On Him They Laid the Cross

Luke 23:25 - Now as they led Him away, they laid hold of a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, who was coming from the country, and on him they laid the cross that he might bear it after Jesus.

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We know the account of Jesus carrying His own cross to His crucifixion. We know the symbolism of Simon the Cyrenian being asked to take up the cross and carry it for Jesus. As believers we are all called to take up our crosses for Jesus.

Being a follower of Christ is not easy. Taking up our cross means we die to ourselves and learn to live for Christ. As people mocked, jeered and rejected Him and His words of truth, so will people do the same to those who take Him at His word, who believe His truth. We learn to daily to die to self, to know what truth is and not be in the world while living here. We do not accept the things God rejects. This is hard for many people. 

There are many who believe we are in the last days mentioned in the Bible. We see it all around us and we see how quickly things are happening. Many others do not see it, or choose not to, saying times have changed...and shouldn't we just fit in with those times? God's Word has clearly shown us right from wrong but somehow some have decided His words are outdated. God is the same today as yesterday and will be the same tomorrow. And since this statement is true...and Jesus is God and the Word...this/His Word never changes either. 

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13:8‬)

God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven. ‭‭(Numbers‬ ‭23:19‬, Psalm 119:89‬)

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Just because the majority of society does not believe won't cause God to change what is happening. He has been longsuffering and still continues to love us all, but He will do all it takes to open people's eyes to His truth. It may seem old fashioned, unfair or disastrous, but it is only bringing us to His glorious end. Glorious to those who believe, trust, serve and obey Him.

Amid the junk going on we can have peace, but it only comes from knowing Christ. He is all we need. He will provide, supernaturally and in His perfect timing, when we need it. We need not fear. He can be our strength, our portion, our refuge in times of trouble. We look to Him and no one else.

We sang a song last Sunday that has stuck with me all week! Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus. Won't you trust too? 

Luke‬ ‭9:23-24‬ ‭- Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it."

Dying to Self

Luke‬ ‭9:23‬ ‭ - Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

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I visited a friend yesterday. I'd not seen her in months due to illness. I was so thrilled and blessed to see her and so thankful she's feeling better, knowing each day will bring more improvement.

As we shared what's been going on, she mentioned how she has had to go through a whole summer of dying to self as mentioned in the verse above. It's something we all need to experience. For some it comes on a daily basis, others not so much. I think as long as things go well in a person's life it can be harder to do this. That probably was an admission that I may not be doing such a good job of that myself. Sometimes a difficult trial will cause more self-denial. 

Dying to self is something we have to work at, and that is through obedience to God's will. We need His help and guidance. We cannot do it on our own. In fact, we need God all the time! This is a life-long process for sure. Let's face it, we are all so me-oriented. Get thrown into a situation, a life trial, where what we have always been able to do or be is suddenly squelched, we learn...humility, dependence (preferably on the Lord, although here on earth, also friends and family) and...ugh, denial of self. 

Jesus gave up His life; He so thoroughly denied all of Himself for us. He gave His life. That is what we are called to do. How well do we do this? Are we willing to give up some of our precious time for someone else? We have to search our heart's motive, however. Are we willing to give up that precious time when we would rather be doing something else? Or will we do it when it's convenient?  How selfish are we? How much are we willing to do for or give to someone else? Jesus gave it all. We are called to do the same. 

Sometimes dying to self, dying to our plans for a morning, a day, a week or a season, is how we learn more about our God and His sacrifice for us. It just don't come easy! A rebellious bunch we are. How God can love us still amazes me. 

Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. (‭John‬ ‭12:24‬)  I like another version which says: ...but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Jesus also said this: Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. (John‬ ‭15:2‬)  What happens to those branches that are pruned? They are thrown into a fire to be burned (John 15:6). They are so not useful...

My friend will have a lot of fruit after all this. Difficulties definitely cause one to think...about what's important, what was all vanity, a grasping for the wind...and most importantly for someone in Christ, how to draw closer to Him, to rely on His strength, comfort and peace.

It goes hand in hand...in hand...this dying to self, pruning and bearing fruit. When we come to Christ, it is a requirement. The old man dies so the new man may live. Quite often the old man lingers and that's where the pruning comes in. Snip, snip...off goes more pride. Snip, snip...there goes self reliance. Snip, snip...that fear must go. Snip, snip...self, self, self and selfishness must cease. The more that's pruned the more like Christ we become. 

