"How can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one whom whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" Romans 10:14
Paul was burdened for the salvation of his countrymen (9:3) and he prayed for their salvation (10:1). But he knew that in addition to burden and prayer someone had to preach the gospel to them. Salvation is as simple as calling on Jesus in faith. It's so simple that people stumble over it looking for a harder way. Yet to call on Jesus people need to hear the good news. "And how can they year without someone preaching to them?" To "preach" in this case is just to pass on the good news. It doesn't require a suit and a pulpit to be a preacher. All we need is a burden for lost people and a willingness to share with them the love of Jesus.
Father, in the words of Isaiah (Is. 6:8) I want to say to you "Here am I! Send me!"
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Sharing Christ's Burden
"I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, the people of Israel." Romans 9:2-4a
Paul, the missionary to the Gentile people, carried a great burden for the salvation of his own Jewish people. So great was his desire for their salvation that he was willing if possible to 'be cursed and cut off from Christ' himself in order that they might be saved. Wow!!! He was willing to give up his own salvation if in doing so he could help them to be saved! How deep is your burden for the people of our country and community? When Jesus saw the lost he felt deep compassion for them (Matthew 9:36) and He actually did give up his life for them. As a follower of Jesus, Paul shared Jesus' deep compassion. May God help us also care deeply for the lost who are around us.
Father, I confess that my concern for lost people is something less than what Paul felt but I pray that You would deepen it by filling me with the compassion of Jesus.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Paul, the missionary to the Gentile people, carried a great burden for the salvation of his own Jewish people. So great was his desire for their salvation that he was willing if possible to 'be cursed and cut off from Christ' himself in order that they might be saved. Wow!!! He was willing to give up his own salvation if in doing so he could help them to be saved! How deep is your burden for the people of our country and community? When Jesus saw the lost he felt deep compassion for them (Matthew 9:36) and He actually did give up his life for them. As a follower of Jesus, Paul shared Jesus' deep compassion. May God help us also care deeply for the lost who are around us.
Father, I confess that my concern for lost people is something less than what Paul felt but I pray that You would deepen it by filling me with the compassion of Jesus.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Life in the Spirit
"Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires." Romans 8:5
Oswald Chambers states, "The Spirit alone does in us what Jesus did for us." Jesus by his death and resurrection defeated sin and provided salvation for those who believe in him. The Holy Spirit enables us to live out the salvation life that Jesus has provided. As we depend on Jesus to save us, so we must depend on the Holy Spirit to sanctify us (conform us to God's will in our daily living). We must work with the Spirit in this process by turning our minds away from the desires of the sinful nature to focus them on the desires of the Spirit. As we work with the Spirit we will move from victory to victory in Christ-like living.
Father, thank you for giving me Your Spirit to live in me and transform me according to Your will. Help me to be fully cooperative today with the Spirit's work of sanctification in my life.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Oswald Chambers states, "The Spirit alone does in us what Jesus did for us." Jesus by his death and resurrection defeated sin and provided salvation for those who believe in him. The Holy Spirit enables us to live out the salvation life that Jesus has provided. As we depend on Jesus to save us, so we must depend on the Holy Spirit to sanctify us (conform us to God's will in our daily living). We must work with the Spirit in this process by turning our minds away from the desires of the sinful nature to focus them on the desires of the Spirit. As we work with the Spirit we will move from victory to victory in Christ-like living.
Father, thank you for giving me Your Spirit to live in me and transform me according to Your will. Help me to be fully cooperative today with the Spirit's work of sanctification in my life.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Victory in Jesus
"What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" Romans 7:24-25
Under the dominion of the sinful nature we are unable to change our ways and do the good we want to do and know that we should do. We are unable to "rescue" ourselves from the death that sin brings. We are helpless. But there is One who can rescue us from this death! There is One who can empower me to do the good I want to do! It is Jesus Christ alone who has conquered sin and death and is able to conquer them in our life. In Christ I am not a helpless victim of sin but I am a victor over sin.
Father, thanks be to you for the rescue from sin's dominion and curse through Jesus Christ. Help to live as a victor over sin through the power of Jesus Christ rather than a victim of sin.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Under the dominion of the sinful nature we are unable to change our ways and do the good we want to do and know that we should do. We are unable to "rescue" ourselves from the death that sin brings. We are helpless. But there is One who can rescue us from this death! There is One who can empower me to do the good I want to do! It is Jesus Christ alone who has conquered sin and death and is able to conquer them in our life. In Christ I am not a helpless victim of sin but I am a victor over sin.
