Day 8
This devotional was so timely! We are fighting a great battle and the Lord wants to know which of us are really going to stand strong in the face of the enemy. Take the leap into the battle using the word of God as our weapon!
“Be strong and courageous.”
Twice in Deuteronomy; four times in Joshua; three times in Chronicles
When it comes to bravery we have, on the one hand, “Brave” Sir Robin, from the comedy “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” As he marched through the forest, his faithful bard extolled his bravery in song. “He was not afraid to die,” the bard sang. “He was not at all afraid to be killed in nasty ways.” Throughout the song, the torments that “Brave” Sir Robin would gladly endure increased to ludicrous proportions. Sir Robin’s courage could be seen melting away on his increasingly terrified countenance. His true colors were shown at the very next opportunity, when he fled from combat in cowardly fear.
On the other hand, we have courage such as that demonstrated by Ray Blankenship: When he saw a little girl being swept away in the waters of a flooded storm ditch he leapt into the deep, raging waters after her as quickly as he could. They were swept violently downstream, and just before the stream disappeared underground beneath the road, he managed to grab a handhold on the bank and pull the girl to safety. Ray later received the Coast Guard’s Silver Lifesaving Medal for the courage he demonstrated, which courage was magnified by the fact that Ray did not know how to swim.
“Brave” Sir Robin fled from the battle, while Ray Blankenship rushed directly in. Two very different responses to danger, each one demonstrating the inward condition of the heart. The Christian life is not for the faint at heart. It is not for those who will flee from challenges but is for those who will look into the flames and say with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it!”
We as a church must be prepared to wage war in the spiritual realm through intercession, sacrifice and obedience. The enemy will not give up in his attempt to steal, kill and destroy, and we must therefore not flag in our vigilance! Like David’s mighty men we will fight, for we are “more than conquerors” through Christ.
Prayer focus: Ask God, on behalf of yourself and those you are closest to, for supernatural courage. Intercede for the spiritual battles you believe could most easily hinder this work. Pray that God raise an army of warriors for the ministries of River Oaks Community Church and then enlist!
“When I was crossing into Gaza, I was asked at the check-post whether I was carrying any weapons. I replied: Oh yes, my prayer books.” Mother Theresa
Day 7
How big is God in your mind? If He is beyond big and beyond powerful in your mind then you are ready to take a leap in faith that will even surprise you! Our God is great and awesome and He is able to supply all of our need and desire if we simply trust Him enough to let Him do what He wants to do. Jesus met a rich man open day that asked Him how to get to heaven. The response Jesus gave is incredible…He told him to sell all that he had and then give his money to the poor. Of course this rich man walked away disappointed and never saw the glorious riches that God was ready to pour upon him because he could not trust God in this way. What about you? Are you up to this kind of challenge?
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart…”
Proverbs 3:5
Once upon a time there was a fellowship of saints in a distant land whose poverty was enough to cause derision, condescension, and mockery. Their clothing was threadbare. Their meals were simple and few. Their homes were far from impressive. Yet their hearts were generous. When an area several days journey from them was ravaged by famine, they worked even harder and sacrificed even more. Little by little, their offering grew until it seemed even to the wealthy areas nearby to be borderline extravagant.
In love, they lavished this generous gift upon their distant brothers and sisters in Christ, and their hearts surged with a joy in giving that made every sacrifice seem as nothing. Their giving also served as an inspiration to many, and their offering was joined by gifts from everywhere. The apostle Paul briefly mentioned this church—the church of Macedonia—when he wrote to the Corinthians. He said that out of their “extreme poverty” they demonstrated “rich generosity.” They gave of their own initiative, even beyond what seemed to be their ability. (2 Cor. 8:2-3).
Extreme faith requires fierce courage. The Macedonians put themselves out on a limb. Would God provide? Would they suffer unnecessarily? Perhaps these questions entered their minds. Thankfully, they knew the great promises of God and trusted Him to provide all their needs “according to His riches in glory.” Not only did God provide for them, he also used them to provide for others. They were shining examples to others who might have been hesitant, and God immortalized their brave generosity in Scripture as an inspiration for all generations.
As a church, we must now discover further heights of generosity within ourselves and adopt that as a new standard. For many, this sacrifice will require great courage and unshakeable faith. Let us embrace the reality that He never changes. He provided for the Macedonians, and He always takes care of His sheep. In love, let us bravely step into a whole new dimension of service to the King!
Prayer focus: Ask God for courage to look beyond the victories of the past and look forward to ever-increasing vistas of generosity. Pray that God will provide our every need as individuals and as a congregation. Pray for divine courage and for a rich outpouring on the needs.
“All that I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Day 6
When we truly begin to seek God our priorities begin to shift as we realize all that really matters in life. I am believing God to help us through this project as we all begin to shift our thinking away from the temporal and earthly goods, towards eternal and heavenly treasures!
