Oxford Fellowship and Devotionals

New Postings on McFadden Circle

2007-01-15T09:57:00.000-08:00

We are transitioning new devotional posts to McFadden Circle. The new Blogger makes creating Labels so easy that now we don't need to maintain several blogs.

Just go to http://mcfaddencircle.blogspot.com and click on the Devotional Label.

Regards,
Mike

Absolute Surrender

2006-10-30T13:56:00.000-08:00

A good friend Erin Kerr, personal PEACE pastor at Saddleback send me this note:

"Ad Ben-hadad the king of Syria gathered all his host together: and there were thirty and two kings with him, and horses, and chariots: and he went up and besieged Samaria , and warred against it. And he sent messengers to Ahab king of Israel into the city, and said unto him, Thus saith Ben-hadad, Thy silver and thy gold is mine; thy wives also and thy children, even the goodliest, are mine. And the king of Israel answered and said, My lord, O king, according to thy saying, I am thine and all that I have" (1 Kings 20:1-4).

What Ben Hadad asked was absolute surrender; and what Ahab gave was what was asked of him—absolute surrender. I want to use these words: "My lord, O king, according to thy saying, I am thine, and all that I have," as the words of absolute surrender with which every child of God ought to yield himself to his Father. We have heard it before, but we need to hear it very definitely — the condition of God's blessing is absolute surrender of all into His hands. Praise God! If our hearts are willing for that, there is no end to what God will do for us, and to the blessing God will bestow.

Absolute surrender — let me tell you where I got those words. I used them myself often, and you have heard them numberless times. But in Scotland once I was in a company where we were talking about the condition of Christ's Church, and what the great need of the Church and of believers is; and there was in our company a godly worker who has much to do in training workers, and I asked him what he would say was the great need of the Church, and the message that ought to be preached. He answered very quietly and simply and determinedly:

"Absolute surrender to God is the one thing."

The words struck me as never before. And that man began to tell how, in the workers with whom he' had to deal, he finds that if they are sound on that point, even though they be backward, they are willing to be taught and helped, and they always improve; whereas others who are not sound there very often go back and leave the work. The condition for obtaining God's full blessing is absolute surrender to Him.

And now, I desire by God's grace to give to you this message — that your God in Heaven answers the prayers which you have offered for blessing on yourselves and for blessing on those around you by this one demand: Are you willing to surrender yourselves absolutely into His hands? What is our answer to be? God knows there are hundreds of hearts who have said it, and there are hundreds more who long to say it but hardly dare to do so. And there are hearts who have said it, but who have yet miserably failed, and who feel themselves condemned because they did not find the secret of the power to live that life. May God have a word for all!

Let me say, first of all, that God claims it from us.

—Absolute Surrender, Andrew Murray

Learn from Your Mistakes

2006-09-05T05:53:00.000-07:00

By Dr. James MacDonald

"Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure." Proverbs 4:26

"The prudent gives thought to his steps. One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless." Proverbs 14:15-16

When I make an honest mistake, I don't get too mad at myself, but when I make that same mistake again...that's another story. I know better than that! What's my problem?!

It's not foolish to make a mistake. James 3:2 says we all fall in many ways. But foolish describes the person who falls in the same way over and over. A common Hebrew word translated "fool" says this person never learns. Repetitive foolish decisions are their long-standing pattern.

A foolish person has careless feet-they don't think through the consequences of their actions. They never fear until they fall. As they walk near a cliff they never sense, " Whoa, this is a little dangerous; I should be careful ." They don't consider what will happen if they take another step or wonder if they'll be able to put the pieces of their lives back together again. Only when they're broken at the bottom of the cliff do they start thinking about how to fix their situation.

What's more, let a little time go by and they're back at the cliff again. They don't remember, " The last time I came over here, I got hurt ." Instead they walk back into the same situation again.

How about you? Are you learning from past mistakes or do you find yourself in painful repeats? How many times have you realized:

* If I work too many hours and neglect my family, it leads to breakdown and heartache?
* If I run my credit cards up to the limit, it produces more pain than doing without what I thought I had to have?
* If I don't get into God's Word and take care of my soul, my life unravels really fast?

