The Strength of a Nation

We find ourselves in another furious dash toward the polls next Tuesday. We have been listening to the candidates explain what they value and what they want to do as the next leader. We have watched some "mud-slinging," listened to criticisms leveled against each candidate, thrown away more political mail than we can count, and watched enough television ads to make us want to get rid of the TV set! What are we supposed to do with all of these messages that appear to contradict each other? Who will be the best leader for what America and the world needs next?

Our Convocation speaker today described four key components of a strong nation: economic strength, military strength, political strength, and strong leadership. All of us need to first ask ourselves if we agree with these four being the most important pillars necessary for a nation to be strong. A strong economy cannot continue to overtax the very businesses that will create the needed jobs. The people either need to take home more of their current paycheck or they need increased wages. Militarily a nation must continue to maintain and update a strong defense to deter potential attackers, as opposed to shrinking the defense system to pre-WWII status (i.e. why Japan attacked Pearl Harbor). Politically we cannot allow or encourage radical governments toward growth and increased power, we must support those leaders and countries who are working to stand against the radical leaders. But, none of these elements are useful if you do not have strong leaders who know what is wrong and know what to do!

There is an account in the book of 2 Chronicles that takes notice of a small group of leaders in Israel who were available during a critical time in the nation's history:

These are the numbers of the men armed for battle who came to David at Hebron to turn Saul’s kingdom over to him, as the Lord had said...from Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do—200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command (2 Chron. 12:23, 32)

A country may have extensive resources, but if it does not have a leader who knows what to do and then has the courage to do it, it is still a weak country. We must vote for the person we conclude can lead best.

We must consider similar concerns as we determine the spiritual strength of our churches. Are the churches teaching the Bible as the inspired, inerrant, infallible Word of God? Are we helping people grow as disciples of Jesus Christ? As they grow, are we helping them understand what it means for Jesus to be our Lord? Do we understand that there is one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? Are we helping people conform their lives to God's standard rather than the world's relativistic standard for living? Are we willing to use the word sin to describe offenses against a holy God? Do we lead people to confession and repentance as opposed to redefining sin so they can feel better about themselves?

We need leaders in the church who will share truth through God's love. That is leadership! What are some things you want to see Christian leaders return to or maintain in their priorities for the church? What do you value in a spiritual leader? What does God value in a spiritual leader?

You Are Beautiful

"When I created the heavens and the earth, I spoke them into being. When I created man, I formed him and breathed life into his nostrils. But you woman, I fashioned after I breathed the breath of life into man because your nostrils are too delicate. I allowed a deep sleep to to come over him so I could patiently and perfectly fashion you. From one bone, I fashioned you. I chose the rib, which protects his heart and lungs and supports him, as you are meant to do. Around this one bone I shaped you, I modeled you, I created you perfectly and beautifully.

Your characteristics are as the rib: strong, yet delicate and fragile. You provide protection for the most delicate organ in man, his heart. His heart is the center of his being; his lungs hold the breath of life. The rib-cage will allow itself to be broken before it will allow damage to the heart.

Support man as the rib-cage supports the body. You were not taken from his feet, to be under him, nor were you taken for his head, to be above him. You were taken from his side, to stand by him.

You are my perfect one, my beautiful little girl. You have grown to be a splendid woman of excellence, and my eyes fill when I see the virtues in your heart. Your lips, how lovely when they part in prayer. Your nose, so perfect in form. Your hands, so gentle to touch. I have caressed your face in your deepest sleep. I have held your heart close to mine. Of all that lives and breathes, you are most like me. Adam walked with me in the cool of the day, yet he was lonely.

Everything I wanted Adam to share and experience with me, I fashioned in you; My holiness, my strength, my purity, my love, my protection, and my support. You are special because you are an extension of me. Man represent my image, woman my emotions. Together, you represent the totality of God.

So man, treat woman well. Love her, respect her, for she is fragile. In hurting her, you hurt me. In crushing her, you only damage your own heart; the heart of your Father and the heart of her Father. Woman, support man. In humility, show him the power of emotion I have given you. In gentle quietness, show your strength. In love, show him that you are the rib that protects his inner self."

