February 2007
February 27, 2007
Acts 20:19-20 & 24
Serving the Lord with all humility in tears and in the midst of adversity (affliction and trials) which befell me, due to the plots of the Jews [against me];
How I did not shrink back from telling you anything that was for your benefit and teaching you in public meetings and from house to house,
... But none of these things move me; neither do I esteem my life dear to myself, if only I may finish my course with joy and the ministry which I have obtained from [which was entrusted to me by] the Lord Jesus, faithfully to attest to the good news (Gospel) of God's grace (His unmerited favor, spiritual blessing, and mercy).
As I seek what to write today, I find I am brought back once again to this same message of the price of surrender. Our lives are not our own, we are God's ambassadors in a world that resists Him and us. My heart is pulled toward our brothers and sisters in Asia and parts of the world where believers are treated very harshly for their faith. My time today will be spent in prayer instead of writing.
Pray with me that those who carry the light of the gospel will be protected and comforted and strengthen continually. May they finish their course with joy!
February 24, 2007
II Tim 2:11
The saying is sure and worthy of confidence: If we have died with Him, we shall also live with Him.
Somehow the idea of dying doesn't seem pleasant. It isn't easy to surrender our lives, our will, and dream over to God, especially when His way is unknown and if our current plan is working well. This is the test of a true Christian.
Before facing the cross, Jesus faced great pain surrendering His will to the Father. It's not likely that we will have to go through a literal crucifixion but we will all have to face the surrender of our own will. "Yet, not my will, but Yours be done". (Luke 22:42) When our focus is on the cross alone our hearts can be overcome with heaviness. We won't make it if we don't follow Christ's example. Jesus demonstrated to us that to make it through the pain of surrender we must keep our eyes fixed forward on the joy that will come from our obedience. "He, for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame..." (Heb 12:2b)
I encourage you to keep your eyes on the great joy that awaits, as you daily take up the cross and follow Christ. Surrendering our lives to Him is not a gamble but rather the most rewarding investment we will ever make.
February 23, 2007
Luke 9:51b
He steadfastly and determinedly set His face to go to Jerusalem.
Before we truly begin to walk out God's plan for our lives we have to "face Jerusalem". Jesus faced this moment at the end of His call. We face it at the beginning of ours. God's plan is going to require complete surrender and personal sacrifice. We all want to live lives of great significance and God intends for each one of us to live out such a life. The truth is great significance always requires a great price.
What price are you willing to pay to fulfill the Father's plan for your life? Very few of us will be required to physically die for that plan, but every one of us will have to "face Jerusalem" and go through whatever it takes to die to self. To be a martyr is to die at the hands of someone else for the cause of Christ. To be a Christian is to die to selfishness for that same cause.
Follow after Christ, "face Jerusalem" and your life will bring glory to God and the Gospel to this generation.
February 15, 2007
John 8:6-11 MSG
The religion scholars and Pharisees led in a woman who had been caught in an act of adultery. They stood her in plain sight of everyone and said, "Teacher, this woman was caught red-handed in the act of adultery. Moses, in the Law, gives orders to stone such persons. What do you say?" They were trying to trap him into saying something incriminating so they could bring charges against him.
6-8Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger in the dirt. They kept at him, badgering him. He straightened up and said, "The sinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone." Bending down again, he wrote some more in the dirt.
9-10Hearing that, they walked away, one after another, beginning with the oldest. The woman was left alone. Jesus stood up and spoke to her. "Woman, where are they? Does no one condemn you?"
11"No one, Master."
"Neither do I," said Jesus. "Go on your way. From now on, don't sin."
I love this passage of scripture. It shows such a remarkable side of God demonstrated through Christ. His whole intent in this circumstance was so clear: to give this woman the mercy and grace she needed to leave her troubled, sinful life for a life of purity and peace. He broke the cycle of sin with His mercy.
As you face people this week who are locked in a cycle of sin, don't judge them. They probably don't want to be there - they just don't know how to break free. Let mercy flood your life and His kindness flow through you. It is always kindness that leads to repentance. Let this be our attitude:
"Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more." John 8:11
February 12, 2007
Psalm 101:2
I will behave myself wisely and give heed to the blameless way - O when will You come to me? I will walk within my house in integrity and with a blameless heart.
