Cursed is he who trusts in the arm of flesh, Jeremiah lets us know, and further goes on to say blessed is he who trusts in the Lord. As I begin this devotion, are you in the place of God in your life? Or do you let him lead you and guide you?
This question was asked twice in the Bible. It was asked exactly twice by a father and son who we all owe our spiritual heritage to. Both were tested, and both passed. Both had the chance of being in the place of God, but instead they deferred this role to God alone.
Jacob in Genesis 30 was asked to do the natural. Rachel wanted a child and she cried in desperation to Jacob to give her a child. Jacob in utter frustration exclaimed “Am I in the place of God”, and then urges her to seek God and not him. In answering her this way, Jacob acknowledged he was only human. That he and Rachel needed divine enablement to do what she required, for God alone opens closed wombs. Further Jacob urges Rachel to trust in God, and God alone. As the story goes, Rachel failed this test and instead leaned on the arm of flesh by going the route of self. She asked Jacob to impregnate her maid which would have been culturally acceptable at the time. This to Rachel was much easier than waiting for the time of God.
Joseph likewise, asked the same question, when his brothers fearfully sought peace with him. Am I in the place of God he asked? Do I have the power to take your lives out of revenge? Joseph essentially chose the way of the spirit. Instead of taking out his vengeance on his violent brothers, he said only God repays. I will not judge. For I am not in the place of God. Joseph then further re-affirms his commitment to them and embraces them as family.
Are you in the place of God? Do you take the way of flesh to handle situations or the way of the Spirit? Even so called ministerial activities can fall prey to the way of the flesh which inherently is placing ourselves as God. Today forsake the way of the flesh. Choose to be led by the Spirit. Don’t tackle issues, problems or life’s realities just as everyone else would. Put God in his place. Let him be the key factor in every decision you make. Join with me in saying “cursed is the way of the flesh”, and “blessed is the way of the spirit – the way of God”.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
The answer to your suffering...
Psalms 22 is the famous Psalm of sorrow. It depicts the situation of one who has been afflicted with sickness, who faces persecution, who has lost everything. The Psalm portrays this suffering one as very humble and penitent, continually reaching out to God for deliverance despite external circumstances that would indicate God does not care.
This Psalms describes to a degree the sufferings of Jesus. Scholars however are divided as to whether this Psalm is literally talking about Jesus (especially since Jesus quoted from this Psalm when he was on the cross “my God my God why have you forsaken me”), or whether simply Jesus quoted this Psalm as a means of comfort, which would have been typical for a Jewish person to do.
The typical Jew growing up would have memorized this Psalm. It would have portrayed the prayers of any individual who was several traumatized or in deep suffering. The Psalm promised hope in times of desolation, peace in a state of crisis.
Verse 24 encapsulates the point of the Psalm. The psalmist declares
“For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help”
My friend, I have three questions for you. Are you suffering? Have you cried consistently to God? Did you receive the answer you need?
Are you suffering? Many are crying out to God but are not really suffering. They may think they are suffering, but their hearts are not right. True suffering is found in the spirit of 2 Chronicles 7:14, where one finds themselves humbled by a crisis, repents of their sins, fasts in humility and cries out to God for deliverance.
Some may be crying to God in true suffering, but their cry is short lived. Thus my second question serves to remind you not to give up in your cry.
Finally, have you received your answer? 1 John 5:14 explicitly indicates that if God listens to your prayer you will have your request. Our verse here indicates God will listen if you are truly suffering and consistently crying out to God out of a deep desperation.
As we continue to believe for Souls, take on true suffering. Feel the pains of those who are lost. Understand the anguish that comes with not knowing Christ. Then begin to cry out to God out of a burdened heart, and I believe God will answer your cry.
This Psalms describes to a degree the sufferings of Jesus. Scholars however are divided as to whether this Psalm is literally talking about Jesus (especially since Jesus quoted from this Psalm when he was on the cross “my God my God why have you forsaken me”), or whether simply Jesus quoted this Psalm as a means of comfort, which would have been typical for a Jewish person to do.
