E-mail Edification #594

Pray the Lord of the harvest

to send out laborers

into His harvest.

(Matthew 9:38)
 
 

The question for you today, is how can we see people get connected to the opportunities that God has for them?   How do we see the needs that are constantly brought before us met with the key and right people to fulfill those needs?

This is age old problem: the needs are great and the servants are few.  

But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. (Matthew 9:36–37)

This problem is not something “new” or unique to our day and age.  Jesus pointed out that it was a problem in His day and it has been all the way to this day.  

How do we handle this problem?  We should Pray!  
Jesus tells us the right way to face and handle the problem of great needs and few servants…is to pray.  Consider with me why prayer is the right way to face this huge issue.

First – To Pray recognizes that this is God’s problem.  
Jesus sees the spiritual and real needs that people are facing, and He tells us that people are weary and scattered.   Yet as you look on those needs – understand it clearly – this is His Harvest, and God is the Lord of the Harvest.
Pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. (Matthew 9:38)

Immediately to recognize this and express it in prayer removes the burden from our shoulders but also puts the needs in the right perspective.   It is His!

Second – To Pray seeks to bring the right motivation.
When we see great needs and few servants, we can very easily turn to other techniques to meet these needs.  Sometimes we seek to use guilt, or pressure or even money to motivate people to meet these needs.  Yet, all of these tactics and more produce limited, brief and twisted results.  It is not God’s way.  The right motivation to meet a need is for the Lord to send out laborers.  
the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers
When God calls someone to a task – it provides permanence, power, purpose and more.

Third – To Pray often leads us to God’s calling.
So many of God’s kids struggle with this very issue, wondering what it is that God has for their lives.  Needs and opportunities abound, there is no lack of places that we could serve…but where does God have us to serve, how do we discover what God has for us to do?  Notice here at the end of Matt 9 Jesus instructs His disciples to start praying about the many needs before them.  At the beginning of Matt 10, we see Jesus raising up and appointing those who would meet the need. 
And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. (Matthew 10:1)

This is a key…but not a trick.  What do I mean?  Simply this, if you will start praying about the needs that you see, then the more that you do that – what will happen is that the thing that God has for you to be involved in will grow and become a burden that you pray for more and more.  

That is how it worked for Nehemiah.  As he heard of the news of Jerusalem’s walls being down, he prayed for four months.  In those four months, God grew a burden in him that guided him to an impact that to this day is incredible.

That is how it worked with Daniel.  As he was burdened over Israel’s future and prayed, God gave him the incredible prophesy of Daniel 9 that foretold the very coming of Christ and even more the layout of last days prophesy. 

I am wondering if you have discovered what it is that God has for you to do in this world.  I am wondering if you know the purpose for which God has you hear at this time.   If you do, praise God!  But if you are wondering what He has for you or what He has for you next – then can I challenge you with this thought…pray.   Now in this, I am not just suggesting you pray for guidance, although that is good.  But I am suggesting you start praying for the needs that you see, the holes that need filled in your world, in your church, in your family and more.   As you obey Jesus and pray for these things…some of those issues you will feel a freedom from and ability to trust the Lord of the Harvest to raise up others to meet those needs.    Yet, there will be other issues that grow in your heart, that you will become more burdened about and more passionate about.   It will be there in prayer that you will discover what God has for you.    Today, I call you to do this very thing.

The honest truth is – there are great needs all around us and few servants.  Today, I call you to pray and see what God will do with others and with you.

Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:37–38)

Jim

 

E-mail Edification #593

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Msg #593                Wednesday, January 27, 2010

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My flesh and my heart fail;

But God is the strength of my heart

and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26)

Our bodies are falling apart. Our health is failing.   This is true not just for some who read this today…but for each and every one of us.   We are all on a path of life where sickens and weakness is increasing.

“…our outward man (our body) is perishing…” (2 Cor 4:16)

I wonder if this reality is before you this week.   For many, you or the ones that you love are struggling with weakness, sickness and pain.   How do we handle this?   Not to be overly simplistic, but can I give you a couple thoughts that might be of encouragement.

Sickness is sin’s fault.

… sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men… (Romans 5:12)

Death and the process of dying including sickness and pain…came because of sin.  You need to know this.   It was not how God originally created things…nor is it how heaven will be.  In this sense, don’t blame God for your pain or suffering – but see it for what it is – a part of this sin cursed world.  It is a part of the reason Jesus came and died, to save us from sin…and all of its consequences.

Sickness should make us long for heaven.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:17–18)

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)

Heaven will be without pain and without suffering.    One of the blessings of pain in this world is that it can wake us up to this reality.  Perhaps it is even one of the reasons God allows that as we grow older, we struggle more with pain – so we will become more and more hungry for heaven.  It is an interesting thought.  Yet, I warn you – it does not happen for all.   For some in their pain, they become almost entirely focused on the now, the temporal and lose sight of the greater wonder of eternity.  I call you today to “look at the things… that are not seen”   Allow pain to help you to look up for what is coming…. Each weakness should be like another click of Dorothy’s heels saying, “There is no place like home”.

Sickness should give us compassion on others.

God… comforts us … that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Corinthians 1:4)

One of the reasons that Jesus became a man, is that He could be a merciful Savior, understanding what we face in this life. (Heb 2:17)  Similarly, sickness and pain should open our eyes to others with pain…and make us more compassionate

Sickness should make us lean on God more

My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26)

Consider how this truth came home to the Apostle Paul:

Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:8–10)

Our weakness can and should compel us to lean and trust on God more.  Our weakness should make us less dependent on our own ability and more dependent on His.   O that we would do this…looking to Him more and more.

Today – as it says in Ps 73 – May God be the strength of your heart!

My flesh and my heart fail;

But God is the strength of my heart

and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26)

Jim

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E-mail Edification #492

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Msg #592                Wednesday, January 20, 2010

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I have not spoken in secret, In a dark place of the earth; I did not say to the seed of Jacob, ‘Seek Me in vain’; I, the Lord, speak righteousness, I declare things that are right. (Isaiah 45:19)

God’s Word is amazing! Christian, have you taken time today to read and consider His word?  Have you allowed it to impact you as it ought?  Consider how powerful and amazing His Word is.

God’s Word is plain – He made it something we can understand!

I have not spoken in secret, In a dark place of the earth

God’s Word is not a secret housed in dark places that only the few can get at and grasp.  He could have made it impossible to understand, His thoughts are far above ours (Is 55:9).   Yet He intentionally made it something that every Christian can understand.  It is true that sometimes Christians wrestle deeply with things beyond and thoughts that undergird the Word of God.  But the clear teaching of the Bible is something that every Christian can grasp – God made it that way!

God’s Word is right – there is no error or twisted truth in it.

I, the Lord, speak righteousness, I declare things that are right

What God tells us in the Bible is something we can trust, it is altogether true and right.  It is not an opinion, it is truth.   His Word has none of the twisting or shading of wickedness that encompasses what men do and create.  It is pure, true and right.  You don’t have to wonder or weigh the Word – it is true, wonderfully true!

God’s Word is not in vain – what God asks of us, we can do in Him

I did not say to the seed of Jacob, ‘Seek Me in vain’

The essence of the Word of God is to draw us to into a wonderful and real relationship with God.    Jesus told us that to love God with all that we are is the highest principle in the Bible, everything in it is to draw us there.  When God calls us to this, and calls us to Himself – it is not something that is impossible or beyond us.  God is not holding something before us that we cannot have.  Christian, it is what God has worked in Christ for us, it is what He gives us the Spirit for – it is doable.  His Word – is powerful and able to work wonders in us – it is not a vain exercise to spend daily time in His Word.   The truth is that it is one of the most effective and powerful things we can do.

God’s Word is amazing! Can I ask you one more time…Christian, have you taken time today to read and consider His word?  Have you allowed it to impact you as it ought?  If not…then I call you to.  His Word is not something you cannot understand.  His Word is right and it is powerful – what He tells us and calls us to – we can do in Him.  May you find hope, strength and power today in His amazing Word!