And that is what He wants. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son... (Romans‬ ‭8:29‬)  But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2Corinthians‬ ‭3:18‬)

He laid down His life for us so, as we die to self, we are to lay down that selfish life for others (1John 3:16). Part of that includes sharing this Gospel, even when some don't want to hear. It's desiring that others get this thing of relationship with Christ. Without it we are nothing, dead in our sins, lost, blind, without understanding, without truth, without hope, without certainty. We die to selves and take the offense by being outspoken for the Lord. 

He came for shepherds and kings, the poor and rich. We all need a Savior whether we believe it or not. We all have needs. The person who has little needs more of Christ. The person who has more, even much, may need much more of Christ. One who has little is 
grateful for a little more. One who has much has a lot more to lose. But Christ knows the needs and saves all if they respond.

I have a long way to go. Get out those pruning shears, Lord. 

Ephesians‬ ‭4:22,24‬ - ...that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts...and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. 

Sacrifice, Death, Life

Genesis 22:1-3 - Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am." Then He said, "Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you." So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him."

Where do I start this morning? Oh, I suppose at the altar! This goes along with the blog the other day about Jesus having gone before us…to His own altar, to His cross. This is more about the cross, the meaning of it, the meaning of dying to self, of giving all to God and letting Him handle our situations, about trusting Him for all things. It's a very important topic.

Our pastor, Rory Grooters, preached this message: Altar Calls: God's Private Places of Testing and Trust. After hearing Pastor Dan's message last week, Come and Die, this message is even more of a reminder of what we are called to do as true believers of Christ.

Like Abraham who took his son, Isaac, to Mt. Moriah to sacrifice per God's request, God sacrificed His son, Jesus. Isaac's life was spared. It was a test for Abraham to see how much he trusted his God's commands. Jesus, although He died, arose to life. (As an aside, Mt. Moriah became the site of today's Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Uh, Jerusalem, Jesus. Isaac, Mt. Moriah. A sacred place to God.) 

The altar is a place of sacrifice. Sacrifice means death. But then death means life, in God's eyes. There are many who can't or will not make that sacrifice…the very first one being giving our lives to Christ. After that the sacrifices should be daily: Here I am, Lord. It is a new day. Take my life and do what you will with it. I am Yours. To die is to live and gain, according to Your plans.

It is important to know that Jesus is Lord. Jesus is the only Way, Truth and Life. No one goes to the Father except by Him. This world is in a downward spiral. There is deception by an enemy that we will not be able to run from and which is growing larger and stronger...a real enemy. But Jesus is our hope. 

I know internet, blogs, emails could very well be monitored for content. It seems unlikely that little, ole me would be spotted out, but you never know… I know that standing for the truth could be costly some day...it could cost friends, family, lives. We know that there is an infiltration within our own government of this enemy. Our current president is bowing to it. There are factions within our government who, somewhere down the line have ties to terrorism, to control this nation, to control the world, to kill the infidels! And this particular infidel means anyone who believes in Jesus Christ.

But I know Who the Way, Truth and Life is. I trust that no matter what might happen to me, He will see me through. This trust only comes from laying my hopes, my dreams, my fears, my life down at God's altar, like Jesus did…not My will, but Yours, be done. Yes, not my will, Lord, but Yours.

What do I have to fear in this world? The physical world is governed by men. There is a spiritual world  governed by God. This spiritual world has greater importance. It is important to know the Ruler of this spiritual world. There is a bumper sticker: No peace, no God; Know Peace, Know God. There's more truth to that than you can imagine.

We were called to the altar in church yesterday to place whatever we needed to at the foot of the cross and offer it as a sacrifice. Give it to God and trust He will provide. As pastor told us: the altar calls take us from where we want to be to where God wants us to be. It's where we lay it all on the line. It's where we place our hope in God's hands. We trust God will provide, like He did for Abraham. Like He did for Jesus when He provided life out of death. 

We cannot have hope of any consequence without first knowing Jesus. He showed us what we are to do. He spent time with His Father privately; then went out publicly to do His Father's will. The most impressive and public moment of Jesus' life was after He went into the Garden of Gethsemane and gave Himself to the Father…then He carried His own cross and died…for us.

