Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Today's Devotional Scripture

Today's Verse
What things were gain to me, these I have counted as loss for Christ.
~Philippians 3:7
Thoughts on today's verse...
My biggest fear in becoming a Christian was that of 'What is the requirement?' 'How much will I have to give up?' Interestingly enough, the hardest thing to give up, was 'self'. Frankly, I still struggle with that. But one thing I've learned is to not hold on too tightly to any earthly or material possession.

When we were brand new 'baby Christians' my husband was sure he was called into Mission Aviation. He had a private pilot's license, after all. I was sure we were NOT called to the mission field. I begged, I pleaded with God... "don't make me go to the jungles and pick leaches off my legs to tell people that Jesus loves them. Can't I take a credit card, travel to the mall and do the same thing?"

I specifically recall one Sunday service where a Christian couple, involved in mission work were to give a presentation at our church. Their mission field was in France. Pretty safe, I thought... and frankly, I was feeling pretty smug. I could do France! French food... French fashion... french fries... Yeah, this was going to be a safe presentation after all.

I don't believe they had gotten five slides into the presentation when what showed up on the slide? A Cessena! And this missionary began to extol the virtues of mission aviation! Hmmm, how do I begin to explain what happened next? I began making this very glutteral sound, more like a moan of a wounded animal. It was so bad that persons three rows up were turning around to see what the noise was. It was me, crying and moaning in sheer resignation. The Lord had spoken to me - directly to me through that missionary.

Frankly, I don't remember the rest of the service, except my surrendering to the Lord. I went forward that day to announce not only to the Lord that I would go wherever he sent, but to the entire congregation, too.

Suffice it to say, the Lord DIDN"T send us on a mission overseas or anywhere else for that matter. All He required of me was obediance, to be willing to go.

So, where is our mission field? Here, right here in Safford Arizona. Right here in our own home to our children, our grandchildren and to our neighbors. And in the market place. Yes, I am an employee of the State of Arizona, but I answer to a higher authority than the Director of our department or even to the Govenor.
My prayer...
Lord God, as I attempt and somedays struggle to be Your ambassador grant me grace and favor. May I draw people to You and not offend them or drive them away. In Jesus' name I pray ~Amen!

Yours, because we truly are His,

Tamara

3 comments:

  1. Perfect prayer!
    I'm adopting it!
    Thanks!
    All the best,
    Eileen

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lovely...all so in line with my post today, but then doesn't all goodness touch all other goodness?

    So happy you are okay, Tamara as I was worried and then came home from church and prayer group very late last night and didn't get to go online.

    blessings and grateful hugs,

    marcy

    ReplyDelete
  3. I think as Christians we all struggle with wanting to be everything for God yet we want to hold onto our families and friends who have yet to know the Lord, it is hard in the beginning but as we accept ourselves for who and what we are then it becomes so much easier.....I have yet to lose anyone in my life since I have put God first, in fact my life has become so much easier and very much more fulfilling....:-) Hugs

    ReplyDelete

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