On the Go - November 17, 2008

The most moving thing about Jesus' death is he didn't have to submit to it.

Live it
I still remember September 11, 2001 and the selfless act of many New York civil servants who helped so many others and knew they probably wouldn't survive. Every time I see the video of them entering the World Trade Center towers I can't help but think of Jesus carrying his cross to Calvary. Then to see people racing down the interior stairwell and the firemen going up, I'm filled with amazement. I'm grateful for anyone who puts their life on the line for somebody else when they don't have to do it. It's then I think of Jesus who looked down with compassion and forgiveness at those around the cross who had no idea what was happening.

Every fireman and civil servant in New York on 911 was paid for their service to the people of New York. But do you think it was money that motivated them to do what they did? Of course not. Somewhere along the way, their job description began to change them. Most of them feel it's their duty to help people, regardless of where it is and whether they're in uniform or not. Now ask yourself why Jesus did it. He could have called angels and they would have ended the atrocity and dealt with those who crucified him, but he didn't. It was love for you that he surrendered his life. That fact alone should make you want to serve someone else in his name, but will it be enough?

Pray it
I am so humbled by your love for me. I confess I sometimes doubt you can love me because I'm not a lovely person and I've disappointed you so often. But Scripture tells me love doesn't seek itself or return, but simply identifies a spirit of humility and gratefulness that gives. I ask you to continue teaching me that truth.

Resources
A true Fairness Doctrine is seen in the way God judges men. (2000)
Faith can be no deeper than my willingness to trust God. (2003)
Who asks for help when he's not in trouble? (2004)
For all the things I've feared in life, not one has lived up to its billing. (2005)
Devotional (2006)
God works through people we'd never suspect to deliver mercy in time of need. (2007)
Each person determines the value of life. (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.