Devotion for Today
Dec 26, 2006
“He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” (Luke 1:33)
As we all make preparations for the New Year may the One who came to the stable be the same one that will reign over your house in 2007.
Dec 25th, 2006
“And being warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their own country by another way.” Luke 2:12 (NASB)
My prayer for each of you is that something this Christmas season has touched you; changed you and that you will not return to life as usual. May each of you go into the New Year by another way.
Dec 14th, 2006
“I am the Lord’s slave,” said Mary. “May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel left her. (Luke 1:38)
We are in the midst of the Christmas season, but the New Year is just around the corner. With the New Year come hopes and dreams and the unknown. How the Lord’s will plays out in your life is yet to be seen. When God’s grace displays itself in your life in a most unusual way or perhaps even a tragic way or a very challenging way will you step in line with Mary? I pray for you and for me that the answer will be “yes.” “Lord, whatever you want to do, I am your slave.”
Serving Christ with you,
Bro. Clay
Dec 13th, 2006
And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do what is good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. (Luke 6:34-35)
My mother-in-law will not be with us this year for Christmas. If she were I know that one of the Christmas carols she would sing is the old English song, Hey ho, nobody home, Meat nor drink nor money have I none. Yet shall we be merry, Hey ho, nobody home; Hey ho, nobody home. That song is in reference to the London tradition of poor children caroling in front of people’s homes expecting to be given treats or money in return for their caroling. But, however, if they find nobody home, they will still have a Merry Christmas.
Who do you know that might need a gift even if they can’t give one in exchange? That is usually not the way we give gifts; most of the time we give a gift for a gift. Jesus said it is nothing for us to give something when we know we will get something in return. Just think if God’s gift of salvation through his son was based on the assumption that we would give back in return. He would, as they say, be left hanging. He did not owe us a gift. Instead, he chose to give a gift, just because. Why not try doing the same thing this year for somebody. Maybe you could even do it anonymously so the person receiving the gift would not feel embarrassed or obligated to give in return.
The streets are very dirty; my shoes are very thin. I have a little pocket to put a penny in. If you haven’t got a penny, a ha’ penny will do. If you haven’t got a ha’ penny then God bless you.
Dec 11th, 2006
“Because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the Sunrise from on high shall visit us, to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:78-79)
I don’t pretend to know what goes through the heart and mind of composer or musician when he puts words and music together to make a musical score such as the one the choir presented last night in Christmas is Forever. It seems to me though that in this particular instance they must have spent at least a little bit of time reading over Zacharias’ prophecy concerning the birth of the Savior. There is a line from the song Jesus, Savior, Friend that reads, “You’re the daybreak and the sunset of a day that never ends.” Maybe that is what Zacharia had in mind when he penned the words, “the Sunrise from on high shall visit us.”
Regardless of where your day may take you or what events may take place, my prayer for you today is that you will live in the Sunrise of his love and that the Sunrise will invade whatever darkness may overshadow you.
Dec 8th, 2006
“And he began to give them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene- walk!” (Acts 3:5, 6)
There is no doubt that this is the season of giving. There are people in all of our circles of influence that are expecting something from us and perhaps a few that expect nothing of us. I am certainly not suggesting that we have such influence as Peter did to give such a gift, but maybe we do. I’m not talking about the gift of waking. I’m talking about the motive. Whatever you give this year, may it be given in the name of Jesus. Whatever the gift or whatever the price tag, giving it in the name of Jesus makes it priceless!
Dec 7th, 2006
“Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6)
Have you seen The Nativity? You really should. It is very well done and very accurate. It gives us some insight into what all the participants in the Christmas story might have been feeling. The only thing someone might question is the arrival of the wise men at the stable in Bethlehem rather than at a house two years later but that really doesn’t spoil the story. It adds to the warm feeling we get when we think of the Christmas story.
You have to hand it to the wise men. They were pagans. Yet they sensed that something great was coming their way. They searched the ancient manuscripts and other documents and realized that a great Savior was to be born. They set out in faith to find the Savior. By faith they found Him. By faith they were rewarded. The Savior is waiting to be found this Christmas season and He waits to reward those who seek Him. This Christmas you too can be a wise man as you seek the Savior.
Dec 5, 2006
“If I speak with languages of men and of angels, but do not have love, I am a sounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so that I can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I donate all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 1 Cor. 13:1-3 (HCSB)
When we look at the great love chapter, we usually skip over these first couple of verses and go to the whole, “Love is patient, love is kind” verses. They are great but so are the first 3 verses. Jesus told his disciples that the single criteria the world had for whether or not we could be called Christians is that we have love for one another. Now, in the strictest sense it could be said that Jesus meant we are to have love for one another who are believers. That is the context of his teaching. Paul suggests something all together different in the area of love. He makes several implied statements.
That is tough love. Maybe not for other, but for me and probably for many of you too!
Dec 1st, 2006
He saved us- not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that having been justified by His grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:5-7)
Like most of you, I was not born into money. Other than a house in CA that will be divided there is no inheritance. There is no rich Uncle that will leave me a fortune. Nor have I done a particularly good job of storing up any money of my own at this point in my life. We are still working on that one. But, again, like many of you I don’t worry. God has given me part of my inheritance now in the form of His Spirit which He poured out abundantly. Isn’t that a rich word? Our Father has spared nothing. He has given us some now and we will receive the rest later. Remember that whoever gets the Son gets everything!