--Jesus Loves You 

As a woman it is normal to want to be beautiful and attractive. Women often seek affection from men. For a long time I struggled to compete with other girls around me, to look better, to feel better. But one day during my time with God, I read Psalm 139:14 where God told me that "Payel, you are fearfully and wonderfully made." I am perfect in His eyes. I am flawless in the eyes of Him who created me. He does not look at my outside, He examines my heart. I don't need to measure up to anybody because God already loves me the way I am. I do not need to be afraid or shy or incomplete because His love and grace is enough for me. I am made complete in Him. I would like to encourage all women who struggle with their image or self-esteem: God loves you the way you are. He has made you in His image and in His likeness, there can't be anything greater than that. No matter what the world says about you, remember your Creator created you flawless and He will be with you until the end of time. You are precious in His sight.

To all the men, love and respect women because God created them for you. God created them to be your helper, your supporter. By loving women, you love God, and by respecting women, you respect God.

Thoughts on Prayer

We all realize that as Christians, we are supposed to pray. We know that somehow prayer moves God to action. Many of us have heard that we are to P.U.S.H. when we pray (pray until something happens). I do not always know how hard or how long I should keep pushing. One of the challenges I experience is having the proper perspective when I pray. At times for me there is a gap between knowing that I should pray and how I should go about praying for people's needs and for God's will. Are we supposed to say, "If it is your will Lord..." or does that cancel our request made in faith? Are we supposed to pray for 5 minutes or 3 hours? Should we read the Bible first and then pray or is it the other way around? Do we have to follow the acronym A.C.T.S. (adoration, confession, thanksgiving, intercession) as a proper outline for prayer or can we speak randomly? Are we to speak in King James English or can we use something that sounds more like "The Message"? Should we close our eyes, sit or stand, speak out loud, repeat the entire request again after it has been shared, remind God who the person is that we are praying for and all the details of their need, repeat the name God or Jesus over and over...?

I do not know about you, but I truly enjoy having conversations with people when we simply allow the conversation to move as subjects come up. I enjoy the visit more when the other person is relaxed and comfortable, when they appear able to share what is on their heart freely, when time does not appear to be an issue, when we talk about things that matter, when we trust one another completely, and when our conversations are shared with others who are able to learn something from them. I find that I enjoy "texting" a short thought without needing a lengthy communication at the time, making a quick phone call to inform someone I am thinking about them at the moment, or leaving a note that someone may find find later in the day. 

Could it be that prayer might be used more often if we did not over-think it so much? Let's simply understand it to be conversation with our Daddy in heaven who loves to hear about how our day is going, whose needs we are thinking about, fears or concerns we may have, the joys we experience, or that we might be feeling overwhelmed. Every-time we pray from our heart to an all-powerful loving God, we are changed for the better! Keep praying.

Philippians 4:6
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

Unleashing Your Inner Revolutionary

What picture do you immediately conjure up in your mind when you hear the term "revolutionary"? Some may think of a radical group which is attempting to overthrow the current government of some small foreign country. Others may think back to some of their classmates from high school who always collided with the school administration over policies and dress codes. What about a small child who simply smiles and laughs with a grumpy old man in order to cheer him up? You may picture a quiet group of young adults who faithfully share a dream of working to change the lives of a group of inner city children through education. Then there is always the picture of the soldiers from The Revolutionary War fought here in America.

Have you ever thought of Jesus as a revolutionary? Does He call us to be revolutionaries? Our message in Convocation today challenged us to consider what needs to be changed in the present system we may be part of, and then act to bring about change. Human hearts need to change! The Good Samaritan initiated change through his loving actions toward the most unlikely person, one who despised him as inferior. True revolutionaries remember their pain before Jesus found them and changed their life. They never forget that caring for the hearts of others is the business they should be focused on (how many times do we walk right past a person in need, hoping someone else will help them?) They will risk their own reputation and resources in order to help those who need the love of Jesus Christ.

