Day 91
Matthew 10:29-33 "Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him also I will confess before My Father, who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before my Father who is in heaven."
Two sparrows, each worth about half a penny; yet no harm can come to them without God's approval and will. You and I are creations of the King, more valuable than the blood of His Son, so what are we afraid of ?
Well, if I tell my coworker about Jesus, I could get fired! Not without God's OK, and if He allows it, He has better things waiting for you. Shake off the dust! People around the office really like me; they think I'm funny. I don't want them to get all weird toward me! What are you compromising to be accepted by those around you? Don't forget who you are–He wasn't accepted. My family already thinks the Church has brainwashed me, I don't want to make it worse by preaching at them. Why do they think you’re brainwashed? What are you doing that causes them to think this life was not your choice? Stop quoting the pastor, and start living what he's preaching. A little beer now and then never hurt anyone; after all, all of my friends drink. They'll think I'm a prude or something. No, they won't. That's just your excuse. True friends will respect your decision, and they may even follow your lead. Everyone does it. It's just a fact of life, and I'm not hurting anyone else.
Whatever came to mind (if anything did) is not holy or glorifying to God, and you should seek help, if needed, to make drastic changes in your lifestyle. You don't understand. It’s so hard out there. Your right, I probably don't, but He does, and His Word says this: "With God all things are possible." They’re just pictures and videos; it's not like I'm having an affair or anything. I'll let the Holy Spirit answer that one, at least if you're wise enough to ask! But I don't know what to say when people ask me about the Lord or the Bible, I'm not a preacher or anything! Matthew 10:19: "For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak." But I didn't tell people I was a Christian, and now I'm afraid I'm not saved or He won't forgive me! John 3:17: "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." God is not in the business of condemning; He is in the practice of redeeming!
You see, no matter what the excuse, it's just that, an excuse, a reason we manufacture to keep from doing that which we know we should do, and like my momma says, "Excuses only satisfy the one who makes them." It's not really that hard. All we have to do is take a step; God truly will do the rest. He will break bondage, release fears, and heal wounds; after all, He knows every hair on your head!
Daily Prayer: Father God, my desire is to please you and to live a life worthy of the sacrifice of your Son. I know that it is impossible, but give me the strength to do all that I can to glorify You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
"Excuses satisfy the people that make them, and no one else." – Barbara Gaboury
Pastor Gene Burroughs
Friday, December 2, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Day 90 "Encourage others with the testimony of God rather than discouraging others with the trials of this age."
Day 90
Matthew 10:27-28 Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the mountaintops. And do not fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
This morning, I truly feel the need to be extremely transparent about some things the Lord has been teaching me at this writing. At the reading of these words He has confirmed much. You see, last week I shared with you the story of my trip to Santa Cruz where my son-in-law Nick was hospitalized for an emergency appendectomy, yet I left a few things out. Sometime in the week prior to Nick's departure on the trip, the Lord spoke very clearly to me that Nick would not be coming home, that there would be a tragedy befall him. Of course, in my mind, I immediately began to think the worst was about to happen, that he was going home to be with the Lord. Rather than pray and listen, I just prayed and then let the scenarios run in my mind. What about my daughter (his wife) and their child? What do I do, or say? Is this my imagination or is God preparing my heart? In the passion and fear of these thoughts, I spoke nothing of it to anyone and simply tried to cover up and ignore the impending feelings of doom in my heart.
When the following Saturday came, my wife (at the time) and I had convinced our daughter (with no thought of my feelings) that this was the perfect time for our granddaughter to spend her first night away from home, so we packed the two of them up and brought them along. Our granddaughter Izabella, (Izzy for short) was of course much more excited about the adventure than her mother, but this would be a great trial run. After all, mom would be there, just in another room getting some much needed rest, or so we thought. I was working in the garden when the call came in that Nick was in the hospital, and immediately, I was reminded of what the Lord had spoken to me, and fear gripped my heart. In my mind, I knew that I must go on this trip. My daughter would need me; after all, Nick wasn't coming home, yet I remained alone in my knowledge and fear. The entire drive I was secretly praying and thinking of how and what I would need to do when and if we got word of Nick's departure. Alone in my thoughts, I painted a very grim picture. Yet through it all, I was blessed by the warning God had given and the preparations He had made. Needless to say, the call never came. Nick came through surgery without a hitch, and my daughter and her husband were reunited.
