For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God…they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. 2 Corinthians 9:12-14
Administration of what service?The service of giving…Long story short, Paul is encouraging the church of Corinth to part with the gift they promised (a year earlier) to the church in Jerusalem. In so doing, he is reminding the Corinthians (and us) that in 'giving' they are not only providing for the receivers practical needs, but their spiritual needs as well.
God is Glorified
When an individual comes to realize that Jesus is the reason behind a person's generosity, it causes them to give thanks to God. I believe this is one reason why relationship building is so important in the Compassion Ministry. When the child you sponsor comes to realize that Jesus put you up to it (so to speak), that child will tend to give thanks to God for His moving through that sponsor. Essentially your relationship with a sponsored child sets in motion their relationship with Jesus Christ.
That's What Compassion is All
AboutLook at Compassion's Mission Statement—it reads, "In response to the Great Commission, Compassion International exists as an advocate for children, to release them from their spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enable them to become responsible and fulfilled Christian adults."
The most important words of this declaration are the first six, "In response to the Great Commission." The people, who were inspired by God to embark on this Compassion ministry must have been well-aware of the spiritual phenomenon revealed in 2 Corinthians 9; the recipient of grace will respond to both giver ~and~ Source. And since we know God is the source of all good things, it is only natural Christians would share that fact with others.
Start the Process
Actually, I want to address this invitation to 'sponsor a child' to a specific group of Christians. The Apostle Paul wrote his exhortation to a body of believers who had previously made a commitment, but for whatever the reason, had not followed through. I would like to extend an exhortation to the person or persons who have similarly made a pledge to the Lord, but as of yet, have fallen short. Perhaps now is your time.
Follow Through
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15
Cd
Monday, March 31, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Suppose There Were Fifty Righteous
Suppose there were fifty righteous…would You also destroy the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous that were in it? So the Lord said, "If I find…fifty righteous…then I will spare all the place for their sakes." Genesis 18:24+26
The PlanThis verse was NOT the inspiration for my plan. Fact is, the Lord just led me to it today (and I pray He is not bothered by my paraphrase). The plan is not a new plan; you have likely read about it in an earlier thread. The truth be told, the plan is not really a plan at all, but rather a desire of my heart. In reality, there is only aspect of it that has any semblance of a plan…that I have determined to make God a part of it.
Or maybe its God’s plan and He’s going to make me a part of it…
May He send you help from the sanctuary, And strengthen you out of Zion…May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, And fulfill all your purpose. Psalm 20:2 + 4
50/50
I once heard somebody say that if you want to hear God laugh, just tell Him your plans. Having said that, I believe my proposal is in accordance with His will, otherwise, I wouldn’t keep jabbering on about it. What is it you say? I want to visit 50 churches in 50 weeks in order to share the message of COMPASSION .
I have reached out to the Lord and again I feel led to reach out to you. I while back I even reached out to Oprah Winfrey (and to you) with my Tell Oprah to put COMPASSION dave on her show campaign. I haven’t given up on Oprah. I would jump at the chance to speak to her TV audience about sponsoring children ~and~ to speak to her about Jesus the Christ.
What YOU Can Do
Now you can reach out for Oprah if you like, but it would be much more practical if your reached out for the pastor of your church. Simply ask your pastor, “Can we have a Compassion Sunday at our church?”
What If Pastor Says, “YES”
Let me know—I’ll be certain to get a ton of free information into his hands and to make all the arrangements. My hope and prayer is to be overwhelmed to the point where God must step in so that His power and might will be displayed—and of course, for His honor and praise.Want To Know More?Drop me a note, or reply to this message and I will be prompt in my response. Would you like to check out the children waiting to be sponsored right now? Then just click on the Compassion banner or my name.
COMPASSION dave
The PlanThis verse was NOT the inspiration for my plan. Fact is, the Lord just led me to it today (and I pray He is not bothered by my paraphrase). The plan is not a new plan; you have likely read about it in an earlier thread. The truth be told, the plan is not really a plan at all, but rather a desire of my heart. In reality, there is only aspect of it that has any semblance of a plan…that I have determined to make God a part of it.
Or maybe its God’s plan and He’s going to make me a part of it…
May He send you help from the sanctuary, And strengthen you out of Zion…May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, And fulfill all your purpose. Psalm 20:2 + 4
50/50
I once heard somebody say that if you want to hear God laugh, just tell Him your plans. Having said that, I believe my proposal is in accordance with His will, otherwise, I wouldn’t keep jabbering on about it. What is it you say? I want to visit 50 churches in 50 weeks in order to share the message of COMPASSION .
I have reached out to the Lord and again I feel led to reach out to you. I while back I even reached out to Oprah Winfrey (and to you) with my Tell Oprah to put COMPASSION dave on her show campaign. I haven’t given up on Oprah. I would jump at the chance to speak to her TV audience about sponsoring children ~and~ to speak to her about Jesus the Christ.
What YOU Can Do
Now you can reach out for Oprah if you like, but it would be much more practical if your reached out for the pastor of your church. Simply ask your pastor, “Can we have a Compassion Sunday at our church?”
What If Pastor Says, “YES”
Let me know—I’ll be certain to get a ton of free information into his hands and to make all the arrangements. My hope and prayer is to be overwhelmed to the point where God must step in so that His power and might will be displayed—and of course, for His honor and praise.Want To Know More?Drop me a note, or reply to this message and I will be prompt in my response. Would you like to check out the children waiting to be sponsored right now? Then just click on the Compassion banner or my name.
COMPASSION dave
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Shouldn’t You Be Somewhere Else Right Now?
And the Lord said, "My Spirit shall not strive with man forever…” Genesis 6:3
What time is it?
What did God mean when He said He would not strive with man forever? Essentially the Lord is telling us that He is in pursuit; pursing us so that we might exercise the faith He has given (us) and follow Him. However, His quest will not last perpetually. There will come a time when His pursuit will cease and hearts will be hardened.
