Quote from Forum Archives on September 22, 2000, 9:24 am

Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Dear friends,

I have two stories to share with you today, as another week comes
to a close. The first comes from the Crosswalk "Inspiration
Archives", and the second comes from my friend, Larry Davies'
weekly message, "Sowing Seeds of Faith". The first message is an
encouragement for those who are going through difficulties right
now. The second message is a lesson in humility. At one time or
another, we all need both messages. I certainly identify with
both of them, personally.

My prayer is that these messages will be helpful and encouraging,
like cool water coming down after day in the hot sun. I pray
that the Word of God and these messages are not just idle words,
but practical guides for every aspect of our lives. I humbly
admit my own need to be reminded of these things, and I pray that
each of you can take something from them into this weekend.

God bless you!

Brother Brian

Inspiration Archive | Monday, September 18, 2000

When life is less than perfect

Every life has difficulties. It may be a difficult marriage,
chronic pain, depression, painful childhood memories, past
mistakes, or emotional pain. Maybe you have begged God to take it
away, but it's still there. One thing is true: God has the power
to change your circumstances - so it is acceptable to ask Him to
do just that. Paul asked the Lord three times to take away his
thorn in the flesh. Christ prayed the night before He was
crucified, My Father, if it is possible let this cup pass from
me. Even in their willingness to do God's will there was an
expressed desire that God take the hard thing away. In both cases
God chose not to grant their requests because there was a more
important good to come.

When bad things happen:

See things from God's perspective. A "no" from God allows you to
step back and look at the larger picture, perhaps even to
understand His reasons.

Depend on God. Pain and weakness keeps you in touch with your
vulnerability - and in touch with your need for God and others.
Turn your attention and your trust to Him.

Let difficulties provide character. Just as physical muscles are
developed in the hard work of pulling or pushing against weight
or gravity, so, too, your spiritual muscles are developed in the
hard work of living in less-than-perfect circumstances. There is
no other way for some character traits to be developed. We also
exult in our tribulations; knowing that tribulation brings about
perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven
character, hope (Rom. 5:3-4).

Allow difficulties to bond you with others. When we open up our
pain to others, it can level the ground between us as human
beings and allow us to see each other more clearly. You have the
choice about whether to experience it in isolation - or to open
it up and find the bond it can create with others. When you share
your pain, the beauty and strength you see in each other is
nothing less than inspiring.

Expect God to use it. He will use areas of weakness and
vulnerability in your life for His purposes. It's more natural to
hide those things rather than risk misunderstanding,
embarrassment, or disrespect from those who don't know how to
respond to the reality of human limitations - theirs or yours.
But Paul said that God wants us to boast about our weaknesses -
putting them right out there in plain view - so that God's power
can come shining through.

Ruth Haley Barton serves as associate director of Spiritual
Formation at Willow Creek Community Church in Illinois. She has
also authored Equal to the Task: Men and Women in Partnership at
Work, at Church, at Home, and two Bible study guides, Becoming a
Woman of Purpose and Women Like Us. She lives near Chicago with
her husband and three daughters.

>From Becoming a Woman of Strength by Ruth Haley Barton, copyright
(c) 1994, revised edition (c) 1999. Used by permission of Shaw
Books of WaterBrook Press, Colorado Springs, Colo. On sale at
your local bookstore. Subscribe... FREE! Get LIVE IT! each
weekday by email. Simply enter your email address below and press
"Subscribe."

Crosswalk.com(TM) Copyright 1996-2000 Crosswalk.com, Inc.
All rights reserved.

====================

From: "Sowing Seeds Ministry" <sowseeds@nesbeonline.com>
To: <sowseeds@nesbeonline.com>
Subject: "Pride & The Preacher" Sowing Seeds Devotion 9/21/00
Date: Thu, 21 Sep 2000 06:26:07 -0700

Our church is overflowing with lighthouses because we have become
a part of the Lighthouse Movement which asks us to pray for our
neighbors, look for opportunities to perform acts of caring for
them and then be ready for an opportunity to share our faith.
We're really excited about it. If you would like to know more you
can click here for more information: Lighthouse Movement Sowing
Seeds of Faith

Pride & The Preacher
Larry Davies

Are you the preacher? the voice asked over the phone.

Yes, I am. I replied. Why do you ask?

A few weeks ago, I was a visitor in your church and heard your
sermon. Could I ask a few questions?

Sure. I said with a smile, expecting a compliment.

You told a story about a woman in the hospital receiving
communion? What does that have to do with teaching the Bible?

I started to explain how stories are an excellent way to teach
scripture when he cut me off

Actually, I thought your sermon was pathetic! He then went on
to tell me why. When I tried to explain further, he cut me off
saying, I dont understand how you can justify what you do as
preaching?

At this point, my mouth was turning dry and my whole body was
beginning to shake. How dare this young man tell me I was
pathetic? (Thats not what he said.) Who does he think he is?
With gritted teeth, I politely told him there are other churches
in the area and he should consider attending one.

Later that day I read this story told by Jesus: Two men went to
the Temple to pray. One was a Preacher and the other was a
dishonest businessman. The proud Preacher stood by himself and
prayed: I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone
else, especially like that businessman over there! For I never
cheat, I dont sin, I dont commit adultery, I fast twice a week,
and I give you a tenth of my income. But the businessman stood
at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he
prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, O God, be
merciful to me, for I am a sinner. I tell you, this sinner, not
the Preacher, returned home justified before God. For the proud
will be humbled, but the humble will be honored. (Luke 18:9-14
-- occupations were modernized)

If there was ever a famous parable about humility, this is it.
The preacher was doing everything right. Most of us would admire
someone who could consistently do what this man was claiming. Why
was Jesus giving him a hard time? The businessman was in church
to confess a sin. Why was Jesus honoring him? The temptation is
to picture the businessman as a nice guy who only made a mistake.

Dont do that. Jesus is making an important point. Most of us
become Christians by recognizing our sins and seeking forgiveness
before God. We begin to change our lifestyle and grow in our
faith. As we change, we see more clearly the sins of our friends
and coworkers. We want to offer guidance. Why cant they
straighten out their lives and be more like me? Thank you God,
Im not like them.

Did you catch it? Comparing our lives to others may make us look
a little better but not for long because the only comparison that
ultimately matters is with God. With God, we always come up
short. A freshly painted white house stands out in most
neighborhoods until it snows. Then, even the white paint looks
pretty dull compared with the pure, freshly fallen snow. We like
to comfort ourselves that we are not thieves or drug dealers but
we forget the more subtle sins of pride and neglecting others.

Then Gods truth hit me right between the eyes I was the
arrogant preacher in the story. Someone called me, looking for
answers. His criticism very likely disguised a cry for help.
Instead of listening and attempting to understand his underlying
concerns, I became defensive and shut him out. I was the one who
needed Gods forgiveness. I was the preacher who needed to be
humbled.

Two men began to pray. One was a businessman with a problem. The
other, a preacher, considered one of the best in the community.
The preacher compared himself with the businessman and thought he
had arrived. The businessman compared himself with God and knew
he was in deep trouble. Both were sinners but only one knew it
For the proud will be humbled, but the humble will be honored.

Larry E. Davies
www.SowingSeedsofFaith.com

A Christian Devotional website with ATTITUDE, humor, great
stories and a down-to-earth Bible study.

=====
--
Brian Masinick, "The Mas", mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: www.geocities.com/masinick/
The Rules Have Changed...Get Paid to Surf the Web!
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