Yet in all of this, I still wondered why God had spoken those words to me. After all, they were true–he wasn't coming home the way he had gone, and I needed to be prepared. It all made sense, yet it didn't. So what is the answer? Did I hear wrong from God or did my hearing cause me to pray enough that the plans of the enemy were foiled? You see, I will never really know, but that isn't the fault of our God–it was my fault, because I jumped to conclusions and didn't wait. I heard the words of the Lord and launched in my mind the scenarios of dread rather than wait for, as Paul Harvey would say, "The Rest of the Story." Does it really matter what the answer is? No, it doesn't, because, you see, our God was faithful. He prepared my heart and prepared the way, and that truly is all that matters, and yes, next time I hope and pray I can be patient enough to wait upon Him.
What does that have to do with today's passage, you ask? Everything. First of all, I should have confided in my wife rather than wallow in this pit of fear alone, and she, too, could have had the blessing of seeing God's hand at work. Secondly, stories like this should be shouted from the mountaintops as they are a testimony to the faithfulness of our God, and He is worthy to be talked about, praised, glorified, and given testimony of. You see, it isn't that God wants us to stand upon the mountaintops and shout out our memorized verse of the week or to show our great abilities to understand who He is. No, He wants us to share His faithfulness, real-life adventures, and stories of how God is alive and well today. Those are what transform nations and excite people about their Savior, and then we lead them to the Word. Everyone is in need of help, and they want to know that God is there everyday to help them through the trials that they face with overwhelming odds. They want to see God overcome the scenarios they run through their mind. They want to see a God of power, and that He is. Don't keep your stories to yourself, shout them from the rooftops, and listen and learn from those stories of others, for He is worthy to be praised!
Daily Prayer: Father, teach me to watch and see what you are doing rather than assuming I know Your heart, and give me the ability to shout your praise from the mountaintops without fear. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
"Encourage others with the testimony of God rather than discouraging others with the trials of this age."
Pastor Gene Burroughs
Matthew 10:27-28 Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the mountaintops. And do not fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
This morning, I truly feel the need to be extremely transparent about some things the Lord has been teaching me at this writing. At the reading of these words He has confirmed much. You see, last week I shared with you the story of my trip to Santa Cruz where my son-in-law Nick was hospitalized for an emergency appendectomy, yet I left a few things out. Sometime in the week prior to Nick's departure on the trip, the Lord spoke very clearly to me that Nick would not be coming home, that there would be a tragedy befall him. Of course, in my mind, I immediately began to think the worst was about to happen, that he was going home to be with the Lord. Rather than pray and listen, I just prayed and then let the scenarios run in my mind. What about my daughter (his wife) and their child? What do I do, or say? Is this my imagination or is God preparing my heart? In the passion and fear of these thoughts, I spoke nothing of it to anyone and simply tried to cover up and ignore the impending feelings of doom in my heart.
When the following Saturday came, my wife (at the time) and I had convinced our daughter (with no thought of my feelings) that this was the perfect time for our granddaughter to spend her first night away from home, so we packed the two of them up and brought them along. Our granddaughter Izabella, (Izzy for short) was of course much more excited about the adventure than her mother, but this would be a great trial run. After all, mom would be there, just in another room getting some much needed rest, or so we thought. I was working in the garden when the call came in that Nick was in the hospital, and immediately, I was reminded of what the Lord had spoken to me, and fear gripped my heart. In my mind, I knew that I must go on this trip. My daughter would need me; after all, Nick wasn't coming home, yet I remained alone in my knowledge and fear. The entire drive I was secretly praying and thinking of how and what I would need to do when and if we got word of Nick's departure. Alone in my thoughts, I painted a very grim picture. Yet through it all, I was blessed by the warning God had given and the preparations He had made. Needless to say, the call never came. Nick came through surgery without a hitch, and my daughter and her husband were reunited.
Yet in all of this, I still wondered why God had spoken those words to me. After all, they were true–he wasn't coming home the way he had gone, and I needed to be prepared. It all made sense, yet it didn't. So what is the answer? Did I hear wrong from God or did my hearing cause me to pray enough that the plans of the enemy were foiled? You see, I will never really know, but that isn't the fault of our God–it was my fault, because I jumped to conclusions and didn't wait. I heard the words of the Lord and launched in my mind the scenarios of dread rather than wait for, as Paul Harvey would say, "The Rest of the Story." Does it really matter what the answer is? No, it doesn't, because, you see, our God was faithful. He prepared my heart and prepared the way, and that truly is all that matters, and yes, next time I hope and pray I can be patient enough to wait upon Him.
