National
By John | May 13, 2010
From the Word: Humbling Myself (from Matthew 18:1-11)
“Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:4 NASB)
Lord, how is a child humble? I know I’ve asked this question before, but I think I need a reminder. I continue to hear from the world - and even from some of Your people who are the supposed experts and influencers - that we are to pursue greatness, leadership and success (all in Your name, of course). And then You come along here and remind me, “Unless you are turned and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (v3) Here it is not even an issue of greatness, but an issue of entering the kingdom! Whoa…
Help me to sort out these crossed signals. I know that I want to listen you You, I want to understand what You are saying. After the mistakes I made with — and their checkbook situation, it’s not hard to be humble. But is what I am feeling true humility? I don’t think that humility is rooted in failure - the problem with my response to failure is again a precooccupation with myself and an inordinate focus on me from a negative point of view. That’s probably not humility.
So what is? Teachability? An open mind? A curiosity about things? Always learning, not having arrived, not intentionally pursuing greatness? Save me, Lord, from the trap of the world’s misleading promises. To be as a child, wanting to please the parents, wanting affirmation from those over us, hoping to deepen the relationship by sharing what we have. Lord, may I grow in my understanding of what humility looks like for me with You. I do want to enter Your kingdom - whatever it takes I will do! Amen.
Please pray with us:
This month is graduation for most colleges and universities around the country, high schools as well. And yes, our son graduates from college this weekend! They are entering a new season of life, either pursuing advanced education or entering into the working world. For those who are following Christ, please pray with us that they will keep Him first in their lives (Matthwew 6:33, to seek first His kingdom) as they engage the opportunities, demands and distractions facing them. It is easy to get off track in this next step.
Thanks.
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Philadelphia Metro
By John | April 23, 2010
From the Word: Don’t miss Elijah (from Matthew 17:1-13)
“And His disciples asked Him, ‘Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?’” (Matthew 17:10 NASB)
By asking this question, it is apparent that the disciples knew the prophecy in Malachi that said Elijah would come to turn the hearts of the fathers and children back to one another. They saw Elijah with You, Lord (v3-4), so it was reasonable for them to think that this appearance was the fulfillment of that prophecy. But You set the record straight for them, explaining that Elijah already came, and they missed him!
Lord, I don’t want to miss the events that You have for me. Keep me from failing to recognize the signs and indicators You put before me. Save me, Lord, from dullness in my heart, from blindness in my eyes and from ignorance in my mind. Have I been distracted by temporal things? Has my preoccupation with daily concerns kept me from hearing Your voice and discerning Your leading? Lord, may my heart be open to You, my mind be alert and uncluttered and my eyes searching for the signs and indicators that You place before me to follow You and to do Your will! Amen.
Please pray with us:
Brent, Jefty, and Lin minister inside the Philadelphia Prison, connecting with inmates whose hearts God has touched in order to train and equip them as laborers for the Kingdom of God, both while they are still incarcerated, but also for the future once the inmates return to their communities. This next week the three are traveling to Louisiana to participate in a prison ministry event at Angola Prison (the name of the prison, not the country) where for a number of years an exciting ministry training environment has been effectively training inmates there in the cause of advancing the gospel. Among other things the week’s events will include ministry workshops with inmates, and volunteers going cell-to-cell to meet with the prisoners, listen to their stories, share the gospel and talk to them about the events of the week. Also, The Navigators’ Free On The Inside discipleship curriculum is being used in the prison and now a special children’s edition with the same stories for children has been developed for use with the prisoner’s children so they will be studying the same stories this week. Please pray with us that Brent, Jefty, and Lin would be an asset to the weeks events as well as learn some valuable lessons that will enable them to be more fruitful here in the Philadelphia prison. Thanks.
For an overview of the prison ministry in Angola you can check out this article.
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Personal
By John | April 9, 2010
From the Word: Understanding the Vision (from Matthew 17:1-21)
“Then the disciples understood that he had spoken to them about John the Baptist.” (Matthew 17:13 NASB)
According to Your use of the word “vision” here (v9), it is not a dream or fantasy, it is a glimpse into reality that can only be seen by supernatural intervention. They saw You transfigured - they saw who You really are in all your magnificence - because You allowed them to, because You provided them the opportunity. They only saw You this way, as you really are, because You chose to reveal Yourself to them in this way. And one interesting thing about this is that they did not process it correctly on their own (at least Peter didn’t). So then, to understand a vision, not only do we need Your intervention - Your active involvement to see the vision - we need Your explanation to understand the vision. The disciples understood because You explained it to them. I will not understand spiritual truth without Your help.
