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)

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)

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.