lessons that crises will teach.
First, he learned the importance of depending on the Lord. When our strength is consumed, God's resources are available. Paul was extremely well educated, came from a good family and was apparently in robust health. He had power and possessions - and the pride that accompany them. But when the crisis hit in his life, he realized that what he needed most was the Lord. He needed to no longer serve self, but serve God.
Secondly, he learned to trust God. Are you able to trust God in the perplexing crises of life? I believe the answer to be "yes." One of the familiar greetings in the New Testament is "Grace and peace to you" (Philippians 1:2, among others). "Grace" is "the unmerited favor of God." It is God's favor and, quite often, God intervening in our lives to assist us in time of crisis. When writing 2 Corinthians (12:7), Paul discusses a "thorn in the flesh". This is a deliberately vague reference to a physical ailment. By keeping this ailment unidentified, the scripture makes it applicable to us all, in any type of ailment. The answer Paul received to his prayer is not, "I will heal you" but "My grace is sufficient for you." It is God's grace that keeps us from despair. How does God show His grace? Occasionally through direct action, usually through His body, the church. That is, through Christian friends who pray for you and come alongside to help, as best they can.
Are you going through a crisis? If so, turn to the One who can help you most- the living God. If you are not presently in a crisis, be assured that one will come into your life eventually. Be prepared for it by turning now to the living God. Learn to trust Him fully and depend upon His grace to see you through.
We need His grace to finish the race!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
The Virtual World
The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded recently to – drum roll, please – President Barack Obama.
Congratulations, President Obama, upon receiving this award. Certainly you must have accomplished some laudable achievement to have been so honored.
Wait a minute. No achievement comes to mind. Nor have any of the President’s public relations personnel presented a peace accomplishment.
What gives?
Welcome to the frightening world of virtual reality – where what a person says and how he looks is more meaningful than what he does. You may thank screen actors and entertainers for this new world, although they are not entirely to blame. None of these people have accomplished anything lasting, but portray on the screen those who have. How many surgeries have been performed by Leonardo DiCaprio? What startup business has Madonna been supervising recently? Yet these people make huge amounts of money. You may also thank the creators of computer games, who have led many into this intriguing and deceptive world. Virtual reality is, of course, unreality. But who cares? Certainly not the Nobel Peace Prize Committee.
Virtual reality has influenced the world more than you may realize. The awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to President Obama demonstrates that words and image now trump action and achievement. To speak words of hope is more important than to perform hope-giving deeds.
The culture of words has trumped the culture of deeds in our time. These cultures define “success” in different ways. The culture of deeds considers people successful who are laborers, entrepreneurs, soldiers, schoolteachers, charitable workers, accountants, police and fire fighters, etc – people who actually do something and accomplish a mission. The culture of words, the virtual culture, considers people successful who talk – especially on TV– and are looked upon with approbation by peers or media. These are people who are clever, articulate and look good in front of a camera.
In the culture of deeds, personal responsibility for one’s behavior is important. Bad ideas are repudiated. Poor decisions result in bankruptcy, divorce or some other failure. Good ideas and decisions result in prosperity and stability. The person makes decisions, acts on it and experiences the consequences.
In the virtual culture of words and image, there are no negative consequences. Presidents can talk about what they are going to do and be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Professors who have no experience running a business and who never served in the armed forces spend their time denouncing American industry and the military without fear of censure - their statements are quoted on TV and occasionally in the daily paper; former members of Congress who receive guaranteed generous pensions speak lunacies about global warming (the planet has been cooling for the past several consecutive years according to the British Broadcasting System) or some other intellectually fashionable fad, demanding societal changes that any rational person knows would destroy the economy and cause untold misery for millions of people. Nothing done by the virtual reality culture results in producing jobs, increasing wealth, or improving the life of the average American citizen. There are no negative consequences, as long as the person looks good and is articulate. If a person speaks words of hope and as long as he or she looks good doing it, nothing else matters. Deeds no longer count.
President Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on the basis of his words and image, not on the basis of his deeds. In the new world of the “virtual”, what more can we expect? This is the unreal world of “hope so” and make believe. Obama looks good and talks well, so we will make believe that he has brought peace to some part of the world, even though he has really, non-virtually, not done so.
Welcome to the virtual world.