Is there someone you need to get right with in a revolutionary kind of way? The Lord will help us humbly approach them as we work for reconciliation. True leaders understand the pain of others, and the need for action in order to meet those who hurt, right where they are, with the hope we have in Jesus. Safe living is not what God wants from us. Smile at people and say hello. Engage someone you have never met before in a conversation. Buy someone a soda or a cup of coffee and wish them a great day. Talk to someone on the bus - make them wonder who you are and what you are up to!

May the Lord bless you and those around you as you seek to live the life of a revolutionary :)

Luke 10: 25-37

Where to Hide

Have you ever have too much on your plate and you just need a break, and hide somewhere else from the craziness?

Have you ever feel like you are all alone, no one to talk to, not loved by anyone and you just want to hide and disappear?

Have you ever feel like the sins you committed are too big too many and no one can save you from them. And all you can think of is to hide....

Somewhere far away, somewhere where there no body can see you....

Where can I go from your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence? 
 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 
 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea, 
 even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast. 
 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
    and the light become night around me,” 
 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
    the night will shine like the day,
    for darkness is as light to you.

 (Psalm 139: 7-12)

I tried a million times to hide from the world, and God to be frank.

But even if I try my best, I can never hide from the grace of God. Our God loves us so much that He reached down from Heaven to serve us, touch our hearts and to be a living sacrifice for us.

Yes, Jesus died for your sins, and yes, Jesus is able to save you from your sins.

No, you can never hide from the grace of God, and no, even darkness cannot hide you from the light of Christ.

I am thankful that our God never give up on us. I am glad that if I need to hide from the world, I can hide in His faithfulness and merciful grace and peace. I hope you feel the same way today!

Praying,
Joey Prayer Manager

Love Others

I am interested to know if anyone else questions whether "American Cheese" should be called cheese! My children know that I call it "fake cheese!" In my opinion cheese ought to have some substance and real flavor to it like Cheddar or Colby Jack (add your own favorite here). When you bite into a sandwich piled high with your favorite deli meat, wrapped in your favorite bread, don't you desire to have a slab of cheese in the mix that stands out and can be noticed? Are you with me on this? For me, fake cheese doesn't qualify! One definition of imitation I found is: "a thing intended to simulate or copy something else: an imitation diamond."

Today we were all challenged by Pastor Jonathon Falwell to consider how well we as Christians are loving other Christ-followers. We are the leaders of today and we have been called by our gracious Lord to humbly think of others first. Romans 12:9 teaches us that our love must be sincere, as opposed to imitation love. Does that imply that we may demonstrate love that is fake at times? We all wrestle with self-centered tendencies and must be vigilant about checking our pride as we reach out and practice serving others. I realize that it is not easy to love each of the Christians we know, or to be patient with fellow believers as they try us in so many ways, or allow others to take the credit, or give to others freely, or share in their joys and sorrows, or live in harmony, above criticism and at peace with brothers and sisters...(you get the idea). There is no doubt that this will take intentional effort. But I am convinced that none of us want to be seen as fake followers of Jesus! It is lunch time and I am hungry...I sure hope my sandwich has some real cheese on it today :)

p.s. Take note of verse 12 below. We should "steadfastly maintain the habit of prayer" 
It just so happens that we have an excellent place for you to come and develop or maintain your habit of prayer! Dorm 13 lower level "Prayer Center"