The typical Jew growing up would have memorized this Psalm. It would have portrayed the prayers of any individual who was several traumatized or in deep suffering. The Psalm promised hope in times of desolation, peace in a state of crisis.
Verse 24 encapsulates the point of the Psalm. The psalmist declares
“For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help”
My friend, I have three questions for you. Are you suffering? Have you cried consistently to God? Did you receive the answer you need?
Are you suffering? Many are crying out to God but are not really suffering. They may think they are suffering, but their hearts are not right. True suffering is found in the spirit of 2 Chronicles 7:14, where one finds themselves humbled by a crisis, repents of their sins, fasts in humility and cries out to God for deliverance.
Some may be crying to God in true suffering, but their cry is short lived. Thus my second question serves to remind you not to give up in your cry.
Finally, have you received your answer? 1 John 5:14 explicitly indicates that if God listens to your prayer you will have your request. Our verse here indicates God will listen if you are truly suffering and consistently crying out to God out of a deep desperation.
As we continue to believe for Souls, take on true suffering. Feel the pains of those who are lost. Understand the anguish that comes with not knowing Christ. Then begin to cry out to God out of a burdened heart, and I believe God will answer your cry.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Am I done yet?
Have you ever wondered how long you should pray for people? Many of you have been burdened with praying for the lost. Some of you are also praying for people who have just been lukewarm. Yet the question is the same. When is it enough? When can I leave that person and move on to praying for the next?
Paul inadvertently answers this question in our daily reading of today. Paul although he has not personally discipled the Colossians, feels obligated to write to them. He tells them that he has heard about their faith and love and thus is compelled to write to encourage them. God has placed these Colossians on Paul’s heart. Further, Paul says these words that applies to the issue at hand. Quoting Paul “For this reason since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you....”.
The above words of Paul indicates that we never stop praying for lost souls and those believers God puts on our earts. The Colossians though saved had several issues they were going through. Primarily, they were in danger of falling prey to the very convincing philosophy of their day which called into question the Cosmic majesty and rule of Christ. Thus Paul in a manner characteristic of his commitment to the mission indicates passionately that he will not stop praying.
I therefore like Paul boldy declare that since the day that I have heard about your faith, your love, your struggle, your fears, your doubts, your cares, your victories and losses, have not stopped praying for you. In fact I will not stop praying for you, because you are so dear to my heart.
May the Lord continue to increase the burden in our hearts for one another and for the lost, and may you fulfill the law of the anointing, bearing one another’s burdens.
Paul inadvertently answers this question in our daily reading of today. Paul although he has not personally discipled the Colossians, feels obligated to write to them. He tells them that he has heard about their faith and love and thus is compelled to write to encourage them. God has placed these Colossians on Paul’s heart. Further, Paul says these words that applies to the issue at hand. Quoting Paul “For this reason since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you....”.
The above words of Paul indicates that we never stop praying for lost souls and those believers God puts on our earts. The Colossians though saved had several issues they were going through. Primarily, they were in danger of falling prey to the very convincing philosophy of their day which called into question the Cosmic majesty and rule of Christ. Thus Paul in a manner characteristic of his commitment to the mission indicates passionately that he will not stop praying.
I therefore like Paul boldy declare that since the day that I have heard about your faith, your love, your struggle, your fears, your doubts, your cares, your victories and losses, have not stopped praying for you. In fact I will not stop praying for you, because you are so dear to my heart.
May the Lord continue to increase the burden in our hearts for one another and for the lost, and may you fulfill the law of the anointing, bearing one another’s burdens.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Tempted?
Temptation comes to all of us. For some it comes when we are as close to God, enjoying a new nugget of truth from his word. For others it comes when we are severely weak in the flesh and very susceptible to falling. While for others it comes when things, naturally speaking are going well, with family, job or relationships in general.
