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SHOULDER TO SHOULDER #204 ---- 11/26/01

#1 · November 26, 2001, 12:25 am

Quote from Forum Archives on November 26, 2001, 12:25 am
Posted by: lifeunlimited <lifeunlimited@...>

Standing Shoulder To Shoulder Together As We Fight the Good Fight of Faith

A personal letter of encouragement to you, written solely to "lift up hands that hang down".

TO SUBSCRIBE send a blank message to [email protected] .
TO UNSUBSCRIBE send a blank message to [email protected] .
IN EACH CASE you will receive an automated request for confirmation which you must answer.
FOR BACK COPIES go to www.welovegod.org/digests/shoulders . Click on "Read Messages"

SHOULDER TO SHOULDER #204 ---- 11/16/01

TITLE: "Ministry's Essential Element"

My Dear Valued Friend and Cherished Partner in Ministry:

Greetings in the wonderful and matchless Name of our Lord Jesus Christ! I pray that "you will prosper in all things, even as your soul prospers" (III John 3). We live in such an exciting time filled with blessings that are greater than our burdens, and promise that exceeds our problems.

God gave us an incredible conference last week, doing above and beyond anything we could have ever asked. While there were many who stayed away from the services, including several who have been creating conflict in this particular church, the people who are the real heart and backbone of the church came faithfully. They had such a hunger . . . . it is like nothing I've seen in many months. The theme of the conference was "Restoration".

I dealt with "Patterns Of Purification For Restoration" (at the pastor's request) during the Sunday school hour. During Sunday's morning service I covered "God's Purpose For Restoration" from Genesis 1:26. Sunday night during a banquet I spoke on "Restoration's Goal ---- the flow of love" from I Timothy 1:5. During noon meetings on Monday and Tuesday I spoke on various aspects of prayer in ways that undergirded the general theme. Monday night I spoke on "Prohibition of Restoration" from Luke 15 on bitterness and unforgiveness. Finally, Tuesday I spoke on "The Prerequisite For Restoration ---- cleansing the temple" from Matthew 21.

It was indeed a wonderful experience. Some of the purest expressions of praise and worship were evident. Though not highly emotional, they were deep . . . . like deep water, they ran quietly with no rocks in the way.

VERY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:

For several weeks I have been following the developments of a proposed resolution from the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives that would set a time and place for a "National Day of Reconciliation and Prayer". Earlier this week I received the following information with great joy. I want to urge you to pass this information on to as many as possible, and perhaps even try to schedule a joint gathering with the Congress on Tuesday, December 4 at the same time. Note the following important information I received on this matter from the "Presidential Prayer Team". If you want more details, check out www.presidentialprayerteam.org. In the meantime, here is the gist of the announcement:

"On November 14, the House of Representatives and the United States Senate passed an unprecedented concurrent resolution establishing a 'National Day of Reconciliation,' to take place Tuesday, December 4, 2001. On that day, our nation and elected representatives will pause to seek God's blessings in prayers for unity, forgiveness, reconciliation and charity.

"CONCURRENT RESOLUTION Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), that on a day of reconciliation selected jointly by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate, and with the Chaplain of the House of Representatives and the Chaplain of the Senate in attendance--(1) two Houses of the Congress shall assemble in the Hall of the House of Representatives; and (2) during this assembly, the Members of the two Houses may gather to humbly seek the blessings of Providence for forgiveness, reconciliation, unity, and charity for all people of the United States, thereby assisting the Nation
to realize its potential as the champion of hope, the vindicator of the defenseless, and the guardian of freedom."

STILL MORE ON ISLAM AND MUSLIMS:

Recognizing that some may consider me to be a hater of Muslims or people of the Arab nations by what I am sending, I still am compelled to unequivocally declare that what we read, hear, and see from the still politically correct media, . . . . and even from some so called Christian circles as well . . . . the Islamic religion is from its very beginning, in it's basic teachings, and in its ultimate agenda, a militant religion clearly set against every and all religions, and most particularly Judaism and Christianity. All other religions are clearly seen as enemies of Islam, and based on the clear teachings of Mohammed, are to be treated as such with acts of war, destruction, and death.

While, as in Christianity and Judaism not all such believers fully embrace and practice certain aspects of their claimed faith, not all Muslims believe in or practice such radical steps. And that's good. I recently received the following quote from one of the major political figures, a devout Muslim, in Bosnia. "The U.S. has been in Bosnia for almost six years now and there hasn't been a single negative gesture by the Bosnian people towards U.S. soldiers. This is not by chance. It is a reflection of the positive stance of our public towards the U.S. presence here." ---- Alija Izetbegovic (former Bosnian president and head of the country's largest Muslim political party, speaking to Time Magazine)

Jo Ann and I find that same attitude to be true wherever we go in the Balkans among the Muslim people. They are gracious, hospitable, and tolerant people . . . . there is no doubt about that. The facts of the historical record, however, cannot be denied. Islam in its very core is a religion that preaches violence and intolerance. We can thank God that only a few of its practitioners embrace and follow through with those teachings.

