We first meet Saul (later known as Paul) at the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7). Then in Acts 8 we read that Saul 'Saul approved of their killing him'. Later in Acts 9, we find Saul again 'still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples.' Saul has in his hands 'arrest warrants' for which he intends to round up all Christians.
However, during his journey to Damascus, Saul is surrounded by a bright light - the glory of God. Saul encounters Jesus face-to-face. This same Saul is now given a new job - instead of persecuting Christians, Saul is to take the message of the Gospel to the Gentiles.
You see, we can never be sure of who God will call. We can never really know what God is doing, or may do in someone's life. You may not know, but God does. And He knows your potential - God knows the plans for you. After all, God knew you when you were in your mother's womb.
Saul was a proud, murderous Pharisee intent on crushing all Christians. No one could have been more unlikely to be used by God, yet Saul was chosen to deliver the Gospel message and became perhaps the greatest evangelist of all time.
God is perfectly capable of using anyone - including you.
Showing posts with label Gospel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gospel. Show all posts
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saved From the Mine
Last month the world watched as 33 miners, trapped over 2,000 feet below ground, were successfully rescued. The result of a collapsed mine, the 33 men were trapped for over 60 days while crews drilled a shaft wide enough to lower a metal capsule by which the men could be raised to the surface.
During the time the men were trapped, they were separated from friends, from family and their loved ones. Sin in our lives is like being trapped in that collapsed mine. Sin results in us being separated from God. And just like the miners, we cannot rescue ourselves. The miners could not dig their way out of the mine. They needed help from above. In our sinful state, we are unable to rescue ourselves. No amount of work will raise us to the surface and get us right with God. Instead we need help from above.
Our help comes In Jesus Christ. Sent by God to take the punishment for our sins, Jesus is the only way out of the collapsed mine that is our sinfulness. And just like the miners, who to be rescued need to get into the metal capsule, we need to grabbed onto Christ to be saved. For the miners, the capsule was the only way and to not climb in would mean dying in the mine. For us, Jesus is the only way and to not accept Him as Lord and Savior, means to die in our sins. To die in our sins means to spend eternity separated from God.
The capsule has arrived, Jesus has come to take the punishment for your sins. But you must hold on to Jesus. Your life depends upon it.
During the time the men were trapped, they were separated from friends, from family and their loved ones. Sin in our lives is like being trapped in that collapsed mine. Sin results in us being separated from God. And just like the miners, we cannot rescue ourselves. The miners could not dig their way out of the mine. They needed help from above. In our sinful state, we are unable to rescue ourselves. No amount of work will raise us to the surface and get us right with God. Instead we need help from above.
Our help comes In Jesus Christ. Sent by God to take the punishment for our sins, Jesus is the only way out of the collapsed mine that is our sinfulness. And just like the miners, who to be rescued need to get into the metal capsule, we need to grabbed onto Christ to be saved. For the miners, the capsule was the only way and to not climb in would mean dying in the mine. For us, Jesus is the only way and to not accept Him as Lord and Savior, means to die in our sins. To die in our sins means to spend eternity separated from God.
The capsule has arrived, Jesus has come to take the punishment for your sins. But you must hold on to Jesus. Your life depends upon it.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Easter Message
In John 20, we read about a tomb. This one is empty. Jesus has been crucified and He has been buried. Mary Magdalene arrives at the tomb only to find the stone removed and the tomb empty. In John 20:11 we read, "but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?"
When we are faced with some crisis, when our walk with Christ doesn’t seem especially joyful, it in some ways it might have felt like how Mary felt looking into the empty tomb. It may seem like things do not make sense. We may even ask the question, “Why does God allow this to happen?” We must remember that God is working out all the details and He makes no mistakes.
As Christians, we are often tempted to be discouraged or depressed when faced with situations that may seem insurmountable or uncontrollable. But Paul tells us in Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" And he wrote this while in prison.
Perhaps like Mary, we peer into an empty tomb. But that can be a good thing. When we are discouraged, look to the tomb. Instead of weeping, we should be rejoicing. The empty tomb is a sign of our hope. It is the sign of our new life. It shows us that nothing can prevent the plans of God.
They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?"
When we are faced with some crisis, when our walk with Christ doesn’t seem especially joyful, it in some ways it might have felt like how Mary felt looking into the empty tomb. It may seem like things do not make sense. We may even ask the question, “Why does God allow this to happen?” We must remember that God is working out all the details and He makes no mistakes.