For Joseph in our daily reading of today, temptation came to him at one of these “opportune” times. Things were going well for him. He was successful. There was not even an iota of a problem. We might ask why would temptation come to him all of sudden? After all, didn’t God know he was working hard and being faithful, despite the fact that he was a slave? Whatever the reason, temptation did come to him. Unfairly it was at the pinnacle of his prestigious job as a master steward in the house of the Captain of the national guard of the greatest ruler in the world, Pharoah.
Thankfully, Joseph was able to handle his temptation, and deny his flesh. He didn’t let the successes experienced lead to lust for more. He could have easily had his master’s wife, after all he was in charge of the master’s entire estate. Yet he withstood his ground. When finally he couldn’t handle it anymore, as the pressure to sin intensified, he did what amazes us all, he fled. He literally ran away from the arms of his master’s wife. He fled as fast as he could, as far away as he could go. Joseph understood that to sin would not only hurt his master, and not only damage Joseph’s integrity, but ultimately it would severely hamper his relationship with God.
How do you handle temptation? Do you think you are too spiritual to fall? How far do you distance yourself even from the possibility of the minutest of sins. Scripture promises us failure if we act in pride and believe we will never fall (Galatians 6 and 2 Corinthians 10).
My prayer is that you would so fear God, that you will literally run from temptation, and that God’s holiness will envelope you and literally prevent you from falling to temptation.
Peace and Love
For Joseph in our daily reading of today, temptation came to him at one of these “opportune” times. Things were going well for him. He was successful. There was not even an iota of a problem. We might ask why would temptation come to him all of sudden? After all, didn’t God know he was working hard and being faithful, despite the fact that he was a slave? Whatever the reason, temptation did come to him. Unfairly it was at the pinnacle of his prestigious job as a master steward in the house of the Captain of the national guard of the greatest ruler in the world, Pharoah.
Thankfully, Joseph was able to handle his temptation, and deny his flesh. He didn’t let the successes experienced lead to lust for more. He could have easily had his master’s wife, after all he was in charge of the master’s entire estate. Yet he withstood his ground. When finally he couldn’t handle it anymore, as the pressure to sin intensified, he did what amazes us all, he fled. He literally ran away from the arms of his master’s wife. He fled as fast as he could, as far away as he could go. Joseph understood that to sin would not only hurt his master, and not only damage Joseph’s integrity, but ultimately it would severely hamper his relationship with God.
How do you handle temptation? Do you think you are too spiritual to fall? How far do you distance yourself even from the possibility of the minutest of sins. Scripture promises us failure if we act in pride and believe we will never fall (Galatians 6 and 2 Corinthians 10).
My prayer is that you would so fear God, that you will literally run from temptation, and that God’s holiness will envelope you and literally prevent you from falling to temptation.
Peace and Love
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Prison
One thing I did not mention in my background summary of Ephesians (http://www.youthrevolution.ca/Bible%20Reading/backgroundseptember.pdf) is that Paul wrote this book from prison. In Ephesians 3:1 Paul indicates his present status as a prisoner. However one can easily gloss over this part to get to the essential point of his teachings. Yet the fact that he is a prisoner is just as important as his message.
See Paul was called to suffer for Christ. When God appeared to him on the Damascus road encounter (Acts 9), God prophesied to Paul that he would suffer greatly for the cause of the Gospel.
Thus Paul finds himself in a Roman jail, writing. Not writing the governor for a pardon, not writing his friends to petition his freedom, but instead writing Ephesians, Colossians and many other books of his corpus.
Can we learn from Paul? What do you do in your times of trial and persecution? Do you abort (or pause) mission as you take care of your own stuff. You and I probably know many who have taken a
‘break’ from God or church. Life’s trials have rail-roaded them from their once passionate and focused mission for God. Prison is meant to get the best out of us, not the worst. Suffering and trials are supposed to perfect us, cleaning us up, sharpening us to do a better job for the kingdom (James 1:1-5).
What is your prison? What trials are you currently in? How did you handle them?
So today, be like Paul and embrace prison. Embrace your place of suffering. Rejoice in your trials. Ask God what can you learn from this season. But whatever you do, don’t get worse, get better. Keep pushing. Keep the fire burning. Keep ministering, and stay on course on the mission of God for your life.