The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded recently to – drum roll, please – President Barack Obama.
Congratulations, President Obama, upon receiving this award. Certainly you must have accomplished some laudable achievement to have been so honored.
Wait a minute. No achievement comes to mind. Nor have any of the President’s public relations personnel presented a peace accomplishment.
What gives?
Welcome to the frightening world of virtual reality – where what a person says and how he looks is more meaningful than what he does. You may thank screen actors and entertainers for this new world, although they are not entirely to blame. None of these people have accomplished anything lasting, but portray on the screen those who have. How many surgeries have been performed by Leonardo DiCaprio? What startup business has Madonna been supervising recently? Yet these people make huge amounts of money. You may also thank the creators of computer games, who have led many into this intriguing and deceptive world. Virtual reality is, of course, unreality. But who cares? Certainly not the Nobel Peace Prize Committee.
Virtual reality has influenced the world more than you may realize. The awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to President Obama demonstrates that words and image now trump action and achievement. To speak words of hope is more important than to perform hope-giving deeds.
The culture of words has trumped the culture of deeds in our time. These cultures define “success” in different ways. The culture of deeds considers people successful who are laborers, entrepreneurs, soldiers, schoolteachers, charitable workers, accountants, police and fire fighters, etc – people who actually do something and accomplish a mission. The culture of words, the virtual culture, considers people successful who talk – especially on TV– and are looked upon with approbation by peers or media. These are people who are clever, articulate and look good in front of a camera.
In the culture of deeds, personal responsibility for one’s behavior is important. Bad ideas are repudiated. Poor decisions result in bankruptcy, divorce or some other failure. Good ideas and decisions result in prosperity and stability. The person makes decisions, acts on it and experiences the consequences.
In the virtual culture of words and image, there are no negative consequences. Presidents can talk about what they are going to do and be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Professors who have no experience running a business and who never served in the armed forces spend their time denouncing American industry and the military without fear of censure - their statements are quoted on TV and occasionally in the daily paper; former members of Congress who receive guaranteed generous pensions speak lunacies about global warming (the planet has been cooling for the past several consecutive years according to the British Broadcasting System) or some other intellectually fashionable fad, demanding societal changes that any rational person knows would destroy the economy and cause untold misery for millions of people. Nothing done by the virtual reality culture results in producing jobs, increasing wealth, or improving the life of the average American citizen. There are no negative consequences, as long as the person looks good and is articulate. If a person speaks words of hope and as long as he or she looks good doing it, nothing else matters. Deeds no longer count.
President Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on the basis of his words and image, not on the basis of his deeds. In the new world of the “virtual”, what more can we expect? This is the unreal world of “hope so” and make believe. Obama looks good and talks well, so we will make believe that he has brought peace to some part of the world, even though he has really, non-virtually, not done so.
Welcome to the virtual world.
Friday, November 6, 2009
I Am Praying for Her
“I don’t like her.”
It could just as easily been written, “I don’t like him.” Either way, it is something to consider.
Life is filled with episodes where misunderstanding occurs. Someone may disagree in an unpleasant manner. We enter into a business arrangement with another person and then that person violates his or her word. We may be the object of another person’s gossip, and genuinely find the situation puzzling – and maddening. Consequently, we conclude “I don’t like her.”
Jesus said, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Are there any practices we can incorporate to help us deal with a person we don’t like? Yes, there are a few.
It is important to understand one huge truth: you may not ever be able to change another person, but you can change yourself. Your attitude about a person you don’t like must change if you are to have peace of mind and maintain a sound relationship with God. Think about ways to change yourself, rather than ways to change the other person.
Seek contact. Remember that the other person is just that – a person. Most of us avoid a person we don’t like, and so that person becomes a monster in our minds. Don’t allow the person you don’t like to become a monster in your thinking. The more you are exposed to a person, the more you see the humanness of that person – warts and all.
Do something nice for the person. Is this difficult? Then send a card. Just purchase one with a prayerful message and sign your name. Nothing more. By doing good to another, the barrier of animosity starts breaking down. This is important for your own well being – you need to do this for yourself, if not for the other person.
Look for humor. Joke about whatever annoys you, and if you are able to poke fun at your own reaction, do it. Nothing neutralizes bad feelings like a good laugh. In many situations you have two choices: either to become angry or to laugh. Choose laughter.