As Christians, we are often tempted to be discouraged or depressed when faced with situations that may seem insurmountable or uncontrollable. But Paul tells us in Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" And he wrote this while in prison.
Perhaps like Mary, we peer into an empty tomb. But that can be a good thing. When we are discouraged, look to the tomb. Instead of weeping, we should be rejoicing. The empty tomb is a sign of our hope. It is the sign of our new life. It shows us that nothing can prevent the plans of God.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Two Crosses
When Jesus was crucified, there were two other men crucified alongside. The first criminal hurled insults at Jesus stating, "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" The second criminal rebuked him saying, "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." (Luke 23:39-41)
The first criminal did not acknowledge his guilt and remained in his sin. The second criminal recognized his guilt and reached out to Jesus saying, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:42-43)
Each man eventually dies and stands before God to give an account of himself. The first man stands alone. The second man stands with Jesus as his substitute.
Just as each of these two men, each of takes our place on either side of Christ. The one that we identify with, the one that represents your view of Christ will indicate where you will spend eternity.
The first criminal did not acknowledge his guilt and remained in his sin. The second criminal recognized his guilt and reached out to Jesus saying, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:42-43)
Each man eventually dies and stands before God to give an account of himself. The first man stands alone. The second man stands with Jesus as his substitute.
Just as each of these two men, each of takes our place on either side of Christ. The one that we identify with, the one that represents your view of Christ will indicate where you will spend eternity.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Straining Towards the Goal
Jimmy Johnson was the coach of the Dallas Cowboys and in 1989, his first year of coaching the team, they had a record of 1 win and 15 losses making them the worst team in the NFL.
Philippians 3:13 tells us, "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead..." And that is exactly what Jimmy Johnson coached. Learn from mistakes - but don't dwell on them and when you lose, plan for the next win.
As we strain toward the goal of living like Christ, we must cast off the old self and put on the new person. Forgetting what is behind, and strain toward what lies ahead.
Eventually the Cowboys won the Super Bowl in 1993 and 1994, 4 years after going 1-15.
As
Philippians 3:13 tells us, "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead..." And that is exactly what Jimmy Johnson coached. Learn from mistakes - but don't dwell on them and when you lose, plan for the next win.
As we strain toward the goal of living like Christ, we must cast off the old self and put on the new person. Forgetting what is behind, and strain toward what lies ahead.
Eventually the Cowboys won the Super Bowl in 1993 and 1994, 4 years after going 1-15.
As
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Knocked Down But Not Knocked Out
Emmitt Smith was a running back in the NFL for 15 years, most of them with the Dallas Cowboys. In his career he ran for over 18,000 yards - that works out to over 10 miles. Considering the number of actual running plays, Emmitt Smith average 4 yards per carry. This means that each time Emmitt ran he was knocked down every 12 feet (on average). And in spite of being tackled every 12 feet, he still managed to amass over 10 miles of yardage in his career.
The apostle Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy while in prison, presumably awaiting execution. Paul had been beaten, stoned and shipwrecked, all for preaching the Gospel. Yet he writes to Timothy, in verse 7, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
Paul's words and Emmitt Smith's career show us that there is a difference between being knocked down and being knocked out.
The enemy, Satan wants us to quit. He wants to knock us out of the game. Keep your eyes focused on the goal, knowing that with Christ's help, you may be knocked down, but you will not be knocked out.
The apostle Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy while in prison, presumably awaiting execution. Paul had been beaten, stoned and shipwrecked, all for preaching the Gospel. Yet he writes to Timothy, in verse 7, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
Paul's words and Emmitt Smith's career show us that there is a difference between being knocked down and being knocked out.
The enemy, Satan wants us to quit. He wants to knock us out of the game. Keep your eyes focused on the goal, knowing that with Christ's help, you may be knocked down, but you will not be knocked out.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Facing the Giants
In First Samuel 17:1-54 we read about David and Goliath. Now to set up the story, the people of Israel are facing off with their dreaded enemy the Philistines. The two armies are on opposite sides of a valley. Then, the Philistine army steps apart and out comes Goliath. A huge man, nearly 10 feet tall carry 200 pounds of armament - a sword, spear, shield and armor. As Goliath approaches, he taunts the army of Israel.
Enter David, the youngest of his brothers, he is carrying supplies. David does not understand why the other soldiers are just standing around. He knows that God is with him and so, decides to confront Goliath. Goliath laughs but David is not intimidated.