It happened to Pharaoh
Did you ever wonder why the Lord said to Moses (regarding Pharaoh), “I have hardened his heart…” (Exodus 10:1)? It happened because the Lord pursued Pharaoh and no doubt gave him numerous opportunities to repent and turn to Him, but he refused. There came a point when the Father knew this man was not going to change, and thus hardened his heart. And it happened--at least in part, as an example for us.
And He will do it to you to if you continue to refuse His grace and gift. It’s called blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Blasphemy of this kind is not a one time event, but the continual refusal and denial of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Whoever does this is subject to eternal condemnation Matthew 3:29 tells us.
Now is the time!
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2b
You know what, maybe now is not your time. Just maybe, the Lord will not accept your denial as permanent and harden your heart. Maybe he will give you another day, week, month, or year to decide. Or maybe He won’t. Maybe this is your last chance—maybe your future is not a heart-hardening, but a radical heart-softening, the likes of which occur when one meets a semi head-on. Either one signals an ugly scenario if you don’t know Jesus as Christ.
Think about it
Why are you here anyway? I don’t mean ‘why are you here’ as in a cosmic kind of way, but why are you here, in a Christian forum, reading threads written by Christians, when you don’t even believe in Jesus Christ. I suggest to you that you were led here by the Holy Spirit because your time as come…The day of your salvation has arrived.The choice is yours, but God will not strive with you forever.
Thus says the Lord: "In an acceptable time I have heard You, And in the day of salvation I have helped You; I will preserve You and give You As a covenant to the people, To restore the earth, To cause them to inherit the desolate heritages… Isaiah 49:8
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out) Saved?
What time is it?
What did God mean when He said He would not strive with man forever? Essentially the Lord is telling us that He is in pursuit; pursing us so that we might exercise the faith He has given (us) and follow Him. However, His quest will not last perpetually. There will come a time when His pursuit will cease and hearts will be hardened.
It happened to Pharaoh
Did you ever wonder why the Lord said to Moses (regarding Pharaoh), “I have hardened his heart…” (Exodus 10:1)? It happened because the Lord pursued Pharaoh and no doubt gave him numerous opportunities to repent and turn to Him, but he refused. There came a point when the Father knew this man was not going to change, and thus hardened his heart. And it happened--at least in part, as an example for us.
And He will do it to you to if you continue to refuse His grace and gift. It’s called blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Blasphemy of this kind is not a one time event, but the continual refusal and denial of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Whoever does this is subject to eternal condemnation Matthew 3:29 tells us.
Now is the time!
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2b
You know what, maybe now is not your time. Just maybe, the Lord will not accept your denial as permanent and harden your heart. Maybe he will give you another day, week, month, or year to decide. Or maybe He won’t. Maybe this is your last chance—maybe your future is not a heart-hardening, but a radical heart-softening, the likes of which occur when one meets a semi head-on. Either one signals an ugly scenario if you don’t know Jesus as Christ.
Think about it
Why are you here anyway? I don’t mean ‘why are you here’ as in a cosmic kind of way, but why are you here, in a Christian forum, reading threads written by Christians, when you don’t even believe in Jesus Christ. I suggest to you that you were led here by the Holy Spirit because your time as come…The day of your salvation has arrived.The choice is yours, but God will not strive with you forever.
Thus says the Lord: "In an acceptable time I have heard You, And in the day of salvation I have helped You; I will preserve You and give You As a covenant to the people, To restore the earth, To cause them to inherit the desolate heritages… Isaiah 49:8
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out) Saved?
Monday, March 24, 2008
Paralyzing Ignorance
But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Genesis 50:20
An ‘After Easter Dinner’ discussion…
“These children would be better off if we just let them die and then they would go right to heaven.”
As I listened to these words, my eyes closed and my head flopped back into the sofa cushion as if I were suddenly paralyzed. However, in less than a second’s time, anger-provoked adrenalin surged up my spine. My neck stiffened, my eyes opened, and my tongue slipped out quickly moistening my lips, signaling my brain, “Your mouth is clear for take off.”
God Speaks
Anybody ever ask you if Jesus talks to you? Well He speaks to me, and thankfully He spoke to me at this very moment. “Don’t say it, ” was all He said. It was enough. I acknowledged His command by again allowing my neck to go limp.He kept speaking and reminded me that this is why I am an advocate for children living in poverty. Oh, not to verbal battle in situations such as these, but to educate folks who are willing to listen, willing to learn, and willing to obey His Biblical mandates regarding the poor. He also reminded me that I must be prepared. He also gave me a new application for these words found in Ephesians 4:26:
Be angry, and do not sin
Thank you Jesus! The alternative to anger is to not be un-angry, but to be obedient to the Holy Spirit. God says, “Are you angry? Ok, here are some healthy options that will actually make a difference instead of making things worse.”
So, for the last 18 hours or so since ‘it’ occurred, I have been rehearsing the godly response to when someone says, “Let the children die.” The truth be told is that I’ll likely be the next one to say it, as in, “You won’t believe what I heard the other day.”
The Lord allowed that bit of ignorance in my life and He is determined that I use something very bad to do something very right.Oh, by the way, letting children die is not Biblical. If you were a mom or day pleading for the life of your child, would you ever want to hear that your baby would be better of dead. Me either.
This is the proper answer: Child Sponsorship
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit* is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. Ephesians 5:8-10
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
An ‘After Easter Dinner’ discussion…
“These children would be better off if we just let them die and then they would go right to heaven.”
As I listened to these words, my eyes closed and my head flopped back into the sofa cushion as if I were suddenly paralyzed. However, in less than a second’s time, anger-provoked adrenalin surged up my spine. My neck stiffened, my eyes opened, and my tongue slipped out quickly moistening my lips, signaling my brain, “Your mouth is clear for take off.”