What does that have to do with today's passage, you ask? Everything. First of all, I should have confided in my wife rather than wallow in this pit of fear alone, and she, too, could have had the blessing of seeing God's hand at work. Secondly, stories like this should be shouted from the mountaintops as they are a testimony to the faithfulness of our God, and He is worthy to be talked about, praised, glorified, and given testimony of. You see, it isn't that God wants us to stand upon the mountaintops and shout out our memorized verse of the week or to show our great abilities to understand who He is. No, He wants us to share His faithfulness, real-life adventures, and stories of how God is alive and well today. Those are what transform nations and excite people about their Savior, and then we lead them to the Word. Everyone is in need of help, and they want to know that God is there everyday to help them through the trials that they face with overwhelming odds. They want to see God overcome the scenarios they run through their mind. They want to see a God of power, and that He is. Don't keep your stories to yourself, shout them from the rooftops, and listen and learn from those stories of others, for He is worthy to be praised!
Daily Prayer: Father, teach me to watch and see what you are doing rather than assuming I know Your heart, and give me the ability to shout your praise from the mountaintops without fear. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
"Encourage others with the testimony of God rather than discouraging others with the trials of this age."
Pastor Gene Burroughs
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Day 89 "Live every day as if it were eternal."
Day 89
Matthew 10:24-26 "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known."
So, how does one get such a strong Kingdom mind-set that they are able to realize with great comfort that everything in this life truly is contradictory to who we are in Christ? Surely, this must be the seed of the greatest struggle we as mankind experience here on this earth. After all, if we could get a handle on that fact, I believe that almost every aspect of our being would be changed, and our daily existence and priorities would be transformed.
Think about it like this: if every decision I made or action I took for the next 24 hours was one-hundred percent based upon eternal thinking, what would be different? Maybe an easier way to understand the impact would be to examine the actions of our prior 24 hours and determine how that would have been affected. If I am walking with the conviction that my teacher is Christ and that I am in no way above Him, how does that change where and who I am today? Am I taking the things He has taught me and applying them to my own life–things like unconditional love, grace, mercy, self-sacrifice unto death, patience, and a drive to share this message–to people who may hate me and definitely, in most cases, ridicule me? If I am honest with myself, the answer is no, but I'm trying. Am I living my life and making decisions as though my master is the God who created the universe, the one who created not just the universe I see and the world I inhabit, but rather all universes and all worlds, for all time? Do I respond to every aspect of life as one who respects, admires, and is submitted to His commands, His desires, and His will for me? Again, if I answer honestly with myself and with you, the answer is no, but I'm trying. The beauty of our God and our Savior is that to be trying, really trying is all He requires of us. All He asks is that we be a people who desire to please and fellowship with Him. How amazing is that?
Daily Prayer: I love you Lord, and I thank You that You would accept me for who I am and allow me to work toward who you desire me to be. Teach me, be patient with me, and accept my humble praise, for you are worthy Oh God. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
"Live every day as if it were eternal."
Pastor Gene Burroughs
Matthew 10:24-26 "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known."
So, how does one get such a strong Kingdom mind-set that they are able to realize with great comfort that everything in this life truly is contradictory to who we are in Christ? Surely, this must be the seed of the greatest struggle we as mankind experience here on this earth. After all, if we could get a handle on that fact, I believe that almost every aspect of our being would be changed, and our daily existence and priorities would be transformed.
Think about it like this: if every decision I made or action I took for the next 24 hours was one-hundred percent based upon eternal thinking, what would be different? Maybe an easier way to understand the impact would be to examine the actions of our prior 24 hours and determine how that would have been affected. If I am walking with the conviction that my teacher is Christ and that I am in no way above Him, how does that change where and who I am today? Am I taking the things He has taught me and applying them to my own life–things like unconditional love, grace, mercy, self-sacrifice unto death, patience, and a drive to share this message–to people who may hate me and definitely, in most cases, ridicule me? If I am honest with myself, the answer is no, but I'm trying. Am I living my life and making decisions as though my master is the God who created the universe, the one who created not just the universe I see and the world I inhabit, but rather all universes and all worlds, for all time? Do I respond to every aspect of life as one who respects, admires, and is submitted to His commands, His desires, and His will for me? Again, if I answer honestly with myself and with you, the answer is no, but I'm trying. The beauty of our God and our Savior is that to be trying, really trying is all He requires of us. All He asks is that we be a people who desire to please and fellowship with Him. How amazing is that?