I commend to you a verse that God has used in my life. It is Proverbs 4:26, " Ponder the path of your feet ." Think about where this road is taking you. If you go three more steps in this same direction, are you going to like where you'll end up? The foolish never think about that. The wise always do.

Let every choice you make, every place you go, every relationship that you nourish and develop be an intentional pursuit of God's best and what is good for you and for those you love. That's wisdom.

Pick Your Friends Wisely

2006-08-28T17:50:00.000-07:00

By Dr. James MacDonald

The righteous should choose his friends carefully. Proverbs 12:26

The old saying is right, “you’re known by the company you keep.” The corollary to this truth is-so pick your friends wisely.

Proverbs 12:26 clearly warns, “The righteous should choose his friends carefully.” Not everyone is good friendship material so we’ve got to be mindful of this counsel. Like another old saying Paul quotes in 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Bad company corrupts good morals.” No matter your age, your friends will affect your life for good or for bad.

I remember my first day of high school. I walked into that big building feeling lost in the crowd. I knew I needed to make friends fast but was overwhelmed by the many options.

I saw students from the music department; they were talented, but kind of isolated unto themselves. There were the brainiacs. I knew right away I would never fit into that group. I saw the jocks walking down the hallway, acting like they had it all together. Maybe they’d be good friends; maybe they wouldn’t. There were the geeks who seemed pretty uncool to my young eyes. (This was long before Bill Gates made his billions and changed the perception.) Then there were the druggies, who hung out behind the cafeteria, pretending they were having fun but actually striking out against some internal pain.

Here’s the point: after all the years since then, when I think meet people from high school, the similarities are amazing. They have almost all tracked in the direction of the group they chose to associate with in high school. They became like the people they hung around with.

So do we all.

It follows then that you need to choose your friends wisely. Whether you’re a high school freshman or an empty-nester in your fifties-choose who you would like to become. Don’t just let work associations or next-door neighbor proximity dictate who you spend the bulk of your time with. Don’t let a chance meeting, or family ties, or even the church you go to determine that for you. Make deliberate choices about who you want to invest in and who rubs off on you. Decide the kind of people you need to associate with, the ones who will be your real, heartfelt, lots-of-time-together friends. Then choose them and love them.

Leadership Summit [interview with Bono]

2006-08-14T03:27:00.000-07:00

I finished reading several posts from Tony Morgan and I would highly recommend spending some time on his site. It's quite informative, inspiring and thought provoking. If you a few minutes check out the recap on the Bill Hybels and Bono interview.

I need thee every hour

2006-08-14T03:14:00.000-07:00

This morning I listened to this hymm (I need thee every hour), which was re-recorded by Jars of Clay and available on thier CD "Redemptive Songs"

I need thee every hour, most gracious Lord
No tender voice like thine can peace afford
I need thee, oh, I need thee
Every hour I need thee
Oh bless me now, my Savior
I come to thee

I need thee every hour, stay thou nearby
Temptations lose their power when thou art nigh
I need thee, oh, I need thee
Every hour I need thee
Oh bless me now, my Savior
I come to thee

I need thee every hour, in joy or pain
Come quickly and abide or life is vain

I need thee every hour, most Holy One
Oh make me thine indeed, thou blessed Son
I need thee, oh, I need thee
Every hour I need thee
Oh bless me now, my Savior
I come to thee

Yes, I CAN!

2006-08-02T03:57:00.000-07:00

This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.—Hebrews 10:36

On a cliff overlooking the sea in Cornwall, England, sits a theater built into the rocks. If you were to see a picture of this theater, you might immediately assume that many workers and machines built this picturesque place. However, you would be wrong, for it was the work of one woman by the name of Rowena Cade, who spent the better part of her life planning, building and funding her vision. She spent from 1931 until 1983 building, rebuilding and creating a magic environment on the cliffs of Cornwall to give theater lovers an unparalleled experience. To this day, visitors from all over the world sit in the hand-carved seats and enjoy various productions.