God Speaks
Anybody ever ask you if Jesus talks to you? Well He speaks to me, and thankfully He spoke to me at this very moment. “Don’t say it, ” was all He said. It was enough. I acknowledged His command by again allowing my neck to go limp.He kept speaking and reminded me that this is why I am an advocate for children living in poverty. Oh, not to verbal battle in situations such as these, but to educate folks who are willing to listen, willing to learn, and willing to obey His Biblical mandates regarding the poor. He also reminded me that I must be prepared. He also gave me a new application for these words found in Ephesians 4:26:
Be angry, and do not sin
Thank you Jesus! The alternative to anger is to not be un-angry, but to be obedient to the Holy Spirit. God says, “Are you angry? Ok, here are some healthy options that will actually make a difference instead of making things worse.”
So, for the last 18 hours or so since ‘it’ occurred, I have been rehearsing the godly response to when someone says, “Let the children die.” The truth be told is that I’ll likely be the next one to say it, as in, “You won’t believe what I heard the other day.”
The Lord allowed that bit of ignorance in my life and He is determined that I use something very bad to do something very right.Oh, by the way, letting children die is not Biblical. If you were a mom or day pleading for the life of your child, would you ever want to hear that your baby would be better of dead. Me either.
This is the proper answer: Child Sponsorship
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit* is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. Ephesians 5:8-10
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
Friday, March 21, 2008
Burn Out
For the love of Christ compels us… 2 Corinthians 5:14a
What is the source of your passion for ministry; or more accurately, who is the source of your passion? If it is not the love of Christ, that is, the love Jesus freely gave and continues to give, then it is only a matter of time before you will burn out. Consider Nadab and Abihu--remember them from Leviticus 10:1?
Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them.
You could say they were burnt-out.What happened?
The source of their fire; their passion if you will, was not the altar of God, but themselves. Had they relied solely on God, following His direction and guidance, burn-out would have never occurred. And that’s the picture for us—when we try to maintain our own fire, when God alone should be our source, we will suffer burn-out.
Think about it
Remember your last burn-out; unappreciated; feeling like a door mat? Chances are you forgot—you forgot why you were doing what you were doing. Somehow, some way, it was no longer about Jesus and Him crucified; it was about you and your needs.
NP
Not a problem. Don’t panic and don’t despair—just change fuel. Empty your ‘tank’ of ‘you’ and fill it with ‘Him’ and let the love of Christ compel you once again.
...God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him…He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Be loved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. We love Him because He first loved us. 1 John 4:9-11, 19
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
What is the source of your passion for ministry; or more accurately, who is the source of your passion? If it is not the love of Christ, that is, the love Jesus freely gave and continues to give, then it is only a matter of time before you will burn out. Consider Nadab and Abihu--remember them from Leviticus 10:1?
Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them.
You could say they were burnt-out.What happened?
The source of their fire; their passion if you will, was not the altar of God, but themselves. Had they relied solely on God, following His direction and guidance, burn-out would have never occurred. And that’s the picture for us—when we try to maintain our own fire, when God alone should be our source, we will suffer burn-out.
Think about it
Remember your last burn-out; unappreciated; feeling like a door mat? Chances are you forgot—you forgot why you were doing what you were doing. Somehow, some way, it was no longer about Jesus and Him crucified; it was about you and your needs.
NP
Not a problem. Don’t panic and don’t despair—just change fuel. Empty your ‘tank’ of ‘you’ and fill it with ‘Him’ and let the love of Christ compel you once again.
...God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him…He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Be loved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. We love Him because He first loved us. 1 John 4:9-11, 19
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Piano Man
We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed…2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Piano Man
A full size piano (depending upon the brand) has about 240 strings which together wield about 20 tons (40, 000 lbs.) of pressure. However, tension and stress alone does not produce sweet tones—access must be granted to the one who can adjust and tweak the strings so that beautiful music might flow.
When we work or operate in our flesh it is akin to a novice tuning a piano—to much pressure on one string and it breaks, break enough strings and we render the instrument useless. Perplexed and in despair, feeling empty, we are defeated.
In Christ
Same tension, same stress, but now it’s under the control of the Master who knows how much pressure each string can bear. We soon recognize the familiar strain and the pressure, but listen, the music is different—it is in fact pleasing to the ear. Same characteristics, but different results—Joy! Why? Because we discovered that our ‘old man’ was an imposter masquerading as a piano tuner and now have submitted ourselves to the One who created us.
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. Romans 12:1
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
Piano Man
A full size piano (depending upon the brand) has about 240 strings which together wield about 20 tons (40, 000 lbs.) of pressure. However, tension and stress alone does not produce sweet tones—access must be granted to the one who can adjust and tweak the strings so that beautiful music might flow.
When we work or operate in our flesh it is akin to a novice tuning a piano—to much pressure on one string and it breaks, break enough strings and we render the instrument useless. Perplexed and in despair, feeling empty, we are defeated.
In Christ
Same tension, same stress, but now it’s under the control of the Master who knows how much pressure each string can bear. We soon recognize the familiar strain and the pressure, but listen, the music is different—it is in fact pleasing to the ear. Same characteristics, but different results—Joy! Why? Because we discovered that our ‘old man’ was an imposter masquerading as a piano tuner and now have submitted ourselves to the One who created us.
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. Romans 12:1
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Glorious Road Signs
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. 2 Corinthians 3:18
From Glory to Glory
Have you ever been driving along a stretch of highway, mile after mile wondering if you are even on the right road? It can be distressing. In the distance you see a sign. As you near it your heart rate quickens, ”What will it reveal?” At last you discover that you are on the proper road and, joy of joys, you’re heading in the right direction. At that particular moment, is not the seeing of that sign a splendid thing?
The true glory though lies ahead, doesn’t it? Whether it is Disney World or grandma’s house, the real glory is in the destination. We might recall the beauty of the road sign, and how it directed us, but alas its glory fades as we scoot by. Ever grateful we drive on to our ultimate glory.
Paul reminds us that Christians are traversing from one glory to another, the latter being exceedingly better than the first. He goes on to tell us what these glories are: the Law and Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:7-9 make it clearer.
But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory.