I have not spoken in secret, In a dark place of the earth; I did not say to the seed of Jacob, ‘Seek Me in vain’; I, the Lord, speak righteousness, I declare things that are right. (Isaiah 45:19)

Jim

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E-mail Edification #591

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Msg #591                Wednesday, January 13, 2010

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when you hear…do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. …there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows.  (Mark 13:7–8)

An earthquake struck Haiti! At 4:53 on Tuesday afternoon, yesterday, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 struck Haiti just 10 miles west of Porte-au-Prince and its 2 million inhabitants.   The USGS called it the strongest earthquake in Haiti since 1770.

For all of us…this is likely not new information. News channels, radios and internet sites have brought before us the devastation and fear that rages in Haiti at this very moment.   Prayers are needed and support is pouring it – both of which are vitally necessary.  I encourage you to do both.

Question for you, beyond this vital response of prayer and support – how should you and I be processing this earthquake? Consider just a couple of passages quickly.

Earthquakes are to be expected, Jesus said so.

…there will be earthquakes in various places…

Jesus told us that such things were to be expected and in the midst of them not to assume the end of the world was taking place.

when you hear…do not be troubled … but the end is not yet

Such reasoning is easier for those hundreds and thousands of miles away, yet one can only imagine the fear and thoughts of those caught in such an occurrence.  There is a sense that Jesus wants them to know that such catastrophe is not proof that the end of the world is taking place…necessarily.

Earthquakes will increase.

… earthquakes in various places …These are the beginnings of sorrows

The word translated “sorrows” here is the technical word that speaks of “birth pangs”.   Ask any new parent how birth pangs work, and they will tell you that one of the key ways of determining when a child is going to be born is that the birth pangs would grow increasingly stronger, more regular and closer together.   Earthquakes are part of God’s warning system for mankind.  Earthquakes that grow stronger, more regular and closer together is a reminder that the expected end of the world is near.   Each pang should cause us to be just a little more aware of the soon and surely coming end of the world…it is true!  This is not some fanatic saying this…it is Jesus telling us of what is coming.

An earthquake coming…like none the world has yet known

… and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. (Revelation 16:18)

Seeing the damage, destruction and results of the earthquake in Haiti are like a foreshadowing, a preview of what is coming for all the earth.

So, again, how should we respond to an Earthquake like this, spiritually?

Such knowledge should cause us to be expectant.

“Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see these things happening, know that it is near—at the doors! …Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. (Mark 13:28–31)

Such knowledge should cause us to live ready for Jesus’ return.

“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34–36)

So, join me in praying for those in Haiti. Where you can, support those financially who are rushing to help.   Where God puts someone in your path hurting because of this catastrophe, comfort them.  But, make sure that you also take it to heart and allow this “birth pang” to cause you to be aware and ready for the return of Jesus!

And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” (Mark 13:37)

Jim

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E-mail Edification #590

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Msg #590                Wednesday, January 06, 2010

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Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning,

For in You do I trust;

Cause me to know the way in which I should walk,

For I lift up my soul to You.

(Psalm 143:8)

How did your day begin today? I am wondering if for some there is a sense that it did not begin as it ought to have.  Notice how David prays in this verse.

This prayer  is a prayer to know God’s love.

Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning

Now, the reality is God does love me and He does love you.  His love and His merciful kindness towards us is new and fresh each and every morning (Lam 3:23).  Yet, the problem is that sometimes we lose sight of God’s love for us.

I am wondering today, if your day began with the Lord this morning and in that time you were convinced afresh of God’s love.   It could have begun that way, and in fact…the best days we have begin this way.   This is why David prays that God would help him begin his day, with really understanding, really hearing and knowing the love of God! (Eph 3:19).   It is a good prayer.

This is a prayer to know God’s guidance.

Cause me to know the way in which I should walk

God longs to guide us and offers to guide us in our lives daily.  Now here is one of our biggest struggles – making good choices, God’s choices in our lives.   Choices surround us, some big, and some small…yet every choice we make effects the course of our life.

I am wondering if your day began today with you hearing from God things that He had for you today?  I am curious if God showed you things this morning that He had for this day.  I will tell you this, that God wanted to show you things this morning.  (Isa 50:4)  David knew God wanted to guide him and thus David asks for God to help him make right choices, to go in the right direction.  I like this prayer!

