From His Heart

[Judy Harder]

WHY, GOD?

"'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,' declares the LORD.  'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.'"

Isaiah 55:8-9

Why, God?

It is a question we so often ask when life does not make sense ... and when God doesn't come through in the way we think He should.  Sudden trials, tragedies, and unwanted changes to our happy lives can often cause us to question God, or doubt God, or get angry and bitter at God.

That is exactly what happened to Naomi in the Book of Ruth.  She and her husband and two sons left famine-stricken Bethlehem for the greener pastures of Moab.  The land of Moab, however, proved to be a place of death, not deliverance.  Naomi's husband and two sons died during their time in this pagan land.  Naomi returned to Bethlehem with nothing but her daughter-in-law, Ruth.  As they entered the city, Naomi ("pleasantness") asked the people to call her Marah ("bitterness"), saying, "The Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.  I went out full, but the LORD has brought me back empty" (Ruth 1:20-21).  Needless to say, she was dealing with questions, doubts, and bitterness toward God.

IS IT WRONG TO ASK WHY?

As human beings, we want to know why when life caves in on us.  We want to know why when God doesn't answer our prayers in the way we think He should.  It is never wrong to ask why.  But, it is wrong to demand an answer to our why.

Years ago I heard this profound statement at a funeral for a young baby who died just hours after being born, "God is not in the business of explaining; He's in the business of sustaining."  You and I can ask why all we want, but we need to know that God doesn't answer that question very often.  His typical response to our why is simply this: "Just trust Me."

YOU CAN TRUST HIM

I believe one of the reasons God doesn't answer our why questions is because we wouldn't understand it.  God's ways are so far above our ways.  For God to explain the whys and wherefores to you and me would be akin to explaining quantum physics to a toddler.  We don't have the capacity to understand.  So, "just trust Me" is really the best response and the best solution.  Just trust the fact that God is God, and He loves you.  He is good, and He never makes the slightest mistake.  Nothing can come into your life until it first filters through His fingers of love.  He has a plan and a purpose for everything.       

Naomi had to work through her bitterness and anger.  Thankfully, she did ... and she saw God work miracles on her behalf.  He took the worst, and made it the best.  He turned her bitterness into blessedness.  He gave her beauty for ashes, just like He promised (Isaiah 61:3).

WHAT ABOUT YOU?   

Are you going through some dark and difficult times right now?  Is your marriage in shambles, your health failing, your family in turmoil, your finances in the toilet, or your job a disaster?  Do you feel like "the Almighty has dealt very bitterly" with you?  Don't allow yourself to get resentful and angry at God.  That never has a good outcome.  By all means, bring your questions and your hurts to the Lord ... and leave them at the foot of the cross.  Make the choice to trust Him and His goodness, even though you don't understand what He is doing and how He is working.  Be assured, He hasn't forgotten about you.  He will work all things together for good as you say with Job, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him" (Job 13:15).

Love,

[Judy Harder]

DO YOU HAVE THE RIGHT FOUNDATION?

"And everyone who hears these words of Mine, and does not act upon them, will be like a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand. Matthew 7:26

One of the world's famous landmarks is an eight-story cathedral bell tower located in Pisa, Italy. The tower is famous for one embarrassing reason: it leans approximately 4 degrees, resulting in a whopping 12' 10" departure from vertical at the very top.

Work on the tower began in 1173. According to Wikipedia, "The tower began to sink after construction had progressed to the second floor in 1178. This was due to a mere three-meter foundation, set in weak, unstable subsoil, a design that was flawed from the beginning."

Why does the tower lean? For this simple reason: a bad foundation.

SO MANY SAND BUILDERS

Jesus told a parable one day about fools who build on the sand and wise men who build on the rock. Sand builders are those who take the path of least resistance. Why? Because it's easier ... it feels good ... it provides instant gratification. The sand builders get their houses up in no time.

The rock builders, on the other hand, have to work hard, dig deep, and clear away all the sand. It is tough sledding building on the rock ... but it's worth it.

