B2B Concert of Prayer – Grow to Maturity #826

Posted on December 16, 2012 by ron021950

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 826

“Grow to Maturity”

Heb 5:12-14 (ESV) For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

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plan to growTevye: As the good book says, when a poor man eats a chicken,one of them is sick.

Mendel: Where does the book say that?

Tevye: Well, it doesn’t say that exactly, but somewhere there is something about a chicken. Good Sabbath!    – from Fiddler on the Roof

As humorous as some of Tevye’s dialog is it strikes a sad chord of truth about the Christian church body today.  Far too many are content to accept as Gospel truth whatever they hear about what God’s Word says.  In extreme cases the faith of some Christians has been shaken because they bought the lie from movies and documentaries that have discredited Biblical Truth about Jesus Christ.  Others have experienced undo worry and serious consequences from their actions stemming from the belief that the end of the world will occur on a certain date and time.

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.  – 1 John 4:1

Babies are cute and some of my fondest memories as a parent are that of bottle feeding my children or grandchildren.  It is no longer cute to imagine bottle feeding them as adults.  We expect our children to learn to feed themselves and grow into mature adulthood.  It is the same with spiritual growth and maturity. Being a Christian is more than salvation and a ‘get out of hell free’ card.  We have an obligation as Christian’s to grow into spiritual maturity through study of God’s Word and become equipped for service in the Kingdom of God.

But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh.- 1 Cor 3:1-3

God has provided the framework for the spiritual growth of His saints through the church. It remains every individual’s personal obligation to deepen their relationship, knowledge and understanding through daily Bible reading, study and meditation on the Word of God.

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes;…they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. – Eph 4:11-14; Acts 17:11

May you have a hunger and all eagerness to spend quiet time alone in the presence of God as you feast on the real food of the Truth of His Word.

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B2B Concert of Prayer – What is the Profit? #825

Posted on December 10, 2012 by ron021950

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 825

“What is the profit?”

Malachi 3:13-15 (ESV)   “Your words have been hard against me, says the Lord. But you say, ‘How have we spoken against you?’ You have said, ‘It is vain to serve God. What is the profit of our keeping his charge or of walking as in mourning before the Lord of hosts? And now we call the arrogant blessed. Evildoers not only prosper but they put God to the test and they escape.’ ”

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not fair fishHave you ever felt that sometimes life just does not seem fair?

Have you ever wondered why God allows evildoers to prosper while His children go without the pleasures of this world?

How do you express these feelings?  What do you say to God about it?  What do you say to others about God concerning this?

You have wearied the Lord with your words. But you say, “How have we wearied him?” By saying, “Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delights in them.” Or by asking, “Where is the God of justice?” – Malachi 2:17

God is not bothered by our questions or complaints.  He welcomes our heartfelt conversation with Him in prayer.  God is wearied however by the harsh words and grumbling we speak against Him or the false accusations we make about Him.

We falsely accuse God when we say that He is not fair.  People often question God’s goodness and love in light of the suffering that is rampant in this world.  ‘If God is love He would not allow the innocent children to die young.’  ‘If God is good He would not allow cancer, famine, and wars.’

We speak harsh words against God when we say He is unjust in light of the prosperity of the wicked that is seen.

For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. – Matthew 5:45

We have lost our eternal, long-term perspective and have adopted the shortsighted view of a false prosperity doctrine when we look primarily for rewards in this life.

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ … – Phil 3:20

We are ‘off-target’ when we seek earthly gain through a religious experience.  We are ‘off-base’ when we speak harsh words against God because of life circumstances. We are ‘off-course’ when we seek first the prosperity and pleasures of this world and blame God when we do not have what others have.

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,  but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. – Matthew 6:19

May you have a personal relationship out of love with the ‘Giver’ and not seek primarily His Gifts through religion.  May you know His perfect peace and joy no matter the circumstances that surround you. May you hold steadfastly to your knowledge of the character of God – His unchanging character of goodness and love.