This is a prayer for thick headed hearers.

At least that is how I read it.  Did you notice the repeated request: “Cause me”.  I am wondering if David felt a little bit dense.  Webster defines dense as: “slow to understand, thickheaded”.   Thus David asks God to  “cause” him, to overcome David’s weakness, thickheadedness and more – to help and make him to hear.  .   In my own words, it would sound something like this:

“Lord, I know You are good and faithful and I don’t doubt Your desire to show me both Your incredible love and perfect will for my life.  Yet Lord, I feel so weak and even unable to hear.  Lord, would you overcome my weakness and cause me to hear and know both Your love for me and Your will for me today.”

I like this prayer…it fits me. To pray this way is to ask God to break through my thick head, and make sure I understand.  I know that is what I need.

Is this a good prayer for you today? If so, I invite you to pray it with me.  I invite you to ask God to help you even now to know His love and will for your life today.

Yet, want to challenge you – to seek to hear from God daily. I challenge you that if we have another day tomorrow, that you would begin your day tomorrow and every day following – seeking to know God’s heart and will.  You won’t regret it.

Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning,

For in You do I trust;

Cause me to know the way in which I should walk,

For I lift up my soul to You.

(Psalm 143:8)

Jim

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E-mail Edification #589

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Msg #589                Wednesday, December 30, 2009

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… His compassions fail not.

They are new every morning…

“Therefore I hope in Him!”

(La 3:22-24)

New beginnings –Fresh starts – we always longs for them.

Tomorrow is New Years Eve.  Friday begins a New Year…2010 – wow!

•        For many, this reality holds hope that they can begin afresh.

•        Many are making resolutions for the New Year

•        Many long to leave much behind in the close of this year

Celebrating the New Year is not a bad thing.

New Year’s resolutions are not bad things.  There is nothing wrong about hopes and challenges to begin afresh in the new year.   Yet…we need to see the real truths that surround these days.

A New Year…doesn’t really work.

There is nothing in the nature or power of the turning of the calendar that causes the pains of yesterday to be left behind or that brings us into the hopes of the future.   The New Year has no power to bring about these desires.  Stop and consider that for a moment…a New Year does not really give us fresh start.

Yet, take hope – there are New Beginnings!  There are Fresh Starts!

It is important and so very hopeful to know that New Beginnings are do exist.  But the real key is this – to know where they exist and how.   Simply put, the only true place for a Fresh Start is with God!  He and He alone has the power and ability to give us a New Beginning.  Perhaps one of the most amazing things about this…is that God wants to provide us New Beginnings…Constantly!

First – there is Mercy with God!

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed…

A simple definition of Mercy is that God does not give us what we deserve.  In God’s mercy we find forgiveness, cleansing and washing away of pain, sorrow and guilt.   When it really comes down to it…it is this that we need in order to really have a fresh start…we need mercy that deals with our failures.

Second – God’s Mercy is Present…right now!

the Lord’s mercies … are new every morning;

For many, the problem is that we mistakenly believe that we have exhausted God’s mercies in this last year by our folly.   We picture it as a gas tank that is now running on empty, because we have used it up.  Yet, God lets us know that His mercy is fresh and overflowing…everyday!  Today, there is hope!  You don’t have to wait until Friday for a fresh start…and in the days following, you won’t have to wait until 2011 to experience a new fresh start.  Fresh starts, New beginnings are available every day in and with God!   His mercies are new and refreshed every morning.

Third – God is thus to be our source of hope!

His Mercies…are new every morning;

Great is Your faithfulness…

Therefore I hope in Him!

New beginnings are good things and needed things for all of us.  But they key is that we fully recognize and place our hope in the only One that can give us a real New Beginning….God!   Christian, it is not wrong or bad for you mind to linger on the close of this year…and too long for a fresh start this coming Friday on New Year’s day.  Yet…the key is that you take those wishes…and focus them on the only place that can give you the hope you need – in the Lord.  The key is for God Himself to be the source, aim and goal of your New Beginning.

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,

Because His compassions fail not.

They are new every morning;

Great is Your faithfulness.

