A very small paragraph has been in my face this week- really all my life....
Pg. 109-
"Given who He thinks He is, He has every right to walk into our lives, interrupt our plans and command us: "Come to me. Follow me. Lose your life for Me!"
Come to me - all day long - from the minute I wake up the Spirit of Jesus whispers to me, "Come to me." What do I do?
Do I obey?
Do I ignore Him?
Do I say no to Him?
Do I say yes to Him...but then never come?
More often than not I respond with a yes! I respond, "YES JESUS!" - but then fail to pick up the feet of my heart and head and move towards Him.
JESUS - "Come to Me"
REID - "Ok - hold on Jesus - I am almost done with this...be right there!" (Sound Familiar?)
JESUS - "Lose your life for Me"
REID - "Jesus mucho take it easy on the death talk! You came to give life and give it more abundantly remember?........- what is with all this crucifixion talk?
JESUS - "Follow ME"
REID - "Jesus why do you keep telling me to follow you? I thought I was!"
Pg. 109-
"Given who He thinks He is, He has every right to walk into our lives, interrupt our plans and command us: "Come to me. Follow me. Lose your life for Me!"
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
We Are Weak
"I Am He"
John 8:21-58
Why Jesus
Why Love Jesus
What is so special about Jesus
The Feast Of Tabernacles
The Water Ceremony
The Light Ceremony
The Festival Liturgy
Devine Pronouns
Who Jesus Claims to Be
Multiple Occasions of Jesus Claim
John 6
John 18
Mark
In Light of Who Jesus Claims He Is
We hung him on the cross and left him to die without anyone standing up for him in anyway as the son of God was put to death. We are so weak and Jesus was so strong to tall ALL the sins of the world away for us and we continue our behavior as if he never did what he did so we can be what we are.
John 8:21-58
Why Jesus
Why Love Jesus
What is so special about Jesus
The Feast Of Tabernacles
The Water Ceremony
The Light Ceremony
The Festival Liturgy
Devine Pronouns
Who Jesus Claims to Be
Multiple Occasions of Jesus Claim
John 6
John 18
Mark
In Light of Who Jesus Claims He Is
We hung him on the cross and left him to die without anyone standing up for him in anyway as the son of God was put to death. We are so weak and Jesus was so strong to tall ALL the sins of the world away for us and we continue our behavior as if he never did what he did so we can be what we are.
Monday, September 23, 2013
The Potentially Dark & Oppressive Consequences of Seizing Control - Chapter 6
Several months ago my son was sick over a weekend and we spent many hours on the couch plowing through nearly 200 pages C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia. At the same time I was reading through chapters 5 and 6 and found them and actually all of Who is Jesus as a powerful commentary about Narnia living.
During a pause in our read-athon I chatted with Kyle my son about the Calormenes (I think they are called.) I talked to him about how their speech is unique from the speech we find in the two previous books Lion, Witch, and Wardrobe & Magician's Nephew. The Calormenes speak with multi-syllable words and formality. They have a highly developed set of rules pertaining to social conduct and C.S. Lewis reinforces the formality and structure of their civilization with their vocabulary and speech patterns.
When I spoke with Kyle about their speech we were sharing about the subtle ways that C.S. Lewis (brilliantly in my opinion) creates unique pieces of "stand alone" literature while at the same time tying them to a series. I never thought for a moment as we chatted that perhaps he was also making a powerful, extremely relevant & personal-to-me poignant point about my susceptibility to the dark side of spiritual warfare. He nailed me .....AND I DIDN'T SEE IT COMIN' - until Chapter 6.
Although the Calormenes are a huge empire, they have no interest with invading Narnia, a small land. They don't want to mess with Narnia because Narnia they believe is infested with ancient demons & dark magic.
I didn't connect the their fear of Narnia with their formal speech until I read chapter 6 of Who is Jesus?
