Scripture:
"After Ehud died, the Israelites once again did evil in the eyes of the Lord."
Judges 4:1
Observation:
The book of the Judges records a terrible cycle in the history of Israel--one of rebellion and repentance, repeated over and over again. Some how the Israelites never seem to learn the lesson. They never make the connection between obedience and blessing and disobedience and devastation. Yet God repeatedly takes them back, time and again, when they finally recognize the error of their ways, he takes them back in forgiveness.
Application:
That's among the best things I've ever heard! I am embarrassed to say that I am often just as wrong-headed as the children of Israel. It turns out, I too am stubborn and stiff-necked! I'm so thankful that God forgives and forgets. That He removes my sin as far as the east is from the west. How remarkable that He does not tire of having his children come back to Him in repentance--His mercies are new every morning!
Prayer:
Father,
Thank you for not keeping track of the number of times I foolishly demand my own way, the times I fail to submit, or choose selfishness over grace. I am so grateful for your mercy in my life.
Amen
Monday, March 24th, 2008 by Randy
Title
One more for Jesus!
Scripture
“To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. [23] I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.” 1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (NIV)
Observation
Paul’s passion for others well ups in this chapter. For him, sharing the gospel was not an option, but a godly calling, compelling him point one more person to Christ. In these two verses Paul gives some important principles to bridge the gap. First, we must cultivate a relationship with others that makes them feel accepted and not threatened. Paul writes, “To the weak I become weak, to win the weak”. Paul was willing to be vulnerable. Also, Paul said “I have become all things to all men…” He saw the importance of finding common ground with the unbelievers. In fact he went so far as to write, “so that by ALL possible means, I might save some.” Without compromising his faith, he was willing to do whatever it took to win one more.
The last part of this verse ends with a promise. There is a blessing that comes only from sharing our faith. Paul says he does this for the sake of the gospel--that he may share in its blessings. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing someone come to Christ. There is nothing more lasting. Nothing more God-honoring.
Application
I want to share my faith more. Too often in the business of my schedule (so I think), I fail to slow down and relate to those outside the faith. God wants me to be sensitive to the needs of others and actively look for opportunities to share him. I want to be willing to do whatever it takes to point one person to Jesus! The cool thing is that I don’t believe God is asking me to stand on a corner or go door to door. He wants me to share with people in the places I already frequent. My neighbors, at the coffee shop, when I’m exercising. My heart needs to be broken for these people who don’t know Jesus.
Prayer
Father, may I have great passion for the lost around me. I know that is your heart. I want it to be my heart. Help me to be willing to “be all things to all men” to point people to you. AMEN.
One more for Jesus!
Scripture
“To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. [23] I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.” 1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (NIV)
Observation
Paul’s passion for others well ups in this chapter. For him, sharing the gospel was not an option, but a godly calling, compelling him point one more person to Christ. In these two verses Paul gives some important principles to bridge the gap. First, we must cultivate a relationship with others that makes them feel accepted and not threatened. Paul writes, “To the weak I become weak, to win the weak”. Paul was willing to be vulnerable. Also, Paul said “I have become all things to all men…” He saw the importance of finding common ground with the unbelievers. In fact he went so far as to write, “so that by ALL possible means, I might save some.” Without compromising his faith, he was willing to do whatever it took to win one more.
The last part of this verse ends with a promise. There is a blessing that comes only from sharing our faith. Paul says he does this for the sake of the gospel--that he may share in its blessings. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing someone come to Christ. There is nothing more lasting. Nothing more God-honoring.
Application
I want to share my faith more. Too often in the business of my schedule (so I think), I fail to slow down and relate to those outside the faith. God wants me to be sensitive to the needs of others and actively look for opportunities to share him. I want to be willing to do whatever it takes to point one person to Jesus! The cool thing is that I don’t believe God is asking me to stand on a corner or go door to door. He wants me to share with people in the places I already frequent. My neighbors, at the coffee shop, when I’m exercising. My heart needs to be broken for these people who don’t know Jesus.
Prayer
Father, may I have great passion for the lost around me. I know that is your heart. I want it to be my heart. Help me to be willing to “be all things to all men” to point people to you. AMEN.
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