Ministry of Death
The ministry of death (and the ministry of condemnation) are one and the same; they are references to the ‘Law’, while Jesus is the ministry of righteousness. While the ‘Law’ was glorious, the glory of Christ exceeds it. The only reason the ‘Law’ had any glory at all is so we sinners would stand up and take notice; its sole purpose being to identify us (as sinners) and then to operate as a road sign directing us to Jesus Christ—the ultimate glory.
We are grateful for the Law and we recognize its glory and purpose, but to stop at the Law so that we might bask in its fading glory would be as silly as stopping at a road sign and basking in its diminishing glow. Let us move on from glory to glory.
For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious.
2 Corinthians 3:11
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
From Glory to Glory
Have you ever been driving along a stretch of highway, mile after mile wondering if you are even on the right road? It can be distressing. In the distance you see a sign. As you near it your heart rate quickens, ”What will it reveal?” At last you discover that you are on the proper road and, joy of joys, you’re heading in the right direction. At that particular moment, is not the seeing of that sign a splendid thing?
The true glory though lies ahead, doesn’t it? Whether it is Disney World or grandma’s house, the real glory is in the destination. We might recall the beauty of the road sign, and how it directed us, but alas its glory fades as we scoot by. Ever grateful we drive on to our ultimate glory.
Paul reminds us that Christians are traversing from one glory to another, the latter being exceedingly better than the first. He goes on to tell us what these glories are: the Law and Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:7-9 make it clearer.
But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory.
Ministry of Death
The ministry of death (and the ministry of condemnation) are one and the same; they are references to the ‘Law’, while Jesus is the ministry of righteousness. While the ‘Law’ was glorious, the glory of Christ exceeds it. The only reason the ‘Law’ had any glory at all is so we sinners would stand up and take notice; its sole purpose being to identify us (as sinners) and then to operate as a road sign directing us to Jesus Christ—the ultimate glory.
We are grateful for the Law and we recognize its glory and purpose, but to stop at the Law so that we might bask in its fading glory would be as silly as stopping at a road sign and basking in its diminishing glow. Let us move on from glory to glory.
For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious.
2 Corinthians 3:11
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Who is Buried in Grant’s Tomb?
Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. 2 Corinthians 2:14
Tone
Don’t you hate it when you write a letter, an email, or an IM, and the person for which it was intended didn’t ‘get it’? Oh, I don’t mean that they didn’t receive it, but they just didn’t understand what you were trying to say. Quite often the problem is that it is difficult to convey attitude (our tone) when we write. Paul was having the same problem.
While these occurrences tend to frustrate and anger us, Paul chose to diffuse the tension with Godly praise. Why did Paul choose the high road, when we so often choose the low one? A clue is found in your refrigerator—tip it over and what falls out? The answer of course is, ‘whatever is inside of it’. The same is true for the heart: whenever it is nudged, it spills forth whatever is inside. Paul’s heart was filled with love and adoration for Jesus Christ.
What’s in your heart?
But You, O Lord, know me; You have seen me, And You have tested my heart toward You. Jeremiah 12:3a
How many of us see the ‘guy’ who cut us off on the road, or took our parking space as an answer to prayer. Did we not ask that the Lord to search our hearts? Did not our hearts spill-out before us as we slammed on the brakes to avoid a collision? Next time, instead of being angry with the person, let us be grateful to the Lord. After all, He revealed something about us and He responded to our prayers yet again! Can you imagine then thanking that guy for being used by God? Talk about an opportunity to witness!
...Beaten with rods…into prison, But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God…Suddenly…all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. Acts 16:22-26
Paul’s heart was filled with love for Jesus and when it’s disturbed, prayer and song springs forth. Please take notice, Paul did not have Acts 16 to read; he could not have surmised, “Ok Silas, we need to pray and sing so God will open these doors.” Paul merely did what he always did. Was the Lord responding to Paul’s adoration? Perhaps, but we know for certain He wasn’t responding to manipulation.
For He knows the secrets of the heart…Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties…And give to everyone according to all his ways, whose heart You know (for You alone know the hearts of all the sons of men) Psalms 139:23; 44:21b; 1 Kings 8:39b
What’s in your heart?
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
Tone
Don’t you hate it when you write a letter, an email, or an IM, and the person for which it was intended didn’t ‘get it’? Oh, I don’t mean that they didn’t receive it, but they just didn’t understand what you were trying to say. Quite often the problem is that it is difficult to convey attitude (our tone) when we write. Paul was having the same problem.
While these occurrences tend to frustrate and anger us, Paul chose to diffuse the tension with Godly praise. Why did Paul choose the high road, when we so often choose the low one? A clue is found in your refrigerator—tip it over and what falls out? The answer of course is, ‘whatever is inside of it’. The same is true for the heart: whenever it is nudged, it spills forth whatever is inside. Paul’s heart was filled with love and adoration for Jesus Christ.
What’s in your heart?
But You, O Lord, know me; You have seen me, And You have tested my heart toward You. Jeremiah 12:3a
How many of us see the ‘guy’ who cut us off on the road, or took our parking space as an answer to prayer. Did we not ask that the Lord to search our hearts? Did not our hearts spill-out before us as we slammed on the brakes to avoid a collision? Next time, instead of being angry with the person, let us be grateful to the Lord. After all, He revealed something about us and He responded to our prayers yet again! Can you imagine then thanking that guy for being used by God? Talk about an opportunity to witness!
...Beaten with rods…into prison, But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God…Suddenly…all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. Acts 16:22-26
Paul’s heart was filled with love for Jesus and when it’s disturbed, prayer and song springs forth. Please take notice, Paul did not have Acts 16 to read; he could not have surmised, “Ok Silas, we need to pray and sing so God will open these doors.” Paul merely did what he always did. Was the Lord responding to Paul’s adoration? Perhaps, but we know for certain He wasn’t responding to manipulation.
For He knows the secrets of the heart…Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties…And give to everyone according to all his ways, whose heart You know (for You alone know the hearts of all the sons of men) Psalms 139:23; 44:21b; 1 Kings 8:39b
What’s in your heart?
