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May 4 -  Planting the Seed . . .                    (back)  

Planting the Seed

If you plant honesty, you will reap trust.
If you plant goodness, you will reap friends.
If you plant humility, you will reap greatness.
If you plant perseverance, you will reap victory.
If you plant consideration, you will reap harmony.
If you plant hard work, you will reap success.
If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation.
If you plant openness, you will reap intimacy.
If you plant patience, you will reap improvements.
If you plant faith, you will reap miracles.

But

If you plant dishonesty, you will reap distrust.
If you plant selfishness, you will reap loneliness.
If you plant pride, you will reap destruction.
If you plant envy, you will reap trouble.
If you plant laziness, you will reap stagnation.
If you plant bitterness, you will reap isolation.
If you plant greed, you will reap loss.
If you plant gossip, you will reap enemies.
If you plant worries, you will reap wrinkles.
If you plant sin, you will reap guilt.

So be careful what you plant now. It will determine what you will reap tomorrow. The seeds you now scatter  will make life worse or better--your life or the ones who will come after. Yes, someday, you will enjoy the fruits, or you will pay for the choices you plant today.

May 10 - Are You Having Issues of Impatience in Your Life? . . .              (back)

Are You Having Issues of Impatience in your Life?

Are you always dealing with wanting it now? Perhaps most often, your lack of patience causes new issues in your life to end disastrously...

Are you always annoyed at God's timing? Do you jokingly remind him that HE's eternal while you, in your earthly body, are a clock winding down? Do you find yourself at a point where HE already knows the end of the plan and asking GOD...would it hurt to clue you in once in awhile? Especially as to the when's.

Of course not knowing God's plan develops two hugely crucial Christian attributes: faith and patience. Ever hear pastors warn about not asking God for patience? That's because patience can develop only through trials where patience is required...so don't go asking Jesus for patience. You don't have to ask. The reason...you're already dealing with it, right now. Your life is in a "season" of patience. Your challenge, given to you by God, right now in your life is here to teach you patience. Tough lesson? You'll grow. Hard to sit and wait...GOD will bring you through. The lesson? The master will grow your faith.

You're not walking alone. GOD is with you every day. Following along, offering you support. With your eyes on your impatience and not HIM, you've failed to see the real challenge--your growth. Wanting your timing, your plan, and not HIS, you've lost focus to where you're going.

Get your eyes off the ground, lift them up and give thanks for the challenges in your life. Through these little things, the small issues (and they are...all small) you'll grow. Find strength in your impatience. Find GOD in all things in your life.

Then the Lord said to me, "Write my answer in large, clear letters on a tablet, so that a runner can read it and tell everyone else. But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed. "Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked; but the righteous will live by their faith." Habakkuk 2:2-4, NLT

May 17 - Developing the Habit of Prayer . . .                    (back)

Developing the Habit of Prayer

by Phillip Rhoads

One of the most powerful, effective things we can do as Christians is do develop the habit of consistent, effective prayer.  Or, as Paul wrote it, "Pray without ceasing" (I Thessalonians 5:17).

A Contemporary Source

The following practical thoughts are taken from Stephen R. Covey's book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." –Aristotle

"Our character, basically, is a composite of our habits:

`Sow a thought, reap an action;

sow an action, reap a habit;

sow a habit, reap a character;

sow a character, reap a destiny,'

the maxim goes."

"Like any natural force, gravity pull can work with us or against us. The gravity pull of some of our habits may currently be keeping us from going where we want to go. But it is also gravity pull that keeps our world together, that keeps the planets in their orbits and our universe in order. It is a powerful force, and if we use it effectively, we can use the gravity pull of habit to create the cohesiveness and order necessary to establish effectiveness in our lives."

"For our purposes, we will define a habit as the intersection of knowledge, skill, and desire."

"Knowledge is the theoretical paradigm, the what to do and the why. Skill is the how to do. And desire is the motivation, the want to do. In order to make something a habit in our lives, we have to have all three."

"The power to make and keep commitments to ourselves is the essence of developing the basic habits of effectiveness. Knowledge, skill, and desire are all within our control. We can work on anyone to improve the balance of all three. As the area of intersection becomes larger, we more deeply internalize the principles upon which the habits are based and create the strength of character to move us in a balanced way toward increasing effectiveness in our lives."

Let us take Covey's comments concerning habits in general and apply them specifically to the habit of consistent prayer. Before we do so, however, let us look at some biblical examples of people who prayed consistently.

