Day 96
Matthew 11:4-6 Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: The blind see and the lame walk; lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is He who is not offended because of Me."
John the Baptist is in prison when he hears that Jesus is in the area and things are happening, and now he is wondering if this is the same man he baptized in the Jordan, because he knows that man was the Messiah. All of that aside, look at the response of Jesus–He doesn't say yes, He says look around you at the things that are happening–they are the proof they seek, for only God can do such things.
Let me ask you, are there miracles happening in your house of worship? Are the poor being treated with the same regard and respect as the rich? Are the sick cleansed, and is the gospel being preached? Is Jesus in the house or are you or maybe others offended at that very thought? By the way, I didn't say it; He did. I'm just repeating it back. The truth is this, when Jesus is around, there is evidence of His presence and no one has to wonder; they just need to realize the obvious–things are taking place which men cannot do!
Why is it that people are amazed when, at our outreaches, we see miracles; we see healings; we see redemption; we see evidence of God; and we hear the gospel preached? Why anyone should be amazed by this is beyond me, when in reality, we should expect it! I'm not talking about men performing miracles–God doesn't need that. I'm talking about God in His miraculous way causing miracles to happen and changes to take place that give no glory to any man or woman. He says, if we ask, He will be faithful to hear us. We don't need a priest, a pastor, or a healer–He is all of that and more. All we need is Jesus, a willing heart, and an open mind. We need to not be offended because of Him, but rather blessed by His presence!
Let me ask this, “Why is it so hard for many people to believe that God can and will do these things?” Does He love us less than the people of Jesus’ time on earth or is He tired, or maybe He just wants to see us suffer?” Sound ridiculous? Of course it does, because it is. Jesus Christ is "The same yesterday, today, and forever." So, why don't we see Him moving? – because we’re not looking. If people want to live their lives keeping God in a box, that’s their business, but as for me and my house, we choose to see and receive all He chooses to give, and all we have to do is believe!
Daily Prayer: Father, I choose to believe that You, Your Son, and Your Holy Spirit are alive and well, and that you desire to do the same miracles today that you have always done. Strengthen my faith, and please forgive me for my doubts. In Jesus’ name I pray these things. Amen.
"My belief can leads to His blessing."
Pastor Gene Burroughs
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Day 95 “There’s nothing I will face that He has not conquered.”
Day 95
Matthew 11:1-3 Now it came to pass, when Jesus finished commanding His twelve disciples, that He departed from there to teach and to preach in their cities. And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”
Jesus didn’t just tell His disciples what to do and how to do it; He got in there and did it with them. A great leader doesn’t just send others out; they get on the front lines with their people. They have a hands-on sense of what is going on, yet they do so without getting bogged down in the tyranny of the urgent. You see, Jesus practiced what He preached, yet He also kept a heavenly perspective. By getting in the streets, Jesus was hearing what His disciples were hearing, He was seeing what they were seeing, and He knew the challenges they were facing; hence, He could relate to them. The difference however between great leaders and those who follow, is great leaders don’t just see the immediate future, they look beyond the circumstances. Great leaders keep the goal and the plan in perspective, they understand the day to day and yet they lead for tomorrow. While we would never want to get so familiar with Jesus that we forget who He is and disrespect His Godhead, we must also remember that Jesus was a man, tempted in every way; a man who experienced even greater physical challenges in sharing the faith than any of us ever will. Therefore, when we are feeling tired, beat up, worn out, neglected, or abused, He can relate, for He knows how that feels, and He knows the outcome. Wow! What an awesome God we serve!
One particular morning, I woke up feeling very discouraged. My knee was in constant pain; I had a very difficult time falling asleep and staying there–and the night prior to this writing was no exception. My wife was ill, the children were sick, the bills needed paying, and I had been failing with keeping my diet healthy. Yet this morning as I read this passage, I am encouraged, my spirits are lifted, and I am reminded that I serve a God who has been where I’ve been (and much worse), a God who can relate to my fears and aspirations, one who has felt my pain, and best of all “He will never leave nor forsake me!”