Father, thanks be to you for the rescue from sin's dominion and curse through Jesus Christ. Help to live as a victor over sin through the power of Jesus Christ rather than a victim of sin.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Monday, May 25, 2009
God's Slave
"You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness." Romans 6:18
A person is either a slave to sin which results in death or a slave to God which leads to life. Apart from Christ we are held in slavery to sin so that we do those things that sin desires. Through faith in Christ's atoning death we die with Him and are set free from sin's mastery. Death ends the obligation of slavery. Now with new life in Christ we are free to serve God in righteousness and holiness. We must choose daily to offer our self and the members of our body to God for righteousness and refuse to offer them to sin for unrighteousness. Before we died with Christ we had no choice but to obey sin. Now we choose daily whom we will serve and as ones saved by Christ no choice but service to God makes sense. "...count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus" (6:11).
Father, thank you for rescuing me from the dominion of sin through the death of Jesus. Help now to live in Him as Your slave in righteousness and holiness.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
A person is either a slave to sin which results in death or a slave to God which leads to life. Apart from Christ we are held in slavery to sin so that we do those things that sin desires. Through faith in Christ's atoning death we die with Him and are set free from sin's mastery. Death ends the obligation of slavery. Now with new life in Christ we are free to serve God in righteousness and holiness. We must choose daily to offer our self and the members of our body to God for righteousness and refuse to offer them to sin for unrighteousness. Before we died with Christ we had no choice but to obey sin. Now we choose daily whom we will serve and as ones saved by Christ no choice but service to God makes sense. "...count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus" (6:11).
Father, thank you for rescuing me from the dominion of sin through the death of Jesus. Help now to live in Him as Your slave in righteousness and holiness.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Peace with God
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1
Justification (being put into right relationship with God) through faith in Jesus' atoning death and resurrection leads to peace with God. In our sinful rebellion we were God's enemies (5:10) but in Christ we are reconciled to the God who created us and loves us. The former enmity is gone because Jesus absorbed teh righteous wrath of Go God for us in His crucificxion (5:9). Now we able to walk with God in peace (5:1), grace (5:2), joy (5:3), hope (5:4), and love (5:5).
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your great work of reconciliation that has brought to me this incredible life of peace, grace, joy, hope, and love in You.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Justification (being put into right relationship with God) through faith in Jesus' atoning death and resurrection leads to peace with God. In our sinful rebellion we were God's enemies (5:10) but in Christ we are reconciled to the God who created us and loves us. The former enmity is gone because Jesus absorbed teh righteous wrath of Go God for us in His crucificxion (5:9). Now we able to walk with God in peace (5:1), grace (5:2), joy (5:3), hope (5:4), and love (5:5).
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your great work of reconciliation that has brought to me this incredible life of peace, grace, joy, hope, and love in You.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Justified!
"He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification."
Romans 4:25
Justification is to be placed into right standing before God. Our justification required Jesus' death for our sins so that they could be forgiven and His resurrection from the dead so that He could present His sacrifice to the Father as the means of our being made right with God. In our lives justification is a transaction that can take place in a matter of seconds. We realize our sin, confess it to God, trust in Jesus as our Savior and instantly we pass from sin to justification, from death to life. But we need to remember how great the cost of this incredible transaction was to God.
Dear God, I praise you for justifying me through Christ. I praise You, Father, for loving me and pursuing me through the gift of Your Son. I praise You, Lord Jesus, for humbly giving Yourself over to death on my behalf. I praise You, Holy Spirit, for raising Christ from the dead (1:4) and drawing me to Him.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Romans 4:25
Justification is to be placed into right standing before God. Our justification required Jesus' death for our sins so that they could be forgiven and His resurrection from the dead so that He could present His sacrifice to the Father as the means of our being made right with God. In our lives justification is a transaction that can take place in a matter of seconds. We realize our sin, confess it to God, trust in Jesus as our Savior and instantly we pass from sin to justification, from death to life. But we need to remember how great the cost of this incredible transaction was to God.