Lord, what do You want me to understand on a daily basis? Since we have Your Word and Your Holy Spirit, we should be able to function in faith without the necessity of visions on top of Your revealed Word. But if You know I would benefit from a vision, then I want to be open to it. But I feel like there is so much in Your Word to understand! I must accept the fact that my understanding will always be inadequate, so I pray that I would be receptive to anything You want to do to give me greater understanding. If there is anything hindering my understanding of who You are and anything else You want me to know, I pray that You would reveal it to me. Amen.
Please pray with us: As this is the post for “personal” prayer for us, would you join us in taking a minute to pray for one of our kids in college? Why don’t you pray for the one you know the best, or the one that you sense may need the most prayer right now? Each one of them has done quite well academically so far, but they are all coming up to the end of the semester very soon. Some specifics you could pray for them with us:
- to be able to focus their mind and creative energy on the end of semester/finals projects and to finish strong (one has a 40 page thesis to complete by next Thursday and has a laptop that is busted and is no longer portable, although it is still usable.)
- for efficient use of their time (one was sick for a few days last week and feels behind).
- and for each of us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2) in the midst of the daily demands that could easily distract us.
Thanks!
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Global
By John | April 2, 2010
From the Word: “Don’t be afraid” (from Matthew 17:1-13)
“And Jesus came to them and touched them and said, ‘Get up and do not be afraid.’” (Matthew 17:7 NASB)
[In my previous entry the disciples were terrified by the voice of the Father (verse 5). But it is as if He was telling them, "This is My boy! I'm so proud of Him - listen to what He has to say!"]
And here, Jesus, it is as if You are saying, “Don’t be afraid, that’s My Dad…He’s a great guy, no need to be afraid of Him!”
Lord, I certianly appreciate going back over this passage again. Thank You for making this a bit more personal for me. I do want to listen to You, I want to view You with the deepest respect and awe, but I do not want to be frightened of You to the extent that my reaction is to draw back and pull away. I want to fall on the ground in worship, but I also want to stand before You with confidence, not in my own abilities but with confidence in You. I do want to hear Your voice and be able to receive it without being afraid. May I not be too familiar nor too distant from You. Amen.
Please pray with us:
As we go through this weekend, let’s take a moment to consider that all over the world followers of Jesus are remembering and are expressing gratitude and humble praise for what He did for us on the cross. It is reassuring to know that in every time zone, in every country, brothers and sisters in Christ are celebrating for the same reasons that we are. Thank God with us that Jesus dealt with our eternal destiny by His death and resurrection. Thank You Jesus.
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National
By John | March 26, 2010
From the Word: God’s Terrifying Voice (from Matthew 17:1-13)
”When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground and were terrified.” (Matthew 17:6 NASB)
O Lord, do I truly want to hear Your voice? I often pray that I would. But the reaction of these men ought to cause me to reconsider… Here they were with You, Jesus, some of your closest friends. It was not Your spectacular visible change that took place before their eyes that terrified them; it was Your voice, heavenly Father, that frightened them out of their socks - caused them to fall to the ground!
Have I ever been so scared that I have fallen down? Can’t remember a time when I have… Am I too cavalier about my relationship with You, Lord? Do I react in awe when I consider Your greatness? On the one hand, it is good than I am relaxed, that I can enjoy Your company as I would that of a good friend. Yet on the other hand, You are the Majestic and Mighty Creator of the universe! Nothing is too difficult for You!! You are fully deserving of my deepest respect, reverence, and awe.
Lord, may I respond appropriately in each situation in which You place me: when awe, humility, and worship is due You, to give it, and when joyful, hearty camaraderie is fitting, to relax and enjoy it! O Lord, You are the Mighty Hunter - You are the Master of all skills, the One to spend the weekend with in the wilderness hunting, fishing, hiking, or whatever. You know the best spots, You know just what lure or fly the fish will go for. May I appreciate more fully Your earthly expression and may I fully embrace with awe, respect and worship Your magnificent greatness! Amen. You are completely and totally worthy to be praised, Lord.
Please pray with us:
A major focus of our ministry here is to train and equip the next generation with a heart and vision for ministry. A guiding passage for me is Psalm 71:17-18: ”O God, You have taught me from my youth, and I still declare Your wondrous deeds. And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, until I delcare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come.”