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B2B Concert of Prayer – Tripping Hazard #824

Posted on December 2, 2012 by ron021950

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 824

“Tripping Hazard”

Romans 7:15-25 (ESV)  I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate … For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out … Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! …

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Trip HazardJesus friend of sinners the truth’s become so hard to see; The world is on their way to You but they’re tripping over me; – from “Jesus, Friend Of Sinners”, by Casting Crowns

A coworker of mine passed away a few months ago.  I had lost contact with them for over a decade.  When I read their obituary I wondered if they had come to accept Jesus as their Savior before they suddenly left this life in the body.  We had travelled extensively working closely together for a number of years.  I had to wonder if I had done all I could to live out the Gospel of Jesus in my work relationship or if I had presented a stumbling block for them.

As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.  So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us …never… put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. – Romans 14:10b-13

I reflected on this in morning prayer and I thought about my current job and coworkers.  How many times have I tarnished my witness with my words or when I lost my temper?  Have I presented enough evidence to them of the power of the indwelling presence of Jesus in my heart or have I blended into carnality?  Have I faithfully carried the light of my Savior into the darkness of the worldly workplace or have I snuffed it out?

You are the salt of the earth … You are the light of the world … let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 5:13-16

It truly is a difficult and narrow path to walk – to be in the world and not of it.  I fully understand and echo Paul’s exclamation of “Wretched man that I am!”

Thank God we do not have to walk the narrow way in our own strength and ability.

Thank God for the Cross of Jesus Christ that by His sacrifice we can be declared righteous in Him.

Thank God for the gift of His Holy Spirit who empowers us to carry boldly the Light of the Gospel of Jesus, not so much by what we say, but more by how we act and react to everyday life circumstances as we live and move and have our being in Him.

Do you need to wear caution tape in the work place?  Are you a tripping hazard?  May the Holy Spirit empower you to walk the narrow path as you follow Christ.  May His indwelling presence be evident in your speech and manner as you allow the light of Jesus to shine for others to see clearly their way to Him and not stumble.

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B2B Concert of Prayer – Husk or Kernel #823

Posted on November 25, 2012 by ron021950

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 823

“Husk or Kernel”

Proverbs 30:7-9 (ESV)Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die: Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.

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Can you pray as Agur did and ask the same things of the Lord?  Most of us have no problem seeking to be kept far from falsehood, lying and poverty.  The wheels fall off however or get a bit wobbly when it comes to the part about riches for most of us. Agur, with Holy Spirit inspired wisdom, knew that lies, poverty, and riches alike could hinder his close relationship with God. For Agur, his relationship with his God was his heart’s priority.  He sought the kernel of life and not the husk. He knew that contentment was a result of an intimate relationship with God.

… I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.  – Philippians 4:11-13

Contrast this proverb with the conventional wisdom of the world that says more money is the key to everything and the solution to all your trials and problems.  Reality proves worldly wisdom to be wrong.  Surely, with money you can buy food, but not appetite. You can buy medicine, but not health; knowledge, but not wisdom; fleeting happiness, but not lasting joy. Having an abundance of money can buy you acquaintances and perhaps servants, but not true friends or faithfulness.  Money can buy you leisure, but not peace.  To sacrifice our relationship with God in favor of going after the riches of this world is to feast on the husk instead of the nutrition of the kernel.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. – Matt 6:33

So, what is it that you seek first?   What is it that motivates you each day?  In what or in whom have you placed your trust?  If you take stock of your life and your heart’s attitude, are your priorities in God’s order?   Is your relationship with God as a trusting child to a loving Dad?  Is He Abba, Father to you or a distant, disconnected supreme being?  Can you trust Him to provide all your needs equally in your wilderness as when you were on top of the world?

… your Father knows what you need before you ask him; And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. – Matthew 6:8; Philippians 4:19

May you have a heart that desires a close relationship with God above all else in this world whether it be people, pleasures, or material goods.  May you know the peace that comes from an intimate relationship and walk with Jesus Christ.  May you be free from the worries and cares of this world and the bondage that trusting in riches can bring.  May you seek first the kernel of the kingdom and righteousness of God and discard the husks of this world. 

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B2B Concert of Prayer – Wise Counsel #822

Posted on November 18, 2012 by ron021950

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 822

“Wise Counsel”

Matthew 16:21-23 (ESV)        … Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”

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There exists a wide diversity of options available to us for advice or counsel.  We can hire a lawyer or counselor, visit with our pastor or priest or call our parents or a mentor.  Some use chat rooms on the internet while others write letters to newspaper advice columnists.

