Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. —Psalms 37:4
I teach online courses at Mid-America Christian University. My favorite course is Spiritual Formation. In one of our discussion questions, I asked, “How does delighting yourself in God fit into the overall process of spiritual formation? One student answered, “To me, the spiritual discipline of delighting myself in God are the moments that take my breath away. Those moments that capture my heart and I can see God shining through those relationships. The intimacy of our human relationships reflects our intimate relationship with God.” Another student said, “I have never had a take-your-breath-away moment, as you wrote. An emotional one, for sure, tears, etc., but nothing jaw-dropping. What would qualify to you for such a moment?”
I responded to that student, “I’ll tell you about one of my take-your-breath-away, jaw-dropping, heart-capturing, day-making moments. My eleven-year-old grandson Allen and I were sitting on log stools by our wood pile, splitting pine lighter kindling to start a fire. It was one of those tender, awesome times as we laughed together and talked about grandpa-grandson kind of stuff! Allen said, “Now, Grandpa, this is what I like—just hangin’ out with you, splitting firewood, or anything else we do together!” That’s what I’m talking about, that’s one of my take-your-breath-away, jaw-dropping, heart-capturing, day-making moments.
Allen is now eighteen, a senior, and a wonderful Christ-follower. He is an excellent guitarist, who can hang with about any praise band. He does a lot of illusionist tricks, like picking out a card someone places in the deck without Allen seeing it and making money and other stuff disappear. He has lots of invitations to do presentations for youth groups and other settings. After doing several of the disappearing tricks, he’ll say, “Everything I’ve done up to now has been an illusion, but I want to tell you about someone who is real, and positive, and life transforming. His name is Jesus.” And he gives his testimony.
A few weeks ago, I shared with Allen the following story about My Life Goal Prayer, expressed in Elisha’s request to Elijah, just before Elijah was transported to heaven in the fiery chariot. Elijah asked Elisha, “What can I do for you before I’m taken from you? Ask anything?”. Elisha responded, “Your life repeated in my life, I want to be a holy man just like you!” (2 Kings 2:9 msg). And Allen said to me, “Grandpa, you’ve been that in my life!” That’s what I’m talking about, my take-your-breath-away, jaw-dropping, heart-capturing, day-making moment. My heart leaped within me, and I prayed, “Lord God, let me always be that in Allen’s, Austin’s, Kelsey’s, and Caleb’s lives and in the lives of all you bring into my sphere of ministry. Out of that experience, my Life Purpose Prayer was born, based on Elisha’s request to Elijah: “Empower me, Lord, by your Son, to become all you created me to be. Energize me, Lord, by your Spirit, to accomplish all you call me to do.” If he will accomplish that in my life, I will feel that I have fulfilled his awesome plan for me. My challenge is to make this prayer part of your spiritual disciplines:
Empower me, Lord, by your Son, to become all you created me to be. Energize me,
Lord, by your Spirit, to accomplish all you call me to do. Create through my life and witness many of those exciting take-your-breath-away, jaw-dropping, heart-capturing, day-making moments in the lives of all you bring into the sphere of my life and ministry. And let me live in partnership with you, my Lord, in Transforming Hearts…Transforming Lives!
Dr. Sam Bruce; President, Sam & Sandie Bruce Ministries; Pastor, Hope Point Church, Pearl, Mississippi; Online Instructor, Mid-America Christian University, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Planting Trees Day 31
Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. —Revelation 5:8
A number of years ago I read the story of a German tree farmer. This farmer was planting trees that would not mature for at least a hundred years. When the farmer was questioned about why he would plant for a harvest he would never see, he replied, “I am harvesting trees planted long before I was born by my great-grandfather. I am planting trees for those not yet born.”
My wife Brenda and I started praying for the future wife for each of our boys from the time of their birth. We prayed for just the right woman to enter each of our son’s life. We prayed for a woman whose heart was tender for God. We were praying for someone who might not yet be born. We believe God answered that prayer for each of our three sons.
As you pray for people far from Christ, I think it is important to also pray for future generations that will need to know Christ. The same prayer we used to pray for each of our sons is now an appropriate prayer for each of our eight grandchildren. These prayers should not be necessarily be secret prayers. We often told our sons what we were praying for in their lives.
There were moments that it seemed those prayers were not going to be answered. Two of our sons were traveling a dangerous path, but God brought the right people at the right moment into their lives. These prayers need to be consistent and persistent. Brenda’s mother prayed for decades for her brothers and sisters who were far from Christ. One by one they came to Christ, most of them in their seventies, after years of prayer that seemed to be going nowhere. Your prayers are planting trees for a future harvest, plant faithfully and persistently.