Daily Prayer: Father, thank-you that You allowed Your Son to become a man in flesh, that He, too, would know and understand the challenges we face. Help me to never forget that when the trials and temptations of this life weigh me down. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
“There’s nothing I will face that He has not conquered.”
Pastor Gene Burroughs
Matthew 11:1-3 Now it came to pass, when Jesus finished commanding His twelve disciples, that He departed from there to teach and to preach in their cities. And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”
Jesus didn’t just tell His disciples what to do and how to do it; He got in there and did it with them. A great leader doesn’t just send others out; they get on the front lines with their people. They have a hands-on sense of what is going on, yet they do so without getting bogged down in the tyranny of the urgent. You see, Jesus practiced what He preached, yet He also kept a heavenly perspective. By getting in the streets, Jesus was hearing what His disciples were hearing, He was seeing what they were seeing, and He knew the challenges they were facing; hence, He could relate to them. The difference however between great leaders and those who follow, is great leaders don’t just see the immediate future, they look beyond the circumstances. Great leaders keep the goal and the plan in perspective, they understand the day to day and yet they lead for tomorrow. While we would never want to get so familiar with Jesus that we forget who He is and disrespect His Godhead, we must also remember that Jesus was a man, tempted in every way; a man who experienced even greater physical challenges in sharing the faith than any of us ever will. Therefore, when we are feeling tired, beat up, worn out, neglected, or abused, He can relate, for He knows how that feels, and He knows the outcome. Wow! What an awesome God we serve!
One particular morning, I woke up feeling very discouraged. My knee was in constant pain; I had a very difficult time falling asleep and staying there–and the night prior to this writing was no exception. My wife was ill, the children were sick, the bills needed paying, and I had been failing with keeping my diet healthy. Yet this morning as I read this passage, I am encouraged, my spirits are lifted, and I am reminded that I serve a God who has been where I’ve been (and much worse), a God who can relate to my fears and aspirations, one who has felt my pain, and best of all “He will never leave nor forsake me!”
Daily Prayer: Father, thank-you that You allowed Your Son to become a man in flesh, that He, too, would know and understand the challenges we face. Help me to never forget that when the trials and temptations of this life weigh me down. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
“There’s nothing I will face that He has not conquered.”
Pastor Gene Burroughs
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
day 94 "Not everything we hear tickles our ear, nor should it."
Day 94
Matthew 10:40-42 "He who receives you receives Me, and He who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward."
Blessing by association, how cool is that? Jesus is so concerned for and aware of the challenges those who serve in ministry face, that He actually promises blessings for those who care for them. So, why is it that, even though blessings and great rewards are promised, the tendency really is to be more judgmental than receptive to God's messengers?
A few years ago, I was ministering with my team in a community that is seeped in deep roots of spiritual bondage; it was so strong that, upon driving through this community, my spirit would weep and the hurt became overwhelming at times. The Holy Spirit, during a time of corporate prayer and worship, revealed to me in great detail the cause of and cure for this great oppression, and thus I spoke it out. The same vision was given to another person in the room, and as we found out a few days later, another person had prophesied a very similar vision years earlier. The local pastors became very enraged with me; one even became so angry he asked me to stop ministering in the community and accused me of many untrue and hurtful things. Yet even though I knew the truth of this Word, I was equally aware that, if these leaders would not accept it and react to it, the blood of the people would be upon their hands, not mine. To this day, the community is embedded in spiritual warfare, depression, addiction and so much more. You see, it wasn't me they rejected; it was the Word of the Lord they rejected. Had they accepted this Word, they would be blessed yet, out of pride and fear, they have chosen not to; thus, I believe they were cursed. The good news is the Lord has not turned His back on these folks, if they turn to Him He will hear.