The altar means we die to self, carry our own cross…sacrifice our own hopes and dreams for God's. It's dying to live and knowing that when we do God will provide. We need to understand the very heart of the meaning of what Jesus did for us.

So, we must sacrifice our own lives, die to self and receive Christ. We must let go of the things that prevent us from knowing the absolute truth of who God is. We must let go of the pride and arrogance of being self-made people. Self must die. With this death, praise God, comes a new life, in Christ, and eternal life at that. We must decrease so God can increase (John 3:30).

Will we be asked to physically give our lives for Christ? We don't know for sure. Some will. Would we be willing to? Or would we deny Christ to save our mortal lives? This is where we need to lay it all at the foot of the cross…now. It's where God's will in our lives gives us the strength, peace and hope for our future…now.

We have an enemy. This enemy is gaining ground. What we see happening in the world today was written about thousands of years ago. If we don't see it, we are truly lost. The enemy did not start in the physical…he is spiritual and has taken root in the very souls of our enemy. If we don't understand this, we will not be prepared. There will be no government to save us. Government cannot save us: only Jesus Christ can.

Are you willing to lose your life for Christ that you might live? Or do you want to save your earthly life…and thus lose it?

Matthew 16:25 - For whoever is bent on saving his [temporal] life [his comfort and security here] shall lose it [eternal life]; and whoever loses his life [his comfort and security here] for My sake shall find it [life everlasting]. (Amplified version)

He Goes Before Me

Luke 14:26-27 - "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple."

Our youth pastor, Dan Wenig, preached on Sunday. For being hired to be head of music ministry a few years ago, he has come a long way in a short time! His message was Come and Die, a message he also preached to his teens. A powerful message...and not just for teens! He said we all know about God's love, His grace, goodness, mercy, but what about what Luke 14 has to say about dropping everything NOW and following? Not on your terms but His. Not when you are ready but when He asks. Not when you feel you're comfortable but at any time. Not because of what the culture dictates but what God's Word says. And will it be all or nothing? Not all things that are easy to do; not all things people are willing to do. 

This fits with something I wrote a long while back about being on the fence. You either are for Jesus or against Him...there's no middle road. And it goes along with Jesus' telling us that following Him is the narrow way...which few travel. This sermon of Pastor Dan's was convicting. I spent the day thinking about it...with still many questions. How much am I doing? Is it enough? Am I in God's will or my own? And worse yet, do we ever really know...?

A song, At the Cross, was sung by our worship team at the end of the sermon and while at the altar I heard one verse out of all the others:

       

       You go before me

       You shield my way

       Your hand upholds me

       I know You love me

It was like He wanted me to be assured of this. Yes, He does. And we cannot lose sight of this! When we are determined to be His followers and He shows us where and when He wants us to move, He has already gone before us and been at work before us, in so many ways. This is what trusting in Him is all about. He's beside us, before us, behind us and IN us and never leaves our side when we are in His will. He will shield us. We do not need to be perfect; we just need to do. We will all make mistakes in our witness of Him. We overdo, underdo, misspeak, offend by accident, offend on purpose, speak too quickly or not quickly enough. But His hand will still uphold us.

I can honestly say I am still working on this! But in this past week I have seen a couple things transpire where when it was done I stood amazed at what had happened! Because it was so easy, it had to be God. It had to be His Holy Spirit at work, forming the words, causing the conviction that made me think: I HAVE to tell this person what I believe, whether it's taken as something some wacko would say, or hopefully will cause the person to think on it...it has to be said. The truth must be heard. But I am sadly in need of more ability to have ears and eyes being attuned to those things around me. Be more aware of prompting and acting on them...as Pastor Dan said, NOW. Not thinking hours later, "I shoulda said...."

Like I said, his message caused me to think and converse with the Lord, even plead, that I would be counted as one who will carry my cross daily. Who will not allow the comforts of this life to interfere with what God has planned. Again, the question, how do I know I am doing this?

I know it has to do with reacting to the Spirit. Listening to Him speak, feeling His nudge. Are there things I need to let go of (I'm sure there are) in order for more of this to happen? What are they? Is there anything I can do or do I let God do it? Any answers to these questions would be greatly appreciated!

