Simple challenge?

I read a statistic which said 25% of the church are saving 75% of the lost. In my experience, only about 10% of believers do all the work for the Kingdom of God. I've been thinking this thought recently. Be the one to bring one to the ONE. Sound simple? Just think of the possibilities. If everyone of Christ's church would guide just one lost soul to the Savior, the church would reach more, teach more, comfort more, help more, love more, and glorify God more than ever before. My simple challenge...Be the one to bring one to the One!

Lord Jesus, You gave me a mission which I have failed many times over. Forgive me. Today I stand ready for the challenge but I cannot do this work alone. Go with me Jesus and help me to bring the lost to You, one soul at a time. In Your strength I pray. Amen.

Matthew 9:37, "Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few."

Bearing fruit

I recently began reading from Spurgeon’s The Treasury of David and I am already challenged by the commentary and insights. I can’t wait to dive in again today and to meditate on God’s Holy Word. Life has a sense of uncertainty for me right now; I feel somewhat lost in my understanding of what to do next in ministry. But even with my uneasiness, I am certain of my Savior and know without one shadow of doubt that He is in complete control. Spurgeon records a reference to Psalm 1:3 “His fruit in his season” the following words by Adam Clarke. “…he who reads, prays, and meditates will ever see the work which God has given him to do; the power by which he is to perform it; and the times, places, and opportunities for doing those things by which God can obtain most glory…” This I know! When I seek Him I will find him!


Lord Jesus, be very real today in my life. Speak through my confusion your words of peace and security. Find me finding You. Amen.

Ps 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Chambers, January 4

Canceled, filled, wait, finish...were just a few of the words that crossed my ears and clouded my thoughts yesterday. Plans change and doors open & close and I find myself trying to take the lead, trying to determine the next step. Oswald Chambers says, "never run before God's guidance." But it's hard to wait Mr. Chambers! Everything points to this being what God wants me to do! Don't I need to be proactive? Don't I need to help God out? Chambers says, "When God brings a blank space, see that you do not fill it in, but wait." Waiting is hard Mr. Chambers, but I'll follow your advice."Whenever there is doubt ---don't."

Lord, help me to wait upon You and to know Your will for my life. Lord direct me to the place You want me to be. Lord, hold my hand as we go. Amen.

Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God"

Monday Morning Joys

Well, it's Monday morning, 18 degrees and snow flurries. The whole family was up early to take Aprille for an MRI. We were first on the schedule. No sooner than we had arrived for the appointment the fire-alarm went off at Vanderbilt. People were leaving the building but we were escorted to the patient holding area to proceed with the MRI. But the MRI machine didn't get the memo that we were coming early and during a fire-alarm. It would not work. It's Monday! A wasted morning...not really. I sat with Faith and we laughed together at FRESH PRINCE on the flat screen TV. I read some funny girl quotes out of a magazine. Faith said "Like really dad, will you shut-up!" I almost went back to sleep in the waiting room recliner. Although the MRI had to be rescheduled, the morning wasn't that bad. I found it to be somewhat joyful!

Lord, You have a way of making a upside-down morning right-side up. Thank you for the joy of the moment. Amen.

Remember

Worship is a privilege. Ministry is an opportunity. Grace is free? Remember the cross!

Jesus, thank you for offering yourself for me. Amen

On the team

It has been a quiet day at the Gillikin homestead. The girls have been sleeping most of the day. I've kept the fireplace burning and I've been studying and seeking and listening. I really needed to take down our Christmas tree (fire hazard by now) but it has brought us much joy through this holiday season. More than in years past as I recall. I think it helped Aprille the most.

Although I do not always understand God's ways, I know that He knows everything concerning my life. God is never surprised or caught off-guard. That's reassuring to me. This morning in my quiet time, I was reminded that a right relationship with Jesus means victory. Not just a future victory but victory for today. My life is a victory in Christ. I have already won because Christ won. Christ and me on the winning team! Amazing truth!

Lord Jesus, You picked me to be on Your team. Me! I am honored and blessed. Call the plays Lord! Amen.

Like I said....it's been quiet today. "Speak loudly Lord so I can hear You clearly. Amen"

I will...

I sat on my couch with my wife on one side and my daughter on the other (both held tightly in my arms) as the New Year approached. We counted down with excitement and celebrated together with hugs and kisses and laughter. I called out to God for His continued blessing. I told my girls that "we only need to trust Jesus." His mercies are new every morning. It's a new morning, a new day, a new year, and a new decade! I will hold to His promise and trust in His word. I will trust when I do not understand. I will seek His strength. I will be still and listen for His voice. I will honor Him. I will by His power!

Lord Jesus, thank you for your mercies and your love and your strength and your promises. Thank you for your forgiveness and for healing, for second chances, and for your Holy Spirit; my Comforter. Guide me and my family in the direction you have planned for us. Help us to know your will and to know You much deeper. Praise Your Wonderful Name! Amen.