iBelin

Wednesday, March 31st – Betrayed: Are you Bitter or Better?*

// March 31st, 2010 // 1 Comment » // LENT, Lent Devotional

John 13:21-32
How do you handle hurt and disappointment? Do you become bitter or better? Does your disappointment cause you to become angry and irate? Anger has been compared to the combustible explosions in a car engine that produces the power to make the car move. When those explosions are under control, they will take the car safely to its destination. But, if instead of controlling the flow of gas producing these orderly explosions — we ignited all the gas in the tank at once — we’d blow both the car and ourselves up. So rather than combust and explode. . . or become bitter and harsh . . . we can learn from the Nazarene Carpenter, how to handle betrayal.

Judas had the opportunity to witness Jesus’ love first hand. Judas was one of them. . . Judas was one of the Disciples. Jesus and the others trusted him enough, to make him the treasurer. . . and steward over their resources. He was one of them! Judas had walked hundreds of miles with them; slept under the stars with them; sat around the campfires with them; listened to many of Jesus’ sermons with them! He was one of them!

Judas was part of the guest list at the wedding in Cana, where Jesus turned the water into wine, and he was there when the “Master Teacher” provided a full meal for the congregation, after the church service was over, with only five loaves of bread and two fish. Judas saw the lame man pick up his bed and walk; he watched the blind man’s eyes focus for the first time; he saw dead Lazarus come back to life; He was present in the upper room and had his feet washed by Jesus! He was one of them!

However, in Gethsemane’s Garden, one of “Them” betrayed Jesus with a kiss. His name was Judas. Betrayal from a perfect stranger is hard, very hard to swallow. Betrayal by the hands, or kiss, of a “Judas” is even worse. . . it destroys trust, it robs you of the past, and it can numb the heart towards ever trusting again. Oh. . . but Jesus has an answer!

When we are betrayed ─ instead of developing a ministry based on “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth”; instead of slap for slap and curse for curse ─ Jesus said we must respond with HIS form of love! Jesus said this in John 13:34, 35 – “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Show your enemy that you are “His Disciple” . . . show your enemy that you possess the love of Jesus in your heart!

Prayer: Lord, allow my actions to reflect YOUR love . . . in my speech, in my walk, and in my life. . .no matter what season I find myself in!

Reverend Kenneth J. Aveirls, Sr.
Fairfield AME Church
Jackson, Georgia

**During Lent and Holy Week, devotional writings will be posted by Facebook and Twitter friends who are praying and fasting together in a Daniel Fast. Read more about this “Journey to the Heart of God by clicking here.

Tuesday, March 30th – Creating Positive Energy*

// March 30th, 2010 // 1 Comment » // LENT, Lent Devotional

John 12:20-36 (NRSV)
20 Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. 21They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’ 22Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23Jesus answered them, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honour. 27 ‘Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—“Father, save me from this hour”? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. 28Father, glorify your name.’ Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.’ 29The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, ‘An angel has spoken to him.’ 30Jesus answered, ‘This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. 31Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. 32And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.’ 33He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. 34The crowd answered him, ‘We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?’ 35Jesus said to them, ‘The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. 36While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.’ After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them.

At this point of Jesus’ journey, He has predicted His own death. Yes, the people who just 2 days ago were throwing palms in His path and yelling, “Hosanna!, Hosanna!” are the very same people plotting and scheming against His life. The beauty of this moment is that Jesus remains calm to even those who are planning to kill Him. He knows He has equipped everyone with all the teachings and examples needed for anyone to decide whether or not they choose to follow the ways of the Lord. For every decision we need to make, we need to weigh all consequences before reacting. Jesus didn’t react to the negative energy around Him with negativity but instead, stuck to His teachings and principals for living a life that pleased God.

Carefully deciding if our choices will take us out of God’s grace or keep us in His grace, will determine whether or not His blessings will fall on our lives. If we take the approach Jesus took towards our enemies, then like Jesus, some people who have negative feelings about you will soon turn from their wickedness and recognize Jesus in you. Today, remain positive even when negativity is around you. Your reaction will be what people remember, so always remain positive.

Prayer: Lord, help me to remain positive even when my surroundings are negative and seem hopeless to escape. Help me to manage my decisions so that they have fruitful outcomes, allowing others to see you in my life.

Rev. Orsella R. Cooper
Associate Minister
Bethel AME Church
110 Grove Street
Bridgeport, CT 06610

**During Lent and Holy Week, devotional writings will be posted by Facebook and Twitter friends who are praying and fasting together in a Daniel Fast. Read more about this “Journey to the Heart of God by clicking here.