Pastor Dan said for some it is just a lack of commitment. In this earthly life we've had it too good. We're accustomed to creature comforts. There's a scripture that says Jesus had no place to call home. He wandered and relied on others' to board Him. He was always on the move. This is what we are to do...not that we sell our house and wander, although that's pretty much what people who are dedicated to missions work do. We are to give up the creature comforts of our daily lives and be about His business. Oh, it's always easy to "preach to the choir" but what about those who don't even attend church?!

We are told repeatedly we cannot do anything on our own to become saved...and followers of Christ. It's not about how good we are or the wonderful deeds we do. First come into relationship with the Lord, then the works we do will be recognized because they come from our hearts and done with the right motive...to glorify God. In Luke 13:24 Jesus told us, however, about one thing we can strive for: Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. There you have it. The narrow gate. The narrow path. The narrow way. Strive to enter that way.

Jesus is the narrow Way. And because of mindsets in this world He is not received as He should be. He is not followed as He should be. He is not taken as seriously as He should be. Is it too uncomfortable? Is it what today's culture believes in? Do we not think this is our time, but later, when we are ready? Will it be our terms or His? Will it be all or nothing? Lots to think about. And believe me, I'm still thinking.

I think we can get hung up with believing we are doing His will when we might not be. We can think we are committed Christians when we are not. We can rationalize...oh, how we can rationalize. 

Following Christ takes commitment. We must hate our father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and our own life also... We must forsake all. We must carry our cross daily. We must die to ourselves daily and as Pastor Dan posited: Sounds pretty final, huh? Jesus did. He left His family, His home. He forsook it all. Then He carried His own cross and died...for those of us who would dare make a commitment to Him. He was our example. How many are willing to do this for the One who did it all for us? 

It doesn't mean we all must leave our families, unless He makes it clear we must. But we must be willing to not stand with the beliefs of those who do not take the Lord seriously. We must be willing to put our foot down and say we cannot do that because it would not be in the best interest for me because the Bible clearly says no to that. That includes standing against abortion, homosexuality, sex before marriage, horoscopes and mediums, even yoga! It doesn't mean hating anyone who believes these, and other things; just not standing with them.

We are to love the Lord our God, Jesus, with all our hearts and all our souls (Luke 10:27). That means we have no other gods before Him (First Commandment). That's the gist of it all. Nothing should mean more than our love for Him. If we seek Him first, all other things will be given to us as well (Luke 12:31). A tall order to be sure. But there are great rewards if we follow these principles. There is a lost and dying world right before us. What commitment do we have to expound on the truth? Remember, He goes before us.

Matthew 10:37 - "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me."

Your Will Be Done

Acts 2:1 - When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

Another very well-pulled-together Sunday in church. There are definitely some changes taking shape. Little by little I'm seeing hearts coming together in one accord. From early morning prayer to Sunday school to Sunday service. There's a shifting taking place. Or maybe it's been happening all along and I'm just now aware of it. Maybe the change is taking place in me. Whatever it is, I'm grateful to be part of it. I relish the challenge set before us as a church. There is a remnant in the gathering of people I'm part of and this is where I am the happiest. I have felt for a long time God would raise up a remnant in this church.

Sunday school is filled with people determining to go deeper in relationship with God. We talked about the gifts we are given when we enter into relationship. Once we identify these gifts they are meaningless unless we utilize them. And that utilization is doing God's will. It's hearing His voice or His call in our life to "do" something using that gift. It's realizing that we give up more of ourself to do His will...and also realizing that when we do, what we have given up is replaced with something greater than what we thought we had. Such a difficult concept to explain, we agreed, and harder to understand...it just happens. 

The other day I was contemplating writing about the verse in Matthew 19 dealing with having to sell what we have and just follow Christ. Luke 12 pretty much says the same thing. In Sunday school it was actually discussed when a woman explained that a family member questioned the literal or figurative meaning of the scripture. The answer to "just what does this mean," as we concluded was: if God so chooses us to literally give everything we have to follow Him, it's a decision we have to make. Chances are it is an example of how He is wanting us to give thought to where our treasures in life are. Chances are He will not ask us to give up everything or leave our family or whatever, but if He did, would we be willing? 