David loads his slingshot, takes aim and hits Goliath right between the eyes. David then takes Goliath's sword and beheads the giant. The Philistines flee with the army of Israel in pursuit.
We face our own Goliaths everyday. So what can we learn from David?
1. Facing giants is an intimidating experience - remember, Goliath towered over David.
2. Doing battle is a lonely experience. Your Goliaths are your Goliaths. They may not be gigantic to anyone else, but they are gigantic to you. The battle is for you and God to fight - together. Friends can stand with you , but you must cross the battle line yourself.
3. Trust in God - David was calm knowing that God was with him.
4. Remember your victories- when the next battle comes, you will remember how God was with you.
Thanks to Chuck Swindoll's book titled, David: A Man of Passion and Destiny.
Enter David, the youngest of his brothers, he is carrying supplies. David does not understand why the other soldiers are just standing around. He knows that God is with him and so, decides to confront Goliath. Goliath laughs but David is not intimidated.
David loads his slingshot, takes aim and hits Goliath right between the eyes. David then takes Goliath's sword and beheads the giant. The Philistines flee with the army of Israel in pursuit.
We face our own Goliaths everyday. So what can we learn from David?
1. Facing giants is an intimidating experience - remember, Goliath towered over David.
2. Doing battle is a lonely experience. Your Goliaths are your Goliaths. They may not be gigantic to anyone else, but they are gigantic to you. The battle is for you and God to fight - together. Friends can stand with you , but you must cross the battle line yourself.
3. Trust in God - David was calm knowing that God was with him.
4. Remember your victories- when the next battle comes, you will remember how God was with you.
Thanks to Chuck Swindoll's book titled, David: A Man of Passion and Destiny.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Lessons from Nehemiah
When the Babylonians sacked Jerusalem and took many of the people captive, Nehemiah was among the captives. Nehemiah became "Cupbearer to the king" which really meant he was the king's food tester. But God gave Nehemiah another task - go back to Jerusalem and rebuild the wall.
The task was enormous - not only were the walls destroyed, but the volunteers were unskilled in repairing stone walls, Nehemiah's enemies were all around and there was no shortage of criticism.
But Nehemiah persevered - he established some guidelines. Everyone was responsible for the section of wall directly in front of them. They made sure that they help each other. To combat the enemies, the workers held their tools in one hand and there sword in the other. Finally, they focused on their goal - to rebuild the wall. Eventually the wall was completed - to which God got all the glory.
Here are some lessons we could learn from Nehemiah (From Chuck Swindell - Nehemiah: A Model of Pioneer Determination):
1. Never let life's difficulties surprise you - problems will come.
2. Be positive - remember God is in control - focus on building the wall.
3. Fight your battles in prayer.
4. Don't do this alone - a cord of three strands is not easily broken.
The task was enormous - not only were the walls destroyed, but the volunteers were unskilled in repairing stone walls, Nehemiah's enemies were all around and there was no shortage of criticism.
But Nehemiah persevered - he established some guidelines. Everyone was responsible for the section of wall directly in front of them. They made sure that they help each other. To combat the enemies, the workers held their tools in one hand and there sword in the other. Finally, they focused on their goal - to rebuild the wall. Eventually the wall was completed - to which God got all the glory.
Here are some lessons we could learn from Nehemiah (From Chuck Swindell - Nehemiah: A Model of Pioneer Determination):
1. Never let life's difficulties surprise you - problems will come.
2. Be positive - remember God is in control - focus on building the wall.
3. Fight your battles in prayer.
4. Don't do this alone - a cord of three strands is not easily broken.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Temptation
After Jesus' Baptism, He was taken by the Holy Spirit to the wilderness. Satan tempted Jesus three ways: physical (hunger), Pride (testing God) and Possessions (all these things). First Satan challenged Jesus, "If you are the Son of God." We can expect to be tempted in much the same ways. And it is important to realize that Satan will indeed challenge us - "If you are truly a Christian" or "Do you really think you can make a difference?" or "Has God really promised?"
Don't be surprised that as you make strides in your walk with Christ, that Satan will rise up and challenge you. When that happens, look to Christ and what He modeled for us - turn to Scripture. Remember, when you resist Satan, he will flee.
Don't be surprised that as you make strides in your walk with Christ, that Satan will rise up and challenge you. When that happens, look to Christ and what He modeled for us - turn to Scripture. Remember, when you resist Satan, he will flee.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Love
John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
The Bible shows us that love is an action. Love comes from the heart and shows care and concern for others. We love others because we know exactly who they are and we love them just the same.