Several weeks ago I mentioned that I believe Islam is the primary threat to Christianity because it is the antithesis of all that Christianity stands for. The descendants of Ishmael remain on the opposite side of the spectrum from the descendants of Isaac.

There is no doubt that this religion must be reckoned with. If the Church thinks this matter will go away, it is grossly mistaken. It will not. It cannot, for that religion has been around too long for it to simply disappear. And, with the actions of radical Islamics over the past few years, and particularly since September 11th, the lid has been taken off of Pandora's box, and that which has escaped can never be re-captured apart from the victorious return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

So . . . . where does that leave us?

It leaves us in the awareness that we have a great need to be educated about Islam, filled with love and compassion for the Islamic people, and be equipped and prepared to share the good news of Jesus with them in such a way that does not attack their religion, but clearly reveals that Jesus is the final answer to and the ultimate fulfillment of all religions that are seeking after God. After all, in a way Christianity is not as much a "different" religion from Judaism as it is a "fulfillment" and completion of all that Judaism teaches. It's just that, tragically, the Jews do not recognize Jesus as the One whom their own religion promised would come.

So, with that in mind, I think you might like to know some of the current resources that are available to help you in your personal preparation to love, pray for, and minister to the precious people of Islam. The vast majority are so horror stricken and grieved over what some of their fellow Muslim extremists have done that they are both watching to see how Christians will react and are also open to hear what Christians have to say.

We'd better be sure we can say it knowledgeably, and with limitless love and compassion.

Consider these resources:

1. Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) has recently announced the release of a video on the true teachings of Islam. While I have not seen the video, I do believe it could be a useful tool in helping train believers to share their faith in Christ. Note the following information:

"Terrorism has become a threat to every American and every Christian. It's important for you and your family to understand the true agenda of radical Islamic fundamentalists.
CBN News has produced an exclusive video expose' called The Jihad Trail. Inside this report you will learn details of this 'holy war' that you won't find anywhere else.

"You'll see exclusive interviews with Islamic leaders and disciples who expose radical Islam's call to eradicate Christianity; their willingness to take human life; and their ultimate plan for Israel and America. Discover shocking evidence revealing how terrorists are a threat to you and your family.

"America has never faced an enemy like this before. What can we do to win this battle? Discover the truth that many in government and in the mainstream media have not been telling you. Learn how current "political correctness" has kept these things hidden from the general public. "

For details on securing this video, "The Jihad Trail, go to www.cbn.com.

2. Andrew Purvis of Time Magazine recently interviewed the former president of Bosnia, Alija Izetbegovic, in Sarajevo. Included in the interview were interesting remarks regarding his views of Christianity, noted below. The entire script can be found on their website at www.time.com.

"TIME: What do you think of bin Laden?
Izetbegovic: Nobody can use the Koran to cover what has been done in N.Y. and Washington.

TIME: Is he, in your opinion, twisting the Koran?
Izetbegovic: Let me give you an example. Christianity is very clearly based on love and tolerance. Yet the Inquisition led to the murder of non-believers. Were the people in the Inquisition sincere believers or not? I believe they were sincere. But they understood the Bible in a certain way. Now we have these Muslim terrorists who are doing the same thing."

YOUR MINISTRY'S ESSENTIAL INGREDIENT:

You and I both know this, but, like others, we probably neglect it pathetically. It is a rare minister that really does this well and consistently.

What am I talking about?

Developing and maintaining a healthy and consistent personal walk with God.

And, in light of the current conditions in our world today, being a spiritually healthy leader with immediate and intimate contact with God through regular times with our Father is, without controversy, the most important thing we'll ever do.

As goes our time with God, so goes our ministry.

As I considered writing about this subject, I ran across an excellent article by Bobby Moore through the LifeAction Ministries website. He said all I intended, and more. So, I want to pass that on to you from my heart.

I might add that if you really want to connect with one of the most outstanding websites and ministries that focuses on revival and awakening, theirs is one of the best. I have subscribed to their regular "revival link" e-mail service at [email protected]. I would urge you to visit their website at www.LifeAction.org. There is an abundance of excellent articles on various subjects, along with information about their ministry. You'll be glad you did.

Now, . . . . I hope you'll be refreshed by this short article. Even better, may we both . . . . . may we both be convicted to the point of action.

OVERCOMING SEVEN OBSTACLES TO HEALTHY DEVOTIONAL PRACTICE
Bobby Moore

Once you make a commitment to spend time with God regularly in Scripture reading and prayer, you will likely face a variety of obstacles and frustrations. At least that has been my experience, and I don't think I'm alone in it.