Romans 12: 9-21 (PHILLIPS translation) 
9 Let us have no imitation Christian love. Let us have a genuine break with evil and a real devotion to good.
10 Let us have real warm affection for one another as between brothers, and a willingness to let the other man have the credit.
11 Let us not allow slackness to spoil our work and let us keep the fires of the spirit burning, as we do our work for God.
12 Base your happiness on your hope in Christ. When trials come endure them patiently, steadfastly maintain the habit of prayer.
13 Give freely to fellow-Christians in want, never grudging a meal or a bed to those who need them.
14 And as for those who try to make your life a misery, bless them. Don’t curse, bless.
15 Share the happiness of those who are happy, the sorrow of those who are sad.
16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t become snobbish but take a real interest in ordinary people. Don’t become set in your own opinions.
17 Don’t pay back a bad turn by a bad turn, to anyone. Don’t say “it doesn’t matter what people think”, but see that your public behavior is above criticism.
18 As far as your responsibility goes, live at peace with everyone.
19 Never take vengeance into your own hands, my dear friends: stand back and let God punish if he will. For it is written: ‘Vengeance is mine. I will repay’.
20-21 ... these are God’s words: ‘Therefore if your enemy hungers, feed him; if he thirsts, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head’. Don’t allow yourself to be overpowered with evil. Take the offensive—overpower evil by good!

Drop Your Hands

You’d think I would have my mother’s fingerprints embedded in my knee from all the times she squeezed my leg in church and whispered in no uncertain terms, “Be still.” Like any boy, I had a bad case of the wiggles in places like church. So for years, when I read, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10), I thought of it in terms of not being antsy.

But the Hebrew word for still means “to cease striving.” It’s the concept of putting your hands down and letting God intervene in your situation without your interference. This word picture is interesting, since we often use our hands to push things out of our way, to protect ourselves, or to strike back. When we drop our hands, it makes us feel defenseless and vulnerable—unless we can trust that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (v.1), and that “the Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge” (v.7). In other words, stop struggling and wait on God to do His work!

In the face of all of life’s circumstances, we can know the peace of trusting the presence and power of God in the midst of trouble as we wait patiently and prayerfully for His deliverance. So drop your hands, for God’s hands are busy on your behalf!

Be still and know that He is God
For pathways steep and rough;
Not what He brings but who He is
Will always be enough. —Anon.

When we put our problems in God’s hands,
He puts His peace in our hearts.

Our Daily Bread: October 6, 2012 — Joe Stowell

Wholly Holy

(I Thess. 5:23)

Now may the God of peace himself sanctfu you completely, and may your whole spirit and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

" ....for the disparity beween Jesus' beauty and my brokeness is overwhelming to me at times.

But as the God of peace, you're making me wholly holy, changing me through and through.

And I will actively surrender to the very active ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whom I'm sealed, with whom I'm indwelt, and through whom I will be safely delivered into your presence. I pray in your faithful name. Amen."

Everyday Prayers

Scotty Smith

Lord, help us learn to be Holy !

Dr. Charles Hughes
Pastor for Prayer

Trust God

After listening to the message given in Convocation today by Dr. Wheeler I am fascinated by the thought of college students applying what was said in a real way - in real life. Some very difficult situations were mentioned by Dr. Wheeler where he has had to trust God with his life or with the life of one he loves deeply. He also shared about some of his students who have needed to trust God while facing difficult circumstances.

What about you? What about those trials in your life when things did not work out in the way you had prayed for God to help? What about the person who seems to always have things work out and they don't seem to pray at all! What are some of the situations where you have struggled to trust God? How did you get through the struggle? If you are still wrestling with something, how are you facing it on a daily basis? What do you do when you want to simply quit trying? We would love to hear some of your thoughts in response to Trusting God! Please let us know what you are thinking.

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

El Shaddai--The All Sufficient God

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by problems so huge, you no longer know what to do? Set your eyes upon the Lord and seek His face! During King Jehoshaphat's reign in Judah, a great multitude of army came against Him. Below is an account of what happened (please refer to 2 Chronicles 20 for a full reference):

"After this the Moabites and Ammonites, and with them some of the Meunites,[a] came against Jehoshaphat for battle. 2 Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A great multitude is coming against you from Edom,[b] from beyond the sea...3 Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah...5 And Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly... 6 and said, “O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you....13 Meanwhile all Judah stood before the Lord, with their little ones, their wives, and their children. 14 And the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel... 15 And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's...17 You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.”
18 Then Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord, worshiping the Lord. 19 And the Levites, of the Kohathites and the Korahites, stood up to praise the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.

20 And they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. And when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed.” 21 And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say,

“Give thanks to the Lord,
for his steadfast love endures forever.”