We all need counsel from time to time and we rely on others with more experience to help fill in the blanks.

The problem is that not all counsel is good counsel let alone wise counsel.  Counsel obtained from several sources will most often conflict bringing more confusion rather than clarity to the issue. As Christians in this fallen world, we often receive worldly counsel along with biblically-based wise counsel.  The wisdom of the world and subsequently its counsel is often hedonistic, selfish and vengeful.  Biblical counsel is selfless and loving. God’s counsel will always lead you into a closer relationship with Him.

In our reference Scripture, Jesus received unsolicited counsel from Peter and rebuked him for it.  This is the same Peter whose inspired declaration Jesus affirmed just moments before saying  …“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven”.  Matt 16:17

The example set by Jesus in this Scripture is an important one for us.  Note that Jesus was able to discern the source of the two statements made by Peter.  The first statement was in accord with God’s Word and the second had its root in Satan’s wilderness temptation of Jesus. The lessons for us are two-fold:

(1.) If you give counsel, wash it in prayer first.  Be sure that you do not seek to further your own agenda or justification for your own actions through your advice.  If you cannot speak under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, you should not speak at all.

(2.) If you receive counsel, filter it through God’s Word and through prayer.  It is by listening to the indwelling Holy Spirit that you are able to discern God’s counsel from that of the world.

…I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper,to be with you forever …You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you …But the Helper, the Holy Spirit …will teach you all things…. – John 14:16;26

Be sure not to gravitate toward what you want to hear, but rather be open to what God wants you to hear.  Listen to the voice of truth of God’s Word.  Be honest with yourself concerning your motives for your favored direction to take.

He who has ears to hear, let him hear. – Matthew 11:15

May your heart and mind be keenly attuned to the leading of the Holy Spirit as you follow Christ’s path and plan for you.

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B2B Concert of Prayer – Moving Mountains #821

Posted on November 12, 2012 by ron021950

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 821

“Moving Mountains”

Matthew 21:21 (ESV)  And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt … even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

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In the movie “Return of the Jedi” Luke Skywalker, hand extended and straining with all his concentration, fails to raise his X-Wing fighter from the swamp while being coached by the Jedi Master, Yoda.  After Yoda easily levitates it and sets it down on dry land Luke says, “I didn’t believe it was possible!” to which Yoda replies, “That is why you fail.” Is this your Hollywood-influenced image of faith that moves mountains?  Do you see this faith as something or some force that you have to rally up from inside of you in order to accomplish the impossible?  The fact of the matter is that mountain-moving faith is more about letting go than summoning up.

First, we must trust in God’s steadfast love for us and in His goodness.  We must let go of our prideful illusion that we control our lives and destiny. We must let go of our wants and trust that God will provide our needs.  When God works the impossible in our lives the focus will always be on God and not the individual for whom the mountain was moved.  His purpose in our lives, as it was in the life of Jesus, will always be for His glory.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28

Abraham let go of his intense desire for his only son, Isaac and in obedience went to the mountain to sacrifice him.  Daniel let go and abandoned himself to the Lord’s care, trusting that somehow God would see him through the lion’s den ordeal.  Likewise, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego let go and abandoned themselves to God’s care declaring that God was able to deliver them. God was glorified in these mountain-moving experiences.

Second, we must learn to wait upon the Lord.  We have to let go of our desire to have it now.  Mountains often move at a glacial pace.  Mountain-moving faith must remain steadfast in assurance that God is indeed working on our behalf and for our good.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen; For nothing will be impossible with God.” – Hebrews 11:1; Luke 1:37

Third, we have to let go of all that hinders a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  The power of God is required to move mountains.  Purity comes before power.  We cannot expect to live a compromised, worldly lifestyle and have mountain-moving faith.  Through continual prayer and the Word of God we must be filled and refilled with the Holy Spirit.  His abiding presence is necessary for steadfast, mountain-moving faith.

