March Devotionals
| March 31, 2007 THE HEAVENS PRAISE YOUR WONDERS, O LORD, YOUR FAITHFULNESS TOO, IN THE ASSEMBLY OF THE HOLY ONES. ( PSALM 89:5 * NIV ) Now in this complicated World we live in, we often over take for granted simple things that are true blessings indeed! However, when we stop and look at life through a child's eyes, we sometimes become more aware of these blessings. So today we will do just that through a message that I have received from one of our Brother's In Christ, for out of the mouths of babes sometimes comes great wisdom indeed! After all; GOD PERFORMS WONDERS THAT CAN- NOT BE FATHOMED, MIRACLES THAT CAN NOT BE COUNTED. ( JOB 5:9 *NIV ) ___________________________ The Seven Wonders Of The World! A group of students was asked to list what they thought were the present Seven Wonders of the World. Though there was some disagreement, the following got the most votes: 1. Egypt's Great Pyramids 2. Taj Mahal 3. Grand Canyon 4. Panama Canal 5. Empire State Building 6. St. Peter's Basilica 7. China's Great Wall While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one quiet student hadn't turned in her paper yet, so she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list. The girl replied, "Yes, a little. I couldn't quite make up my mind because there were so many." The teacher said, "Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help." The girl hesitated, then read, "I think the Seven Wonders of the World are: 1. to See 2. to Taste 3. to Touch 4. to Hear She hesitated a little, and then added, 5. to Feel 6. to Laugh 7. and to Love The room was so full of silence you could have heard a pin drop. Those things we overlook as simple and "ordinary" are truly wondrous. This is a gentle reminder that the most precious things in life cannot be bought. God gave them to us. Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections. So, may you always be happy and see beyond. Amen. March 30, 2007 Embracing the Lean Times by Os Hillman, March 30, 2007 But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. - Jeremiah 17:7 Have you ever considered at what point a test becomes so difficult that you decide you can no longer trust in God and you must take over to solve the problem? The prophet Jeremiah describes a situation in which the temptation to solve a financial problem can become so great that we trust in man's way to solve it. This is what the Lord says: "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord. He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit" (Jeremiah 17:5-8). Jeremiah drew a sharp comparison between the man who trusts in his own effort to solve his problem and the man who trusts in God when he cannot see the outcome. The man who trusts in God bears fruit despite the circumstances in his life. He does not shrivel when the heat comes; in fact, his roots go deeper into God's grace. He continues to bear fruit in spite of his circumstances. Recently, a friend from South Africa explained to me that whenever a plant lives in an arid climate, the roots drive deeper and deeper into the soil to get the water they need. This forces the plant to develop a root system that is far beyond the normal plant because it is forced to go deeper to gain the water it needs. Sometimes God forces us to go deeper into the grace of His love in order to build a greater foundation in our own lives. These lean times are designed to accomplish this in us. If you find yourself in this condition, ask the Lord who provides the water for our soul for the grace you need today to continue to bear fruit in the desert. March 29, 2007 Understanding Our Own Calling by Os Hillman ..."If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow Me." - John 21:22 Jesus was talking to Peter after he had just had a very important encounter with Him-one of the last meetings the two would have. This was the third time Jesus had shown Himself to the disciples after His resurrection. It is the famous dialogue between Jesus and Peter in which Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him. Jesus followed by commanding, "Feed My sheep." Jesus went on to foretell of Peter's future death. As they were walking together, John was with Peter and Jesus. Peter asked Jesus about John and whether he would die also. Jesus reacted sharply to Peter's comment, telling him not to worry about what John's role or purpose was in life. All Peter had to do was worry about fulfilling his own purpose. As workplace believers we tend to measure our success on whether we have achieved a certain position or stature in life. Even as Christians the temptation to believe that someone is blessed if they have achieved prominence is always confronting us. In His discussion with Peter, Jesus was getting at the very heart of the matter of a person's calling. Peter was worried about whether his friend John was going to get the same lot in life as he was. Jesus told him it should not be his concern. He was to concern himself only with one thing: his own calling before God. Are you tempted to compare yourself with where others are in their life? Are you dissatisfied with where God has you right now? Be of good cheer-"[be] confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Phil. 1:6). March 28, 2007 I WILL GIVE YOU A NEW HEART AND PUT A NEW SPIRIT WITHIN YOU; I WILL TAKE THE HEART OF STONE OUT OF YOUR FLESH AND GIVE YOU A NEW HEART OF FLESH. I WILL PUT MY SPIRIT WITHIN YOU AND CAUSE YOU TO WALK IN MY STATUES, AND YOU WILL KEEP MY JUDGMENTS AND DO THEM. ( EZEKIEL 36:26-27 *NKJV ) Now this verse proves that GOD did the very first heart transplant. In fact HE has been doing transplants for thousands of years! Even better than that, the heart that GOD gives to us is filled with the fruit of the spirit! And THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS AND SELF-CONTROL. ( GALATIANS 5:22 ) Remember when you invited GOD into your life, Scott?. Think about how hard your life was before that day! Also think about how your life has changed for the better since then! Now just in case you haven't received that new heart yet, today would be a great day to ask GOD for it! No appointment is needed, and HE won't leave you in the waiting room for two hours, reading last years magazines either! By the way you won't need health Insurance to pay for it because is a free gift from GOD as well. So why not ask GOD for that new heart today, if you haven't already? For HE has said: "THEN I WILL GIVE THEM ONE HEART, AND I WILL PUT A NEW SPIRIT WITHIN THEM, AND TAKE THE STONY HEART OUT OF THEIR FLESH, AND GIVE THEM A HEART OF FLESH, THAT THEY MAY WALK IN MY STATUTES AND KEEP MY JUDGMENTS AND DO