Act friendly. We do not usually act the way we feel. We feel the way we act. Do good things and you feel good. Act the way you want to feel. Feelings always follow actions.
Resist criticism. Otherwise, the criticism will put you in a position from which it will be difficult to extricate yourself later. You probably do not know everything and later information could change your thinking about the person you don’t presently like.
Remember happy shared experiences. Recall the good times. Emphasize this in your thinking.
Cultivate a grateful heart. Remember all for which you should be grateful. Develop a thankful heart, and every time an annoying or maddening thought crosses your mind, erase it with a thought of gratitude.
To maintain your spiritual equilibrium, learn to change your thinking from “I don’t like her” to…
“I am praying for her.”
“I don’t like her.”
It could just as easily been written, “I don’t like him.” Either way, it is something to consider.
Life is filled with episodes where misunderstanding occurs. Someone may disagree in an unpleasant manner. We enter into a business arrangement with another person and then that person violates his or her word. We may be the object of another person’s gossip, and genuinely find the situation puzzling – and maddening. Consequently, we conclude “I don’t like her.”
Jesus said, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Are there any practices we can incorporate to help us deal with a person we don’t like? Yes, there are a few.
It is important to understand one huge truth: you may not ever be able to change another person, but you can change yourself. Your attitude about a person you don’t like must change if you are to have peace of mind and maintain a sound relationship with God. Think about ways to change yourself, rather than ways to change the other person.
Seek contact. Remember that the other person is just that – a person. Most of us avoid a person we don’t like, and so that person becomes a monster in our minds. Don’t allow the person you don’t like to become a monster in your thinking. The more you are exposed to a person, the more you see the humanness of that person – warts and all.
Do something nice for the person. Is this difficult? Then send a card. Just purchase one with a prayerful message and sign your name. Nothing more. By doing good to another, the barrier of animosity starts breaking down. This is important for your own well being – you need to do this for yourself, if not for the other person.
Look for humor. Joke about whatever annoys you, and if you are able to poke fun at your own reaction, do it. Nothing neutralizes bad feelings like a good laugh. In many situations you have two choices: either to become angry or to laugh. Choose laughter.
Act friendly. We do not usually act the way we feel. We feel the way we act. Do good things and you feel good. Act the way you want to feel. Feelings always follow actions.
Resist criticism. Otherwise, the criticism will put you in a position from which it will be difficult to extricate yourself later. You probably do not know everything and later information could change your thinking about the person you don’t presently like.
Remember happy shared experiences. Recall the good times. Emphasize this in your thinking.
Cultivate a grateful heart. Remember all for which you should be grateful. Develop a thankful heart, and every time an annoying or maddening thought crosses your mind, erase it with a thought of gratitude.
To maintain your spiritual equilibrium, learn to change your thinking from “I don’t like her” to…
“I am praying for her.”
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
The 101% Principle
I’ve been thinking about the Corinthian church recently. Founded by the Apostle Paul, it was a church with great potential, but also with its problems. It was probably the most difficult church of any that Paul helped start and then established. It was riddled with division and immorality.
I used to think such difficulties were limited to churches. I have since come to learn that any organization made up of people can suffer the same condition.
What strikes me about Paul’s letters to the Corinthian church is that he holds out great hope for these people. He tells them that their disputes can be settled, they can rediscover unity and work together to further the cause.
I think Paul had a basis for holding out this hope. God had shown Paul that these people were redeemable. They were redeemable because they were made in His image and His Spirit was actually at work among them.
I read recently of “the 101% Principle”. This is the idea that you find 1% that can be affirmed in a person or group of persons. Then you give 100% of your attention to it (the 1% that is good or admirable in a person). This admiration and affirmation is stressed long and hard. Then you are able to confront about disturbing matters.
I should tell you that I do not think confrontation is best handled in a loud, argumentative way. It can be handled in a thoughtful and considerate way. Unfortunately, some persons will conclude that you are not serious. But most will, upon reflection, appreciate your tactful approach. It respects their dignity as a person.
