The cry of the human soul is never unheard. It is never that God does not hear the cry, but that man fails to hear the response.

   Like parts of a machine, made to fit each into the other, and to work in perfect harmony, so is the human cry and the God-response.

   But man treats this cry as if it were a thing alone, to be heard, or not, as it pleased God, not realizing that the response was there in all eternity, awaiting the cry, and only man’s failing to heed, or to listen, kept him unaware of the response, and unsaved, unhelped by it.


><//>--------------------Prayer for the Day

Father, we pray that we may trust You to answer our prayer as You see fit. We pray that we may be content with whatever form that answer may take. Amen.


A Disciple's Reflections: Majoring in Minors

"So then, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, so that they may be saved.

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1

Beloved, allow me to share with you that in my earthly-minded self-centered past my people pleasing was utterly selfish in motive and deed. 

It was always offered to manipulate or possess a favored response (selfish).  Whenever the desired response didn't come as expected I would "feel hurt" (resentment).  In actuality, I would become resentful and deceive myself into believing another hurt me.  How many believers suffer from just such a deception?

Today, let us consider another type of pleasing people that consists of self-sacrifice and seeks nothing in return, but the eternal good of those whom the Lord gives to each of us.  This brings rewards beyond imagining.  It only seems like we're missing out for the sake of others.  Actually, as we live in this manner toward others to the glory of God we are rewarded with a conscious knowledge of the Lord Himself that most won't come to know until we cross over to the better side.

It is best, beloved, to seek to grasp this truth that a very special prayer might be realized. It's a simple prayer really. We simply pray God to develop us into a worthy and blessed friend to the Lord for both now and when we come into Eternity. We pray that our Father make us to be the type of friend that the Lord deserves and will truly be pleasing to Him. Doesn't He deserve this considering the sufferable friendships He endured when in the flesh?

Let us look together at this different and proper type of 'people pleasing' that demands nothing in return.

Yes, this was written by the same Paul who said yesterday that "if I were still pleasing people, I would not be a servant of Christ."  How can this be? Is Paul wishy-washy? Or does Paul understand something important about relating to others?

It isn't unusual for people to "major in minors" – that is, get all bent out of shape over stuff that really doesn't matter but then let other things just slide by. Believers are famous for doing just that; we've all heard the horror stories of huge fights over the littlest things in our relationships with others, but hardly a whisper over important matters such as applying the Word and the Lord to our daily lives. Paul, it seems, refused to major in minors.

When it came to the truth of the gospel, Paul courageously stood his ground regardless of the personal consequences. But when it came to minor issues, like whether or not to eat or drink certain foods, he really didn't care. What he did care about was that people cared for each other. What did matter to him was what really mattered in the lives of people – what brought them closer to God, what brought wholeness to their lives.

There is a huge difference between "passive-aggressive people pleasing behaviors" and simply determining to be a faith believing, compassionate, principled person. If Paul was going to err, he would err on the side of what would serve the common good and what would move his particular mission in life forward. This could be pretty good advice for all of us.

I have had many opportunities to share with Jehovah's Witnesses only to find that many of them put all their hope in Jesus. Once I learn that the individual is trusting in Christ, no matter the rest, I am satisfied. The only question is how can I help to bring this individual closer to the Lord and I let the Spirit of Messiah do the rest.

Oh, we most certainly should hold our ground regarding sin or heresy, for this is not a small matter, but the minor things regarding a believer’s preference for a particular Sabbath day, or some particular observance, as long as it's to the glory of God, then all the more blessing to them.  Don't you agree?

We all know people who are constantly negative and argumentative.  We know others who always seem to see the positive side of things in knowing that God is on His throne with an agreeable spirit. Both types usually see a kernel of truth but it is the positive faith-believing people who keep conversations going, who are good team players, who are fun to be around on Friday night, and whom we turn to when we need a friend.

There is no need to stir up trouble in our lives "just to keep things interesting." That's just another sneaky addiction. Don't you agree that it is far better to work hard on being a positive faith believing person, a caring person, a compassionate person? It takes some effort on our parts, but in reality it comes through prayer and by grace in God's power.   

Oh, beloved, we can pray for things or personal earthly relationships, but how much richer to first seek the things of the Kingdom to bring to those relationships.  I was once booted from a liberal charismatic church for suggesting this very same thing at a singles meeting.  It can be costly remaining in the truth, remaining in Jesus.  What do you think?

Let us pray: Patience is a virtue, O Lord this we continually need. We need the patience to think before we act, the patience to gain understanding before we talk, the patience to see past the negative to the positive in everyone. May you be glorified in our growth toward understanding, empathy and caring for others in the truth and in so doing, come to love You more rightly. In Jesus' name. Amen.


Fear No Enemy

"For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, "Fear not, I will help you." 
 – Isaiah 41:13 (NKJV)

Since September 11, 2001, life in America has changed forever.  And I have noticed the most interesting spiritual dichotomy since then. People in mass have turned their hearts and minds towards God, while simultaneously; many thousands have become consumed with fear, anxiety, and more than a little paranoia. We are at war and there are concerns that more terrorist attacks are imminent accompanied by war and rumors of war.  Sound familiar? 

There is no doubt that our lives will never be before, however, there is great hope and encouragement in knowing that the Lord NEVER changes. He is the same, yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

I want so much for all believers to know that the same God who they turned to for comfort, after the attacks, is the same God that can and will ease any and all concerns about further attacks or any concerns of war. 

It is not the possible future events that frighten many of us, but rather, it is the fear of dying. And the reason for this heightened fear is a lack of confidence in what will happen to us when we die. A personal relationship with Messiah, the Christ, assures the only bright future after death. If everyone knew this, then we would not see the panic that has gripped much of America and the world. We can be sure of this; God will judge the ungodly and bring eternal peace, happiness, and joy to those who believe in His Son. Oh, beloved, just the thought of this delights my heart under any circumstance.

Today, my hope is that we are all secure for eternity, regardless of what happens on this earth.

"Behold, all those who were incensed against you shall be ashamed and disgraced; they shall be as nothing, and those who strive with you shall perish. You shall seek them and not find them – Those who contended with you. Those who war against you shall be as nothing, as a nonexistent thing."
 – Isaiah 41:11-12 (NKJV) 

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Please have a blessed day, be hopeful, be encouraged, and know you are not alone.

“God Calling” compiled by A. J. Russell.
"Twenty-Four Hours A Day" Hazelton – adapted.
Kerry & Barry write Majors in Minors.
Greg Candelaria writes Fear No Enemy.
Barry Gray writes A Disciple's Reflections.