I Timothy 3:15b
... people ought to conduct themselves (wisely) in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
We have all been tempted to live sloppy, selfish lives - it's the norm in our culture. But there is too much at stake to fall into this temptation. The whole world rests on the condition and health of the church. We are the pillar and the foundation of truth on the earth. Not self-righteously but in humility holding up the Word of God before our generation.
Resist apathy! It does make a difference what you do and say privately. It does matter how you think about and react to those around you. Motives and behavior matter! What you do does matter!!
You are a pillar, living the Truth in this generation. Reinforce yourself with the knowledge of God's Word. Strengthen yourself in prayer and worship. Live the Word!
It matters!
February 10, 2007
Eph 6:10
In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].
What an awesome thought: the God of heaven and earth is our Father! There is nothing to fear knowing He loves us and is with us at all times. Mighty to save and faithful to save us, God is at work in every situation of our lives. Entrust every challenge to God, seeking His direction for your decisions. He will give you the strength and the wisdom you need.
Life is meant to be full - WONDER- FUL. And with Him - it is!
February 9, 2007
Ps 5:11
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy...
When was the last time you knelt down, threw your hands up in the air and let go of everything you're "carrying" mentally and emotionally, and let yourself get caught up in the amazing love of God? We were created for these moments, designed to be captured and awed by His goodness.
I encourage you today to live by design - always take time to let yourself be moved by His greatness. His love is so astounding - it must be experienced and enjoyed! He longs to show Himself to us and in those moments of worship we see Him! Not only does that honor Him but it transforms us.
There is a verse that I love (Isaiah 33:6) that describes the beauty of worship. It says that the worship of the Lord is our "treasure" as well as His. It's true! The richness of life is found within moments of worship, as we open ourselves up to the splendor of God!
Never be too busy to live richly!
February 6, 2007
We are looking for testimonies from our readers. Your first name or initials and a portion of your story will be posted in future issues and supporter newletters. Let us know how Mentors of Ministry has encouraged you. Please send your testimony to: Sandy@mentorsofministry.com
Thank You!
February 5, 2007
Ps 119:63
I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts.
God said from the beginning that man shouldn't be alone and therefore He created the first relationship. Adam could truly say to Eve, "You were made for me!"
How many of your friendships are God made appointments? Our relationships, whether in marriage or friendships, have a huge impact on the fruitfulness and outcome of our lives. God has not changed in nature or tactics. His will is that believers would come together to achieve His purpose on the earth. Are you allowing God to lead you into relationships according to His will?
Unfortunately relationship selection is a little more challenging for us than what Adam and Eve experienced. There are a lot of people out there. David had a wise method for choosing his friendships. He looked for people who feared God and obeyed His precepts (principles of conduct). To fear the Lord is to reverence Him - to honor and respect His way above all else. Psalm 9:10 says "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom". According to David, it's also the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
February 2, 2007
Pr 17:22
A merry heart does good like a medicine.
When was the last time you had a really good belly laugh? A good laugh and lightness of heart are so important to our health and welfare. I love it, that God has such a great sense of humor. We are made in His image; humor isn't an invention of man. I hope you're taking the time to see the humor in life and circumstances; even to laugh at yourself.
I thought for your chuckle this morning I would tell you about a "blonde moment" I had yesterday - I can say that honestly, because I am a blonde (enhanced blonde at this point in life).
Yesterday, for some reason I thought of the famous sculpture of David and I'll admit I wasn't thinking logically at all. I thought of how odd it was to capture the person of David naked, I mean after all he was "a man after God's heart". He was a warrior, a king, a shepherd, so where's the wardrobe? In that brainless moment I started talking (not a good idea to stop thinking and start talking).
I said to my husband "Have you ever thought of the famous statue of David? Why was he naked? I can't imagine him posing for an artist like that?" My husband looked at me like I had lost my mind (justifiably so) and said "David and the artist lived millenniums apart - he couldn't and didn't pose for him". When I realized the foolishness of my thinking I burst into laughter. "See", I said, "I didn't think he would pose for that!"
You may laugh with me or at me - I just want to encourage your laughter today. "A merry heart" does the body good. Look for the humor in life and you will enjoy it so much more!