In the parable, the rains and storms and problems of life came to both houses. The rock builders were safe and secure, but the sand builders were swept away. Their demise was terrible and tragic and catastrophic. The worst of it was this: it didn't have to be that way. They could have chosen to build on the rock.

BUILDING ON HIS WORD

What is a rock builder, anyway? It is a person who listens to the Lord's Word and acts upon it. It is someone who sets his value system not on the shifting sands of conventional wisdom and political correctness, but on the timeless truths of the Word of God.

A rock builder says, "Lord, Your ways are right concerning everything. What you say is the foundation for me and my house. I will obey You and live my life according to Your Word."

Therefore, a rock builder is not debating in his mind if sex before marriage is "ok" if you love each other. He is not basing his moral understanding of homosexuality on his gay friend who is so nice and kind and claims he was born that way. He is not divorcing his spouse because he is unhappy and his marriage is really tough right now. He is not compromising with sin because it's fun and exciting ... and everyone else is doing it.   

No, a rock builder is someone who takes God's Word seriously and yields to Jesus as Master and Lord of all. And that person lives a life that (1) pleases God, (2) is filled with the goodness of God, and (3) stands strong in the storms.

Let me ask you, and be completely honest: Are you building on the rock or on the sand? Choose wisely because the rains are coming one day. 

Love,

Pastor Jeff Schreve,
From His Heart Ministries                             

[Judy Harder]

THESE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGING?

"But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.  For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; and avoid such men as these."

2 Timothy 3:1-5

In January of 1964, Bob Dylan released a hit song titled These Times They are a-Changing.  One of the lines in that song says this, "There's a battle outside and it's ragin'.  It'll soon shake your windows and rattle your walls.  For the times they are a-changing."  How true that is!

The battle is indeed raging in our world.  Sin is running rampant.  Belief in the absolute truths of Scripture is melting away like a snow-cone in Phoenix.  Relativism, situational ethics, a new morality, and tolerance for all points of view (except Christian) are the order of the day.  The Word of God, the will of God, and the ways of God are jettisoned in favor of the ways of man.         

Needless to say, we are in trouble as a civilization.  Tragically, we are so prone to forget that this world belongs to God.  He is both King and Creator.  He has set up the rules of morality and told us how we are to live.  He has made it clear that He will not be mocked (see Gal. 6:7).  Listen, the wheels of God's justice may grind slowly, but make no mistake, they do grind ... and they grind exceedingly fine.

TAKE IT FROM THE FLOOD

The ancient world of Noah's day was wicked to the core.  They erroneously thought they could dethrone God and enthrone man, and they were swept away with the judgment of a worldwide flood.  God wants that former judgment to be a lesson to us today.  Those who reject His sovereignty, love, and grace will suffer the terrible consequences of defying the righteous King.

God is indeed a good, loving, and merciful God.  But if you reject His mercy - and the blood of His own dear Son, shed for you at Calvary - all that is left is justice ... pure and unadulterated justice.  To be sure, "It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Heb. 10:31). 

BE ENCOURAGED

Remember, God warned us that the last days would be difficult.  But, He has promised never to leave us or forsake us.  We don't need to fear the changing times, we simply need to trust Him and pray ... and stand up boldly for Jesus and His Word.

We are one day closer to His promised return.  May He find us faithful!

Love,

[Judy Harder]

HOW TO BE A CHRISTIAN AT WORK

"Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling; and do it with a sincere heart, as though you were serving Christ. Do this not only when they are watching you, because you want to gain their approval; but with all your heart do what God wants, as slaves of Christ. Do your work as slaves cheerfully, as though you served the Lord, and not merely human beings. Remember that the Lord will reward each of us, whether slave or free, for the good work we do."  Ephesians 6:5-8 GNB

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to be a Christian on Sunday ... and how hard it is to be one on Monday?  Why is that?  It is because Sunday is refueling time with the family of God, but Monday is where the rubber meets the road.  Monday is real life in the spiritual trenches. 