I love the image of Revelation 5 where it describes the golden bowls full of incense which are the prayers of the saints. I envision some of those prayers to be hundreds of years old. Prayers prayed by great-grandfathers for children yet unborn.
Dear Father, today I pray for family members who are far from you. I also pray for children in my family who are not yet born. I pray that you will send people into their lives who will speak your words of hope and that they will come to know you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Dr. Steve Birch, Pastor, White Chapel Church of God, South Daytona, Florida
A number of years ago I read the story of a German tree farmer. This farmer was planting trees that would not mature for at least a hundred years. When the farmer was questioned about why he would plant for a harvest he would never see, he replied, “I am harvesting trees planted long before I was born by my great-grandfather. I am planting trees for those not yet born.”
My wife Brenda and I started praying for the future wife for each of our boys from the time of their birth. We prayed for just the right woman to enter each of our son’s life. We prayed for a woman whose heart was tender for God. We were praying for someone who might not yet be born. We believe God answered that prayer for each of our three sons.
As you pray for people far from Christ, I think it is important to also pray for future generations that will need to know Christ. The same prayer we used to pray for each of our sons is now an appropriate prayer for each of our eight grandchildren. These prayers should not be necessarily be secret prayers. We often told our sons what we were praying for in their lives.
There were moments that it seemed those prayers were not going to be answered. Two of our sons were traveling a dangerous path, but God brought the right people at the right moment into their lives. These prayers need to be consistent and persistent. Brenda’s mother prayed for decades for her brothers and sisters who were far from Christ. One by one they came to Christ, most of them in their seventies, after years of prayer that seemed to be going nowhere. Your prayers are planting trees for a future harvest, plant faithfully and persistently.
I love the image of Revelation 5 where it describes the golden bowls full of incense which are the prayers of the saints. I envision some of those prayers to be hundreds of years old. Prayers prayed by great-grandfathers for children yet unborn.
Dear Father, today I pray for family members who are far from you. I also pray for children in my family who are not yet born. I pray that you will send people into their lives who will speak your words of hope and that they will come to know you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Dr. Steve Birch, Pastor, White Chapel Church of God, South Daytona, Florida
Thursday, March 29, 2012
The Great Commandment Experienced Day 30
And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” —Matthew 22:39
Not too many months after arriving in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, as the senior pastor, I was called into our bedroom by my wife Linda. Our five-year-old son Ryan was lying on our bed. He had been listless for several days and we had taken him to the doctor, but it did not seem serious. However, Linda asked me to look at his hands. With the palms of his hands facing upwards, we watched bruises just move across his hand. We immediately took him to the emergency room, thinking he would be given a shot or we would go home with some medication. You can imagine our surprise, when after running some tests, the doctor came out and said that a medical helicopter was on its way from Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital.
With almost unbelief at this turn of events, we placed him into the care of the medical personnel, called our dear friend Cindy Emhoff, who came to get Elizabeth, our eight-year-old daughter, and then headed to Pittsburgh not knowing what to expect. Ryan was diagnosed with Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP). During the next several days, his head swelled to the point that he could not see out of his eyes. He had spontaneous bursts of blood from his bowel. He had near total kidney failure. His words were at one point, “Mommy, I just cannot go on.” At times his pain was severe, but for the doctors to always know the symptoms, he could not receive pain medication. Neither of us left his side much for those two and one half weeks.
But during that horrendous experience, we also experienced Great Commandment love. In fact it permeated the whole experience. God’s faithfulness was amazingly expressed through so many. We were so exhausted, and although wanting to pray, we had little strength to do it. Thank God for intercessors who held all of us up—near and far! Our state minister, Greg Hall, had just arrived at a meeting out of state but immediately returned to visit with us. Many pastors and parishioners came by to encourage us. The church leaders told us to stay with him as long as we needed to. We made countless trips to the doctor after the hospital stay, but the fees were all waived. A neighbor mowed our yard. In so many ways we experienced Great Commandment love over and over. Shortly after returning home the symptoms began to show again. (In most situations the disease returns but not as strong as previously.) We took him to the altar during the morning worship service and prayed for him. God touched him and the disease never came back.
It was the prayers, presence, and generous acts of kindness from so many that helped us through one of the toughest time in our lives. Transforming Hearts…Transforming Lives!