The Corinthian church had divisions. Some wanted to follow one person, some another. Four groups were competing for leadership. Nothing has been more detrimental to the local church than when pastors begin competing against one another for a following. They should be cooperating with one another, building a following for Christ. We all need to learn that God will raise up a person when He desires; we should not be involved in promoting ourselves.
The Corinthian church had also fallen into defilement. Sexual immorality was taking place, and the leadership was content to ignore it. Some behaviors are ignored to the hurt of the church’s witness.
However, in spite of these serious problems, the Corinthian church was commended by Paul. How could such a church be commended? Paul saw the 1% that was good in them: they had been touched by God. His Presence and blessing were among them (1 Corinthians, Chapter 1). As a result, they were entirely capable of making right decisions and living honorably.
If we learn properly from Paul, we will begin to incorporate the 101% principle. Start looking for the good in another person. Emphasize it in your thinking. Learn to pray for the person. Even those who are wretched individuals have something in them commendable. You may have to look long and hard, but discipline yourself to look for good in another. Affirm this good. Then if you need to speak about differences, this will smooth the way.
Now, granted, the other person may not change. The 1% may not enlarge itself into 2% or 15%. But one thing will change when you use the 101% Principle. You! You will begin to see people in a different light, a better light. Life will be better and happier for you. And really, that is enough reason to begin using…
The 101% Principle.
I’ve been thinking about the Corinthian church recently. Founded by the Apostle Paul, it was a church with great potential, but also with its problems. It was probably the most difficult church of any that Paul helped start and then established. It was riddled with division and immorality.
I used to think such difficulties were limited to churches. I have since come to learn that any organization made up of people can suffer the same condition.
What strikes me about Paul’s letters to the Corinthian church is that he holds out great hope for these people. He tells them that their disputes can be settled, they can rediscover unity and work together to further the cause.
I think Paul had a basis for holding out this hope. God had shown Paul that these people were redeemable. They were redeemable because they were made in His image and His Spirit was actually at work among them.
I read recently of “the 101% Principle”. This is the idea that you find 1% that can be affirmed in a person or group of persons. Then you give 100% of your attention to it (the 1% that is good or admirable in a person). This admiration and affirmation is stressed long and hard. Then you are able to confront about disturbing matters.
I should tell you that I do not think confrontation is best handled in a loud, argumentative way. It can be handled in a thoughtful and considerate way. Unfortunately, some persons will conclude that you are not serious. But most will, upon reflection, appreciate your tactful approach. It respects their dignity as a person.
The Corinthian church had divisions. Some wanted to follow one person, some another. Four groups were competing for leadership. Nothing has been more detrimental to the local church than when pastors begin competing against one another for a following. They should be cooperating with one another, building a following for Christ. We all need to learn that God will raise up a person when He desires; we should not be involved in promoting ourselves.
The Corinthian church had also fallen into defilement. Sexual immorality was taking place, and the leadership was content to ignore it. Some behaviors are ignored to the hurt of the church’s witness.
However, in spite of these serious problems, the Corinthian church was commended by Paul. How could such a church be commended? Paul saw the 1% that was good in them: they had been touched by God. His Presence and blessing were among them (1 Corinthians, Chapter 1). As a result, they were entirely capable of making right decisions and living honorably.
If we learn properly from Paul, we will begin to incorporate the 101% principle. Start looking for the good in another person. Emphasize it in your thinking. Learn to pray for the person. Even those who are wretched individuals have something in them commendable. You may have to look long and hard, but discipline yourself to look for good in another. Affirm this good. Then if you need to speak about differences, this will smooth the way.
Now, granted, the other person may not change. The 1% may not enlarge itself into 2% or 15%. But one thing will change when you use the 101% Principle. You! You will begin to see people in a different light, a better light. Life will be better and happier for you. And really, that is enough reason to begin using…
The 101% Principle.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Say a Great Big Yes to the Lord
One of the finest examples of American entrepreneurship is that of R.G. Letourneau.
In his biography R.G. Letourneau: Mover of Men and Mountains, the story is told of Letourneau beginning his career in Stockton, California. One of his first jobs was regrading dirt to level out farmland. Becoming frustrated with moving dirt by crawler-tractor, he sought a better way. In 1922 he constructed the first all-welded scraper and fashioned designs for scrapers. One thing led to another, R.G. Letourneau, Inc. was born, and R.G. (Robert Gilmore) became the greatest obstacle-mover in history, building enormous earth-moving machines. During the Second World War, his company produced 70% of all the army’s earth-moving machinery. As a result, he became a multi-millionaire.