So, how can you be a shining light for the Lord in your school, community, or place of business?  How can you be a Christian at work who really makes a difference for Christ and His kingdom?

1.  Do a good job.  This is so simple yet so often overlooked.  If we don't do a good job on the job, we hurt our witness immeasurably.  God wants His children to be on time, energetic, prepared, competent, hard-working, honest, and full of integrity.  He wants us to have a pleasing, winsome attitude and do our work cheerfully as unto Him.  A good attitude and a good work ethic bring glory to God.

2.  Have committed standards of conduct and behavior.  Work can often be the arena where moral compromise becomes commonplace in order to get ahead.  Many people fudge, lie, and cut corners on a regular basis so that they can make a sale, get a good grade, obtain a promotion, garner a little extra on their expense account, etc.  Since that is the way of the world, should a Christian just go along to get along?  I mean, when in Rome, do as a Roman, right?  Wrong!   

The prophet Daniel is a perfect example of how a Christian is to act when faced with moral compromise.  As a young man of about 15, he was taken from his homeland in Judah to the pagan land of Babylon.  He was put in Babylonian Graduate School and commanded to learn the literature and language of the Chaldeans.  He did all that was asked of him and glorified God by excelling in his studies.  But when he was told to eat food that had been offered to idols, he politely, but emphatically, said no.  Daniel 1:8 reads, "Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king's choice food."  He would not compromise, even if it cost him his position ... or his life.  And God blessed him for that courageous stand. 

When it comes to your job, be committed to godly standards.  Be courageous and say no to those things that you know would dishonor the Lord.  Say no to participating in the filthy jokes, the gossip and gripe sessions, the character assassination meetings, the get- togethers at the strip joint, and the like.  Dare to be a Daniel, and refuse to defile yourself and your witness.

3.  Realize that your workplace is your mission field.  God wants to use you on the job.  He is calling you to be a light in the darkness.  No doubt, there are people in your plant, your office, or your school who may never set foot in a church.  You just might be the only Jesus they ever see.  And make no mistake, if they know you claim to be a Christian, they will be watching you to see if you are for real.  They will be watching to see how you act and react.  They will be watching to see if you drink and party and malign co-workers and cut corners as they do.  They will be watching ... and secretly hoping that you are truly different; that there is something to this Christianity thing that really changes a person's life for the good.

Remember, we are not called to cram the message down people's throats.  We are called to shine for Christ and look for open doors to tell people about the Savior.  Jesus said, "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 5:16).  May we do just that on the job!

Love,                                           

Pastor Jeff Schreve
From His Heart Ministries                                                         

P.S.  Click here to leave your prayer request on the From His Heart PrayerWorks page and allow people around the world to lift your request up to God.

[Judy Harder]

HOW TO BE A CHRISTIAN AT WORK

"Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling; and do it with a sincere heart, as though you were serving Christ. Do this not only when they are watching you, because you want to gain their approval; but with all your heart do what God wants, as slaves of Christ. Do your work as slaves cheerfully, as though you served the Lord, and not merely human beings. Remember that the Lord will reward each of us, whether slave or free, for the good work we do."  Ephesians 6:5-8 GNB

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to be a Christian on Sunday ... and how hard it is to be one on Monday?  Why is that?  It is because Sunday is refueling time with the family of God, but Monday is where the rubber meets the road.  Monday is real life in the spiritual trenches. 

So, how can you be a shining light for the Lord in your school, community, or place of business?  How can you be a Christian at work who really makes a difference for Christ and His kingdom?

1.  Do a good job.  This is so simple yet so often overlooked.  If we don't do a good job on the job, we hurt our witness immeasurably.  God wants His children to be on time, energetic, prepared, competent, hard-working, honest, and full of integrity.  He wants us to have a pleasing, winsome attitude and do our work cheerfully as unto Him.  A good attitude and a good work ethic bring glory to God.