Monday, March 29th – The True Cost of Your Praise*

// March 29th, 2010 // 4 Comments » // LENT, Lent Devotional

John 12:1-11
1Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
4But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5″Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7″Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. ” It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
9Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him.

At some point after raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus visited Lazarus and his sisters Mary and Martha. Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with a luxurious perfume, and then wiped his feet with her hair. Mary’s act of worship went against culture and tradition; it broke some rules. First, using something valued at a year’s salary was indeed extravagant. Judas, the disciple who would eventually betray Jesus, chided Mary for what he deemed as a frivolous use of the expensive ointment. (But this past Christmas, some of us spent what amounted to a year’s salary for someone at the poverty level, especially once interest is added to our charges.) Second, a proper Jewish woman would never let down her hair in public. Yet, Mary did it anyway.

There are times when no one understands the true cost of your praise except you and Jesus. It is beyond explanation or understanding. The magnitude of your gratitude is too large to be contained in the normative liturgical order. In Mary’s case, Jesus was her friend, one who raised her brother from the dead. What is it for you? Today, meditate on something that Jesus has done for you that would make you worship against the rules. Don’t worry about people looking at you and assigning their own value to you and your circumstances, because they do so from their own limited perspective and limited faith. Yes, they want you to shut up, hurry up, sit down, and dry your tears. To see you worship in this way makes them uncomfortable, but you have to do it anyway. Just come to the comfort and contentment of knowing that only you and Jesus know the true cost of your praise.

Rev. Marcia Allen Owens
Tallahassee, Florida

**During Lent and Holy Week, devotional writings will be posted by Facebook and Twitter friends who are praying and fasting together in a Daniel Fast. Read more about this “Journey to the Heart of God by clicking here.

Sunday, March 28th – I Don’t Want No Rocks Crying Out for Me!

// March 28th, 2010 // 1 Comment » // LENT, Lent Devotional

Luke 19:28-40 (New Living Translation)
28 After telling this story, Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples. 29 As he came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples ahead. 30 “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying that colt?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” 32 So they went and found the colt, just as Jesus had said. 33 And sure enough, as they were untying it, the owners asked them, “Why are you untying that colt?” 34 And the disciples simply replied, “The Lord needs it.” 35 So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for him to ride on.
36 As he rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of him. 37 When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen. 38 “Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!”[a] 39 But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, “Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!” 40 He replied, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!”

The scientific study of rocks known as petrology identifies three different types of rock formations: igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, and metamorphic rocks. Igneous rocks are formed when molten magma as hot as 2400 Fahrenheit cools once it reaches the earth’s surface. Sedimentary rocks are formed as particles are compacted and pressurized near the earth’s crust. Metamorphic rocks are formed by increases in temperature and pressure upon previous rock formations.

Rock formations are as beautiful as they are elaborate, and vary dramatically in their size, weight, and shape. They range from the towering mountain peaks of the Himalayas to microscopic pebbles along the seashore. Yet, despite all of its grandeur, the fact remains that rocks are inanimate objects, which by definition means that rocks are lifeless, spiritless, and breathless, unable to feel pain or relief, sorrow or joy.

Like rocks, we, too, have our own testimony of coming out of pressurized and heated situations that have made us uniquely who we are as individuals. But unlike rock formations, we are fully animated – gifted by God with life, spirit, and breath! Therefore, we are clearly better suited to praise God for His goodness and kindness towards us than any igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic rock!

Regardless of any rebuke or scorn, heartache and pain you may experience, not praising God is not an option! Praise God in the midst of any and every situation! Since a rock cannot give your testimony, don’t give a rock your praise!

Michael W. Waters
Dallas, Texas
www.joytabernacleame.org

**During Lent and Holy Week, devotional writings will be posted by Facebook and Twitter friends who are praying and fasting together in a Daniel Fast. Read more about this “Journey to the Heart of God by clicking here.

Saturday, March 27th – Contrary Winds*

// March 27th, 2010 // 2 Comments » // LENT, Lent Devotional

Mark 6:47-56
“And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them…For they considered not the miracle of the loaves; for their heart was hardened.” Mark 6:48a, 52

After Jesus feeds the five thousand, he goes into the hills to pray. When evening comes the disciples set out in the boat without him, but they aren’t making much progress because they are rowing against the wind. About the fourth watch (i.e. just before dawn) Jesus comes to them, walking on the sea, intending to pass by. The disciples are frightened and cry out because they think they are seeing a ghost. Immediately Jesus speaks identifying himself, reassuring them.