Dear God, may I serve as a tangible conduit of your grace and encouragement to those who are struggling. Remind me of the critical importance of interceding for those who have become weary with life’s challenges. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Rev. Ryan Chapman, Credentials Services Coordinator, Church of God Ministries
Not too many months after arriving in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, as the senior pastor, I was called into our bedroom by my wife Linda. Our five-year-old son Ryan was lying on our bed. He had been listless for several days and we had taken him to the doctor, but it did not seem serious. However, Linda asked me to look at his hands. With the palms of his hands facing upwards, we watched bruises just move across his hand. We immediately took him to the emergency room, thinking he would be given a shot or we would go home with some medication. You can imagine our surprise, when after running some tests, the doctor came out and said that a medical helicopter was on its way from Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital.
With almost unbelief at this turn of events, we placed him into the care of the medical personnel, called our dear friend Cindy Emhoff, who came to get Elizabeth, our eight-year-old daughter, and then headed to Pittsburgh not knowing what to expect. Ryan was diagnosed with Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP). During the next several days, his head swelled to the point that he could not see out of his eyes. He had spontaneous bursts of blood from his bowel. He had near total kidney failure. His words were at one point, “Mommy, I just cannot go on.” At times his pain was severe, but for the doctors to always know the symptoms, he could not receive pain medication. Neither of us left his side much for those two and one half weeks.
But during that horrendous experience, we also experienced Great Commandment love. In fact it permeated the whole experience. God’s faithfulness was amazingly expressed through so many. We were so exhausted, and although wanting to pray, we had little strength to do it. Thank God for intercessors who held all of us up—near and far! Our state minister, Greg Hall, had just arrived at a meeting out of state but immediately returned to visit with us. Many pastors and parishioners came by to encourage us. The church leaders told us to stay with him as long as we needed to. We made countless trips to the doctor after the hospital stay, but the fees were all waived. A neighbor mowed our yard. In so many ways we experienced Great Commandment love over and over. Shortly after returning home the symptoms began to show again. (In most situations the disease returns but not as strong as previously.) We took him to the altar during the morning worship service and prayed for him. God touched him and the disease never came back.
It was the prayers, presence, and generous acts of kindness from so many that helped us through one of the toughest time in our lives. Transforming Hearts…Transforming Lives!
Dear God, may I serve as a tangible conduit of your grace and encouragement to those who are struggling. Remind me of the critical importance of interceding for those who have become weary with life’s challenges. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Rev. Ryan Chapman, Credentials Services Coordinator, Church of God Ministries
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Praying the Power of the Blood of Jesus Day 29
God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more grace and peace. —1 Peter 1:2 NLT
Jim is in mid-sixties. He retired from his job as a professional welder. He and his wife raised some wonderful children. Jim and Donna are now in the season of enjoying their grandchildren. Last year as our congregation was participating in Focus 40. Jim and Donna came forward for prayer in a Sunday service. Jim had just been diagnosed with leukemia, and on the day of his diagnosis, a brain tumor was found in his five-year-old grandson. The tumor began to affect his grandson’s motor skills. As he walked, he was dragging one leg. Jim said, “I’m not worried about myself, I’m in God’s hands; but I ask that you pray for my grandson. The whole family was now standing in front of the congregation—Jim, Donna, their son, daughter in law and grandson. They shared with us that Jim and his grandson would be going back for further tests that week. We took special time to anoint with oil and prayer over them.
The next visit to the doctors did not bring wonderful news. Jim was told that his leukemia was an aggressive form of cancer. The family was told that their grandson would have to have brain surgery. And both were scheduled for another round of tests to prepare them for surgery and treatment. Jim later said about this day, “It was one of the darkest days I had faced in a long time.” He shared that when he faces this kind of turmoil, he often paces. He stated, “I was just pacing around my dining room table, saying, Lord, what are we going to do? He shared that in those moments the old hymn “There Is Power in the Blood” came to him. Jim said, “I am not a singer but I started praying that hymn. There is power in the blood to heal my cancer; there is power in the blood to heal my grandson.” He stated, “I just kept pacing and praying, ‘There is power in the blood.’”
This became Jim’s continual prayer as he and his grandson prepared for their next round of tests. They returned for their test the following week. The physicians working on both cases had called in specialists to assist with this round of test. As the grandson visited the doctor’s office on that day, they all noticed he was no longer dragging his leg but walking normally. Jim went for another round of blood tests. After tests were completed, they were told to return in a few days to hear what the physicians would determine should be the next steps. After the final round of tests and review, the doctors determined that the best action for the grandson would be to monitor the tumor, which they said was not increasing in size. Jim’s blood test came back with all results in normal range. The doctors determined to watch Jim’s blood test and not do any immediate treatment. They are now into their seventh month of observation. The grandson entered school again this fall and is living and learning with no difficulties or side effects. Jim’s blood counts all remain normal. There is no loss of weight or any signs that his cancer is active. Jim says, “There is power in praying the blood of Jesus over your life and your family’s lives.” Transforming Hearts…Transforming Lives!