Biblical Sources

In Daniel 6:1-11, we find that Daniel prayed consistently, even when man's law said he should not do so. He was put into the den of lions, but the lions could not hurt him. Daniel was faithful to God and God was faithful to Daniel.

In the book of Acts we read, "Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour" (Acts 3:1). According to Unger's Bible Dictionary, "As early as David's time, we hear of private prayer being offered three times a day (Psalm 55:17). This subsequently became an established practice (Daniel 6:10), the hours being at the time of the morning sacrifice, about the third hour (Acts 2:15), midday, about the sixth hour (Acts 10:9), and at the time of the evening sacrifice, about the ninth hour (Daniel 9:21; Acts 3:1)." Evidently the apostles had a definite time of prayer, and we see the results of that prayer through the things that are recorded in the book of Acts.

Finally, we see the Lord Himself as our greatest example in the habit of prayer. Consider the following verses:

"And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God" (Luke 6:12).

"And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?" (Luke 9:18).

"And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples" (Luke 11:1).

Meld the Two…

We see from these and other passages that Jesus practiced the habit of praying. If He needed to pray, we certainly need to pray! Now let us go back to Stephen Covey's comments concerning effective habits, and apply this information to prayer. "Knowledge is the theoretical paradigm, the what to do and the why. Skill is the how to do. And desire is the motivation, the want to do. In order to make something a habit in our lives, we have to have all three."

Knowledge (what to, why to)— The Word of God tells us that we should pray and helps us understand the benefits of prayer.

Skill (how to)— If we do not know how to pray, we can learn through practice. The best way to learn to pray is to pray.

Desire (want to)— Many times this is the area we have the most trouble with. If we ask Him to, God can give us a greater desire to communicate with Him through prayer.

When we bring knowledge, skill and desire into balance, we can become effective in the habit of prayer. I challenge you to commit yourself to developing the habit of prayer. The following practical points may be of assistance to you.

1. Plan a time to pray.
2. Plan a place to pray.
3. Strive for relationship rather than ritual.
4. Be consistent.

Let us develop the habit of prayer and change our world!

©2005 Phillip Rhoads
Phillip Rhoads is a UPCI missionary to Suriname, South America.

May 24 - "Safe" Evangelism . . .          (back)

"Safe" Evangelism

by Bill Denton – 2/4/02

And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.  (Mark 16:15, NASB95)
 
Two Coast Guardsmen were preparing to engage in a rescue attempt of two fishermen lost in a storm. Someone shouted out to them: "Don't go out there. You may never get back." One of the guardsmen replied, "We don't have to get back, but we have to go."     Bible Illustrator

We prefer "safe" evangelism.  What we seem to want is to put up signs, buy some advertising in the newspaper, make an announcement on the radio or television, then sit back and wait for people to flood our church buildings.  We seem to want passive, uninvolved evangelism, the kind that never demands that we become the key to effectively reaching the lost.

We seem to think that the reason Jesus didn't mention our modern methodologies of evangelism is that technology didn't exist back then.  We discount the possibility that, regardless of available technology, Jesus understood that evangelism always works best when it is one person connecting another person with the Savior.  The technology involved is simply a tool and may either serve to help accomplish the task, or it may detract from it.  The thing that always makes it work is people.  "How," we go is much less the issue than the fact that "we" go.  The Christian faith has always spread when people reach out to other people.

Perhaps this is too simple a concept for our complicated modern times.  We give credence to the complicated and convoluted, but resist the power of things that are simple and straightforward.  Let me illustrate what I mean.  Take the simple command found in Mark 16:15—“Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”  Evidently, some people read that to be instructions only to apostles, or perhaps missionaries, or maybe preachers and evangelists.  Surely, those instructions apply to these people, but what about the average Christian?  Do they apply to those who are just "regular members" of a church somewhere?  The best answer I can give is, "Yes."  That is precisely what makes the command so powerful.  Jesus put the power of the gospel into the hands of all his disciples, not a select few.  By doing so, he drew on the strength of personal connection, not on methodology or position.

We know the major problems that result in a lack of evangelism. We've known them for a long time.  Generally speaking, they are found in our fear of rejection, the lack of zealous faith that motivates our telling others about Jesus, and the misconception that the responsibility belongs to someone else.  We have bought the idea that it takes a theological specialist to tell others the story of Jesus.  All of these serve to excuse us from a responsibility to the lost.

