"....Enjoyed Your Company...."

"I plan to do so when I go to Spain.  I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while."  (Romans 15:24, NIV)

The NASB says, "....when I have first enjoyed your company for a while."  As far as we know, even though Paul referred a couple of times to his plans to go to Spain, he never made it there.  See, even the best of us don't always get want we want.

What impressed me with this text, which I read several days ago, is the last statement, "....after have enjoyed your company for a while."  This, my friend, is the Church of Jesus Christ.  Too many missionaries and arm-chair missions theologians miss this wonderful, full-of-love fellowship in Jesus Christ, "enjoyed your company...."  Some of my most precious missions memories are in this text.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You so much for the, "company," of my friends in many lands over the years.  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

"As For Me...."

"As for me, I will call upon God, and the Lord shall save me."  (Psalm 55:16)

In these very trying times, our text shouts out to us all who Follow Jesus Christ.  Many around us "call upon" news media, water cooler philosophy, medical science for, "shall save me."  The smart person lives the life of, "As for me...."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I say again today, "As for me, I will call upon [You]."  Amen.  

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

How To Not Be Outwitted

"The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord....As they fled before Israel.., the Lord hurled large hailstones down on them, and more of them died from the hail than were killed by the swords of the Israelites."  (Joshua 9:14 & 10:11, NIV)

The "picture" is fairly clear.  In chapter 9, we read that the Hebrews were outwitted because they did, "....not inquire of the Lord."  Later, we read that when they did, "....inquire of the Lord," the Lord did something which their efforts without Him could not do.

Okay, I confess: In my 78+ years there have been times when I, "....did not inquire of the Lord," and regrettable decisions and consequences unfolded; so have you.  It is incumbent upon us all to learn from this.  "Inquire of the Lord," Jesus Christ, and Jesus will enable us to outwit the enemy.  Moreover, we will learn more and more just how powerful is His Divine "Hail."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray I may continually learn that inquiring of You has no equal.  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

"Secret Things"

'The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the Words of this Law."  (DT 29:29)

 

I have noticed over the years that there has been among far too many a desire to discover, "the secret things"----- mistake.  They, "belong [only] to the Lord our God." 

The key in our text is, "that we may do all the Words of this Law."  Jesus does not expect us to do, "the secret things," only do all, "those things which are revealed."

Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray to do all the, "revealed."  Amen. 

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2