Lord, we thank you for your precious blood shed on Calvary. We thank you that the power of the blood of Jesus saves from sin and renews our lives. Thank you, Lord, that a blood line has been drawn around my life. I proclaim today over my life and my family’s life the power of the blood of Jesus for every area of our lives. Thank you, Lord, for the privilege to plead the blood of Jesus over all circumstances, to declare that there is wonder working power in the blood of the Lamb. Amen.
Rev. Claude Robold, Pastor, New Covenant Church, Middletown/Franklin, Ohio
Jim is in mid-sixties. He retired from his job as a professional welder. He and his wife raised some wonderful children. Jim and Donna are now in the season of enjoying their grandchildren. Last year as our congregation was participating in Focus 40. Jim and Donna came forward for prayer in a Sunday service. Jim had just been diagnosed with leukemia, and on the day of his diagnosis, a brain tumor was found in his five-year-old grandson. The tumor began to affect his grandson’s motor skills. As he walked, he was dragging one leg. Jim said, “I’m not worried about myself, I’m in God’s hands; but I ask that you pray for my grandson. The whole family was now standing in front of the congregation—Jim, Donna, their son, daughter in law and grandson. They shared with us that Jim and his grandson would be going back for further tests that week. We took special time to anoint with oil and prayer over them.
The next visit to the doctors did not bring wonderful news. Jim was told that his leukemia was an aggressive form of cancer. The family was told that their grandson would have to have brain surgery. And both were scheduled for another round of tests to prepare them for surgery and treatment. Jim later said about this day, “It was one of the darkest days I had faced in a long time.” He shared that when he faces this kind of turmoil, he often paces. He stated, “I was just pacing around my dining room table, saying, Lord, what are we going to do? He shared that in those moments the old hymn “There Is Power in the Blood” came to him. Jim said, “I am not a singer but I started praying that hymn. There is power in the blood to heal my cancer; there is power in the blood to heal my grandson.” He stated, “I just kept pacing and praying, ‘There is power in the blood.’”
This became Jim’s continual prayer as he and his grandson prepared for their next round of tests. They returned for their test the following week. The physicians working on both cases had called in specialists to assist with this round of test. As the grandson visited the doctor’s office on that day, they all noticed he was no longer dragging his leg but walking normally. Jim went for another round of blood tests. After tests were completed, they were told to return in a few days to hear what the physicians would determine should be the next steps. After the final round of tests and review, the doctors determined that the best action for the grandson would be to monitor the tumor, which they said was not increasing in size. Jim’s blood test came back with all results in normal range. The doctors determined to watch Jim’s blood test and not do any immediate treatment. They are now into their seventh month of observation. The grandson entered school again this fall and is living and learning with no difficulties or side effects. Jim’s blood counts all remain normal. There is no loss of weight or any signs that his cancer is active. Jim says, “There is power in praying the blood of Jesus over your life and your family’s lives.” Transforming Hearts…Transforming Lives!
Lord, we thank you for your precious blood shed on Calvary. We thank you that the power of the blood of Jesus saves from sin and renews our lives. Thank you, Lord, that a blood line has been drawn around my life. I proclaim today over my life and my family’s life the power of the blood of Jesus for every area of our lives. Thank you, Lord, for the privilege to plead the blood of Jesus over all circumstances, to declare that there is wonder working power in the blood of the Lamb. Amen.
Rev. Claude Robold, Pastor, New Covenant Church, Middletown/Franklin, Ohio
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Salvation to the Third Generation! Day 28
I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. —2 Timothy 1:5
About three months before Russ Rogers’ death, I visited with Russ, Lois, and Russ’s son Robert. Robert, who was reared under the influence of two generations of agnostics (his mother was into New Age stuff), was sharing how he had accepted Christ two weeks before this time as a result of the radical change Christ brought to his dad’s and grandfather’s lives. It was refreshing to talk with him and Russ about who Jesus is and the paradox of submitting our lives to his control and leadership. We talked about Jesus’ statement that the only way to really find life is to lose one’s life. Such a commitment is awesome. It was encouraging to hear Russ share his commitment to Christ. Even though he was losing the battle against cancer, his faith and trust were growing.