This is the word of the Lord … Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain. – Zech 4:6

What ‘mountains’ need to be moved in your life?  What impossibilities lie before you? May you empty yourself of what you believe to be impossible and hopeless and by the Holy Spirit may you be filled with steadfast faith and hope in God’s love and goodness.  He will make a way for you.

Posted in Business as Mission, Encouragement, Faith, Holiness, Hope, Perseverance, Prayer, Relationship, Trials, Trust | Leave a comment

B2B Concert of Prayer – Urgent Care #820

Posted on November 5, 2012 by ron021950

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 820

“Urgent Care”

Psalm 107:6     Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.

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Is your relationship with Jesus, like that of the physician at your local Urgent Care facility?

Do you come to Him only as a last resort, after you have exhausted all other avenues?

When you do cry out to Him, are you unsure of the results, especially if the effects are not seen immediately?

In Psalm 107 several scenarios are outlined depicting difficult life circumstances.  There are those who are in a wilderness experience, tired and hungry.  Also listed are those who are in bondage from rebellion against God’s Word and those who are sick in body because of their sin lifestyle.  Lastly there are those who struggle against the storms that affect the economy, business, and jobs.  All these groups reach the ‘end of their rope’ and cry out to God in their trouble and God delivers them from their distress.  The Psalmist concludes with:

Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord. – Psalm 107:43

Our relationship with Jesus must be more than that of urgent care.  To have faith that pleases God requires an ongoing, personal, day-to-day relationship with Jesus Christ.  Our faith is strengthened by getting to know Him, to know His steadfast love, and to see firsthand His awesome power and majesty throughout all the day to day trials of life.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen…and without faith it is impossible to please him (God)…  – Hebrews 11:1-6

No problem or issue is too small or too great for Him.  He cares about that sales call you are about to make … He cares about your company’s finances as well as that of your family’s.  He can heal your children’s fever and break the bondage of a sin issue in your life. He can heal your marriage.

Ah, Lord God! It is you who has made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you. – Jeremiah 32:17

Don’t put God in the category of religion only to be related to when it is convenient for you or when you have an urgent need.   You say you are a Christian and that you believe in God.  That is all well and good, but what then differentiates you from the demons who also believe?

You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! – James 2:19

May you replace religion with relationship, church membership with being a child of God.  May you become more than a fan of Jesus and become His follower.  May you abide in His presence always.

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B2B Concert of Prayer – Because You Say So #819

Posted on October 28, 2012 by ron021950

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 819

“Because You Say So”

Luke 5:1-6 (NIV)  One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret … he saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets.  He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”  Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”  When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.

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Peter was tired and weary from the night’s fishing as well as a skilled fisherman. But because Jesus said so, He obeyed and cast his nets in again and they caught more fish than they could handle.

The poverty stricken widow told Elisha her problem and Elisha told her to gather as many jars as she could and start pouring what little remnant of oil she had into them.  How illogical, yet she obeyed and God provided for her needs.

‘We have no wine’, they told Jesus at the wedding feast. ‘Fill the jars with water’, was His reply. It made no sense, but they obeyed, and God miraculously turned the water into the finest of wines.

Will you obey God when He asks you to do what defies the logic of your mind?

Will you obey God when you believe that you lack the knowledge and skill to do what He asks?

Will you obey God when what He asks does not match your preconceived idea of what should be done?

What is God asking you to do that runs counter to your logical mind or desire?

He asks us to spend time with Him in daily prayer and to not neglect Him in Sunday worship … But we cram so much into the day and night that we don’t have the time and we need the sleep.

He asks us to do our work as if we are working for Him rather than for men, in spite of how we feel toward our boss or the company … But we are underpaid, underappreciated and overworked and when we feel that way we don’t want to work as well as God wants us to.

He asks us to honor our marriage covenant of ‘till death do us part’, but we have taken each other for granted and allowed love to wither and we no longer see any way to revive and keep our marriage relationship alive.  In our view divorce is the only way to fix things.

God says to bring the whole tithe into the storehouse and not to rob Him … but we feel we need that money to pay our bills and we don’t see how we could possibly make ends meet without it.

May you have faith that brings you to total abandonment and trust in God.  May you trust Him so implicitly that you will obey His command no matter how illogical or nonsensical it seems to your way of thinking.  May you obey because He said so.