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
Monday, March 17, 2008
Consolation Prize
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
One More Reason
Nothing bad happens to the Christian unless God allows it. Do you believe that? If you do, you might then ask, “Why would God allow these things; why would God make us uncomfortable just so He could make us comfortable again? The verse tells us why and reminds us that our suffering is ultimately for the benefit of others.
BBB
What’s BBB? It’s my acronym for ‘Blessed to Be a Blessing’. Where in the Bible does it say that the reason for our blessing is to be a blessing to others? Right here in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. When we have gone through a trial ‘relying’ on the Lord, come out on the other side blessed, we have been specially equipped to now share that prosperity with others.
Our Gain is Not Ours
The fact that we are blessed at all is really just a miraculous byproduct of God’s handiwork. The Father purposes to bring Himself honor, glory, and praise, but in His mercy and grace chooses to bless us as well. The truth is that everything we call blessed belongs to Him and in our striving to selfishly keep them we could likely lose them. Let us hold our blessings as if we hadn’t any knuckles.
Remember Your Baptism
Ah baptism-- the time we symbolically die to ourselves; that blessed time when we handed over the reins of our lives to the One who Reigns over our lives. Baptism also symbolizes the tribulation and comfort spoken of in 2 Corinthians, as baptism is a picture of God’s promise to us. Let us share the promise—let us comfort those who now suffer.
Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. Matthew 5:42
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
One More Reason
Nothing bad happens to the Christian unless God allows it. Do you believe that? If you do, you might then ask, “Why would God allow these things; why would God make us uncomfortable just so He could make us comfortable again? The verse tells us why and reminds us that our suffering is ultimately for the benefit of others.
BBB
What’s BBB? It’s my acronym for ‘Blessed to Be a Blessing’. Where in the Bible does it say that the reason for our blessing is to be a blessing to others? Right here in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. When we have gone through a trial ‘relying’ on the Lord, come out on the other side blessed, we have been specially equipped to now share that prosperity with others.
Our Gain is Not Ours
The fact that we are blessed at all is really just a miraculous byproduct of God’s handiwork. The Father purposes to bring Himself honor, glory, and praise, but in His mercy and grace chooses to bless us as well. The truth is that everything we call blessed belongs to Him and in our striving to selfishly keep them we could likely lose them. Let us hold our blessings as if we hadn’t any knuckles.
Remember Your Baptism
Ah baptism-- the time we symbolically die to ourselves; that blessed time when we handed over the reins of our lives to the One who Reigns over our lives. Baptism also symbolizes the tribulation and comfort spoken of in 2 Corinthians, as baptism is a picture of God’s promise to us. Let us share the promise—let us comfort those who now suffer.
Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. Matthew 5:42
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
Friday, March 14, 2008
Submission to Addiction
I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas…that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.1 Corinthians 16:15-16
The truth is that we are all addicted to something. When I was a cop, I was addicted to police work. Simultaneously I was addicted to golf. At other times in my life I have been addicted to drugs, alcohol, and women. Bob Dylan balanced addiction with service, conceding that we’re all going to ‘Serve somebody’ or something:
You may be an ambassador to England or France,
You may like to gamble,
you might like to dance,
You may be the heavyweight champion of the world,
You may be a socialite with a long string of pearls
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody,
yes indeedYou’re gonna have to serve somebody,
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody.
We should not be shocked
When the Lord created us, He incorporated into our framework ‘a need to worship’, but because God is love, he also incorporated the ability to freely choose. Paul reminds us (as does Bob) that we should choose wisely and that we should submit ourselves to those who are presently addicted to Christ Jesus and His ministries.
Let us submit ourselves first to God, and then according to His will, to those who are addicted and devoted to Him and the fulfilling of His creation on earth and beyond. Let us beware the embrace of our adversary.Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed.
Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Proverbs 27:5-6
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
The truth is that we are all addicted to something. When I was a cop, I was addicted to police work. Simultaneously I was addicted to golf. At other times in my life I have been addicted to drugs, alcohol, and women. Bob Dylan balanced addiction with service, conceding that we’re all going to ‘Serve somebody’ or something:
You may be an ambassador to England or France,
You may like to gamble,
you might like to dance,
You may be the heavyweight champion of the world,
You may be a socialite with a long string of pearls
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody,
yes indeedYou’re gonna have to serve somebody,
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody.
We should not be shocked
When the Lord created us, He incorporated into our framework ‘a need to worship’, but because God is love, he also incorporated the ability to freely choose. Paul reminds us (as does Bob) that we should choose wisely and that we should submit ourselves to those who are presently addicted to Christ Jesus and His ministries.
Let us submit ourselves first to God, and then according to His will, to those who are addicted and devoted to Him and the fulfilling of His creation on earth and beyond. Let us beware the embrace of our adversary.Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed.
Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Proverbs 27:5-6
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
Thursday, March 13, 2008
God’s Not My Co-Pilot ~ He’s My Travel Agent
Now I will come to you…And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go…if the Lord permits. 1 Corinthians 16:5-7
Paul was one smart fellow. He had the spiritual insight to know that whatever he did, or wherever he went was first and foremost dependant upon the will of his travel agent—God the Father. Do you trust your itinerary to God?
You Should
Consider Romans 1:13 and its implication:
Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles.
Did you see it?
I bolded it, but you might have missed the significance. If Paul had not been hindered [in his going to see the brothers], the Letter to the Romans would have never been written. The other significant aspect is Paul had no idea that his letters would some day make up a large portion of the New Testament.
Let us remember…
The next time we’re stuck in traffic, or get fired from a job, or wind up in jail (like Paul)—God can and will use us in any situation we find ourselves…If we allow Him access to our agenda.
Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." James 4:13-15
Embrace a hindrance
Do you view sponsoring a child as a hindrance to your plans? If you do, then perhaps you should prayerfully consider allowing this hindrance in order that you might see what the Lord has planned.
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
Paul was one smart fellow. He had the spiritual insight to know that whatever he did, or wherever he went was first and foremost dependant upon the will of his travel agent—God the Father. Do you trust your itinerary to God?
You Should
Consider Romans 1:13 and its implication:
Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles.