THEM; AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE, AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD." ( EZEKIEL 11:19 ) Now , may you GROW IN THE GRACE AND KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. TO HIM BE GLORY BOTH NOW AND FOREVER! AMEN. ( 2 PETER 3:18 ) Resolving the Ownership Issue by Os Hillman The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for He founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. - Psalm 24:1-2 As Christian workplace believers, God calls us to view Him as the owner of everything. We are to be stewards of all that He entrusts to us. This is one of the hardest of all commandments to follow for the Christian workplace believer because, if we work hard at business, we receive all the benefits of that work. It appears as though all that we have achieved was through our hand. Yet God says that it is by His hand that we are able to make wealth (see Deut. 8). He is the source of that ability. As soon as we become owners and not managers, we fall into trouble with God. Joseph understood that he was a steward of all the resources of Egypt. God promoted him to affect an entire region of the world. Joseph had more power, prestige, and wealth than any 30-year-old who ever lived before him. The temptation for him in this newfound role in life must have been great. Many a man has not been able to handle material success. Many of God's choicest servants began well in their calling and service to God only to fail at the end. Consider Hezekiah, the great king who achieved many great things but failed to acknowledge God's blessing at the end of his reign. His reign was cut short due to pride. Gideon's fate was similar. Success can lead to pride if we are not careful. "Not every man can carry a full cup. Sudden elevation frequently leads to pride and a fall. The most exacting test of all to survive is prosperity" [Oswald Chambers]. Ask the Lord today if you are living as a steward or an owner. Put whatever skills and resources you possess on His altar. Then you can expect God to do great things through you. March 27, 2007 Treasures in Darkness by Os Hillman I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. - Isaiah 45:3 "I have never been in this place before. It is new ground for me, and I find I am way out of my comfort zone. I am scared to death to trust Him at this level. I had to confess to the Lord I have not been able to accept or believe His love for me in this area." Those were the words I expressed to a friend when I was in a difficult place in my life. That day when I confessed those words, God led me to this passage of Scripture. What we perceive as dark periods in our lives are designed to be treasures from God. They are actually riches stored in secret places. We cannot see those times in this light because of the often-accompanying pain or fear that prevents us from accepting these times as treasures. They have a particular purpose from God's viewpoint: "...so that you may know that I am the Lord...who summons you by name." You see, unless we are cast into times in which we are completely at God's mercy for breakthroughs in our lives, we will never experience God's faithfulness in those areas. We will never know how personal He is, or that He can be trusted to meet the deepest needs in our lives. God wants each of us to know that we are "summoned by name." Every hair of our head is numbered. He knows every activity we are involved in. His love for you and me knows no bounds, and He will take every opportunity to demonstrate this to us. Has God brought you into a place of darkness? Trust Him today to reveal that hidden treasure that can be found in this darkness. Let Him summon you by name. March 26, 2007 Living a Life of Conviction by Os Hillman For we know, brothers loved by God, that He has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. - 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5a Everyone lives a life of conviction. Whatever we give our greatest time, our greatest energies, and our greatest resources to is a good indication of where our convictions lie. Some live a life of conviction about sports. Some live a life of conviction around pleasure. Still others live a life of conviction about very little that matters at all. Whenever God chooses to do a deep work in a life, a strong conviction is born of the Holy Spirit. Conversions in the early Church resulted in changed lives that held to a deep, life-transforming conviction regarding what they believed and how they lived out that belief. Paul explains that the gospel they received came not just in words, but also in power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. In order to impact the workplace for Jesus Christ, each of us must be reflecting a faith that is demonstrated through deeply held convictions. Are you living a life of deep conviction that spurs you on to reflect the power of Christ in your life and the lives of others? Paul was willing to suffer great persecution for his faith in a living God. God calls each of us to a life that is supernatural, not simply a good, moral life. The early Church understood the role the Holy Spirit played in demonstrating this power of the gospel. It was this deep work that resulted in living the gospel with great conviction. If you are not living the gospel with great conviction, ask the Holy Spirit to so fill your life today that the power of His Spirit is truly reflected in your life so that you may impact others in your workplace. March 25, 2007 Peace-A Weapon Against Satan by Os Hillman Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me. - Psalm 23:4a KJV In the battles of the workplace, your peace is actually a weapon. The workplace creates many opportunities to rob us of our peace. Cash flow concerns, deadlines, relationships - all create stress on us. Your confidence in the God of peace declares that you are not falling for the lies of the devil. You see the first step toward having spiritual authority over the adversary is having peace in spite of our circumstances. When Jesus confronted the devil, he did not confront satan with His emotions or in fear. Knowing that the devil was a liar, He simply refused to be influenced by any voice other than God's. His peace overwhelmed satan; His authority then shattered the lie, which sent demons fleeing. There is a place of walking with God where you simply fear no evil. David faced a lion, a bear, and a giant. In this Psalm he stood in the "shadow of death" itself, yet he "feared no evil." David's trust was in the Lord. He said, "...for Thou art with me." Because God is with you, every adversity you face will unfold in victory as you maintain your faith in God! David