“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,

“Therefore I hope in Him!” (La 3:22-24)

Jim

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E-mail Edification #588

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Msg #588                Wednesday, December 23, 2009

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For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him. (Matt 2:2)

Wise men still seek Him. Wise men, and women, and children do.

Consider a few lessons from these men who were wise, those who were smart.

One – The smart ones saw the star that pointed to Christ.

For we have seen His star in the East…

A star is something visible to all, something anyone could have seen – but somehow in the midst of life, most did not.  This star pointed to Christ, showed that He was born and where He was born.   Today, there are a thousand things that point to Christ – from creation around us, to the wonder of God’s powerful word.  We are in a season where songs and surroundings constantly point to the reason for the season – CHRIST in CHRISTmas.

Do you see everything pointing you to Christ today and in this season?

• If not…I pray that God would open your eyes that you might see all that is powerfully pointing you to Christ.
• If you do…I call you to see it even more clearly – to allow the wonder of it to capture your heart, imagination and to motivate you.

Two – The smart ones came to Christ.

For we…have come…

Surely others noticed the star,  but it stayed as a interesting factoid, a thought without any reality.   Surely many saw they star and simple did not come.  Life is busy…always.  There are thousands of things that can occupy and consume our days.  There are always reasons that can keep us from coming to Christ.  Yet…in the right perspective the things that keep us from coming are so small, and comparably unimportant.   Somehow these guys overcame all the reasons and excuses that could have kept them from coming to Christ.  Sadly, so many are so busy in this season – that they have no time for Christ.

Will you move past excuses and come to Christ this season?   For some, it would be for the first time and a time of surrendering to Christ and becoming saved.  For others, it ought to be a time of relationship, growing in seeing, knowing and loving our Savior.

Three – the smart ones came to worship

For we…have come to worship Him…

It is true that many do come towards Christ, but selfishly, seeking Christ to be a means to their own ends.   Such return from their seeking unsatisfied, finding that Jesus will not be an means to their end.  These wise men came differently – they came to worship.  They came to recognize that this one who was born, was born to be king.  He was born to rule, not to be their servant.   These came to recognize, worship and surrender before Him.   Such an approach is indeed wise, for He is indeed King.

Are you coming before Christ in this season to worship Him?   Again the sad truth is that those who do find time in their busyness to seek the Lord…so often do so for only selfish reasons.   Many find no time to simply come and worship.

Sadly, as it was in that day – most are not wise…but foolish. Most are too busy with life and with themselves and a thousand other things…and they miss worshipping the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

I call you to the example of the smart ones in that day, the wise men.

For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.

I call you to what these wise men wanted to do…but even more, to the fact that this was not just something they wanted to do…but something they actually did…

And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him.  (Matthew 2:11)

Jim

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E-mail Edification #587

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Msg #587                Wednesday, December 16, 2009

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Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Ephesians 6:11-13)

There is a war going on all around you – a spiritual war.  It is a real war where Angels and Demons are actively involved.  It is a real war that effects mankind and men are involved in.  Much could be said here…but the simple fact is that the Bible clearly describes that we are involved in a Spiritual War.

…against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places

Are you aware of the Spiritual War taking place all around you? If you answer honestly, you might not be.  There are several reasons you might be unaware of the battle that is taking place.

• One – you might not be saved, blinded by satan against all that is around you, in hopes of keeping you from seeing the great Spiritual realities of life. (Mat 12:30; 1Jn 3:10; Eph 2:2).   If this is you, I call you today to the winning side of this battle, with Christ – for the outcome is not in doubt.
• Two – you might be a new Christian and God is graciously protecting you from facing the battle too soon in your walk.  Much like He did for the children of Israel coming out of Egypt (Ex 13:17)
• Three – you might be AWOL from the battle.  You might be living so poorly that satan’s forces are leaving you alone for in your present state, because you are far from the front lines of the battle.  Your life is no threat to anything the enemy is doing that he is leaving you alone.  Yikes.
• Four – you might be in the midst of the battle, bewildered by it, yet not understanding all that is really going on.  Imagine it with me, walking around on a literal battlefield, guns firing, bombs going off, jets flying overhead.  If you were somehow unaware that you were in the midst of a battlefield, all is going on would be shocking, confusing and disorienting.  I am convinced that this is exactly what is happening to many – the don’t see or understand the battle.

