House of Love... The X Factor Devotional - Day Twenty Nine - February 18, 2010

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:13

George Matheson was a bright, promising young musician when he received the most devastating news of his life.  He was going blind.

For several months, as his vision worsened, he had suspected the worst.  But more painful than the crushing reality of his impending blindness was the reaction of his fiancée.  When he told her of his condition, she tearfully returned the engagement ring.  She said she could not live the rest of her life with a blind man.

Stunned by her reaction and overwhelmed with self-pity, Matheson was reeling like a boxer falling to the mat.  Then, it was as if he were literally swept into God’s arms, encouraged and uplifted.  Still disappointed, yet buoyed in spirit, Matheson sat down and composed a song.

In one poignant moment, George Matheson knew more deeply than ever what is the true mark of the Christian — the unmistakable mark of love.

That’s what his song was all about.  It’s a song sung by believers all over the world, even to this day — the great hymn, “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go!”  Through a hurtful trial, he was reminded of the love that would remain forever unaffected.  In so doing, he was even able to love the one who had rejected him, as his Lord had loved those who took His very life.

There are so many reasons for us to express our commitment as members of this church body.  We have been forgiven, blessed, protected, encouraged.  But most of all, we’ve been loved.  Our heavenly Father has demonstrated His love for us in that, while we were yet sinners, His own Son died for us!  The commitments we make, the monies we give, the energies we devote, are simply expressions of our thanksgiving for all He has done.

Prayer Focus:  In these crucial days, let’s look with gratitude to the past, let’s exercise faith in the present, let’s have true vision for the future; but, above all, let’s show a commitment to the challenge before us because of the love He’s shown for us.  He has used this church and it’s people in so many incredible ways.  Our response is tangible gratitude!  What does that look like?

The Past Has Passed... The X Factor Devotional - Day Fifteen - January 29, 2010

“Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.”
Mark 16:20

At first they didn’t believe the reports of the women.  “Jesus is alive,” they said.  The disciples were disturbed and filled with doubt.  Then, one by one, they recognized Him, fell at His feet, and worshiped Him.  He was alive!  Hope resurrected from the dead… just like He said.

But what about the past?  Would He remember how they had deserted Him... how they had bailed on Him at the moment of danger?  How could they have been so faithless and unbelieving?

Jesus quietly reaffirmed His love for them.  He spent time with them on several occasions.  He allowed them to touch His hands and His side, to settle their doubts and be convinced of His reality.  He helped them in their daily needs:  directing them to the location of fish when they had caught nothing and fixing them breakfast on the shore.  He opened their eyes to the Scriptures.  He gave them the promise of His Spirit, to be with them forever.  And then, He gave them a mission.

When the disciples were renewed in faith and secure again in His love, He gave them a charge.  Those who had so glaringly failed Him in His moment of trial were now entrusted with the greatest work the world would ever know:  the spreading of the Gospel.  The past didn’t sabotage the present or the future.  Their failures would always be a reminder of the weakness of the flesh and the power of sin, but they would not be a barrier to future usefulness.  These men, renewed by love and mercy, went on to turn the world upside down.

As we look back at all God has done for us in the life of our church, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the Lord’s goodness.  He has always been faithful and forgiving!  And, like our counterparts in the first century, we have a mission to carry His truth to our community and to regions beyond.  As we renovate and expand while planning for the future, imagine what the next 5-10 years will look like.

Prayer Focus:  What is the most significant lesson God has ever taught you about the importance of staying committed and not giving up?  Let that victory soak in… let the feeling of the win be etched in your mind… and hold on to that as we move forward in expanding the Kingdom through Impact.