Today is the National See You At The Pole for students. This is an annual event that has been initiated to be a student-led prayer gathering at the flag pole of their school. Today as I went to the local middle school to meet at 7:30, I found that the teachers had organized a gathering at 7:15. However, many students were still arriving at 7:45. I saw something very unique as the three students that came to meet with me tried to encourage peers to join with them. Each peer would either pretend they did not see or hear them, or dodge the invitation with a "gotta do something" or "I'll be right back". But never the less, there were three of whom I was very proud. I am always proud of students that will take a stand for Christ but especially for those who are standing in the small group.
I shared Matthew 18:20 with them which reads in the NLT, "For Where two or three gather together because they are mine, I am there among them." These three lifted their voices to the Lord and asked that their peers be saved! Wow! How many times do we adults join in small gatherings in front of crowds of onlookers and pray that our friends be saved?
Verse 19 of Matthew 18 tells us "If two of you agree down here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you." These three prayed the same thing. They "agreed" with one another desiring their friends be saved.
The church is not changing. We meet at "safe" times, in "safe" places. It is safe to go to church on Sunday morning when all the churchy people go. We have always been told there is safety in numbers. But Christ has not called us as a group, He has called us an individuals and that is how we must stand for Him.
Why plan a prayer meeting that meets early before everyone arrives? Why plan a worship service when and where it will not be offensive to anyone? Why do we as Christians desire to be "bold" in secret? In Christ there is power. Stand with the few in plain sight. That is boldness.
Don't run away when no one is chasing you. Proverbs 28:1 ".....but the righteous are as bold as a lion."
Be bold....stand when there are only a few to stand with you!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Come Lord Jesus
Today I yearn for the return of Christ. As I contemplate the Second Coming of Jesus Christ I become very anxious. Like a child looking forward to Christmas morning. Wondering what it will be like, scared yet quickend by this bizzare fear and hunger for the things to come. I am quite sure that to see Jesus and the things He has prepared for me will be exceedingly abundantly more than I could possibly think or imagine. I also know that this day will not come until every opportunity has been exhausted for all to be presented with the saving Gospel. John joins with the Sprit and the bride and says, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" I look at the last words that the Apostle John shares with us from the Revelation and feel much the same way as the days pass and God reveals more about Himself to me. Each additional and glorious glimpse causes the anticipation to increase. I dismay when many who are gifted and empowered by the Spirit choose to neglect these offerings. Many who have great talents for teaching, leadership, encouragement choose to utilize these talents on themselves instead of using them for the glory of God. In James we are told "Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins."
(James 4:17 NIV)
I wish there was a switch in the life of each believer that God would flip at the commonly prescribed time that would move us from point A to point B in our Spiritual walk. In Jewish tradition there is the Bar/Bet Mitzvah taking place at thirteen years of age, moving one from childhood to adulthood in regard to one's responsibility to the Law. Would it not be wonderful if this point was easily defined for Christians regarding our walk with Christ?
Paul said, "When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a chld does. But when I grew up, I put away childish things." Oh, that we could have clarity to know when to put away the immature thoughts of childhood and grow up. No one having even entered into adolescence would drink milk from a baby bottle but why do so many "Christians" continue to drink milk from a bottle instead of feasting on the meat in God's word and His will?
True joy and fulfillment in a person's life will only come when God's will is sought and not their own. No matter how honorable the intention, or intense the work, if not done according to the will of God it is but stuble in the fire. Live to know God more and share in my anticipation of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ!!
(James 4:17 NIV)
I wish there was a switch in the life of each believer that God would flip at the commonly prescribed time that would move us from point A to point B in our Spiritual walk. In Jewish tradition there is the Bar/Bet Mitzvah taking place at thirteen years of age, moving one from childhood to adulthood in regard to one's responsibility to the Law. Would it not be wonderful if this point was easily defined for Christians regarding our walk with Christ?
Paul said, "When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a chld does. But when I grew up, I put away childish things." Oh, that we could have clarity to know when to put away the immature thoughts of childhood and grow up. No one having even entered into adolescence would drink milk from a baby bottle but why do so many "Christians" continue to drink milk from a bottle instead of feasting on the meat in God's word and His will?
True joy and fulfillment in a person's life will only come when God's will is sought and not their own. No matter how honorable the intention, or intense the work, if not done according to the will of God it is but stuble in the fire. Live to know God more and share in my anticipation of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ!!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
The one that got away
I spend much of my life looking for men of God to follow in their dust. It seems the Lord is very particular when growing these men. It only stands to reason why these men are so few and far between. I often enjoy these older men who become "sages" after their years of maturing. When one of these men are found, I want to draw from their wisdom and personality everything I possibly can. I have been fortunate to have been led to a few of these precious gems in my life and will continue the search. Young men and boys need these seasoned influences in their lives. Older mentors ready and willing to invest more than money into their lives but to invest themselves. Paul, in all his wisdom and education followed in the footsteps of Gamaliel; one of the greatest rabbis in history. Not only did Paul learn the Scripture, along with all its meanings, but I am sure he drew much wisdom about life as well. Paul was always anxious to take on others to share this wisdom. Barnabas and Timothy were among the more well known, but I suspect their were scores of young men hungry for the care and leadership that Paul could offer.
Paul, in all humility, knowing he himself was not perfect, as he addressed himself as the "chief" of sinners, was committed to following Christ in his life and desired for others to follow his example.
"Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." 1 Cor 11:1 NKJV
No one on this earth is perfect but many have the desire to live in such a way that will be pleasing to the Lord. We must all live as unto the Lord in everything we do and continue to grow in Christ.
It is important to all of us as men and women that we find others to include in our lives that help us grow in Christ. I personally found Gary Taylor to be one of those men and was so looking forward to many years with him. My friend and mentor, Gary Taylor, 58, went home to be with his Lord last night very unexpectedly. God allowed him to finish well. We enjoyed the final Men’s Fraternity meeting for this season together with two of his sons and his brother David yesterday. What a blessing God bestowed on this family and this community through him.
Now I feel I am back to square one, in search of another male mentor to disciple me as I look to find younger men to disciple. Although Gary will be missed, I know for sure I will see him again. Not only in eternity, but through the legacy he has left behind in his sons and his disciples.
In Christ
Bro. Martin
Paul, in all humility, knowing he himself was not perfect, as he addressed himself as the "chief" of sinners, was committed to following Christ in his life and desired for others to follow his example.
"Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." 1 Cor 11:1 NKJV
No one on this earth is perfect but many have the desire to live in such a way that will be pleasing to the Lord. We must all live as unto the Lord in everything we do and continue to grow in Christ.
It is important to all of us as men and women that we find others to include in our lives that help us grow in Christ. I personally found Gary Taylor to be one of those men and was so looking forward to many years with him. My friend and mentor, Gary Taylor, 58, went home to be with his Lord last night very unexpectedly. God allowed him to finish well. We enjoyed the final Men’s Fraternity meeting for this season together with two of his sons and his brother David yesterday. What a blessing God bestowed on this family and this community through him.
Now I feel I am back to square one, in search of another male mentor to disciple me as I look to find younger men to disciple. Although Gary will be missed, I know for sure I will see him again. Not only in eternity, but through the legacy he has left behind in his sons and his disciples.
In Christ
Bro. Martin
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