The Calormenes have no time or space for the demonic realm because they have filled their relationships with laws & rules of conduct. Their relationships are epitomized by ROLES and prescribed rules of conduct. They walk according to the ROLE. Speak according to ROLE. Since they are so "in control" Narnia appears "out of control." They are masters of ROLE CONTROL.
The connection is powerful for me. I think C.S. Lewis' point is and will continue to be that in those places (like where I grew up) where we think demonic activity is explained by physics, chemistry, and fall under our "control" are actually the places where demonic activity runs most rampant.
The Calormenes want to remain isolated from ancient demonic activity. The irony/reality is that the bondage of spiritual oppression was far heavier among the Calormenes; they simply denied its existence and resisted the light of truth which would reveal a "things" ultimate spiritual nature.
Simply put -- this chapter and in a very vivid & emotionally stunning way The Horse and His Boy, have knocked me to my knees and spurred me to confess: "Oh God, I say again, when I think I'm in control, that is again Lord actually when I am out of control" and perhaps easy prey for dark magic.
Savior!!! Keep saving!!!!!
During a pause in our read-athon I chatted with Kyle my son about the Calormenes (I think they are called.) I talked to him about how their speech is unique from the speech we find in the two previous books Lion, Witch, and Wardrobe & Magician's Nephew. The Calormenes speak with multi-syllable words and formality. They have a highly developed set of rules pertaining to social conduct and C.S. Lewis reinforces the formality and structure of their civilization with their vocabulary and speech patterns.
When I spoke with Kyle about their speech we were sharing about the subtle ways that C.S. Lewis (brilliantly in my opinion) creates unique pieces of "stand alone" literature while at the same time tying them to a series. I never thought for a moment as we chatted that perhaps he was also making a powerful, extremely relevant & personal-to-me poignant point about my susceptibility to the dark side of spiritual warfare. He nailed me .....AND I DIDN'T SEE IT COMIN' - until Chapter 6.
Although the Calormenes are a huge empire, they have no interest with invading Narnia, a small land. They don't want to mess with Narnia because Narnia they believe is infested with ancient demons & dark magic.
I didn't connect the their fear of Narnia with their formal speech until I read chapter 6 of Who is Jesus?
The Calormenes have no time or space for the demonic realm because they have filled their relationships with laws & rules of conduct. Their relationships are epitomized by ROLES and prescribed rules of conduct. They walk according to the ROLE. Speak according to ROLE. Since they are so "in control" Narnia appears "out of control." They are masters of ROLE CONTROL.
The connection is powerful for me. I think C.S. Lewis' point is and will continue to be that in those places (like where I grew up) where we think demonic activity is explained by physics, chemistry, and fall under our "control" are actually the places where demonic activity runs most rampant.
The Calormenes want to remain isolated from ancient demonic activity. The irony/reality is that the bondage of spiritual oppression was far heavier among the Calormenes; they simply denied its existence and resisted the light of truth which would reveal a "things" ultimate spiritual nature.
Simply put -- this chapter and in a very vivid & emotionally stunning way The Horse and His Boy, have knocked me to my knees and spurred me to confess: "Oh God, I say again, when I think I'm in control, that is again Lord actually when I am out of control" and perhaps easy prey for dark magic.
Savior!!! Keep saving!!!!!
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Bread, Light, and Strength
Several thoughts for the last few chapters...As Jesus proclaims that He is the "bread of life," I am reminded again about the importance of "eating" every day. I made a habit of having a quiet time many, many years ago, and for the most part have kept up that habit - though I still don't spend nearly as much time as I would like on a daily basis. But my thought here is, How can we encourage our students to develop a habit of daily "Bible eating"? So important that they feed on His word on a daily basis - so important to build that foundation. How can we help them WANT to do this?