2.  Have committed standards of conduct and behavior.  Work can often be the arena where moral compromise becomes commonplace in order to get ahead.  Many people fudge, lie, and cut corners on a regular basis so that they can make a sale, get a good grade, obtain a promotion, garner a little extra on their expense account, etc.  Since that is the way of the world, should a Christian just go along to get along?  I mean, when in Rome, do as a Roman, right?  Wrong!   

The prophet Daniel is a perfect example of how a Christian is to act when faced with moral compromise.  As a young man of about 15, he was taken from his homeland in Judah to the pagan land of Babylon.  He was put in Babylonian Graduate School and commanded to learn the literature and language of the Chaldeans.  He did all that was asked of him and glorified God by excelling in his studies.  But when he was told to eat food that had been offered to idols, he politely, but emphatically, said no.  Daniel 1:8 reads, "Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king's choice food."  He would not compromise, even if it cost him his position ... or his life.  And God blessed him for that courageous stand. 

When it comes to your job, be committed to godly standards.  Be courageous and say no to those things that you know would dishonor the Lord.  Say no to participating in the filthy jokes, the gossip and gripe sessions, the character assassination meetings, the get- togethers at the strip joint, and the like.  Dare to be a Daniel, and refuse to defile yourself and your witness.

3.  Realize that your workplace is your mission field.  God wants to use you on the job.  He is calling you to be a light in the darkness.  No doubt, there are people in your plant, your office, or your school who may never set foot in a church.  You just might be the only Jesus they ever see.  And make no mistake, if they know you claim to be a Christian, they will be watching you to see if you are for real.  They will be watching to see how you act and react.  They will be watching to see if you drink and party and malign co-workers and cut corners as they do.  They will be watching ... and secretly hoping that you are truly different; that there is something to this Christianity thing that really changes a person's life for the good.

Remember, we are not called to cram the message down people's throats.  We are called to shine for Christ and look for open doors to tell people about the Savior.  Jesus said, "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 5:16).  May we do just that on the job!

Love,                                           

Pastor Jeff Schreve
From His Heart Ministries                             

[Judy Harder]

HOW MANY ROADS LEAD TO HEAVEN?

"And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved."

Acts 4:12

A few years ago, the front page of the Dallas Morning News had a big article titled, "ON RELIGION, THERE ARE FEW ABSOLUTES."  The article cited a recent national survey from The Pew Forum for Religion and Public Life where people who call themselves Christians stated overwhelmingly that they believe there is more than one road to heaven.

The survey question was asked, "Do you believe that many religions can lead to eternal life?"  The "yes" responses are quite startling and revealing:  All Evangelical Churches: 57%; Southern Baptists:  61%; All Mainline Churches:  83%; United Methodist:  85%; Historically Black Churches:  59%; Catholic:  79%.           

WHAT DID JESUS SAY?

While it may be politically correct in America to think all roads lead to heaven and faith is faith, regardless of the object, let me remind you what Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me."

According to Jesus, the King of kings, how many roads lead to heaven?  Just one!  Nobody will ever get to heaven apart from "repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 20:21).  His bloody cross and empty tomb pave the only road that leads to eternal life in glory.     

THE LAST DAYS

Without question, we are living in the last of the last days.  Multitudes are falling away from "the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" at breakneck speed.  Tragically, they are rejecting the true God in favor of the "Mush god."  This god goes by many names and has no absolutes, no standards, no holiness, no commands, no hatred for sin, and no entrance requirements for heaven.  He just has love, acceptance, and approval for all, regardless of belief or practice.

It is important for us to remember that there is only one God.  God says in Isaiah 45:5-7, "I am the LORD (Yahweh or Jehovah), and there is no other; Besides Me there is no God. I will gird you, though you have not known Me; that men may know from the rising to the setting of the sun that there is no one besides Me. I am the LORD, and there is no other, the One forming light and creating darkness, causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the LORD who does all these."

Now Yahweh from the Old Testament is called Jesus in the New Testament ... for the name Jesus literally means "Yahweh (or Jehovah) saves."