Daily Prayer: I love you Lord, and I thank You that You would accept me for who I am and allow me to work toward who you desire me to be. Teach me, be patient with me, and accept my humble praise, for you are worthy Oh God. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
"Live every day as if it were eternal."
Pastor Gene Burroughs
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Day 88 "He doesn't need me to speak so much as I need to speak for Him."
Day 88
Matthew 10:21-23 "Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes."
Now would be a good time to be reminded that Jesus is speaking to the disciples whom He is sending out to minister to the Jews, not the Gentiles. The Jewish people, even to this day, are very steadfast and even ritualistic in their beliefs; therefore, to speak of Jesus as the Messiah was very divisive, even to the point of murder. We know this is not a new concept, and yes, we all know that they murdered Christ on a cross; however, it would do us all well to remember the cost of the gospel for the Gentiles.
People have and are continuing to bear the burden of sharing the gospel, even though we often don't see it. Here in the "Land of the Free," to stand on a street corner is completely acceptable, (at least legally); to speak to another person of our great hope, while uncomfortable, is also acceptable. Oh yes, we may receive odd looks or be called crazy; however, no one is killing us; our children are not turning us over to the authorities for punishment. The only cost for us in this land is emotional or financial! In China, you can be jailed or worse for simply telling someone about Jesus. In most Muslim-controlled countries, speaking the gospel is punishable by death. In Pakistan, you and your family will be persecuted, shamed, and utterly destroyed or killed if you speak of Jesus. Yet, all too often in our own free land, people fear to speak of Him simply because someone may be offended. Let us not forget that they may die. Which is worse, for you to be ostracized or for them to spend eternity separated from God?
In 2005, Marty and I went to the National Association of Fairs and Exhibitions show in Las Vegas, Nevada, where we had an Outreach America booth. The purpose of this booth was to expose fairs to the possibility of holding a Christian Music and Ministry Night at their event. We purposed in our hearts to do everything we could to show who we were in Christ and that everyone who came near would be convinced of one thing: this was a ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our booth was located in the far corner of the hall, and yet many called ours the busiest booth in the event (with exception to the free beer booth). Amazing as it may seem, not all of the people who came were believers; many had no clue about the gospel, and yes, even some of them booked us for a crusade. Were we laughed at, made fun of, or even ostracized? I can honestly say I really don't know. I was too busy helping people interested in what we had to offer than to concern myself with the others. At the end of the show, a couple who had a booth near us came to me and asked for their forgiveness. They had been doing this all of their life and were afraid to show their faith; after all, who would want to book a Christian act? They had very few people come by and felt that they, in their fear, had not trusted God, yet we, in our boldness of faith, were blessed by Him. You see, we run scenarios in our minds of what people would think or what they will do if we say something, yet all we are doing is making it about us. What about them? After all, Jesus died for all mankind, and this is not an exclusive club–this is Life and life more abundantly!
Daily Prayer: Father, forgive me for fearing to share the faith. Forgive me, Lord, for making it all about me and forgetting it's all about Jesus. Give me the strength, I pray, to speak boldly for the sake of the gospel. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
"He doesn't need me to speak so much as I need to speak for Him."
Pastor Gene Burroughs
Matthew 10:21-23 "Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes."
Now would be a good time to be reminded that Jesus is speaking to the disciples whom He is sending out to minister to the Jews, not the Gentiles. The Jewish people, even to this day, are very steadfast and even ritualistic in their beliefs; therefore, to speak of Jesus as the Messiah was very divisive, even to the point of murder. We know this is not a new concept, and yes, we all know that they murdered Christ on a cross; however, it would do us all well to remember the cost of the gospel for the Gentiles.