Second thought: Jesus says that if we walk with Him, we will not walk in darkness. Oh how I hate the darkness! As I travel through this unfamiliar realm of depression (medicinally produced for the most part), I find myself fearing the darkness it brings - but I have to constantly remind myself that Jesus will and does bring light even in the midst of this. So I cling to His light and fight my way out. So many of our students are facing such dark times - just heard yesterday of two more students whose parents are divorcing, watching their faces and frustrations and fears. How can we as a staff help these hurting students to cling to Jesus' light in the middle of their personal darkness? I believe we need MORE prayer times - we don't pray as a staff very much, not as much as in the past. I'm hoping we can set aside time as a team to truly pray and lift up not only the school as a whole, and our staff members, but individual students as well.
And my third thought: Jesus as the Stronger Man - personally experienced this when my son was little. He was going through such a dark time, struggling daily in every way. We - and many family members - felt a lot of his struggles were based on a spiritual fight over him. I remember a specific time I was praying over him at night as he slept, and "heard" a spiritual battle over him, heard the words, "You can't have him, he's ours [meaning the "good" side]" and knew peace as I had never felt it before! The spiritual world is real, battles are real, but prayer is a weapon we can all wield - it's power is true. Let's really pray for each other, for our families, for our students - "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much"!!
Second thought: Jesus says that if we walk with Him, we will not walk in darkness. Oh how I hate the darkness! As I travel through this unfamiliar realm of depression (medicinally produced for the most part), I find myself fearing the darkness it brings - but I have to constantly remind myself that Jesus will and does bring light even in the midst of this. So I cling to His light and fight my way out. So many of our students are facing such dark times - just heard yesterday of two more students whose parents are divorcing, watching their faces and frustrations and fears. How can we as a staff help these hurting students to cling to Jesus' light in the middle of their personal darkness? I believe we need MORE prayer times - we don't pray as a staff very much, not as much as in the past. I'm hoping we can set aside time as a team to truly pray and lift up not only the school as a whole, and our staff members, but individual students as well.
And my third thought: Jesus as the Stronger Man - personally experienced this when my son was little. He was going through such a dark time, struggling daily in every way. We - and many family members - felt a lot of his struggles were based on a spiritual fight over him. I remember a specific time I was praying over him at night as he slept, and "heard" a spiritual battle over him, heard the words, "You can't have him, he's ours [meaning the "good" side]" and knew peace as I had never felt it before! The spiritual world is real, battles are real, but prayer is a weapon we can all wield - it's power is true. Let's really pray for each other, for our families, for our students - "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much"!!
Monday, September 16, 2013
Blood Prints for Blue Prints
"He does not lay out a master blueprint for our lives." (p. 76)
"And with loss, the temptation is to run to the past, like the Israelites in the desert. The uncertainty inherent in the journey to the Promised Land was too much to bear." (DJ, 77)
Nearly 30 years ago as a student, I remember hearing this quote (its paraphrased for sure because it has been a looong time) – “we know the uncertainty of the future by the reality of the past.”
With just a little amount of “looking back reflection” we can likely prove this theory true.
In most cases, our lives have taken some interesting and unexpected turns.
Regarding unexpected turns, one of my favorite lines from Chronicles of Narnia is in chapter 14 of the Voyage of the Dawn Treader. When speaking to Aslan, the Christ figure in the story, Lucy asks, "Will you tell us how to get into your country from our world?" Aslan replies to her, "I shall be telling you all the time.”
The tension of “not knowing” and yet “trusting” pounds into my mind and heart the experience of Faith. Sometimes it pushes me to confess like Thomas, “Lord, we don’t know the way.” In my confession I hear Christ proclaiming His gospel, “I am the way.”
Sometimes when things really, really start spinning out of control I’ve asked, “Lord, why have you forsaken me?” In my question I hear Christ again proclaiming from the cross – “Into your hands (Father God) I commit my spirit.” I think it was Peter who wrote (I paraphrase) – Those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful creator (like Christ on the cross) and continue to do good.