What makes Christianity so amazing and so different from all the other religions of the world is this: The King and Creator became a man, died for our sins and rose again from the dead.  As former Attorney General John Ashcroft so astutely said when comparing Islam to Christianity, "Islam is a religion in which Allah requires you to send your son to die for him. Christianity is a faith in which God sent His Son to die for you."   

WE NEED REVIVAL

The Pew Forum survey highlights our great need for revival in America.  We are on the road to Sodom and the wrath of God (see Romans 1:18-32).  But the good news is this: God's people hold the key to turn things around.  The Lord tells us that if we, His people, will humble ourselves and pray and seek His face and turn from our wicked ways, then He promises to hear from heaven, forgive our great sins, and heal our land (see 2 Chronicles 7:14).

God answers when we pray.  Every great revival throughout history has always come as a result of prayer.  Will you join me in praying for revival to come as God's people get right with Him?  You and I hold the key.  What will we do with it?

Love,

Pastor Jeff Schreve,
From His Heart Ministries     

[Judy Harder]

HAVE YOU OPENED THE DOOR FOR THE DEVIL?

"Do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity [place]."  Ephesians 4:26-27

Do you remember the movie Cujo?  It was a scary movie about a rabid, crazed St. Bernard who went on the attack.  Cujo spent most of the movie terrorizing a woman and her asthmatic son.  They ended up trapped in their car in the driveway of a lonely farm house.  Anytime the mom opened her car door to attempt a dash into the farm house, Cujo would be all over her.  She had to continually run back to the car and quickly slam the door, lest crazy Cujo get inside and maul her and her son to death.  Without question, Cujo had to stay outside, or else it would be curtains!

The devil is Cujo on a zillion steroids.  He is prowling about, seeking someone to devour.  If you allow him to come inside your home, your life, your marriage, your family, your business ... you will experience massive devastation.  Jesus told us that the devil is a thief who "comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy" (John 10:10).

Of course, no one would be so foolish as to leave the door open so Satanic Cujo could come in, would they?  Tragically, people do it all the time.   

DO YOU HAVE THE DOOR OPEN FOR THE DEVIL?

What are the ways people open the door to the devil?

1.  Unresolved anger.  If you let the sun go down on your anger, that anger turns to resentment and bitterness.  A resentful, bitter heart is a comfortable, inviting nest for the foul birds of hell. 

2.  Rebellion toward authority.  The Bible tells us that "rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft" (1 Samuel 15:23).  If you refuse to submit to the authorities God has purposely placed in your life, you are acting just like the devil, the original rebel who led a revolt against the God of heaven.       

3.  Willful disobedience.  If you are walking in willful, known disobedience, the Bible makes it clear that you are walking in the darkness, not the light (see 1 John 1).  A walk in the darkness is a walk with the devil, the Prince of Darkness. 

4.  Provision for the Flesh.  Romans 13:14 tells us, "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh with regard to its lusts."  What does it mean to make provision for the flesh?  If, for example, you are struggling with alcohol, yet you still keep alcohol in your house, you are making provision for the flesh and will never conquer that demon.  Whatever you are struggling with - drugs, sexual immorality, gambling, unhealthy relationships, junk food - if you don't make a clean and decisive break from that which is destroying you, you will never break free, no matter how much you "pray about it."   

ENCOURAGEMENT

Let me encourage you to search your heart to see if any of these issues are present within you.  If so, confess it to God and a trusted friend.  You see, we receive forgiveness when we humbly and repentantly confess our sin to God ... and we receive healing when we boldly drag our sin out from the shadows and confess it to another believer (see James 5:16).

Grant forgiveness and seek forgiveness so that any root of bitterness can be removed.  Put yourself under God's authority and the human authorities He has ordained for you.  Don't rebel, submit.  Make needed changes in your life and relationships.  Do whatever is necessary to slam the door on the devil!  Don't give him a place in your life because nothing but heartache and pain comes when Cujo is allowed inside.