Live on that for today
Bro. Clay
Nov 30th, 2006
“Working together with Him, we also appeal to you: Don’t receive God’s grace in vain.” (2 Cor. 6:1)
Let that first phrase sink in a bit. “Working together with Him.” Christ has no interest in a corporate take over of your life. Rather, he is very interested in entering into a partnership with your life. He brings to the table an unsurpassed set of resources. You bring to the table a vast network of people that might not otherwise have access to the grace of God. That is smart business.
Nov 29th, 2006
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors.” Luke 2:14)
The Christmas season has officially begun! You know how I know this. Not because President Roosevelt back in the 30’s moved Thanksgiving in order to extend the Christmas shopping days. Not because stores have been decorated since before Halloween. Certainly not because of all the fuss over saying, “Merry Christmas” versus “Seasons’ Greetings.” No, I know it is officially the Christmas season because last night I watched the timeless classic, It’ a Charlie Brown Christmas.
Charles Shultz didn’t pull any punches in putting this classic cartoon together. It has the all the great problems of Christmas just like most of us do. The greatest moment comes toward the end of the story when Charlie Brown, in frustration, asks, “Doesn’t anybody know what Christmas is all about?” The classic moment comes when Linus, blanket in hand, takes center stage and recites Luke 2:1-14. As we enter the busy time of final choir preparations, shopping, house cleaning and decorating, trying to figure out who sent us cards last year so we don’t leave anyone out and all the other stuff of Christmas, don’t forget what Christmas is all about. Give glory to God in the highest heaven. Be at peace with all men and remember that He does favor all of us.
Nov 22nd, 2006
“Don’t be deceived, my dearly loved brothers. Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning. By His own choice, he gave us a new birth by the message of truth so that we would be the first fruits of His creatures.” (James 1:16-18)
As you gather with friends and family over the next couple of days take a few minutes to remember the perfect gift that the Father has given to all of us; His Son. Aren’t you glad that there is no variation or shifting shadow with whom He gives the perfect gift? That is truly something for which to be thankful.
Be safe and may your hearts and homes be filled with warmth this Thanksgiving day.
Bro. Clay
Nov 20th, 2006
"I have told you these things to keep you from stumbling.” (John 16:1)
I have a confession to make. I sleep with a night light. I haven’t always but when we moved three years ago we realized very quickly that the neighborhood and our entire house stays very dark at night. Recently our night light went out and we haven’t bothered to replace the bulb. Now you would think that after living in a place for three years you could remember where the furniture is and how to find your way to the back door to let the dog or cat out. It doesn’t seem to matter how much I think I know my way around the house I still stumble in the dark and usually end up hurting myself.
In this particular instance in the book of John, Jesus is giving his disciples a warning of what is to come. They will face persecution and trial because they choose to follow Him. But the larger implication is that Jesus and His Word is the light of the world. Jesus has been given to us and His word has been given to us to keep us from stumbling. No matter how long we have walked with Christ or how much we think we know the way; left on our own we will always stumble and hurt ourselves. We will always think we remember where the obstacles or the pitfalls are but we so quickly forget and fall in again. A good, daily does of God’s word will always keep you from stumbling and keep you walking in the light.
Nov 6th, 2006
For you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light. Eph. 5:8 (NASB)
Remember the children’s song, This little light of mine? Paul makes an interesting point based on the parable Jesus gave regarding hiding our light under the bushel. We don’t have a choice. We don’t choose to be light. If we have Christ in our life we are not in darkness we are infused with light. The point Paul wants us to remember is that we don’t have to try and be light. We already are. The point he makes is that we need to walk, live, etc. in the reality of what we are. We are light. I guess another way to put it is that our decision is how bright we shine and where we choose to shine. So, go find a dark place today or this week and do what you were meant to do!
Nov 2nd, 2006
When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became furious. He mocked the Jews before his colleagues and the powerful men of Samaria, and said, “What are these pathetic Jews doing? Can they restore it by themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they ever finish it? Can they bring these burnt stones back to life from the mounds of rubble?” . . . In Judah, it was said: The strength of the laborer fails, since there is so much rubble. We will never be able to rebuild the wall.
The Lord brought this verse to mind this morning as I dropped off Olivia at school. They are tearing down the old Wunsche campus and behind it stands the beautiful new Carl C. Wunsche Academy. It is quite impressive but you would never know it from the tons of rubble heaped in front of it. Do you ever feel like you are in such a spot? There is so much rubble in your life that people can’t see you for who you really are? Do you ever grow tired and feel like you will never get your act cleaned up? Perhaps there are actually some Sanballats in your life who get angry at the prospect of you rebuilding your life or that you are doing well in life.
The key to rebuilding successfully in your life is the same as it was for the ancient Jews.
Don’t try it by yourself. Sanballat didn’t know the Jews had a secret weapon. God was on their side. He was the re-builder. They were simply the tools.
Don’t succumb to the critics who say you can’t or shouldn’t.