During our conversation, when Russ was sharing his concerns about the pain and feeling like the cancer was taking over his body, Robert reached out and placed his hand on his dad’s hand. Russ said, “Robert, that big hand on mine feels great.” It was a demonstration of love and compassion from a son to a father. It was inspiring to see a son and father who came to Christ out of a tumultuous past expressing deep love for one another after years of strained relationships—a demonstration of the reconciling power of the love of Christ. It was graphic portrayal of the potency of intercessory prayer. Reflecting on this demonstration of the unconditional love, unlimited grace, and unending life transforming power of God, I thought, “But isn’t it a bit sad that Fred and Russ waited until the end of their lives to receive Christ. Wouldn’t it have been so much better if they had made the decision back when we first met many years ago?” A still, small voice—a gentle whisper—in the deep inner recesses of my spirit said, “But just think! We’ll have all eternity to celebrate with them!” And I understood: it’s the quality of life, not the quantity of time, that’s important; and I could rest in that truth.
I was privileged to witness that day a live model of Paul’s thrilling comments to Timothy, “I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also” (2 Tim 1:5). The biblical pattern is the good news handed from generation to generation: Grandpa Fred; dad Russ, and son Robert. The message is: Do not give up when you are praying for someone and the answers are not immediate. God always hears our prayers, and he is always at work with the answers. We simply wait for his timing and resources. The stories of radical transformation of people who have basically turned their backs on God remind me of the ministry mandates our Lord gave us in the Great Commission. In summary, we have a lost world that is broken, hurting, dying, and separated from God. There’s a loving Savior who died on a cross to reconcile a lost world to God and to bring salvation and healing to men and women, boys and girls. We need living witnesses to bring together a loving Savior and a lost world in reconciliation and peace. We need liberal partners—generous people—to invest in various ways to empower the continuing ministries of God’s people in creating lasting legacies for men and women, girls and boys, who come to Jesus and receive life—abundant and eternal.
Energize us, Lord, to be Liberal Partners who empower Living Witnesses to connect a Loving Savior with a Lost World to create Lasting Legacies for people to come to Jesus and receive life – abundant and eternal. Enable us, Lord, to join you in Transforming Hearts…Transforming Lives…and to never give up on those who seem hopelessly lost! Amen.
Dr. Sam Bruce; President, Sam & Sandie Bruce Ministries; Pastor, Hope Point Church, Pearl, Mississippi; Online Instructor, Mid-America Christian University, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
About three months before Russ Rogers’ death, I visited with Russ, Lois, and Russ’s son Robert. Robert, who was reared under the influence of two generations of agnostics (his mother was into New Age stuff), was sharing how he had accepted Christ two weeks before this time as a result of the radical change Christ brought to his dad’s and grandfather’s lives. It was refreshing to talk with him and Russ about who Jesus is and the paradox of submitting our lives to his control and leadership. We talked about Jesus’ statement that the only way to really find life is to lose one’s life. Such a commitment is awesome. It was encouraging to hear Russ share his commitment to Christ. Even though he was losing the battle against cancer, his faith and trust were growing.
During our conversation, when Russ was sharing his concerns about the pain and feeling like the cancer was taking over his body, Robert reached out and placed his hand on his dad’s hand. Russ said, “Robert, that big hand on mine feels great.” It was a demonstration of love and compassion from a son to a father. It was inspiring to see a son and father who came to Christ out of a tumultuous past expressing deep love for one another after years of strained relationships—a demonstration of the reconciling power of the love of Christ. It was graphic portrayal of the potency of intercessory prayer. Reflecting on this demonstration of the unconditional love, unlimited grace, and unending life transforming power of God, I thought, “But isn’t it a bit sad that Fred and Russ waited until the end of their lives to receive Christ. Wouldn’t it have been so much better if they had made the decision back when we first met many years ago?” A still, small voice—a gentle whisper—in the deep inner recesses of my spirit said, “But just think! We’ll have all eternity to celebrate with them!” And I understood: it’s the quality of life, not the quantity of time, that’s important; and I could rest in that truth.
I was privileged to witness that day a live model of Paul’s thrilling comments to Timothy, “I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also” (2 Tim 1:5). The biblical pattern is the good news handed from generation to generation: Grandpa Fred; dad Russ, and son Robert. The message is: Do not give up when you are praying for someone and the answers are not immediate. God always hears our prayers, and he is always at work with the answers. We simply wait for his timing and resources. The stories of radical transformation of people who have basically turned their backs on God remind me of the ministry mandates our Lord gave us in the Great Commission. In summary, we have a lost world that is broken, hurting, dying, and separated from God. There’s a loving Savior who died on a cross to reconcile a lost world to God and to bring salvation and healing to men and women, boys and girls. We need living witnesses to bring together a loving Savior and a lost world in reconciliation and peace. We need liberal partners—generous people—to invest in various ways to empower the continuing ministries of God’s people in creating lasting legacies for men and women, girls and boys, who come to Jesus and receive life—abundant and eternal.