People must have thought Ms. Cade was crazy to spend her days carving seats out of stone to create this theater. It reminds me a bit of Noah. Remember that God gave him the task (and not a small one for that matter!) to build an ark. He built an ark that would hold at least two of every animal and would survive 40 days and 40 nights in the biggest storm in history. Can you imagine what his neighbors thought? What would you do if you came out of your home to see a man building a giant ship? If you are anything like me, you would lock your doors up tight at night and warn the police about your crazy neighbor.

Unwavering vision and perseverance are what I believe people like Rowena Cade and Noah have. Vision that does not waver. Vision that is steadfast. No one can tell them they are inept, no one can tell them they can’t – they won’t hear it. They know what they intend to do and they head forward with determination and a steadfastness to complete their task.

So what does the Lord have for you? What vision has He given you? To what purpose have you been called? I believe each of us has a unique purpose that is waiting to be discovered. When you pray, ask the Lord to show you what He has for your life. And when He tells you what that vision is: Motherhood, speaking, evangelism, teaching, serving…hold onto it. Cling and press on with unwavering determination. For if you do, in the end, His will and purpose will be accomplished and He will have been able to use you for greatness in His kingdom.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Many people have visions and dreams, but not all of them come to fruition. What do you think is the difference between the people who think and the people who do?

2. How can you be someone who accomplishes his or her dreams and not just someone who dreams them?

FURTHER READING:
Genesis 7:11-12; Hebrews 10:35-39; 1 Timothy 4:11-16

Sweeter Than Honey

2006-07-25T07:45:00.000-07:00

By Dr. James MacDonald

“My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste. Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.” Proverbs 24:13-14

Imagine the biggest bite of your favorite dessert melting in your mouth right now. Double chocolate fudge cake. Hot apple cobbler. Caramel brownies a la mode. Can’t you just taste it?

Proverbs 24:13-14 says that what all that sweetness is to your mouth, wisdom is to your soul. It drips like honey and satisfies every craving of your heart’s desire. Even more, wisdom helps you believe God’s promises and assures you of hope.

“My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste. Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.”

Wisdom promises a destination beyond this unpleasant place we’re in. When you set your feet on God’s path, wisdom holds out hope-even when you think you’ve blown it so badly that there’s no return. Hope says as long as you want to learn and grow from your mistakes, you’ll have a way out. Proverbs 4:7 says that getting wisdom is the beginning of something good... something really good. It gives you confidence that your best times with the Lord are still in front of you.

Do you want to have better days this coming week?

Do you want to make wiser decisions?

Are there priorities you want to establish?

Ask God to build a hunger in your heart for wisdom. Claim His promised help to choose the correct plan to gain the desired result (James 1:5).

God’s wisdom is available upon request, both to stabilize and satisfy you. It’s not too late, it’s not too far away, it’s not impossible to contemplate your life taking a turn for the better. The best things in life arrive on the strong back of God’s wisdom as He leads you to make sound choices and eternally-minded decisions. It’s like honey-or that hot apple cobbler-in your mouth, as sweet as the promise of good things to come, of restoration, and blessing.

Go ahead, eat your dessert first. Get all you can of God’s wisdom by feasting on His book.

For more information on Dr. James MacDonald, go to www.walkintheword.com

Someone Who Understands

2006-07-13T03:25:00.000-07:00

This devotional was written by Jim Liebelt

Therefore, it was necessary for Jesus to be in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. He then could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Since he himself has gone through suffering and temptation, he is able to help us when we are being tempted.—Hebrews 2:17-18 NLT

The story (author unknown) is told of a farmer who had some puppies he needed to sell. He made a sign advertising the pups and posted it in his yard. Shortly after, a boy showed up in response to the sign. “Mister,” he said, “I want to buy one of your puppies.” “Well,” said the farmer, “these puppies cost a good deal of money.” The boy reached deep into his pocket, he pulled out a handful of change and held it up to the farmer. “I've got thirty-nine cents. Is that enough to take a look?” “Sure,” said the farmer. The farmer whistled and called, ”Here Dolly!” From the doghouse and down the ramp ran Dolly followed by four little pups. The little boy’s eyes danced with delight. As the dogs approached, the little boy noticed something else stirring inside the doghouse. Slowly another little pup appeared, but this one was considerably smaller. The little pup began hobbling toward the others, doing its best to catch up. “I want that one,” the little boy said, pointing to the runt. The farmer knelt down at the boy's side and said, “Son, you don't want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would.” The little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down, and rolled up one leg of his pants revealing a steel brace running down both sides of his leg. Looking back up at the farmer, he said, "Mister, I don't run too well myself, and that puppy needs someone who understands.”