Clearing rubble takes time and perseverance. This was a long, daunting project for the Jews, even with God’s help. God can only work as much as we can work. Take it slow and steady. Most of the rubble in our lives didn’t’ get there over night. It built up over years. The walls of the temple sat in ruin for 70 years. The clean up project would take time. So it is in our lives.
Have a blessed day!
Bro. Clay
Nov 1st, 2006
“On another Sabbath He entered the synagogue and was teaching. A man was there whose right hand was paralyzed. The scribes and Pharisees were watching Him closely, to se if he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they could find a charge against Him. But He knew t heir thoughts and told the man with the paralyzed hand, “Get up and stand here.” So he got up and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, “I ask, you; is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” After looking around at them all, He told him, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so, and his hand was restored. They, however, were filled with rage and started discussing with one another what they might do to Jesus.” Luke 6:6-11
I’m sure you’ve heard it said, “God helps those who help themselves.” Well, that is not necessarily in the Bible and that phrase has certainly been abused over and over again through the years. This statement does ring with truth. This miracle is just one example of many is scripture where Jesus didn’t do anything until the individual made the first move. The move was made as an act of obedience. Jesus told the man to get up. He got up. Jesus told the man to stretch out his hand. He stretched out his hand. So what’s the point?
You may not need a miracle but you need something. Jesus always responds to obedience, not wishful or hopeful thinking. If you need the Lord to work in your life, it just might be that you need to take the first move.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the fall festival a success. It was one of the largest turnouts in recent years. As best we can figure we had somewhere around 175 in attendance and most of those were from outside the church. That is what we were looking for! Thanks a bunch.
Have a blessed day.
Bro. Clay
Oct 31st, 2006
“Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has actually resulted in the advancement of the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is for Christ. Most of the brothers in the Lord have gained confidence from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the message fearlessly.” (Phil. 1:12-15)
I saw this verse in action before my very eyes this last weekend. I saw Wesley Walker, fall on his knees and ask, “How do I know Jesus?” I heard another young man who has no chance of parole until 2035 say to me, “Prison has been the best thing that ever happened to me.” Why? Because he met Jesus a short time after his incarceration and is now a strong believer in Christ. The young man can quote scripture I should quote scripture. Time after time men would say the same thing. “It took prison to straighten them out.”
I want to thank you, RBC for giving your pastor the opportunity to go and be a part of this vital ministry. Please know that what I do in prison is an extension of your ministry.
Oct 25th, 2006
The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. (Luke 4:18-19)
When I was a teenager I had no idea that I was a captive to sin. I had no idea that I was sick or blind. I just knew that I was a sinner and needed Jesus. That was a long time ago. This verse has new meaning for me today as I prepare to head to Eastham to minister to the captives. Will you join me in prayer that the men who are in prison will know freedom?
Oct 24th, 2006
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6)
We often take the middle of these verses and let them stand by themselves. It is a true statement that God said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” If we look at these verses together and in context that very statement is the reason we can be free from the love of money and be content. When we are always striving to get more, what we are really saying is, “God, I don’t’ trust you. I want to be more comfortable than I think you can make me.
Contentment is not laziness or even a lack of drive or interest. Contentment is an understanding of what is really important. It is knowledge that if God is in control of our lives then what we have is really enough. He has promised to care of us and provide for us. Contentment is an acceptance of his current provision rather than our expectations.
Oct 18th, 2006
For all this is because of you, so that grace, extended through more and more people, may cause thanksgiving to overflow to God’s glory.” (2 Cor. 4:15)
This verse comes on the heels of Paul’s recounting the affliction he and his traveling companions have endured for the cause of Christ and for the cause of other people. We get than don’t we? Most of us know what it is like to suffer for the cause or at least because of other people. It may be family members, co-workers or the neighbor down the street. Follow the sufferings up with that Paul says in this verse. We are not to return evil for evil. We know that. Instead we are to return grace; unmerited favor. Something they don’t deserve. Ask yourself who in your circle of influence needs a little grace from you. There are a variety of ways that you can show that grace to them. Do the unexpected. Not to show how big and generous you are but to show how big and how generous God is.
Oct 17th, 2006
“In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” (Hebrews 12:4)
This is such a powerful verse. I guess I have overlooked it until now. Do you struggle with sin? Of course you do. We all do. The real question is not whether we struggle with sin but how hard are we willing to fight to get loose of our sin. If our very lives were being threatened by an intruder holding a knife to our throat we would do everything and anything possible to get loose. We would put up a struggle at the very least and fight tooth and nail and the most. Well, you know where I am going with this don’t you.
Satan is an intruder into our lives because we don’t belong to him. Sin is the weapon he uses to harm us. Yet, so many times we just open the door and allow him entrance. He doesn’t even have to break the door down, it is left wide open. Would you be willing to shed a little blood to break from an intruder holding a knife to your neck? Sure you would. We need to learn to apply the same tactics to Satan and sin. A feeble, “leave me alone” will never suffice in our fight against Satan and sin. We must be willing to risk a little blood to break free. After all, that is what Jesus did.