I want to share with you seven of the obstacles I have encountered in my devotional life, along with some of the ways I have overcome these obstacles.

1. Lack of Discipline

Since coming to recognize the importance of having a daily devotional life and establishing one for myself, I have asked hundreds of Christians about their own devotional lives. A large percentage of those I have talked to said they did not have a consistent devotional life. It saddens me to see how many Christians are negligent and disobedient in this vital area. But I can understand it, because I was once the same way myself.

How did I overcome my lack of discipline in the vital matter of my personal devotional life? Simply by recognizing the importance of what I was overlooking. Of course, this insight is hardly original with me. Joseph Parker said, "If I really love my Savior, nothing will stand in my way of a personal meeting with God every morning." Oswald Chambers said, "It is impossible for a believer, no matter what his experience, to keep right with God if he will not take the trouble to spend time with God. Spend plenty of time with Him; let other things go, but don't neglect Him."

Once I recognized the importance of the personal devotional life, I made the choice to discipline myself and give priority to starting and continuing daily devotions. Soon I was experiencing God in a more intimate manner in my devotional times.

2. Lack of Concentration

I have found that, when I have difficulty keeping my mind and heart focused on the Lord during my devotional time, one of several actions will help me.

I personalize the promises of God. For instance, I personalize Philippians 4:5: "The Lord is at hand." I repent of my lack of concentration and focus on the Lord's promised presence with me. Or I personalize Isaiah 26:3: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." I ask the Lord to give me the ability to keep my mind from wandering and to keep it fixed on Him. Or I personalize 2 Corinthians 10:5. I ask the Lord to enable me to "[bring] into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."

I speak aloud. Oswald Smith shared that wandering thoughts in his personal devotional life often plagued him. He got rid of the wandering thoughts by reading God's Word aloud and praying aloud. That same strategy has often worked for me, too.

I make a list. I remember hearing Del Fehsenfeld Jr. share that he kept a piece of paper and a pen next to him during his quiet time. As his mind would drift to things he needed to do that day, he would jot them down and then refocus on God. At the end of his devotional time with God, he would ask God to prioritize the list and organize his schedule for the day.

I ask God for help. Dr. Stephen Olford advised me to communicate with the Lord when my mind and heart are wandering. He counseled me to ask the Lord these questions: Lord, what are You saying to me? Is there a promise for me to claim? Is there an example I am to follow? Is there some sin I am to avoid? Is there a command for me to obey? Is there any new thought about God the Father, God the Son, or God the Holy Spirit I am to have? Is there a new thought about Satan? "Never leave a passage," Dr. Olford said, "until you can write down what God is saying to you in order that you can pray it back to God."

I praise God. Praise brings us into the presence of God. In Psalm 100:4 we are encouraged to "enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise." When my heart and mind are wandering, I make the choice to refocus on God by praising Him.

3. Interruptions

Disruptions of my regular routine and other interruptions are major obstacles to my personal devotional life. These have included vacations and extended periods of travel. But in fact, anything that causes me to miss a day of my personal devotional time with God is a problem, and anything that causes me to miss several days is a crisis.

I have met this obstacle by making my personal devotional time with God my highest priority. It is a matter of planning and being creative with my schedule. In taking practical steps to overcome interruptions, God has helped me protect my devotional times as if there were nothing more important. In reality, there isn't anything more important.

4. Hurry

Samuel Chadwick said, "Hurry is the death of prayer." It is equally the death of the personal devotional life. Some of the major battles I fight in my personal devotional life are rushing into my time with God and rushing through my time with God.

I have discovered that nothing is so important to my spiritual growth and welfare as my personal devotional life. Because of its importance, I cannot afford to hurry my time with God. When I hurry through my personal devotional time, I will without fail feel that I have missed God and feel ill prepared for the trials, tests, temptations, and tasks I face throughout the day.

Several Scripture verses have given me guidance in conquering the "hurry up" obstacle in my personal devotional life. In Isaiah 40:31, God promises, "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Another helpful verse is Psalm 46:10, which exhorts us to "be still, and know that [He is] God."

It takes time to still your heart and mind to commune with God. I start my devotional time by praying, "Lord, I want to meet with You. I need You. I cannot and will not face this day until I get through to You. So, however long it takes, I am here to meet with You." Seeking God is not a "hurry up" matter. It is a heart matter, and heart matters take time.

5. Dry Periods

All of us struggle with discouragement due to dry periods in our personal devotional life. I have faced these dry times in a variety of ways.

I personalize the promises of God by inserting my name into them. For example, I personalize 2 Timothy 1:7 in this way: "God, You have not given me, Bobby, the spirit of fear, but of love and power and a sound mind." And I personalize Psalm 84:11 like this: "No good thing will You, God, withhold from me, Bobby, when I am walking uprightly."