People have and are continuing to bear the burden of sharing the gospel, even though we often don't see it. Here in the "Land of the Free," to stand on a street corner is completely acceptable, (at least legally); to speak to another person of our great hope, while uncomfortable, is also acceptable. Oh yes, we may receive odd looks or be called crazy; however, no one is killing us; our children are not turning us over to the authorities for punishment. The only cost for us in this land is emotional or financial! In China, you can be jailed or worse for simply telling someone about Jesus. In most Muslim-controlled countries, speaking the gospel is punishable by death. In Pakistan, you and your family will be persecuted, shamed, and utterly destroyed or killed if you speak of Jesus. Yet, all too often in our own free land, people fear to speak of Him simply because someone may be offended. Let us not forget that they may die. Which is worse, for you to be ostracized or for them to spend eternity separated from God?
In 2005, Marty and I went to the National Association of Fairs and Exhibitions show in Las Vegas, Nevada, where we had an Outreach America booth. The purpose of this booth was to expose fairs to the possibility of holding a Christian Music and Ministry Night at their event. We purposed in our hearts to do everything we could to show who we were in Christ and that everyone who came near would be convinced of one thing: this was a ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our booth was located in the far corner of the hall, and yet many called ours the busiest booth in the event (with exception to the free beer booth). Amazing as it may seem, not all of the people who came were believers; many had no clue about the gospel, and yes, even some of them booked us for a crusade. Were we laughed at, made fun of, or even ostracized? I can honestly say I really don't know. I was too busy helping people interested in what we had to offer than to concern myself with the others. At the end of the show, a couple who had a booth near us came to me and asked for their forgiveness. They had been doing this all of their life and were afraid to show their faith; after all, who would want to book a Christian act? They had very few people come by and felt that they, in their fear, had not trusted God, yet we, in our boldness of faith, were blessed by Him. You see, we run scenarios in our minds of what people would think or what they will do if we say something, yet all we are doing is making it about us. What about them? After all, Jesus died for all mankind, and this is not an exclusive club–this is Life and life more abundantly!
Daily Prayer: Father, forgive me for fearing to share the faith. Forgive me, Lord, for making it all about me and forgetting it's all about Jesus. Give me the strength, I pray, to speak boldly for the sake of the gospel. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
"He doesn't need me to speak so much as I need to speak for Him."
Pastor Gene Burroughs
Monday, November 28, 2011
Day 87 "He who waits upon the Lord speaks the words of a Holy God."
Day 87
Matthew 10:18-20 "You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you."
Today, I felt convicted for the times I have accused satan for attacking me, when in reality, I should be praising the Lord for using me. All too often we get hung up on blaming the devil for causing trials and hardships in our lives when, in reality, God is allowing challenges to either bring us to a greater understanding or to be a witness to and for Him.
Think about it, was Stephen stoned because satan was attacking him, or was he stoned because God was preparing Saul's heart for the transformation to come? As I think about the events of the past few days and the things I shared yesterday about our trip, I realize even more how God was using the close calls to remind me of both the spiritual battle and of His sovereignty. The amazing promises in this passage should be of great comfort to each of us–the promise of being persecuted for His sake, as well as the promise of His hand upon us and His spirit within us. God does not make promises He doesn't keep; therefore, we can be assured that if we step out to testify of His glory, we will be brought before people, we will be persecuted, and we will be challenged to defend that which we believe. However, we are also assured that this same God of all creation says to us that He will lead us, He will tell us what to speak, and His Spirit will inhabit and guide us. Wow! I mean, how cool is that? God allows us to speak on His behalf, and we really don't need to worry about what we say because He will tell us what to say when we need to say it!
Now, we all know that this does come with the condition of being in communion with God; however, I would always advise that you never openly testify and witness unless you are in communion with God and covered by the blood of Jesus. Those who testify of Christ without being in communion with Him are committing spiritual suicide; they are, in fact, fighting a battle they cannot win, against an enemy they don't understand, and in an arena which they cannot see. Anyhow, back to the point at hand, the fear of the unknown, feelings of inadequacy, or fear of consequences should never keep a believer from testifying to the glory and greatness of our God, for He will be our all in all.
Daily Prayer: Father, I look forward to the times when I am challenged to defend or testify of Your glory, and thank You for the promise of Your Spirit guiding me in that day. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
"He who waits upon the Lord speaks the words of a Holy God."
Pastor Gene Burroughs
Matthew 10:18-20 "You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you."