Love,                                         

Pastor Jeff Schreve

From His Heart Ministries                         

[Judy Harder]

NO ANGELS ALLOWED

"And he reported to us how he had seen the angel standing in his house, and saying, 'Send to Joppa, and have Simon, who is also called Peter, brought here; and he shall speak words to you by which you will be saved, you and all your household.'''  Acts 11:13-14

Have you seen an angel lately?  For most of us, the answer is no.  But in Acts chapter 10, we read a story of a man who came face to face with one.  This man's name was Cornelius.  He was a God-fearing, Gentile centurion who was very religious and very sincerely seeking the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  Yet he was still unsaved, still on the highway to hell.       

As he prayed one day, an angel of God appeared to him in a vision.  He told Cornelius that God had noticed him.  He was to send for Peter who could share the gospel with him and lead him to salvation.  Cornelius obeyed at once.  Peter came to him, Cornelius and his family and close friends were saved, and the gospel spread to the Gentiles.       

WHY DIDN'T THE ANGEL TELL HIM?

Have you ever wondered why the angel didn't share the gospel with Cornelius?  Peter is 30 miles away in Joppa.  Wouldn't it have been a lot easier for the angel to tell Cornelius what he needed to hear in order to put his faith in Christ?  Of course!  It would have been easier, but it wouldn't have been right. 

God has given to men, not angels, the privilege and responsibility of sharing the saving knowledge of Jesus.  Why is that?  Doesn't it stand to reason that perfect angels would do a much better job than imperfect men?  They wouldn't chicken out like we do so much of the time.  They wouldn't mess up the wording.  They wouldn't ever get it wrong.

So, why does God reserve the task of witnessing to men?

SHARING GRACE

I think the reason is simple: Holy angels have never experienced God's amazing, saving grace.  Sharing the gospel is sharing the grace of God that has touched your own life.  An angel cannot relate to that.  An angel is innocent, but a Christian is saved. 

I ran across an old song that poignantly communicates this wonderful truth on the difference of men and angels. The song comes from Isaiah 6 and is titled Holy, Holy is What the Angels Sing.

            There is singing up in Heaven such as we have never known,

            Where the angels sing the praises of the Lamb upon the throne,

            Their sweet harps are ever tuneful, and their voices always clear,

            O that we might be more like they while

            we serve the Master here!

            Holy, holy, is what the angels sing,

            And I expect to help them make the courts of heaven ring;

            But when I sing redemption's story,

            they will fold their wings,

            For angels never felt the joys that our salvation brings.

Have you felt the joys?  Have you experienced His grace?  Have you been redeemed (bought back) by the shed blood of God's own dear Son?

If so, you have something GREAT to sing about and share with others.  Angels can't, but you can!  And you can start today!

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, what an awesome privilege and responsibility You have entrusted to me.  I want to be the witness You want me to be.  I want to share the good news of salvation with friends, neighbors, co-workers, and classmates.  Put those people on my heart that You want to reach through me.  Help me to be Your bold witness, Lord.  Help me never forget the unfathomable price You paid to purchase so great a salvation.  In Jesus' name, amen. 

Love,

Pastor Jeff Schreve,
From His Heart Ministries             

[Judy Harder]

PUT ME IN, COACH

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?'  Then I said, 'Here am I.  Send me!'"  Isaiah 6:8

Did you play sports as a kid?  I did and loved it.  Basketball became my main sport of choice.  I played on the school team from 5th grade until high school graduation.  I would have played in college were it not for one small problem – I wasn't good enough.

Most of us who have played sports have had the unwanted experience of "riding the pine."  Obviously, not everyone on the team gets equal playing time.  In seventh and eighth grade, I had many games where I was on the bench, chomping at the bit for the Coach to call my name and get me on the basketball floor.  As the famous song, "Centerfield," by John Fogerty says, "Put me in, Coach.  I'm ready to play."