The uncertainty of the past and the future helps tune my ears to hear God’s promise that I can “take heart, for He has overcome the world. ” (John 16:33) Uncertainty for me heightens the awareness that life with God is a restless adventure of mystery and intrigue. Uncertainty reveals in a unique way Christ’s eternal promise that He “will never leave or forsake me” (Hebrews 13:5.)
Paul says “in Him we live and move and have our being.” Thanks Jesus for upholding and sustaining me by your word of power in all places and all times. Thanks for your eternal love that you demonstrate in this – while I was still a sinner and your enemy, you died for me. Yes, you did not give me a blue print; however you did give me your blood. Your body broken. Your life. And you indeed in good and bad circumstances, are constantly speaking faith, hope, and love at all cost to me and for me…..all the time. Thank you.
"And with loss, the temptation is to run to the past, like the Israelites in the desert. The uncertainty inherent in the journey to the Promised Land was too much to bear." (DJ, 77)
Nearly 30 years ago as a student, I remember hearing this quote (its paraphrased for sure because it has been a looong time) – “we know the uncertainty of the future by the reality of the past.”
With just a little amount of “looking back reflection” we can likely prove this theory true.
In most cases, our lives have taken some interesting and unexpected turns.
Regarding unexpected turns, one of my favorite lines from Chronicles of Narnia is in chapter 14 of the Voyage of the Dawn Treader. When speaking to Aslan, the Christ figure in the story, Lucy asks, "Will you tell us how to get into your country from our world?" Aslan replies to her, "I shall be telling you all the time.”
The tension of “not knowing” and yet “trusting” pounds into my mind and heart the experience of Faith. Sometimes it pushes me to confess like Thomas, “Lord, we don’t know the way.” In my confession I hear Christ proclaiming His gospel, “I am the way.”
Sometimes when things really, really start spinning out of control I’ve asked, “Lord, why have you forsaken me?” In my question I hear Christ again proclaiming from the cross – “Into your hands (Father God) I commit my spirit.” I think it was Peter who wrote (I paraphrase) – Those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful creator (like Christ on the cross) and continue to do good.
The uncertainty of the past and the future helps tune my ears to hear God’s promise that I can “take heart, for He has overcome the world. ” (John 16:33) Uncertainty for me heightens the awareness that life with God is a restless adventure of mystery and intrigue. Uncertainty reveals in a unique way Christ’s eternal promise that He “will never leave or forsake me” (Hebrews 13:5.)
Paul says “in Him we live and move and have our being.” Thanks Jesus for upholding and sustaining me by your word of power in all places and all times. Thanks for your eternal love that you demonstrate in this – while I was still a sinner and your enemy, you died for me. Yes, you did not give me a blue print; however you did give me your blood. Your body broken. Your life. And you indeed in good and bad circumstances, are constantly speaking faith, hope, and love at all cost to me and for me…..all the time. Thank you.
Can't find a stronger man!
Pg. 92 - "The powers of hell will try and not succeed. But what Jesus is really saying is that He will build His Church and the church will move into hell's strongholds and hell will not prevail against the church!"
Man I just loved that view - On the houseboat trip God's church -(teachers, mentors, Sonshine staff, and students) move into hell's strongholds in the lives of teachers, mentors, Sonshine staff, and students and hell does not prevail! I have seen it on houseboats for years, God always wins! Every week, everyday, every minute the stronger man JESUS plunders the evil one's home.
I never tire of watching Jesus do His thing. The opportunity to be a part of His act on houseboats or at Jim Elliot is such a blessing. As Teachers/ Mentors it is easy to get caught up in our tasks of teaching and miss the Stronger-Man's act each week in the lives of the students. Don't get me wrong - the Stronger-Man works every minute within our tasks (teaching, coaching, administrating...) but when we focus on the tasks and not the Stronger-Man Himself - Jesus.........we begin to burnout.....