As was shared, some of us have had to give up friends over the years because of our faith. We may have other things to give up. And along the way, if something gets between the Lord and ourselves, He will show us. Do you choose this or Me? And we might very well say we are willing to give everything up, but let us hang on to thus and so. Just don't take thus and so away, Lord. No, not thus and so! And yet when we do, we realize we've lost nothing but gained a lot more!

Where did all that come from? How did that fit into this? Oh, yeah...doing God's will! How God orchestrates the day. As we entered service and heard the message for the day, wouldn't you know it was not just about hearing God's Word, but being doers of it. We haven't fully arrived if we have not done what we've been asked. I sometimes wonder where I stand. Is it in my heart to do but ends there? Or maybe I'm getting there and "haven't arrived" yet. 

I just know there's a shifting taking place in my spirit. I awoke at some time in the early Sunday morning hours. I was very aware that I had been praying hard for God's Spirit within our church. I prayed, I believe, in my sleep that in every area and in every person who stepped into our church would sense the presence of God, that God would anoint the pastor as he spoke, that the music would draw us each individually into worshipping in spirit and in truth. I believe it happened. There was a peacefulness, a worshipfulness.

Pastor Rory Grooters talked about our life being about our character...our life is filled with triumphs and tragedies and despite these things we must be determined to do God's will. He brought up the Garden of Gethsemane and how Jesus was our example. He knew what was ahead of Him and He knew how difficult it would be. Like us, He prayed that if there was any way He could avoid His upcoming torturous crucifixion, He would be glad...but if not He was willing to do God's will. It showed His true character...willing to give up His life that we might find ours. He had to do something for us.

Earlier Jesus had answered the disciples' question, "Lord, how are we to pray?" And part of Jesus' answer was "Your kingdom come, Your will be done." In both cases He gave us an example to live by...Your will be done, Father. He was always in tune with His Father's voice and His Father's will. He was in one accord with His Father. So we should be. Sometimes easier said than done. Are we going to allow our will to blatantly override the will of our Father??? Do we dare when we say we love the Lord? 

All that keeps going through my head is: this is the narrow road. It's about giving up my life to serve One who is greater than I, imitating Him...and yet knowing we will never be greater than He. I'm not sure I have a strong grasp of this yet, I'm sorry to say. I think I've been missing something somewhere, but I'm trembling at the thought of a change taking place. Not my will, but Yours, Lord. You are the One who gives me the desires of my heart...which are actually Your desires for me. 

We sang a song called "I Give Myself Away" by William McDowell. It was a powerful and touching time for me and I'm sure others felt the same. The words go like this:

Here I am

Here I stand

Lord, my life is in your hands

Lord, I’m longing to see

Your desires revealed in me

I give myself away

Take my heart

Take my life

As a living sacrifice

All my dreams, all my plans

Lord I place them in your hands

Chorus:

I give myself away

I give myself away

So You can use me

I give myself away

I give myself away

So You can use me

I can honestly say I don't know that I have dreams or plans. There are things I'd like to do but I don't expect to do everything I'd like! Right now all I want is to know I'm in God's will. Use me wherever I might be.

One more thing Pastor Rory mentioned was about his mother's death and what was involved in carrying out her will. When we put together a will there are four things that become part of it: 1) Knowing, 2) Trusting, 3) Controlling, 4) Dying. In the spiritual, the first three relate to Someone else and the fourth one relates to ourselves. When we are in Christ it's about who we know and trust and who has the control of our lives...and then it's up to us to die to ourselves, to give ourselves away so he can use us.

All this to say that I see a remnant heart within our church of which I hopefully am part. But I will gather the remnant of My flock...and bring them back to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase (Jeremiah 23:3). What a promise. A remnant will have one heart, one desire, be in one accord...which means being totally in God's will, knowing what it is. I know that I know that the part of being in God's will is being dedicated to knowing the truth of His Word, and not mincing words when speaking it to others...with no concern for our own comfort. Sometimes those words are hard and convicting and not met with enthusiasm. But who are we living for, ourselves or God?

I mentioned the book, Radical by David Platt. Although I've only scratched the surface of this book, I'm pretty sure God's will is an integral part of what Platt has to say. His will has not included watering down what God/Jesus has said. The Church in general has strayed from the real truth of the Gospel message and the real truth about who Jesus is, what He does and what He expects from us. We must be doing God's will and dying to self to be in one accord.

