Christian Commentary Encouraging Devotions

What are we missing in the here and now?

How do we abandon ourselves and fears in pursuit of God?

There's a new book, "Dying To Live".

The title reminds me of Mark 8:35.

Two e-mails today. Same thought.

"Many seeds have been sown.

At times we wonder if anything is happening with some of the seeds,

but then we remember... that's not our concern.

God brings the increase (the growth and fruit)."

" ...it's been incredible the things God has put in our path providing for us,

and already we have been able to pray with 3 people and talk to a few others who have been willing to talk about Jesus,

some of whom are already believers but just haven't experienced the fullness of Christ,

or who are struggling in their faith.

So we're praying that the people we have talked to will meet other believers to urge them on,

but mostly that they will go and read their bibles regularly and really find Jesus.

One person plants the seed, another waters, but only God gives the growth.

So far it feels like we've been not planting seeds, but watering, and it's really neat.

Haha, I feel like I'm a gardener walking across Europe with a big watering can."

And this from Jerry Rankin...

"We've lost the spiritual vitality needed to penetrate strongholds of darkness

and bring a lost world to faith in Christ.

Not only does the lack of spiritual vitality lead to shallow faith and compromise with the world,

it leads us to substitute mission methods that are based on our own efforts and ingenuity.

We substitute the power of God with our own resources.

It is quite satisfying to go to the mission field and build a church building,

provide humanitarian aid and feel good about what we have done without any lasting results.

Make no mistake,

feeding the poor,

ministering to those who are suffering and rebuilding disaster-hit areas are appropriate.

Compassion demonstrated by a godly love in communities that do not know Jesus does make an impact.

But Satan is delighted for us to be satisfied with having given of our time,

contributed significant expense and helping a lot of people

without introducing them to the One who can give eternal hope.

We need to be careful lest what we do as missions is more about making us feel good than being a channel of God’s power."

P.S.

Title from The Righteous Brothers, "Rock and Roll Heaven".