Another side note - I love Jesus' own analysis of what is going on by His presence on earth: "No one can enter the strong man's house and plunder his property unless he first binds the strong man, and then he will plunder his house" (Mark 3:27)
Jesus doesn't sneak into the world unannounced! 300+ prophecies of how He would come and live and die! There is no sneak attack - He was born into the strong man's house - came as a helpless infant, grew up as a child, and confronted the strong man (mano y mano) and bound him!
A helpless baby?????........The Stronger Man!
A weak Child????.......The Stronger Man!
An uneducated Carpenter????........The Stronger Man
Died on a cross????.........The Strongest Man Ever!!!!!!!
Praise Jesus!
-Reid
Man I just loved that view - On the houseboat trip God's church -(teachers, mentors, Sonshine staff, and students) move into hell's strongholds in the lives of teachers, mentors, Sonshine staff, and students and hell does not prevail! I have seen it on houseboats for years, God always wins! Every week, everyday, every minute the stronger man JESUS plunders the evil one's home.
I never tire of watching Jesus do His thing. The opportunity to be a part of His act on houseboats or at Jim Elliot is such a blessing. As Teachers/ Mentors it is easy to get caught up in our tasks of teaching and miss the Stronger-Man's act each week in the lives of the students. Don't get me wrong - the Stronger-Man works every minute within our tasks (teaching, coaching, administrating...) but when we focus on the tasks and not the Stronger-Man Himself - Jesus.........we begin to burnout.....
Remember this quote from the week of training before school started?
“One sign that I am violating my own nature in the name of nobility is a condition called burnout. Though usually regarded as the result of trying to give too much, burnout in my experience results from trying to give what I do not possess- the ultimate in giving too little! Burnout is a state of emptiness; to be sure, but it does not result from giving all I have: it merely reveals the nothingness from which I was trying to give in the first place.” (Palmer, Parker, Let Your Life Speak. San Francisco, Jossey-Bass, 2000, 51)
“One sign that I am violating my own nature in the name of nobility is a condition called burnout. Though usually regarded as the result of trying to give too much, burnout in my experience results from trying to give what I do not possess- the ultimate in giving too little! Burnout is a state of emptiness; to be sure, but it does not result from giving all I have: it merely reveals the nothingness from which I was trying to give in the first place.” (Palmer, Parker, Let Your Life Speak. San Francisco, Jossey-Bass, 2000, 51)
Jesus doesn't sneak into the world unannounced! 300+ prophecies of how He would come and live and die! There is no sneak attack - He was born into the strong man's house - came as a helpless infant, grew up as a child, and confronted the strong man (mano y mano) and bound him!
A helpless baby?????........The Stronger Man!
A weak Child????.......The Stronger Man!
An uneducated Carpenter????........The Stronger Man
Died on a cross????.........The Strongest Man Ever!!!!!!!
Praise Jesus!
-Reid
Consume me like a fire....
The light of the world! Just like bread, we humans cannot survive without light....without The Light!
As the author points out - Jesus' timing is everything. When my "Reid-made light" burns out that is when Jesus the light of the world shines the brightest. He is so gracious and patient with me. He will allow me to burn my own weak and feeble wick (constructed out of sacred undergarments - all stuff done in the name of nobility) for 8 days (or so) and then He takes a stroll through my treasury (things I think are valuable) and then calls out to me....."Reid.........I AM the light of the world...not you! Stop trying to be Me...Only I can be Me and only you can be you."
My only response is repent and worship! May The Light Of The World come and consume me like a fire burning away all the darkness within me.
As the author points out - Jesus' timing is everything. When my "Reid-made light" burns out that is when Jesus the light of the world shines the brightest. He is so gracious and patient with me. He will allow me to burn my own weak and feeble wick (constructed out of sacred undergarments - all stuff done in the name of nobility) for 8 days (or so) and then He takes a stroll through my treasury (things I think are valuable) and then calls out to me....."Reid.........I AM the light of the world...not you! Stop trying to be Me...Only I can be Me and only you can be you."
My only response is repent and worship! May The Light Of The World come and consume me like a fire burning away all the darkness within me.