Did you see it?
I bolded it, but you might have missed the significance. If Paul had not been hindered [in his going to see the brothers], the Letter to the Romans would have never been written. The other significant aspect is Paul had no idea that his letters would some day make up a large portion of the New Testament.
Let us remember…
The next time we’re stuck in traffic, or get fired from a job, or wind up in jail (like Paul)—God can and will use us in any situation we find ourselves…If we allow Him access to our agenda.
Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." James 4:13-15
Embrace a hindrance
Do you view sponsoring a child as a hindrance to your plans? If you do, then perhaps you should prayerfully consider allowing this hindrance in order that you might see what the Lord has planned.
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Of Boxcars and Thimbles
There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. 1 Corinthians 15:41-42
There is much talk as to what awaits us in Heaven and how the rewards we receive from the Father will be made manifest. One thing is for certain: we will all be pleased because we will all be filled. But what of the vessel, for both a thimble and a boxcar can be filled.
While each star in the Heavens is indeed glorious, they are not the same size; while some are mere specks in the sky, others are enormous. The issue becomes not if we will shine, but how brightly; will we become spiritual midgets or giants.
Does it matter?
Some might say it doesn’t matter—as long as they get to heaven they will be jubilant. That is true: all who make it to Heaven are overjoyed, regardless of their capacity to be filled, or the intensity of their glory. However, I suggest to you that what matters is not our yet-future Heavenly outlook, but our now-present earthly attitude. How happy are you in Jesus at this moment?
I further submit to you that Spiritual happiness is displayed in gratitude, and gratitude manifests itself in works – not works we have to do, but works, or service to the Lord, that we ‘get’ to do.
Do you see the difference?
We don’t have to go to church, we get to go. We don’t have to read our Bibles, we get to. We get to pray, we get to fellowship, and we get to love on one another. We get to share the Good News and we get to be the Body of Christ. We get to shine on earth, and the brighter we shine on earth, the brighter we will shine in Heaven – all for His glory.
Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever. Daniel 12:3
Shine Brighter Right Now--Click on the Compassion banner to sponsor a child
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
There is much talk as to what awaits us in Heaven and how the rewards we receive from the Father will be made manifest. One thing is for certain: we will all be pleased because we will all be filled. But what of the vessel, for both a thimble and a boxcar can be filled.
While each star in the Heavens is indeed glorious, they are not the same size; while some are mere specks in the sky, others are enormous. The issue becomes not if we will shine, but how brightly; will we become spiritual midgets or giants.
Does it matter?
Some might say it doesn’t matter—as long as they get to heaven they will be jubilant. That is true: all who make it to Heaven are overjoyed, regardless of their capacity to be filled, or the intensity of their glory. However, I suggest to you that what matters is not our yet-future Heavenly outlook, but our now-present earthly attitude. How happy are you in Jesus at this moment?
I further submit to you that Spiritual happiness is displayed in gratitude, and gratitude manifests itself in works – not works we have to do, but works, or service to the Lord, that we ‘get’ to do.
Do you see the difference?
We don’t have to go to church, we get to go. We don’t have to read our Bibles, we get to. We get to pray, we get to fellowship, and we get to love on one another. We get to share the Good News and we get to be the Body of Christ. We get to shine on earth, and the brighter we shine on earth, the brighter we will shine in Heaven – all for His glory.
Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever. Daniel 12:3
Shine Brighter Right Now--Click on the Compassion banner to sponsor a child
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
The Shame of the Husband
And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church. 1 Corinthians 14:35
Men
This verse is directed at us. And we need to understand its implication. If our wives have been placed in a position of having to ask spiritual questions in the church then that means they are not getting their answers at home. The shame is not on the wives; the shame is upon the husbands.
In other words, if they are not being spiritually fed, we are not being the providers we ought to be, which likely means we are not in the Word and/or doing the saintly things we should be doing. As a result we are forcing our wives to look for answers outside of the home.
What’s the danger ?
Are not the answers to Biblical questions things to be treasured; are they not of great value? Well consider what Jesus has to say about those things:
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21
If we force our women out of the house because we are not being the Godly men we are supposed to be, we are setting ourselves up for ruined marriages, or at the very least, marriages that are not all that they can be. The recipe for a fruitful marriage begins with a husband seeking to please the Lord.
But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 1 Corinthians 11:3
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
Men
This verse is directed at us. And we need to understand its implication. If our wives have been placed in a position of having to ask spiritual questions in the church then that means they are not getting their answers at home. The shame is not on the wives; the shame is upon the husbands.
In other words, if they are not being spiritually fed, we are not being the providers we ought to be, which likely means we are not in the Word and/or doing the saintly things we should be doing. As a result we are forcing our wives to look for answers outside of the home.
What’s the danger ?
Are not the answers to Biblical questions things to be treasured; are they not of great value? Well consider what Jesus has to say about those things:
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21
If we force our women out of the house because we are not being the Godly men we are supposed to be, we are setting ourselves up for ruined marriages, or at the very least, marriages that are not all that they can be. The recipe for a fruitful marriage begins with a husband seeking to please the Lord.
But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 1 Corinthians 11:3
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
Monday, March 10, 2008
Bible Formula Revealed
Let all things be done decently and in order. 1 Corinthians 14:40
Different churches have different approaches when it comes to exercising the gifts of the Holy Spirit . Some churches have the “let all things” part down cold, but aren’t to keen on the “decent and orderly” part, while other congregations have the “decent and orderly” component correct, but aren’t practicing ‘all’ the gifts.
The Apostle Paul adds these verses to help clarify matters.Let all things be done for edification.
For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. 1 Corinthians 14:27, 33
Edification is just a fancy word for strengthening, or building up another person, or in this case the entire church. In the previous chapter we learned that God is love, but here we discover He is the author of peace. Where there is no peace there is likely no body-building going on; and where there’s no strengthening of the body there is probably no order or decency.
The Formula:
A+D+O = S+P+CAll things + Decency + Order = a Strong Peaceable Church.