continued, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies" (Ps. 23:5a). The battle you are in will soon become a meal for you, an experience that will nourish and build you up spiritually. Only God's peace will quell your fleshly reactions in battle. The source of God's peace is God Himself. If fear has been knocking at your door, begin to face that fear with God's peace. It is God's secret weapon to destroy fear. March 24, 2007 I WILL LOVE YOU, O LORD, MY STRENGTH. THE LORD IS MY ROCK AND MY FORTRESS AND MY DELIVERER; MY GOD, MY STRENGTH, IN WHOM I TRUST; MY SHIELD AND THE HORN OF MY SALVATION, MY STRONGHOLD. ( PSALM 18:1-2 *NKJV ) God is always with us through thick or thin because none of life's problems are to powerful for Him. So when I received the following message this week from one of our subscribers, I had to pass it along. I hope that you will enjoy it as much as I do. It is called....... The Holy Alphabet A lthough things are not perfect B ecause of trial or pain C ontinue in thanksgiving D o not begin to blame E ven when the times are hard F ierce winds are bound to blow G od is forever able H old on to what you know I magine life without His love J oy would cease to be K eep thanking Him for all the things L ove imparts to thee M ove out of "Camp Complaining" N o weapon that is known O n earth can yield the power P raise can do alone Q uit looking at the future R edeem the time at hand S tart every day with worship T o "thank" is a command U ntil we see Him coming V ictorious in the sky W e'll run the race with gratitude X alting God most high Y es, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but... Z ion waits in glory...where none are ever sad! So when life throws you a curve, that the shortest distance between a problem and a solution, is the distance between your knees and the floor. After all the one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything! Amen. March 23, 2007 No Confidence in the Flesh by Os Hillman If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more. - Philippians 3:4b The apostle Paul surely could relate to the business executive. Paul reached the height of his profession only to have it completely stripped and torn from him. What he thought mattered in life became rubbish compared to what God did in his heart as He destroyed what seemed valuable at the time. It took a dramatic event to bring Paul into this revelation. It took a bright light, blindness, and the most fearful experience a human could have - being addressed personally by God, who was questioning why Paul was persecuting His people. It would not be too long after his conversion that Paul would learn one of the greatest lessons every child of God must learn. That lesson is to avoid putting confidence in the flesh. In our work we are rewarded for achievement. It is a "measurable" life. We work. We see results. We get certain feelings of accomplishment from these activities. It was not until I was placed in a situation to experience utter failure that I could identify with the words of Paul. I have met other workplace believers as well who achieved great success in their business life only to experience dramatic failure. That personal handshake with failure leads to a realization that: Whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him... (Philippians 3:7-9). Sometimes God lets us experience great pain to learn the lessons of greatest importance. Knowing Christ intimately is the most important lesson we will learn. Take stock in what you find your greatest pleasure in today. Avoid placing your confidence in things that are but rubbish so that you might know Him more intimately. March 22, 2007 HE HAS MADE EVERYTHING BEAUTIFUL IN ITS TIME. HE HAS ALSO SET ETERNITY IN THE HEARTS OF MEN; YET THEY CANNOT FATHOM WHAT GOD HAS DONE FROM THE BEGINNING TO END. ( ECCLESIASTES 3:11 *NIV ) Now that Spring is here, and Summer approaches, we are surrounded with beauty indeed! Soon we will be surrounded WITH BEAUTIFUL LEAVES AND ABUNDANT FRUIT, PROVIDING FOOD FOR ALL, GIVING SHELTER TO THE BEASTS OF THE FIELD, AND HAVING NESTING PLACES IN ITS BRANCHES FOR THE BIRDS OF THE AIR. ( DANIEL 4:21 ) So why not take a little time this week to enjoy the beauty God has created for this time of year. For soon the flowers will appear, and the Countryside will be filled with colors of every shade. When that happens remember to thank God for His beautiful creation called "Spring." Also: Thank God for flowers of every hue From baby-pink roses to plumbago blue. The fragrance of jasmine enhances the night, And each water lily is a pearly delight. Magnolias by moonlight brings sweet memories As springtime awakens the blossoming trees. The common hibiscus brings uncommon joy, And shy violets are bashful and coy. Long-stemmed red roses are reasons to sing, And the frost-covered crocus usher in Spring. Lavender orchids decorate the prom, And pastel carnations pay tribute to Mom. Flowers bring comfort to pauper and king, For one cannot measure the pleasure they bring, From Easter-white lilies to plumbago blue Thank God for flowers of every hue! Poet, Clay Harrison March 21, 2007 The Training Ground of God by Os Hillman, March 21, 2007 Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. - Psalm 144:1 David was a man skilled in war. From his days as a shepherd boy to the days of serving in Saul's army to leading his own army, David learned to be a skillful warrior. How does one become a skillful warrior? The only way one can become a skillful warrior is to be trained and placed in the middle of the battle. It is only when we are placed in the furnace of battle that we truly learn to fight the real battles. Practice doesn't make you battle ready. War games won't prepare you for facing your real enemy in the battlefield. The stark reality of being in the midst of the battle makes us effective warriors. Simply reading your Bible will not make you a warrior for the Kingdom. Knowledge without experience is mere folly. Only when you are placed in situations where there is nothing or no one who can save you but God will you learn the lessons of warrior faith. This is the training ground of God, which will make you into a soldier for Christ in the workplace. Consider it to be suicidal faith - faith that says I want to be dead to anything that keeps me from fulfilling God's purposes for my life. It is when your efforts can do nothing to change your circumstance and you are at the mercy of God. These are the real training grounds of God. Do not shrink back from the battle that God may be leading you to today. It may be a training ground that is necessary for the calling He has on your life. If you