Lord, God, let us approach You boldly, in true humility, like the woman with the issue of blood who crawled to get to You. How she was determined to touch the hem of Your garment that she might be healed. A good part of that healing for us would be to rid ourselves of our own willful desires. Your will far exceeds our own. You were our example all throughout Your ministry. You did Your Father's will. Let us, then, be dedicated to following Your example. As you shake and sift our own lives and that of our church, continue to build up that remnant who seeks Your face, longs to hear only the truth You have to share with us and which seeks only to do Your will in their lives.

Ephesians 5:1-2 - Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. 

Do We Really Need the Government?

Acts 20:35 - I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive.'' 

I watched the Glen Beck the other night. My blog the other day was called Do You Believe in Miracles? That could have been what this program could have been called if it had not been called a Glenn Beck Christmas special!

Beck was in the small town of Wilmington, Ohio. Their major business concern three years ago was DHL, an international delivery company whose national hub was in Wilmington. The company shut down their domestic delivery service and pulled out of town bringing hardship to this community of 11,000 people. Why?...8,000 lost their jobs! But the people of Wilmington were not about to give up hope. The town experienced miracles. They pulled up their bootstraps and did some amazing things, enough to cause Beck to take notice. They chose not to ask for government assistance. Instead, the town rallied together and helped each other out. Now that makes a person smile and gives that warm and fuzzy feeling.

There was a woman who took it upon herself to start a prayer ministry. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week this town of many people from the 32 churches gather where  chalkboards are displayed with various prayer requests. It could very well be the town's success has come from this ministry, from the dedicated people who have humbled themselves before God and made these requests known to Him. Although there's a part of this country that is not seen God's blessings, this town is. Glory goes to God and God alone. Who needs the government when God is in control!?

Think what could happen if more people in more towns would shake the victim mentality of just wanting government to take care of them and begin to seriously consider helping each other out or applying themselves. The Bible tells us For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat (2Thessalonians 3:10). God worked...He created this world and everything in it...and when He was done He proclaimed it was good. Shouldn't that be example enough? 

Glenn talked to several people he'd come across after speaking with some of them. Some were from town, some came to Wilmington to be part of this celebration. Story after incredible story were shared of how people have begun to listen to Beck, have heeded not only his warnings but his suggestions, have even begun to seek God, and have seen wonderful changes in their lives.

A woman saw a hotel for sale. It had been for sale for a long time. She inquired about it but wasn't so sure she and her husband could afford it. It would take a lot to fix it up. But she met with the seller and he trusted she could do what needed to be done and they shook hands on an agreement. The hotel is up and running today.

One man and his family lost their business in a fire. They never felt so alone. Through his church he was introduced to a man in Wilmington who had a building he could relocate to and rebuild his business...on nothing more than a handshake...because the same thing had happened to him twenty years prior and he knew what this man was going through.

In the two cases I mentioned it was not just a handout. They were miracles. Miracles of a human nature done out of selflessness of heart. They were examples of people choosing to do something to help someone get a new start. They were able to move forward...on a handshake. People helping people. Not people whining about government assistance. 

There's a lot to be said for giving out of the very pure motives of one's heart. This is what Jesus would want us to do. 

This is a season of giving. It is more blessed to give than to receive, Jesus has told us.. Can we ever get a full understanding of this? Can we shake off the life we've become used to if this is not our nature? Can we step out of our comfort zone and get off the couch and away from the television and do something for someone else? Can we give without expecting anything in return but perhaps a warm, fuzzy feeling knowing we have given something to someone who needs it?

Another man runs the local food pantry. He prays over all the shelves and trusts God for the results. He has enough food to last six months. We need more of this. We need to begin to believe that God can do what He tells us...that He is our provider. He used people, but it was He who urged them to give. 

Beck explained how his good Jewish friend, Rabbi Daniel Lapin, broke down the meaning of the Hebrew word for love. The Hebrew language is so filled with meaning. Within the four Jewish symbols of the word are the center two. The center...the center...and they mean to give. Isn't that what love is supposed to be? You give, not take. To give of ourselves, not to ourselves. I sometimes feel I have failed in this area. Maybe it's because I did not receive as a child. So what about this thing I've been saying about my relationship with Jesus? Shouldn't that have healed that part of me? Perhaps it's in the works. I know there's a stirring going on...