Dear God, I praise you for justifying me through Christ. I praise You, Father, for loving me and pursuing me through the gift of Your Son. I praise You, Lord Jesus, for humbly giving Yourself over to death on my behalf. I praise You, Holy Spirit, for raising Christ from the dead (1:4) and drawing me to Him.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
The Gospel
"This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Romans 3:22-24
All people regardless of nationality (Jew or Gentile) or religion (Judaism or paganism or whatever else) stand before God in the same position as a sinner who has fallen short of God's glory. And to all who realize and admit their sin there is the same opportunity to receive a right standing with God through faith in Jesus Christ and His sacrificial death for sin. All are sinners and can be saved through faith in Jesus Christ alone. This is the gospel.
Father, thank you for this great salvation that You have given me from sin through Jesus. I cannot boast for I have done nothing and you have done everything to make me righteous before You. I can and will only trust You and glorify You.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
All people regardless of nationality (Jew or Gentile) or religion (Judaism or paganism or whatever else) stand before God in the same position as a sinner who has fallen short of God's glory. And to all who realize and admit their sin there is the same opportunity to receive a right standing with God through faith in Jesus Christ and His sacrificial death for sin. All are sinners and can be saved through faith in Jesus Christ alone. This is the gospel.
Father, thank you for this great salvation that You have given me from sin through Jesus. I cannot boast for I have done nothing and you have done everything to make me righteous before You. I can and will only trust You and glorify You.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Praise from God
Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God.
Romans 2:29B
There’s a phrase hidden in the theological discourse of Romans 2 which causes me to respond, “Hey, that’s what I want!” I would very much like to enjoy God being pleased with me. Sure, it’s nice to receive praise from people…but receiving praise from God sounds fantastic!
Who is the person God commends? The person God has transformed from the inside out, whose faith is not just an outward show: the person whose heart is completely given to God.
Today, Lord, I ask You to continue to develop me into the fully devoted follower who pleases You. Receiving praise from You is only to Your credit—You are the One who transforms lives.
Blessings,
Jim Barker
Romans 2:29B
There’s a phrase hidden in the theological discourse of Romans 2 which causes me to respond, “Hey, that’s what I want!” I would very much like to enjoy God being pleased with me. Sure, it’s nice to receive praise from people…but receiving praise from God sounds fantastic!
Who is the person God commends? The person God has transformed from the inside out, whose faith is not just an outward show: the person whose heart is completely given to God.
Today, Lord, I ask You to continue to develop me into the fully devoted follower who pleases You. Receiving praise from You is only to Your credit—You are the One who transforms lives.
Blessings,
Jim Barker
Monday, May 18, 2009
The Verse that Shook the World
"For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'" Romans 1:17
In 1515 while preparing to lecture at the University of Wittenberg on the book of Romans the truth of this verse shook the life of the devout monk, priest, and professor Martin Luther. Luther had struggled to earn God's favor and secure his salvation through amassing good works but had the haunting feeling that he could never measure up to God's righteousness and could only expect God's wrath. He was right. Our works will never achieve God's righteousness or earn His favor. What this verse says is that righteousness comes from God through the gospel and it is received by faith. It is by faith from first to last, in other words our works have nothing to do with it. It's all God's work and we receive righteousness as His gift through faith in Christ who died for our sins. When Luther grasped this truth he began to preach it with the result that the church and the world were shaken (the protestant reformation) by the rediscovery of the ancient and true gospel.
Father, I thank you for the righteousness that You have given to me through Christ and I trust in Him alone for my salvation. Help me to never lose sight of the true gospel and to faithfully share it with others so that they may made right with You through faith in Christ.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
In 1515 while preparing to lecture at the University of Wittenberg on the book of Romans the truth of this verse shook the life of the devout monk, priest, and professor Martin Luther. Luther had struggled to earn God's favor and secure his salvation through amassing good works but had the haunting feeling that he could never measure up to God's righteousness and could only expect God's wrath. He was right. Our works will never achieve God's righteousness or earn His favor. What this verse says is that righteousness comes from God through the gospel and it is received by faith. It is by faith from first to last, in other words our works have nothing to do with it. It's all God's work and we receive righteousness as His gift through faith in Christ who died for our sins. When Luther grasped this truth he began to preach it with the result that the church and the world were shaken (the protestant reformation) by the rediscovery of the ancient and true gospel.
