Worldly Wealth For Eternal Profit

The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own?
Luke 16:8-12

i've heard several ministers preach on this passage, and they have all had different punch lines. what do you think "use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves" means? i realize it's a parable and there may be many meanings, but i want to know the concrete...and right now i don't have a clue.

when i was younger, i thought this verse meant that i should give as many gifts as possible to rich people who could support me as an overseas missionary. let me tell you, my understand has grown some since then. since then, i've had opportunities to be trustworthy in handling worldly wealth and have failed misterably. now i have the debt to prove it, which is not something i am proud of. so, by the grace of God, i am digging out from the burden of owing creditors money. hopefully by the time i'm 32, i will be debt free...but who knows.

anyway, i am still a kid with many questions and a lack of understanding. the Bible is chuck full of great mysteries, for which i attempt to decipher the true meaning. isn't is great being a kid of the omniscience One, the omnipotent One, and the omnipresent One?

holy Jesus,
i am humbled by Your words which speak directly to my heart. i have not been trustworthy in the small things. may You strengthen me by Your grace to make wise financial decisions. this money that i have been entrusted with is a gift of You, and i want to be wise in the way it gets used. Jesus, i need You to be my financial advisor. let my past not dominate my future. i lay this burden on Your altar. may You be my Guide, my Counselor, and my Hope. may the praise of my heart penetrate to Your throne of grace. i love You and treasure Your insight.
in Jesus's Name ~ Amen!

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*Karla *Audrey *Brandon

Hiding Place

Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Psalm 32:6-7

During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.
Heb.5:7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Phil. 4:6

while attending the prayer service on Sunday, i began to feel this overwhelming feeling to prayer over our church, it's members, my family and friends, and the world. it was incredible! for quite awhile i've felt that my reason for being at st. paul is a calling to pray for this church. i suppose that was just reaffirmed on Sunday.

we have a magnet on our fridge which asks, "have you prayed for your church today?" often i see the magnet but don't pray. that's my confession. so i am committing today to pray more diligently for st. paul and all its facets. my friend, denise, is the youth director, along with program director (the name has recently changed, but i can't think of it...). her calling to Christian ministry resounds throughout her life. it's amazing for me to see how God uses her to be an effective leader. the reason i am mentioning her, is because today i have chosen her as one of the staff members to pray for.

dearest Jesus,
You are the ultimate pray-er. You wept with blood pouring out of your pores...that's intense! also you prayed with petitions with loud cries and tears.... Jesus, i want to be that passionate about prayer - about knowing You. i know You can and have changed lived. i've seen Your power move mountains. please forgive me for slacking in my calling to pray. You have given me the highest calling, to speak with You personally. open my mouth, my heart, my eyes to converse with You more. let me always acknowledge Your presence, Your power, and Your will. i want to pray in the Spirit on all occasion so that Your power will be released here in earth. i know You don't need me to pray, but i know that You've told me that when i ask in Your name, You shall give freely. That is amazing - that a great God as Yourself would give to a humble servant as myself. i can not thank You enough. i love You, sweet Jesus.
in Jesus Name ~ Amen!

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*Kris *Denise *Laurel

Eternal Salvation

Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail. "I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mortal men, the sons of men, who are but grass, that you forget the LORD your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth, that you live in constant terror every day because of the wrath of the oppressor, who is bent on destruction? For where is the wrath of the oppressor? The cowering prisoners will soon be set free; they will not die in their dungeon, nor will they lack bread. For I am the LORD your God, who churns up the sea so that its waves roar- the LORD Almighty is his name. I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of my hand- I who set the heavens in place, who laid the foundations of the earth, and who say to Zion, 'You are my people.' "
Is. 51:6, 12-16

i just love Isaiah. i'm pretty sure that being around him in person would have bothered me, because i wouldn't have had a clue what he was talking about, but reading his prophecies nearly 2500 years after it was written is amazingly profound. now i understand that he was speaking of Jesus, my Savoir, who has come and who will come again. i can see the whole picture; it's no longer a prophecy because it has come to pass. if you're into geometry - it's a "given".

