TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2 by Os Hillman
Wednesday, June 30 2010
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27).
I have discovered a pattern in the way God speaks to me when I'm faced with major decisions. I will spend a great deal of time seeking direction from Him and asking Him to speak to me regarding a decision. I spend time in prayer and Bible study. Many times I have suddenly had a rush over me with an overwhelming feeling of His presence. The feeling is usually so intense I will begin to cry, sometimes uncontrollably. (Thank God this doesn't happen too often, because it is rather embarrassing in a public setting.)
I recall one time when I was praying about whether I should make a commitment to work for a ministry that would involve at least a one-year commitment. It seemed like the right thing, but I was still awaiting confirmation. One morning during my quiet time, the situation I just described came over me. Angie walked into the room to find me crying. (She always laughs when this happens and says there's nothing like seeing a grown man cry.) I told her God was telling me to enter into a working relationship with this ministry. It was a great release in my spirit and confirmation of what I was to do. Two years later, I was able to look back and see that God had led that decision which resulted in much fruit.
One night as the famous Bible teacher F. B. Meyer stood on the deck of a ship approaching land, he wondered how the crew knew when and how to safely steer to the dock. It was a stormy night, and visibility was low. Meyer, standing on the bridge and peering through the window, asked "Captain, how do you know when to turn this ship into that narrow harbor?"
"That's an art," replied the captain. "Do you see those three red lights on the shore? When they're all in a straight line I go right in!"
Later Meyer said: "When we want to know God's will, there are three things which always occur: the inward impulse, the Word of God, and the trend of circumstances. Never act until these three things agree."
TGIF Copyright statement
© 2008. Today God Is First™ trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here. To contact Os Hillman, send email to: oshillman@marketplaceleaders.org
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Martha's Bad Rap
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2 by Os Hillman
Thursday, November 05 2009
"As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead" (James 2:26).
Martha has been unfairly criticized in the history of the Church. Mary and Martha were entertaining Jesus in their home when Martha complained to Jesus about Mary simply sitting at the feet of Jesus rather than assisting her with the needs of the meal. Many a preacher has condemned Martha for her focus on doing rather than sitting at the feet of Jesus as Mary did. However, let me ask you an important question. Who would you rather hire Mary or Martha?
I can tell you I would rather hire Martha in my business. There are times in the body of Christ where we simply come and worship and fail to activate our faith lives in practical expression. The truth is we need to model both Mary and Martha in our Christian lives. There are times when we are called to sit at the feet of Jesus and worship Him. But we must always have an outlet of expressing the love of God through practical deeds. This is the point of contact to the world for the gospel.
My friends Dennis and Megan Doyle are committed believers who own one of the largest commercial real estate companies in Minnesota. After noticing that many corporations had overstocks and overruns of merchandise and food that could be used to help the poor, they began to collaborate with corporations to get the excess goods for distribution through various ministries in the Minneapolis area, the nation and the world. The ministry, called Hope for the City, became very successful and has given more than $300 million in the past three years.
We all need to model both aspects of the lives of Mary and Martha. And we all need a point of expression of our faith that the world can see. What type of expression might He call you to have?
© 2008. Today God Is First™ trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
To contact Os Hillman, send email to: oshillman@marketplaceleaders.org
Thursday, November 05 2009
"As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead" (James 2:26).
Martha has been unfairly criticized in the history of the Church. Mary and Martha were entertaining Jesus in their home when Martha complained to Jesus about Mary simply sitting at the feet of Jesus rather than assisting her with the needs of the meal. Many a preacher has condemned Martha for her focus on doing rather than sitting at the feet of Jesus as Mary did. However, let me ask you an important question. Who would you rather hire Mary or Martha?
I can tell you I would rather hire Martha in my business. There are times in the body of Christ where we simply come and worship and fail to activate our faith lives in practical expression. The truth is we need to model both Mary and Martha in our Christian lives. There are times when we are called to sit at the feet of Jesus and worship Him. But we must always have an outlet of expressing the love of God through practical deeds. This is the point of contact to the world for the gospel.