can trust Him in these times, you'll know that you have gained a faith that will move mountains and will sustain you in the most difficult of circumstances. "Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle." March 20, 2007 HE WAS WOUNDED FOR OUR TRANSGRESSIONS, HE WAS BRUISED FOR OUR INIQUITIES; THE CHASTISEMENT FOR OUR PEACE WAS UPON HIM, AND BY HIS STRIPES WE ARE HEALED. ( ISAIAH 53:5 *NKJV ) Indeed we are healed of our transgressions, and iniquities through the forgiveness of our sins. For it is written; HE HAS DELIVERED US FROM THE POWER OF DARKNESS AND CONVEYED US INTO THE KINGDOM OF THE SON OF HIS LOVE, IN WHOM WE HAVE REDEMPTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD, THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS. ( COLOSSIANS 1:13-14 ) When we think about how much forgiveness God shows toward mankind, let us remember the words of our Savior Jesus Christ, as he hung on the cross, "FATHER, FORGIVE THEM, FOR THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT THEY DO." So let those words be an example for you when you find yourself angry with another! ( LUKE 23:34 ) After all it is also written: IF YOU FORGIVE MEN THEIR TRESPASSES, YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER WILL ALSO FORGIVE YOU. BUT IF YOU DO NOT FORGIVE MEN THEIR TRESPASSES, NEITHER WILL YOUR FATHER FORGIVE YOUR TRESPASSES. ( MATTHEW 6:14-15 ) So, if you have been angered by another, why not try to forgive them instead of holding a grudge. After all your heart and mind will be at peace when you do! March 19, 2007 WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE HIM, FOR HE WHO COMES TO GOD MUST BELIEVE THAT HE IS, AND THAT HE IS A REWARDER OF THOSE WHO DILIGENTLY SEEK HIM. ( HEBREWS 11:6 *NKJV ) God rewards us with blessings that continue to please us, so we should do our best to please God as well! After all then, "BLESSED YOU SHALL BE IN THE CITY, AND BLESSED YOU SHALL BE IN THE COUNTRY." ( DEUTERONOMY 28:3 ) Now we can do that by obeying His Commandments and by loving our neighbor's as ourselves. For Jesus Christ said, "YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND. THIS IS THE FIRST AND GREAT COMMANDMENT. AND THE SECOND IS LIKE IT: YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF. ON THESE TWO COMMANDMENTS HANG ALL THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS." ( MATTHEW 22:39-40 ) So, do your best to live by God's Commandments, and share your love with others so; THAT YOU MAY WALK WORTHY OF THE LORD, FULLY PLEASING HIM, BEING FRUITFUL IN EVERY GOOD WORK AND INCREASING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD. For when you do, His blessings will flow abundantly to you! After all it is written that WHEN A MAN'S WAYS PLEASE THE LORD, HE MAKES EVEN HIS ENEMIES TO BE A PEACE WITH HIM. Amen. ( COLOSSIANS 1:10 ) ( PROVERBS 16:7 ) March 18, 2007 FOR THEN IT SHALL BE SAID; OUR MOUTHS WERE FILLED WITH LAUGHTER, AND OUR TONGUES WITH SONGS OF JOY. THEN IT WAS SAID AMONG THE NATIONS, "THE LORD HAS DONE GREAT THINGS FOR THEM." ( PSALM 126:2 ) The following message was sent to me by one of our Sister's-In-Christ. I hope it will start your Saturdays with a smile and a laugh or two, as we usually do on Saturday's. So let us enjoy: "Some Christian Humor ..." ======== There was a very gracious lady who was mailing an old family Bible to her brother in another part of the country. "Is there anything breakable in here?" asked the postal clerk. "Only the Ten Commandments." Answered the lady. ======== Somebody has said there are only two kinds of people in the world. There are those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good morning, Lord," and there are those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good Lord, it's morning." ======== A minister parked his car in a no-parking zone in a large city because he was short of time and couldn't find a space with a meter. Then he put a note under the windshield wiper that read: "I have circled the block 10 times. If I don't park here, I'll miss my appointment. Forgive us our trespasses." When he returned, he found a citation from a police officer along with this note "I've circled this block for 10 years. If I don't give you a ticket I'll lose my job. "Lead us not into temptation." ======== There is the story of a pastor who got up one Sunday and announced to his congregation: "I have good news and bad news. The good news is, we have enough money to pay for our new building program. The bad news is, it's still out there in your pockets." ======== While driving in Pennsylvania, a family caught up to an Amish carriage. The owner of the carriage obviously had a sense of humor, because attached to the back of the carriage was a hand printed sign... "Energy efficient vehicle: Runs on oats and grass. Caution: Do not step in exhaust." ======== A Sunday School teacher began her lesson with a question, "Boys and girls, what do we know about God?" A hand shot up in the air. "He is an artist!" said the kindergarten boy. "Really? How do you know?" the teacher asked. "You know - Our Father, who does art in Heaven... " ======== A minister waited in line to have his car filled with gas just before a long holiday weekend. The attendant worked quickly, but there were many cars ahead of him. Finally, the attendant motioned him toward a vacant pump. "Reverend," said the young man, "I'm so sorry about the delay. It seems as if everyone waits until the last minute to get ready for a long trip." The minister chuckled, "I know what you mean. It's the same in my business." ======== A father was approached by his small son who told him proudly, "I know what the Bible means!" His father smiled and replied, "What do you mean, you 'know' what the Bible means?" The son replied, "I do know!" "Okay," said his father. "What does the Bible mean?" "That's easy, Daddy." The young boy replied excitedly, "It stands for 'Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.'" ======== Sunday after church, a Mom asked her very young daughter what the lesson was about. The daughter answered, "Don't be scared, you'll get your quilt." Needless to say, the Mom was perplexed. Later in the day, the Pastor stopped by for tea and the Mom asked him what that morning's Sunday school lesson was about. He said "Be not afraid, thy comforter is coming." ======== Give me a sense of humor, Lord, Give me the grace to see a joke, To get some humor out of life, And pass it on to other folk! March 17, 2007 A Refiner's Fire by Os Hillman For he will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap. - Malachi 3:2b The Lord has a specific manner of preparing His people for useful service. God desires to turn His children from rough, hard-edged stones into gems of gold and silver. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the Lord, as in days gone by, as in former years (Malachi 3:3-4). The refiner's fire can only accomplish its purposes when the heat is turned up to extraordinary temperatures. It breaks down the metal in order for it to become moldable and shapeable. Only when the temperatures reach this level can the work be fully accomplished. So it is in our lives. Until the Lord completes His refining process, the offerings we make are not made in righteousness and cannot be acceptable. Thank God that Jesus is our righteousness and that there is no righteousness apart from Him. Still, the Lord continues to purge all that is not of His righteousness out of our lives. This comes through trials that bring each of us to the end of ourselves in order that He may only reflect that which is Himself. When God takes you through the refiner's fire, be encouraged because it is His overriding commitment to turn you from a rough, hard-edged stone to a precious metal. He will do this through certain events in your workplace, your relationships, and other circumstances in your life. Our job is to avoid trying to blow out the fire. March 16, 2007 BE FAITHFUL, EVEN TO THE POINT OF DEATH, AND I WILL GIVE YOU THE CROWN OF LIFE. ( Revelation 2:10 *NIV ) There are many times in this life when our faith is put to the test. Times that we may even feel that God has abandoned us because a prayer isn't answered the way we want it to be. Know that it is written: THOUGH NOW FOR A LITTLE WHILE YOU MAY HAVE HAD TO SUFFER GRIEF IN ALL KINDS OF TRIALS. THESE HAVE COME SO THAT YOUR FAITH--OF GREATER WORTH THAN GOLD, WHICH PERISHES EVEN THOUGH REFINED BY FIRE--MAY PROVE GENUINE AND MAY RESULT IN PRAISE, GLORY AND HONOR WHEN JESUS CHRIST IS REVEALED. ( 1 Peter 1:6-7 ) Also know that sometimes what we pray for isn't God's will for us thus: THIS IS THE CONFIDENCE WE HAVE IN APPROACHING GOD: THAT IF WE ASK ANYTHING ACCORDING TO HIS WILL, HE HEARS US. ( 1 John 5:14-15 ) You see, sometimes what we pray for would actually hurt us in the long run, and our Heavenly Father is protecting us from that. Other times we just can't understand God's ways for NO ONE KNOWS THE THOUGHTS OF GOD EXCEPT THE SPIRIT OF GOD. ( 1 Corinthians 2:11 ) However, we do know He loves us very much, and would never abandoned us or deliberately hurt us. So we must keep our faith knowing that God is with us and that no matter what happens He is in control! Therefore it is important that WE WALK BY FAITH NOT BY SIGHT. ( 2 Corinthians 5:7 ) trusting that God knows what is best for us, even if a prayer isn't answered the way we want it to be! March 15, 2007 Following Only the Father's Commands by Os Hillman, March 15, 2007 Jesus gave them this answer: "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees His Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does." - John 5:19 Have you ever thought about a typical day in Jesus' life? Perhaps He might have had questions like these, "Who am I going to heal today? Who will I visit today? Which person will I deliver from demons this day?" etc. The demands on Jesus' time were great. Yet we see that Jesus allocated His time very deliberately. We don't get the idea that Jesus was flustered or stressed from the activity He was involved in. He often sought times of prayer and reflection away from the disciples. His life appeared to have a balance of quiet moments and active ministry into the lives He came in contact with. How do we determine what we will be involved in each day of our lives? What keeps us in sync with the will of our heavenly Father for the daily tasks He calls us to? Jesus tells us that He was only involved in those things the Father was involved in. Nothing more, nothing less. So often we determine our participation in an activity based on whether we have the time to do it or whether we desire to participate. The real question we should ask is, "Does the Father want me to participate in this activity?" "Lord, should I add this Bible study to my schedule? Should I spend an extra night out on this committee this week? Should I take on new business that will take me away from home more? Should my daughter be involved in music lessons?" These are the daily challenges for the world we now live in. We are an activity- based society that often encourages more and more activity, often in the name of Christian virtue. Our lives will become less cluttered, less stressful, and more fulfilling when we follow the model Jesus provided. It may not always please everyone. Jesus never sought to please everyone. Ask the Lord each day this week how you and He are to spend your time. Yield your schedule to Him. Let Jesus direct your every activity. You may discover that He desires you to cut back some things in order to spend more time alone with Him. He will be faithful to show you. And you will become more fulfilled because you are centered in His will for you. March 14, 2007 The First Requirement of Ministry by Os Hillman, March 14, 2007 The priests are in mourning, those who minister before the Lord. - Joel 1:9b The first requirement for being used by God in the life of others is to mourn on their behalf. We must identify with their pain and suffering. Each of us must be broken for others first. In order to be fully used by God in the workplace, we need to understand what breaks God's heart. When we understand what breaks God's heart, we are able to mourn on behalf of a grieving person, or a nation we are called to serve. What breaks God's heart? When we begin to answer this question, we begin the first step to becoming instruments of change for those things that are important to God. Perhaps it is an overemphasis in our own talent and abilities, or lack of complete trust in Jesus. Perhaps it is the lack of respect for human life that leads to the killing of innocent babies. Perhaps it is the deceit and pride that often rule the workplace of commerce. Or perhaps it is the strife and divisions among His own Body that grieve Him most. When we begin to mourn over our own sins in these areas, God begins to use us as instruments of righteousness to affect these things. It was only when God let me see my own sins in the workplace and how they broke His heart that I began to be an instrument for His purposes. Today, ask God to show you what things in your world are breaking His heart. Then see how He might want you to be the instrument to affect for Him. The first step is identification with what breaks God's heart. March 13, 2007 THE LORD IS MY LIGHT AND MY SALVATION--WHOM SHALL I FEAR? THE LORD IS THE STRONGHOLD OF MY LIFE---OF