how often do i lift my eyes up to the heavens and think about who created them? sometimes i look up and admire a beautiful sunrise or a cool cloud formation, but i often forget to give God the glory for them. i don't put enough thought into God ability to set the heavens in place, along with the earth and all the stars. He has placed the sun the perfect distance from the earth so that we can stay alive. also, i can't say i've thought about the day the heavens will come to ruin. i have thought about the earth being destroyed...but not about the heavens. and yet, is that not part of the hope which we profess?

it is the salvation of Jesus Christ that will last forever. nothing i can see will ever last that long. kinda reminds me of the verse which speaks of hope that is seen is no hope at all. {Rom. 8:24}

moving from knowledge to emotion: it is Christ who comforts us by covering us with the shadow of His hand. He also has called us His people. we are not nomads, or wanderers, or put here on earth for no reason. we have purpose and we have been called to the highest calling anyone could have ever given us. we are God's chosen people.... how cool is that?

Amazing Creator,
You have created the heavens, the earth, and the human race - nothing is too difficult for you. {Jer. 32:17, 27} i praise You, Jesus, for allowing me to see the big picture. thanks for opening my eyes to Your eternal salvation. i can't thank You enough to covering me in the shadow of Your mighty hand. You are my God, nothing can compare to You. i love You, sweet Jesus, and long for the day when i can see You face to face.
in Jesus' powerful Name~ Amen!

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*Janie *Janie *Hulda

God Alone

Of what value is an idol, since a man has carved it? Or an image that teaches lies? For he who makes it trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak. Woe to him who says to wood, 'Come to life!' Or to lifeless stone, 'Wake up!' Can it give guidance? It is covered with gold and silver; there is no breath in it.
Hab. 2:18-19

For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.
Ps. 86:10

Who can forgive sins but God alone?
Mark 2:7

we worship a living God - a God who can speak, who can give advice, who can bring the lifeless to life, who has breath. isn't that a wonderful Truth?

and yet we continue to bow before created things: money, fame, family, etc. if only we could grasp that without Christ we are nothing, then we might actually understand that all this stuff is on loan to us. we don't really own anything, not even all that stuff inside our beautiful houses. our lives are but a breath, like a fading flower - here today and gone tomorrow. when our time is up, what will people say was your driving force? will they say, "that man lived as a servant of Jesus Christ", or how about, "she knew her God and He knew her". i can only dream of what my friends and family would say about me.... she could really talk to anyone. kids just loved her. she was pretty arrogant and often stubborn. she had so much potential. she seems like a real nice person.

i want to challenge us to think about what others see as our driving force? if you have close friends, ask them what their answer for you would be. ask your spouse, who knows you, what they see as your driving force? don't be offended, but use those words to pursuit Christ in all You do.

Holy Jesus,
it is by Your grace that i live. i want to have You manifested in all i do and say. Christ, in areas where i am falling , i pray for You to guide me, search me and know me. use others to speak Truths into my life. i love You and i worship You. let my worship for You burn so the world can see. be praised for saving me from the depths of the grave.
in Jesus' Name ~ Amen

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*Steven *Bill *Ryan

btw, tomorrow i am getting a make-over from some of the youth from st. paul. can barely wait to see what they will add to me. good thing i am careless about my looks.

Habakkuk's 2nd Complaint

Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong. Why then do you tolerate the treacherous? Why are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves? I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint.
Hab. 1:13, 2:1

Habakkuk realized that God was about to annilate the Israelites by use of the Babylonians, but he has some major problems with this. (and rightfully so. his life is as stake!) so habakkuk asks God the reason for Him to carry out this plan. Habakkuk is not only concerned about his life and the Israelite people, but also the character of God. he comments to God, "You eyes are too pure to look on eveil; You cannot tolerate wrong." then he goes on to question why God is not rescuing the Israelites, His chosen people.