I pray Psalm 139: 23-24: "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." After I have prayed this, I write down every sin that God reveals to me. I then confess every sin, as 1 John 1:9 instructs me. Dealing with my sins clears the slate with God and gives me water for my dry periods.

I read a different translation of the Bible. Reading a new translation or comparing different ones, I've found, can stimulate new insights into Scripture. The unfamiliar wording is helpful, of course, because it gives different slants to the meaning of the passages. But so is the very cleanness of the pages. Because my eyes are not drawn to notes and highlighted passages from previous study, the Scriptures feel as beautiful and inviting as a fresh snowfall on a crisp winter morning.

I record encouraging words. As I read God's Word and pray, I write down the promises that relate to my situation and the solutions God gives for dealing with the hurts and needs in my life. This comforts me with a sense of God's great care for me.

I fast. This can be fasting from food, from TV, or from a hobby. But whatever it is that I'm giving up, the purpose is to spend more time with God while sharpening my sense of neediness before Him.

6. Lack of Application

The personal devotional life is not an end in itself; it is a means to meet with God and apply what God says to my life. Truth is to be lived and not just learned. Yet sometimes I'm tempted not to apply or personalize what I've learned. At times like these I turn to verses that remind me of the importance of applying God's Word to my life. One of the verses that helps is Hebrews 4:2: "The word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith." Faith is a personal and active response to the promises of God to meet needs in my life.

As I personalize and apply God's Word in my life, I am refreshed and live in communion with God and victory over sin, self, and Satan. Personalizing God's Word has become the goal and joy of my life.

7. Prayerlessness

I know that I should pray because it is the only way for me to communicate with God. I know that I should pray because God has commanded it. I know that I should pray because Jesus and the saints of old prayed. I know all these things, and yet sometimes I am tempted to omit or assign an insignificant place to the prayer aspect of my personal devotional life.

Prayer is not easy; it is a spiritual battleground. As Charles Finney said, "Nothing in the whole Christian religion is so difficult and rarely attained as a praying heart." He's echoed by Samuel Chadwick: "The one concern the devil has is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, prayerless ministries. He laughs at our toil, mocks our wisdom, but trembles when we pray."

When I don't pray, I'm only hurting myself. Graham Scroggie said, "A prayerful life is a powerful life. A prayerless life is always a powerless life." When I am prayerless, I must confess it and forsake it. Dr. Stephen Olford gave me his formula for overcoming prayerlessness: "Pray when you feel like it. Pray when you don't feel like it. Pray till you do feel like it."

And consistency in prayer is an attainable goal. George Mueller said, "I have known my Lord for 57 years, and there has never been a single day that I have failed to gain an audience with the King."

Finally: Building a Devotional Life

If you've been struggling in your personal devotional life, I hope the obstacles I've identified in my own devotional life comfort you with the knowledge that you are not alone. But equally, I hope that the strategies I've outlined to overcome those obstacles encourage you to believe that you can break through to a rich and healthy life with God.

As one last encouragement, let me share with you a prayer that has never failed to help me when I've faced obstacles and frustrations in my personal devotional life:

"Almighty God, in this quiet time I seek communion with Thee. From the fret and fever of the day's business, from the world's discordant noises, from the praise and blame of men, from the confused thoughts and vain imaginations of my own heart, I now turn aside and seek the quietness of Thy presence."

Building a devotional life is like building a house: you start with the foundation and work upward. You don't expect to build a complete house on the first day, and neither does a rich devotional life happen immediately just because you want it to. Your personal devotional life will grow as you face obstacles and frustrations in the spirit of Galatians 6:9: "Let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap if we faint not."

IN CONCLUSION:

Well, my friend. I trust you have been as blessed, and as convicted, as I. May we both take seriously the instruction and admonition of this writer. That particular article ends by asking these practical application questions:

1. Am I meeting with the Lord daily? Is my time with Him a priority?

2. Am I applying to my life the truths He reveals to me?

3. Do I hurry through my time with him as a duty, or do I become still and
wait upon Him?

It then concludes with this observation by one of the Church's great men:

"It is impossible for a believer, no matter what his experience, to keep right with God if he will not take the trouble to spend time with God. Spend plenty of time with Him; let other things go, but don't neglect Him." -- Oswald Chambers

God bless you. Let's covenant together today that we will seek out the presence of God for simple times of refreshing with Him.

In His Bond,

Bob Tolliver -- Rom 1:11-12
Copyright November, 2001

Life Unlimited Ministries
[email protected]
Do You Get "Shoulder To Shoulder"?

"Those that are bound for heaven, must be willing to swim against the stream, and must not do as the most do, but as the Best do." (Matthew Henry).