WHOM SHALL I BE AFRAID? ( PSALM 27:1 *NIV ) Do not let the events of the World today, or the in the future, cause you any fear. For it is written: THE LORD HIMSELF GOES BEFORE YOU AND WILL BE WITH YOU; HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU OR FORSAKE YOU. DO NOT BE AFRAID; DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED. ( DEUTERONOMY 31:8 ) After all, IF YOU MAKE THE MOST HIGH YOUR DWELLING ---EVEN THE LORD, WHO IS YOUR REFUGE---THEN NO HARM WILL BEFALL YOU, NO DISASTER WILL COME NEAR YOUR TENT. FOR HE WILL COMMAND HIS ANGELS CONCERNING YOU TO GUARD YOU IN ALL YOUR WAYS; THEY WILL LIFT YOU UP IN THEIR HANDS, SO THAT YOU DO NOT STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE. ( PSALM 91:9-12 ) Therefore, HAVE NO FEAR OF SUDDEN DISASTER OR THE RUIN THAT OVERTAKES THE WICKED. For; THE LORD'S CURSE IS ON THE HOUSE OF THE WICKED, BUT HE BLESSES THE HOME OF THE RIGHTEOUS. ( PROVERBS 3:25,33 ) So, BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS. DO NOT BE AFRAID OR TERRIFIED BECAUSE OF THEM, FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD GOES WITH YOU! Amen. ( DEUTERONOMY 31:6 ) March 12, 2007 Understanding the Source of Anger by Os Hillman A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. - Proverbs 29:11 The workplace can be a pressure-packed world. The demands that are often put on us can bring out things that we never knew were there. Sometimes we begin to think that the source of that pressure is to blame for our response to the pressure. It could be an event, a spouse, a boss, a client, a child, or even a driver who cuts us off in traffic. I recall responding to a close friend one time, "If you had not done that, I would never have responded that way." Later I learned that this response had little truth to it. We all choose to get angry. No one else is to blame for our anger. "The circumstances of life, the events of life, and the people around me in life, do not make me the way I am, but reveal the way I am" [Dr. Sam Peeples]. This simple quote has had a profound impact on how I view my anger now. Anger only reveals what is inside of me. I can't blame anyone but me for my response to a situation. I have learned that anger is only the symptom of something else that is going on inside of me. This quote now resides on my refrigerator door as a daily reminder of the truth about my response to life's situations. It has been said that anger is like the warning panel on the dash of your car. It is the light that tells us something is going on under the hood and we need to find out what is the source of the problem. I discovered that the source of anger is often unmet expectations or personal rights. We believe we are entitled to a particular outcome to a situation. When this doesn't happen, it triggers something in us. At the core of this is fear, often a fear of failure or rejection, fear of what others think, fear of the unknown. If you struggle with anger, ask God to reveal the source of that anger. Ask Him to heal you of any fears that may be the root of your anger. Ask God to help you take responsibility for your response to difficult situations. March 11, 2007 Suffering for the Salvation of Another by Os Hillman Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. - Matthew 5:11 Recently, a friend told a true story about one of his closest friends who experienced great suffering for the soul of his persecutor. This man worked on a cargo ship. His boss was the captain. This friend was a committed Christian who shared his faith with others and was a good worker. One day the friend led the sea captain's girlfriend to Christ. The sea captain already hated and ridiculed the Christian worker because of his faith in Christ. When his girlfriend came to Christ, she stopped sleeping with the captain. The captain blamed the Christian man for the change in his girlfriend. One day he entered the restaurant where the Christian man was having lunch. He walked over to his table and began hurling obscenities and began beating him. The Christian man simply tried to defend himself but did not fight back. The captain kept beating him until eventually the man lay on the floor bleeding. Two men entered the restaurant and saw what was taking place. They jumped the sea captain and took him outside and began beating him. The sea captain was beaten so badly that he needed immediate medical attention. The Christian worker saw the condition of the sea captain, came to his aid, and began helping him. The sea captain was so moved that this man could do this after he had literally beaten him bloody that he began to weep, not understanding what could move a man to have such love in the face of being beaten. The sea captain accepted Jesus at that moment and was baptized. The Bible tells us that while we were yet sinners Christ came and paid our penalty so that we might live eternally. Many in the workplace have never known the love of Christ. You might be the only one they ever meet who can introduce them to this love. Ask God to show you how to love the unlovable in your workplace today. March 10, 2007 IT IS WRITTEN, MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE, BUT BY EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD. ( MATTHEW 4:4 * NKJV ) Just as we need food to sustain our human body, we need spiritual food to sustain our Spiritual body as well! Now a good meal should consist of vitamins and minerals, and perhaps a dessert. So today we will look at Biblical Vitamins for our Spiritual well being. When Anxious, take vitamin "A" ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THOSE WHO LOVE WHO LOVE GOD, TO THOSE WHO ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE. ( ROMANS 8:28 ) When Crushed, take vitamin "C" CAST ALL YOUR CARES UPON HIM, FOR HE CARES FOR YOU. ( 1 PETER 5:7 ) When Depressed, take vitamin "D" DRAW NEAR TO GOD, AND HE WILL DRAW NEAR TO YOU. ( JAMES 4:8 ) When Empty, take vitamin "E" ENTER INTO HIS GATES WITH THANKSGIVING, AND INTO HIS COURTS WITH PRAISE. BE THANKFUL TO HIM, AND BLESS HIS NAME. ( PSALM 100:4 ) When Fearful, take vitamin "F" FEAR NOT, FOR I AM WITH YOU, DO NOT BE AFRAID, FOR I AM YOUR GOD. ( ISAIAH 41:10 ) When Greedy, take vitamin "G" GIVE, AND IT WILL BE GIVEN TO YOU; GOOD MEASURE, PRESSED DOWN, SHAKEN TOGETHER, AND RUNNING OVER WILL BE PUT INTO YOUR LAP. FOR WITH THE SAME MEASURE THAT YOU USE, IT WILL BE MEASURED BACK TO YOU. (LUKE 6:38 ) When Insecure, take vitamin "I" I CAN DO ALL THING THROUGH HIM WHO STRENGTHENS ME. ( PHILIPPIANS 4:13 ) When Lonely, take vitamin "L" LO, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, EVEN TO THE END OF THE AGE. MATTHEW 28:20 ) When Restless, take