Yet God is very clear– there is a spiritual battle and we are involved. There is a lot that could be said about this, but let me simply give you a few quick observations about what is said in Eph 6 – and may God draw you to so much more that is mentioned there for us.

One – you are in a Definite War!

“we do not wrestle against…but against”

There is no maybe in this.  It doesn’t say “you might wrestle” but “we wrestle.” This is definite, we are in a spiritual war!

Two – this war is a Personal War.

“we…wrestle against….”

God pictures it as “wrestling”.  Simply put, wrestling is close contact, “hand to hand” combat.  There is no lobbing grenades or missiles to keep the frontlines of this war back from you.  This battle is one you must and will face… personally.

Three – this war is an Organized War.

… to stand against the wiles of the devil.

satan has and is making “wiles” against you.  The word “wiles” refers to plans, strategies against your soul.   Just be aware, that satan studies how to “bring you down” – don’t be surprised at how accurate his temptations and troubles are.

Four – this is a Spiritual War.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

This is so key…and hard to quickly communicate.  But the danger is that you would see “people as your problem” – it is not so.  Often satan will fire his “fiery darts” at you through people, but the key is to recognize it as satan.  I think of Jesus on the Mount of Temptation, when Peter encouraged him not to go to the cross.  Jesus recognized the source of that temptation and said so by telling Peter “get behind me satan”. (Mat 16:23) It was Peter’s words, but satan had fed the thought.  It is so important to realize that some of the cutting things that people say to you, that are so “perfect” in their accuracy to hinder you…are actually from satan.

Fifth – it is a Winnable War.  You can stand!

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand…”

Perhaps this is the most important piece of information.  To see the war, to see our enemy…can almost sound like the odds against you are impossible…but that is not true – God is greater!  (1 Jn 4:4) You can stand against everything satan can throw against you…but simply, you must stand in Christ, you must stand in God’s provision.

God pictures our defenses as armor.  Eph 6 is not a mantra or incantation that we have to repeat in order to be effective.  If you look through this list, it is all a description, put in picture form, of the wonderful provisions that God has for us in Christ.

So can I say it simply, flee to Him, stand in Christ, in all that He is, in all that He is doing…and you will stand against satan’s attack in the spiritual war today!

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Eph 6:13)

Jim

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E-mail Edification #586

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Msg #586      Wednesday,

December 09, 2009

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For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward. ” (Mark 9:41)

Even small acts of kindness and generosity are noticed, recognized and will be rewarded by our Lord.  It is an amazing reality.  Consider the cost of a simple glass of cold water that Jesus speaks of here.   It is such a small gift – but when it is ministered in Christ’s name, the Lord sees it, recognizes it, and lets us know that He will reward it!  Wow.

As we are in a season where many are giving and finding themselves moved to give, some selfishly, but some graciously.  I wanted to remind some and let others know of a tremendous opportunity to shower acts of kindness on those who are truly needy.

Gospel for Asia is a tremendous and effective ministry work in India and surrounding countries.  Take a moment and consider this message from the founder of Gospel for Asia – KP Yohannan

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My dear friends,

What a joy it is to celebrate the first coming of Jesus to this earth. There’s so much hope and life in our world because of Him.

But for multiplied millions in South Asian countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and India, no tidings of great joy have reached them yet. For them, the hopelessness of yesterday follows into each new day. This Christmas, though, you and I can change that—and deliver a message of hope. By providing these gifts to the men and women who have never heard of Christ, as well as to our brothers and sisters in need, we can extend the warmth of this across the globe.

One man who was given a cow from last year’s Christmas Gift Catalog broke down weeping when he received the gift. There had been no crops to harvest that year, and thus no work for him from the land owner. He just couldn’t watch the suffering of his family anymore.

“Today I was planning to commit suicide,” he told our missionaries. “But now I have hope. I know that there is a God who loves me and cares about me.”

