On the Go - October 18, 2008

The only thing dependable about human nature is it's tendency to do the wrong thing.

Live it

Years ago, an evangelist named Bill Stafford preached a week-long revival meeting at my church. Evangelists are normally expected to deliver a message suitable for different audiences during the week. For example, in the morning they might deliver a special devotional message that appealed to seniors and at mid-day something appealing to a businessmen's lunch crowd. On the weekend, they were expected to do something that would ignite the passion of young people. I remember someone suggested to Bill that he have a hot dog dinner to attract kids, something Bill questioned. He said, "Listen, if you attract a kid with a hotdog, I can detract them with a bologna sandwich."

Bill's preaching has inspired many people through the years, including my own. However, I don't think bologna would work today if then, but giving away free ipods just might. One thing for certain, the things we do in church to attract and appease people are becoming more and more exotic, expensive and questionable. Call me old-fashioned, but whatever happened to confronting people with the truth of God's Word, investing time in their lives and praying for them until God convicts them of sin and they repent?

Pray it
I love technology, but am convinced it is not the answer to evangelizing people. Sure, it makes communication faster, information more accessible and research more feasible. But what will we do when the lights go out, stop preaching until they come back on? Make us fishers of men and not of technology, bells and whistles.

Resources
Do you nuture young believers like Acquila and Pricilla did? (2000)
Psalms is a collection of prayer and meditation commited to writing (2002)
The number of false gods increases in proportion to how smart man thinks he is. (2003)
It's amazing to me how a Christian can proudly support those who promote killing babies. (2004)
The Bible promoted prayer in Genesis and in post-Revelation heaven. (2005)
A believer should treat the earth with the same respect he shows the Creator. (2006)
When God has a man in the mix, His interest will not be subverted (2007)
Our mind will flush what we fail to commit to memory. (2008)

How to Pray for...
My husband or wife.
Teach both of us to trust your Word without compromise.

My children.
Remind my children of Scripture as they contemplate action today.

Their school.
Teach our children character as much as knowledge.

Their teachers.
Give my children teachers with godly character.

My children's friends.
Protect my kids from taking advice from ungodly friends.

My friends.
Teach me how to be a good friend to another person today.

My work.
Give my business a firm foundation on which to grow spiritually.

My city.
Guard our leaders from making laws that lead people to sin.

Governmental leaders.
Give our city godly leaders upon who you have influence.

My country.
Refresh our memory of the spiritual foundation upon which our country was founded.

My President.
Teach him to regard life as You do.

My church.
Humble us if we've taken our eyes off you and put them on men and programs.

My pastor.
Make our pastor a man of prayer that leads a people of prayer.

My church leadership.
Restore the joy of those church leaders who are serving without passion.

Sister churches.
Use all the Spirit-filled churches in this area to make a real impact on the lost.

Persecuted churches.
Provide the needs of persecuted brothers and keep moles away from the flock.

Missionaries.
Give them creative means to teach the Gospel that inspires a thirst for the Living Water.

The sick..
Comfort those suffering from illness.

The lost.
Give me boldness to speak the gospel without compromise.

Those in despair.
Heal the hurt in the heart of those who have lost a loved one.

Those in the hospital.
Use doctors and nurses today to do your work.

Those grieving.
Comfort those grieving and build in them a spirit of trust to replace the doubts.

Widows.
Give us a heart for those in need and feet to move when your Spirit moves.

Orphans.
Place orphans in the care of godly men and women who know you.

Myself.
Magnify the work of my hands to bring glory to your Name.

Prayertower Devotionals are the original creation of James R. Green:
Just Thinkin'... (2000-2003)
Read the Bible Thru in 365 Days (2004)
Pray Thru the Word in 365 Days (2005)
One-minute Devotionals (2006 to present).

Scripture provided by God's Word Translation (c)1995 - God's Word to the Nations. All Rights Reserved.