Energize us, Lord, to be Liberal Partners who empower Living Witnesses to connect a Loving Savior with a Lost World to create Lasting Legacies for people to come to Jesus and receive life – abundant and eternal. Enable us, Lord, to join you in Transforming Hearts…Transforming Lives…and to never give up on those who seem hopelessly lost! Amen.
Dr. Sam Bruce; President, Sam & Sandie Bruce Ministries; Pastor, Hope Point Church, Pearl, Mississippi; Online Instructor, Mid-America Christian University, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Monday, March 26, 2012
“I Want to Be Baptized into the Christian Religion!” Day 27
The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” —Psalms 14:1
Everyone who believes in him [Jesus] will have eternal life. —John 3:15 NLT
Fred Rogers’s son Russ was a man who had a deep respect and reverence for life. He took me hunting and fishing in the Sierra Mountains of central California. He came to church a few times. We had a great friendship, but he was not interested in Christ. He said he was an agnostic, like his father Fred. Then Russ went off the deep end, got involved with drugs, divorced his wife, wandered around for a while.
I lost contact with him for several years. Then I ran into him when I was fishing Granite Creek, high up in the Sierras. It was like old home week. He was on his honeymoon. He had just married Lois, a beautiful lady, who was a committed Christian. But Russ was still not interested in Christianity. I didn’t see him again for months, until his dad became ill with cancer. We were drawn together around Grandpa Rogers as he made preparations for his home-going. Russ attended the Communion and baptism service we had for Fred. Sometime later, Russ was stricken with cancer. I began visiting with him. We renewed the friendship that had begun eighteen years earlier.
Russ was deeply impressed when his father accepted Christ at age ninety-two, and he saw the peace that Christ brought into Grandpa’s life. Fred had taught his family to be agnostics all their lives, but now Russ and I talked about Christ, eternity, and the abundant life God offers us. He believed in a “great Power in the universe” and had a certain reverence for that Power, but he didn’t believe in a personal God as revealed in Jesus Christ. I shared with Russ about how to invite Jesus into his life and receive eternal life and peace with God. He said he was not ready to make that commitment that day. My phone rang early next morning. It was Russ who said, “Happy Thanksgiving, Sam. After our talk yesterday, I invited Jesus into my life, and I want to be baptized into the Christian religion Sunday in the church baptistery?” I was thrilled! That made one of my best Thanksgivings! The Bible says there is rejoicing in heaven every time a person invites Jesus Christ into his or her life. I baptized Russ and Lois next Sunday.
Russ became a tower of strength to all who knew him, until his coronation day when he stepped into heaven. His relationship with God became the strength that carried him through his suffering with confidence and peace. As I watched him grow in faith during his last few months, I was reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul, which
I used in his memorial service: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Cor 4:16–18). When Russ accepted Christ, it was the fruit of many years of intercessory prayer. Later in the evening after Russ’ memorial service, one of his close friends asked Lois how Russ found the peace that Pastor Sam had talked about. She explained the plan of salvation, and he invited Christ into his life. He went home a new person because of intercessory prayer for Russ.
Awesome Lord Jesus, thanks for caring enough to die for people like Russ…and me, too! So we can have abundant and eternal life! Thanks for the intercessory prayer partners who believe, love, care, witness, and pray until…You are able to enter into our inner beings, Transforming Hearts…Transforming Lives! May we always reflect Your transforming presence as bearers of Your unconditional love, grace and peace. Amen.
Dr. Sam Bruce; President, Sam & Sandie Bruce Ministries; Pastor, Hope Point Church, Pearl, Mississippi; Online Instructor, Mid-America Christian University, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Everyone who believes in him [Jesus] will have eternal life. —John 3:15 NLT
Fred Rogers’s son Russ was a man who had a deep respect and reverence for life. He took me hunting and fishing in the Sierra Mountains of central California. He came to church a few times. We had a great friendship, but he was not interested in Christ. He said he was an agnostic, like his father Fred. Then Russ went off the deep end, got involved with drugs, divorced his wife, wandered around for a while.