Leanna update- Leanna sent a quick email from Morromeu. She was at an YWAM (Youth with a mission) base seeing how they do ministry. She asks for continued prayer as they observe different forms of ministry around the area. Continue to pray for safety and wisdom as well.
Have a blessed day!
Bro. Clay
Oct 16th, 2006
“We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” (Hebrews 6:12)
The temptation for all of us is to sit on our blessed assurance in our journey of faith in Chris. It is true that Christ saves us and Christ keeps us but there does come a time when we must act. So many times we want spiritual maturity microwave style. But God doesn’t do microwave. He is a crock pot God that works with crack pot people. It takes a long time for God to do what God needs to do in our lives. Putting a human life back together again and making it like His dear Son is no easy or quick task. So what is our part in this journey with God? The Hebrew writer tells us. Keep moving on in faith and patience. Don’t become a spiritual couch potato. Keep the spiritual muscles in shape. Work out your faith.
Which of your spiritual muscles needs to be stretched and built up? Prayer? Scripture Reading? Maybe it is ministry involvement. Next, look around and find some other godly individual who is exercising that same muscle and get close to them. Watch them. Work out with them. You don’t need a professional trainer. You just need to find someone who is a little better than you in that area and imitate them. Before long, you will be spiritually healthier in the long journey of faith.
Prayer Request:
David Breitwieser, a member of Gulf Coast Sound slipped and fell this morning in a parking garage. He is in the ER. Jason Rose has asked us to prayer for him.
Stay safe today!
Bro. Clay
Oct 13th, 2006
“Then he stayed two whole years in his own rented house. And he welcomed all who visited him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with full boldness and without hindrance.” Acts 28:30-31
For most of us we have lost either the art or the desire to have people come into our home. The reasons for this are not my main concern this morning. What I find fascinating is that Paul, this great man of the faith, was willing to open his home (i.e. his life) to anyone that might visit him. The conclusion of this verse is what is really important. Paul was able to have a bold and unhindered witness for Christ. Why? Because he got to know people. Ask anyone who is involved in one of our Life Together groups and they will tell you that you get to know people in a whole different way when they come into your home.
As we enter the fall season and look toward the Holidays, let me encourage you to open your home to your church family as well as your neighbors. Have a cookie exchange or just a little open house. Start building some relationships and you will be surprised how things develop. Maybe you too will receive boldness and be unhindered in your witness as well.
Have a great weekend and don’t’ forget the 53rd Anniversary Pot Luck on Sunday immediately following morning services.
Bro. Clay
Oct 10th, 2006
“I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last you have renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me, but lacked the opportunity to show it. Still, you did well by sharing with me in my hardship.” Phil. 4:10;; 14 (HCSB)
It is hard to keep up with everybody’s needs. That is one of the reasons we try to keep you posted through the website and emails so you can know how people are doing. Whether it is someone standing on the corner, a plea from some ministry or just someone in your family or a close friend, everybody needs something. It might be money, time, or some other tangible or intangible need. We certainly can’t do everything for everybody. But we can do something for somebody. Let me encourage you to look around your corner of the world this next week and find someone with a hardship and try to help them. You will both be glad you did.
Sep 29th, 2006
My dear brothers, take not of this. Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. (James 1:19-20)
The next time you are tempted to become angry and lash out and do or say something that you know you will regret later, especially after you have had to think about the situation remember God’s formula. First, gather information so you can think and act rationally (be quick to listen). Next think things through carefully and then act on what you know (be slow to speak). Finally, you can let your emotions follow rational thought and action (be slow to become angry). You and those around you will be glad you used God’s formula.
Have a blessed day! See you Sunday.
Bro. Clay
Sep 28th, 2006
“So Israel joined in worshiping the Baal of Peor. And the Lord’s anger burned against them (Numbers 25:3).
Did you know that most of the anger references in the Bible are talking about God’s anger? It is true, God gets mad. I know for a fact that I have caused Him to lose his cool a time or two with me. That’s right; God is not just peace, love and harmony. God gets mad at injustice. He is angered over continual sin in the lives of those he loved so much that he sent his son to save them. So what’s the point? There are times in our lives when it is okay to get angry. WE should be angered by the same things that anger God. We should be angry at the continual sin in our lives. We should seek to right a wrong or bring justice where injustice dwells. The other point is that even in his anger; God never ceases to love people. That might be harder for us to do but it is at least worth a try.
Sep 27th, 2006
“But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kinds and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.’” Acts 9:15-16 (NIV)
Several Miskito (mees-KEE-toh) pastors visited the small village of Tasbapain (TAHS-bah-PINE). As a result, a small group of believers was established. These new believers asked if a pastor could be sent to help them start a church in their village.
A young man named Joram (hor-AHM), who had been assisting one of the established pastors, was willing to go. He, his wife, and their two children left their extended family and fields, carrying everything they owned in three sacks. They traveled in the back of a pickup truck for 3 hours over difficult dirt roads and then walked for three hours into the village of Tasbapain.
Three months later, Joram came into town to see the nurse. Joram’s wife was sick. Both children were thin with bloated bellies. The nurse gave Joram parasite medicine and vitamins. He excitedly told the nurse about the new Christians and growth of the church in Tasbapain.