Father, I thank you for the righteousness that You have given to me through Christ and I trust in Him alone for my salvation. Help me to never lose sight of the true gospel and to faithfully share it with others so that they may made right with You through faith in Christ.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Sunday, May 17, 2009
The Story Goes On
"When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him. ...For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ." Acts 28:16, 30-31
The story of Acts ends with Paul under "house arrest" chained to a Roman soldier. We are not told the outcome of this trial, or of Paul's further work, or his eventual martyrdom. Although these are facts we would be interested in, it seems the book of Acts ends at this point to highlight the true star of the story and the ongoing mission of the church. It is not Paul the Apostle but the Lord Jesus Christ who was the star. It is the preaching of the good news of Jesus that is the ongoing mission. So the story ends with Christ being preached. Paul was chained but the Gospel was still going out unhindered (see 2 Timothy 2:8-9). Whether it is Paul or the next person the mission remains to proclaim Jesus Christ to our world and the Holy Spirit is still with His church to enable this bold proclamation.
Father, help our church to continue the mission of proclaiming Jesus in our day through the power of the Holy Spirit. And help me regardless of my circumstances to do my part.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
The story of Acts ends with Paul under "house arrest" chained to a Roman soldier. We are not told the outcome of this trial, or of Paul's further work, or his eventual martyrdom. Although these are facts we would be interested in, it seems the book of Acts ends at this point to highlight the true star of the story and the ongoing mission of the church. It is not Paul the Apostle but the Lord Jesus Christ who was the star. It is the preaching of the good news of Jesus that is the ongoing mission. So the story ends with Christ being preached. Paul was chained but the Gospel was still going out unhindered (see 2 Timothy 2:8-9). Whether it is Paul or the next person the mission remains to proclaim Jesus Christ to our world and the Holy Spirit is still with His church to enable this bold proclamation.
Father, help our church to continue the mission of proclaiming Jesus in our day through the power of the Holy Spirit. And help me regardless of my circumstances to do my part.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Calm in the Storm
"Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul, you must stand trial before Caesar, and God has graciously given You the lives of all who sail with you.'" Acts 27:23-24
When their ship was threatened by intense storms, sailors and soldiers panicked but God's servant remained calm. Paul was calm in the storm because of the presence and promise of God. He was able to lead and encourage others out of his faith in God. "Storms" provide the true test of our relationship with God. It is easy to have faith when sailing is smooth, but when the waters of life become rough can we be calm in God because we rely on His presence and trust in His promise? Can we be used of God to serve others as we pass through the storm?
Father, I want to live so close to You that I can be as calm and useful to You in the storm as on smooth waters. Draw me closer today.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
When their ship was threatened by intense storms, sailors and soldiers panicked but God's servant remained calm. Paul was calm in the storm because of the presence and promise of God. He was able to lead and encourage others out of his faith in God. "Storms" provide the true test of our relationship with God. It is easy to have faith when sailing is smooth, but when the waters of life become rough can we be calm in God because we rely on His presence and trust in His promise? Can we be used of God to serve others as we pass through the storm?
Father, I want to live so close to You that I can be as calm and useful to You in the storm as on smooth waters. Draw me closer today.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
All Who Are Listening
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Paul replied, "Short or long - I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains." - Acts 26:29
Paul used his opportunity to defend himself before King Agrippa as an opportunity to preach the good news of Christ. He was more concerned with his accuser’s eternal judgment than he was his own legal fate. After telling his story and explaining that Christ was the fulfillment of the prophets Paul let his audience know that his pray was for all of them to follow Christ as he did. You may not be on trail, but we all have opportunities to tell about what God has done in our lives. Who are you sharing your story with? Are you praying for them to follow Christ?
Lord, you are my hope. Help me to see those around me who don’t have the same hope that I do, and give me the boldness to share about what you’ve done in my life regardless of how it may affect their opinion of me.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Dead? or Alive!
"Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive." Acts 25:19
The above is the Roman Governor Festus' explanation of the charges the Jews were bringing against the Apostle Paul. To many people in our day Jesus is a dead man but to us who know Him He is alive. But do we who know better at times live as if Jesus were dead? We admire Him, honor Him, follow His teachings, and carry on His work but do we believe and embrace His living presence with us? Jesus is not only a figure of the past whose life guides us. He is a living Savior who is ready to walk with us and work among us. He is alive! Don't live as if He were dead.