If this letter has blessed you, feel free to forward it, with proper credits, to any and all you wish.

Posted by: lifeunlimited <lifeunlimited@...>

Standing Shoulder To Shoulder Together As We Fight the Good Fight of Faith

A personal letter of encouragement to you, written solely to "lift up hands that hang down".

TO SUBSCRIBE send a blank message to [email protected] .
TO UNSUBSCRIBE send a blank message to [email protected] .
IN EACH CASE you will receive an automated request for confirmation which you must answer.
FOR BACK COPIES go to http://www.welovegod.org/digests/shoulders . Click on "Read Messages"

SHOULDER TO SHOULDER #204 ---- 11/16/01

TITLE: "Ministry's Essential Element"

My Dear Valued Friend and Cherished Partner in Ministry:

Greetings in the wonderful and matchless Name of our Lord Jesus Christ! I pray that "you will prosper in all things, even as your soul prospers" (III John 3). We live in such an exciting time filled with blessings that are greater than our burdens, and promise that exceeds our problems.

God gave us an incredible conference last week, doing above and beyond anything we could have ever asked. While there were many who stayed away from the services, including several who have been creating conflict in this particular church, the people who are the real heart and backbone of the church came faithfully. They had such a hunger . . . . it is like nothing I've seen in many months. The theme of the conference was "Restoration".

I dealt with "Patterns Of Purification For Restoration" (at the pastor's request) during the Sunday school hour. During Sunday's morning service I covered "God's Purpose For Restoration" from Genesis 1:26. Sunday night during a banquet I spoke on "Restoration's Goal ---- the flow of love" from I Timothy 1:5. During noon meetings on Monday and Tuesday I spoke on various aspects of prayer in ways that undergirded the general theme. Monday night I spoke on "Prohibition of Restoration" from Luke 15 on bitterness and unforgiveness. Finally, Tuesday I spoke on "The Prerequisite For Restoration ---- cleansing the temple" from Matthew 21.

It was indeed a wonderful experience. Some of the purest expressions of praise and worship were evident. Though not highly emotional, they were deep . . . . like deep water, they ran quietly with no rocks in the way.

VERY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:

For several weeks I have been following the developments of a proposed resolution from the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives that would set a time and place for a "National Day of Reconciliation and Prayer". Earlier this week I received the following information with great joy. I want to urge you to pass this information on to as many as possible, and perhaps even try to schedule a joint gathering with the Congress on Tuesday, December 4 at the same time. Note the following important information I received on this matter from the "Presidential Prayer Team". If you want more details, check out http://www.presidentialprayerteam.org. In the meantime, here is the gist of the announcement:

"On November 14, the House of Representatives and the United States Senate passed an unprecedented concurrent resolution establishing a 'National Day of Reconciliation,' to take place Tuesday, December 4, 2001. On that day, our nation and elected representatives will pause to seek God's blessings in prayers for unity, forgiveness, reconciliation and charity.

"CONCURRENT RESOLUTION Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), that on a day of reconciliation selected jointly by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate, and with the Chaplain of the House of Representatives and the Chaplain of the Senate in attendance--(1) two Houses of the Congress shall assemble in the Hall of the House of Representatives; and (2) during this assembly, the Members of the two Houses may gather to humbly seek the blessings of Providence for forgiveness, reconciliation, unity, and charity for all people of the United States, thereby assisting the Nation
to realize its potential as the champion of hope, the vindicator of the defenseless, and the guardian of freedom."

STILL MORE ON ISLAM AND MUSLIMS:

Recognizing that some may consider me to be a hater of Muslims or people of the Arab nations by what I am sending, I still am compelled to unequivocally declare that what we read, hear, and see from the still politically correct media, . . . . and even from some so called Christian circles as well . . . . the Islamic religion is from its very beginning, in it's basic teachings, and in its ultimate agenda, a militant religion clearly set against every and all religions, and most particularly Judaism and Christianity. All other religions are clearly seen as enemies of Islam, and based on the clear teachings of Mohammed, are to be treated as such with acts of war, destruction, and death.

While, as in Christianity and Judaism not all such believers fully embrace and practice certain aspects of their claimed faith, not all Muslims believe in or practice such radical steps. And that's good. I recently received the following quote from one of the major political figures, a devout Muslim, in Bosnia. "The U.S. has been in Bosnia for almost six years now and there hasn't been a single negative gesture by the Bosnian people towards U.S. soldiers. This is not by chance. It is a reflection of the positive stance of our public towards the U.S. presence here." ---- Alija Izetbegovic (former Bosnian president and head of the country's largest Muslim political party, speaking to Time Magazine)

Jo Ann and I find that same attitude to be true wherever we go in the Balkans among the Muslim people. They are gracious, hospitable, and tolerant people . . . . there is no doubt about that. The facts of the historical record, however, cannot be denied. Islam in its very core is a religion that preaches violence and intolerance. We can thank God that only a few of its practitioners embrace and follow through with those teachings.