The nurse was not sure how to treat Joram’s wife and children until another pastor told her that Joram and his family had nothing to eat. Since the group of believers in Tasbapain was small, they were not able to help much. Joram and his family were eating nothing but wild bananas and yucca root, which have little nutritional value. Joram, his wife and children were literally starving.
They were willing to take on hardship to spread the gospel. What are you and I willing to do?
Lord, help me to be willing to serve wherever you call me, whatever the cost. Please provide the needs and encourage the Miskito pastors of Honduras and Nicaragua as they struggle physically. May they be a light in the darkness.
Sep 18th, 2006
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into he earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal.” John 12:24-25
Jason, a missionary in Central Asia woke this particular summer morning with a real sense that he had no purpose for that day. It’s Saturday, he thought. This is the day for going out to eat, working around the house, sports on TV, visiting family and friends. None of that was going to happen since the familiar events of a Saturday were thrown out the window in a new country. He was depressed, and the heat was sweltering.
Jason’s Bible was open and he was praying, yet he couldn’t change the way he felt. He continued in his Scripture readings where he had left off. He came to a familiar verse, but this time it packed a punch: “. . . unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” It was then that he realized his life was over. It was over because his life and serving Christ were at odds with each other. He could not have his life and the life of Christ at the same time.
He was reminded of a book he had read about Amy Carmichael, A Chance to Die, by Elizabeth Elliot. That Saturday morning, he had a chance to die to personal desires. Each day, the Spirit says gently to his heart, Here before you is a chance to die and live for Christ.
Putting our selfish desires to death is painful, but it is glorious to live as Christ lives!
Oh Father, what path am I walking down with you? It does seem so narrow. Please give me grace to live for you and to die to my own selfish desires. Encourage Christian workers in Central Asia today to live for you and to forget what is behind them. Amen.
Sep 14th, 2006
“I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” Phil. 1:3-5 (NHCSB)
I got a call from an old partner in the Gospel yesterday. He probably has never thought of himself as a partner but he is. He probably just thought of himself as an old friend. His name is Joel Perez and we met in second grade when his family moved next door. We stayed friends all through elementary and middle school even though my family moved across town which meant we went to different schools. We came back together in high school but were not as close then. We each found our own circle of friends based on what we liked then. After graduation we didn’t see each other until our 10 year reunion. I haven’t heard from him until just yesterday. He tracked me down on the internet, found our website and gave the church a call. We chatted for about 30 minutes, exchanged contact information and vowed to keep in touch as much as possible.
Okay, you say, but how is he a partner in the Gospel? He grew up going to church, I didn’t. He grew up going to a Spanish speaking church and invited me to come often and I did. I still remember the way the church looked and even some of the people. The only English spoken was in the boys Sunday School class. I was clueless to everything else. But even back then God was working. Joel and his precious family literally gave me my start on my journey toward Christ. So he is in a very real sense a foundational partner in the gospel of Jesus Christ, at least in my life. Oh, and by the way, some 33 years later, his dad is now the pastor of that Spanish speaking church in South Sacramento.
So, what about you, who can you be thankful for in prayer and remembrance for you being where you are today in your journey with Christ? You might have to think long and hard. God will bring the person to mind. Once He does, take the time to say a prayer of thanks for them. Even better; if you can, give them a call. You will both be glad you did.
Have blessed day
Bro. Clay
Sep 11th, 2006
“For God has not given us the spirit of timidity but of power and love and discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NASB)
One morning after Tony had his devotion he felt the Lord directing him to enter an apartment building in France where hundreds of West African Muslims lived. Armed with a video of the JESUS film in an African language, he went from floor to floor asking strangers if they wanted to see a film in their tribal language. Time after time, each man turned him down. He thought to himself after the fourth floor, Lord, I thought You called me here today.
Finally four men from the largest nomadic group in Africa warmly greeted him. They refused to believe that he had a video with people speaking their African language. However, when the tape started, they laughed aloud like schoolboys. They called out to their friends who were passing by their doorway. They said to their friends, “Come hear Jesus speaking our language. We can understand His message.”
Since then, Djibril (gee-BRILL), one of the men most deeply touched by the gospel message, has testified often, “When I heard the words of Christ, something in my heart moved. I could not stop watching the video. I knew that I was hearing the truth.”
These four men are hesitant to embrace Christianity. They and other Muslims want the assurance of salvation and the sense of belonging they discover in Christ; however, they hesitate if it means losing the sense of belonging in their community.
Do you hesitate in giving Jesus your whole life? He wants it all and calls us to follow Him.
Sep 8th, 2006
“A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins . . . He said to them, ‘Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she , out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on.’” Mark 12:42-44 (NASB)
As Gaye pulled her truck up to the tiny church in a remote West African village, women began to gather. They all soon filled the mud structure where it was dark inside. Logs lay in rows to provide seating on the dirt floor. Most all the women had babies tied to their backs and had already hauled water and wood, cooked a meal and walked several kilometers to the church. Gaye stood by the one window cut into the mud wall to be able to read the Scriptures.