I lost contact with him for several years. Then I ran into him when I was fishing Granite Creek, high up in the Sierras. It was like old home week. He was on his honeymoon. He had just married Lois, a beautiful lady, who was a committed Christian. But Russ was still not interested in Christianity. I didn’t see him again for months, until his dad became ill with cancer. We were drawn together around Grandpa Rogers as he made preparations for his home-going. Russ attended the Communion and baptism service we had for Fred. Sometime later, Russ was stricken with cancer. I began visiting with him. We renewed the friendship that had begun eighteen years earlier.
Russ was deeply impressed when his father accepted Christ at age ninety-two, and he saw the peace that Christ brought into Grandpa’s life. Fred had taught his family to be agnostics all their lives, but now Russ and I talked about Christ, eternity, and the abundant life God offers us. He believed in a “great Power in the universe” and had a certain reverence for that Power, but he didn’t believe in a personal God as revealed in Jesus Christ. I shared with Russ about how to invite Jesus into his life and receive eternal life and peace with God. He said he was not ready to make that commitment that day. My phone rang early next morning. It was Russ who said, “Happy Thanksgiving, Sam. After our talk yesterday, I invited Jesus into my life, and I want to be baptized into the Christian religion Sunday in the church baptistery?” I was thrilled! That made one of my best Thanksgivings! The Bible says there is rejoicing in heaven every time a person invites Jesus Christ into his or her life. I baptized Russ and Lois next Sunday.
Russ became a tower of strength to all who knew him, until his coronation day when he stepped into heaven. His relationship with God became the strength that carried him through his suffering with confidence and peace. As I watched him grow in faith during his last few months, I was reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul, which
I used in his memorial service: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Cor 4:16–18). When Russ accepted Christ, it was the fruit of many years of intercessory prayer. Later in the evening after Russ’ memorial service, one of his close friends asked Lois how Russ found the peace that Pastor Sam had talked about. She explained the plan of salvation, and he invited Christ into his life. He went home a new person because of intercessory prayer for Russ.
Awesome Lord Jesus, thanks for caring enough to die for people like Russ…and me, too! So we can have abundant and eternal life! Thanks for the intercessory prayer partners who believe, love, care, witness, and pray until…You are able to enter into our inner beings, Transforming Hearts…Transforming Lives! May we always reflect Your transforming presence as bearers of Your unconditional love, grace and peace. Amen.
Dr. Sam Bruce; President, Sam & Sandie Bruce Ministries; Pastor, Hope Point Church, Pearl, Mississippi; Online Instructor, Mid-America Christian University, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Sunday, March 25, 2012
From Agnostic to Creationist Day 26
“Pray in the Spirit on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” —Ephesians 6:19
They called him Grandpa Rogers. I first met him when he was about seventy-seven at my first Thanksgiving dinner in the Newcombs’ home overlooking Millerton Lake in the Sierra Mountains above Madera, California. He was a brilliant successful lawyer and land developer. He was an avowed agnostic. A staunch advocate of evolution, he had neither desire nor time for God, and he most certainly did not believe in creation. However, through his relationship with the Newcomb family, Fred became a friend of mine. He took me duck hunting and fishing. We had wonderful times together, talking about law, politics, farming, hunting, fishing, psychology, current events, and education. But as I moved the conversation toward Christ, he would move it in a different direction. So, for fifteen years, the Newcombs and I prayed for him.
Eleanor said Grandpa Rogers had cancer and that we needed to visit him. As we entered, Eleanor said, with urgency, “Grandpa, I brought Pastor Sam to see you. He’s going to tell you how to ask Jesus into your life so you can go to heaven. Listen carefully to what he says, because heaven will not be complete for us if you’re not there!” He broke in to her sentence and patted her on the cheek, and said with a smile, “My dear, I already have!” I said, “Eleanor, listen to what he’s saying. He’s already invited Jesus into his life!”
I talked to him, explaining the plan of salvation, and giving him some scriptural assurances to make certain he understood. He did! Over the next few days we visited and prayed with him several times. Soon the doctors told Russ that he should take Fred to a convalescent home where he could receive better care during his last days. Knowing that he would not be able to attend church again, I suggested that we have a baptism and Communion service in his room. The Newcombs and his family all came. After the service, Grandpa told his daughter Pat, “Honey, all across the years, you have been a creationist and I have been an evolutionist; you have been a believer and I have been an agnostic. You have been a Christian, I have been a sinner. I have now joined the ranks of Christianity! I too am a creationist and a believer.” A few days later, he was home with Jesus. I officiated at his funeral service, which was a beautiful tribute to a special man.