The truth is that there is no "safe" evangelism.  If we think we can teach people about the problem of sin and salvation without bothering anyone, we're just fooling ourselves.  If we think we can talk to people about their spiritual needs without turning off some of our friends, we're mistaken.  If we think we can urge people to consider their spiritual failings and point them to the source of spiritual life without coming across to some like a religious nutcase, we're not thinking realistically.  On the other hand, if we think we can evangelize the world, even just our own communities, without becoming personally involved and active, we're dreaming.

There is a great need in our time for Christians to learn again about the power of the gospel to save.  We also need to learn again that the gospel always works one person at a time, as those who know the Savior share him with other people.  We must learn again that the Lord gave us a personal responsibility to connect with others, to teach them, to encourage and motivate them, and to help them develop and become obedient to the faith.  Knowing this, to whom should you reach out?  Who is it that needs to know, from your heart to theirs, about Jesus?  You know who they are!   Don't wait any longer.  Go, and tell them about Jesus.

© Copyright 2001, Dr. Bill Denton

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May 31 - I Am . . .                 (back)

I AM

When the enemy comes to us with discouraging comments and encouraging us to quit our work towards the Lord, it is very important that we renew our mind and speak the Word of God out loud so the enemy can hear it. When you stand firm and speak the Scriptures, those thoughts flee faster then when they entered your mind. Be encouraged and when in doubt, speak the Scriptures out loud and see the deliverance of the Lord. Believe me, it works!

Print a copy of the following message and keep it handy so you can get quick access when you need to fight off Satan and his wicked thoughts.

I AM

 A child of God (Romans 8:16)

 Redeemed from the hand of the enemy (Psalms 107:2)

 Forgiven (Colossians 1:13-14)

 Saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8)

 Justified (Romans 5:1)

 Sanctified (1 Corinthians 6:11)

 A new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17)

 Partaker of His divine nature (2 Peter 1:4)

 Redeemed from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13)

 Delivered from the powers of darkness (Colossians 1:13)

 Led by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:14)

 A son of God (Romans 8:14)

 Kept in safety wherever I go (Psalms 91:11)

 Getting all my needs met by Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:19)

 Casting all my cares upon Jesus (1 Peter 5:7)

 Strong in the Lord and in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10)

 Doing all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)

 An heir with God and a joint heir with Jesus (Romans 8:17)

 Heir to the blessings of Abraham (Galatians 3:13-14)

 Observing and doing the Lord's commandments (Deuteronomy 28:12)

 Blessed coming in and blessed going out (Deuteronomy 26:6)

 An heir of eternal life (1 John 5:11-12)

 Blessed with all spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3)

 Healed by His stripes (1 Peter 2:24)

 Exercising my authority over the enemy (Luke 10:19)

 Above only and not beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13)

 More than a conqueror (Romans 8:37)

 Establishing God's Word here on earth (Matthew 16:19)

 An overcomer by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony (Rev 12:11)

 Daily overcoming the devil (1 John 4:4)

 Not moved by what I see (2 Corinthians 4:18)

 Walking by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7)

 Casting down vain imaginations (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

 Bringing every thought into captivity (2 Corinthians 10:5)

 Being transformed by renewing my mind (Romans 12:1-2)

 A laborer together with God (1 Corinthians 3:9)

 The righteousness of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21)

 An imitator of Jesus (Ephesians 5:1)

 The light of the world (Matthew 5:14)

 Blessing the Lord at all times and continually praising the Lord with my mouth (Psalms 34:1)

Our words are very important (Proverbs 18:21) and most people really don't understand that when they speak a word of blessing or a word of cursing; it's just like a farmer planting seeds in the ground. You will get out of the ground whatever you put into it (Galatians 6:7-9), so be wise and careful when you feel sick and discouraged. Make sure the right words come out of your mouth. The Bible declares in Romans 4:17, "So call those things that be not as though they were." When you feel sick, speak a word of healing (Isaiah 53:5), when you feel tired, say you are strong (Joel 3:10). Remember, God spoke; and it became whatever He said it to be (Genesis 1:3-29) and the Bible says we were made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26), so we have power in our mouth just as the Master does. I encourage you to claim your healing, prosperity and happiness all in and through the Mighty name of Jesus Christ. Stand strong and be encouraged and hold on to the promises that God has made to all who believe in Him and His Holy Word. Read and meditate on these scriptures:

Joshua 1:8-9

Romans 12:2-3

Ephesians 6:10-13

In Christ Service,

Dwayne Savaya

God’s Work Ministry

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