Three different languages were spoken, so she waited for her two interpreters as she thought through what to say next. As she gazed out the window, she could see ladies preparing the noon meal in a big black cooking pot. She finished her teaching and had just asked someone to ask God’s blessing on the meal when a voice piped up: “We haven’t given our offering!”
Gaye stood their, trying to explain to God just how little these women had, as if he wasn’t already aware. As each woman danced up to give her money, Gaye’s heart broke. Then a woman poured coins, amounting to 20 cents, into her hand and asked her to make sure the money go to the right place.
God began to work in Gaye’s heart, saying, I own the cattle on a thousand hills. I don’t need their money. Their willingness to obey My commandments and joyfully share what little they have is the gift I seek. Do not rob them or me of this joy.
Lord, may I joyfully give what I have to You. Bless these women in West Africa who give sacrificially. Strengthen the missionaries who serve there so that they can give themselves to others who need You. Amen.
I pray you all have a blessed day. I look forward to seeing each of you this Sunday as we begin our new teaching series, Desperate Households! Keep Kay Lopez in your prayers as she has undergoes day surgery to remove her right ovary. We will keep you posted of her progress.
Bro. Clay
Sep 6th, 2006
The Devotions for Today in September are centered on the theme of sacrifice and “God Before Me.” I’ll let today’s missionary, known only as P.A.F, Northern Africa and The Middle East share her story.
“I know, O Lord, that a man’s way is not in himself, nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps.” Jeremiah 10:23 (NASB)
“I awakened in the middle of the night, wondering why I had to leave the country where I had built deep relationships. The decision was made for me without my input. Only God could hear and understand the sense of anger and heartbreak that I had.
It all started with a telephone call from a credible source, which revealed a plan that I would be kidnapped or killed on a particular day. My team decided that I should take this threat seriously, and they made the decision for me to evacuate immediately.
A few months later, at a women’s retreat in Cyprus, the speaker asked, “What is God teaching you about all of life being an act of worship? Is God leading you to believe in something you have never seen or dreamed of before? Is there something God is asking you to release as an act of worship? These questions caused me to think.
For me, I needed to release my area of service and the people group as an act of worship. He required me to lay them, and what I have gained from knowing them, at His feet.
One year after my evacuation, I awakened in the middle of the night feeling that my joy was back. I knew the Lord had charge over my life, and He gave me wonderful relationships in another place. God’s plans far exceed our own. Even thought He dens’ always explain His reasons for moving us, we can count on Him, for He will always see us through any change encountered.”
Heavenly Father, my life is in your hands. Do with it as you desire. You know the larger picture and know what’s best for me. Thank you that You are patient with me when I think that a mistake has been made. Amen.
Sep 5th, 2006
“You shall have no other gods before Me.” Exodus 20:3 (NIV)
Carla was waiting in line to pay her electricity bill and had plenty of time to observe the worshipers at a Hindu temple across the street in South Asia where she serves as a missionary. At this ornate structure dedicated to the monkey god, Hanuman (HA-new-MAHN), men and women walked around various idols, chanted mantras and stopped to kiss honored temple walls. Carla’s thoughts ranged from horror at the blatant idolatry, to sorrow for the evident bondage, to anger as she wanted to ask the lord to destroy the temple and its idols right then as a sign of His singular right to be worshiped.
Eventually she began to fidget in the long line, and her spiritual eyes began to lose focus. Satan immediately attacked, and the thought went through her mind that perhaps it was easier to observe mindless religious rituals that to be an obedient child of God. Submission to God’s will and walking in the spirit require a conscious choice, and sometimes she just didn’t’ want to yield. Maybe performing prescribed rites instead of working on her relationship with Him would be simpler.
At that point the truth stepped in like a bold of lightning. Carla realized that she wouldn’t give up her relationship with Him for anything! Relationships, even one with God, do require time, effort and sacrifice; but a relationship with Him is what makes life worthwhile.
With her spiritual eyes back in focus, Carla’s prayers turned to the worshipers who needed to know how to have this relationship with the living God, and she began to pray in earnest for opportunities to share about Him.
Father, the One, true God, thank You that You desire a relationship with Your followers. Give Christian workers an earnest passion to bring truth to the people of South Asia. Lord, I make a conscious effort today to surrender my will for Your will. Amen.
Have a blessed day
Bro. Clay
Aug 30th, 2006
“Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:56 (NIV)
Ironing clothes for Sunday worship is usually not a very emotional experience. However, for Debby, serving in West Africa, this particular ironing experience seemed to bring back a flood of memories from home that seemed to compound her feelings of homesickness and loneliness. Debby had been in Benin (beh-NIN) for some time and thought she should be over such feelings by now but the weight of those memories seemed to take her breath away.
She fell to the floor crying out to God to take away the pain of loneliness. She felt utterly alone and couldn’t take it any longer. Was it worth it? Why was she even there? Could she make it for another year and three-quarters? All of these questions attacked her mind.
Suddenly God sent her a reminder of His purpose. A song on the CD she was listening to spoke to her. “It’s all about You, Jesus, and all this is for You, for Your glory and Your fame. It’s not about me, as if You should do things my way . . .”
Debby’s tears turned to tears of joy. Not because the pain was gone, but because she knew God was using her to reach his world. It wasn’t about her, but about Him. It’s not about us, but about Him.