This coming week in Colorado Springs (Sunday, March 28 – Tuesday, March 30), The Navigators are convening a team of representatives from metro areas around the country to develop more effective approaches to the encouragement and training of this young generation, particularly in our metro areas. Please pray with us for the planning team as they consider a number of essential factors, including our guiding principles, the role of mentors, and a future national retreat (which has been an annual event for several years but there is not one planned for 2010).
Thanks.
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Right where you are, God is working…
By John | March 12, 2010
The demands of life often overtake us and cause us to get tunnel vision in the latest daily crisis. It is easy to miss what God is quietly doing around us in other’s lives, much less fail to see what He is doing in our own. I need a helpful reminder every now and then to take a moment and look around, to pray and ask God to show Himself and His activities, both in my circumstances and also in the lives of those around me.
The easiest way to do “ministry” (and what we are almost universally encouraged to do) is to invite someone to come with me to where I go for fellowship, teaching, and encouragement (church, small group, etc.). But what if they are not ready to step into my subculture? Inviting them into my world may be the right thing to do at some point, but not the first thing. In that case, then, I am the closest that they will come to Jesus, right where I am. My friend and I already have a common bond that connects us: work, housing/neighborhood, similar recreational interests. Those are the venues God can use to connect me with people who may have a deep spiritual yearning, but aren’t ready to move out of the comfort and safety of their world and into the strange world of mine.
I want them to be relaxed and feel safe with me, not judged or feel like they are a project. I would much rather put myself in their world, where I am the one faced with unfamiliar or uncomfortable situations rather than expect them to risk stepping into mine. And if we do share common interests, chances are it won’t be all that strange for me anyway. Let me be the risk-taker; isn’t that what faith is all about?
So, I trust God that “right where I am - where I live, work, and play - God is working not only in my life, but He is actively engaged in drawing others around me to Himself. The most relevant expression of authentic life in Christ for them is me living out my faith in the same circumstances in which they live daily, under the radar, not dependent upon a program or an agenda.
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16 NIV)
Please pray with us:
As we continue to engage with our 20something friends here in the Philly area, please pray with us that our lives would be the salt and light that Jesus told us to be. Pray for boldness in our relationships to be expressed as a confident, relaxed, winsome and humble excitement about Jesus. Thanks.
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Personal
By John | March 2, 2010
From the Word: Examine everything carefully* (from Matthew 16:1-12)
”Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” (Matthew 16:6 NASB)
These men, the Pharisees and Sadducees, were the scholars and the religious leaders, and the civic leaders of the day. They set the tone for what the people were to think and how the people lived, until You came along and exposed their false and hypocritical teaching. There is so much info floating around these days, with slick packaging and convincing in its presentation, yet full of misrepresentations and misleading perspectives. Some of it can sound so good if a person is not grounded on a few basic principles.
Lord, may I keep my eyes fixed on You, and keep my understanding of truth grounded in an accurate understanding of Your Word. May Your Holy Spirit continue to be my Teacher. And when supposedly well-educated and scholarly people weave a line of thinking that is wrong, may Your Spirit be my guide. I commit myself to You and to the truth of Your Word, that I can trust You for the right answers as to how to live my life, and in turn teach others. Amen.
* [ Examine everything carefully - Acts 17:11. The Bereans checked out everything Paul said by examining the Scriptures.]
Please pray with us:
I am traveling into New England this week, visiting friends and supporters of our ministry here. Please pray for my time with each family/person, that I would be a good listener and be an encouragement to them. Also pray for safety on the road, as snow is in the forecast for several of the days I am gone. Thanks.
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Global
By John | February 19, 2010
From the Word: ”He healed them” (from Matthew 15:29-31)
“And large crowds came to Him, bringing with them those who were lame, crippled, blind, mute, and many others, and they laid them down at His feet; and He healed them.” (Matthew 15:30 NASB)
Lord, it seems that the focus of this passage is on the crowd: v30 - “the crowds came…”, v 31 - “the crowds marveled…”, “…and they glorified God” (v31). This appears to emphasize the large numbers of people who were seeking You out. But what of those who were healed, whose lives you touched? All it says here is that You healed them. No details to describe an event that for each of them was the most significant event of their life! For each one, You did something that totally changed life for them - for the way they would move around, care for their personal needs, relate to those around them, no longer dependent upon others, but now able themselves to help others in need, and be able to do a job - work and make a living at something.
