“My Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:40)

May 10, 2011

What is God’s will for you? Here it is from the lips of Jesus. What does your future hold? Resurrection. So, look to Christ and believe.

“They forgot the God who saved them” (Psalm 106:21)

May 9, 2011

In bondage they cried out, but in freedom they forgot. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness until a faithful generation was raised up. Are we a faithful generation or have do we have spiritual amnesia? When will we remember that freedom isn’t a result of political process, but of spiritual rebirth?

“In those days the word of the LORD was rare” (1 Samuel 3:1)

May 8, 2011

Not that God wasn’t willing. Man wasn’t listening. Then, a woman named Hannah gave her son Samuel completely to God. He was one of the greatest prophets in all Israel. And the once barren Hannah became known as one of the greatest mothers. Happy Mother’s Day!

“I prayed for this child and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now for his whole life he will be given over to the LORD (1 Samuel 1:27-28)

May 7, 2011

Hannah is a godly example of motherhood. She asked God for a son and gave him back to God when he was born. She named him “Samuel” (“Heard of God”). To whom do your children belong? Are you like Hannah?

“He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge” (Proverbs 14:26)

May 6, 2011

When we fear (respect, revere) our God it teaches our children more than our words. It teaches them that we are not the final authority but are all under God’s authority. It provides order to a world full of chaos and security in a time of storm.

“I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest” (John 4:35)

May 5, 2011

Spiritual receptivity is seasonal. It follows the movement of God. We must work while the Spirit moves because Winter will come again when work is not effective. During harvest season work as long as it is day and pray for the Lord to send more workers. I believe we are in such a season now.

“He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30)

May 4, 2011

What John the Baptist said when asked about Jesus. I like the KJV for this: He must increase, but I must decrease.” Let’s pray this prayer together today: “Lord, I want less of me and more of You.”

“No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again” (John 3:3)

May 3, 2011

The kingdom of God is only perceived with spiritual eyes. Those who haven’t been born again are blind to spiritual things. Only Christ can give us eyes to see and ears to hear. Born again people have been made alive spiritually.

“But he did not know that the LORD had left him” (Judges 16:20)

May 2, 2011

Samson didn’t even notice when the Lord’s anointing left him. We can make this mistake when we make our worship and ministry too man-centered. Don’t presume the Lord’s presence in your work. Instead, join Him in His. Would you notice if He wasn’t present in your life or church?

“’Come and see,’ said Philip” (John 1:46)

May 1, 2011

How Philip invited Nathaniel to follow Christ is still one important strategy for ministry. The other is “Go and tell.” Healthy churches do both. Today is the first Sunday in WCC’s new home. Go and tell someone to come and see.