God loves us not because of what we try to do or to be. God loves us because He knows exactly who we are.
The Bible shows us that love is an action. Love comes from the heart and shows care and concern for others. We love others because we know exactly who they are and we love them just the same.
God loves us not because of what we try to do or to be. God loves us because He knows exactly who we are.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
How can this be?
Between the Old Testament and the New Testament we see that God had been silent for 400 years. The people of Israel had been awaiting the Messiah.
When Jesus was born, there was no fanfare. God chose an average woman named Mary living in an out-of-the-way place.
Mary found favor with God. God's choice of Mary comes from His grace - not through any work done by Mary. This is unearned merit. God steps into Mary's life and brings her into His service - not the other way around.
But Mary's response is, "How can this be?" Mary's faith is tested. The angel responds, "Nothing us impossible with God" to which Mary replies, "I am the Lord's servant."
In this we must remember that God seeks us as ordinary people in ordinary places.
When Jesus was born, there was no fanfare. God chose an average woman named Mary living in an out-of-the-way place.
Mary found favor with God. God's choice of Mary comes from His grace - not through any work done by Mary. This is unearned merit. God steps into Mary's life and brings her into His service - not the other way around.
But Mary's response is, "How can this be?" Mary's faith is tested. The angel responds, "Nothing us impossible with God" to which Mary replies, "I am the Lord's servant."
In this we must remember that God seeks us as ordinary people in ordinary places.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
On the Road Again
In Luke 24:13-35 we meet two fellows on the road to Emmaus. Like many of us, we are traveling along a road without knowledge of where we are going or why we are on the road.
Fortunately for these two men, Jesus comes alongside them. Again, like many of us, Jesus has also come up alongside. The two men are discussing the recent events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus. And like Mary, they did not recognize Him - at first.
Jesus then asks what they are discussing. They told Jesus about the man they had hoped would be the Messiah. Jesus begins to tell the men of the Scriptures and how the Scriptures speak of Jesus.
For Mary, she recognized Jesus when He spoke her name. For these two men, it was when their hearts burned.
So when you seek Jesus, it may not be with your eyes that you will find Him. It will be with your heart.
Fortunately for these two men, Jesus comes alongside them. Again, like many of us, Jesus has also come up alongside. The two men are discussing the recent events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus. And like Mary, they did not recognize Him - at first.
Jesus then asks what they are discussing. They told Jesus about the man they had hoped would be the Messiah. Jesus begins to tell the men of the Scriptures and how the Scriptures speak of Jesus.
For Mary, she recognized Jesus when He spoke her name. For these two men, it was when their hearts burned.
So when you seek Jesus, it may not be with your eyes that you will find Him. It will be with your heart.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Whom Are You Seeking?
We are all seeking something. In John 20:11-18, Mary Magdalene goes to the the now empty tomb. She is distressed. There she encounters the risen Christ, but Mary does not recognize Him. Jesus asks Mary an important question, "Whom are you seeking?" Mary does not answer directly. This is a question we all need to ask ourselves. Knowing that we are all seeking something to fulfill our lives, let us consider Jesus' question to Mary - "Whom are you seeking?"
When Jesus then calls her by name, Mary recognizes Jesus. "Mary" is a personal response. Mary doesn't recognize Jesus by sight, but by voice.
We are made to have a relationship with God. Whom are you seeking?
When Jesus then calls her by name, Mary recognizes Jesus. "Mary" is a personal response. Mary doesn't recognize Jesus by sight, but by voice.
We are made to have a relationship with God. Whom are you seeking?
Sunday, November 15, 2009
David's Mighty Men
In First Chronicles 12 we read of David's Mighty Men. These were warriors described as "brave warriors, ready for battle and able to handle the shield and spear." They were "able to shoot arrows or to sling stones right-handed or left-handed" and had "the faces of lions, and they were as swift as gazelles in the mountains."
Aside from these abilities, David offered this warning, "If you have come to me in peace, to help me, I am ready to have you unite with me. But if you have come to betray me to my enemies when my hands are free from violence, may the God of our fathers see it and judge you."
So, are you a Mighty Man (or woman) of God? Do you rely upon your talents and skills only? Or are you joined with God, to be used by Him? Because if you are, God is with you. However if you are duplicitous, with evil on your heart, then God will judge you accordingly.