My friends Dennis and Megan Doyle are committed believers who own one of the largest commercial real estate companies in Minnesota. After noticing that many corporations had overstocks and overruns of merchandise and food that could be used to help the poor, they began to collaborate with corporations to get the excess goods for distribution through various ministries in the Minneapolis area, the nation and the world. The ministry, called Hope for the City, became very successful and has given more than $300 million in the past three years.
We all need to model both aspects of the lives of Mary and Martha. And we all need a point of expression of our faith that the world can see. What type of expression might He call you to have?
© 2008. Today God Is First™ trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
To contact Os Hillman, send email to: oshillman@marketplaceleaders.org
Friday, April 17, 2009
City Transformation Begins in Two Places
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2 by Os Hillman
Friday, April 17 2009
"While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there" (Acts 17:16-18).
In order to transform a city or nation, it must take place in two areas; the marketplace and the local church. Paul was burdened for Athens when he saw all of the idols in his city. So, he began a strategy to win back his city by preaching in both the synagogue to the religious leaders and Jews and also in the marketplace every day.
The Old Testament records reveal that even at the time of the temple construction it was clear that foundations must be built through the marketplace and the synagogue. "He erected the pillars in the front of the temple, one to the south and one to the north. The one to the south he named Jakin and the one to the north Boaz" (Chron 3:15-17). Jakin was a priest of the Lord that represented the spiritual foundation of the Church. Boaz represented the strength of the marketplace and its role to have impact on the society through workplace ministers, or kings.
God is moving today in cities across the world through collaborative coalitions made up of priests, kings and intercessors. This is a city transformation trinity that the Holy Spirit is forming to rid our cities of idols and to restore the spiritual foundations.
When we begin to equip and release those in the workplace to fulfill their godly roles in business, government, media, arts/entertainment, and education we will begin to see the idols in our cities removed. Pray that God raises up Godly workplace leaders who will lead with a biblical worldview.
© 2008. Today God Is First™ trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
To contact Os Hillman, send email to: oshillman@marketplaceleaders.org
Friday, April 17 2009
"While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there" (Acts 17:16-18).
In order to transform a city or nation, it must take place in two areas; the marketplace and the local church. Paul was burdened for Athens when he saw all of the idols in his city. So, he began a strategy to win back his city by preaching in both the synagogue to the religious leaders and Jews and also in the marketplace every day.
The Old Testament records reveal that even at the time of the temple construction it was clear that foundations must be built through the marketplace and the synagogue. "He erected the pillars in the front of the temple, one to the south and one to the north. The one to the south he named Jakin and the one to the north Boaz" (Chron 3:15-17). Jakin was a priest of the Lord that represented the spiritual foundation of the Church. Boaz represented the strength of the marketplace and its role to have impact on the society through workplace ministers, or kings.
God is moving today in cities across the world through collaborative coalitions made up of priests, kings and intercessors. This is a city transformation trinity that the Holy Spirit is forming to rid our cities of idols and to restore the spiritual foundations.
When we begin to equip and release those in the workplace to fulfill their godly roles in business, government, media, arts/entertainment, and education we will begin to see the idols in our cities removed. Pray that God raises up Godly workplace leaders who will lead with a biblical worldview.
© 2008. Today God Is First™ trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
To contact Os Hillman, send email to: oshillman@marketplaceleaders.org
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The Integrity Test
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2 by Os Hillman
Tuesday, April 07 2009
"God, who gets invited to dinner at your place? How do we get on your guest list? 'Walk straight, act right, and tell the truth. Don't hurt your friend, don't blame your neighbor; despise the despicable. Keep your word even when it costs you, make an honest living, and never take a bribe. You'll never get blacklisted if you live like this.'" (Psalm 15 :1 THE MESSAGE).
