“It is better to have something to say, than to have to say something.”
~ Hance Dilbeck
Gaining a Fresh Vision from God
In the book of Exodus, God showed Moses the plans for the tabernacle. These plans for the new worship center fill approximately 15 chapters and contain remarkable detail (Exodus 25-40).
As Christian leaders we too want God to show us how to proceed. We all have prayed, “Oh Lord, show my Your will.”
From Exodus 24 here are seven steps to gaining a fresh vision from God.
It starts with a divine calling, v 1
Be sure to include other key leaders, v 1b
Completely surrender to God’s will, v 3, 7
Listen to the word of God, v 7
Seek forgiveness through the blood, v 8
Include the younger generation, v 13
Wait on the Lord, for as long as it takes, v 16, 18b.
Once God’s plan is revealed invite others to partcipate (25:1) and be sure you do everything the Lord shows you (25:9).
Indespensable
Samuel Chadwick said, “The Christian religion is hopeless without the Holy Ghost.”
A Model for Intercessory Prayer
Paul prayed for the Christians in Colossae, even though he had never personally visited them. His prayer included five petitions.
That they might know God’s will
That they might walk worthy of the Lord
That they might be fruitful
That they might grow in their knowledge of God
That they might have patience with joy.
Paul’s prayer in Colossians 1:9-11 shows us how we can pray for each other.
Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow—this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract.
The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
Stonewall Jackson quote
This deeply religious confederate general said, “Never take counsel of your fears.”
Thomas Paine quote
“These are the times that try men’s souls” ~ Thomas Paine
Louis L'amour Quote
"Victory is won not in miles but in inches. Win a little now, hold your ground, and later, win a little more."
3 Benefits of Suffering
According to 2 Corinithains 12:7-10, suffering brings three blessings into the life of the believer.
Suffering prevents pride, “lest I should be exalted above measure.”
Suffering promotes prayer, “I pleaded with the Lord three times.”
Suffering perfects power, “when I am weak then I am strong.”
ABC's of Testifying at Asbury Revival
During the structured testimony time, an Asbury leader asked the students to observe the ABCs of testimony:
A — It’s all about Jesus.
B — Keep it brief.
C — Keep it current (no life stories; just tell us what Jesus is doing for you right now).