The Lord loves His people and He will save whom He chooses to save, and He will curse whom He chooses to curse. We would do well, however, to receive and bless all of those who come in the name of our one true God, even if what they say challenges us.
Daily Prayer: Father, I pray for the wisdom to recognize any spirit which is not of and from You. Please help me, Lord, to recognize false teachings and false prophets who come in Your name and to follow the one true God. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
"Not everything we hear tickles our ear, nor should it."
Pastor Gene Burroughs
Matthew 10:40-42 "He who receives you receives Me, and He who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward."
Blessing by association, how cool is that? Jesus is so concerned for and aware of the challenges those who serve in ministry face, that He actually promises blessings for those who care for them. So, why is it that, even though blessings and great rewards are promised, the tendency really is to be more judgmental than receptive to God's messengers?
A few years ago, I was ministering with my team in a community that is seeped in deep roots of spiritual bondage; it was so strong that, upon driving through this community, my spirit would weep and the hurt became overwhelming at times. The Holy Spirit, during a time of corporate prayer and worship, revealed to me in great detail the cause of and cure for this great oppression, and thus I spoke it out. The same vision was given to another person in the room, and as we found out a few days later, another person had prophesied a very similar vision years earlier. The local pastors became very enraged with me; one even became so angry he asked me to stop ministering in the community and accused me of many untrue and hurtful things. Yet even though I knew the truth of this Word, I was equally aware that, if these leaders would not accept it and react to it, the blood of the people would be upon their hands, not mine. To this day, the community is embedded in spiritual warfare, depression, addiction and so much more. You see, it wasn't me they rejected; it was the Word of the Lord they rejected. Had they accepted this Word, they would be blessed yet, out of pride and fear, they have chosen not to; thus, I believe they were cursed. The good news is the Lord has not turned His back on these folks, if they turn to Him He will hear.
The Lord loves His people and He will save whom He chooses to save, and He will curse whom He chooses to curse. We would do well, however, to receive and bless all of those who come in the name of our one true God, even if what they say challenges us.
Daily Prayer: Father, I pray for the wisdom to recognize any spirit which is not of and from You. Please help me, Lord, to recognize false teachings and false prophets who come in Your name and to follow the one true God. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
"Not everything we hear tickles our ear, nor should it."
Pastor Gene Burroughs
"Not everything we hear tickles our ear, nor should it."
Day 94
Matthew 10:40-42 "He who receives you receives Me, and He who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward."
Blessing by association, how cool is that? Jesus is so concerned for and aware of the challenges those who serve in ministry face, that He actually promises blessings for those who care for them. So, why is it that, even though blessings and great rewards are promised, the tendency really is to be more judgmental than receptive to God's messengers?
A few years ago, I was ministering with my team in a community that is seeped in deep roots of spiritual bondage; it was so strong that, upon driving through this community, my spirit would weep and the hurt became overwhelming at times. The Holy Spirit, during a time of corporate prayer and worship, revealed to me in great detail the cause of and cure for this great oppression, and thus I spoke it out. The same vision was given to another person in the room, and as we found out a few days later, another person had prophesied a very similar vision years earlier. The local pastors became very enraged with me; one even became so angry he asked me to stop ministering in the community and accused me of many untrue and hurtful things. Yet even though I knew the truth of this Word, I was equally aware that, if these leaders would not accept it and react to it, the blood of the people would be upon their hands, not mine. To this day, the community is embedded in spiritual warfare, depression, addiction and so much more. You see, it wasn't me they rejected; it was the Word of the Lord they rejected. Had they accepted this Word, they would be blessed yet, out of pride and fear, they have chosen not to; thus, I believe they were cursed. The good news is the Lord has not turned His back on these folks, if they turn to Him He will hear.
The Lord loves His people and He will save whom He chooses to save, and He will curse whom He chooses to curse. We would do well, however, to receive and bless all of those who come in the name of our one true God, even if what they say challenges us.
