Devotional

October 17, 2014

God Is Working

God is at work in the world.

In the very popular book Experiencing God, Henry Blackaby and Claude King discuss seven realities of experiencing God:

God is always at work around you.
God pursues a continuing love relationship with you that is real and personal.
God invites you to become involved with Him in His work.
God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways.
God’s invitation for you to work with Him always leads you to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action.
You must make major adjustments in your life to join God in what He is doing.
You come to know God by experience as you obey Him and He accomplishes His work through you. (Blackaby and King, Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God, 50)

Are you cooperating with what He is doing?

October 2, 2014

10 Inadequate Motives for Leadership

Do you aspire to lead? Terrific! Leaders are wanted. Actually, Godly leaders are desperately needed. “Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.” (1 Timothy 3:1 NIV)

Twenty-first century church leaders are profoundly needed. The world has had too many wash-outs and burn-outs. One of the central reasons for many failures is improper motives driving a person to lead in a sphere of ministry to which God has not called them. Christ’s Body needs faithful leaders that will finish the noble task to which they have been called.

What is your motive behind your desire to be a leader in the church? Carefully evaluate your motives. Why do you want to lead? Motivation is the key. Why are you seeking to be a leader? For yourself? For Christ? Are you seeking after God’s agenda or your own? Jesus told His disciples, “I seek not to please myself but him who sent me” (John 5:30b NIV). Is pleasing God at the root of your desire to lead? Are you living for God’s fame?

Don’t be too quick to excuse your own self-promotion. The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah cautions his secretary Baruch, “Are you seeking great things for yourself? Don’t do it!” (Jeremiah 45:5 NLT) Self-centeredness is a chain that binds you. Paul warns that some preachers actually “proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives” (Philippians 1:17 NASB).

Check yourself today. Is your foundation to lead built on any of the following inadequate motivations?

A desire for respect from your peers?
A desire to be recognized by the public?
A desire to show off your gifts and talents?
A desire for an official title in front of your name?
A desire to prove your worth or earn your acceptance?
A desire for power or to have authority of others?
A desire to be paid?
A desire to be praised on earth for your generosity or good deeds?
A desire to be served by others?
A desire to be more important than your currently are?

What is your motive? What is pushing your desire? Why are you aspiring to lead?

October 1, 2014

Psalm 23 Shepherd

A few hours before his death, a founding member of Valley Fellowship gave me a ceramic lamb and encouraged me to shepherd the flock. Everett Brooks was ready for heaven, but he wanted me to finish the race God marked out for me. I keep that lamb at my office to remind me of God’s call upon my life.

Several times, the New Testament connects shepherding imagery with the responsibility of a church leader. Peter proclaims, “Be shepherds over the flock God has entrusted to you. Watch over it as God does: Don’t do this because you have to, but because you want to. Don’t do it out of greed, but out of a desire to serve.” (1 Peter 5:2 GW) In Paul’s farewell address to the Ephesian leaders, Paul declared, “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock that the Holy Spirit has appointed you to as overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.” (Acts 20:28 HCSB) Many within our modern twenty-first century society have little personal experience with sheep, but the shepherding analogy remains an apt picture.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1 NASB)

Shepherding is an appropriate analogy for describing the ministry of a pastor or church leader. Jesus Christ is the Chief Shepherd in charge of His flock – the Church – and He knows the best methodology for the care of sheep and adopts the best approach for the care of His sheep. I should imitate His example in character and in care-giving. To emulate Him and become an effective pastor or under-shepherd, I must maintain firsthand relationship with the Chief Shepherd Jesus Christ.

My dad did his best to model for me how an under-shepherd should live in connection with Christ. I still honor Dad by attesting he was the same man at home that he was in the pulpit. Today, I opened a folder with some of my dad’s old notes and read something I thought was quite appropriate. On one of the pages was a handwritten outline of Psalm 23. I am pretty sure Dad was copying or paraphrasing something he had heard or read, but I don’t know from where. Here is what was written (with a few edits and added Scripture verses):

“He makes me lie down in green pastures.” (Psalm 23:2a NASB) He makes the sheep lie down in green pastures which He Himself has already surveyed as good and healthy for the sheep.

“He leads me beside quiet waters.” (Psalm 23:2b NASB) He leads the sheep beside quiet, restful waters that He Himself has already examined to be clean and pure for the sheep.

