GOD’S WORD FOR  MAY 16

We are reading from a daily devotional  called “Running To Win” written by Erwin Lutzer  and the late, great D.L. Moody.   Erwin Lutzer is a light in our day as D.L. Moody was in his.  Besides his many ministries, and many books, Pastor Lutzer was Senior Pastor at Moody Church in Chicago for 36 years and now serves as Pastor Emeritus there.  He is Chancelor and a former professor at Moody Bible Institute, where he taught Theology and Ministry, and now has numerous radio teachings.

DIVINE INFLUENCE

Psalm 69:9

“For zeal for Your house has consumed Me.”

D.L. MOODY

I heard of someone who was speaking the other day of something that was to be done, and he hoped zeal would be tempered with moderation.  Another friend very wisely replied that he hoped moderation would be tempered with zeal.  If that were always the case, Christianity would be like a red-hot ball rolling over the face of the Earth.  There is no power on Earth that can stand before the onward march of God’s people when they are in dead earnest.

ERWIN LUTZER

Zeal is a character quality any of us lack.  Many Christians are zealous for their favorite sports team or for politics, but how many of us are zealous for the gospel?  Are we burdened for those around us who do not know Christ?

All of us would like to be a positive influence, the kind of influence that enables us to give people direction, to give them help, to impact their lives forever in the right direction.  But, too often, we are not motivated, we lack the conviction to follow through with discipline and consistency.

So I ask, “do we share Christ’s zeal?”

Freely we have received, Freely we must give (see Matthew 10:8) .  As Jesus Christ’s representatives, we have the privilege of introducing men and women to saving faith, to explain the gospel and, being God’s link on earth, to pray for their conversion.  Let’s ask God for the motivation to take some bold steps for the benefit of the lost, for the benefit of His church, and, above all, for His glory.

PRAYER

Father, please make me passionate with the zeal that motivated Jesus for His house and His people.

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Psalm 42:1

As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God.

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Matthew 10:8

Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

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    Romans 12:11

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”

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    Galatians 4:18: “It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you.”

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    Titus 2:14: “…to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”

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Psalms 84:2

    “My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.”

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Hebrews 12:28

    “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.

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James 4:8

    “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

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John 4:24

    “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

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