Not one of us is perfect. Everyone has flaws and weaknesses. Some are more visible than others, but we all have them. Fortunately, like the boy who chooses the pup, we have a Savior who knows and understands our feelings and our weaknesses and still chooses us to be His friends and children! And, in response, he wants us to demonstrate our love to one another!

If you are one who struggles with your own flaws and shortcomings, today, take comfort in the knowledge of God’s love for you and then, share that love with someone else! Remember, the world is full of hurting people that are looking to connect with others who understand.

To comment on today's devotional, click here.

GOING DEEPER:
1. How does knowing that Jesus experienced the same feelings we experience comfort you?

2. Identify someone you know who struggles with self-esteem and communicate your care and understanding by performing an act of kindness on their behalf.

FURTHER READING:
Hebrews 4:14-16; John 15:15-17, 2 Corinthians 12:8-10, 1 Thessalonians 1:4

Great Acts of Faith

2006-06-19T11:03:00.000-07:00

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.... And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
— Hebrews 11: 1, 6

What are you doing right now that you could not do without the help of our supernatural God? When we think of the word faith, we often think of the most incredible miracles we've ever heard about. I don't know about you but I believe in those kinds of miracles of faith. Sometimes God chooses to heal a person with cancer or other health issues. In fact, I've even heard of God giving a van supernatural extra gas mileage when a group of people were smuggling Bibles into a country where Bibles were forbidden. There are other times when people have just as much faith but God chooses not to heal or do a miracle.

Faith is also ordinary people doing extraordinary things with their lives. Faith is... Bob Wieland walking across America on his hands because he has no feet! Faith is... Rachel deciding not to abort her baby even though her boyfriend was pressing her to abort. Faith is... Cheryl and Hank almost going all the way but deciding to remain virgins, even when they would really like to have sexual intercourse. Faith is... Ted choosing to not cheat on exams any more.

Faith is ordinary people doing extraordinary things. It's deciding not to drink, not to have sex before marriage, even when everyone else is doing it; it's walking away from riches because God's call on your life is to be a missionary. Faith is asking God to help you with an eating disorder or loving the unlovely. Faith is placing all that you are, all that you can be and all that you do, into the hands of God.

Faith is doing something or being someone that you could not do or be without the help of our supernatural God.

What are you doing in faith right now? Take a moment and ask God to make you an ordinary person doing extraordinary things for him.

To comment on today's devotional, click here.

GOING DEEPER:
1. How does Hebrews 11: 1, 6 relate to your life?

2. What areas of your life could use a real "faith-life"?

For All People

2006-06-13T04:27:00.000-07:00

For All People

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. — 2 Timothy 3:16-17

The Bible is considered one of the best-selling books of all time. Billions of copies in numerous languages have been purchased around the world. In fact, between my husband and me, we own ten Bibles. This was not the case prior to the fifteenth century. At that time, the church taught that the Bible had been given to the clergy so that they could then present it to the less enlightened people. The Bible was not for general use.

John Wycliffe believed that if everyone was supposed to obey the teachings of the Bible, then everyone should have access to one. Wycliffe knew that some teachings would be hard for the people to understand, however “the New Testament is…open to the understanding of simple men…[For] Christ did not write His laws on tables, or on skins of animals, but in the hearts of men.”* Much to the outrage of the Church, Wycliffe and his followers translated the first English Bible in the 1380’s for the first time, giving everyday people like you and me the opportunity to study the Bible and let the Holy Spirit guide their learning.

I don’t know about you, but this is definitely a gift I take for granted. What a treasure that I get to study and learn from Holy Scriptures! The Bible is not a collection of nice stories or fables, it is God-breathed. Inspired writers followed the direction of the Lord and produced the Holy Scriptures so that we might grow and learn through reading it, and allow it to speak into our lives, directing our steps.

