2009 – Day 344.Dec 11 – Anchor of Unity

Passage for Study: Acts 27: 27 - 32 … Acts 27 linked for study …

My Journal for Today: When you read through the short highlight passage from Acts 27 for today [verses 27 – 32], as Swindoll writes in his book, it’s pretty easy to find the personal or modern-day application. In this scene, the ship on which Paul found himself was about to run aground and sink; and the crew was going into sinful default mode, which is panic and escape anytime we humans get into life-threatening situations. But Paul knew that the only way the crew could make it, saving all the lives in a sinking ship, was for the crew to stay in the boat together.

And that’s the way it is for Christians today as well when our spiritual well-being is threatened by the storms of life and world is coming down around us. Right now there are many people – maybe you - experiencing dire financial pressures. Some of you who read this may have life-threatening illnesses yourself or involving dear loved ones. Others may be under intense relational pressures, … maybe a marriage which is breaking apart. And as with the men aboard that ship where Paul was in the first century, the normal human reaction is to bail out or to cut and run. But Paul saw from his messenger from God what we today need to know or remember during these intense storms; and that is to rely on the fellowship, love, and support of family, friends, and fellow Christians. Unity and togetherness are the keys to staying afloat when the ship is close to sinking.

Some years ago our church was a sinking ship. Being a relatively new ordained Elder at that time, our Board of Elders was split and our congregation was even more torn asunder. But now I look back on those stormy times with grateful fondness; because our Elder Board discovered the truth of surrendering to God’s Spirit, coming together with unity of purpose; and we also learned to surrender our direction to follow God’s lead no matter how bad things might seem. And our Church came together as well. Oh, there were some who jumped ship and left; but those who stayed on the ship of Central Church came through the storm and found a unity of purpose and Spirit-led direction as we’d never experienced before. And now our beloved church is riding the waves of Godly power and being steered in the Lord’s direction, … all because we discovered and chose to live out the lesson of Acts 27, … that we must stay together in the face of the storms of life.

I don’t know where your ship is heading in life at this time. Maybe it’s sailing in calm waters; or perhaps you’re in the midst of a storm. But, no matter where you’re headed in life, remember that you can travel life more effectively and powerfully if you do it within the togetherness of the body of Christ, working in unity in God’s direction and for His purpose with other Christians.

My Prayer for Today: Lord, guide the ship of our lives TOGETHER in Your direction … for Your glory. Amen

2009 – Day 66.Mar. 8 – Going It Alone

2009 – Day 66.Mar. 8 – Going It Alone

Passage of the Day: Exodus 4: 11 – 17 … Read passage from this link …

My Journal for Today: Today, I must separate myself from the teachings of Chuck Swindoll in his devotional entry for this date. But to be fair, let me represent what Swindoll is teaching here today. … He contends that, and I quote, “While I believe with all my heart in accountability, God’s call does not lend itself to the buddy system or to group excursions.” And Chuck is citing Moses in today’s passage, bailing out to get assistance from his brother, Aaron, feeling that he could not go it alone in this task as God’s leader for His people. We know, of course, (see Exod. 32) that Aaron ultimately failed Moses and God; and certainly God knew that when he allowed Aaron to be Moses’ mouthpiece before Pharaoh. And Swindoll is contending that sometimes we simply must “go it alone,” when we’re called out by God.

But I simply cannot buy into this position. Yes, my calling is MY CALLING, not someone else’s. And what God calls me to do for His glory will not be the same as someone else; but I also believe, and know from God’s word and experience, that Christ is in the business of using His Body, working together, for each of us to be maximized in our individual gifts and calling.

I’m very much against anything that smacks of “Lone Ranger” Christianity; and I’m afraid that Swindoll seems to be heading his readers today toward that leaning. I firmly believe that God uses us individually best when we stand together and work together with other believers. If that were not the case in this scenario, why would God not have insisted that Moses go it alone? If “going it alone” was the way to go in life, why would Jesus, when training his disciples, send them out two-by-two on field trips of training in discipleship; and why, when He charged His followers with the Great Commission did He allow for them to begin their ministry right there in Jerusalem working together in a Body?

If God wants us to go it alone in ministry and mission work, why does God’s word strongly teach that a three fold cord is stronger than a single strand (see Eccl. 4: 11-12) and that iron sharpens iron (see Prov.27: 17)?

No, I’m sorry Chuck, … I just don’t seem to be buying your contention that Moses should have gone it alone and not relied on someone, like Aaron, to carry out God’s will in freeing His people. Yes, I agree that one’s individual calling is not someone else’s calling; but I think it’s very important for God’s army to be fighting the battles of life, back-to-back with a band of brothers, … a unified and cohesive force, working TOGETHER for God’s glory.

My Prayer for Today: Lord, I am responsible for your calling on my life; but I thank You for the grace of sending others into my life to bring Your calling to fruition. Amen