Letourneau was a believer in Christ, and he always spoke of God as Chairman of his Board. He also practiced tithing, giving 10% to his church. As his wealth increased, so did his percentage giving. He eventually was giving 90% to his church and other Christian organizations, keeping 10% for his needs and those of his wife, Evelyn. In respect to tithing, his testimony was simple. He was convinced that as a result of tithing and giving above the tithe, his business had been divinely blessed. “The money came in faster than I could give it away” was one refrain he frequently repeated. He then elaborated on this by using an illustration from one of the huge Caterpillars. “I shovel it out, and God shovels it back, but God has a bigger shovel.” A special friend of Billy Graham, Letourneau assisted greatly in establishing the financial base for Mr. Graham’s evangelistic efforts. Letourneau also established an outstanding Christian university in Longview, Texas that is thriving to this day.
R.G. Letourneau’s life verse was Matthew 6:33, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” His life evidenced the truth of this scripture.
Letourneau’s life and book remind all of us that mountains are here to be moved. Jesus Himself, in speaking of mountains in our lives – anger, depression, vices – said as much. “I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’, and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” – Matthew 17:20.
America needs more men like R.G. Letourneau. Men who take time to think creatively. Men who know God and desire to serve Him. Men who are unafraid of what others may think.
Another favorite quote from R.G. Letourneau is, “You will never know what you can accomplish until you say a great big yes to the Lord.”
How about you?
Say a great big yes to the Lord.
One of the finest examples of American entrepreneurship is that of R.G. Letourneau.
In his biography R.G. Letourneau: Mover of Men and Mountains, the story is told of Letourneau beginning his career in Stockton, California. One of his first jobs was regrading dirt to level out farmland. Becoming frustrated with moving dirt by crawler-tractor, he sought a better way. In 1922 he constructed the first all-welded scraper and fashioned designs for scrapers. One thing led to another, R.G. Letourneau, Inc. was born, and R.G. (Robert Gilmore) became the greatest obstacle-mover in history, building enormous earth-moving machines. During the Second World War, his company produced 70% of all the army’s earth-moving machinery. As a result, he became a multi-millionaire.
Letourneau was a believer in Christ, and he always spoke of God as Chairman of his Board. He also practiced tithing, giving 10% to his church. As his wealth increased, so did his percentage giving. He eventually was giving 90% to his church and other Christian organizations, keeping 10% for his needs and those of his wife, Evelyn. In respect to tithing, his testimony was simple. He was convinced that as a result of tithing and giving above the tithe, his business had been divinely blessed. “The money came in faster than I could give it away” was one refrain he frequently repeated. He then elaborated on this by using an illustration from one of the huge Caterpillars. “I shovel it out, and God shovels it back, but God has a bigger shovel.” A special friend of Billy Graham, Letourneau assisted greatly in establishing the financial base for Mr. Graham’s evangelistic efforts. Letourneau also established an outstanding Christian university in Longview, Texas that is thriving to this day.
R.G. Letourneau’s life verse was Matthew 6:33, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” His life evidenced the truth of this scripture.
Letourneau’s life and book remind all of us that mountains are here to be moved. Jesus Himself, in speaking of mountains in our lives – anger, depression, vices – said as much. “I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’, and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” – Matthew 17:20.
America needs more men like R.G. Letourneau. Men who take time to think creatively. Men who know God and desire to serve Him. Men who are unafraid of what others may think.
Another favorite quote from R.G. Letourneau is, “You will never know what you can accomplish until you say a great big yes to the Lord.”
How about you?
Say a great big yes to the Lord.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Learn to Praise God in Adversity
Someone has said, “If life is a classroom, adversity is its teacher.”
Every adverse incident in life has teaching power. The most powerful lessons are learned in the crucible of adversity.
We can also learn from others who have undergone hardship and who desire to pass along their lessons. And do you know what? We need to learn from others. One of the great sources for learning from adversity is the Bible.
