Quote from Forum Archives on February 1, 2001, 9:36 pm

Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Dear friends,

Here is another timely message from my brother in Christ, Larry
Davies. I think he regularly reads Word for Today. If not, he
sure has a pulse on where I've been recently! How about you? Do
you ever get upset at someone else? I sure do. I've been really
upset at work recently because there have been a lot of problems
in the testing work I do, and a lot of the problems seem to end
up on me. Rightly or wrongly, I seem to receive a lot of the
blame for the problems that we have, and it hurts!

In this message, my friend Larry seems to be going through
something similar. In an indirect kind of way, some of the ideas
he has had fell under criticism because he was focused on
programs. I can identify with that, too. So often in the church
or in our community, we have some nice program that we want to
do, for what seems to be a good cause. Yet, if we are not very
careful, we lose sight of the One who made all things for us, and
who desires to be involved in the intimate details of our lives.

Yes, I have wallowed in that. So many days I have gone into
work, thinking about the goodness of God, only to lose sight of
my Lord in the busy activities around me. Then I weep inside
when I realize that I have left my best friend behind all day
long.

How about you? Is this ever a problem for you? Frankly, I'd be
surprised if it isn't. The number of people who have practiced
their faith and cultivated their personal relationship with the
Lord to such an extent that they are in continual conversation
with Him is a small number indeed. I have some good days like
that, but not consistently, I'm sorry to say. I live in a fast
paced environment, both at home and at work. It is an effort for
me to give my day to God. But that is precisely what I strive to
do each day.

O Lord, You know that I struggle with this issue, because we
often talk about it privately. I suspect that many of my friends
have to deal with a similar issue. I know that You are able to
touch the depth of our hearts, and move us, so that we can turn
toward You. But I also know that for each situation, it is my
responsibility to respond to You as You lead. So bring a greater
sensitivity to my mind, and help me as I continually strive to
renew my mind, replacing the old things and old ways with the
timeless ways of Your Holy Spirit. How I thank You for that
renewal that comes each time I turn to You. How I thank you for
the forgiveness You extend, even as I have turned away. Please
work in my heart again today as I surrender myself freely to You.
Amen.

Brother Brian

From: "Sowing Seeds Ministry" <sowseeds@nesbeonline.com>
To: <sowseeds@nesbeonline.com>
Subject: "Under the Cross: A Divine Warning"
Sowing Seeds Ministry Devotion
February 1, 2001

Sowing Seeds of Faith:

Under the Cross: A Divine Warning Larry Davies

Why was I becoming angry? I was in the mountains attending a
meeting with other church leaders. The speaker was comparing two
common church attitudes. One attitude focused first on prayer,
Bible study and community service. This one was desirable.
Another emphasized cafeteria-style, pick and choose programming.
"This attitude," said the speaker, "was undesirable." At this
point, I was angry!

I stood up and insisted that today's church really needs both
philosophies. "Yes," the speaker answered, "to some extent that
may be true but what is important is where do you place your
priorities?" His point was to urge churches to seek an ongoing
relationship with God first before blindly creating programs just
because people ask for them. He was right so why was I so upset?

After the meeting, I took a walk to clear my head and get some
fresh air. It was cold but I was too preoccupied to notice. After
a few minutes, I saw a bright light in the shape of a cross. It
took a few minutes of climbing and walking to get there but
finally I stood below a beautiful cross that could be seen for
miles. Despite the temperature, I somehow felt warm and secure
beneath the shining beacon of light. It was as if Jesus himself
was with me offering comfort and reassurance.

After a few minutes of standing quietly, I began to understand my
anger. It wasn't over church attitudes or programs. It wasn't
even the speaker. The problem was with me. Underneath the glow of
the cross, the words of the speaker became a divine warning. I
was the one focusing on creative programming ideas while
neglecting my own relationship with God. My priorities were
focused on people rather than God: programs rather than
relationships. It was so simple, yet I almost missed it.

In the Bible, a young man named Timothy was also struggling and
faced many pressures and challenges but an experienced pastor
named Paul wrote several letters filled with Godly wisdom.

* Cling tightly to your faith in Christ and always keep your
conscience clear. (1 Timothy 1:19)

* I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. As you make
your requests, plead for God's mercy upon them and give thanks.
(2:1)

* Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives
tales. Spend your time and energy in training yourself for
spiritual fitness. (4:7)

* Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the
church, encouraging the believers and teaching them. (4:13)

* Keep a close watch on yourself and on your teaching. Stay true
to what is right and God will save you and those who hear you.
(4:16)

The lessons are abundant and clear:

1. Cling tightly to your faith: Always put God first in
everything we do.

2. Pray for all people: Prayer should be
the foundation of our life and ministry.

3. Train yourself for spiritual fitness: Spiritual
discipline is an all-important part of faith.

4. Reading the Scriptures: Still the best way I know to
discover God's love and grace.

5. Encouraging and teaching others: Emphasis is on
relationships not activities or programs.

6. Stay true to what is right and God will save you: Putting
our ultimate trust in God.

What about you? Maintaining a Christian lifestyle is about so
much more than attending church, singing in the choir or serving
on a committee. A Christian lifestyle is more about who you are,
how you act and Whom you serve. Question: What priorities are you
neglecting in your relationship with God? What needs to change in
your life? How can the church encourage you? When can you start?

One cold dark night beneath a brightly lit cross, I received a
divine warning and a priceless lesson. Yet at the same time, I
felt the love and comfort only a loving Christ can give. I walked
back to the hotel with a bounce in my step and a fire in my
heart. But you, Timothy, belong to God; so run from all these
evil things and follow what is right and good. Pursue a godly
life along with faith, love, perseverance and gentleness! May
God?s grace be with you all. (1 Timothy 6:11 & 21) Amen! Thank
you, God!

Recently my computer crashed and I faced some serious problems...
not all of them mechanical. For another series of devotions on
spiritual growth... Turning Points: Computer Crash, Silence and
Renewal. www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/computer_crash.htm

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=====
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Brian Masinick, "The Mas", mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: www.geocities.com/masinick/
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