See Paul was called to suffer for Christ. When God appeared to him on the Damascus road encounter (Acts 9), God prophesied to Paul that he would suffer greatly for the cause of the Gospel.
Thus Paul finds himself in a Roman jail, writing. Not writing the governor for a pardon, not writing his friends to petition his freedom, but instead writing Ephesians, Colossians and many other books of his corpus.
Can we learn from Paul? What do you do in your times of trial and persecution? Do you abort (or pause) mission as you take care of your own stuff. You and I probably know many who have taken a
‘break’ from God or church. Life’s trials have rail-roaded them from their once passionate and focused mission for God. Prison is meant to get the best out of us, not the worst. Suffering and trials are supposed to perfect us, cleaning us up, sharpening us to do a better job for the kingdom (James 1:1-5).
What is your prison? What trials are you currently in? How did you handle them?
So today, be like Paul and embrace prison. Embrace your place of suffering. Rejoice in your trials. Ask God what can you learn from this season. But whatever you do, don’t get worse, get better. Keep pushing. Keep the fire burning. Keep ministering, and stay on course on the mission of God for your life.
Barren?
Have you ever wondered why all the matriarch’s were barren? Sarah didn’t have a child until she was 90. Rebekah, Isaac’s wife struggled for a season to have children until her husband interceded and she bore twins. Rachel also was barren for a long time, as she desperately cries out in Genesis 30.
This condition of barrenness would have been a significant trial for these women, for in that time, bearing children was the crowning joy of woman, it indicated success, being in favour with God and also with one’s husband.
Our reading of Galatians recently quotes a unique scripture in Isaiah, “Be glad O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth and cry aloud (for joy….) Galatians 4:27.
Paul strangely urges the barren woman to be excited and shout for joy, just as Isaiah did (Isaiah 54).
What would make a barren woman sing for joy? Of course it would have to be children. Paul sees the upside in the condition of barrenness that would be hard for most to see. Galatians 4:23 indicates that children born naturally or without much trial are simply ordinary, yet those born supernaturally despite a barren condition are God ordained.
Barrenness forces a woman in the bible to turn to God. It brings her to a state of desperation, for out of her utter shame and desolation, having run out of self made options, she is forced to turn to God, and her pain is turned into joy as God miraculously gives her a child.
Are you barren? Do you have dreams that you would like to see happen, but things are not quite there yet? Do you bear the fruit you desire? Are you believing for more in your life or more in your ministry? Learn from the barren woman. Get desperate, and cry out to God. Don’t force things. Seek God’s spirit, and God’s way. And once you begin to bear fruit, ask yourself, is this fruit God ordained or self-ordained? Notice Paul does not just commend fruit in Galatians 4. He commends fruit borne out of a true and total dependency on God.
This condition of barrenness would have been a significant trial for these women, for in that time, bearing children was the crowning joy of woman, it indicated success, being in favour with God and also with one’s husband.
Our reading of Galatians recently quotes a unique scripture in Isaiah, “Be glad O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth and cry aloud (for joy….) Galatians 4:27.
Paul strangely urges the barren woman to be excited and shout for joy, just as Isaiah did (Isaiah 54).
What would make a barren woman sing for joy? Of course it would have to be children. Paul sees the upside in the condition of barrenness that would be hard for most to see. Galatians 4:23 indicates that children born naturally or without much trial are simply ordinary, yet those born supernaturally despite a barren condition are God ordained.
Barrenness forces a woman in the bible to turn to God. It brings her to a state of desperation, for out of her utter shame and desolation, having run out of self made options, she is forced to turn to God, and her pain is turned into joy as God miraculously gives her a child.
Are you barren? Do you have dreams that you would like to see happen, but things are not quite there yet? Do you bear the fruit you desire? Are you believing for more in your life or more in your ministry? Learn from the barren woman. Get desperate, and cry out to God. Don’t force things. Seek God’s spirit, and God’s way. And once you begin to bear fruit, ask yourself, is this fruit God ordained or self-ordained? Notice Paul does not just commend fruit in Galatians 4. He commends fruit borne out of a true and total dependency on God.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Whose burden are you carrying?
