Month: October 2010

Separate

Yesterday’s lecture in Old Testament survey, we started looking at life of Abraham. From chapter twelve we look at the call of God to Abraham then called Abram.

“Now the Lord had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1)

From the lecture, the call of God to Abram was call of separation. Abram was called to separate from his country, separate from family and separate unto God.

What our teacher applied to us that God’s call to Abram is also a call God gives to every believer. When He commission us to go, he calls us to separate from our places of familiarity; to leave our country may be or even a group of people , a comfort zone. His call also moves us to separate from our places of security: for Abram he had separate from his family. His separation from our norms is ultimately a separation to Himself. That what it means to be sanctified.

These separations is bring us into His purpose, a beautiful calling wrought for you before you even born.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10).

God has a calling for your life. Its individual. Its separate. But to find it, you will have to, as Abram, abandon what is close to you, what makes you feel secure to find the life Christ has for you that is hidden in Himself (Col 3:2-3).

Method of Missions by Oswald Chambers

The following is a yesterday’s entry from My Uptmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers. Chambers defines the proper foundation for a missionary or every Christian in ministry:

The Method of Missions

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations . . . —Matthew 28:19

Jesus Christ did not say, “Go and save souls” (the salvation of souls is the supernatural work of God), but He said, “Go . . . make disciples of all the nations . . . .” Yet you cannot make disciples unless you are a disciple yourself. When the disciples returned from their first mission, they were filled with joy because even the demons were subject to them. But Jesus said, in effect, “Don’t rejoice in successful service— the great secret of joy is that you have the right relationship with Me” (see Luke 10:17-20). The missionary’s great essential is remaining true to the call of God, and realizing that his one and only purpose is to disciple men and women to Jesus. Remember that there is a passion for souls that does not come from God, but from our desire to make converts to our point of view.

The challenge to the missionary does not come from the fact that people are difficult to bring to salvation, that backsliders are difficult to reclaim, or that there is a barrier of callous indifference. No, the challenge comes from the perspective of the missionary’s own personal relationship with Jesus Christ— “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” (Matthew 9:28). Our Lord unwaveringly asks us that question, and it confronts us in every individual situation we encounter. The one great challenge to us is— do I know my risen Lord? Do I know the power of His indwelling Spirit? Am I wise enough in God’s sight, but foolish enough according to the wisdom of the world, to trust in what Jesus Christ has said? Or am I abandoning the great supernatural position of limitless confidence in Christ Jesus, which is really God’s only call for a missionary? If I follow any other method, I depart altogether from the methods prescribed by our Lord— “All authority has been given to Me . . . . Gotherefore. . .” (Matthew 28:18-19).

Identity

“Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” -Luke 17:20

My close friend Mishka has recently returned home from serving three years onboard the missionary ship, Logos Hope. A lot of missionaries encounter struggle reentering their home from after a long time living on the mission field. They experience many different changes where they once called home. There may be a new mall built near their house or they come home to find that a dear loved had died while they were away. I came home from the Logos Hope to the news that my dog had died (sad isn’t it?).

These changes shock people and many become depressed. They may even feel isolated from their very family because how much siblings and themselves have changed.

At one time, Jesus gathered seventy people who had followed Him and sent them in pairs to the neighboring towns to preach the people there and heal their sick.

When the followers returned to report to Jesus they rejoiced at their success. But Jesus replied, “Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

Jesus didn’t mean to put a damper on their celebration. His intent was to make them aware while they are joyous about their successful service, their joy should always stand on the one sole thing and that is their identity is in Christ.

I had a very hard time adjusting to life at home. One big mistake I did during my re entry to home was I compared my life onboard the Logos Hope to my life now at home. I experienced so much and did so many things while I was away that settling at home made feel apathetic. On Logos Hope I was seeing the world and making a difference in it and at home I was making house errands.

God had to show me that He values me who I am over what I do. To people I may be John from the “book ship”, but to God I am His son.

When I received Christ at seven years old, I became a citizen in His kingdom. What I learned is that our joy should never reside on our service but always on who we are in the One we serve. Your identity to the world is (your name here) is a child of the Most High God and your name is written in Heaven (Rom 8:15).

Remember wherever you are, your identity is not in what you serve but in the One whom you serve. You are a child of God.

Have you ever looked at something about yourself and you’re really disgusted with it? Whether its an irritating habit or a sin that always trips you up, remember that you are dead. Yea, you heard me you’re dead.

“Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?” (Rom 6:23). When you were saved, you became a new creature; the old things about you passed away (2 Cor 5:5). You were born again!

“Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.” (Rom 6:6)

What that means to us? It means sin does not have power over us anymore. So whatever habit that seems always to get the best of you, give it to God.

Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

The power of Christ has no limits. Just as He rose and conquered the grave, He can give you the grace to overcome the urge to procrastinate on that class project. His grace is sufficient. Our problems don’t have any authority; because of the death of Christ, sin’s power has been eliminated. We are dead to sin and free under His blood.

What’s Up John Bell News Update #4

Hello everyone! Hoped you enjoyed the weekend. I hope also you have been enjoying the new “face” to the blog.  There is a tardy to this month’s newsletter but I pray you that these pictures I have included in this month’s entry will suffice as a peace offering.

Study, eat and sleep is pretty much the mediocre activities here on campus but what about the fun? This month has had its good share of joyful memories.  Most of which included great fellowship with the awesome friends I have met here on campus.

This September, my youngest brother, Steven, celebrated his 21st birthday. That day we had a huge rainstorm, but that didn’t stop us from having a good time. We were overjoyed by the turn out of everyone who came and how much everyone enjoy themselves, especially Steve! He was a child again! 