Monday, September 9, 2013
"You Need Me as Much or More Than You Need Your Next Meal" - (DJ, 54)
"You can make it without most of what you have but you cannot make it without me." (DJ, 54) This chapter was very inspiring and a great reminder for me that Jesus and His banquet table truly is the Alpha and Omega of every story and the Alpha and Omega of space and time. Thanks Jesus for wrapping flaws & strained relationships with your banquet of grace and hope.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
God's Story
I love the reminder that all of Scripture points to Jesus. It is all about Him! From "In the biginnning" to the Revelation revealed to John, it is all about redemption through Jesus. He is The Lamb, The One Who Baptizes, The Son of Man and The Bread of Life. It is not about me. I tend to focus on a verse or passage, but it is one continuous story. To really understand Jesus, the person, I need to understand God's love story from the beginning. Then I can truly say thank you for "the Bread that comes out of heaven and gives life". It is a powerful reminder that God desires a relationship with us and the only lasting satisfaction comes from Jesus!
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Bread of Life
Jesus claims to be the bread of life that will always satisfy. Always satisfy? Yes! Always satisfy. This fact that Jesus will always satisfy is hard for me to swallow! I know it to be true in my head but my actions at times tell another story. I lack the patience in my relationship with Jesus to allow Him to satisfy me. It is like taking a bite of food and not being instantly full! Ridiculous - I know! Being the insecure guy I am I loved on page 54 where Jesus pays mankind the highest compliment. We as earthly creatures can only be satisfied by heavenly food! We are the creatures who's hunger and thirst can only be met by the great I AM. So awesome! I know that to be true - only He can satisfy. Then why so often do I turn to junk food (worldly stuff) to nourish my soul? This chapter helped me close the gap on that question. I find that I am like the people - eat of the bread and then demand a sign. Eat of the bread and then challenge Jesus to perform. All the while missing out on the feast Jesus himself lays before me.....Him...anytime - anywhere!
Take eat...this is my body broken for you!
-Reid
Take eat...this is my body broken for you!
-Reid
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
The Son Of Man
I stand in awe of the Son of Man! I am obsessed with Jesus! I know that sounds weird but I mean it in a good way. Ever since I was a little boy Jesus fascinated me like no other! And through this chapter "Son Of Man" He has done it again. I am left with so many questions:
1. How could He get away with calling himself the Son Of Man?.....because it was Him!!!
2. If this was the most regular way He referred to himself in scripture then how come we don't refer to Him as the Son Of Man today?....I have attended church for 38 years, worked full time / part time in many different denominational churches for 23 years and still to this day never have heard Jesus referred to The Son of Man on a regular basis. I have never even heard a sermon on it! Why? (I really don't know the answer)
3. He "Turns the tables upside down" on our understanding of Daniel's vision by living the "prequel" of the vision. Serving instead of being served, taking judgment upon himself....and so on and so on. Why? How?
When I ask Him these questions He continually whispers how much He loves me (us).
Jesus - there really is none like you! You are God!!! And I stand in awe of you!
-Reid
1. How could He get away with calling himself the Son Of Man?.....because it was Him!!!
2. If this was the most regular way He referred to himself in scripture then how come we don't refer to Him as the Son Of Man today?....I have attended church for 38 years, worked full time / part time in many different denominational churches for 23 years and still to this day never have heard Jesus referred to The Son of Man on a regular basis. I have never even heard a sermon on it! Why? (I really don't know the answer)
3. He "Turns the tables upside down" on our understanding of Daniel's vision by living the "prequel" of the vision. Serving instead of being served, taking judgment upon himself....and so on and so on. Why? How?
When I ask Him these questions He continually whispers how much He loves me (us).
Jesus - there really is none like you! You are God!!! And I stand in awe of you!