In 2002, U.S. companies Arthur Andersen, Enron, and Salomon Brothers were all brought down by the rogue actions of a few who failed the integrity test. Their corporate integrity code failed to equip front-line employees to make the right decisions without supervision.
Lack of integrity is nothing new. The Bible is full of examples. One of these involves Gehazi, the assistant to the most famous prophet of his day, Elisha. It's hard to imagine that anyone working with such an anointed man who saw firsthand the power of God would fail the integrity test. But he did.
When Elisha healed Naaman (a general in the army) from leprosy, he didn't expect to be compensated and he didn't ask for money. When Naaman insisted that Elisha take some form of payment, the prophet answered, "As surely as the Lord lives, whom I serve, I will not accept a thing" (2 Kings 5:16). Gehazi, however, did not agree with his employer. He saw this as a great opportunity for gain and took matters into his own hands. "Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said to himself, 'My master was too easy on Naaman, this Aramean, by not accepting from him what he brought. As surely as the Lord lives, I will run after him and get something from him'" (2 Kings 5:20).
As a result of his sin, God judged Gehazi. Elisha fired him and God struck him with leprosy, and his life was never the same. He was removed from serving one of God's most extraordinary prophets.
Each of us has the potential of being a Gehazi if we do not have a foundation built into our lives that makes us willing to receive only what God gives us through the fruit of our obedience.
Ask God to keep your motives pure in all you do.
© 2008. Today God Is First™ trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
To contact Os Hillman, send email to: oshillman@marketplaceleaders.org
Tuesday, April 07 2009
"God, who gets invited to dinner at your place? How do we get on your guest list? 'Walk straight, act right, and tell the truth. Don't hurt your friend, don't blame your neighbor; despise the despicable. Keep your word even when it costs you, make an honest living, and never take a bribe. You'll never get blacklisted if you live like this.'" (Psalm 15 :1 THE MESSAGE).
In 2002, U.S. companies Arthur Andersen, Enron, and Salomon Brothers were all brought down by the rogue actions of a few who failed the integrity test. Their corporate integrity code failed to equip front-line employees to make the right decisions without supervision.
Lack of integrity is nothing new. The Bible is full of examples. One of these involves Gehazi, the assistant to the most famous prophet of his day, Elisha. It's hard to imagine that anyone working with such an anointed man who saw firsthand the power of God would fail the integrity test. But he did.
When Elisha healed Naaman (a general in the army) from leprosy, he didn't expect to be compensated and he didn't ask for money. When Naaman insisted that Elisha take some form of payment, the prophet answered, "As surely as the Lord lives, whom I serve, I will not accept a thing" (2 Kings 5:16). Gehazi, however, did not agree with his employer. He saw this as a great opportunity for gain and took matters into his own hands. "Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said to himself, 'My master was too easy on Naaman, this Aramean, by not accepting from him what he brought. As surely as the Lord lives, I will run after him and get something from him'" (2 Kings 5:20).
As a result of his sin, God judged Gehazi. Elisha fired him and God struck him with leprosy, and his life was never the same. He was removed from serving one of God's most extraordinary prophets.
Each of us has the potential of being a Gehazi if we do not have a foundation built into our lives that makes us willing to receive only what God gives us through the fruit of our obedience.
Ask God to keep your motives pure in all you do.
© 2008. Today God Is First™ trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
To contact Os Hillman, send email to: oshillman@marketplaceleaders.org
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Protection Prayer Against Failure to Trust in God
Let us watch and pray,
lest there be in any of us an evil heart of unbelief;
lest we depart in our most secret thought from simple faith in the living God;
lest beneath a fair exterior we yield our jewel of faith to the solicitation of some unholy passion.
Let us especially set a watch at our strongest point. Just because we are so confident of being strong there, we are liable to leave it unguarded and unwatched, and therefore open to the foe. So shall we be saved from a fall that shall shut the gates of Canaan against us, and consign us to an unknown and untimely grave.