Daily Prayer: Father, I pray for the wisdom to recognize any spirit which is not of and from You. Please help me, Lord, to recognize false teachings and false prophets who come in Your name and to follow the one true God. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
"Not everything we hear tickles our ear, nor should it."
Pastor Gene Burroughs
Matthew 10:40-42 "He who receives you receives Me, and He who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward."
Blessing by association, how cool is that? Jesus is so concerned for and aware of the challenges those who serve in ministry face, that He actually promises blessings for those who care for them. So, why is it that, even though blessings and great rewards are promised, the tendency really is to be more judgmental than receptive to God's messengers?
A few years ago, I was ministering with my team in a community that is seeped in deep roots of spiritual bondage; it was so strong that, upon driving through this community, my spirit would weep and the hurt became overwhelming at times. The Holy Spirit, during a time of corporate prayer and worship, revealed to me in great detail the cause of and cure for this great oppression, and thus I spoke it out. The same vision was given to another person in the room, and as we found out a few days later, another person had prophesied a very similar vision years earlier. The local pastors became very enraged with me; one even became so angry he asked me to stop ministering in the community and accused me of many untrue and hurtful things. Yet even though I knew the truth of this Word, I was equally aware that, if these leaders would not accept it and react to it, the blood of the people would be upon their hands, not mine. To this day, the community is embedded in spiritual warfare, depression, addiction and so much more. You see, it wasn't me they rejected; it was the Word of the Lord they rejected. Had they accepted this Word, they would be blessed yet, out of pride and fear, they have chosen not to; thus, I believe they were cursed. The good news is the Lord has not turned His back on these folks, if they turn to Him He will hear.
The Lord loves His people and He will save whom He chooses to save, and He will curse whom He chooses to curse. We would do well, however, to receive and bless all of those who come in the name of our one true God, even if what they say challenges us.
Daily Prayer: Father, I pray for the wisdom to recognize any spirit which is not of and from You. Please help me, Lord, to recognize false teachings and false prophets who come in Your name and to follow the one true God. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
"Not everything we hear tickles our ear, nor should it."
Pastor Gene Burroughs
Monday, December 5, 2011
Day 93 "Fear of men or rejection of God, the choice should be clear."
Day 93
Matthew 10:37-39 "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And He who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it."
This particular passage can truly place fear and often anger in the hearts of those who read it and do not understand it. For some, they will feel as though they are not worthy of Jesus’ love because they love their families so much and have such a deep paternal bond. However, I personally think there is much more to this passage than that.
Some years ago, I was preaching at the music concourse in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, and as was the custom afterward, we were sharing with some of the attendees on a more personal basis. I was approached by a middle-aged professional-looking man who represented himself as being of Jewish descent; he was obviously well educated and understood the scriptures extremely well, as most Jewish people do. As we shared conversation, he began to truly open up and told me that deep down he knew what I had shared about Jesus being the Messiah was true and that, in his heart, he truly believed Jesus was the way of salvation. However, there was no way he could ever admit it or profess openly that Jesus was the Son of God! You see, if he were to admit this truth, he would be going against everything his father and mother had taught him; his family would disown him, and he would be left alone. Upon further discussion, I realized that both of his parents were deceased, and I asked him, "How would they even know what you had done?" But, due to his deep love and adoration for his parents, even then, he would not confess Jesus as the Son of God, and he left a very sad and contrite man. You see, he knew the truth. He knew that by admitting it, he would be ostracized, and yet even more, he knew that denying Christ would keep him in fear–he could not win, and he was caught in a place of no hope. Yet even though I tried to convince him that he might be the one to lead his family out of bondage, the fear of losing their love kept him in bondage, and with freedom a breath away, he denied it.
Jesus was speaking directly to these people then and to these types of people today. Fear of open confession is a tool of the enemy, and he uses it to deceive us and our loved ones. To love Jesus is to desire to serve Him and to desire to tell others of this great gift that awaits all mankind. Our cross is not one that leads to crucifixion, but rather one that leads to blessings eternal, and it is truly easy to bear.