Lord Jesus, You are living and You are here. Help me to know only believe it and proclaim it but to experience Your living presence daily as I walk with You in faith.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
The above is the Roman Governor Festus' explanation of the charges the Jews were bringing against the Apostle Paul. To many people in our day Jesus is a dead man but to us who know Him He is alive. But do we who know better at times live as if Jesus were dead? We admire Him, honor Him, follow His teachings, and carry on His work but do we believe and embrace His living presence with us? Jesus is not only a figure of the past whose life guides us. He is a living Savior who is ready to walk with us and work among us. He is alive! Don't live as if He were dead.
Lord Jesus, You are living and You are here. Help me to know only believe it and proclaim it but to experience Your living presence daily as I walk with You in faith.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Monday, May 11, 2009
Keeping a Clear Conscience
"So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man." Acts 24:12
Because Paul believed in the resurrection of the righteous and wicked (v. 15), He also believed in accountability to God. Therefore he was diligent to maintain a clear conscience--to have no offense on his "record"--before God and man. In this world that dismisses sins lightly we may be tempted to take the world's attitude toward sin. We need to maintain such a vision of God in our life that we see sin as He sees it and therefore strive diligently to keep our conscience clear before Him at all times.
Father, help me to maintain a clear vision of You in my life that causes me to strive to maintain a clear conscience before You. I thank you for Your grace that cleanses me from past faults, help me to walk in present holiness.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Because Paul believed in the resurrection of the righteous and wicked (v. 15), He also believed in accountability to God. Therefore he was diligent to maintain a clear conscience--to have no offense on his "record"--before God and man. In this world that dismisses sins lightly we may be tempted to take the world's attitude toward sin. We need to maintain such a vision of God in our life that we see sin as He sees it and therefore strive diligently to keep our conscience clear before Him at all times.
Father, help me to maintain a clear vision of You in my life that causes me to strive to maintain a clear conscience before You. I thank you for Your grace that cleanses me from past faults, help me to walk in present holiness.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Sunday, May 10, 2009
He Stands Near
"The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, 'Take courage! As I you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.'" Acts 23:11
In Paul's time of trial "the Lord stood near" him and encouraged him to continue to bear witness faithfully. Where is the Lord in our time of trials? He is near us as He promised. "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). Sometimes we feel His nearness and other times we feel abandoned. But it is His promise and not our feelings to which we must cling. Feel Him or not He is near and He will sustain us in our trials.
Father, help me to know your nearness in trials and to trust in Your faithfulness even when my feelings mislead me. I rejoice in and cling to your presence today.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
In Paul's time of trial "the Lord stood near" him and encouraged him to continue to bear witness faithfully. Where is the Lord in our time of trials? He is near us as He promised. "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). Sometimes we feel His nearness and other times we feel abandoned. But it is His promise and not our feelings to which we must cling. Feel Him or not He is near and He will sustain us in our trials.
Father, help me to know your nearness in trials and to trust in Your faithfulness even when my feelings mislead me. I rejoice in and cling to your presence today.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Thursday, May 7, 2009
He is Lord
"'What shall I do, Lord?' I asked." Acts 22:10
When Paul met Jesus on the Damascus road and recognized Him as the Lord he asked the only fitting question, "What shall I do?" If I call Jesus Lord then I must ask "What shall I do?" He is Lord and He must be Lord of all my doing. I am His and His will is my mission. With His word as our guide let's do His will today.
Lord Jesus, what shall I do? Teach me your will and help to walk in it day by day.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
When Paul met Jesus on the Damascus road and recognized Him as the Lord he asked the only fitting question, "What shall I do?" If I call Jesus Lord then I must ask "What shall I do?" He is Lord and He must be Lord of all my doing. I am His and His will is my mission. With His word as our guide let's do His will today.
Lord Jesus, what shall I do? Teach me your will and help to walk in it day by day.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
At What Price?
"When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, 'Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.'" Acts 21:12-13
At the price of his personal freedom, even at the price of his life, Paul was determined to do what he believed to be the Lord's will. He would not be dissuaded by the well meaning pleas of friends to do otherwise. Has God called you to do something difficult, even costly? At what price are you willing to do what you understand to be God's will? Do not let the well-meaning pleas of friends or of your own flesh dissuade you from doing what you understand to be God's will. Entrust your self completely to the strong hand of God who calls us and sustains us in His will.
