GOD’S WORD FOR OCTOBER 23

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.

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WHEN APPEARING CRAZY FITS

For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 2 Corinthians 5:13

D.L. MOODY

In my opinion, no one is fit for God’s service until he is willing to be considered mad by the world. They said Paul was mad. I wish we had many more who were bitten with the same kind of madness.

ERWIN LUTZER

There are times when Christians might appear mad to the people of the world. In response to Paul’s teaching, the Roman officer Festus said, “Paul you are out of your mind, your great learning has driven you out of your mind” (Acts 26:24).

When Mary, in Mark 14:3–9, took that flask and broke it, pouring the perfume over the body of Jesus, some in the room thought this was foolish and asked, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” Remember a denarius was a day’s wage; 300 would probably mean her life’s savings. Jesus felt differently and said tenderly, “She has done a beautiful thing to me.” What seems mad to the world might be very precious to God.

I’ve known young people who have gone to the mission field, and critics have said, “You could have had a good career here at home…what a waste!” The cost of surrender to God may appear as insanity to the people of the world. A life wasted in the eyes of men might be a life lived for eternal glory in the eyes of God.

Martin Luther’s father was angry when his son enrolled in the monastery in Erfurt, Germany. He wanted Martin to become a successful lawyer and help with the family finances. But Martin’s quest for salvation was more important; and eventually his Reformation changed the map of Europe and ushered in a spiritual revolution.

Are we seeking to please others or to please God?

PRAYER

Father, may I care more about what you think than what others think.

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2 Corinthians 5:17

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!”

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1 Peter 2:9

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

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Galatians 2:20

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

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Romans 12:2

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

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Colossians 3:3

“For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”

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Psalms 1:1

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers.”

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1 Corinthians 15:33

“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’”

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Ephesians 5:11

“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.”

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