Habakkuk knows God is too holy to look on all this evil, and much less to tolerate it. how often do i pray for God to take away the evil in the world, simply because He is too pure for it? i can't say i ever have prayed that way. which injustice do i see upon Christians which i should be praying about? persecution? HIV/AIDS? children sold into prostitution? how much of God's character do i know?

and habakkuk doesn't stop there. he goes on to say, "i will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what He will say to me, and what answer i am to give to this complaint." (2:1) he's willing to give up his ordinary activities until he hears an answer for the Lord. He is waiting in expectation to hear to voice of God. when i pray, how often do i just run away without expecting an answer? when have i waited in silent expectation to hear His voice? also, he is willing to stand in the gap when God speaks. when is the last time i took up a complaint against Jesus? why don't i? i have many gripes and complaints about everything else in my life? am i too legalistic to blame God for something? why don't i cry out to Him with my concerns, instead of candy-coating them w/ please....God....if You can....would You please.... blah, blah, blah?

this, than, is how i am to approach the Throne of Grace: "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." (Heb. 10:19-23)

Jesus,
You've made a way for me to enter Your Most Holy Place with confidence. i trust You are big enough to handle my complaints and arguments. You are God, my Creator. You delight in me...tho i don't always see why. Jesus, i pray that i would be more eager to lay my requests down on your altar, and wait patiently and expectantly for You to reply. i don't just want to run from Your altar of prayer. when i seek You, Jesus, i want to see You, not just assume i've met You. move in a mighty way thru St. Paul. come and rescue us, for we are Your chosen people, struggling to survive. let the hearts of Your people return to Your grace. let us draw our strength from You, not from the strength of technology and money. You are our God, not those created items. i love You, and am standing on my rampart, waiting for You to answer.
In Jesus' Name ~ Amen!

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*Jason *Joe *Duane

Habakkuk's 1st Complaint

How long, O LORD, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, "Violence!" but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted.
Hab. 1:2-4

something this week is drawing me to Habakkuk, a minor prophet of the Old Testament. Habakkuk has a problem: God is not answering his prayer. ever had that problem? ever wonder why God is taking His sweet little time in answering your prayer? well, we all know God has the power to "fix" it, just the way we want it...but often He has a different plan in mind. this is what is happening to Habakkuk.

i feel sorta of in the same place as Habakkuk. i read the news, see the lives of the youth with whom i work, and can barely believe the violence, strife and conflict which abounds. i see the heathens ruling over in the Christians, and justice is perverted. when sports become more important than knowing a Savior - something is amiss. when our kids go to middle schools where drugs and sex are rampant, we've experienced injustice.

so i too cry to God that He would send down help. that He would send revival - that hearts would be turn back toward Him in an amazing way. i cry out for churches to preach the full Gospel, and the power of the Holy Spirit. i pray for Jesus to be manifested in the hearts of those who proclaim to know Him. i pray for more missionaries to be equipped to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. i pray for Christ to release the apathy which is so prevalent in american churches.

Holy Jesus,
i cry to You, for i know You answer me in the day of my trouble. You've come to bring light into this darkness. You power is great, and your purposes last forever. You never change - You despise the wicked's actions. Father, i'm asking for a revival. this dry and weary land is desperate for Your refreshing rains - shower Your mercy down from on high. i pray over broken families, over sickness and violence. Jesus, Your power is still amazing, able to heal the sick and forgive sin. Come, Jesus, with Your power.
thru Jesus' Name ~ Amen!

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*Susan *Susan *Susan

Forgiveness and Prayers

Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
Luke 23:34

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.
Acts 7:59-60

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Col. 3:13

Imagine, Jesus hanging on a cross after being proved innocent by the judge, looking into the eyes of the crowd and saying, "Father, forgive them." or Stephen, who is being stoned to death, as says, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." those are ardent prayers of hearts filled with forgiveness.

these two men knew that hell was even too severe for their persecutors. Jesus and Stephen knew a God who had the power to rescue sinners from their eternal condemnation. we know the same God. His name is Jesus Christ, who is no longer on that cross, but has been raise from the dead, in order to sit at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. AMEN!

these two men could have cursed with their mouths these persecutors; they could have hurled down insults from heaven, but they didn't. why? what kept them from praying to God to take their lives in the most horrid ways? why did these men pray for the Father's mercy upon their sinful lives? probably because they saw the big picture. they knew that even hell is too horrible for their worse enemies. they took seriously Jesus command to pray for your enemies. (Matt. 5:44) they knew that these men didn't understand Jesus, and the purpose for His life - to restore the Chosen People back into a thriving relationship with their Creator.

so these are my questions: are my prayers going up for God to have mercy on sinners? where is my passion thru my prayers? is my attitude that of Christ Jesus or Stephen? do i really see the big picture - that my life is valuable only when Christ is glorified? do i understand that my purpose in life is the glorify God - and anything besides that is meaningless, a chasing after the wind? am i willing to forgive as Christ forgave? what am i doing to sharing the Truth, so that others can gain more understanding of who Jesus is and the His power to transform dull lives into thriving, vibrant lives? why am i afraid to tell others of Jesus' great love for them when i know that hell is so real? what more can i do to keep people from creating walls against Jesus?