Father, help me to understand Your will and then to be fully determined to do it no matter the price and so unwilling to be turned aside from it by well-meaning pleas. Help me to listen to Your voice then to trust and obey.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
At the price of his personal freedom, even at the price of his life, Paul was determined to do what he believed to be the Lord's will. He would not be dissuaded by the well meaning pleas of friends to do otherwise. Has God called you to do something difficult, even costly? At what price are you willing to do what you understand to be God's will? Do not let the well-meaning pleas of friends or of your own flesh dissuade you from doing what you understand to be God's will. Entrust your self completely to the strong hand of God who calls us and sustains us in His will.
Father, help me to understand Your will and then to be fully determined to do it no matter the price and so unwilling to be turned aside from it by well-meaning pleas. Help me to listen to Your voice then to trust and obey.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
On Mission
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.
Acts 20:24
When is the last time that you set out on a mission? Paul had his mission and his destination clear in his sights. He was on his way to Jerusalem and en route he made a stop to provide encouragement to the Ephesian elders. I would have loved to been one of the elders listening to the Apostle as he expressed these words in Acts 20:24. As I think about these words and ponder the thought of what I value in this life, I often ask myself if I would consider my life worth nothing except finishing the race and task that Jesus has given me. What hurdles in my life have taken me off course and have I lost sight of the ultimate prize. I encourage you to read Philippians 3:10-11.
Father, help me to see what obstacles and hurdles that I have put in place that has thrown me off course. Thank you for saving me and giving me the awesome, yet humbling task of proclaiming your Word to a lost world.
Acts 20:24
When is the last time that you set out on a mission? Paul had his mission and his destination clear in his sights. He was on his way to Jerusalem and en route he made a stop to provide encouragement to the Ephesian elders. I would have loved to been one of the elders listening to the Apostle as he expressed these words in Acts 20:24. As I think about these words and ponder the thought of what I value in this life, I often ask myself if I would consider my life worth nothing except finishing the race and task that Jesus has given me. What hurdles in my life have taken me off course and have I lost sight of the ultimate prize. I encourage you to read Philippians 3:10-11.
Father, help me to see what obstacles and hurdles that I have put in place that has thrown me off course. Thank you for saving me and giving me the awesome, yet humbling task of proclaiming your Word to a lost world.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Let the Lion Loose
"[Paul] took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord. ...In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power." Acts 19:9-10, 20
God moved in amazing ways through Paul's ministry in Ephesus. The key to this dynamic ministry was faithfulness to "the word of of the Lord." As the word was faithfully preached and taught by Paul and his companions it "spread widely" so that it was heard throughout the surrounding province and it "grew in power" as many believed and experienced radical transformation (demonstrated through open repentance from their past evil ways). I am reminded of Charles Spurgeon's statement, "The word of God is like a lion; you don't have to defend it, you just turn it loose." God's word is powerful! If we are faithful to preach and teach it then it will spread out widely and grow in power in our community.
Father, thank you for your powerful Word. Help us to preach it, teach it, and share it faithfully so that it may spread and transform lives in our community as it did in ancient Ephesus.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
God moved in amazing ways through Paul's ministry in Ephesus. The key to this dynamic ministry was faithfulness to "the word of of the Lord." As the word was faithfully preached and taught by Paul and his companions it "spread widely" so that it was heard throughout the surrounding province and it "grew in power" as many believed and experienced radical transformation (demonstrated through open repentance from their past evil ways). I am reminded of Charles Spurgeon's statement, "The word of God is like a lion; you don't have to defend it, you just turn it loose." God's word is powerful! If we are faithful to preach and teach it then it will spread out widely and grow in power in our community.
Father, thank you for your powerful Word. Help us to preach it, teach it, and share it faithfully so that it may spread and transform lives in our community as it did in ancient Ephesus.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Sunday, May 3, 2009
"One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: 'Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.'" Acts 18:9-10
Jesus had promised, "I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). He reminded Paul of His promised presence as he served in the difficult city of Corinth. Jesus is always faithful to His promise. As we obey His call and share His name we can count on His presence to encourage and strengthen us for the task.
Lord Jesus, make me aware of Your faithful presence and help me to serve and witness in the power of Your presence today.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Jesus had promised, "I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). He reminded Paul of His promised presence as he served in the difficult city of Corinth. Jesus is always faithful to His promise. As we obey His call and share His name we can count on His presence to encourage and strengthen us for the task.
Lord Jesus, make me aware of Your faithful presence and help me to serve and witness in the power of Your presence today.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
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