“He restores my soul.” (Psalm 23:3a NASB) He restores the souls and lives of the sheep – after He Himself has examined each sheep for its faults and hurts.

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“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4 NASB) He comforts the sheep with His rod and staff while they travel through dark valleys before which He Himself has traveled.

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” (Psalm 23:5a NASB) He prepares good grazing land for the sheep even when they are surrounded by wolves, knowing a satisfying diet will keep the sheep from wandering away from the flock and being eaten by the wolves.

“You have anointed my head with oil.” (Psalm 23:5b NASB) He anoints all the heads of the sheep with oil which will protect and keep flying insects from bothering His sheep.

“My cup overflows.” (Psalm 23:5c NASB) He causes the diet of the sheep to be so satisfying which will cause their wool to be healthy and plentiful.

Dad, thanks for writing that down. I am pondering Jesus’ example as the Good Shepherd. Jesus called me into ministry as His under-shepherd. The call is real; the mission is vital; the task is formidable, but I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Essential shepherding duties seem to never end, but my personal connection with Jesus Christ provides me with the spiritual strength to accomplish His will.

“Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:6 NASB)

September 30, 2014

Do Something Extraordinary

God wants ordinary people like you and me to do extraordinary things for His glory. Extraordinary incidents testify God is working through us. Our steps of faith show the people around us how great HE is. It really is not about us. Our attitude needs to match John the Baptist who declared about Christ, “He must increase; I must decrease.” Stay humble and let God do His thing.

“The people who KNOW THEIR GOD shall prove themselves strong and shall stand firm and do exploits [for God].” (Daniel 11:32b AMP)

Relationship with God opens the door for exploits – not in your own might, but in His power. When you know your God, you display great STRENGTH. When you know your God, you take quick ACTION. When you know your God, you act valiantly. When you know your God, you STAND FIRM. When you know your God, you prosper. When you know your God, you battle against kingdom of darkness. When you know your God, you DO EXPLOITS.

If you are thinking “I can’t do that”, you are the exact one to whom God is calling today. God works through ordinary people. God doesn’t quit on His projects until the job is completed, and He isn’t finished making you into what He wants. The worst thing you could do is disqualify yourself by giving up.

You are qualified to do something – simply because you are a believer. God has a plan and purpose for you. The enemy desires to stop or steal what God wants to give to you. Don’t let the devil steal it! Accept the reality Christ’s forgiveness. You blew it in the past, okay, but the blood of Jesus cleanses. God forgives. You can do exploits, not because you are perfect, but because you are in Christ. Don’t worry if its messy, you can do something significant.

God saved you to serve. Saved people serve people. Find a need and fill it; find a hurt and heal it. The bigger the need you fill the bigger the glory God receives. Do something extraordinary for the Lord. Serve Him by serving others at work, at home, at church.

God works through ordinary people. Let Him work through you. Do something extraordinary for His glory.

September 29, 2014

PHONE HOME

Since August of this year, Patti and I are learning to live in an empty nest. While thankful our youngest daughter Kimberlyn began her time at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Patti shed quite a few tears as we drove back to Alabama. Okay, my eyes were wetter than normal.

I miss Kimberlyn. I miss her presence in our house. I miss her smiling/frowning face every morning. I particularly miss the sound of Kimmie’s voice, guitar, and piano filling our living room.

Before we left Kimberlyn in Tulsa, Patti reminded Kimberlyn to phone home – EVERY day. In fact, Patti gave Kimberlyn a small sign for her dorm room. The message? Call Your Mom!

Patti and I really do enjoy when our daughters phone home. I love them and I want to regularly chat with my daughters. Even when there is no good or bad news, we like hearing from our girls. Patti and I are bothered if we skip a day talking to our daughters. Neither girl called us on Saturday (last weekend); I know my girls were busy but I wasn’t too happy about it. I think Patti was a little mad.

Heavenly Father awaits your call, as surely as Patti anticipates Kimberlyn’s phone call. “And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you . . .” (Isaiah 30:18a AMP) Your Heavenly Father wants you to phone home. No, you don’t need to grab your smart phone, but you do need to open your heart and communicate with Heavenly Father. Pray daily, frequently, continually. God is waiting to hear from you.

When Kimberlyn or Rozy are out of the country on a mission trip, I will organize by schedule and change my evening plans in order to be available for a phone call. A few summers ago, Rozy joined a mission team in Togo, West Africa. Rozy was out-of-connection for most of the time she was gone. Guess what? I was unhappy for several weeks. Every day, I hoped that she would phone home.