“I eagerly expect and hope…”
Philippians 1:20
In his classic novel, Great Expectations, Charles Dickens tells the tale of Pip, a young man raised in the dreary English countryside. Pip becomes enamored of a stunningly beautiful young woman and eventually receives a large inheritance from an anonymous donor. He is quickly deceived by empty hopes of romance and earthly prosperity. When he moves to London to be trained as a gentleman, he discovers that wealth offers little happiness and can even make life more miserable at times. All his hopes are dashed violently to pieces by folly, chance, and cruelty. Heartbroken and disenchanted, he begins to learn lessons about the things that matter most in life.
Fate finally seems to take a turn for the better at the very end of the novel, after Pip has learned the lessons of character, loyalty, hard work and true friendship. Though the entire novel seems shrouded in a dismal and hopeless melancholy, it closes in a “broad expanse of tranquil light.” The reader is left, at last, with a glimmer of true hope—a hope not founded on shadows and falsehoods, but on truth and love.
Life without hope is oppressive and bitter. Equally dangerous is life lived by the deceiving allure of false hope. Jesus taught that “the cares, riches, and pleasures of the world” can function like a cancer, choking spiritual vitality and strangling the soul. But true hope is like an anchor—it can hold firm through any storm. The believer whose hope is in the right things will be free from the enticements of this world—liberated to do great things for God, and their expectations can soar beyond their wildest dreams.
God is setting before us a great expectation. As we set our hope in things eternal, we can know that this “hope does not disappoint us.” (Rom. 5:5). Let us enter this season with great hopes and heavenly expectations. Let us set our desires and hopes on things that will make a difference for eternity—great things, vast things, glorious things. We may take it as a fact that we will NOT be disappointed!
Prayer focus: Ask God to turn your heart from any hopes that might prove empty or temporal, and prayerfully determine to place your hope in things eternal. Pray that as a congregation we would embrace this project with boundless hope. Pray for faith and expectation to soar among us into the endless realms of God-sized possibilities!
“Low expectations are a curse to greatness.” T.D. Jakes
Day 5
“It’s Mine…all mine!”
When did we stop learning how to share? In pre-school we were taught that we had share the toys or we would end up in time out. Yet somehow as we got older it became acceptable to us to want everything for ourselves…we no longer wanted to share. Sometimes what we have can be the difference between life and death for someone else…are we willing to share what God has given us? Are we willing to end our selfish materialistic ways? If we are then God has treasures for us that we can’t even imagine!
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…”
Ephesians 3:20
During World War II, Ernest Gordon served as a captain in the Scottish military. When he was captured by the Japanese army, he was marched deep into the jungles of Thailand along with thousands of other POW’s, where he was subjected to inexpressible horrors. All around him multitudes were dying of sickness, malnutrition, outright murder, and broken spirits. Over the first year of his imprisonment, the prisoners degenerated into moral depravity and animal selfishness. Captain Gordon nearly died of disease and starvation that year but was nursed back to health by the rare nurture of two Christian men. Shocked and humbled by their kindness, he rededicated his own life to the Lord.
Gradually the self-sacrifice of the few began to inspire the many, and within the next year the camp had been spiritually transformed. They began to put one another first. They sacrificed for those who needed it most. They risked their lives to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of their fellow prisoners. They even chose to love their tormentors. Revival was in the camp, and the Holy Spirit was taking over! The valley of the shadow of death served to show them their need for God’s grace and love and push them toward the cross—toward Life.
God has created mankind with a nearly boundless capacity to endure suffering. The human soul can also go far beyond mere endurance in such circumstances; it can thrive! Sometimes hardship is exactly what believers need in order to discover the infinite potential that is Christ in them, “the hope of glory.” Sometimes an impossible challenge is the key to discovering mountain moving faith.
As a church, we are facing a seemingly impossible challenge, but God is using it to help us enter a new level of living in the impossible! Like the priests of Israel, it is time for us to step into the Jordan River and watch in awe as God parts the raging waters.
Prayer focus: Ask God to give us a selfless heart. Pray for willingness to face the impossible and faith to believe for it. Pray that God will bring our congregation to a whole new level of faith and endurance. Imagine what he can do through us, and then ask him to go far beyond even that.
“When God intends to make something wonderful, he begins with a difficulty. When he intends to make something very wonderful, he begins with an impossibility.” Lord Coggan—Archbishop of Canterbury
Day 4
Ok…let me begin by saying that my intention during this 14 day prayer journey was to update a quick blog post and include the devotion for that day…well it is day 4 and I am finally getting this done!
Our devotion today is really powerful as we begin to think of where we would be if great people of the past had not made the sacrifices necessary for us as a church and a nation. Would I be serving Christ today if someone had not sacrificed themselves and gone into the prison walls to share the gosple? Yet today I can live a life of peace and joy in the Lord because of the sacrifice of others. Now I want my life to count for the good of others. The things I do and the sacrifices I make now will impact people for years to come. So what are we willing to sacrifice for those coming behind us?