This is a testimony of the awesome power of intercessory prayer. The Newcombs and I prayed for, and witnessed to, Grandpa for nearly twenty years. We never gave up on him. He was ninety-two when he was born as a babe in Christ. As long as people draw breath, there’s hope. Intercessory prayer keeps persons we love before the throne of the God, whose purpose is to draw them to himself in love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. The true spirit of intercession keeps us praying for those who are dear to us until…until we see our prayers in their behalf answered.
Lord, this kind of prayer isn’t easy. It’s difficult to follow through with a commitment to pray for others, for I often face more difficulties and setbacks of my own than I can handle. Yet it’s true that when I enter deeply into the needs, hurts and concerns of others, I begin to find my own needs, hurts, and concerns being met, healed, and fulfilled. For when I bring other persons before your throne, I too am escorted into your healing presence where I can be touched at the very core of my being. Since your heart, Lord, is large enough to embrace the entire universe” certainly there is room there for me and for those you have entrusted to my care. Empower me, Lord, to be faithful in intercessory prayer. In the name of the One who is my strength, my help, my shield, my source—my Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. It’s about Transforming Hearts…Transforming Lives! Amen.
Dr. Sam Bruce; President, Sam & Sandie Bruce Ministries; Pastor, Hope Point Church, Pearl, Mississippi; Online Instructor, Mid-America Christian University, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
They called him Grandpa Rogers. I first met him when he was about seventy-seven at my first Thanksgiving dinner in the Newcombs’ home overlooking Millerton Lake in the Sierra Mountains above Madera, California. He was a brilliant successful lawyer and land developer. He was an avowed agnostic. A staunch advocate of evolution, he had neither desire nor time for God, and he most certainly did not believe in creation. However, through his relationship with the Newcomb family, Fred became a friend of mine. He took me duck hunting and fishing. We had wonderful times together, talking about law, politics, farming, hunting, fishing, psychology, current events, and education. But as I moved the conversation toward Christ, he would move it in a different direction. So, for fifteen years, the Newcombs and I prayed for him.
Eleanor said Grandpa Rogers had cancer and that we needed to visit him. As we entered, Eleanor said, with urgency, “Grandpa, I brought Pastor Sam to see you. He’s going to tell you how to ask Jesus into your life so you can go to heaven. Listen carefully to what he says, because heaven will not be complete for us if you’re not there!” He broke in to her sentence and patted her on the cheek, and said with a smile, “My dear, I already have!” I said, “Eleanor, listen to what he’s saying. He’s already invited Jesus into his life!”
I talked to him, explaining the plan of salvation, and giving him some scriptural assurances to make certain he understood. He did! Over the next few days we visited and prayed with him several times. Soon the doctors told Russ that he should take Fred to a convalescent home where he could receive better care during his last days. Knowing that he would not be able to attend church again, I suggested that we have a baptism and Communion service in his room. The Newcombs and his family all came. After the service, Grandpa told his daughter Pat, “Honey, all across the years, you have been a creationist and I have been an evolutionist; you have been a believer and I have been an agnostic. You have been a Christian, I have been a sinner. I have now joined the ranks of Christianity! I too am a creationist and a believer.” A few days later, he was home with Jesus. I officiated at his funeral service, which was a beautiful tribute to a special man.
This is a testimony of the awesome power of intercessory prayer. The Newcombs and I prayed for, and witnessed to, Grandpa for nearly twenty years. We never gave up on him. He was ninety-two when he was born as a babe in Christ. As long as people draw breath, there’s hope. Intercessory prayer keeps persons we love before the throne of the God, whose purpose is to draw them to himself in love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. The true spirit of intercession keeps us praying for those who are dear to us until…until we see our prayers in their behalf answered.
Lord, this kind of prayer isn’t easy. It’s difficult to follow through with a commitment to pray for others, for I often face more difficulties and setbacks of my own than I can handle. Yet it’s true that when I enter deeply into the needs, hurts and concerns of others, I begin to find my own needs, hurts, and concerns being met, healed, and fulfilled. For when I bring other persons before your throne, I too am escorted into your healing presence where I can be touched at the very core of my being. Since your heart, Lord, is large enough to embrace the entire universe” certainly there is room there for me and for those you have entrusted to my care. Empower me, Lord, to be faithful in intercessory prayer. In the name of the One who is my strength, my help, my shield, my source—my Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. It’s about Transforming Hearts…Transforming Lives! Amen.
Dr. Sam Bruce; President, Sam & Sandie Bruce Ministries; Pastor, Hope Point Church, Pearl, Mississippi; Online Instructor, Mid-America Christian University, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
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