For example, the lesson regarding Paul and Silas in prison is instructive. This lesson is found in the Biblical book of Acts, Chapter 16. Unlawfully arrested and placed in jail, these men were found singing praises to God. Their praising was not because the accommodations were luxurious; on the contrary, the accommodations were horrible. Their faith-filled perspective and joyous singing was noticed by the other prisoners and the jail keeper.
We love to sing praises, don’t we? But the context of our doing this is usually comfortable accommodations and lack of persecution. Do we love to give God praise in the worst of circumstances? When someone criticizes you or treats you offensively, do you praise God or do you complain? What lessons might others be learning from you?
After a while of singing praise choruses, Paul and Silas experienced divine intervention. The Lord caused an earthquake to occur, setting Paul and Silas free. Could it have been that God intervened precisely because Paul and Silas chose to praise Him rather than complain to Him? Which response do you think invites God to intervene in a positive way? How do you respond to adversity?
Following the earthquake, Paul and Silas saw others come to faith in God. Their worship and praise had left a mark. Others had seen their positive faith response in the midst of adversity. Paul and Silas had taught the others that there is a God. Furthermore, that God is in charge of even a bad situation. He can use it for good. Having absorbed these lessons, the listeners wanted what Paul and Silas had. They wanted a personal relationship with this personal God.
If life is a classroom and adversity is its teacher, then we are to praise and worship in every conceivable situation. If life is a classroom and adversity is its teacher, then God wants to use us in every situation to convey lessons about His goodness and sovereignty. If life is a classroom and adversity is its teacher, then when we pray, God is invited to intervene in our circumstances.
Learn to praise God in adversity.
Someone has said, “If life is a classroom, adversity is its teacher.”
Every adverse incident in life has teaching power. The most powerful lessons are learned in the crucible of adversity.
We can also learn from others who have undergone hardship and who desire to pass along their lessons. And do you know what? We need to learn from others. One of the great sources for learning from adversity is the Bible.
For example, the lesson regarding Paul and Silas in prison is instructive. This lesson is found in the Biblical book of Acts, Chapter 16. Unlawfully arrested and placed in jail, these men were found singing praises to God. Their praising was not because the accommodations were luxurious; on the contrary, the accommodations were horrible. Their faith-filled perspective and joyous singing was noticed by the other prisoners and the jail keeper.
We love to sing praises, don’t we? But the context of our doing this is usually comfortable accommodations and lack of persecution. Do we love to give God praise in the worst of circumstances? When someone criticizes you or treats you offensively, do you praise God or do you complain? What lessons might others be learning from you?
After a while of singing praise choruses, Paul and Silas experienced divine intervention. The Lord caused an earthquake to occur, setting Paul and Silas free. Could it have been that God intervened precisely because Paul and Silas chose to praise Him rather than complain to Him? Which response do you think invites God to intervene in a positive way? How do you respond to adversity?
Following the earthquake, Paul and Silas saw others come to faith in God. Their worship and praise had left a mark. Others had seen their positive faith response in the midst of adversity. Paul and Silas had taught the others that there is a God. Furthermore, that God is in charge of even a bad situation. He can use it for good. Having absorbed these lessons, the listeners wanted what Paul and Silas had. They wanted a personal relationship with this personal God.
If life is a classroom and adversity is its teacher, then we are to praise and worship in every conceivable situation. If life is a classroom and adversity is its teacher, then God wants to use us in every situation to convey lessons about His goodness and sovereignty. If life is a classroom and adversity is its teacher, then when we pray, God is invited to intervene in our circumstances.
Learn to praise God in adversity.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Nothing Less Will Do
Sir Wilfred Grenfell.
Probably not a name you have heard. People in Labrador, Canada have heard the name, however. While a medical student at London University in the late 1800’s, Grenfell was impressed by the sermons of Dwight Moody. He surrendered his life to Jesus Christ and, in the same year, joined the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen. During the next five years he served as surgeon on the first hospital ship dispatched to the North Sea fisheries. In 1892 Grenfell initiated missionary service to the fishermen of Labrador. He soon became absorbed in improving the living conditions of the inhabitants of the Labrador coast, and he undertook to raise funds from numerous speaking tours. In these tours he would invite people to join him with the words, “I can not guarantee you will make money, but I can guarantee that you will have the time of your life.” Later he established the Grenfell Association, with branches in England, the United States, Newfoundland and other parts of Canada. Upon his retirement in 1932, as a direct result of his labors, there existed six hospitals, four hospital ships, seven nursing stations, two orphanages, two large schools, fourteen industrial centers and a cooperative lumber mill. All done in the name and in the spirit of Christ.