Early in this month, the college held a special fine art musical performance that featured a live orchestra played by highly, talented music students from Brazil. With me were my brothers and some of my closest buddies. We enjoyed the fun we had together and -of course- the concert was fabulous.

Another fun event was visiting the local zoo here in Pensacola. I could have probably called a taxi and seen the park myself, but where’s the fun in that? I came with an entourage and man did we enjoy ourselves! If you could only see me at the zoo! I was a kid again: us singing all the way through the bus rides, running around the park, feeding the animals, playing the toys at the souvenir shop and eating gummy bears! Great memories in the making I tell you!

Returning to campus had its struggle. One of which was not to get comforted. I mean in the sense now that I know my way around here to become complaisant in my faith.  It’s a blessing to know that God can see into our hearts and help us along without even asking sometimes. God brought some great friends along to stir me and edify me to keep pressing forward. We also had good guest speakers visited the campus to strengthen us the student body.

While writing to you, I am preparing to study with a buddy on one of my last two middle of the semester exams. Since last Wednesday, we have had exam week where we have been tested on all we have learned so far. It was a good “alarm clock” I should say to help from the getting comfortable illness.

The greatest thing about midterms is that it marks the half way point of the end of the semester; which means Christmas break is just around the corner! And I will be home for Christmas!!! I’m really looking forward to being with Mom and Dad and the church again and also seeing my eldest brother and sister and their families.

On that note, will you pray for us?

>My mom suffered from a minor stroke over a couple months ago and still is suffering from that attack. Please pray that God will heal my dear momma.

>Funny as it is I am already thinking about the summer. There are so many opportunities. My church is planning their first mission trip to Haiti and my old youth group is going to Ireland. Will you pray that God will shed me some light and direct me where HE wants me to go?

>Though I’m half way done, the race is not over. Please pray that I stay committed to my studies and finish strong. Also pray God will keep me stretched from my comfort zone and I will continue to savor and grow.

Thanks everyone! I pray that God is enriching your lives with His presence and bringing you closer to Himself. Well, talk to you soon. 

In His name,

John Bell

Influencing this generation by Living for Christ.

 

 

Work by God’s Supply

Where I was working was secluded and overlooked.  It was when I lived in Denmark onboard the Logos Hope and some of my friends and I spent a week of volunteer work at a teen rehab to do some work projects and aid the staff there. On this day, I was assigned to trim the yard at the corner of the property. The only people who would ever see it will be those would cut the grass. Although I didn’t have the most popular job, I put every effort to do my best at it.

Yet, as I worked, one of the workers at the rehab was confounded and compelled to know why was I putting all my heart into something that would go unnoticed. By my eagerness to work my best, God use that platform for His presence to be evident and create an opportunity for His message to be heard.

“If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” – 1 Peter 4:11

As we serve others, we must do so with the strength of God, so that way God can be praised and glorified. Even though the task maybe seem unimportant or unpopular, we don’t know when in our service, God can use it as an opportunity to witness to those around us.

Praise to you God. No service to you goes unnoticed. You value each of us. Help us to make every effort to live and serve you wholeheartedly.

At the End

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:1-2.

Three laps into the time trial and I was out of breath. I needed to run six laps around a track in 12 minutes to least make a “B” for my PE Midterms, but at that moment I was worried if I was going to cough up a lung. When the coach blew the whistle, I was stopped completing 5 laps and a quarter. Returning to the bleachers, a provoking question struck me.

Paul in Hebrews presents the practice of faith as a race. Each of us are commissioned individually to complete the run (task) set before him. How many of us will not finish the race?

My failure in my trial is nothing compared to my appearance before the Great White Throne of God when He will judge mankind. What every believer will want to hear on that day is, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.” To be among the mourners and weepers of the church on that day will be an eternal guilt to they realized that they didn’t do what was required of them.

Therefore Paul challenges us to throw off everything that hinders us and the sins that so easily cause us to stumble and finish the race. Whatever weight that slows us down, no matter how pleasurable it might be must be stripped off. We must not let anything interfere with our relationship with Christ or trip us in our service to Him. Rather let us give it all we have to follow the Son.

How do we do this? By studying how Jesus did it. “The author and perfecter of our faith..endured the cross, scorning the shame, and sat down at the right hand of God (v.2).” Christ never lost sight of where He was headed (v.2). He put up with the trials this life on Earth gave Him and completed the work He was sent to do. Whenever we find ourselves wavering in the faith, we should read again the story of the life of Jesus. His proof of love and sacrifice is a discipline to all who carry the cross.

God, help me to focus on doing your will. Forgive my failings and short comings. May I finish the race that you have set before me. You have equipped me with the skills and gifts to get it done. I will fix my eyes on my Mighty Champion who has conquered the earth; let me also throw aside anything that may hinder me to take up my cross and follow the Son.

Lover of Our Souls

“As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God.” Psalm 42:1

God is the ultimate lover. He spurs the impulse in us to seek him. And when we do find him he gives us just a taste of himself, making the contrite heart grave more. This happens again and again until we find ourselves plunged in his compassion and consumed by his grace. The success of the relationship is when the person connects to the personality eminence. He is all we want all we could ever need: he is our everything.

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus” Acts 4:13.

Though Peter and John were unschooled, they shocked all who heard them with their confidence and passion to share Christ. They remind us that God uses the lowly and uncommon things of this world to astound us and use it for His benefit. It revealed God’s power. These men by our standards unqualified for public speaking, yet their presentation of the gospel was powerful and “many of those who heard the word believed” and the numbers who came to faith were in the thousands.

God can use anyone. He calls everyone to go out and preach the Gospel (Matt 28:18). What is keeping you from going out and speaking the name of Christ? God used two simple, uneducated fishermen to preach the Gospel: how much MORE can he use you?