Aside from these abilities, David offered this warning, "If you have come to me in peace, to help me, I am ready to have you unite with me. But if you have come to betray me to my enemies when my hands are free from violence, may the God of our fathers see it and judge you."
So, are you a Mighty Man (or woman) of God? Do you rely upon your talents and skills only? Or are you joined with God, to be used by Him? Because if you are, God is with you. However if you are duplicitous, with evil on your heart, then God will judge you accordingly.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Two Crosses
In Luke 23, we see two criminals that were crucified with Jesus. The reason there are two is to show the grace of God and to demonstrate that there is a choice to be made. Grace is an unearned gift from God - the Gift of Salvation. Now, the first choice is refusal - denying Christ - not accepting the Gift. The second choice is acceptance - reaching out and grabbing the gift.
We are all guilty of sin. We are all deserving of punishment. Some will deny their guilt while others will acknowledge their guilt. Likewise, some will accept God's Gift of Salvation and others will refuse it.
There were two criminals that day - one on His left, the other on His right. In a very real way, each one of us is one of those two criminals. We are all guilty of something, some of us acknowledge our guilt, and others deny it. Some accept the gift of salvation, others refuse it. Each of those men eventually dies on their cross and stands before God to give an account of himself – alone. However, if there were only two crosses that day, who could be reconciled with God?
With Jesus in the middle, suddenly the responses of each of the men take on a new meaning. The first man denies his guilt, the other acknowledges it. Both die, but the second man joins Jesus in paradise. Standing in judgment before God, only the second man has Jesus as his substitute. The first man stands before God alone. Consider how close salvation was to the second man yet he died in unbelief. The first man only asked that Jesus remember him.
There were three crosses on the hill that day. Each of us takes our place on either side of Christ. The one that you identify with, the one that represents your view of Christ will indicate where you will spend eternity.
Both criminals die and both will appear before God. Those that refuse the gift will stand alone. Those that accept the gift will stand with Jesus.
Which of the two criminals are you?
We are all guilty of sin. We are all deserving of punishment. Some will deny their guilt while others will acknowledge their guilt. Likewise, some will accept God's Gift of Salvation and others will refuse it.
There were two criminals that day - one on His left, the other on His right. In a very real way, each one of us is one of those two criminals. We are all guilty of something, some of us acknowledge our guilt, and others deny it. Some accept the gift of salvation, others refuse it. Each of those men eventually dies on their cross and stands before God to give an account of himself – alone. However, if there were only two crosses that day, who could be reconciled with God?
With Jesus in the middle, suddenly the responses of each of the men take on a new meaning. The first man denies his guilt, the other acknowledges it. Both die, but the second man joins Jesus in paradise. Standing in judgment before God, only the second man has Jesus as his substitute. The first man stands before God alone. Consider how close salvation was to the second man yet he died in unbelief. The first man only asked that Jesus remember him.
There were three crosses on the hill that day. Each of us takes our place on either side of Christ. The one that you identify with, the one that represents your view of Christ will indicate where you will spend eternity.
Both criminals die and both will appear before God. Those that refuse the gift will stand alone. Those that accept the gift will stand with Jesus.
Which of the two criminals are you?
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Lord, Save Me
When we find our faith slipping, the first thing we need to do is run to the cross. When Peter stepped out of the boat he was doing okay until he stopped focusing on Christ. It was when he was sinking that he cried out, "Lord save me." May we all remember to cry out to Christ when we start sinking into sin.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
The Roman Road
Today's message was the Roman Road.
A maze is a twisty puzzle that offers only one path of escape. In life, there is only one path to escape the wrath of God. That path is through Jesus Christ. The Roman Road provides us with directions.
1. Admit that you are a sinner.
Romans 3:23, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"
2. Understand that you deserve death for your sin and ask God to forgive you and save you.
Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
3. Ask Jesus to come into your heart.
Romans 10:13, "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
A maze is a twisty puzzle that offers only one path of escape. In life, there is only one path to escape the wrath of God. That path is through Jesus Christ. The Roman Road provides us with directions.
1. Admit that you are a sinner.
Romans 3:23, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"
2. Understand that you deserve death for your sin and ask God to forgive you and save you.
Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
3. Ask Jesus to come into your heart.
Romans 10:13, "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Trading a Tent for a Mansion
One by one, some of the residents of the homeless camp came up to the table for a hot dog, a snack and a drink. After a time, it seemed that everyone was satisfied so we turned off the grill and began to clean up.