Daily Prayer: Father, help me not to fall into the traps of tradition or to yield to the fear of failure. Give me courage and boldness Lord that I may speak as I should, when I should. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
"Fear of men or rejection of God, the choice should be clear."
Pastor Gene Burroughs
Matthew 10:37-39 "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And He who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it."
This particular passage can truly place fear and often anger in the hearts of those who read it and do not understand it. For some, they will feel as though they are not worthy of Jesus’ love because they love their families so much and have such a deep paternal bond. However, I personally think there is much more to this passage than that.
Some years ago, I was preaching at the music concourse in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, and as was the custom afterward, we were sharing with some of the attendees on a more personal basis. I was approached by a middle-aged professional-looking man who represented himself as being of Jewish descent; he was obviously well educated and understood the scriptures extremely well, as most Jewish people do. As we shared conversation, he began to truly open up and told me that deep down he knew what I had shared about Jesus being the Messiah was true and that, in his heart, he truly believed Jesus was the way of salvation. However, there was no way he could ever admit it or profess openly that Jesus was the Son of God! You see, if he were to admit this truth, he would be going against everything his father and mother had taught him; his family would disown him, and he would be left alone. Upon further discussion, I realized that both of his parents were deceased, and I asked him, "How would they even know what you had done?" But, due to his deep love and adoration for his parents, even then, he would not confess Jesus as the Son of God, and he left a very sad and contrite man. You see, he knew the truth. He knew that by admitting it, he would be ostracized, and yet even more, he knew that denying Christ would keep him in fear–he could not win, and he was caught in a place of no hope. Yet even though I tried to convince him that he might be the one to lead his family out of bondage, the fear of losing their love kept him in bondage, and with freedom a breath away, he denied it.
Jesus was speaking directly to these people then and to these types of people today. Fear of open confession is a tool of the enemy, and he uses it to deceive us and our loved ones. To love Jesus is to desire to serve Him and to desire to tell others of this great gift that awaits all mankind. Our cross is not one that leads to crucifixion, but rather one that leads to blessings eternal, and it is truly easy to bear.
Daily Prayer: Father, help me not to fall into the traps of tradition or to yield to the fear of failure. Give me courage and boldness Lord that I may speak as I should, when I should. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
"Fear of men or rejection of God, the choice should be clear."
Pastor Gene Burroughs
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Day 92 "The truth causes a choice; speak the truth in love."
Day 92
Matthew 10:34-36 "Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to 'set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law'; and 'a man's enemies will be those of his own household.'
Far too many of us evangelists and pastors have promised a life of blissfulness and peace for those who become believers in Christ. While we should and will find peace with God, that very act of believing will cause great turbulence in the world around us. Let us not forget, as Paul says in Ephesians 6:12: "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." The demonic realm does not want to let go of you or of the hold it has upon this earth and those in it who have yet to profess Christ. So, what is their only alternative? It is, of course, to fight! Yes, there is a battle going on and yes, Christ truly changed that battle by His death and resurrection.
When Jesus came, He set brother against brother and so on because He caused all mankind to make a choice–to believe or not to believe. I have always thought it a little ironic and confusing how people have reacted to the change in my own life in my early years. I was a teenage rebel, full of anger, fear and frustration, living a life that in no way glorified God and, surely, I was headed down a path of destruction. My so-called friends and some family would tell me things like "You need to get help" or "Dude, you’re crazy; you’re going to kill yourself the way you live." Yet when I found Christ and changed my life, most of those friends and family would no longer have anything to do with me. I had suddenly, by my actions, convicted them; I was now "religious." I'm sure many of you have experienced the same reaction from your friends and family who don't know Christ. Let me encourage you today; we are in good company! When Jesus said He did not come to make peace on earth, I think He meant it.