The miracle at Nain records a powerful story of Jesus raising a boy belonging to a widow from the dead (Luke 7:10-17). This story really grabs me due to the recent journey that I have been on. This lady in the story had obviously been through tragedy. Having lost her husband and becoming a widow. She had already been burdened with grief. Further, now her son had died suddenly. You can imagine the woman’s state of grief. This boy would have been of immense help around the home, being the only son. He was also the hope of the family name being passed on to the next generation. But all this was gone in a moment as the severe effects of death made this all apparent. Thus this lady is found in a funeral procession burdened with grief upon grief as she heads to bury her son.
My theme today is burden. I ask the question whose burden are your carrying. I recently shared a message on having the compassion of Christ. For in his compassion, Christ was burdened enough to meet people’s needs. As I and some of the people around me have recently decided to start intensely pray for the lost, God has been challenging me with this question. Whose burden are you carrying? Are you burdened enough? Are you burdened like Widow of Nain? See this story is relevant because many that we know though not physically dead like the boy in this story are spiritually dead. And just like the widow was burdened by this untimely death we need to be burdened by the death of our friends and family. When I speak of this burden, I speak not as one who has already received it. But instead I join with you my friend in asking God to open my eyes and touch my heart so I can be truly burdened by the lost ones he has given to me.
As the story goes, this burdened lady meets Jesus who is the giver of life. Jesus via his divine grace assesses her need, and raises the dead to life. My prayer is that Jesus will meet you today. That he will notice you in the funeral procession, where you lament for the lives of those who are doomed to eternity. Think about it. If you are not found lamenting, you will never be found rejoicing. Jesus can only bring back to life, those who are dead. Have you really understood your friends are dead? Do you want Jesus to bring them back to life? Then why don’t you pray? But don’t pray the usual way. Be burdened truly, by the spiritual loss of your friends. Pray the prayer of tears. Mourn your friends’ death, so that Christ might comfort those who mourn, and bring blissful life to those who are dead.
My theme today is burden. I ask the question whose burden are your carrying. I recently shared a message on having the compassion of Christ. For in his compassion, Christ was burdened enough to meet people’s needs. As I and some of the people around me have recently decided to start intensely pray for the lost, God has been challenging me with this question. Whose burden are you carrying? Are you burdened enough? Are you burdened like Widow of Nain? See this story is relevant because many that we know though not physically dead like the boy in this story are spiritually dead. And just like the widow was burdened by this untimely death we need to be burdened by the death of our friends and family. When I speak of this burden, I speak not as one who has already received it. But instead I join with you my friend in asking God to open my eyes and touch my heart so I can be truly burdened by the lost ones he has given to me.
As the story goes, this burdened lady meets Jesus who is the giver of life. Jesus via his divine grace assesses her need, and raises the dead to life. My prayer is that Jesus will meet you today. That he will notice you in the funeral procession, where you lament for the lives of those who are doomed to eternity. Think about it. If you are not found lamenting, you will never be found rejoicing. Jesus can only bring back to life, those who are dead. Have you really understood your friends are dead? Do you want Jesus to bring them back to life? Then why don’t you pray? But don’t pray the usual way. Be burdened truly, by the spiritual loss of your friends. Pray the prayer of tears. Mourn your friends’ death, so that Christ might comfort those who mourn, and bring blissful life to those who are dead.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Control
Jacob was destined to rule over Esau. This was pre-determined by God. For God indicates “Jacob I loved Esau I hated”. Jacob grabbing Esau’s heel in the womb, and coming out at the same time as Jacob when the twins were born was indicative of this divine destiny. Further Jacob had bargained with Esau in Genesis Chapter 27 to have Esau’s birthright, indicating he would receive the first part of their father’s estate.
Though Jacob’s destiny was already known there was a divine order for it to be achieved. God would have worked things out in his own time. Just like Jacob you might have a dream, a destiny, a burden or a plan that you feel comes from God. Are you letting God work it out in his own time, or would you take matters into your own hand like Jacob did?