The Bible is our standard and source of truth. It is how we should test everything in our lives. Reading and understanding the Bible will help equip you for life’s journey. We should be studying the Bible to help us in our Christian journey. That is why it saddens me to think that I don’t appreciate it as I should.

My challenge to you is the same challenge I give myself. Don’t pick up your Bible today and read it because that’s what you do everyday. Don’t just scan the Scripture on the top of this page, rather, read it. Meditate upon it. Recognize that having Holy Scriptures is a gift from the Lord. Each time we read from it, truth is spoken into our lives and we can learn and grow.

*Wide as the Waters by Benson Bobrick

To comment on today's devotional, click here.

GOING DEEPER:
1. In what way does having access to Holy Scripture affect you?

2. Take time now to thank God for his Holy Word.

FURTHER READING:
Deuteronomy 4:29; Romans 10:1-11; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

HomeWord for 5/22/06 - Attempting the Impossible

2006-05-22T06:02:00.000-07:00

Attempting the Impossible
This devotional was written by Jim Burns

During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat and walked on the water to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." — Matthew 14:25-33

In this story Peter's lack of faith forced him to sink so that Jesus had to save him, but Peter is to be commended for stepping out of the boat and attempting to walk on the water. You'll notice the other disciples were not exactly fighting to join Peter! Living by faith sometimes means stepping out into the unknown and depending on God to carry us through.

I'm afraid that too many times I never step out of the boat, and in my comfortable lifestyle I miss out on the fullness of God. People who walk by faith aren't afraid to attempt the impossible. I hope you are a person who places your life in the hands of God and walks on the side of the impossible.

This statement by Dr. Carl Bates reminds me to keep away from the comfortable and attempt something greater than my ability:

A Matter of Perspective

2006-05-17T10:10:00.000-07:00

A Matter of Perspective

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God's right hand in the place of honor and power. Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth. For you died when Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.
— Colossians 3:1-3 NLT

2006 marked the 117th consecutive year of the Oxford versus Cambridge golf match. The two teams met in Scotland to play a combined total of almost 720 holes of golf. After the first day, Oxford was down by a score of 4-1, a deficit that seemed near impossible to come back from. In the matches on day two, 7 out of 10 Oxford men would need to win their singles match in order to beat Cambridge.

At the end of day two, both teams exhausted, the competition came down to the last two matches. As the last putt sank, the Oxford team members rushed the green to congratulate their final player while the Cambridge team members made their way down to console their teammate. The final score was Cambridge 7½ to Oxford 7½. The weekend ended in a draw.
It was the same outcome for both teams, the same score. In the record books, it will show the match as a tie. But as the two teams walked away that day, you would have thought Oxford had won and Cambridge had lost. It was a matter of perspective. What Cambridge saw as a blown lead, Oxford saw as the greatest comeback in history.

The Christian’s home is with Christ. This gives a different perspective on our lives here on earth. This letter to the Colossians reminds them to think about the things of heaven. This means to look at things from God’s perspective. This means to looks at the same world, the same materialism, the same pleasures, the same cruelty, the same beauty, but to see it with different eyes. By seeing with God’s eyes, we can have the power to break free from the obsession with self-fulfillment and pleasure, and live a life that helps to serve and love others in a deeper, more meaningful way.

This means living life with a perspective that seeks to forgive, not cling to bitterness; seeks to serve, not gain from selfish living; seeks to give, not to have; seeks to love, not to ostracize. For you have died to this life. With God’s perspective and God’s power in your life, you can conquer the present-day worldly struggles and live a life knowing this world has nothing for you, compared to what lies ahead.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Have you adopted the world’s perspective or God’s perspective when you consider the world?

2. In what ways do you need to change the way you are looking at things in your life so that you can see them as God sees them?

FURTHER READING:John 14:2-3; Philippians 4:7; Colossians 3:15

This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

"He must become greater; I must become less." John 3:30

2006-05-17T03:21:00.000-07:00

On May 12 Wallace Mitchell shared a great devotional that really touched on how MBA's (and all of us really) should be living their lives.