Are you looking for a place to exercise your gifts, or an area to share the blessings of the Lord that He has freely given? Then I would suggest to you that perhaps it is no accident that you have stumbled upon this post today.
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
Different churches have different approaches when it comes to exercising the gifts of the Holy Spirit . Some churches have the “let all things” part down cold, but aren’t to keen on the “decent and orderly” part, while other congregations have the “decent and orderly” component correct, but aren’t practicing ‘all’ the gifts.
The Apostle Paul adds these verses to help clarify matters.Let all things be done for edification.
For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. 1 Corinthians 14:27, 33
Edification is just a fancy word for strengthening, or building up another person, or in this case the entire church. In the previous chapter we learned that God is love, but here we discover He is the author of peace. Where there is no peace there is likely no body-building going on; and where there’s no strengthening of the body there is probably no order or decency.
The Formula:
A+D+O = S+P+CAll things + Decency + Order = a Strong Peaceable Church.
Are you looking for a place to exercise your gifts, or an area to share the blessings of the Lord that He has freely given? Then I would suggest to you that perhaps it is no accident that you have stumbled upon this post today.
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Warning: Your Personal Savings Account
Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." Luke 6:31
I recently heard a story about a man who, while hiking in the wilderness had become caught in a blizzard. He walked for hours in the blinding snow and was soaked through, frost bitten, and exhausted. The compulsion to collapse in the snow and sleep unto death was overwhelming and so to his knees he fell.
In a second’s time, he tipped forward from his knees to his elbows, hoping to go fetal, but instead he felt a mass beneath the snow. He had literally stumbled upon another person; a person who he would discover was unconscious, but alive.
He lifted the man across his shoulders and began walking. In less than an hours time he came upon a cabin. This home was occupied, there was a fire burning, and both men were saved.
This man was saved in the saving of another.
This is not a story about finding salvation; if you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are saved. This is story of finding your purpose in order that you might live more abundantly in your salvation. Frankly, there are too many Christians dying in their faith; dying in their idleness.
The Lord would say to you and I, “Look around my child, there are bodies all around. Pick one up and begin walking.” We have a choice. In our salvation we can curl up and wait to die, or we can live abundantly now in the service we give to others and most importantly, in His precious name. The Bible verse at the top of the page is not about ’getting’ before you die, but ’giving’ so others might live.
Prayerfully Consider Sponsoring a COMPASSION child
Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
I recently heard a story about a man who, while hiking in the wilderness had become caught in a blizzard. He walked for hours in the blinding snow and was soaked through, frost bitten, and exhausted. The compulsion to collapse in the snow and sleep unto death was overwhelming and so to his knees he fell.
In a second’s time, he tipped forward from his knees to his elbows, hoping to go fetal, but instead he felt a mass beneath the snow. He had literally stumbled upon another person; a person who he would discover was unconscious, but alive.
He lifted the man across his shoulders and began walking. In less than an hours time he came upon a cabin. This home was occupied, there was a fire burning, and both men were saved.
This man was saved in the saving of another.
This is not a story about finding salvation; if you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are saved. This is story of finding your purpose in order that you might live more abundantly in your salvation. Frankly, there are too many Christians dying in their faith; dying in their idleness.
The Lord would say to you and I, “Look around my child, there are bodies all around. Pick one up and begin walking.” We have a choice. In our salvation we can curl up and wait to die, or we can live abundantly now in the service we give to others and most importantly, in His precious name. The Bible verse at the top of the page is not about ’getting’ before you die, but ’giving’ so others might live.
Prayerfully Consider Sponsoring a COMPASSION child
Jesus + Compassion Group (*where sponsors hang out)
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
10/W/40 Love
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 1 Corinthians 13:1
Love is that fruit of the Spirit that allows God’s power to flow through us by way of the gifts that He has provided. Removing love from this blueprint would be akin to removing the oil from your engine’s crankcase. A car without oil will run for a while, make a whole lot of noise, and then stop entirely.
A Better Illustration From God
And they made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates on the hem of the robe all around between the pomegranates: a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, all around the hem of the robe to minister in, as the Lord had commanded Moses.
Notice how the bells might be symbolic of the Lord’s gifts and also how the pomegranates represent love; a fruit of the Spirit. Bell-fruit-bell-fruit-etc-etc. Without this buffer of love between each gift, we would be left with a cacophony of metal clanging against metal, but with love in-between, each bell’s clear tone can be distinguished one from another.
Don’t Ever Forget the Love
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group
While on the topic of love…(*sponsor a child)
Love is that fruit of the Spirit that allows God’s power to flow through us by way of the gifts that He has provided. Removing love from this blueprint would be akin to removing the oil from your engine’s crankcase. A car without oil will run for a while, make a whole lot of noise, and then stop entirely.
A Better Illustration From God
And they made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates on the hem of the robe all around between the pomegranates: a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, all around the hem of the robe to minister in, as the Lord had commanded Moses.
Exodus 39:25-26
Notice how the bells might be symbolic of the Lord’s gifts and also how the pomegranates represent love; a fruit of the Spirit. Bell-fruit-bell-fruit-etc-etc. Without this buffer of love between each gift, we would be left with a cacophony of metal clanging against metal, but with love in-between, each bell’s clear tone can be distinguished one from another.
Don’t Ever Forget the Love
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group
While on the topic of love…(*sponsor a child)
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
One Million Candles
Jeffry is four years old and he lives with his grandparents in Nicaragua. Jeffry lives in the kind of poverty you and I cannot really comprehend. Jeffry is also the one-millionth registered child through the children Compassion International.We Celebrate!
First and foremost we celebrate our Creator, for it is He who has willed the Compassion ministry ~and~ all the other ministries founded on the Rock that is His Son, Jesus Christ. All praise, honor, and glory to God the Father, the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
We celebrate the church; that is, the Body of Christ—His hands and feet that continually yield to the will of the Father here on earth. We also celebrate in anticipation that others will be provoked to jealousy; to becoming active, yielding contributors to this same body.
