Sunday, January 22, 2012

Make Me a Man After Thine Own Heart

In chapter 29 of the book named after him, a frustrated Job defends his integrity with the powerful words in verses 21-21.


"Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him. The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy. I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem. I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame. I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out. And I brake the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth. Then I said, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the sand. My root was spread out by the waters, and the dew lay all night upon my branch. My glory was fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand. Unto me men gave ear, and waited, and kept silence at my counsel."


This is the description of a godly man. This is what men are supposed to be. Yet, this week, God has showed me how few men like this there are. I've really been grieving that those who are called to protect and defend are cowering in the shadows. Those who are called to follow Christ, and only Him, have been lured away by the world and its temporal pleasures.

Rise up, O men of God!
Have done with lesser things.
Give heart, and mind, and soul, and strength
To serve the King of kings.


Men who are truly seeking the Lord with a whole heart are a dying breed. But I want to be one of them. I want to be one God's Mighty Men. I want to be a spiritual warrior who, by the strength of Jesus Christ, stands as a solid rock against the onslaught of the world. Whatever the cost, whether by life or by death, I want to bring glory to Jesus Christ.

Lord, make me your image-bearer and a man after your own heart, I pray!

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Rend Our Hearts, I Pray!

"A tiny group of believers who have the gospel keep mumbling it over and over to themselves. Meanwhile, millions who have never heard it once fall into the flames of eternal hell without ever hearing the salvation story."
           - K.P. Yohannan



Heavenly Father, rend our heart for the lost today! I cannot love them like you, Lord! But you can love them through me! Empty me of any selfishness--any desire for my own protection or comfort--and fill me instead with Your love. I have this short span of life to touch the world and impact it for eternity. God, live through me to proclaim Your message. 


We see the fate of those without Christ. 
We see the glory and wonder of having Christ in our lives.
We see countless millions of people who have no hope.
And yet, we let our fears stop us from warning them of Hell and showing them Christ.


God, break our hearts for what breaks yours. 


Rak chazak amats, brothers and sisters! Spread the Gospel! Let's affect the world while we have a chance!


In Christ Alone,
Elijah


P.S. Give your thoughts. Please comment!

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

The Ancient War Cry



Please watch this video, which is an excerpt of a message by Eric Ludy.