This precious man and his entire family opened their hearts to the Lord. Jesus told us that whatever we do for one of the least of these, we do for Him. I encourage you to prayerfully look through this catalog and ask the Lord what He would have you do. This year, let’s give to the Lord as we touch the outcasts and the needy—bringing to them the Good News of the Savior whose birth we celebrate.

It is my prayer that this Christmas season we can bring hope to 100,000 families in Asia. Let us do the best we can and be a blessing as together we celebrate Christ and transform lives!

In His grace and love,

K.P. Yohannan
Founder and President
Gospel for Asia

If you would like to look at the online catalog, click this link:

May Jesus recognize, remember and reward you for even the small acts of kindness that you do and will do in His name!

For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward. ” (Mark 9:41)

Jim

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E-mail Edification #585

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Msg #585                Wednesday, December 02, 2009

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“Now these are the ones sown among thorns;

they are the ones who hear the word,

and the cares of this world,

the deceitfulness of riches,

and the desires for other things

entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.”

(Mark 4:18-19)

Warning…CHRISTmas is quickly approaching! Such a warning is not really necessary – most know that in three weeks, we will be celebrating CHRISTmas.  Yet, with such a reality before us – I want to issue what has become sort of an annual CHRISTmas warning.  This warning is one that I have been giving to myself in CHRISTmas seasons. The warning:  Beware of missing what God is wanting to work in you during this CHRISTmas season!

CHRISTmas is a spiritually difficult time for many if not most. In one sense, the reality of this is filled with irony.  We are in a season that the name of Jesus is spoken by more people than any other time of the year.  The secular world will be singing His songs, speaking His name, even quoting the Bible.

Yet the question for us is whether this season will be effective? Will this be a season that God is able to work real and good things in your heart?  Why do I ask this?  Let me explain.  In the Parable of the Sower, quoted above, Jesus pictures God’s Word like seed that is planted and sown for the purpose of bringing forth a harvest.  Easy enough to understand so far, correct?  The Bible is like a seed and your heart like a garden plot that the seed is sown into.

One of the issues Jesus helps us to see in this Parable is why some seed that is sown never bears fruit.   In this section of that parable, Jesus shows us the seed is ineffective because it is chocked out.

“Now these are the ones sown among thorns;

they…choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.”

The Word is choked out!  Yikes! Take a moment to picture it.  Picture a garden and you planting a seed in that garden, but the ground is full of weeds.  Those weeds steal the water and the nutrition from the soil and thus making that seed’s growth to be stunted and unfruitful.    That is what Jesus says happens in many hearts with His Word.  Do you see how sad and yet serious this is?  His Word and His work in a heart is hindered!

What are the weeds that choke out the Word of God? Jesus gives us a list of three things that are “weeds” that hinder the impact of the Word of God:

the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things

Wow.  Think about this list for a moment and then think of the season we are in right now.  I find myself wondering if we could take these things Jesus describes and include them in a dictionary definition of CHRISTmas!  For many, it is exactly these three things that occupy so much of their heart during CHRISTmas.

Cares of this world:  Worry, anxiety, stress over things in this world.  This describes CHRISTmas for many.

Deceitfulness of riches:  Promises of satisfaction that don’t fulfill – deceitful.  Yes, riches are exactly this.  Think about it for a moment.  CHRISTmas  is a time where more money is spent and given than any other time in the year.

Desires for other things: Wanting things, selfishness, covetousness.  The truth is that many will find this a more difficult season in such a regard that almost any time of year.

Do you see the difficulty and challenge before us in the next three weeks? If God’s work and word are going to impact us then we are going to have to actively and continually keep our hearts “weeded”.   We will have to make sure that these things of cares, riches and other things don’t become the central focus of our lives and hearts.  If your heart is a garden that will be flourishing this CHRISTmas, it will be because daily you are keeping it weeded.

Don’t let this day, this week, this season – be in vain.  I challenge you to make sure that the Word of the Lord is not choked out by weeds!

“”Now these are the ones sown among thorns;

they are the ones who hear the word,

and the cares of this world,

the deceitfulness of riches,

and the desires for other things

entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.”

(Mark 4:18-19)

Jim

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