No matter what time of the day or night, a call from my child is appreciated and welcomed. Your call through prayer or worship is never an unwanted interruption for Heavenly Father. He awaits and welcomes your call. He enjoys communicating with you. He enjoys your presence. Heavenly Father truly cares for you.

Give attention to God’s Word: “He will CALL ON ME, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation.”(Psalm 91:14–16 NIV)

Have you called home today? It’s time. Phone home.

September 26, 2014

Speak the Word to Overcome

We must use the weapon God has given us – “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17 NIV). Our spiritual armor includes an awesome weapon – the Holy Bible. One of the powerful ways to activate this piece of armor is to speak God’s Word.

Jesus spoke the Word of God. When Jesus encountered the devil, He spoke God’s Word and said, “It is written.” (Matthew 4:4-10) Christ quoted the Word of God and so should we.

Jesus spent enough time studying, memorizing, and meditating the Bible that when the enemy came, Jesus didn’t even hesitant before opening His mouth and responding with Scripture. How well do you know the Old Testament Book of Deuteronomy? Apparently, Jesus was very familiar with Moses’ inspired writings.

Three times, Jesus uses verses from the third Book of the Pentateuch to resist the devil’s temptation. Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 8:3, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4 NIV) Surprisingly, the devil knows God’s Word, too; he twists Psalm 91:11-12, trying to prompt presumption by Christ, but Jesus once again quotes Old Testament Law (Deuteronomy 6:16), “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (Matthew 4:7 NIV) Finally, “Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” [Deuteronomy 6:13]

If Jesus needed to speak the written Word of God to resist the enemy, how about you and me?
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Yes, speak the Word and resist the devil. The apostle James gives us additional insight for making your spoken Word particularly effective. James instructs us, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7). Submission first to God puts you and me on solid footing to resist the enemy. Think about that for moment. God releases authority to those who come under authority.

There are hundreds of verses that you may utilize to resist the enemy. Speak Scripture to overcome in your life. Are you encountering fear, sickness or lack? Here are three short verses that you should definitely have on your lips.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” (2 Timothy 1:7 HCSB)
“‘He himself bore our sins’ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:24 NIV)
“And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 AMP)

September 23, 2014

Be a Temple Not a Prison

Heavenly Father has given supernatural life to His children. Since you are a Christ-follower who has “tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come” (Hebrews 6:5 NASB), live in that power and resurrection life. The supernatural life of God is in you.

Don’t let anyone or anything intimidate you. You are not second, third, or fourth class; you are not inferior to anyone. “Anyone who believes in Christ is a new creation. The old is gone! The new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIRV) Overcoming supernatural life resides inside of you. Let the Lord boost and embolden you into a new dimension. You have been questioning whether you have anything to give to anyone. Why? Why are you tentative and diffident? You have God in you; let Him out.

For God’s “heredity” within us will always conquer the world outside us. In fact, this faith of ours is the only way in which the world has been conquered. For who could ever be said to conquer the world, in the true sense, except the man who really believes that Jesus is God’s Son? (1 John 5:4-5 PHILLIPS)

You may have little by material standards, but God’s riches inside of you are just what the world around you needs. God uses the outflow of His supernatural life from within you to achieve His purpose on earth. Even the super-rich need a Savior. Let God out; let His love pour over the person next to you. Open up and let Him out.

God has given us the task of telling everyone what He is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ Himself now: Become friends with God; He’s already a friend with you. (2 Corinthians 5:19a-21 MSG)

Are you living in intimate friendship with God? You can. God has allowed others to be His friend and He doesn’t show favoritism. You can be like God’s friend Abraham who was uniquely position to intercede for others (Genesis 18). Your relationship with God links you to supernatural resources.
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The kingdom of darkness doesn’t want you living as God’s friend; the enemy is scared you will recognize your association to the overcoming life of God. Don’t let the enemy deceive you in living beneath what God intends for you. Don’t surrender the supernatural.

