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Hey everyone,
I just want to share that the Pre-rally for Hosanna was awesome -- God
moved in all kinds of places, through all kinds of people, through the
entire event! It was amazing time of healing for many.
Josh (and his friend Edward) accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior
during the event. Let's celebrate the great things God is doing in our
midst!!!
Just to be accountable until the day of Hosanna 2010 (Feb 13, 2010,
Sat evening), we decided to read the Book of John, one chapter each
day (starting today). I encourage all of you to join with us . . . and
if so, share something from the readings. If I'm able, I'd like to
share a little each day -- join us!
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John 1 sets the stage for the ministries of Jesus. Before Jesus began,
there was a man named John (he's well known as "John the Baptist"). He
knew he had a God-given mission and was faithful to keep to it. (v. 23
- John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, "I am the voice of
one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.' ").
However, even though he was given high position, and an awesome
mission in the eyes of many, he did not take his high stature to act
as if He was God.
I think this is the trap people of high positions or titles often fall
into. Only God can heal, only God can save, only God should receive
all the glory. However, when sometimes, even in our ministries, we
recognize that we may know the Bible well, we gain titles, we begin to
serve in various parts of ministries (lead Bible studies, worship
team, etc), we may begin to think and act as if "we are God."
Do you ever recall yourself saying, because I'm so musically talented,
my presence in the praise team will make things well? Because I know
how the church ought to be run, under my direction, everything will be
good? Because God uses me (or has used me) in a mighty way, when I
pray for a certain person, he would be healed or would feel better?
It is true God uses people (us!) for His purposes; however, just like
John, we should never forget that there are things only God can do.
Only he can bring upon salvation. Only He can bring about healing from
people's deepest pains. Only He can deliver us from our financial
situations. Only He can put peace in our hearts. Only He can show us
His deep love for us.
It's not about us, but about Him. We don't do anything, He does!
As people who love God and are willing to be molded by Him, God will
show us many amazing things in and through our lives -- when He does,
let us not become arrogant -- but push the glory back to Him "that he
might be revealed to Israel" (v. 31). These are things only God can do
-- not us.
-Sang