Jacob had to have control of his destiny. True to his name which meant deceiver, he pretended he was his brother, and received the blessing intended by his dad for Esau. Though this blessing was divinely his, it was received in a sinful fashion. Upon receiving this blessing Jacob’s rulership over Esau was finally confirmed and would happen imminently.
Taking matters into our own hands, while might be successful in the short term yields much sorrow in the long term. Jacob’s deceit would cost him much as we will discover in the proceeding chapters.
Who’s in control of your life, your dreams and your hopes? Are you letting God do what he wants in your life, or are you playing God in your life? Are you making things happen in your own life, or is God the one initiating them? Are you spirit led, or self led? Learn from Jacob’s story, God promises that in due time we will reap a harvest if we wait for him. (Gal 6) Let’s submit even a little more today than we ever have to God, and give him control over our lives.
Though Jacob’s destiny was already known there was a divine order for it to be achieved. God would have worked things out in his own time. Just like Jacob you might have a dream, a destiny, a burden or a plan that you feel comes from God. Are you letting God work it out in his own time, or would you take matters into your own hand like Jacob did?
Jacob had to have control of his destiny. True to his name which meant deceiver, he pretended he was his brother, and received the blessing intended by his dad for Esau. Though this blessing was divinely his, it was received in a sinful fashion. Upon receiving this blessing Jacob’s rulership over Esau was finally confirmed and would happen imminently.
Taking matters into our own hands, while might be successful in the short term yields much sorrow in the long term. Jacob’s deceit would cost him much as we will discover in the proceeding chapters.
Who’s in control of your life, your dreams and your hopes? Are you letting God do what he wants in your life, or are you playing God in your life? Are you making things happen in your own life, or is God the one initiating them? Are you spirit led, or self led? Learn from Jacob’s story, God promises that in due time we will reap a harvest if we wait for him. (Gal 6) Let’s submit even a little more today than we ever have to God, and give him control over our lives.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Stay in your land of promise!!!
The bible reading for today (Genesis 23-24) focuses uniquely on one geographic area-Mamre, which was in the land of Canaan.
The details of the burial land negotiations while a bit much show the desire of Abraham to bury his wife in a specific place, the land of Mamre. Further, chapter 24 reveals Abraham’s desire that Isaac not leave this same land to find a wife. Isaac’s future bride must be brought back to the land where Abraham and Isaac dwelt.
All this emphasis on Mamre begs the question why is the land so significant, and what does it mean to me? Mamre was in Canaan, the region God had promised to Abraham and his descendants forever. Specifically in Mamre, God had spoken to Abraham several times and revealed details of his marvellous plans for his family. Mamre was a special place, where God had chosen to speak to Abraham, time and time again. Abraham was not about to leave this place, and instead would do whatever it took to ensure his family lived near there and was buried there.
Places are very significant. God not only calls us to ministries and careers, but also to certain places (Acts 17:26). When we are situated in the right place, we can discern and actualize God’s will for our life. As you continue to seek God, grow and follow his leading for your life, be very aware of the place you live, and the place God wants you to be. Are you in the right place? Does God want to move you elsewhere? Do you value the place God has you right now? Don’t ever leave a place, unless God is leading you. For in the place God has called you, there you will find his blessings.
The details of the burial land negotiations while a bit much show the desire of Abraham to bury his wife in a specific place, the land of Mamre. Further, chapter 24 reveals Abraham’s desire that Isaac not leave this same land to find a wife. Isaac’s future bride must be brought back to the land where Abraham and Isaac dwelt.
All this emphasis on Mamre begs the question why is the land so significant, and what does it mean to me? Mamre was in Canaan, the region God had promised to Abraham and his descendants forever. Specifically in Mamre, God had spoken to Abraham several times and revealed details of his marvellous plans for his family. Mamre was a special place, where God had chosen to speak to Abraham, time and time again. Abraham was not about to leave this place, and instead would do whatever it took to ensure his family lived near there and was buried there.