Wilmington is an excellent example of what this country needs to be. This is what we used to be as a nation. Always giving. Now we are a country in debt. We need a country of people like those of Wilmington. I have heard, and Glenn says the same thing, there is going to be a spiritual awakening in this country. It's just a matter of time. The things that Wilmington can represent I think can be just the beginning of that revival. One town, then two and little by little a movement that cannot be mistaken or overlooked.

As we enter into the Christmas season where love--and giving--is to predominate, let us keep this all in mind. Let us give....not necessarily stuff, but let's give of ourselves. Let us push aside our own wants and needs and reach out to others. Let us go beyond what we have always done and let us communicate our love in our actions. Let us step beyond what we would consider "our job." 

Our families may not be needy and we don't have to give physical gifts, but we can give of ourselves... Remember what Jesus did for us. He gave His life. Can we not give just a moment of our life, putting aside our own desires for just a moment of time in our lives, for the family? Can we not turn off the television for a time and listen to each other and join in the conversations? I guarantee we will be blessed if we do that. Let's shake the crabbiness and desire to control and just let things fall where they may. Let us not shush the children or grouse at a spouse!

A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor. [So] do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship (Proverbs 22:9, Hebrews 13:16, Romans 12:1).

Sacrifice--Some More

Romans 12:1-2 - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Our lives are to be a living sacrifice to God. I found this anonymous poem some time ago and saved it for future reference. I don't think I need to say much more than this. Do I sacrifice at all times? No. Does anyone? I don't know. We are not perfect. But these are almost as good as the Ten Commandments. This is how our hearts should be in all things. It is our "reasonable service." 

I remember one time asking God to interrupt my day. And interrupt He did! Unfortunately, when that interruption came via phone message while I was in the midst of running "important" errands, I'd forgotten what I'd asked God to do. I heard that still, small voice in my spirit saying, "I'm interrupting you!" "Oh, yes, Lord, you are aren't you? Okay then...." And I heeded the request from a friend. It was the most delightful time and the most freeing experience. That's what happens when we hear God's voice and obey. Nothing but blessings. 

More recently, like yesterday, I felt ignored by some friends...at church. I'm going to think it was unintentional but it bothered me, even each time I awoke in the night...the feeling of heaviness was there. And what did I keep hearing again in my spirit: "It doesn't matter...I (Jesus) am all you need." When I reread this poem, I had confirmation and felt awful for how I had felt. But then again, aren't we human? And doesn't God know?

Imagine if we could feel like every day is a sacrifice and would allow the words of this poem be part of our accepted principles for daily life. 

Anonymous Sacrifice Poem

When you are forgotten, neglected, or purposely set at naught, and you don't sting or hurt with the oversight, but your heart is happy being counted worthy to suffer for Christ; 

That is dying to self.

When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinion ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart or even defend yourself, but take it all in patient, loving silence;
That is dying to self.

When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, any annoyance; when you can stand face to face with waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensibility, and endure it as Jesus did;
That is dying to self.

When you are content with any food, and offering, any raiment, any climate, any society, any solitude, any interruption by the will of God;
That is dying to self.

When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation or record your own good works or itch after commendation, when you can truly love to be unknown;
That is dying to self.

When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met, and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy, nor question God, while your own needs are far greater and you are in desperate circumstances;
That is dying to self.

When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself and can humbly submit, inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart;
That is dying to self.

Jesus knew all about sacrifice. After all, He sacrificed His life for us. His life was spent being rejected and criticized. But He didn't quit. He didn't say, "Father, I've had enough of this stuff. I'm just plain tired of it. I'm quitting."

As followers of Christ we should have the same thoughts. It's not about us, it's about God working through us to teach others about Jesus, to bring others into relationship with Him, to show them the Way to eternal life. He lost His life and we are to do the same; live for others, not for ourselves. God will bring the reward when we do this...do not fear! If we quit just because others are rejecting what we say, we are rejecting Jesus ourselves. We are to do the will of our Father...that's the obedience part. We are to not let what others think or say cause us to stop...that's the sacrifice part. God will deal with the hearts of those who reject or mock. It is He who does the ultimate heart-shaping work. Mmmmmm, that's comforting.

Matthew 16:24-26 - Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?"