I read about Grenfell just recently. Honestly, before a week ago I had never heard of him. His rhetoric, “I can not guarantee you will make money, but I can guarantee that you will have the time of your life”, made me think of the words of Jesus, “whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple” – Luke 14:27. Both were phrases calling for total commitment.
Jesus made a call for total commitment. In thinking about this call and in studying the history of the disciples, we can surmise why. Only Jesus knows the future. Only obedience to this call will sustain us in the troubles that lay ahead. Only Jesus offers His Presence in the here and now, and eternal life in the age to come.
Andrew and Peter died by crucifixion – their courage sustained by total commitment to Christ and His offer of life. . Bartholomew died by being flayed to death – sustained by total commitment to Christ. Shall we continue through the list? Only John died a natural death of old age – and that was after being returned from exile on the small island of Patmos.
James, son of Zebedee, was beheaded
James, son of Alphaeus, was beaten to death
Thomas was run through with a lance
Matthias was stoned and then beheaded
Matthew was slain by the sword
Thaddeus was shot to death with arrows
Philip was hanged
All found the courage to withstand their trials by having made a total commitment to Christ.
Christianity is not just a feel good, experience success in your sex life, Sunday morning religion. It is a hungering and thirsting after God. A hungering and thirsting that brings a person to Christ, Who alone knows the future of this person and has the supernatural ability to sustain in all trials.
For courage to face difficulties, for inner strength to endure difficulties, fully commit to Christ.
Nothing less will do.
Sir Wilfred Grenfell.
Probably not a name you have heard. People in Labrador, Canada have heard the name, however. While a medical student at London University in the late 1800’s, Grenfell was impressed by the sermons of Dwight Moody. He surrendered his life to Jesus Christ and, in the same year, joined the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen. During the next five years he served as surgeon on the first hospital ship dispatched to the North Sea fisheries. In 1892 Grenfell initiated missionary service to the fishermen of Labrador. He soon became absorbed in improving the living conditions of the inhabitants of the Labrador coast, and he undertook to raise funds from numerous speaking tours. In these tours he would invite people to join him with the words, “I can not guarantee you will make money, but I can guarantee that you will have the time of your life.” Later he established the Grenfell Association, with branches in England, the United States, Newfoundland and other parts of Canada. Upon his retirement in 1932, as a direct result of his labors, there existed six hospitals, four hospital ships, seven nursing stations, two orphanages, two large schools, fourteen industrial centers and a cooperative lumber mill. All done in the name and in the spirit of Christ.
I read about Grenfell just recently. Honestly, before a week ago I had never heard of him. His rhetoric, “I can not guarantee you will make money, but I can guarantee that you will have the time of your life”, made me think of the words of Jesus, “whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple” – Luke 14:27. Both were phrases calling for total commitment.
Jesus made a call for total commitment. In thinking about this call and in studying the history of the disciples, we can surmise why. Only Jesus knows the future. Only obedience to this call will sustain us in the troubles that lay ahead. Only Jesus offers His Presence in the here and now, and eternal life in the age to come.
Andrew and Peter died by crucifixion – their courage sustained by total commitment to Christ and His offer of life. . Bartholomew died by being flayed to death – sustained by total commitment to Christ. Shall we continue through the list? Only John died a natural death of old age – and that was after being returned from exile on the small island of Patmos.
James, son of Zebedee, was beheaded
James, son of Alphaeus, was beaten to death
Thomas was run through with a lance
Matthias was stoned and then beheaded
Matthew was slain by the sword
Thaddeus was shot to death with arrows
Philip was hanged
All found the courage to withstand their trials by having made a total commitment to Christ.
Christianity is not just a feel good, experience success in your sex life, Sunday morning religion. It is a hungering and thirsting after God. A hungering and thirsting that brings a person to Christ, Who alone knows the future of this person and has the supernatural ability to sustain in all trials.
For courage to face difficulties, for inner strength to endure difficulties, fully commit to Christ.
Nothing less will do.
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