Jesus gets into the boat and the wind ceases. The disciples are utterly amazed, because they had not understood the significance of the feeding of the five thousand. The boat lands at Gennesaret; when they get out of the boat, the people recognize Jesus and as the news quickly spreads, people from the surrounding area start bringing the sick to him to be healed. Wherever Jesus goes, those who are sick are brought to him. They beg him just to touch the fringe of his garment, for all who did so were healed.

The psalmist declares that “God is a very present help in the time of trouble.” Ironically, as a people of faith, we often forget in the midst of trouble or contrary winds in our lives, that God is still present. Although the disciples could not see Jesus in the midst of the “contrary winds” at night during the storm, He was present.

During these moments of “contrary winds”, we find ourselves surrounded by darkness, wind, rain, confusion, and fear. Oftentimes, just as the disciples, we are doing our best to follow Jesus’ command and fight against the “contrary winds” in our lives at the same time. These “contrary winds” can be relational, emotional, familial, physical, or spiritual. Even during our journey with Christ, the “contrary winds” can distract us from achieving our divine purpose and destiny. During these adverse situations, we ask God WHY. Why did Jesus ask the disciples to make this journey? And where was Jesus when they really needed Him? Why does Jesus ask us to make our journey? Where is Jesus during our difficult “contrary winds” of daily life that leaves us struggling?

Brothers and sisters, remember that God is still faithful and true to His Word. God will never leave us nor forsake us. The disciples experienced a brief season of what all Christians face at some point in life. This season is called “in the meantime.” This season is defined as the last time you heard from God and next time you will hear from God. And we, like the disciples, may think we are alone and abandoned. But in reality, they were under the watchful supervision of Jesus who came to them at the right time and calmed the storm. The Lord Jesus will do the same with us. We may not see, feel, or hear God, but just when we need God the most, the breakthrough will manifest!

We must trust God in the midst of our pain, helplessness, and barrenness. Remember God’s great mercies of the past in your and others’ life, and meditate on the promises of the Bible. Past healings. Past deliverances. Past restorations. If God did it yesterday, God is big enough to do it again and again and again. God is able!

We can rely on God’s power just as hymnologist John H. Sammis, who wrote the hymn “Trust and Obey.”
When we walk with the Lord
in the light of his word,
what a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will,
he abides with us still,
and with all who will trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Not a burden we bear,
not a sorrow we share,
but our toil he doth richly repay;
not a grief or a loss,
not a frown or a cross,
but is blest if we trust and obey.

Prayer: Wonderful Jesus, I worship you. Lord, you keep amazing me with your power and love. Keep me focused on your Word and purpose for my life. AMEN

The Reverend Fedrick A. Wilson, Pastor
Cedar Grove AME Church
Cope (Orangeburg County), SC

**During Lent and Holy Week, devotional writings will be posted by Facebook and Twitter friends who are praying and fasting together in a Daniel Fast. Read more about this “Journey to the Heart of God by clicking here.

Friday, March 26th – What Do You Want?*

// March 26th, 2010 // 3 Comments » // LENT, Lent Devotional

Mark 10:32-45
32They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him. 33″We are going up to Jerusalem,” he said, “and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, 34who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise.”
35Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”
36″What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.
37They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”
38″You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?”
39″We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, 40but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”
41When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,44and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

How many times a day do you ask yourself or a friend a “want” question? What do you want for dinner? What do you want to do today? What do you want me to do? What do you want?

Throughout Mark’s Gospel, Jesus encounters people who want something from him. The men who lower their friend through the roof, want healing for their friend. The woman who had been sick for probably more years than Jairus’ daughter had been alive wanted to get close enough to touch Jesus. Jairus wanted to see his daughter healthy and whole again. The Canaanite mother, the deaf-mute man, the ever-present crowd that follows Jesus all only know of Jesus and come to Him.

But the request that falls from the lips of James and John, two of the people closest to Jesus and who should better than anybody else who Jesus is, is quite different. Jesus is just days away from the cross and he hears, “Master, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” Here’s what we want you to do for us. Jesus, we want greatness. We want authority and in fact, if we may be so bold, we are going to ask you for it.

Jesus is always ready to supply our needs and some of our wants, and within His will He wants us to ask for these things. But what if we included in the request for the supply of our needs this question: Jesus, what do you want me to do for you today? Or, “Jesus, how do you want me to serve my sisters and brothers?”
Let’s not lose sight of where true greatness lies. It is not in how well we seize authority or how well we are able to control other people. No, true greatness is only achieved when we emulate the greatest Servant of all. Jesus came to serve; let’s do likewise.