When you weep, whether from personal pain or disappointments, let God turn your tears of sorrow into tears of joy, hope, love and expectation for those around you. Let Him take your eyes off yourself. You may still cry tears, but they will be sweet tears- bittersweet tears.
Father, be near to lonely missionaries. Let them feel your presence and pleasure. Help me take my eyes of myself so that I can turn my eyes to the lovely face of Jesus. Amen.
Aug 24th, 2006
“You have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places.” Psalm 16:5b-6a (NIV)
Robin, a missionary serving in Central and Eastern Europe writes the following devotional thought:
The moment we stepped from the plane, I felt at home. After six years of ministry in a major city in Far East Russia, God had laid on our hearts an isolated peninsula, two time zones farther east. Gazing upon the magnificence of God’s creation, my breath was taken away. Two large volcanoes stood as sentinels, guarding the town. The Kamchatka (kom-CHAT-kah) peninsula truly was a “pleasant place.”
The next morning things didn’t feel so pleasant. We spent our night sleeping in hats and coats, as our apartment had little heat. Bundling up, we prepared to attend our first worship service at a small Russian Baptist Church. The temperature was 25 degrees below zero and after riding 40 minutes in an unheated bus, I was convinced my toes were frostbitten. My husband, daughter and I flew off the bus, anxious to warm up at church. Entering the auditorium, my eye fell on a welcome sight- two heating pipes running around the inside of the auditorium. I ran to the pipes, but no heat. My heart sent up a complaint, “Lord, what happened to the pleasant places You promised me?”
I turned to greet 20 people gathered for worship. We worshiped for more than two hours in that frozen auditorium. Tears streamed down several faces as hearts were poured out in thanksgiving to God. My icy heart began to thaw. God reminded me that my “pleasant places” would be found among the warm hearts of Russian believers living in the glacial Kamchatka wilderness. God’s warmth had made this a pleasant place.
Heavenly Father, in cold places such as found in Central and Eastern Europe, give missionaries grace to brave the weather and the Word of God to melt unbelieving hearts of those they encounter. Bring much fruit in the Far East of Russia for Your glory. Amen.
Aug 23rd, 2006
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NIV)
The lostness was great, the darkness black and the oppression overwhelming in this Muslim country. D.B., a missionary in Central Asia, couldn’t wait to leave.
She went about covered head to toe in local dress, with only her eyes showing. There were hardly any women on the streets. People stared at her. She certainly didn’t have any words for them. She kept repeating Jesus’ name inside her head. He was her only strength.
She would have like to be a strong, bold witness but she wasn’t. She was overwhelmed with grief. The oppression was tangible. Could she believe He is at work in a place where she was sure he was not? Was she willing to go where she thought, surely he wouldn’t ask her to go? She had no answers. She did however now the One who does have answers. This is was her only hope. And he is big enough. Does He know what He’s doing, sending her there?
How could she not be changed forever by this experience? She longed to be comfortable again, yet her world has been forever altered, a gnawing realization that there are those without freedom. Who will speak for them? Who will live among them and give them the message of hope? How can she say thank you to Him who freed her then turn her back on those He’s revealed to her. How can any of us?
Father, it must be overwhelming for workers in countries where it seems there is no hope of any conversion. I pray that you will strengthen them for the task. Encourage them that you are indeed working in Central Asia. Allow them to see fruit, even if it is small.
Have a blessed day
Bro. Clay
Aug 21st, 2006
“You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.” Hebrews 12:4 (NKJV)
David, a missionary in Central, Eastern and Southern Africa asks this question: Which requires more resistance: occasional gunfire at night on the street where you live, or a constant cycle of questions- Is the water on or off? Is today 9our day to have electricity or not? Does the phone work? Does the gas station have fuel today? Are there eggs I the market?
David is reminded of such striving on a regular basis. Recently he went to buy eggs and all the vendors agreed no eggs today. A town of 30,000 people, and there were no eggs in the market.
When appointed as missionaries David and his family knew that they would be striving against sin. They didn’t realize the many small frustrations in their daily lives that would be a part of that struggle. All the small frustrations lumped together made it challenging. If only the water was off- okay; if only electricity was off- okay; if only the phone was off-okay. But if all three were off at the same time, their family would say, “Let’s go home.” But then, they’d look around and laughingly continue, “But we are home.”
David says their circumstances were not perfect but they made a choice that day not to look at them. They had to look at Jesus and remember Hebrews 12:3 “For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your soul” (NKJV). When considering Jesus, their daily frustrations became smaller.
Okay, David says, there are no eggs in the market this week. But when they look at Jesus, it seems a small thing to d without.
Heavenly Father, forgive me when I allow frustrations to cause me to kin. May I look to the example of Your Son, who suffered, knowing that my suffering is nothing in comparison. Give missionaries in Uganda grace to face trials today. Amen.