vitamin "R" REST IN THE LORD, AND WAIT PATIENTLY FOR HIM. ( PSALM 37:7 ) For Dessert, WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH BUT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE! ( JOHN 3:15 ) Now, it is my hope that you have enjoyed this meal of Spiritual food. Remember that you may have all you want, for it is guaranteed to be non-fattening! March 9, 2007 A MAN HAS JOY BY THE ANSWER OF HIS MOUTH, AND A WORD SPOKEN IN DUE SEASON, HOW GOOD IT IS! ( PROVERBS 15:23 *NKJV ) Words are very powerful for they can either build up, or tear down others. Also foolish words can bring about our own destruction, for it is written; IN THE MOUTH OF A FOOL IS A ROD OF PRIDE, BUT THE LIPS OF THE WISE WILL PRESERVE THEM. ( PROVERBS 14:3 ) We are also warned about gossiping for it is written; IN ALL LABOR THERE IS PROFIT, BUT IDLE CHATTER LEADS ONLY TO POVERTY. ( PROVERBS 14:23 ) For after all; A WHOLESOME TONGUE IS A TREE OF LIFE, BUT PERVERSENESS IN IT BREAKS THE SPIRIT. ( PROVERBS 15:4 ) Further, God has instructed us to encourage one another, for it is written; LET US CONSIDER ONE ANOTHER IN ORDER TO STIR UP LOVE, AND GOOD WORKS, NOT FORSAKING THE ASSEMBLING OF OURSELVES TOGETHER, AS IS THE MANNER OF SOME, BUT EXHORTING ONE ANOTHER, AND SO MUCH THE MORE. ( HEBREWS 10:24-25 ) So, remember to keep the words you speak soft and sweet. For you never know from day to day which words you'll have to eat! March 8, 2007 "BEFORE I FORMED YOU IN THE WOMB I KNEW YOU, BEFORE YOU WERE BORN I SET YOU APART." ( JEREMIAH 1:5 *NIV ) Do you ever feel far from God? Ever feel that He doesn't know, or even care, that you exist? Well, God knows each one of us intimately! For just as He told the Prophet Jeremiah above, He also knew us and formed each one of us in the womb as well! The Prophet David knew this when he wrote, O LORD, YOU HAVE SEARCHED ME AND YOU KNOW ME. YOU KNOW WHEN I SIT AND WHEN I RISE; YOU PERCEIVE MY THOUGHTS FROM AFAR. YOU DISCERN MY GOING OUT AND MY LYING DOWN; YOU ARE FAMILIAR WITH ALL MY WAYS. BEFORE A WORD IS ON MY TONGUE YOU KNOW IT COMPLETELY. ( PSALM 139:1-3 ) After all, YOU CREATED MY INMOST BEING; YOU KNIT ME TOGETHER IN MY MOTHER'S WOMB. I PRAISE YOU BECAUSE I AM FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE YOUR WORKS ARE WONDERFUL. ALL THE DAYS ORDAINED FOR ME WERE WRITTEN IN YOUR BOOK BEFORE ONE OF THEM CAME TO BE. ( PSALM 139:13,14 & 16 ) Yes indeed, God knows us Intimately and Loves each of us as well! SO WE KNOW AND RELY ON THE LOVE GOD HAS FOR US. GOD IS LOVE. WHO- EVER LIVES IN LOVE LIVES IN GOD, AND GOD IN HIM. ( 1 JOHN 4:16 ) Therefore the next time that you feel far from God and think that He doesn't know you exist, remember these verses. For after all your Heavenly Father truly is your closest living relative, and He Loves You very much indeed! March 7, 2007 Living for a Cause Greater Than Yourself by Os Hillman I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:13 In the thirteenth century a man named William Wallace became the instrument of freedom from England's tyranny over Scotland. A very wicked king ruled England. A tragedy in the life of William Wallace launched him into living for this cause. Initially his cause was revenge, but soon his cause turned to something bigger than himself - freedom for a nation. When he challenged the commoners to fight for this freedom, they responded that the enemy was too great and that they might die on the battlefield. They also refused to fight for the nobles, the knights and leaders who had a vested interest in gaining more land for themselves versus a pure cause of freedom. Wallace's response: "Yes, we might die. We will all die sooner or later. But we will die for a cause worth dying for. So that our children and their children might live in freedom." This story was popularized in the movie Brave Heart (Sherman Oaks, California: Paramount Pictures, 1995). Today we find many Christian workplace believers living a status quo relationship with God that is more characterized as "business as usual" than a life demonstrating God's power. Our focus is often more concerned with improving our standard of living than improving the Kingdom of God through our circle of influence. While this takes place, millions upon millions die without the saving grace of Christ. Many other Christians die never experiencing the freedom in Christ that His blood paid for. God has called each of us to live for a cause greater than ourselves - a life that is dependent on His grace and power to achieve things we never thought possible through our lives. This is His plan for your life. The apostle Paul prayed that He might experience the power of the resurrection in his life. This power is available to you and me to live for a cause greater than ourselves. Ask God what He wants to achieve through your life today. And consider yourself dead already to the consequences of what that might mean for you. March 6, 2007 MAY YOUR UNFAILING LOVE REST UPON US, O LORD, EVEN AS WE PUT OUR HOPE IN YOU. ( PSALM 33:22 *NIV ) God's love for each one of us is tremendous indeed! For every child of His is very important to Him! So today I will share with you something that one of our members sent to me last week. It speaks of God's Tremendous love for each of us. To you, If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring. He sends you a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He listens. He can live anywhere in the Universe, but He chose your heart. Now God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way. So face it, He is crazy about you! Therefore let us; GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD; HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER! Amen. ( 1 CHRONICLES 16:34 ) March 5, 2007 Striving Versus Abiding by Os Hillman Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. - Psalm 127:1a What does it mean for the Lord to build the house? It almost seems a contradiction when we consider that we might be the builders in this passage. God wants us to allow Him to build the house. He explains further: Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat - for He grants sleep to those He loves (Psalm 127:1-2). God is telling us there is a way of working without striving. There is a way to conduct business without sweating and toiling for outcome. His warning to each of us is to avoid thinking that outcome is based on our sweat and toil. Outcome is based on obedience. That outcome is sometimes more than we deserve. Sometimes it is less than we hoped for. His desire for each of us is to see Him working in our daily work life. He wants us to avoid looking to our own effort to gain an outcome. One day Jesus