God of love and grace, as we draw closer and closer to the foot of the cross, we thank you for the gift of your Son. Your Son came to show us how to love and serve one another with gentleness, love and justice. Open our hearts and our hands. Re-establish our steps. Renew our understanding of servitude to you and to your people everywhere.

Minister Kymberly E. McNair
Antioch Baptist Church, Bedford Hills, NY

**During Lent and Holy Week, devotional writings will be posted by Facebook and Twitter friends who are praying and fasting together in a Daniel Fast. Read more about this “Journey to the Heart of God by clicking here.

Thursday, March 25th – That One Thing

// March 25th, 2010 // 3 Comments » // LENT, Lent Devotional

Mark 10:17-31 (NLT)
17 As he was starting out on a trip, a man came running up to Jesus, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what should I do to get eternal life?” 18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. 19 But as for your question, you know the commandments: ‘Do not murder. Do not commit adultery. Do not steal. Do not testify falsely. Do not cheat. Honor your father and mother.’” 20 “Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was a child.” 21 Jesus felt genuine love for this man as he looked at him. “You lack only one thing,” he told him. “Go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 At this, the man’s face fell, and he went sadly away because he had many possessions. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for rich people to get into the Kingdom of God!” 24 This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to get into the Kingdom of God. 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” 26 The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked. 27 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” 28 Then Peter began to mention all that he and the other disciples had left behind. “We’ve given up everything to follow you,” he said. 29 And Jesus replied, “I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, 30 will receive now in return, a hundred times over, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property – with persecutions. And in the world to come they will have eternal life. 31 But many who seem to be important now will be the least important then, and those who are considered least here will be the greatest then.

“The best is bought only at the cost of great pain.” A quote from The Thorn Birds television mini-series by a young ambitious Roman Catholic priest named Father Ralph de Bricassart, struggling between his love for the Catholic Church and his love for Meggie Cleary. For Father Ralph, loving Meggie was always too great a sacrifice! At 69 Father Ralph dies still longing for, but never having enjoyed the fulfillment of relationship with the women that he truly adored.

In verse 21 Jesus tells the rich young ruler “Go and sell all you have”, but he goes away sad because the sacrifice toward whole-hearted service was too great! You may be thinking that you have already given God your very best. Nevertheless, Jesus is asking for that one thing which may not be a sin, but when sacrificed will leave such a hallow void within you that only the Holy Spirit’s comfort will be sufficient enough to fulfill.

The Lenten Season requires sacrifice that will always cost more. Remember that with God all things are possible. Therefore, in prayer decide today to let go of that one thing which could cause you to miss out on the promise of God’s blessing both now and for all eternity.

The hymnologist writes:
Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?
Your heart does the Spirit control?
You can only be blest,
and have peace and sweet rest,
as you yield Him your body and soul.

Daphney Gwynn
Baltimore, Maryland

**During Lent and Holy Week, devotional writings will be posted by Facebook and Twitter friends who are praying and fasting together in a Daniel Fast. Read more about this “Journey to the Heart of God by clicking here.

Wednesday March 24th – Approaching Things Like A Child*

// March 24th, 2010 // 1 Comment » // LENT, Lent Devotional

Mark 10:1-16
” 13 And they were bringing children to him, that he might touch them; and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw it he was indignant, and said to them, “Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” 16 And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands upon them.

Life has many complexities. In this post-modern era where the traditional values of life have to be reinterpreted with a new lens. The things that we value must be seen differently because the world in which we live has changed more times then we can imagine. They have changed and we have been hardened by the situations and circumstances of an adult world that forces us to grow up before we even could understand what we were getting into.

Within this text from Mark’s Gospel we have a number of scenes where Jesus is challenged by the religious authority, and then asked by his disciples for clarification. At first glance you would think that the focal point is to get Jesus’ view on marriage, or his feelings even on children, but there is more to this. Children are used to describe how our faith can allow us to function in this world. We are instructed to “Let the children come to me” If we unlike the disciples pay attention. We can learn that to live a kingdom life we must see things like children. See the possibilities of life because they have not been wrapped up in the matters that capture adults.

As we continue in this Lenten journey we must seek to not get so wrapped up in the matters of today that we cannot focus on what is needed to live kingdom lives. The questions and complexities will be there but the most important aspect of life is how we approach it. We can be closed to the realities that don’t allow us to see what is possible, or we can be open to the possibilities that lead to blessings.