PLAYING ON GOD'S TEAM

When it comes to the Lord's team, are you chomping at the bit to get out there for Jesus?  Isaiah surely was.  When the Lord asked the penetrating question of who would go out on the floor for the King of kings, Isaiah's hand shot up.  "Put me in, Lord.  I'm ready to go anywhere and do anything for You."  And God responded by selecting him as His spokesman to Judah for fifty years.

Isaiah was ready, willing, and eager to play.  How about you?

The sad reality is that many Christians are simply Sunday morning bench warmers ... and they don't seem to be too bothered by that fact!  When the Lord says, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" there is silence from so many of the lambs.  Is there silence from you?           

Remember, Christianity is not a spectator sport.  God did not save us to sit, soak, sour, and stink.  He saved us to serve.  He wants us to get in the game and put our spiritual gifts into practice ... whatever those gifts may be.

LOOKING IN THE MIRROR

Be honest.  Are you sitting on the spiritual sidelines?  Are you riding the pine?  Our Coach, the Lord Jesus Christ, wants to put you in the game.  He wants to use your life to make a difference in His kingdom.  "But, I'm scared!" you confess.  Everyone is a little bit, especially at the first.  It always is a little scary when you initially enter the game and teach that class, share your faith, sing that solo, do that deed in His name, and make that stand for Christ.  But the good news is He will be with you every step of the way.

"But, I don't have the ability!" you counter.  Well, here is a great truth.  God is not looking for people with ability.  He is looking for people with availability.  You see, the best ability is simple availability.  God wants people just like you to say, "Here I am, Lord.  Send me wherever You want me to go.  I am surrendering myself to You.  Use me, Lord, as You see fit."  That is a prayer God longs to answer.

Jesus is looking down the bench today to see who will lock eyes with Him and say, "Put me in, Coach.  I'm ready to play!"

Love,

Pastor Jeff Schreve,
From His Heart Ministries                                                         

P.S. I would love to hear from you and read how God is working in your life for His glory. You can contact me at pastorjeff@fromhisheart.org.

[Judy Harder]

CARPE DIEM!

So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12

Have you ever heard of carpe diem? It is a Latin phrase meaning "seize the day!" You and I only have so many days God gives us on this earth. Life is short ... just like a morning fog, here one minute and gone the next (James 4:14). So what are you doing with your life? How are you making it count? Are you seizing the day?

Life is made up of opportunities. Each day, God gives us opportunities to make a difference for the Kingdom of God ... to yield to His Spirit ... to get right with Him ... to seek and grant forgiveness ... to witness for Jesus Christ ... to help and encourage those in need ... to speak a word of blessing to those who are hurting ... to let the Lord work through us so men may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. What are you doing with the opportunities God is giving you?

FUNERALS

As a Pastor, I have the honor and privilege of conducting funerals. While all funerals have a note of sadness and loss, some are filled with joy, knowing that the deceased is not really dead and gone, but alive and gone to heaven. People who live for Christ and "carpe diem" leave behind a wake of blessings for those who know and love them.

Think about your funeral. What will it be like? Will the preacher have lots of great things to say about the way you lived, loved, and served the Lord? Will everyone rejoice because they know you are in heaven?

MEETING JESUS

I often think of the day when the Lord calls me home, and I finally meet Him face to face. My overwhelming desire is to hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your Master" (Matthew 25:23). No doubt that is the greatest of all rewards for any Christian ... knowing that we pleased the Master, did His will, and were faithful to Him.

I believe that commendation from the Lord only comes when you and I seize the day! God has much He wants to do in and through your life and mine this day. Ask Him to show you what to do. Let Him control your life and guide your way. Be quick to obey His voice and His promptings. Make changes where He points out areas of sin and selfishness that desperately need the cleansing and changing power of the cross and empty tomb.

TODAY

All we have is today. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come. Today is a gift from God. That is why we call it the present. So unwrap your present and carpe diem for the Master. You will be so glad that you did!

Love,

Pastor Jeff Schreve,
From His Heart Ministries               

P.S. I would love to hear from you and read how God is working in your life for His glory. You can contact me at pastorjeff@fromhisheart.org.