We celebrate Jeffry and all the children that came before him and Lord willing, the countless millions that will follow him. For it is in these children we see the power of our living God displayed; one million candles burning brightly for God’s glory in one million corners of the globe.
How can you not celebrate?
The celebration continues. I ask you, should we not be as exuberant for that nameless kid who represents the one-millionth-and-one registered child, for that child has been registered as well. I submit to you that the best way to celebrate is to have more children at the party. Onward Christians—onward towards saving His second-million children and in Jesus’ name.
Sponsor a Child Today (there must be a link somewhere on this page)
Monday, March 3, 2008
Trailer Trash ?
Don't Question Authority
I heard about the movie Expelled and figured I would likely go see it when it comes out, despite the fact that it featured Ben Stein. Don't get me wrong. I like Ben Stein. It's just that I thought any movie with him in it would likely be a sophomoric attempt at coarse humor, the likes of which a 'good Christian' should not partake.
Then I saw the movie's trailer Wow.
I was moved and I am anxiously awaiting for this movies release. It appears that the Lord might just use the movie "Expelled" in a powerful way.Watch the trailer.
Now if only Ben would come to know Jesus as Christ.
I heard about the movie Expelled and figured I would likely go see it when it comes out, despite the fact that it featured Ben Stein. Don't get me wrong. I like Ben Stein. It's just that I thought any movie with him in it would likely be a sophomoric attempt at coarse humor, the likes of which a 'good Christian' should not partake.
Then I saw the movie's trailer Wow.
I was moved and I am anxiously awaiting for this movies release. It appears that the Lord might just use the movie "Expelled" in a powerful way.Watch the trailer.
Now if only Ben would come to know Jesus as Christ.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Your Compassion Date in 2008
An Overwhelming Need
Every three seconds a child under age 5 dies from poverty-related causes that Compassion's ministry is skilled at preventing. But it takes only one voice — yours — to fight poverty.
By hosting a Compassion Sunday event, you can expand your personal ministry and help transform the lives of hundreds or even thousands of impoverished children and families worldwide. And you can be a part of it without spending a single cent.
Reversing the Tide
It all starts by being willing to "speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves" and "defend the rights of the poor and needy" (Proverbs 31:8-9) and by hosting a Compassion Sunday event at your church. Compassion Sunday is an annual national campaign that links impoverished children with loving sponsors. Last year's campaign resulted in nearly 21,000 new child sponsorships. With your help, we hope to surpass this number again this year. It's the perfect way to answer God's call to help the poor and needy children.
The official Compassion Sunday 2008 date is April 13, but you can host an event any day of the year that works best for your church. We provide, free of charge, everything you need and will walk you through the simple process from start to finish. Hosting a Compassion Sunday event is easier than ever. Want to get started? Follow this simple three-step process:
Order your Planning Folder
Plan your Compassion Sunday
Order your Compassion Sunday event materials
Open your heart and help find sponsors for children in need. Discover the deep fulfillment and sense of purpose that comes from making a genuine difference in children's lives by hosting a Compassion Sunday event.
Don’t Want to do it Alone?
There are almost 2000 advocate volunteers like myself in the USA who are willing to come to YOUR church and share the Compassion ministry with your congregation. Again, there are no fees involved whatsoever; we just simply want to save the lives of children and in the name of Jesus.
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group
Every three seconds a child under age 5 dies from poverty-related causes that Compassion's ministry is skilled at preventing. But it takes only one voice — yours — to fight poverty.
By hosting a Compassion Sunday event, you can expand your personal ministry and help transform the lives of hundreds or even thousands of impoverished children and families worldwide. And you can be a part of it without spending a single cent.
Reversing the Tide
It all starts by being willing to "speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves" and "defend the rights of the poor and needy" (Proverbs 31:8-9) and by hosting a Compassion Sunday event at your church. Compassion Sunday is an annual national campaign that links impoverished children with loving sponsors. Last year's campaign resulted in nearly 21,000 new child sponsorships. With your help, we hope to surpass this number again this year. It's the perfect way to answer God's call to help the poor and needy children.
The official Compassion Sunday 2008 date is April 13, but you can host an event any day of the year that works best for your church. We provide, free of charge, everything you need and will walk you through the simple process from start to finish. Hosting a Compassion Sunday event is easier than ever. Want to get started? Follow this simple three-step process:
Order your Planning Folder
Plan your Compassion Sunday
Order your Compassion Sunday event materials
Open your heart and help find sponsors for children in need. Discover the deep fulfillment and sense of purpose that comes from making a genuine difference in children's lives by hosting a Compassion Sunday event.
Don’t Want to do it Alone?
There are almost 2000 advocate volunteers like myself in the USA who are willing to come to YOUR church and share the Compassion ministry with your congregation. Again, there are no fees involved whatsoever; we just simply want to save the lives of children and in the name of Jesus.
COMPASSION dave and the Jesus + Compassion Group
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Compassion Magazine ~and~ Compassion Radio
Did you know you can read Compassion's inspirational publication, Compassion Magazine, on our Web site? In each issue you will hear from the heart of our president, view a captivating photo essay, and be inspired by stories of Compassion's work around the world. The magazine is sure to be a powerful source of motivation as you advocate for children in poverty. Read Compassion Magazine right from your computer or download and print it to share with your friends.
We're on the radio too!
"Speak Up With Compassion" hosted by Compassion's President, Wess Stafford: "Kenya: Pray For the Children" is our new 25-minute radio special that takes you behind the scenes as the violence unfolds. Hear firsthand accounts of how Compassion's work in Kenya has been affected and what actions are being taken to reach out to children. And hear from church leaders who tell us what our role should be in this crisis.
We're on the radio too!
"Speak Up With Compassion" hosted by Compassion's President, Wess Stafford: "Kenya: Pray For the Children" is our new 25-minute radio special that takes you behind the scenes as the violence unfolds. Hear firsthand accounts of how Compassion's work in Kenya has been affected and what actions are being taken to reach out to children. And hear from church leaders who tell us what our role should be in this crisis.
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