* Taken from Moses by F. B. Meyer, pp. 178-179, published by Christian Literature Crusade.
Reflecting on this prayer in light of Moses' failure to enter Canaan because he did not trust in God at Waters of Meribah brings out the criticality of our trust in Him regardless how big or small our tasks may be.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Obeying the Spirit of God
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Friday, March 13 2009
"Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, 'Go south to the road - the desert road - that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.'" - Acts 8:26
© 2008. Today God Is First™ trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
To contact Os Hillman, send email to: oshillman@marketplaceleaders.org
Friday, March 13 2009
"Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, 'Go south to the road - the desert road - that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.'" - Acts 8:26
Philip was conducting what we might today call a revival meeting. God was blessing the meeting, and many were being healed and delivered from demonic influence. Here is the scene:
Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed. So there was great joy in that city (Acts 8:5-8).
And yet, in the midst of this great event, the Holy Spirit spoke to Philip and told him to remove himself and go to a completely different area to speak to one individual. Philip was so sensitive to the directive of the Holy Spirit that he left what would be deemed a successful event to go speak to another - an Ethiopian eunuch. The result of his obedience was that Philip led the eunuch to faith in Christ and baptized him. The Lord then took Philip away supernaturally to another region many miles away.
God's ways of determining where we invest our time and energy often have little to do with results. The danger for each of us is to determine that we are in the center of God's will simply by the success or failure of the events we are involved in. Our plumb line for determining success can be only one thing: obedience. Philip responded in obedience to the direction of the Holy Spirit.
Are you listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit? Has God prompted you to speak, go, or come alongside another? Ask God today to help you hear the Holy Spirit's voice so that you might be used mightily in your workplace.
© 2008. Today God Is First™ trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
To contact Os Hillman, send email to: oshillman@marketplaceleaders.org
Thursday, February 19, 2009
When Satan Attacks Your Destiny
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2 by Os Hillman
Monday, February 16 2009
"When the Philistines heard that David had been crowned king of Israel, they tried to capture him; but David was told that they were coming and went into the stronghold. The Philistines arrived and spread out across the valley of Rephaim. Then David asked the Lord, 'Shall I go out and fight against them? Will you defeat them for me?'" (2 Sam 5:17-19).
When you are about to enter your destiny, there is always opposition from Satan designed to prevent you from fulfilling your destiny.
When Jesus was born, Herod tried to kill him. When Jesus was baptized and fasted 40 days, Satan came to tempt Him in an effort to derail his destiny. When David had been anointed king over Israel, God's destiny had been revealed for all to see-even Satan. So, Satan raised up the Philistines to try and kill David's destiny.
However, in response, we see David do two things. First, he retreats to his stronghold. It is a place of protection. It is a quiet place. Second, he inquires of God. It is here that he inquires of God for the strategy to defeat his enemy. God reveals it to him and he goes on to defeat the Philistines. In fact, David NEVER lost a battle because he learned to inquire of God for the strategy to defeat his enemies.
Do you know God's intended destiny for your life? Beware of Satan's strategy to attack you in the place of your destiny. His desire is to take you off this divine path.
We must follow David's example in response to the enemy of our souls. We must retreat to our stronghold, seek the Lord, and listen for His answer. Then, we will fulfill the purpose for which God created us.
© 2000. Today God Is First™ trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
To contact Os Hillman, send email to: oshillman@marketplaceleaders.org
Monday, February 16 2009
"When the Philistines heard that David had been crowned king of Israel, they tried to capture him; but David was told that they were coming and went into the stronghold. The Philistines arrived and spread out across the valley of Rephaim. Then David asked the Lord, 'Shall I go out and fight against them? Will you defeat them for me?'" (2 Sam 5:17-19).
When you are about to enter your destiny, there is always opposition from Satan designed to prevent you from fulfilling your destiny.