Several weeks ago I mentioned that I believe Islam is the primary threat to Christianity because it is the antithesis of all that Christianity stands for. The descendants of Ishmael remain on the opposite side of the spectrum from the descendants of Isaac.

There is no doubt that this religion must be reckoned with. If the Church thinks this matter will go away, it is grossly mistaken. It will not. It cannot, for that religion has been around too long for it to simply disappear. And, with the actions of radical Islamics over the past few years, and particularly since September 11th, the lid has been taken off of Pandora's box, and that which has escaped can never be re-captured apart from the victorious return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

So . . . . where does that leave us?

It leaves us in the awareness that we have a great need to be educated about Islam, filled with love and compassion for the Islamic people, and be equipped and prepared to share the good news of Jesus with them in such a way that does not attack their religion, but clearly reveals that Jesus is the final answer to and the ultimate fulfillment of all religions that are seeking after God. After all, in a way Christianity is not as much a "different" religion from Judaism as it is a "fulfillment" and completion of all that Judaism teaches. It's just that, tragically, the Jews do not recognize Jesus as the One whom their own religion promised would come.

So, with that in mind, I think you might like to know some of the current resources that are available to help you in your personal preparation to love, pray for, and minister to the precious people of Islam. The vast majority are so horror stricken and grieved over what some of their fellow Muslim extremists have done that they are both watching to see how Christians will react and are also open to hear what Christians have to say.

We'd better be sure we can say it knowledgeably, and with limitless love and compassion.

Consider these resources:

1. Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) has recently announced the release of a video on the true teachings of Islam. While I have not seen the video, I do believe it could be a useful tool in helping train believers to share their faith in Christ. Note the following information:

"Terrorism has become a threat to every American and every Christian. It's important for you and your family to understand the true agenda of radical Islamic fundamentalists.
CBN News has produced an exclusive video expose' called The Jihad Trail. Inside this report you will learn details of this 'holy war' that you won't find anywhere else.

"You'll see exclusive interviews with Islamic leaders and disciples who expose radical Islam's call to eradicate Christianity; their willingness to take human life; and their ultimate plan for Israel and America. Discover shocking evidence revealing how terrorists are a threat to you and your family.

"America has never faced an enemy like this before. What can we do to win this battle? Discover the truth that many in government and in the mainstream media have not been telling you. Learn how current "political correctness" has kept these things hidden from the general public. "

For details on securing this video, "The Jihad Trail, go to http://www.cbn.com.

2. Andrew Purvis of Time Magazine recently interviewed the former president of Bosnia, Alija Izetbegovic, in Sarajevo. Included in the interview were interesting remarks regarding his views of Christianity, noted below. The entire script can be found on their website at http://www.time.com.

"TIME: What do you think of bin Laden?
Izetbegovic: Nobody can use the Koran to cover what has been done in N.Y. and Washington.

TIME: Is he, in your opinion, twisting the Koran?
Izetbegovic: Let me give you an example. Christianity is very clearly based on love and tolerance. Yet the Inquisition led to the murder of non-believers. Were the people in the Inquisition sincere believers or not? I believe they were sincere. But they understood the Bible in a certain way. Now we have these Muslim terrorists who are doing the same thing."

YOUR MINISTRY'S ESSENTIAL INGREDIENT:

You and I both know this, but, like others, we probably neglect it pathetically. It is a rare minister that really does this well and consistently.

What am I talking about?

Developing and maintaining a healthy and consistent personal walk with God.

And, in light of the current conditions in our world today, being a spiritually healthy leader with immediate and intimate contact with God through regular times with our Father is, without controversy, the most important thing we'll ever do.

As goes our time with God, so goes our ministry.

As I considered writing about this subject, I ran across an excellent article by Bobby Moore through the LifeAction Ministries website. He said all I intended, and more. So, I want to pass that on to you from my heart.

I might add that if you really want to connect with one of the most outstanding websites and ministries that focuses on revival and awakening, theirs is one of the best. I have subscribed to their regular "revival link" e-mail service at [email protected]. I would urge you to visit their website at http://www.LifeAction.org. There is an abundance of excellent articles on various subjects, along with information about their ministry. You'll be glad you did.

Now, . . . . I hope you'll be refreshed by this short article. Even better, may we both . . . . . may we both be convicted to the point of action.

OVERCOMING SEVEN OBSTACLES TO HEALTHY DEVOTIONAL PRACTICE
Bobby Moore

Once you make a commitment to spend time with God regularly in Scripture reading and prayer, you will likely face a variety of obstacles and frustrations. At least that has been my experience, and I don't think I'm alone in it.