22 And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed. 23 For the men of Ammon and Moab rose against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction, and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they all helped to destroy one another."

--1 Chronicles 20:1-23 (ESV)

In the midst of battle, the people of God chose to worship Him and praise Him! Can you imagine a war that was led by worshipers?

As you face hardship, remember how the Lord has delivered and saved those who trust Him. Continue to trust Him and seek His face!

Steadfast Love

"Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds." --Psalm 36:5.

In the ESV version of the Bible, the phrase "steadfast love" appears 191 times. In other versions you might encounter the phrases "lovingkindness," "unfailing love," or "mercy."

The Hebrew word found in this verse is "chesed" meaning

- zeal toward someone
- mercy toward those in misfortune
- to act kindly toward
- the grace and favor of God toward men
- constant or abiding mercy or favor

In English the word "steadfast" means

- firmly fixed in direction, place, or position
- firm in purpose, resolution, faith, or attachment
- unwavering adherence
- firmly established

The etymological origin of the English word "steadfast" came from the Sanskrit word "pastyam" meaning "dwelling place." It later evolved to "fæst" in Old English meaning "firmly fixed, steadfast, secure, enclosed."

In other words, God's love is zealous, unmerited, and firmly fixed. Nothing we do can alter or change it. I love the analogy of God's love being like a secure "dwelling place" that shields us from the elements.

When I think of a secure dwelling place, my friend's log house comes to mind. It was made from massive 10x10 inch hewn logs that ran 15-20 feet long. A deep 10 foot porch wrapped around three sides of the house supported by great wooden columns.

I can remember sitting on the bed in my friend's room during a raging storm. The wind howled around the corners of the house, the lightning washed the sky white, and the thunder shook the earth, but inside those strong walls I felt perfectly safe and secure.

God's love is like that. But unlike most "dwelling places," God's love won't weaken or decay with time and weather. It withstands the ages of eternity and the battering elements of our constant sin without altering or changing. If nothing else, the knowledge of God's steadfast love toward us is sufficient reason to take joy today.

--Catherine Wilson

Grace Allergies

Scotty Smith in Everyday Prayers, writes "A Prayer about Grace Allergies," "...would have given you living water." John 4:10

".....why we choose broken cisterns, dumb idols, and self help over your love is sheer madness. Grace is for sinners not pretenders, posers, and performers. You mean to heal us not harm us; embrace us, not embarass us; succor us with compassion, not shame us with contempt.

So, Jesus, once again I bring real thirst to you today. I bring my allergic reactions to the gospel. I bring that part of me that would rather help others discover your grace than partake of it myself."

Panic or Pray

Today as I was waiting for my friend to be done with her medical check up, I was reading 2 Chronicles and this verse was very encouraging.

Help us, O Lord our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name we go against this multitude. 2 Chronicles 14:11

No doubt, there will be time when we will face giants in our life. And that will be the time we either panic, or we pray. I thank God that He allows me to find peace through prayers. And not only I found peace, I also know that He will listen to me and get me through the giants of my life.

God is faithful today. And I hope He does great things in your life too!

Joey
Prayer Manager
Prayer Center @ Dorm 13

The Dog of Desire

When Dr. Eric Mason spoke in convocation back in early September, he used a metaphor in his sermon that struck and convicted me: namely, that our physical desires are big Rottweilers on long chains.

Though we have ownership of our desires, they can quickly get out of our control, dragging us in directions we don't want to go. Not only can they drag us in the wrong direction, they can also turn on us, inflicting wounds that leave deep scars.

When we give our desires to God, he trains them and conforms them to His will. After our desires return from "divine obedience school," they are no longer impetuous Rottweilers, but rather seeing-eye dogs. They gently guide us in the way we should go, protecting us from harm that we cannot see.

All we need to do is entrust our unruly desires to the Divine Trainer, let Him conform those desires to His will, and blindly follow the "seeing-eye dog" of God's will in total faith and trust, knowing that His way is infinitely better than our own.

--Catherine Wilson