You are to be a temple for the Holy Spirit – not a prison. “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” (1 Corinthians 6:19 NIV) Don’t keep Him bond; loose Him. Don’t be a prison for the Holy Spirit. It’s past time you let Him out. Don’t let yourself become a box of limitation. God is bigger than your box. Let Him show up; let Him out. “You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God!” (1 Corinthians 6:19b-20a NIV)

Dinner preparations stalled when a little girl burst into the kitchen and asked, “Mommy, Jesus is in your heart. Isn’t that right?” Her mother nodded as her daughter continued, “Jesus is really big, a whole bigger than anyone – isn’t that right, Mommy?” Mom sustained her nod for a moment longer, but suddenly halted when her daughter asked, “Mommy, If He is so big and He is in you, why can’t I see Him?”

September 20, 2014

4 Simple Ways to Experience Joy in Life

God designed us for His joy and has promised an inner supply of joy by His Spirit. God fills us with joy that is separate from any circumstance.

Jesus Christ lived without much of the stuff we associate with temporal happiness. Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2) and never lost His joy despite betrayal, loneliness, slander, pain, suffering, and even death. Christ displayed joy on earth and wanted His disciples to experience joy for themselves. Jesus said, “”I have told you these things so that you can have the SAME JOY I HAVE and so that your joy will be the FULLEST POSSIBLE JOY.” (John 15:11 NCV)

C. S. Lewis wrote of this joy beyond the pleasures of earth. “You might as well offer a mutton chop to a man who is dying of thirst as offer sexual pleasure to the desire I am speaking of. … Joy is not a substitute for sex; sex is very often a substitute for Joy. I sometimes wonder whether all pleasures are not substitutes for Joy.” (Surprised by Joy)

Joy in suffering is observed as Paul and Silas are in a Philippi jail, praying and singing hymns at midnight (Acts 16:25). Later in life while in prison chains, Paul writes, “Rejoice in the Lord always and say it again rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4) God’s clear command is joy. To not rejoice is sin against God’s distinct directive.

“The bottom line for you and me is simply this: grimness is not a Christian virtue. There are no sad saints. If God really is the center of one’s life and being, joy is inevitable. If we have no joy, we have missed the heart of the Good News and our bodies as much as our souls will suffer the consequences.”
(Bruce Larson, “There’s a Lot More to Health Than Not Being Sick”)

How can we have God’s joy invading our lives?

1. Experience God for yourself.

If you want joy, seek to have a genuine encounter with God. In God’s presence, there is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). Once you have been with God, your world is transformed. You can experience God’s presence on a daily basis and keep yourself from melting down. Put yourself in a position where we can meet Him – read the Bible, pray, listen to God-honoring music, attend a worship service.

Enter into His presence. How about this? Spend five minutes in authentic worship – right where you are, right now. Why delay? Our joyful attitude is harnessed to the Lord’s unfailing presence. The Psalmist praised, “The One enthroned in heaven laughs.” (Psalm 2:3) Joy is a by-product of life with God (Psalm 9:2; 16:5-11).

“Joy is the surest sign of the presence of God.” (Pierre Teilhard Chardin)

2. Allow God’s promises to change the way you think and and the way you live.

Find one verse to memorize, meditate, and live out. Apply God’s Word every day. Let God’s Word be the stable foundation for your life. Make the Bible the solid bedrock for your life, a stable foundation for successful living. The Bible provides security and strength for your life, but I am not suggesting just reading as a daily discipline or a historical exercise. The goal of Bible reading is NOT just to read the Bible to look good or because its expected. The ultimate goal is to let the WORD and God’s presence transform me. God’s Word produces joy.

“The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.” (Psalm 19:8a NIV)
“Your covenant laws are your gift to me forever. They fill my heart with joy.” (Psalm 119:111 NIRV)
“I find joy in your promise like someone who finds a priceless treasure.” (Psalm 119:162 GW)
“When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies.” (Jeremiah 15:16 NLT)

3. Pursue your purpose, the reason you are alive.

Be who God made you to be. “Are the things you are living for worth Christ dying for?” (Leonard Ravenhill) Uncover the reason God put you on this planet.

Louis L’Amour was an American author famously known for his many western novels. He revealed his secret to writing so many stories, “Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.” There is wisdom in that. Practice God’s plan for your life. Do something bigger than the mess of your current circumstances.

If you need joy in your life, tell another person of who Jesus is. Soulwinning is part of the work Christ has appointed you to do, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” (Mark 16:15 NLT) If you aren’t a fisher of people, you’ll miss out on the joy God has in mind for life.

Life is tough, but you have something in your life that is BIGGER than all your JUNK. If you don’t discover why you are breathing on this planet, you won’t be fulfilled or satisfied with life.