The verses he shared were Matthew 11:28, John 3:30 & Esther 4:14. What struck me the most in our time together was the HUGE reminder that it is not about us. It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking the world revolves around us and how important we are. Take a look at the verse from Esther.

"For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to such a royal position for such a time as this?"

Our time together was a reminder for me that God doesn't need me, he wants me. He wants me to make the obedient choices in service to him, he wants me to let him work in me so that I can do more than I ever imagined with His power, he wants to use me...but he doesn't need to. What a gift we have in being used by the Lord for his work here on earth! And what a reminder Wally gave me (among others) to continually give credit where credit is due - to the Lord.

Posted by Kelly McFadden

What if God had a Myspace

2006-05-14T18:54:00.000-07:00

A little humor in this 'online' world:

XTaurus » Blog Archive » What if God had a Myspace

Definitely worth a watch.

It Matters How You Worship On Earth

2006-05-13T11:29:00.000-07:00

On May 5th Graeme Glover shared a very insightful and inspiring devotional. He shared verses from Psalm 121, 1 John 3:17-19 and Matthew 25:31-46.

These verses were extremely powerful in the way they remind us how important it is to worship God on earth. This was very apparent in the story from Matthew:

(V.34)"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. (V.35) For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, (V.36) I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' (Continue to read this chapter here)

I am reminded how important it is to be listening to the voice of God and be aware of the situations around us. If you continue to read this story you find out that those being honored did not serve the others in vain; rather they served the people in need with a pure heart.

Very inspiring.

In All Things ...

2006-05-10T03:30:00.000-07:00

God in All Things
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen being understood from what has been made so that men are without excuse. — Romans 1:20

The following is an excerpt from the journal of an 18 year old girl…

Remember
Sometimes when we leave what is real and live surrounded by manmade things
We forget –
We forget just how small we are
We forget who created this world
And we forget who gave us the power, courage, and creativity to create
But when we turn to what we can never make, but actually try to destroy – not only are we humbled, but
We remember
We remember just how awesome He is
And we remember who created and could only create the sunrise, the mountains, the fog rising off the marsh, the meadows, the trees, the snow, the gravel, the living creatures, the running water, the moss that grows on rocks…
And then I am humbled
And then I am sad because I forgot
And then I am glad for this morning, for this rock I sit on, and for the sunrise I am watching awake this world.
I am glad for all of the colors I see –
Pinks, blues, greens, grays, tans, browns, whites –
I see a picture so perfect it could never be captured in words or print
And now I am glad I remember
And glad to have a place to write this
So I won’t ever forget.

Has life become so busy that you have forgotten to appreciate how powerful and wonderful the Lord is? As I read through this journal entry that I wrote as an 18 year old, I am still convicted. So often in my life I get too busy to notice all that the Lord is and all the Lord has done. We have a God who loves us so much that He gave us a beautiful world to enjoy and explore. It says in Romans 1:20 that “men are without excuse.” You and I can see God in all he has created – even in each other - if only we look…no excuses.

It is said that our God is an invisible God. I am not so sure. Have you watched a sunrise lately?

GOING DEEPER:
1. As Romans 1:20 says, what are some of the “invisible qualities” you can see of God where you live?

2. Do you need to take some time in your busy life to slow down and remember how awesome our Lord is? Take some time to reflect on the great and awesome power of God.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 8:1, 3-4; Psalm 19:1-6; Acts: 14:15-17

Labyrinth

2006-05-04T03:49:00.000-07:00

This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

Be still, and know that I am God! I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. — Psalm 46:10

Prayer labyrinths have long been utilized world wide. These mazes do not offer dead ends, wrong turns, or endless complications. In fact, prayer labyrinths are designed to help those walking through them focus their minds and reflect on their own lives.

The labyrinth at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco has three stages.

The first is purgation or releasing. As you enter the labyrinth the hope is that the details and distractions of life will be released and your heart and mind becomes open to God.

The second stage is illumination or receiving. The center of the labyrinth is a place for prayer and meditation, a chance to hear the Word of God.

The third and final stage is union, the act of returning to God with new empowerment and understanding.