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B2B Concert of Prayer – The Work of God #818

Posted on October 21, 2012 by ron021950

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 818

“The Work of God”

John 6:28 (ESV) Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”

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We are a busy people.  So many of us in the first half of our lives spend our health seeking wealth only to wind up spending our wealth seeking health in the second half.

Our busyness is all about doing instead of being and it permeates every aspect of our lives from our family home life to recreation, work and church.

Our society values the doers: the movers and the shakers.  The world system defines us by what we do and what we have accomplished.  Our resume is our pedigree and it defines our value and worth.  In God’s economy all that is turned upside down and opposite of the world system.  God is more concerned with our being versus our doing.  To do the primary work of God requires that we believe in Jesus and have a personal relationship with Him.  We are to be a follower of Jesus and not a fan of Him.

The God who made the world and everything in it … is actually not far from each one of us, for ‘In him we live and move and have our being’- Acts 17:24

Oswald Chambers wrote in his devotional book, My Utmost for His Highest, “Beware of anything that competes with your loyalty to Jesus Christ. The greatest competitor of true devotion to Jesus is the service we do for Him. It is easier to serve than to pour out our lives completely for Him. The goal of the call of God is His satisfaction, not simply that we should do something for Him. We are not sent to do battle for God, but to be used by God in His battles. Are we more devoted to service than we are to Jesus Christ Himself?”

Our intentions can be honorable and good in what we do.  We can work to provide the best of everything for our family.  We can coach kids’ sports and teach and serve in the church.  We can start a Christian business dedicated to the glory of God.  Yet in all these doings we can miss the boat completely by neglecting the first priority of a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.

God loves us ‘doers’ enough to ‘pull the rug out from under us’ and send us into the wilderness for a season where we can develop a deeper, more personal relationship with Jesus built upon trust in Him.  It is during these wilderness experiences where God equips us for His call to do later in life by first developing our relationship of ‘being’ through trust and abiding with Him.  Abraham, Moses, David, Elijah and Jesus all experienced a season in the wilderness as God developed and equipped them for His call to ministry.

… Mary… sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.”  But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:38-42

May you seek first His kingdom and righteousness – having your being in Him.  May your doing be empowered by the abiding presence of the Lord in response to His call and equipping rather than your own best intentions and ability.  May you live and move and have your being in Christ.

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B2B Concert of Prayer – Critical Path #817

Posted on October 15, 2012 by ron021950

CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 817

“Critical Path”

Luke 23:33-43 (NASB)          When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. … One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? “And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”

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In project and program management many actions and processes are coordinated to achieve an end result.  Some of these items are considered to be ‘critical path items’.  A critical path item is an activity, decision or result that stands in the way of the next step(s) for successful completion of the program.

Jesus stands in the critical path of your life in this world.  A decision is required of you before you transition from this life into the next.  It is a decision that you cannot avoid making and your choice determines your eternal destiny.

Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.  If anyone serves me, he must follow me… – John 12:25

You must decide whether to follow Christ or to go your own way.  You must decide to repent of your sin and turn from it or to embrace your sin nature and turn away from Jesus.  You must decide to accept the free gift of salvation and eternal life through Jesus or to reject God’s love for you demonstrated by the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus.  There is no middle ground, no neutrality.  Either you accept Jesus’ sacrifice for you or you do not.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 6:23

The two criminals that were crucified an either side of Jesus are an example for each one of us today.  On one hand we can deny Christ and live for this world until the day we die.  On the other hand, like the penitent criminal at Jesus’ right, we can repent of our sins and ask Jesus to forgive us and save us from an eternity in hell separated forever from God. The penitent criminal made his choice at his time of death.  How much better it would have been to have made that choice early in life and to have lived with the blessed assurance of salvation through Jesus.

In Galatians 2:20 Paul writes “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…” Through repentance, like Paul we also crucify our old nature with Christ and are born again into a new nature, one where Jesus lives in us, in communion with our spirit.

There were three crosses that day on Golgotha with Jesus stretching His arms out between the two, reaching out to sinful man to bridge the gap between them and Father God.  Will you slap His hand away and reject Him or will you reach out and take His hand and receive His salvation and worship Him?  The choice is yours.

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