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you.. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”
Hebrews 13:7
“I have a dream.” These words have been indelibly carved into the heart of the western world by one of the greatest leaders of all time—Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He stood for peace. He stood for equality. He stood for love. He stood for Christ! He stood boldly as his opponents threatened him. He stood firm while others turned to violence. He stood strong when others had wilted under the pressures of hatred and bigotry. Now he stands in the presence of God among the martyrs, but his words live on and his vision continues to bear fruit.
Martin Luther King Jr. died for what he believed in. More importantly, he lived his life and laid it down to serve the vision of God’s heart. Thankfully, many saw this vision through Dr. King and chose to join him. Had he been alone in this fight, we would still live in a nation of segregation, bigotry, violence and oppression with millions of our dear neighbors relegated to second class citizenship simply because of the color of their skin. But because many joined him in pursuing the dream, we now live in a much more just society. And the progress in racial reconciliation continues to this day—far beyond the life of the man, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Throughout the ages of human history great leaders have arisen and helped mankind accomplish great things. But the leaders do not deserve all the credit—great leaders are ineffective without great followers. Others must catch the vision and help to see it accomplished. This takes unified effort and willing support. Every individual from young to old is essential to the fulfillment of the vision.
As a church, we have been blessed with incredible leaders who see far beyond themselves to the heart of God. In unity they have developed a plan to accomplish great things for the kingdom of God. Now it comes upon us as a congregation to support that vision with our lives and to do so joyfully. Together we can accomplish something that will continue to grow and bear fruit beyond our wildest dreams!
Prayer focus: Ask the Lord to bless our leaders and give them strength. Pray that we would all be united in vision, in willingness, in sacrifice. Ask that the fruit of the Spirit would be upon us abundantly as we labor with God’s power to achieve this vision.
“Behind an able man there are always other able men.” Chinese proverb
Family
One of the best things about our earthly relationship with Christ is the fact that we become part of a great family. We have many blessings to come when we accept the free gift of salvation yet while waiting to be united with Christ in our glorious state, we have the opportunity to love and be loved in return through the family of God.
Yesterday, I had the privilege of working with Paige as we took Dexter to the airport and put the two of them on a flight that he didn’t know he was taking! Paige surprised Dexter with a trip to Dallas so they could attend the Potter’s House church where Bishop TD Jakes is the pastor. Since Dexter loves the ministry of the Bishop this was sure to be a great birthday present. The best part though was seeing Dexter’s face when he saw his ticket and realized that we were not there to pick anyone up but to send him off instead.
If I was not in the body of Christ I would never of had this sort of opportunity! Praise God for His awesome earthly family and thank God that I am a part of that family!!!
Sunday Reflections
Incredible Day! I knew going into this day that it was going to be full. Also, when I woke up and saw the snow I knew it was going to be a challenge. I had no idea though just what all would happen and how God would move through this day.
- We had our video shoot today for our new campaign that we are soon to launch “Reaching Up, Reaching Out”. The video team was at the church to set up at 7:30am
- At 7:45 I received a call that our Office Manager was not doing well and that the Paramedics were on their way to the house. I left the video team and ran to the house…she was coming around after a frightening few moments.
- By 8:50 I was returning from a quick trip to Robbins and the snow was really picking up.
- Just after 9am I prayed with our video team because I was beginning to feel really discouraged about this day
- Worship was awesome and the preaching was off the hook as Dexter preached like never before.
- The altar was filled as people were wanting a closer relationship with God and to find that secret place with Him!
- We had our largest attendance of the year!
- Our cook out and pot luck was great with the best food I’ve ever had.
- It was a special treat to have Jason House drop by.
- The interviews for the video were really good as I heard that we got some great comments for our videos.
- I ended my interview session at 4:50pm and then had to quickly set up our Foundations Class and our New Members Class. Two classes in two different sides of our building and people coming eager for their particular class!
- I finished the Foundations Class just after 7pm and then sat in for the last half hour of our New Members Class.
- By then we had a few guys coming into the gym for our Basketball Outreach.
Now I am home and one really tired guy! Go ahead Lord Jesus!!!
Night of Worship March 20, 2009
Sleep Aid
Last night I was looking through the over the counter sleep aids when I saw this. Look at the top of the box…
Now, if you look closely you will see that this is the non-drowsy formula. If you are in the market for a sleep aid isn’t this the wrong sort of information to include on your box? Maybe its just me but if I need help falling asleep…then I want all the drowsiness they can include legally!
The Strength of the Christian Family
Yesterday we took time during our service to pray for a family from Christian Life Center that lost their child in a horrific accident. During terrible tragedies like this, the true spirit of the church family at-large can be seen. We are one in spirit regardless of denomination or affiliation as we are all one through Christ our Lord. Please ROCC continue to pray for this family. You can read more about this horrible situation by following the links that are on Pastor Jerry’s blog.
Let us show the love of Christ by reaching out in love and support!