I want to share with you seven of the obstacles I have encountered in my devotional life, along with some of the ways I have overcome these obstacles.

1. Lack of Discipline

Since coming to recognize the importance of having a daily devotional life and establishing one for myself, I have asked hundreds of Christians about their own devotional lives. A large percentage of those I have talked to said they did not have a consistent devotional life. It saddens me to see how many Christians are negligent and disobedient in this vital area. But I can understand it, because I was once the same way myself.

How did I overcome my lack of discipline in the vital matter of my personal devotional life? Simply by recognizing the importance of what I was overlooking. Of course, this insight is hardly original with me. Joseph Parker said, "If I really love my Savior, nothing will stand in my way of a personal meeting with God every morning." Oswald Chambers said, "It is impossible for a believer, no matter what his experience, to keep right with God if he will not take the trouble to spend time with God. Spend plenty of time with Him; let other things go, but don't neglect Him."

Once I recognized the importance of the personal devotional life, I made the choice to discipline myself and give priority to starting and continuing daily devotions. Soon I was experiencing God in a more intimate manner in my devotional times.

2. Lack of Concentration

I have found that, when I have difficulty keeping my mind and heart focused on the Lord during my devotional time, one of several actions will help me.

I personalize the promises of God. For instance, I personalize Philippians 4:5: "The Lord is at hand." I repent of my lack of concentration and focus on the Lord's promised presence with me. Or I personalize Isaiah 26:3: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." I ask the Lord to give me the ability to keep my mind from wandering and to keep it fixed on Him. Or I personalize 2 Corinthians 10:5. I ask the Lord to enable me to "[bring] into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."

I speak aloud. Oswald Smith shared that wandering thoughts in his personal devotional life often plagued him. He got rid of the wandering thoughts by reading God's Word aloud and praying aloud. That same strategy has often worked for me, too.

I make a list. I remember hearing Del Fehsenfeld Jr. share that he kept a piece of paper and a pen next to him during his quiet time. As his mind would drift to things he needed to do that day, he would jot them down and then refocus on God. At the end of his devotional time with God, he would ask God to prioritize the list and organize his schedule for the day.

I ask God for help. Dr. Stephen Olford advised me to communicate with the Lord when my mind and heart are wandering. He counseled me to ask the Lord these questions: Lord, what are You saying to me? Is there a promise for me to claim? Is there an example I am to follow? Is there some sin I am to avoid? Is there a command for me to obey? Is there any new thought about God the Father, God the Son, or God the Holy Spirit I am to have? Is there a new thought about Satan? "Never leave a passage," Dr. Olford said, "until you can write down what God is saying to you in order that you can pray it back to God."

I praise God. Praise brings us into the presence of God. In Psalm 100:4 we are encouraged to "enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise." When my heart and mind are wandering, I make the choice to refocus on God by praising Him.

3. Interruptions

Disruptions of my regular routine and other interruptions are major obstacles to my personal devotional life. These have included vacations and extended periods of travel. But in fact, anything that causes me to miss a day of my personal devotional time with God is a problem, and anything that causes me to miss several days is a crisis.

I have met this obstacle by making my personal devotional time with God my highest priority. It is a matter of planning and being creative with my schedule. In taking practical steps to overcome interruptions, God has helped me protect my devotional times as if there were nothing more important. In reality, there isn't anything more important.

4. Hurry

Samuel Chadwick said, "Hurry is the death of prayer." It is equally the death of the personal devotional life. Some of the major battles I fight in my personal devotional life are rushing into my time with God and rushing through my time with God.

I have discovered that nothing is so important to my spiritual growth and welfare as my personal devotional life. Because of its importance, I cannot afford to hurry my time with God. When I hurry through my personal devotional time, I will without fail feel that I have missed God and feel ill prepared for the trials, tests, temptations, and tasks I face throughout the day.

Several Scripture verses have given me guidance in conquering the "hurry up" obstacle in my personal devotional life. In Isaiah 40:31, God promises, "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Another helpful verse is Psalm 46:10, which exhorts us to "be still, and know that [He is] God."

It takes time to still your heart and mind to commune with God. I start my devotional time by praying, "Lord, I want to meet with You. I need You. I cannot and will not face this day until I get through to You. So, however long it takes, I am here to meet with You." Seeking God is not a "hurry up" matter. It is a heart matter, and heart matters take time.

5. Dry Periods

All of us struggle with discouragement due to dry periods in our personal devotional life. I have faced these dry times in a variety of ways.

I personalize the promises of God by inserting my name into them. For example, I personalize 2 Timothy 1:7 in this way: "God, You have not given me, Bobby, the spirit of fear, but of love and power and a sound mind." And I personalize Psalm 84:11 like this: "No good thing will You, God, withhold from me, Bobby, when I am walking uprightly."