Jesus,
I praise You for laying down Your life so that i can communicate with You. Jesus i feel inadequate to communicate You to the people, and yet i know so deeply that we all need You. Equip me, Jesus, to proclaim Your Good News. i want to be Your vessel. i want to glorify You in my life - and my death. i lay down my life to You - please use it for Your glory. please forgive me for laziness in prayer. let my heart and prayers be changed into passion for restoring the lost to You. i love You.
In Jesus' Name ~ Amen

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*Jenni *David *Paul

Soul Winner

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
John 15:16

i've been skimming an old text book which i used in college called, 'Perspectives on the World Christian Movement'. the book is written by various authors, missionaries, speakers, etc. i just want to share some from an article by Andrew Murray.

Christ meant every believer to be a soul-winner: that every believer has been saved with the express purpose that he should make the saving of other souls the main, the supreme end of his existence in the world.

The missionary problem is a personal one: it is a matter of being near enough to Him to hear His voice and so devoted to Him and His love as to be ready to do all His will.

Weak believers who are glad to hear and give, must be lifted to the consciousness of the wonderful spiritual privilege of offering themselves to Chirst to live for His kingdom. They must be encouraged to believe that the Lord who loves them, greatly prizes their love, and will enable them to bring it to Him. They must learn that Christ's love asks for whole-hearted devotion, and that the more they sacrifice, the more will that love possess them. As definitely as we labor to secure the interest and the gifts of each individual, even more so must be labor to bring each one into contact with Christ Himself.

It is your highest privilege, it will be your highest happiness and perfections. As Christ gave Himself, give yourself wholly to this work of love.

those are just a few of the points which i've highlighted. so, what have i gotten out of it? i need to be willing to know God, in order for me to share Him with others. i need to be willing to sacrifice my life, it that should be what is my Father's will. my goal in life should be to share the love my Father has lavished upon me. my devotion needs to be toward raising up believers who are giving their hearts to His service. by the way, i began Purpose Driven Life yesterday....so far i love it!

Jesus,
You are the mission Giver. You desire for me to seek You, and You will supply me with direction. i trust this to be true. so i come before You, Jesus, not knowing where ou want me to go. lead me, and i will go. open my ears to hear Your commands. my life is laid before Your throne as a sacrifice of the love You've bestowed upon me. may your favor fall on those whom i come into contact with. may You change their hearts thru Your glorious power.
In Jesus' name ~ Amen!

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*Ruth *Jonathan *Stacy

Intoxicating

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
Eph 5:18

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

'get drunk on the Holy Spirit.' thru my conservative upbringing i'm torn with this thought. perhaps i just don't undersand the full meaning of it. maybe it's because i've experienced the negative effects of being raised in a dysfunctional family where alcohol abuse played a major roll. maybe it's because i've always been taught that i need to be in control of my physical body at all times. perhaps it's because i'm too much of a control freak to let something else control me. in any case, i don't get it....tho i should.

i pray often to be filled more and more by the Holy Spirit, but do i really ask to be taken out of control? do i ask Him to honestly come into my life - and take over? in all honesty, i think i would freak out if i began to speak in tongues, just because it's so foreign to me. (no offense to those who have that gift.) Jesus has laid this verse on my heart for 2 days now. i don't know what do think about it, but i'm trying to draw a deeper understanding of it.

David Crowder has a new CD out called Illuminate. i recommend this CD. and on it there is a song called, "Intoxicating"... some of the lyrics are: You are captivating to me. if i'm outta my mind, it's You, You. (2 Cor. 5:13) i'm so crazy in love for You, You. yes, i'm head over heals for You, You.

anyway, i love that song. i want to be drunk on the Spirit who searches the mind of God. i suppose that would take the boredom out of the daily rountine - as refreshing as water to a dry land, or as palatable as salt to bland food, or as radiant as light in the darkness.