May I take to heart the spiritual healing You have done in my life, Your healing touch, Your healing hand - protect me from focusing so much on my own needs and limitations, but help me see how You have healed me and freed me up, and equipped me to be able to serve others as You did (Mark 10:45). May I trust You with who I am, with all my resources with which You have blessed me, even my limitations and weaknesses, knowing that You can use those as well! Help me to work hard, and to work smart, and to be observant of the opportunities around me to serve, as well as any personal issues that need my attention. Amen.
Please pray with us:
Two of the men in our 20s group are in Thailand right now helping a local church with their outreach there. As English speakers, they easily attract attention, as the Thais enjoy practicing their English with real English speakers. Please pray with us for them as they relate to the Thai people, that God would bear fruit through them as they are able to stir interest in the students with whom they engage, and that the people in the church will be able to follow up on the new contacts they make. Thanks. (For more info on the church, you can go to their website).
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Philadelphia Metro
By John | February 5, 2010
From the Word: Bring all five (from Matthew 14:1-21)
“They said to Him, ‘We have here only five loaves and two fish.’ And He said, ‘Bring them here to Me.’” (Matthew 14:17-18 NASB)
Lord, thanks again for the reminder that I don’t have to have everything necessary to meet needs; I barely have enough to meet my own needs and that of my family! But if I bring them to You, You are the One who can multiply what I do have and use them to accomplish significant things. I simply need to be faithful and obedient. But what I do need to do, what I must do, is bring all five. I must not hold back! Just because I know that what I have and who I am is inadequate for the need, I must not use that as rationale for holding back, for irresponsibility. The example of holding back that comes to mind is Annanias and Sapphira. Save me from their mindset, Lord! What are other examples in Scripture, or in my own life? Hand to the plow - don’t look back - no second thoughts - those bridges are burned. Too late to go back - must press forward in faith.
May You be honored by my unreserved commitment to You; may I display strength and take action, in faith and wisdom, trusting that You will use what meager efforts and talents I have to accomplish Your purposes. Keep me from losing heart and drive, and protect me from resigning myself to the mediocrity of life, a half committed life where I hold back just a little, just in case things don’t work out. I want to be completely sold out for You, Lord! What does that look like in my relationships? Give me wisdom to see and understand what’s going on in that arena for me. Amen.
Please pray with us:
Students involved in Navigator ministries on college campuses in a five state region (of which we are a part) are gathering next weekend for our annual conference. I am planning to attend to represent the Navigator Metro ministries here in the Philadelphia area. Please pray
1) - that God would use the conference to encourage and equip the students for a life of godliness and fruitfulness, and
2) - that for any graduating students who may move to Philly, I could provide answers and information that will help them maintain their walk with Jesus and their focus as they adjust to life after college. Thanks.
[NOTE: The conference was originally scheduled for the first weekend this month but was postponed due to the snow. Our main speaker from Colorado was able to change his schedule as well and is still coming).
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National
By John | January 29, 2010
From the Word: Seeking the Kingdom (from Matthew 13:44-58)
”The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.” (Matthew 13:44-46 NASB)
Hmmm… what price am I willing to pay to possess Your Kingdom? To be a part of Your Kindgom? To what lengths am I willing to go to value the Kingdom above everything else? Do I value Your Kingdom above all else? I tend to think more in terms of my personal realationship with You as my most highly valued “possession”. But what of this? You compare the value of Your Kingdom with things of great value in earthly terms - pearls, treasure. How can I grow in my understanding of Your Kingdom by thinking in these terms? What do I value most in my life, as far as “treasures” go? I really can’t think of anything tangible that I truly “treasure”. But what I do desire is self-determination: I want to be able to decide what I do and where I invest my time and energy. Actually, I do want my life to make a difference, so in one sense I need to let go of my desire to be important and to be valued and appreciated by others.
But what of Your opinion of me, Lord? And what is Your Kingdom? like a mustard seed? (v31) like leaven? (v33) I definitely need a better understanding of Your Kingdom! If I understood better what Your Kingdom is, then I would certainly value it more highly, like these guys. Actually, these guys are valuing earthly things, but this is an object lesson, and I want to learn the lesson in order to value the things that are important to You. May I keep seeking a better understanding of Your kingdom, and meanwhile do my best to keep my eyes fixed on You. Amen.
Please pray with us:
For the past few days the directors of The Navigators Metro areas across the country have been together in Kansas City. Please pray with us for the rest of their time as they compare notes on what God is doing in the cities across the country, that it would be a time of learning, of being stretched, and of trusting God for His plans and purposes for The Navigators in each of the metro areas. Thanks.
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