“The Christian owes it to the world to be supernaturally joyful. In this day of universal apprehension when men’s hearts are failing them for fear of those things that are coming upon the earth, we Christians are strategically placed to display a happiness that is not of this world and to exhibit a tranquillity that will be a little bit of heaven here below.” (A.W. Tozer)

4. Lift up your eyes beyond the trial and trust God’s process.

Allow the Lord to change your perspective. God uses dark days to develop our character. Impossibly difficult circumstances are the setting for amazing God-sized miracles that release joy.

“Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we CONFIDENTLY and JOYFULLY look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” (Romans 5:2-4 NLT)
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28 NLT)
“And God has reserved for his children the priceless gift of eternal life; it is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. “And God, in his mighty power, will make sure that you get there safely to receive it because you are trusting him. It will be yours in that coming last day for all to see. So BE TRULY GLAD! There is WONDERFUL JOY AHEAD, even though the going is rough for a while down here.” (1 Peter 1:4-6 TLB)

Guess what? Earth was never designed to be your stopping point. If you are thinking life on earth will bring you joy, you surely will be disappointed. You are passing through with wonderful joy ahead! There is joy still waiting for you. There’s hope for you. There’s freedom for you. There’s healing for you. There’s peace for you. There’s JOY for your life.

September 19, 2014

Persecution isn’t new

I cried last night as I watched televised reports of the torture and killing of thousands of Christians. Here in the States, we may be jeered, but we scarely suffer to point of shedding blood.

During His public earthly ministry, Jesus Christ experienced rejection and abuse, yet He proclaimed, (John 16:33 AMP)

Why am I surprised by persecution? I pause today to remember that persecution was a reality for the Body of since its inception. The early church experienced great criticism and harassment.

Early Christians were regularly viewed as a Jewish sect that believed the Messiah had appeared in the form of Jesus Christ. From the outset the principal Jewish leaders opposed and criticized the proponents of this new “heretical” sect. The Sanhedrin and prominent Jews incited persecution that lead to the martyrdom of many. The Book of Acts and the Pauline Epistles record some of the great effort leveled against early believers. At first the ruling Roman government avoided stepping into what was viewed as infighting between Jews, but this soon changed. Falsely inspired by the burning of Rome, Nero focused his cruelty upon Christians living in Rome. Early Roman persecution indicted Jews and Christians as a single unit, but rigid persecution of Christians continued under the Romans because of several practices of Christianity. Persecution triggered Christianity’s spread.

During its first 300 years, Christianity was a unique and potent religion that set the early believers at a distance from traditional Roman practices and customs. The Church was constantly standing apart from popular culture because of the close association between pagan worship and Roman culture. Early Christians avoided pagan social events, and were viewed as anti-social and disrespectful. The teachings of Christ were a radical departure from the polytheistic religions of ancient Rome, and the early Church was consistently seen as anti-government or at least anti-judicial.

The teachings of Christ led believers to deny several pagan Roman traditions and to abstain from numerous social activities. Early believers rejected the accepted polytheism of the day, refused to acknowledge the many Roman gods, and promoted a strong monotheistic belief that challenged Roman institutions. When Caesar began to demand worship, Christians declined; therefore, Christians were considered traitors, treasonous, and even atheistic. Occasionally, the secretive Christians were even blamed for epidemics and disasters. Christian love was misconstrued, and cultured-pagan prejudice was inflamed by the growth of Christianity within the ignorant lower classes.

False rumors and suspicions abounded. Misconceptions regarding Christian rituals, such as meeting in groups, calling one another “brother,” and practicing communion, caused many to view the Christian sect as despicable and dangerous to civilized society. Fictitious reports circulated of incest. Some erroneously believed that babies were hidden inside of communion bread. Misunderstood Christian practices were viewed as counter-culture and treacherous. Christian leaders tried to address the concerns and answer the questions of their critics, but persecution continued.

During its first 300 years, the Church experienced intense persecution and tremendous growth. This small, heretical Jewish sect ascended to the status of the foremost religious belief. Persecution actually spurred the early burgeoning Church to spread out from its Jerusalem base and take the Gospel beyond the borders of Palestine and into the heart of the Gentile world. The martyrdom of Stephen and increasing pressure caused many believers to exit Palestine and enter cities throughout the empire, even to Rome itself. The Diaspora allowed Christian missionaries, such as Paul, to have a starting point throughout the Greco-Roman world.