Today, I felt convicted for the times I have accused satan for attacking me, when in reality, I should be praising the Lord for using me. All too often we get hung up on blaming the devil for causing trials and hardships in our lives when, in reality, God is allowing challenges to either bring us to a greater understanding or to be a witness to and for Him.
Think about it, was Stephen stoned because satan was attacking him, or was he stoned because God was preparing Saul's heart for the transformation to come? As I think about the events of the past few days and the things I shared yesterday about our trip, I realize even more how God was using the close calls to remind me of both the spiritual battle and of His sovereignty. The amazing promises in this passage should be of great comfort to each of us–the promise of being persecuted for His sake, as well as the promise of His hand upon us and His spirit within us. God does not make promises He doesn't keep; therefore, we can be assured that if we step out to testify of His glory, we will be brought before people, we will be persecuted, and we will be challenged to defend that which we believe. However, we are also assured that this same God of all creation says to us that He will lead us, He will tell us what to speak, and His Spirit will inhabit and guide us. Wow! I mean, how cool is that? God allows us to speak on His behalf, and we really don't need to worry about what we say because He will tell us what to say when we need to say it!
Now, we all know that this does come with the condition of being in communion with God; however, I would always advise that you never openly testify and witness unless you are in communion with God and covered by the blood of Jesus. Those who testify of Christ without being in communion with Him are committing spiritual suicide; they are, in fact, fighting a battle they cannot win, against an enemy they don't understand, and in an arena which they cannot see. Anyhow, back to the point at hand, the fear of the unknown, feelings of inadequacy, or fear of consequences should never keep a believer from testifying to the glory and greatness of our God, for He will be our all in all.
Daily Prayer: Father, I look forward to the times when I am challenged to defend or testify of Your glory, and thank You for the promise of Your Spirit guiding me in that day. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
"He who waits upon the Lord speaks the words of a Holy God."
Pastor Gene Burroughs
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Day 86 "Satan's plans are often God’s opportunities."
Day 86
Matthew 10:16-17 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues.”
"Sheep in the midst of wolves," or better known as food for the hungry or defenseless people in the midst of a ravenous enemy who seeks to destroy. We are a people with no hope on our own, yet protected by one who knows no fear. Our earthly bodies have no method of battling in the spirit: we see in the flesh, move in the flesh, feel in the flesh, and respond in the flesh, yet the spirit realm feels no consequence from fleshly actions, say one, complete surrender. To be wise in this battle, we must first realize all of that to be true, that though we respond in the flesh, it is a war which we cannot see that rages on about us. Therefore, to be wise is to respond accordingly, in the spirit. To be harmless as a dove is to avoid reacting in the flesh to those who seek to destroy the flesh, but rather we react in the spirit, by prayer and complete surrender to the will of God. The amazing thing is, when we do surrender, we see Him answering those prayers by being victorious on our behalf in the most amazing ways.
A while back, our son-in-law was struck with appendicitis while leading a Junior High camp in Santa Cruz, California, some 275-plus miles south of where we were living. Well, of course we pack up our oldest daughter (his wife) and my youngest daughter, leave the toddler and our middle daughter with grandma, and head for Santa Cruz at 7 p.m. First of all, we need to get to the hospital and check up on Nick, and then I need to get to the camp and help get these kids and leaders back to Redding the next day. We arrived at the hospital around midnight to find Nick in recovery doing very well, and around 1 a.m. we found a room, the last one available. This is Saturday night and spring break, but of course God was watching over us even there since this room was equipped with two double beds and was a non-smoking room. (See? He even takes care of the smallest details.) Six a.m. we’re up showering, head back to the hospital, and then on to camp where I'll be helping the team get home. Leaving Nick and my daughter Katie behind to await discharge from the hospital, we began our caravan home with five vehicles full of kids, one of which was towing a trailer full of equipment. Of course, I was and had been praying for safety; you see, the Lord had told me Nick would not be coming home a few days earlier, so I was prepared, for what I didn't know. Prayer was all I had.