Holy Jesus,
i want to be drunk on You. i want to let You be in control. i'm ready to give up my control. if i stumble, let me fall on the Your grace. send down Your fire from on high to rescue me for the muck of daily life. renew my mind, heart and soul in Your glorious light. i love You. fill me completely, Holy Spirit, so that You may be glorified.
in Jesus's Name ~ Amen!

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*Shari *Brian *Raymond

Family Adoption

He went on to tell the people this parable: "A man planted a vineyard, rented it to some farmers and went away for a long time. At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants so they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. He sent another servant, but that one also they beat and treated shamefully and sent away empty-handed. He sent still a third, and they wounded him and threw him out. "Then the owner of the vineyard said, 'What shall I do? I will send my son, whom I love; perhaps they will respect him.' "But when the tenants saw him, they talked the matter over. 'This is the heir,' they said. 'Let's kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.' So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. "What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others."
Luke 19:9-16

the power of story telling - Jesus had it! He could use a great story to convict hearts, to encourage the lost, to turn sinners away from their folly, to give hope to the needy. it's a gift. i don't have that gift. i'm pretty pathetic actually at telling stories of any type. but i am glad many great speakers have this gift, because the effect is exponentially great.

in preceding story of the farmer and his vineyard, his was delegating responsibility to some "unworthy" workers. they decided to reap the benefit of someone else's property, and in so doing, got caught and killed. that seems pretty extreme, but Jesus was extreme. He didn't lolligag around with those whom persecuted Him. he wanted the 'sheep' to know the importance of living in right attitude of the Son of God. i get this story. it's not about being afraid to delegate responsibility, it's about gentiles entering into the Presence of Jesus. i am a gentile, and i am so grateful that Jesus opened the veil so that i could come inot His radiant Presence. He made a way for me to become a kid.

Jesus,
thanks for endure the cross so that i could be saved thru You. may my gratitude motivate me to share my new life with others. may You be glorified thru these fews years i have here on earth. thanks for appointing me to Your servanthood. i love You.
In Jesus' Name ~ Amen!

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*Valerie *Kim *Harrison

What's the Condition of Your House?

When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner.' " But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount." Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.
Luke 19:5-9

Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
Romans 6:15, 19-20

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you–unless, of course, you fail the test?
1 Cor. 13:5

i was reading an article from PRAY! Magazine which got me thinking about something which seemed so simple. since i am a temple, or house, of the Holy Spirit, then probably i should spend some time thinking about the condition in which He lives. i know that i try to clean out the major debris, but what about the noise? since i talk all the time, he lives in a pretty loud and busy environment. how about the pictures on the walls - what images do i entertain in my mind? which types of guests am i inviting to join my livingroom? how often does He get quality time as my guest?

i know that i've thought about Jesus being with me all the time, and becuase of that i should maintain a good life-style. and i know that He lives in me. but for some reason, i've never thought about the Holy Spirit as a guest into my body. isn't it great when the Holy Spirit opens our eyes to a new understanding. guess it's benn long overdue for some new "house rules".
*listen to the Guest more than i speak.
*ask questions in order to get to know Him
*go out of my way to love on Him
*look into His eyes when i speak to Him, don't be distracted
*cherish the moments we have in personal communication
*heed His advice
*perform random acts of kindness for Him
*praise Him for the good His does
*take time to notice the little things He does
*call Him by name
*wait for Him to speak, don't rush Him

i am only beginning to understand this concept, but what a wonderful Friend we have in Jesus!

Sweet Jesus,
there's no One like You. You are King of all kings, and You are the Guest in my heart. i want this dwelling to be comfortable for You. don't let me be distracted during our conversation. i want to hear for You. when You are silent, i pray that You'd help me to remain faithful in waiting for You to speak. Come into my heart and dwell in me. i want You to fill every room of this temple. let the praises ring for the good You are doing. i love seeing You - You are beautiful. i praise You for this understanding, and for allowing me to be worthy of Your indwelling. let my worship for You burn so that others can see and be praise You.
Jesus, thru You i pray ~ Amen!