-Reid
Monday, September 2, 2013
"I love You Jesus. I am yours! I will risk it all to follow You." - Page 51
Facing a possible death sentence and rejection from loved ones, Mansour cries out "I love you Jesus. I am yours!" My prayer last week for Jim Elliot and my own heart is that God would fill the emptiness in our hearts with His life and love. Mansour's spontaneous outburst of ecstatic praise in the face of suffering reminds of both the joy and pain that comes with authentic Christ-like discipleship. I hope that the testimonies being written right now in the students and staff at Jim Elliott resound with the same passion and sacrifice that we read in Mansour's story. Dear God, please create new, joy-filled, and passionate hearts by your faithful word of power at Jim Elliott this week.
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Worth the risk?
We've asked our Mentor Group girls the question, "Who IS Jesus?" As I've thought about their possible responses, I have asked myself that question as well. I've known my Savior since I was a small child. I've really never known life without Him. So who is He to me? I don't want to grow stale in my relationship to Him. I've read the Bible front to back, memorized hundreds of Scriptures, led and been in many, many Bible studies. Yet how much do I really know HIM? I think it's time to pursue a new level of trust, new level of depth with my Savior. In reading chapter 3, one question stood out to me - when the Muslim man asked, "Why is Jesus worth the risk?" (p. 39) Now I ask myself that as well...and then I ask myself, "What risks have I ever taken for Jesus?" I have Christian family members (almost all, including 2nd and 3rd cousins even), Christian friends (do I even have ONE non-Christian friend??), and Christian co-workers. I live in a safe "bubble," away from the risks of being a Christ-follower. I can only hope that my faith is so strong that it would, indeed, stand up to any persecution.
I read something in my devotional this morning that fit perfectly, and I want to quote it here:
"Jesus said, 'No servant is greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you also' (John 15:20). And remember, they didn't just persecute Jesus. They crucified Him.
It's said more than forty-five million men and women during the twentieth century were put to death for their faith in Jesus Christ. In more recent times, the estimate of those who are persecuted for their faith has been between 160,000 and 170,000 a year. Imagine! More than 10,000 Christians dying for their faith every month. More than 400 a day!
This morning while you were getting up and trying to decide what to wear, what to eat, somewhere in the world, a man or woman, or child, was paying the ultimate price for their relationship with Jesus. Why do we cringe when someone simply raises an eyebrow when we mention our faith?
It's time you and I had the courage to stand up and speak out for Jesus. If He is filling our hearts, how can we help it?" (Anne Graham Lotz, Fixing My Eyes on Jesus)
So, on to a deeper walk, a deeper trust, so I can honestly begin to say "Yes" to the questions posed on pg. 51: "Will you trust Me? Will you trust Me with your relationships? Will you trust Me with your careers? Will you trust Me with your finances? Will you trust Me with your future?"
Kathy Elliott
I read something in my devotional this morning that fit perfectly, and I want to quote it here:
"Jesus said, 'No servant is greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you also' (John 15:20). And remember, they didn't just persecute Jesus. They crucified Him.
It's said more than forty-five million men and women during the twentieth century were put to death for their faith in Jesus Christ. In more recent times, the estimate of those who are persecuted for their faith has been between 160,000 and 170,000 a year. Imagine! More than 10,000 Christians dying for their faith every month. More than 400 a day!
This morning while you were getting up and trying to decide what to wear, what to eat, somewhere in the world, a man or woman, or child, was paying the ultimate price for their relationship with Jesus. Why do we cringe when someone simply raises an eyebrow when we mention our faith?
It's time you and I had the courage to stand up and speak out for Jesus. If He is filling our hearts, how can we help it?" (Anne Graham Lotz, Fixing My Eyes on Jesus)
So, on to a deeper walk, a deeper trust, so I can honestly begin to say "Yes" to the questions posed on pg. 51: "Will you trust Me? Will you trust Me with your relationships? Will you trust Me with your careers? Will you trust Me with your finances? Will you trust Me with your future?"
Kathy Elliott
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