Following are the major events of the ride home: A car is in the southbound lane (we are northbound) and spinning wildly toward us doing 360-degree turns–God revealed it, and I was able to avoid a collision. A vehicle towing a travel trailer immediately in front of us loses control after the driver falls asleep–God revealed it, and we were able to avoid a collision. Our own trailer immediately in front of us had a blow out, ripping the fender off and sending it like a giant knife past our window–God revealed it, and again we were able to avoid a collision. Add this to a long list of cutoffs and close calls, and I can honestly say the entire trip was one of the most harrowing six-hour drives of my life. God gave me the ability to see the plans of the enemy while they were yet afar off, and nothing I could do would save anyone without His help and direction. I believe the enemy wanted to destroy this team; he was out for blood, yet we were covered by the blood, thus his plans failed. Trusting God means surrendering to Him, believing in what we can't see, and trusting that He, alone, can win our battles.
Daily Prayer: Father, help us to trust You, surrender to You, and to follow You. Give us the ability to see the enemies plan afar off and react with wisdom. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
"Satan's plans are often God’s opportunities."
Pastor Gene Burroughs
Matthew 10:16-17 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues.”
"Sheep in the midst of wolves," or better known as food for the hungry or defenseless people in the midst of a ravenous enemy who seeks to destroy. We are a people with no hope on our own, yet protected by one who knows no fear. Our earthly bodies have no method of battling in the spirit: we see in the flesh, move in the flesh, feel in the flesh, and respond in the flesh, yet the spirit realm feels no consequence from fleshly actions, say one, complete surrender. To be wise in this battle, we must first realize all of that to be true, that though we respond in the flesh, it is a war which we cannot see that rages on about us. Therefore, to be wise is to respond accordingly, in the spirit. To be harmless as a dove is to avoid reacting in the flesh to those who seek to destroy the flesh, but rather we react in the spirit, by prayer and complete surrender to the will of God. The amazing thing is, when we do surrender, we see Him answering those prayers by being victorious on our behalf in the most amazing ways.
A while back, our son-in-law was struck with appendicitis while leading a Junior High camp in Santa Cruz, California, some 275-plus miles south of where we were living. Well, of course we pack up our oldest daughter (his wife) and my youngest daughter, leave the toddler and our middle daughter with grandma, and head for Santa Cruz at 7 p.m. First of all, we need to get to the hospital and check up on Nick, and then I need to get to the camp and help get these kids and leaders back to Redding the next day. We arrived at the hospital around midnight to find Nick in recovery doing very well, and around 1 a.m. we found a room, the last one available. This is Saturday night and spring break, but of course God was watching over us even there since this room was equipped with two double beds and was a non-smoking room. (See? He even takes care of the smallest details.) Six a.m. we’re up showering, head back to the hospital, and then on to camp where I'll be helping the team get home. Leaving Nick and my daughter Katie behind to await discharge from the hospital, we began our caravan home with five vehicles full of kids, one of which was towing a trailer full of equipment. Of course, I was and had been praying for safety; you see, the Lord had told me Nick would not be coming home a few days earlier, so I was prepared, for what I didn't know. Prayer was all I had.
Following are the major events of the ride home: A car is in the southbound lane (we are northbound) and spinning wildly toward us doing 360-degree turns–God revealed it, and I was able to avoid a collision. A vehicle towing a travel trailer immediately in front of us loses control after the driver falls asleep–God revealed it, and we were able to avoid a collision. Our own trailer immediately in front of us had a blow out, ripping the fender off and sending it like a giant knife past our window–God revealed it, and again we were able to avoid a collision. Add this to a long list of cutoffs and close calls, and I can honestly say the entire trip was one of the most harrowing six-hour drives of my life. God gave me the ability to see the plans of the enemy while they were yet afar off, and nothing I could do would save anyone without His help and direction. I believe the enemy wanted to destroy this team; he was out for blood, yet we were covered by the blood, thus his plans failed. Trusting God means surrendering to Him, believing in what we can't see, and trusting that He, alone, can win our battles.
Daily Prayer: Father, help us to trust You, surrender to You, and to follow You. Give us the ability to see the enemies plan afar off and react with wisdom. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
"Satan's plans are often God’s opportunities."
Pastor Gene Burroughs
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Day 85 "The message is all we called give; the rest is up to them."
Day 85
Matthew 10:11-15 "Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. And when you go into a household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whoever will not receive you or hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!”