The Psalmist in chapter 46 writes of the chaos and noise that surrounds him. This does not feel so far off from the world we live in today. It is so important to take time to release the pressures, chaos, fears and noise that can haunt and paralyze us. A part of being able to live in hope and confidence and hearing God’s voice is meditating on the power, greatness, and infinite wonders of God.

This world never shuts down. How can you take time to step out of the clutter and be still?

Willing, yet weak

2006-05-02T12:01:00.000-07:00

Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.

-Mark 14:38

Telemarket Evangelism

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"When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, "The kingdom of God is near you." But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, "Even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near." — Luke 10:8-11

One of the greatest things about my husband’s and my living abroad is that we do not have a home phone. Which means when we sit down for dinner at 7 pm, the phone does not ring with someone selling something. In some circles Christians are seen similarly: as people who are waiting to sell you the next best thing the second you pick up the phone, open the door, or welcome them in. It can come across as a hidden agenda and leave a bad taste with a non-believer.

When Jesus sent out the seventy-two messengers he told them that the harvest was great. He sent them out to the villages with specific instructions. He told them to find the people of peace. He encouraged believers to seek those who welcomed them and welcomed God’s message. These people were called people of peace. I like this “style” of evangelism. Instead of studying the Bible in order to rattle off facts to those we meet in a grocery store, I believe we always need to be prepared to convey the gospel message to the people of peace God puts in our lives.

My mother has brought this to light for me in some of her recent exchanges with close friends and family. She is not someone who I would ever have considered to be a bold evangelist. But in recent months, she has been the greatest example of an evangelist I have seen. She is simply coming alongside others in their time of need and responding to what life is bringing them, to share with them who Jesus is and to encourage them through the hope found in Christ. She is not pushing herself into situations or forcing people to listen. She is simply being sensitive to God’s timing.

If you have found yourself struggling with a more aggressive style of evangelism, rather than giving up, I encourage you to simply try engaging people in discussion, naturally and unforced, being prepared to share the hope of Christ that is within you.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Who are the people of peace God has put in your life?
2. Pray that God would show you clearly the opportunities He has given you to share His truth with others.

FURTHER READING:
Luke 10:1-16; 1 Timothy 6:18; 2 Timothy 4:1-8; 1 Peter 3:15

Kelly McFadden

One Thing Remains the Same

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"For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, ‘All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.’ And this is the word that was preached to you." — 1 Peter 1:23-25

In Granada, Spain, on top of a hill sits a palace called La Alhambra. The architecture and detailed design is unparalleled. This monument stares down on a city it has watched change for hundreds of years. Part of its fame comes from the distinct styles of architecture this fortress showcases; a tribute to the history through which it has lived after being built in the 14th century. It has survived as a fortress during the Arabic rule, a palace for both the Arab and Spanish kings, and now a monument for the world. Today, millions of people walk through this historic site each year.

For centuries, people have traveled the same roads leading from the entrance to the palaces to the gardens and to the fortress. Some lived in the splendor of the lavish walls of the palace, while others stood guard at the main gate or worked in the gardens. Now tourists listen to audio guides to learn about the remaining artifacts in the hope of shedding some light on what life was like for those who lived there long before.

Only one thing remains the same since the days La Alhambra was built: the Word of God. People come and go. Flowers bloom and die. Inventions surface and become obsolete. Wars are fought and won. Buildings are constructed and destroyed. New faces replace old ones. And palaces become monuments. But the Lord has been a steady Rock since the beginning and forever. The same Lord to whom generations of people have called, the same God who walked with His people through the desert, the same Father of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob still exists. He is God and will exist forever.

In this life, our possessions, accomplishments and even the people around us will disappear. The only thing that will not fade is God: His presence, His Word, His will and His work. It is these things that will remain permanent through all time. It is important for us to focus on the things that are eternal, and not simply waste all of our energy and resources on things that will fade away.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What comfort do you find in knowing God’s Word remains the same always?
2. How should you live your life knowing all you have will fade except the Word of God?

FURTHER READING:
Isaiah 40:6-8; John 1:1-5; Hebrews 4:12-13

Kelly McFadden