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*Laurel *Warren *Hope

Show Your Trust

During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said.
Matt. 14:25-29

i believe that God has an incredible way of speaking to each of us differently. for some he uses the gift of hearing His voice. for others He use His Word to speak directly into our souls. for some He uses events which are interpreted. still others know God's voice by the mouths of other people. i dont' know how God speaks to you, but i want to encourage You to listen for His voice. and even sometimes when you least expect to hear it, you'll know it's Jesus speaking to you.

often when Jesus speaks to us, there is something which we are supposed to do, tho this is not always the case. lately i know that He has been working on me to learn this concept, "show Me your trust." it's when i have a crisis of belief (if any of you have read any of the 'Experiencing God' books, you'll know what i am talking about.) it's when i know what my faith is telling me to do, and my flesh is telling me something different. it's like arguing with yourself. an example is when i don't feel like catering to the needs of a snotty 7th grade girl who doesn't want to take the trash out after not getting any sleep during a lock-in. or like remain calm in the mist of a stressful situation. or worshiping upon hearing word of a loved one who has died. or saying "no" to another committee meeting when things at home are not in good working order. those are times when i can nearly hear the voice of Jesus saying, "show Me your trust." what He is really asking is, you say you trust me, tanya, but are you going to act it out? are you going to let others around you see that You trust me with your life? are you willing to make a change and stand up for what you say you believe?

i'm learning that the Christian faith is a risky life-style. i am constantly making choices based on the way i believe, but how about my thought life? or my sex life? or my reaction to stressful situations? am i able to keep my calmness, my groundedness in the mist of trials? do i consider trials and temptations 'joy'? do i radiate the fruit of the Spirit, which i proclaim with my mouth?

holy Jesus,
it is amazing to me how You care so much about me. how You can speak into the dark reserves of my heart and still call me your "Beloved". how You, precious friend, know the way i let You down, and still continue to call me a friend. i cannot thank You enough for calling me to be Your child, for the way You lavish me with Your love. Friend, i want to make choices to show You that You are making a difference in my life. i want You to be glorified thru my actions, thru my thoughts, thru my words. i praise You for working in me, creating me to be more and more like You. be praised for the times when You give me a chance to stand up for what You are doing in my heart. i love You with everything in me. i long to worship You even when life is falling apart around me. You are my stronghold, Jesus.
In Your Amazing Name ~ Amen~

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*Katie *Meredith *Kaylen

Unworthy Servants

"Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, 'Come along now and sit down to eat'? Would he not rather say, 'Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink'? Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'"
Luke 17:7-10

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives.
Prov. 27:21

Lately i've been hooked on this song by Matt Redman, called, "You must increase". it's based on John 3:30, "He must become greater; I must become less." the statement comes for John the Baptist speaking of Jesus. i thought about the lyrics, "i lift You high, and i bow down low. how high can You be? how low can i go? He must increase, i must decrease. Lord, i'll bow down and You will be adored. Jesus, You will be adored." and i really am only beginning to get it. i've heard the song nearly a thousand times now, and i am only beginning to understand what John was speaking about - to be a servant, one must receive an order with joy, and carry it out with diligence, possess a heart which is grateful for the ability to carry out the order, while all the time remaining humble

let me tell you, i don't meet these requirements. i fall terribly somewhere before receiving the order with joy. when someone tells me to do something, i too many times try to get out of doing the duty, complain while on mission, and accept all the praise of accomplishing the task. it's pretty pathetic when i think of my attitude and the way i try to lead others into servant leadership. but i rejoice the Jesus continues to offer me orders, and He willingly offers the strength to carry out the task. He amazes me with His friendship along the journey, and His joyfulness to commune with me. there is something about being in the company of the greatest man who ever lived. if only i can pay more attention to His stories and His wisdom...

Dearest Jesus,
i praise You for continually being with me. Holy Spirit, You amaze me with Your mercies which are new every day. You patiently prod me along life's mission. be praise for starting a work in me which You persist on continuing. it is a great joy to know You. i love You. Father, please forgive me for falling short of Your glory. please forgive me for my rebellion, my grumblings, my hard-heartedness, my lack of ambition, and my stubborness. i surrender these to You, and lay them down on your altar. may Your sanctifying blood flow over them, cleansing them from their vileness. let them be transformed into gratitude, willingness, eagerness, zeal and joy. Your power is great and You are faithful.
through Jesus' Name ~ Amen!

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*Phillip *Shannon *Denise