RI-DONK-ULOUS Faith... The X Factor Devotional - Day Thirty Nine - March 4, 2010

“Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about”
Genesis 22:2

Abraham had to wait 25 years before His promised son was born.  By then he was 100 years old; his wife, Sarah, was 90.  Yet God superseded the laws of nature to allow the birth of a child to an elderly, barren couple.  They named their son Isaac, meaning “laughter,” for he brought unspeakable joy to them.

After Isaac had grown into a young man, God once again said to Abraham.  “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah.”  The message continued, “Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about” (Genesis 22:2).

Still believing, Abraham obeyed the voice of God and took his boy on that long, agonizing trip to the bleak slopes of Moriah.  Though he did not comprehend God’s purpose, Abraham’s faith was not shaken.  He complied with the instructions, placing his dear son on the altar and raising a knife to plunge into his only son’s chest.  In the very act of lifting the knife to slay his son, God stopped him, commanded him to kill instead a ram caught in a nearby bush.

Would Abraham have gone through with it?  Would the old man have actually killed his own beloved son?  We need not wonder.  Hebrews 11:19 provides the answer:  “Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.”  Yes, he would have done it, because he was already anticipating God to raise his son from death!

What an extraordinary story, which causes us to wonder, what could we possibly have in common with Abraham?  Many things!  As God spoke to Abraham, He speaks to you.  As God called Abraham to a life of obedience, He calls you.  As God tested Abraham, He tests you.  As God called Abraham to a life of faith, so God calls you. As Abraham obeyed … so should you.

Prayer Focus: Think about the parallels between yourself and Abraham.  If possible, identify some specific ways these are revealed in your life.  Seriously!  Just because this is a Bible story doesn’t negate the obedience God expects from us!  Has God tested your faith?  Did you pass?  If He tested you again, in the very near future, do you have what it takes to say “yes” – before he even asks the question?  Take a moment right now to say “yes” to God.  Even before he asks… sincerely say, “Yes.”

How Much Is Too Much? The X Factor Devotional - Day Thirty Seven - March 2, 2010

“She broke the jar and poured the perfume on His head.”
Mark 14:3b

 The story of the Bethany anointing is one of the few stories of Jesus’ life that is contained in all four of the gospels.  So impressive was this event that it was indelibly written upon the disciples’ hearts so they never, ever forgot this act of devotion.  Mark uses it as a prelude to the passion events.  It contrasts the hatred and rejection Jesus was receiving at the hands of the rulers and the people.  This act of worship and devotion stood out as an act of love that the Lord deserved from all, but was only given by a few.

May this deed be received as a call to worship for us today.  May this deed make us ask ourselves the question, “How much is too much?”  This woman’s act set a standard of sacrifice, which none can better, but all can match.  That alabaster bottle was worth a year’s wages.  Plus, it was to be saved for the most important occasion of one’s life.  What is the most extravagant thing you have done for the Lord?  What can we learn from this Scripture?

• Real love is always extravagant.
• Extravagant love is always criticized.
• Jesus always comes to the defense of and blesses those who are criticized for being extravagant in their devotion toward Him.

Prayer Focus: Pray the people connected to our church will love Jesus so much they will be extravagant with their giving of their time, talents, and treasures.  Oh Yeah… and pray that the extravagance starts with you.  Can you do that?  What does that look like for you and/or your family?

A Contribution or A Sacrifice? - The X Factor Devotional - Day Thirty Five - February 26, 2010

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.  Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:1-2

Did you hear the story of the chicken and the pig who were walking together down the road?  They came upon a beggar who was nearly starved to death.  He hadn’t eaten in days.  The chicken and the pig decided to help him.  The chicken said,  “I have an idea.  Let’s fix him some breakfast - some ham and eggs!”  The pig thought about that a moment and then said,  “I don’t like that idea very much because it only requires you to make a contribution, but for me it is a complete sacrifice!”

As the Apostle Paul writes, he describes a turning point in his letter to the believers in Rome.  He is finally giving an application to the truths he has been telling about in previous chapters.  He is stating how we should respond to the knowledge God has procured our salvation and saved us from the wages of sin through Jesus Christ.  He’s telling us to lay it all on the altar for God; surrender completely.  Don’t simply make a contribution like the chicken, but sacrifice it all like the pig.

Prayer Focus: Pray Impact is a body of believers willing to totally surrender to God.  Pray it all starts with you.  What does it look like to surrender all?  What might you need to sacrifice?

Giving Worship... The X Factor Devotional - Day Three - January 13, 2010

“The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD. David the king also rejoiced greatly.”
1 Chronicles 29:9

First Chronicles 29:10-20 is one of the greatest expressions of worship found in God’s Word.  Read this prayer in its entirety and reflect on the essence of true stewardship:  the realization that God owns everything.

After you have read and reflected on this passage, take some time to consider the significance of being in partnership with God.  Recognize Him not only as the senior partner but also as the sole financial backer of your life’s venture.  David was completely captivated by the reality of this, and as a result, he became unreservedly focused on building the temple for God’s glory.  His leadership influenced others to contribute in the same spirit of sacrifice and praise.  See 1 Chronicles 29:9, above.

Relative to your situation, plan a worship time alone, with your family, or a small group of friends that includes the following three features of true worship.

1. Gratitude:  The recognition that all we have has come from His hand.  We are but channels through which the work of God is carried out.  When one’s life is lived primarily in consideration of Him, it is less likely that what He provides for Kingdom work will be squandered on self-gratification.

2. Sacrifice:  David said, "I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing" (2 Samuel 24:24).  Sacrifice always involves cost.  It has little to do with how much one gives.  What is more important is the measure of one’s sacrifice.  Did it truly cost us something?  When it does, then we have set aside something and made it sacred.

3. Praise:  The distinction between gratitude and praise is this—Gratitude is appreciation for what God has done while praise is appreciation for who God is.  David was not only giving thanks in his prayer, he was expressing praise.  "Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name" (1 Chronicles 29:13).  As you conclude your worship time, recognize God for the Provider He is and commit yourself to becoming a good steward of His provision.

Prayer Focus: Seriously, I bet the first thing you think of when you hear “stewardship” is, “He wants us to give an offering.”  And you’re right… an “offering of your time.”  Today, tonight… sometime over the next 24 hours… give God a sacrificial offering of your time, for real.  Whether it’s 10 minutes or 2 hours.  Go above and beyond for Him.