Now would be a good time for us to remember that Jesus had explicitly instructed the disciples to not minister to anyone on this journey except the Jews. Why, and what bearing does it have on this passage, you ask? The focus upon this time was to give the Jewish people a chance to accept the Truth that Jesus was the Messiah sent by God for their redemption, and truly this was their last chance. Upon His denial and crucifixion, all people, no matter what race, gender, or ethnic background, would then be able to receive the gift of eternal life. Therefore, those who denied the message of the apostles are the Jews, and just as the Jews would do when they left a Gentile city, the apostles would shake the dust off as a symbolism of not taking anything unclean with them from that place. This is a practice that had never been done before in a Jewish community. Until now, it had been reserved for Gentiles and Samaritans: a powerful and open statement was being made! Can you imagine the turmoil that would arise when a Jewish religious leader who had denied the message was suddenly being openly identified as someone who ‘not even the dust of’ was worthy to be upon you? Jesus was setting the stage, making another play, and showing all of Israel that He was not afraid of their tradition, piety, or other arrogances. He was about to establish a new covenant and they needed to get on board.
Do you know of someone who you have been sharing with, someone who, no matter what they see or hear, is refusing to even consider the possibility of the power of Jesus? Maybe a coworker or a loved one or someone who has openly mocked your faith and made it clear that they will not believe? These are the people of whom Jesus speaks. Maybe it's time to shake off the dust, stop fussing and worrying over them, and leave them at the feet of Jesus. I am not saying that there are people unworthy of salvation, that would be heresy, as all people are worthy of Christ’s payment for sin. The question is this: is it possible that all of your unwanted and unappreciated efforts could have actually been given to someone who would appreciate the message, someone who would actually believe? Yes, you still love them, yes, you desire to see them saved, and yes, you can still pray for them, but remember, Jesus is the one who will save them, not you or me. We are here to share the gospel message, and that we must do, but not all men will be saved and that is a harsh but true reality.
Daily Prayer: Father, help us to know when it is time to walk away, to leave people at Your feet and in Your care. Take away the feelings of guilt when we do so, and remind us of your words we have read today, lest the enemy cause us to stumble. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
"The message is all we called give; the rest is up to them."
Pastor Gene Burroughs
Matthew 10:11-15 "Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. And when you go into a household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whoever will not receive you or hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!”
Now would be a good time for us to remember that Jesus had explicitly instructed the disciples to not minister to anyone on this journey except the Jews. Why, and what bearing does it have on this passage, you ask? The focus upon this time was to give the Jewish people a chance to accept the Truth that Jesus was the Messiah sent by God for their redemption, and truly this was their last chance. Upon His denial and crucifixion, all people, no matter what race, gender, or ethnic background, would then be able to receive the gift of eternal life. Therefore, those who denied the message of the apostles are the Jews, and just as the Jews would do when they left a Gentile city, the apostles would shake the dust off as a symbolism of not taking anything unclean with them from that place. This is a practice that had never been done before in a Jewish community. Until now, it had been reserved for Gentiles and Samaritans: a powerful and open statement was being made! Can you imagine the turmoil that would arise when a Jewish religious leader who had denied the message was suddenly being openly identified as someone who ‘not even the dust of’ was worthy to be upon you? Jesus was setting the stage, making another play, and showing all of Israel that He was not afraid of their tradition, piety, or other arrogances. He was about to establish a new covenant and they needed to get on board.
Do you know of someone who you have been sharing with, someone who, no matter what they see or hear, is refusing to even consider the possibility of the power of Jesus? Maybe a coworker or a loved one or someone who has openly mocked your faith and made it clear that they will not believe? These are the people of whom Jesus speaks. Maybe it's time to shake off the dust, stop fussing and worrying over them, and leave them at the feet of Jesus. I am not saying that there are people unworthy of salvation, that would be heresy, as all people are worthy of Christ’s payment for sin. The question is this: is it possible that all of your unwanted and unappreciated efforts could have actually been given to someone who would appreciate the message, someone who would actually believe? Yes, you still love them, yes, you desire to see them saved, and yes, you can still pray for them, but remember, Jesus is the one who will save them, not you or me. We are here to share the gospel message, and that we must do, but not all men will be saved and that is a harsh but true reality.
Daily Prayer: Father, help us to know when it is time to walk away, to leave people at Your feet and in Your care. Take away the feelings of guilt when we do so, and remind us of your words we have read today, lest the enemy cause us to stumble. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
"The message is all we called give; the rest is up to them."
Pastor Gene Burroughs
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