Places are very significant. God not only calls us to ministries and careers, but also to certain places (Acts 17:26). When we are situated in the right place, we can discern and actualize God’s will for our life. As you continue to seek God, grow and follow his leading for your life, be very aware of the place you live, and the place God wants you to be. Are you in the right place? Does God want to move you elsewhere? Do you value the place God has you right now? Don’t ever leave a place, unless God is leading you. For in the place God has called you, there you will find his blessings.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Lot's prayer of 3???
Some of us have embarked on the “prayer of 3 strategy” in our battle to win souls to Christ. As I was reflecting on some pertinent scriptures this morning I realized how much this strategy relates to my blog yesterday about Lot.
It is very clear that people around us are not only lost but bound. 2 Corinthians 4:4 indicates that people cannot see Jesus and they have been blinded by Satan. 2 Timothy 2:25-26, also reveals this truth. This passage depicts unbelievers as those who have been trapped by our enemy the devil.
Lot was surrounded by a whole city of people who were senselessly blinded and hopelessly trapped by the devil and his deceptions. These people were lost beyond reasonable persuasion to consider the ways of God. How was Lot supposed to win them to the Lord? What was his responsibility?
The final passage that is key here is 1 Timothy 2:1 - 4. Here we are instructed that prayer is foundational in winning souls to Christ. Verse 1 indicates that we should not only pray for those who know or love, but that we should pray for everyone. It amazes me that the writer here believes there is actually hope for the world. We are asked to pray for everyone; for rulers, leaders, neighbours, family, friends, enemies....everyone. Our prayer is according to verse 4 that they might know Christ as the only way to God.
Prayer I believe is the missing ingredient in many of our efforts to win people to Christ. I wonder if Lot actually prayed for his city. We are shown in Genesis 18 that Abraham, Lot’s righteous cousin interceded for Lot’s city, but never is it revealed that Lot prayed. The second aspect intrinsic to prayer in our strategy is of course fasting. Isaiah 58 (as referenced in Yohan’s Media Dose of last week), Mark 9 and other scriptures reveal that fasting looses the chains of the devil on people. Prayer is foundational, but fasting is a catalyst igniting our prayers for speedy responses.
As we take on the challenge to fight injustice, alleviate oppression and win souls to Christ, let’s remember that this battle is not against flesh and blood, but principalities and demonic personalities (2 Corinthians 10:5). Further let’s realize that God has given us the assurance that we can and should pray for everyone, and that there is hope for their salvation.
If you haven’t started the prayer of 3, then I challenge you to join in. Pray, fast, be burdened and win souls to Christ.
It is very clear that people around us are not only lost but bound. 2 Corinthians 4:4 indicates that people cannot see Jesus and they have been blinded by Satan. 2 Timothy 2:25-26, also reveals this truth. This passage depicts unbelievers as those who have been trapped by our enemy the devil.
Lot was surrounded by a whole city of people who were senselessly blinded and hopelessly trapped by the devil and his deceptions. These people were lost beyond reasonable persuasion to consider the ways of God. How was Lot supposed to win them to the Lord? What was his responsibility?
The final passage that is key here is 1 Timothy 2:1 - 4. Here we are instructed that prayer is foundational in winning souls to Christ. Verse 1 indicates that we should not only pray for those who know or love, but that we should pray for everyone. It amazes me that the writer here believes there is actually hope for the world. We are asked to pray for everyone; for rulers, leaders, neighbours, family, friends, enemies....everyone. Our prayer is according to verse 4 that they might know Christ as the only way to God.
Prayer I believe is the missing ingredient in many of our efforts to win people to Christ. I wonder if Lot actually prayed for his city. We are shown in Genesis 18 that Abraham, Lot’s righteous cousin interceded for Lot’s city, but never is it revealed that Lot prayed. The second aspect intrinsic to prayer in our strategy is of course fasting. Isaiah 58 (as referenced in Yohan’s Media Dose of last week), Mark 9 and other scriptures reveal that fasting looses the chains of the devil on people. Prayer is foundational, but fasting is a catalyst igniting our prayers for speedy responses.