Persecution in the second century was highlighted by the martyrdom of Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp, and thousands more who refused to recant. Systematic persecution of Christians was not widespread, but believers were persistently persecuted. False rumors abounded concerning the Church, but apologists such as Justin, Tatian, and Tertullian, embarked upon explanation of the Christian faith. Tertullian documented “that the blood of the martyrs was a seed, for the more it spilled the greater the number of Christians.”

Teachers like Clement, Irenaeus, and Origen tried to refute erroneous misconceptions about Christianity. Facing the possibility of death when brought before the courts, countless Christians maintained true to their confession. There is no way to know how many pagans came to Christ as a result of these steadfast believers, but it is clear that the Church continued to enlarge.

Tribulation didn’t stop the early Church and I can learn from their example. The actions, attitudes and activities of Christ-followers will always be misunderstood and misconstrued.

Early believers endured and so shall I. The Church remains and I am part of what Christ wants to do on earth.

Persecution isn’t new.

(1 Peter 4:12-14 PHILLIPS)

September 17, 2014

Cross-Bearing for Dummies & Smarties

Cross-bearing isn’t optional for a Christ-following disciple. Jesus said, “Whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:27 NIV) What is cross-bearing? Basically, cross-bearing is giving Jesus Christ first place in my life. When I adopt willingness to do whatever it takes for God to be glorified in and through my life, I am bearing my cross. When I lay my life on the line – even to the point of death – then I am cross-bearing.

For some, cross-bearing involves death, but even death cannot keep a person from pleasing the Lord. Shocking recent reports from the Middle East tell of thousands of believers who have been killed. Radicals unsuccessfully tried to make Christians deny Christ. The kingdom of darkness violently assaults the Church, but the blood of martyrs testifies to God’s glory. The ultimate sacrifice of life could be a part of cross-bearing, but for most of us cross-bearing has to do with how we live here on earth.

Water baptism is a powerful symbol of cross-bearing – burying an old life in exchange for Christ’s life. Alan’s testimony from the baptistry on that day touched my heart. Here was a guy publicly announcing his decision to offer every part of himself, his choice to bear his cross.

Cross-bearing encompasses every dimension of living. Evangelist Billy Graham wisely affirms, “Salvation is free, but discipleship costs everything we have.” The Apostle Paul stresses, “Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to Him as an instrument of righteousness.” (Romans 6:13 NIV) What a call! Every part? Wow, I have got some work to do.
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Many years ago, Thomas À Kempis bemoaned the lack of cross-bearing by many within the church of the 1400’s. Kempis called for renewed devotion. His message is still relevant in the 21st century. Kempis wrote:

“Jesus has many lovers of the heavenly kingdom, but few bearers of His cross. He has many desirous of consolation, but few of tribulation. He finds many companions of His table, but few of His abstinence. All desire to rejoice with Him, few are willing to endure anything for Him, or with Him. Many follow Jesus to the breaking of bread, but few to the drinking of the cup. Many reverence His miracles; few follow the ignominy of His cross. Many love Jesus so long as no adversities befall them, many praise and bless Him so long as they receive any consolations from Him; but if Jesus hides Himself and leaves them but a little while, they fall either into complaining or into too much dejection of mind.”

Cross-bearing is part of that process by which I am changed more and more into Christ’s likeness. Cross-bearing is a characteristic of someone maturing spiritually. Spiritual maturity is not automatic – it is a process. I am certainly not perfect. None of us is perfect yet. Therefore, I must surrender myself daily. Jesus Christ declares, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross DAILY and follow me.” (Luke 9:23 NIV) I must choose EVERYDAY to deny myself and follow God’s will for my life.

“In every Christian’s heart there is a cross and a throne, and the Christian is on the throne till he puts himself on the cross; if he refuses the cross, he remains on the throne. Perhaps this is at the bottom of the backsliding and worldliness among gospel believers today. We want to be saved, but we insist that Christ do all the dying. No cross for us, no dethronement, no dying. We remain king within the little kingdom of Mansoul and wear our tinsel crown with all the pride of a Caesar; but we doom ourselves to shadows and weakness and spiritual sterility.” (A.W. Tozer)

I want all that God has for me, so I gotta grab my cross. Lord, grant me grace to bear my cross and follow you today.