called out to Peter from the shore of the lake and suggested he throw his net on the other side of the boat. It was this simple act of obedience that yielded a tremendous catch that he would not have received unless he obeyed. We are called to work; He is called to bring forth the fruit. He is the vine. We are the branches. Fruit comes forth naturally from a healthy tree. Today, ask God to show you when you enter into striving. Ask Him to show you the difference between loving trust and obedience and striving for outcome. It can be challenging for us to balance this in our daily work experience. He wants to help us walk in this freedom and rest. March 4, 2007 AS SERVANTS OF GOD WE COMMEND OURSELVES IN EVERY WAY: IN GREAT ENDURANCE, IN TROUBLES, HARDSHIPS AND DISTRESSES. FOR OUR LIGHT AND MOMENTARY TROUBLES ARE ACHIEVING FOR US AN ETERNAL GLORY THAT FAR OUTWEIGHS THEM ALL. ( 2 Cor 6:4 ) & ( 2 Cor 4:17 ) Now we all, from time to time, have problems or troubles in our life. After all life is not a piece of cake, or is it? So the next time you feel troubled why not have a piece of..... God's Cake Sometimes we wonder, "What did I do to deserve this", or "Why did God have to do this to me". Here is a wonderful explanation! A daughter is telling her Mother how everything is going wrong, she's failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away. Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, "Absolutely Mom, I love your cake." "Here, have some cooking oil," her Mother offers. "Yuck" says her daughter. "How about a couple raw eggs?" "Gross, Mom!" "Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?" "Mom, those are all yucky!" To which the mother replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. For God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful! Always remember, God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart. Amen. Now I hope your day is a "piece of cake!" After all, Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance. ---Author Unknown--- March 3, 2007 THE LORD IS NEAR TO ALL WHO CALL UPON HIM. ( PSALM 145:18 *NKJV ) Keeping with our Saturday tradition, I will share with you a message that arrived this morning. It will be added to our "Out of the Mouths of Babes" Collection. I hope that it will be a reminder to you as it was to me. _________________________ One day a 6 year old girl was sitting in a classroom. The teacher was going to explain evolution to the children. The teacher asked a little boy: Tommy do you see the tree outside? TOMMY: Yes. TEACHER: Tommy, do you see the grass outside? TOMMY: Yes. TEACHER: Go outside and look up and see if you can see the sky. TOMMY: Okay. (He returned a few minutes later) "Yes, I saw the sky." TEACHER: Did you see God up there? TOMMY: No. TEACHER: That's my point. We can't see God because he isn't there. Possibly he just doesn't exist. A little girl spoke up and wanted to ask the boy some questions. The teacher agreed and the little girl asked the boy: Tommy, do you see the tree outside? TOMMY: Yes. LITTLE GIRL: Tommy do you see the grass outside? TOMMY: Yessssss! LITTLE GIRL: Did you see the sky? TOMMY: Yessssss! LITTLE GIRL: Tommy, do you see the teacher? TOMMY: Yes LITTLE GIRL: Do you see her brain? TOMMY: No LITTLE GIRL: Then according to what we were taught today in school, she possibly may not even have one! Amen. Well, there you have it. After all a Christian must remember that," WE WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT" Amen, Amen! ( 2 CORINTHIANS 5:7 ) March 2, 2007 I PRAY THAT OUT OF HIS GLORIOUS RICHES HE MAY STRENGTHEN YOU WITH POWER THROUGH HIS SPIRIT IN YOUR INNER BEING, SO THAT CHRIST MAY DWELL IN YOUR HEARTS THROUGH FAITH. AND I PRAY THAT YOU, BEING ROOTED AND ESTABLISHED IN LOVE, MAY HAVE POWER, TOGETHER WITH ALL THE SAINTS, TO GRASP HOW WIDE AND LONG AND HIGH AND DEEP IS THE LOVE OF CHRIST. ( EPHESIANS 3:16-18 *NIV ) Our Heavenly Father's love for us is tremendous for it even reaches out to the entire World! God's love is long for it covers us for length of our lives, and it is high for it reaches to the height of our celebrations. His love for us is deep for it reaches to the depths of our despair and discouragements. God's love for us is always with us throughout all of our experiences in this life. The Apostle Paul wrote: I AM CONVINCED THAT NEITHER DEATH NOR LIFE, NOR ANGELS NOR DEMONS, NEITHER THE PRESENT NOR THE FUTURE, NOR ANY POWERS, NEITHER HEIGHT NOR DEPTH, NOR ANYTHING ELSE IN ALL CREATION, WILL BE ABLE TO SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD THAT IS IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD. ( ROMANS 8:38-39 ) So, when you are feeling left out or all alone, remember that you are never without God's Love, and that He is right there with you! For THE LORD, HE IS THE ONE WHO GOES BEFORE YOU, HE WILL BE WITH YOU, HE WILL NOT LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU; DO NOT FEAR NOR BE DISMAYED. ( DEUTERONOMY 31:8 ) Therefore have a Wonderful Week, and why not pray tonight and thank God for His never ending love! March 1, 2007 Developing Our Heart for God by Os Hillman I will rouse your sons, O Zion, against your sons, O Greece, and make you like a warrior's sword. - Zechariah 9: 13b In the third and fourth centuries Socrates and other Greek scholars began to influence the Church in ways that were different from the Hebraic roots of the early Church. The Greek influence appeals more to the intellect, whereas the early-Church Hebraic model appealed to the heart. The Greek influence resulted in more emphasis on oratory skills and cognitive knowledge of God. Over the many centuries, this influence has shown itself in a more programmatic approach to the gospel rather than a process of living out our faith. So why is it important for us to understand this? I realized in my own life that I was a product of this Greek system. My walk with Christ focused more on what I knew than on an intimate and powerful walk with God. Knowledge without power to express the life within is of little value. The more programmatic the focus, the less emphasis we place on building deep and caring relationships that result in changed lives. Our early Church fathers knew there was a cost to living out the Word of God, not simply giving mental assent to it. Are you walking with God today in an intimate fellowship? Or, are you only involved in programs and activities designed to do good things? Reflect on Proverbs 23:12: "Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge." We must listen and respond with the heart. Whatever service we give to God should be a result of our relationship with our heavenly Father, not an end unto itself. |