As we take on the challenge to fight injustice, alleviate oppression and win souls to Christ, let’s remember that this battle is not against flesh and blood, but principalities and demonic personalities (2 Corinthians 10:5). Further let’s realize that God has given us the assurance that we can and should pray for everyone, and that there is hope for their salvation.
If you haven’t started the prayer of 3, then I challenge you to join in. Pray, fast, be burdened and win souls to Christ.
Monday, September 15, 2008
What are we doing where we are?
In our daily reading today, I read about the story of Lot’s hasty departure from Sodom. Just a few quick thoughts.
Lot was a righteous man, however he was totally surrounded by evil. While being surrounded by evil was not Lot’s fault, an examination of the story shows his culpability.
The men of the city who tried to rape the angelic visitors had no regard for Lot. They referred to him as an alien who was trying to play the judge. Clearly if Lot had been making inroads in building relationships with this people and winning some to the Lord, there might have been a different response. At least some would have a different view of Lot, yet all the men in the city had nothing good to say about Lot, worse yet, indicating they didn’t really know him.
Lot’s failure is also revealed in the lack of discipleship of his own family. His daughters were pledged to marry two sons of Sodom. These potential sons-in-law had no regard for Lot’s warning of the heavenly judgment that was headed their way. Lot was to blame in allowing his daughters to be engaged to these men who apparently didn’t fear God. Further Lot’s daughters are shown later to commit incest with their father for fear that they would be childless since their loved ones had died. A final indictment against Lot’s ability as a Godly patriarch of his family would be his wife’s failure to trust in God’s providence. She looked back at Sodom and probably wished she was back in this land full of sin and abomination. This act revealed her true heart condition which was definitely not right with God.
In conclusion, my question is what are we doing where we are? Clearly times are evil, people disregard God, and Christians are passé. Yet we are called to be salt (no pun intended) and light wherever we go. Can we learn from Lot’s life, and determine to challenge sin, fight evil and lobby for righteousness by making a difference in the lives of those around us. If we don’t win anyone to Christ, will we at least convince those around us of the message of Christ. Let’s not be like Lot. Let’s put on Christ, so that others can clearly see the way, and perhaps find the way, thus aiding in making our world a more righteous place.
Olu Jegede
Lot was a righteous man, however he was totally surrounded by evil. While being surrounded by evil was not Lot’s fault, an examination of the story shows his culpability.
The men of the city who tried to rape the angelic visitors had no regard for Lot. They referred to him as an alien who was trying to play the judge. Clearly if Lot had been making inroads in building relationships with this people and winning some to the Lord, there might have been a different response. At least some would have a different view of Lot, yet all the men in the city had nothing good to say about Lot, worse yet, indicating they didn’t really know him.
Lot’s failure is also revealed in the lack of discipleship of his own family. His daughters were pledged to marry two sons of Sodom. These potential sons-in-law had no regard for Lot’s warning of the heavenly judgment that was headed their way. Lot was to blame in allowing his daughters to be engaged to these men who apparently didn’t fear God. Further Lot’s daughters are shown later to commit incest with their father for fear that they would be childless since their loved ones had died. A final indictment against Lot’s ability as a Godly patriarch of his family would be his wife’s failure to trust in God’s providence. She looked back at Sodom and probably wished she was back in this land full of sin and abomination. This act revealed her true heart condition which was definitely not right with God.
In conclusion, my question is what are we doing where we are? Clearly times are evil, people disregard God, and Christians are passé. Yet we are called to be salt (no pun intended) and light wherever we go. Can we learn from Lot’s life, and determine to challenge sin, fight evil and lobby for righteousness by making a difference in the lives of those around us. If we don’t win anyone to Christ, will we at least convince those around us of the message of Christ. Let’s not be like Lot. Let’s put on Christ, so that others can clearly see the way, and perhaps find the way, thus aiding in making our world a more righteous place.
Olu Jegede
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