So, what does this mean for us? For one, we should never be surprised when people don't want to hear about our life with Christ. Secondly, you are not a weirdo or a nut because people can't handle the message. And thirdly, when people hear the Word–the truth–they are forced to decide; therefore, the most important thing we can do is to tell the truth in love! God, by His spirit, will cause division. He will bring to light the dark, and He will cause transformation. We need not be surprised or disappointed in our obedience but rather pray for those who we are struggling with. Let us not forget that those who we are struggling with are more often than not struggling with an enemy they cannot see; with no weapon to fight with. They are in turmoil and don't even know why. Remember to pray for them, love them, and be there when they cry out; then maybe they will understand your convictions and be ready to surrender.
Daily Prayer: Father, help me to have the courage to live my life openly and to remember ‘the truth causes division.’ Give me strength to share and the love to overcome their reactions. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
The truth causes a choice; speak the truth in love."
Pastor Gene Burroughs
Matthew 10:34-36 "Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to 'set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law'; and 'a man's enemies will be those of his own household.'
Far too many of us evangelists and pastors have promised a life of blissfulness and peace for those who become believers in Christ. While we should and will find peace with God, that very act of believing will cause great turbulence in the world around us. Let us not forget, as Paul says in Ephesians 6:12: "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." The demonic realm does not want to let go of you or of the hold it has upon this earth and those in it who have yet to profess Christ. So, what is their only alternative? It is, of course, to fight! Yes, there is a battle going on and yes, Christ truly changed that battle by His death and resurrection.
When Jesus came, He set brother against brother and so on because He caused all mankind to make a choice–to believe or not to believe. I have always thought it a little ironic and confusing how people have reacted to the change in my own life in my early years. I was a teenage rebel, full of anger, fear and frustration, living a life that in no way glorified God and, surely, I was headed down a path of destruction. My so-called friends and some family would tell me things like "You need to get help" or "Dude, you’re crazy; you’re going to kill yourself the way you live." Yet when I found Christ and changed my life, most of those friends and family would no longer have anything to do with me. I had suddenly, by my actions, convicted them; I was now "religious." I'm sure many of you have experienced the same reaction from your friends and family who don't know Christ. Let me encourage you today; we are in good company! When Jesus said He did not come to make peace on earth, I think He meant it.
So, what does this mean for us? For one, we should never be surprised when people don't want to hear about our life with Christ. Secondly, you are not a weirdo or a nut because people can't handle the message. And thirdly, when people hear the Word–the truth–they are forced to decide; therefore, the most important thing we can do is to tell the truth in love! God, by His spirit, will cause division. He will bring to light the dark, and He will cause transformation. We need not be surprised or disappointed in our obedience but rather pray for those who we are struggling with. Let us not forget that those who we are struggling with are more often than not struggling with an enemy they cannot see; with no weapon to fight with. They are in turmoil and don't even know why. Remember to pray for them, love them, and be there when they cry out; then maybe they will understand your convictions and be ready to surrender.
Daily Prayer: Father, help me to have the courage to live my life openly and to remember ‘the truth causes division.’ Give me strength to share and the love to overcome their reactions. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
The truth causes a choice; speak the truth in love."
Pastor Gene Burroughs
Saturday, December 3, 2011
"In order to grow we must learn to let go and allow others to lead."
Day 82
Matthew 10:1-4 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. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.
One noticeable point to bring out right away in this passage is the change in reference to these twelve men. When Jesus called them to Him, they were referred to as disciples; however, once He sent them out, they were apostles. As I have mentioned before, disciples are ones who follow, and apostles are those who are sent out with a purpose. Why does this matter, you ask? Why the change in reference to these twelve? The implications of being empowered and sent out by God to do a work are far reaching and much more complicated than we can cover in a morning devotional.