I pray Psalm 139: 23-24: "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." After I have prayed this, I write down every sin that God reveals to me. I then confess every sin, as 1 John 1:9 instructs me. Dealing with my sins clears the slate with God and gives me water for my dry periods.

I read a different translation of the Bible. Reading a new translation or comparing different ones, I've found, can stimulate new insights into Scripture. The unfamiliar wording is helpful, of course, because it gives different slants to the meaning of the passages. But so is the very cleanness of the pages. Because my eyes are not drawn to notes and highlighted passages from previous study, the Scriptures feel as beautiful and inviting as a fresh snowfall on a crisp winter morning.

I record encouraging words. As I read God's Word and pray, I write down the promises that relate to my situation and the solutions God gives for dealing with the hurts and needs in my life. This comforts me with a sense of God's great care for me.

I fast. This can be fasting from food, from TV, or from a hobby. But whatever it is that I'm giving up, the purpose is to spend more time with God while sharpening my sense of neediness before Him.

6. Lack of Application

The personal devotional life is not an end in itself; it is a means to meet with God and apply what God says to my life. Truth is to be lived and not just learned. Yet sometimes I'm tempted not to apply or personalize what I've learned. At times like these I turn to verses that remind me of the importance of applying God's Word to my life. One of the verses that helps is Hebrews 4:2: "The word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith." Faith is a personal and active response to the promises of God to meet needs in my life.

As I personalize and apply God's Word in my life, I am refreshed and live in communion with God and victory over sin, self, and Satan. Personalizing God's Word has become the goal and joy of my life.

7. Prayerlessness

I know that I should pray because it is the only way for me to communicate with God. I know that I should pray because God has commanded it. I know that I should pray because Jesus and the saints of old prayed. I know all these things, and yet sometimes I am tempted to omit or assign an insignificant place to the prayer aspect of my personal devotional life.

Prayer is not easy; it is a spiritual battleground. As Charles Finney said, "Nothing in the whole Christian religion is so difficult and rarely attained as a praying heart." He's echoed by Samuel Chadwick: "The one concern the devil has is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, prayerless ministries. He laughs at our toil, mocks our wisdom, but trembles when we pray."

When I don't pray, I'm only hurting myself. Graham Scroggie said, "A prayerful life is a powerful life. A prayerless life is always a powerless life." When I am prayerless, I must confess it and forsake it. Dr. Stephen Olford gave me his formula for overcoming prayerlessness: "Pray when you feel like it. Pray when you don't feel like it. Pray till you do feel like it."

And consistency in prayer is an attainable goal. George Mueller said, "I have known my Lord for 57 years, and there has never been a single day that I have failed to gain an audience with the King."

Finally: Building a Devotional Life

If you've been struggling in your personal devotional life, I hope the obstacles I've identified in my own devotional life comfort you with the knowledge that you are not alone. But equally, I hope that the strategies I've outlined to overcome those obstacles encourage you to believe that you can break through to a rich and healthy life with God.

As one last encouragement, let me share with you a prayer that has never failed to help me when I've faced obstacles and frustrations in my personal devotional life:

"Almighty God, in this quiet time I seek communion with Thee. From the fret and fever of the day's business, from the world's discordant noises, from the praise and blame of men, from the confused thoughts and vain imaginations of my own heart, I now turn aside and seek the quietness of Thy presence."

Building a devotional life is like building a house: you start with the foundation and work upward. You don't expect to build a complete house on the first day, and neither does a rich devotional life happen immediately just because you want it to. Your personal devotional life will grow as you face obstacles and frustrations in the spirit of Galatians 6:9: "Let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap if we faint not."

IN CONCLUSION:

Well, my friend. I trust you have been as blessed, and as convicted, as I. May we both take seriously the instruction and admonition of this writer. That particular article ends by asking these practical application questions:

1. Am I meeting with the Lord daily? Is my time with Him a priority?

2. Am I applying to my life the truths He reveals to me?

3. Do I hurry through my time with him as a duty, or do I become still and
wait upon Him?

It then concludes with this observation by one of the Church's great men:

"It is impossible for a believer, no matter what his experience, to keep right with God if he will not take the trouble to spend time with God. Spend plenty of time with Him; let other things go, but don't neglect Him." -- Oswald Chambers

God bless you. Let's covenant together today that we will seek out the presence of God for simple times of refreshing with Him.

In His Bond,

Life Unlimited Ministries
[email protected]
Do You Get "Shoulder To Shoulder"?

"Those that are bound for heaven, must be willing to swim against the stream, and must not do as the most do, but as the Best do." (Matthew Henry).

If this letter has blessed you, feel free to forward it, with proper credits, to any and all you wish.