But then this fellow, Mike approached. We had seen Mike on occasion and knew that he had a drinking problem. Today was no exception. Mike was really struggling and we knew he needed something to eat and cup of coffee. He was angry, but he took the food. Holding a conversation was difficult and sprinkled with profanity. Eventually he settled down and opened up about his life.
I recognize that he was impaired, but there was something about the pain in his voice that he genuinely knew that he had made a mess of his life and that God must be angry with him. I heard God speaking to me and that God wanted me to tell Mike about Jesus and God's plan of salvation. We went down the Roman Road. And although it was a bump ride with a some detours, I managed to keep Mike on the Road.
Considering Mike's condition, I'm not completely sure he got it completely. But I think so. Perhaps I gave him enough to think about. Perhaps the angels are rejoicing in Heaven tonight.
And as I left the camp I thought, if something were to happen to Mike tonight I am comforted that Mike would be welcomed into God's Heaven.
But then this fellow, Mike approached. We had seen Mike on occasion and knew that he had a drinking problem. Today was no exception. Mike was really struggling and we knew he needed something to eat and cup of coffee. He was angry, but he took the food. Holding a conversation was difficult and sprinkled with profanity. Eventually he settled down and opened up about his life.
I recognize that he was impaired, but there was something about the pain in his voice that he genuinely knew that he had made a mess of his life and that God must be angry with him. I heard God speaking to me and that God wanted me to tell Mike about Jesus and God's plan of salvation. We went down the Roman Road. And although it was a bump ride with a some detours, I managed to keep Mike on the Road.
Considering Mike's condition, I'm not completely sure he got it completely. But I think so. Perhaps I gave him enough to think about. Perhaps the angels are rejoicing in Heaven tonight.
And as I left the camp I thought, if something were to happen to Mike tonight I am comforted that Mike would be welcomed into God's Heaven.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
A Thousand Reasons
Over the past two years, we have been ministering to a group of homeless individuals living in tents in the woods in a neighboring town. Recently, God has given us a mission to share the Gospel on Sundays with the people who live out there.
On this Sunday, it had rained all night and into the morning. We were planning to do what is now our regular church service at around noon. Our regular service is usually a Scripture selection, a short message and then we prepare a meal for about 15-20 homeless men and women who we are pleased to call friends.
But as I said, it was raining - pretty hard actually. I could given many reasons for not going - first, it was raining and perhaps no one would want to come out of their tent (there is a community tent for everyone to use). Another reason was that the path leading back to the camp would be muddy and our car wouldn't make it (a prayer request is a donation of a truck). Still another reason would be that because of the rain, we wouldn't be able to cook. Perhaps the biggest excuse would be that it was just too inconvenient.
But then I thought of Jesus, praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, "Take this cup from me." Perhaps Jesus could have given a thousand reasons for not going to the cross. Given our sins, He perhaps had millions (billions, trillions?) of reasons. But He had one major reason for doing it - it was God's will and His love for us.
Delivering God's message of salvation to a group of homeless is a pretty easy task after all.
On this Sunday, it had rained all night and into the morning. We were planning to do what is now our regular church service at around noon. Our regular service is usually a Scripture selection, a short message and then we prepare a meal for about 15-20 homeless men and women who we are pleased to call friends.
But as I said, it was raining - pretty hard actually. I could given many reasons for not going - first, it was raining and perhaps no one would want to come out of their tent (there is a community tent for everyone to use). Another reason was that the path leading back to the camp would be muddy and our car wouldn't make it (a prayer request is a donation of a truck). Still another reason would be that because of the rain, we wouldn't be able to cook. Perhaps the biggest excuse would be that it was just too inconvenient.
But then I thought of Jesus, praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, "Take this cup from me." Perhaps Jesus could have given a thousand reasons for not going to the cross. Given our sins, He perhaps had millions (billions, trillions?) of reasons. But He had one major reason for doing it - it was God's will and His love for us.
Delivering God's message of salvation to a group of homeless is a pretty easy task after all.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
What is God asking you to do?
Sunday, September 20, 2009 - In Scripture, Mark shows us that we all can have a part to play in God's plan. After spending time in ministry with Paul, Mark returns to Jerusalem. Perhaps he wasn't sure of his duties, but God had another plan for Mark, writing the Gospel account that bears his name, The Gospel of Mark. What is God asking you to do?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)