There have been many books written on the subject, and I dare say there are many more to come, should the Lord tarry. However, for us today, it would be beneficial for all of us to note the change in authority, power, and responsibility. When Jesus called the twelve to Him, the first thing He did was give them the authority; the one tool they needed above all others to complete the task at hand. They had, up to now, never used these tools but rather had only seen them in action at the hand of Jesus. Even though they had never practiced the use of such great authority, Jesus entrusted them to go and do His bidding, to expand the kingdom, and to display, for the first time, the power of a common man over the demonic realm once He has been given power and authority.
It amazes me how often leaders hang onto authority as if it were a one-time perishable gift when, in reality, it is a non-exhaustive empowering gift capable of changing the world. We, as leaders, tend to be afraid to empower followers. We ask ourselves questions like: "What if they do it differently than I would?" "What if they make a mistake?" "Will I have to go clean up their mess?" Yet, with the time we spend searching the ‘what ifs’ and running scenarios, we could, in reality, be expanding the work we have been called to. Instead, we allow fear, pride, or control to inhibit the work, and we struggle with the load we carry rather than distributing the load to others. Jesus sets for us a great example: He taught by His example how to use the tools He was going to give the disciples and then turned them loose. He even empowered the one who would soon betray Him! We would all do well to learn how to lead by example, empower and equip those who serve with us, and then turn them loose to try it out for themselves. Will it be perfect? Of course not; however, if we continue to teach them and allow them to make mistakes, just like our children, they will learn, and our load will be lightened while the ministry will be expanded. The challenge is can you live without the credit?
Daily Prayer: Father, teach me to let go, give me the peace to trust those you have entrusted to me, and to allow them to learn just as I did. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
"In order to grow we must learn to let go and allow others to lead."
Pastor Gene Burroughs
Matthew 10:1-4 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. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.
One noticeable point to bring out right away in this passage is the change in reference to these twelve men. When Jesus called them to Him, they were referred to as disciples; however, once He sent them out, they were apostles. As I have mentioned before, disciples are ones who follow, and apostles are those who are sent out with a purpose. Why does this matter, you ask? Why the change in reference to these twelve? The implications of being empowered and sent out by God to do a work are far reaching and much more complicated than we can cover in a morning devotional.
There have been many books written on the subject, and I dare say there are many more to come, should the Lord tarry. However, for us today, it would be beneficial for all of us to note the change in authority, power, and responsibility. When Jesus called the twelve to Him, the first thing He did was give them the authority; the one tool they needed above all others to complete the task at hand. They had, up to now, never used these tools but rather had only seen them in action at the hand of Jesus. Even though they had never practiced the use of such great authority, Jesus entrusted them to go and do His bidding, to expand the kingdom, and to display, for the first time, the power of a common man over the demonic realm once He has been given power and authority.
It amazes me how often leaders hang onto authority as if it were a one-time perishable gift when, in reality, it is a non-exhaustive empowering gift capable of changing the world. We, as leaders, tend to be afraid to empower followers. We ask ourselves questions like: "What if they do it differently than I would?" "What if they make a mistake?" "Will I have to go clean up their mess?" Yet, with the time we spend searching the ‘what ifs’ and running scenarios, we could, in reality, be expanding the work we have been called to. Instead, we allow fear, pride, or control to inhibit the work, and we struggle with the load we carry rather than distributing the load to others. Jesus sets for us a great example: He taught by His example how to use the tools He was going to give the disciples and then turned them loose. He even empowered the one who would soon betray Him! We would all do well to learn how to lead by example, empower and equip those who serve with us, and then turn them loose to try it out for themselves. Will it be perfect? Of course not; however, if we continue to teach them and allow them to make mistakes, just like our children, they will learn, and our load will be lightened while the ministry will be expanded. The challenge is can you live without the credit?
Daily Prayer: Father, teach me to let go, give me the peace to trust those you have entrusted to me, and to allow them to learn just as I did. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
"In order to grow we must learn to let go and allow others to lead."
Pastor Gene Burroughs
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