Prayer: Dear Lord, as we are challenged to live in an adult world keep us forever approaching the complexities with an openness to know that there are kingdom possibilities that will allow us to live kingdom lives. Amen

Rev. Jerome Stembridge
Bethel AME Church
Far Rockaway, New York

**During Lent and Holy Week, devotional writings will be posted by Facebook and Twitter friends who are praying and fasting together in a Daniel Fast. Read more about this “Journey to the Heart of God by clicking here.

Tuesday, March 23rd – Be Like Salt*

// March 23rd, 2010 // No Comments » // LENT, Lent Devotional

Mark 9:42-50
42″And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck. 43If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. 45And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. 47And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, 48where ” ‘their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.’49Everyone will be salted with fire.
50″Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”

I love the way the Word of God is full of analogies. It allows us to have practical examples from everyday life that lead to the truth of how to live godly. Examine for a moment the notion of being like “salt” as this passage of scripture suggests we should be. What exactly are the properties of salt? I am so glad you asked! First, salt adds flavor. As Believers we should add flavor to our environment by bringing something new and different to the table. If we are like those around us, adding nothing new or having no flavor, how can we be an effective witness for Christ? How will anyone know we are Believers?

Second, you only need a little salt to season things just right. As Believers, we must remember that less is more─ the more you show love with the least number of words possible, the more of an impact you have as a witness. Wise people win souls and they do so with as few words as possible.

Lastly, salt creates thirst. The life of a Believer should be one that glorifies God in such a manner that those who do not know Him would want to know what makes you so peaceful, joyful, loving, concerned, prosperous; and the list should go on and on. As they witness you and your life, at some point they will ask the question “what must I do to be saved?” At that point you have just helped to create a thirst or longing for righteousness that God promises to fill. When we do not live up to our expectations as sons and daughters of God, we yet again cease to be like salt and create that thirst.

So be like salt─ add flavor, create thirst, and only say what is necessary. The end result will be souls drawn to God and Him being glorified. What a blessing!

Tracey Bowen
Bethel Apostolic Temple
Miami, Florida

**During Lent and Holy Week, devotional writings will be posted by Facebook and Twitter friends who are praying and fasting together in a Daniel Fast. Read more about this “Journey to the Heart of God by clicking here.

Monday, March 22th – Coaching for Last Place*

// March 22nd, 2010 // No Comments » // LENT, Lent Devotional

Mark 9:30-41 (NIV)
30They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, 31because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” 32But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.
33They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?”34But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.
35Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
36He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37″Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”
38″Teacher,” said John, “we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.”
39″Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40for whoever is not against us is for us. 41I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.

The task of a coach for any sport or organization is to teach their charges how to win. Our competitive nature usually focuses us toward being first because after all that is the most sought after spot. The one who is first, the best and brightest in our minds, is usually considered the greatest. Greatness from a natural perspective is the place where honor, power and glory lift us high above all others. It is a place where one can easily get off track by the headiness that kind of attention usually brings. After all, who wouldn’t want to be the greatest?
Jesus leads his disciples on an out-of-the-way road in an effort to go unnoticed while reminding them of his ultimate destiny. As they travel, the disciples begin to argue about who among them was the greatest. They were probably debating the notion that surely of the 12 there had to be one that is better than all the rest otherwise what would be the point? Sensing that there has been such a discussion, Jesus calls them together to coach them on how to redirect their focus. It is a simple yet startling game plan: If you want to be first, you have to be last because greatness is achieved by serving.
In serving we learn the importance of compassion, sacrifice and love that Christ modeled in his life work on Earth. As we serve, we are trained to exhibit the principals of integrity, faithfulness and a high standard of humility that allow the Kingdom Building work of Christ to continue in this present age. Our coach has made it possible for us to lose the parts of our selves that need to fall away–our pride and desire to wield power over others so we are able to win souls by humbling ourselves in childlike obedience. Christ ran the play for us on the Cross so we would know how it is done. How did he do it? By losing his life so we would win salvation through him.

Prayer: Empower me to serve you joyfully and humbly, Lord. Allow me to cast down the desire to be the first so that I can draw others to You. You are a Great God and greatly to be praised! Amen

Rev. Carmen Avery Walker, M.Div.
Pastor, Mt. Zion AME Church
Opelika, AL
www.mtzioname.org

**During Lent and Holy Week, devotional writings will be posted by Facebook and Twitter friends who are praying and fasting together in a Daniel Fast. Read more about this “Journey to the Heart of God by clicking here.