priority

Evil Priority

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Luke 4:3 (NLT)

Then the devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, change this stone into a loaf of bread.”

Satan advanced an evil priority in telling Christ to make bread out of stones.

This evil priority can be stated in many different ways. We list ten ways it can be stated.

First, the priority of our will over God’s will. It was not God’s will to make bread out of stones here. Christ came to do the will of God, not His own will.

Second, the priority of body over soul. This temptation made the physical need (bread) more important that the spiritual need (obeying God). It is like the social Gospel. It puts more emphasis on feeding the stomach than saving the soul.

Third, the priority of reputation over character. In tempting Christ, Satan emphasized the Son of God’s identity. Doing this miracle would enhance His reputation as the Son of God. But Christ was more interested in character than reputation.

Fourth, the priority of privilege over responsibility. Christ had many privileges including miracle power. But Christ emphasized His responsibilities more than His privileges.

Fifth, the priority of circumstances over commands. Christ had some dire circumstances. But the commands of God, not circumstances, guided His conduct.

Sixth, the priority of pleasure over purity. Bread would give him physical pleasure. But it would defile Him because here bread would come through evil means.

Seventh, the priority of self over others. Had Christ done what the devil advocated, He would have sinned and thus ended the redemption plan to save others.

Eighth, the priority of temporal over eternal. Satan said to take care of the temporal need of bread and ignore eternal consequences for disobedience.

Ninth, the priority of sight over faith. Satan tempted Christ to live by sight—the bread you can see, and not by faith—trusting God to supply bread you cannot see.

Tenth, the priority of the false over the genuine. Satan tempted Christ to have a great achievement, but it would have been a false success, not a real success.

 

John G Butler, Daily Bible Reading: Sermonettes #1.

Determination

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Many young people have to leave home either for study, or work, or military life. For many it is a challenging time in their life, many new pressures are building up on their shoulders. History offers an interesting example of a young man that was force away from home. His own country lost a war and the enemy tactic was to expatriate young promising people to the enemy territory. This young man name was Daniel. We can learn some important lessons on how to survive in anew surrounding. Like many of today cities Babylon was a very wicked place to live. We can read in the Bible that Daniel determine in his heart what not to do. Away from Daniel familiar network into a new one came with many new temptations. Here is how Daniel manages the situation. He “determine” not to compromise with he knew to be evil.

Some year ago I read the life story of R. G. LeTourneau. I was moved to make a few resolutions. The author A.W. Tozer summarized well my stand. “Tie up the loose ends of your life. Begin to tithe; institute family prayer; pay up your debts as far as possible and make some kind of frank arrangement with every creditor you cannot pay immediately; make restitution as far as you can; set aside time to pray and search the Scriptures; surrender wholly to the will of God. You will be surprised and delighted with the results.” Inspire by LeTourneau example, I decide to give God the ‘first place’ with my time and money. Reading God’s Word became a top priority each morning. I also realize that God did answer prayers. I avoided like pest going into debt. I can say that life was never the same since.

Like Daniel, LeTourneau’s life had a very positive testimony after taking a stand for God. LeTourneau was a known as “God’s businessman”. You could read more about LeTourneau. [1]

What is “Café Gospel Ministry”?

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Cup of coffeewww.Cafégosple.me

What is “Café Gospel Ministry”?

The idea of “Café Gospel” begins during my first mission trip to Costa Rica in 2013. We were living at El Jardin in the beautiful Central Valley. One evening, as I was writing in my daily Journal, the idea crossed my mind to start a Blog relating to this trip. But what name should I give that new blog? Honestly, I had no idea. So I asked God to help me and He did. Right away two words came to mind “Café” and “Gospel”. Let me explain, the main industry in the location where we were living consists in growing coffee, and the main focus of my ministry in Costa Rica was presenting the gospel. That’s how “cafégospel.me” was born.

What is the goal of “Café Gospel ministry?”

The goal of “Café Gospel” ministry is rather simple; it consists of inspiring believers to enjoy God’s presence daily. Like two friends sipping together a coffee appreciating each other.

Description of “Café Gospel Ministry”

The Bible teaches that when a person puts his faith in the person and finished work of Jesus, that individual becomes a new person. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, ⌊he is⌋ a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come” 2 Corinthians 5:17.

But one question is raised: how does a person live that new life in Christ? The new creation is like a new born baby, he has everything to learn. Here’s where “Café Gospel Ministry” comes along to help; it is to encourage the new believer to feed himself daily with the milk of God’s Word. “I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it.” 1 Corinthians 3:2)

As a new born Christian feeds on the milk (basic doctrines) of the Word of God, he learns to cultivate a relationship with God himself. God has the same quality that a human being has; He enjoys having relations with people. Before the fall of Adam and Eve, God delighted in having special time each day with them (Gen 3:8). Likewise, God desires to have special time with each one of His children on a daily basis.  We see a great visual picture in Revelation 3:20 of Jesus knocking at the door expecting that someone will hear, open, and invite him to share a meal. God wants to cultivate a relationship with each one of his children, old or new believers. After a meal, friends frequently enjoy a good cup of coffee together. I personally believe that coffee is not meant to drink alone, coffee is a social drink. Friends like to get together at a café to catch up. God also likes to catch up with his children. That’s why we need that time alone. God has ample things to share with us. In John 16:12-13 Jesus foretold what role the Holy Spirit would have, “There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now”. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.” What takes place during those times alone with God? He uses those precious minutes to guide his children. He helps them understand what the purpose of life is and how to live a life agreeing to His will.

A touching story from the New Testament serves as an illustration. One day Jesus was walking through the town of Jericho. In that town was a man that really wanted to see what Jesus looked like. Because of his small height, he decided to climb up a tree to have a better view. When Jesus walked near the tree, he looked up at the man and called him by his name. “Zacchaeus! Quick, come down! For I must be a guest in your home today.”  That man could have given many excuses to decline Jesus’s self-invitation; but instead he rapidly came down the tree and brought Jesus into his house. Rather than half-heartedly obeying, he took Jesus into his house in great excitement and joy (Luke 19:5, 6). In Rev. 3:20, John was writing to a church that had the reputation of being lukewarm. The Laodicea church was a backsliding congregation that in many aspects represent today’s church also. The question is how can a new believer survive and grow in a lukewarm church? The answer is found in that verse. Jesus stands today at the door of an unspiritual church, knocking and hoping that some believers will invite Him for a time of closeness. “If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal (and coffee) as friends” (Re. 3: 20). A lukewarm church is more interested in entertainment than having memorable time with Jesus. He is calling you and me now to enjoy his presence; like friends partaking of a good coffee together, delighting in each other.

“Café Gospel Ministry” is a gift from God to help Christians enjoying God’s presence at a new level of intimacy. As Zacchaeus responded to Jesus invitation by opening his house (heart), in a similar way you are invited to deepen your relationship with Jesus.  You will never regret it. At whatever time Jesus comes to the side of your bed, telling you that the coffee is ready, get up and go to Him.  Remember, after that initial encounter with Jesus, Zacchaeus never was the same man. From being a stingy, he became a generous man. Instead of living a lonely life, he lived a happy one. Why not start tomorrow morning, have coffee time with a True Friend. Let it become your number ONE priority in life.  I promise you will never be the same. Jesus will tell you things in your heart that will blow your mind. You will learn to know God like never before. You will learn how God works today! Then you will start focusing your interests in life to match His interests. Things will start to make sense and work.