Have a blessed day
Bro. Clay
Aug 16th, 2006
“Jesus replied, ‘All those who love me will do what I say. My Fath4r will love them, and we will come to them and live with them.’” John 14:23 (NLT)
After 36 hours on several different airplanes, my husband, two young children and I arrived on the other side of the planet- exhausted, excited and a little anxious. In thinking back, the journey we’d been on spiritually probably bridged a greater distance than the one we had been on geographically. We‘d traveled many spiritual miles between the initial “Yes, Lord” to setting foot on international soil in Southeast Asia. Still it was my first time away from Arizona, which had been my home since I was five. On the whole, I had no complaints. It’s jut that everything in Southeast Asia was so different.
We were blessed to live close to our team members. Within the first month of our arrival, our team had a meal together at our neighbor’s home. The children played outside as the adults finished the meal inside.
One of the older children asked my three-year old daughter, “Where do you live?” We had prepared our daughter for many things, but her response had not been part our preparations. She replied simply, “Well, it doesn’t matter where I live, because Jesus lives in my heart.”
Our daughter’s words quickly reminded me of a truth that I had forgotten somewhere between the Los Angeles International airport and Southeast Asia. Through her words, the Father reminded me that no matter where I live, He is there with me. What more do I need?
Written by Susan, an IMB missionary serving in the Pacific Rim
Father, give me a heart that says what this precious one said. When I complain about where I live or where I’m moving to, remind me that geography is unimportant to you. With you in my heart, I’m at home anywhere. Help new missionaries to make this transition joyfully. Amen.
Have a blessed day
Bro. Clay
Aug 14th, 2006
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NASB)
In 1993 when Dalese and her husband were going through the process of becoming missionaries they were asked what they hoped to communicate to the people of the Ukraine where they would be living. The answer they gave was, “Hope.”
When they arrived on the field, they were not prepared for the deficiency of hope quickly visible in the eyes of the people. Olga was one whom the Lord brought into their lives. Dalese and her husband had witnessed to her for more than a year and were beginning to feel that we were getting nowhere.
One Saturday, Olga came to visit with Dalese. She was in the middle of typing a test for her son, so she asked if she could finish before they talked. Olga sat down beside Dalese in the study and talked to her while she typed. Dalese was half listening when she heard Olga say that she was coming to believe that one must have hope. Dalese stopped typing and turned to her and said, “Yes, Olga, one must have hope, but that hope must be in Jesus Christ!” The two went into another room and knelt by her son’s bed, where the Lord brought Olga to himself and gave her the hope that she was seeking.
Much has changed over the years in the Ukraine for Dalese and her husband. But one thing is constant . . . hopelessness. Spreading the gospel will silence the despair.
Living in countries where hopelessness is so prevalent often leads missionaries to feel hopeless. They know they could not make it without the many prayers offered to the Lord on their behalf.
Father, I pray that you will give missionaries joy in their salvation and that they will be able to share this joy so that all peoples will know the hope that is in Jesus Christ. I pray that missionaries and I will not fall into depression. Make us a joyful testimony today. Amen.
Aug 11th, 2006
“There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.” 2 Corinthians 4:18 (MSG)
A few months ago, Ann, a missionary in the Pacific Rim received an unusual request from her brother-in-law. He wanted her to buy a pair of Birkenstocks for her 11-year-old nephew. That wasn’t unusual. What seemed unusual to her was that he requested clogs.
Clogs? “Do boy in the U.S. wear clogs?” She asked her husband. He shrugged not knowing. “Do boys in the U.S. wear clogs?” She asked a career missionary colleague. She got the same vacant stare. “Do boys in the U.s. wear clogs?” She asked a 20-something two-year missionary fresh off the plane. “Yes,” she replied, a bit surprised by her question.
So Ann bought the clogs for her nephew and her anxiety level began to increase. She had the disconcerting, out-of-touch feeling about their impending furlough in the States. She resigned herself to the reality that she was going to look like a missionary.
It isn’t just clothing styles that change during a missionary’s time on the field. Hairstyles change. Products change. Technologies change. Music tastes change. Television themes change. Certainly, change is inevitable. To survive, we must all learn to cope with the many changes we face. But God wants us to do more than just cope. He wants us to experience His abundant life. He wants us to thrive. To do that, we must focus not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.
Focus on the big picture. Focus on eternity. It helps keep the change in perspective. Continue to remind yourself to experience abundant life and not to worry about the changes that you can’t control anyway.
Eternal Father, the same yesterday today and forever, thank you that your plans and purposes never waver. In a world of constant change and flux, help me deep my eyes firmly fixed on you to see your vision and with unshakable resolve, follow your leadership. Amen.
Have a blessed day
Bro. Clay
Aug 9th, 2006
“He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to announce that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.” Isaiah 61:1b (NLT)
Several years ago J.S., a missionary in the Pacific Rim, moved from a nice house with a yard, trees and flowers to a lower-class house in a crowded neighborhood with no yard. This move immersed them in a neighborhood where their people group lived. Now they have opportunities to share God’s love and experience the culture on a daily basis. It not only helped them personally, but has also given them opportunities to train others to reach the lost.
While on a visit to the states, J.S. visited with a dear friend who lives on the dogwood trail in Knoxville. She was able to sit at her friend’s bay window and enjoy the view of her backyard in its autumn splendor. She couldn’t help but contrast the view from her window with the view from her own dining room window overseas. There are no pretty trees to look at, only a wall.