When Jesus was born, Herod tried to kill him. When Jesus was baptized and fasted 40 days, Satan came to tempt Him in an effort to derail his destiny. When David had been anointed king over Israel, God's destiny had been revealed for all to see-even Satan. So, Satan raised up the Philistines to try and kill David's destiny.
However, in response, we see David do two things. First, he retreats to his stronghold. It is a place of protection. It is a quiet place. Second, he inquires of God. It is here that he inquires of God for the strategy to defeat his enemy. God reveals it to him and he goes on to defeat the Philistines. In fact, David NEVER lost a battle because he learned to inquire of God for the strategy to defeat his enemies.
Do you know God's intended destiny for your life? Beware of Satan's strategy to attack you in the place of your destiny. His desire is to take you off this divine path.
We must follow David's example in response to the enemy of our souls. We must retreat to our stronghold, seek the Lord, and listen for His answer. Then, we will fulfill the purpose for which God created us.
© 2000. Today God Is First™ trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
To contact Os Hillman, send email to: oshillman@marketplaceleaders.org
Friday, January 09, 2009
When Your Sails No Longer Have Wind
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2 by Os Hillman
Friday, January 09 2009
He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven (Ps 107:29-30).
Imagine for a moment you began an exciting sailing adventure. You've been trained to navigate and sail on the ocean and be ready should trouble arise. You are confident you can handle the challenge. However, midway in the journey your resources have dried up. It almost seems God has intentionally destroyed all the skills you have to deal with the weather and the obstacles and your sails are now damaged. Even your engine has broken down. And to make matters even worse, your oars were lost overboard. You are stuck in the middle of the ocean and there is no wind to propel your boat. You are, as they say, "up the creek without a paddle."
All of this leads you to the end of yourself and you say, "Lord, I don't know why you brought me out here only to die." The silence is deafening.
Finally, the Lord speaks, "Yes, you are right. I did bring you out here. I did destroy your sails. I did break your engine. And yes, I do want you dead. Not in a physical sense, mind you, but in a spiritual sense. In order that you may LIVE."
"You see my child, you are nothing without Me. You cannot do anything without my grace and power in your life." The sailor quietly yields. Suddenly, a gentle wave lifts the front of the boat. An easterly wind blows through the broken sail moving the boat in the right direction. You realize God is moving your boat! Your role now is to steer it.
Do your sails no longer have wind to move you? Is your engine broken? Does it feel like God has propelled you into the open sea only to stop midway with no options? Perhaps He is saying it is time to die in order that He might live through you. Give the Lord total control today and you will see His wind moving through your tattered sails.
© 2000. Today God Is First™ trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
To contact Os Hillman, send email to: oshillman@marketplaceleaders.org
Friday, January 09 2009
He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven (Ps 107:29-30).
Imagine for a moment you began an exciting sailing adventure. You've been trained to navigate and sail on the ocean and be ready should trouble arise. You are confident you can handle the challenge. However, midway in the journey your resources have dried up. It almost seems God has intentionally destroyed all the skills you have to deal with the weather and the obstacles and your sails are now damaged. Even your engine has broken down. And to make matters even worse, your oars were lost overboard. You are stuck in the middle of the ocean and there is no wind to propel your boat. You are, as they say, "up the creek without a paddle."
All of this leads you to the end of yourself and you say, "Lord, I don't know why you brought me out here only to die." The silence is deafening.
Finally, the Lord speaks, "Yes, you are right. I did bring you out here. I did destroy your sails. I did break your engine. And yes, I do want you dead. Not in a physical sense, mind you, but in a spiritual sense. In order that you may LIVE."
"You see my child, you are nothing without Me. You cannot do anything without my grace and power in your life." The sailor quietly yields. Suddenly, a gentle wave lifts the front of the boat. An easterly wind blows through the broken sail moving the boat in the right direction. You realize God is moving your boat! Your role now is to steer it.
Do your sails no longer have wind to move you? Is your engine broken? Does it feel like God has propelled you into the open sea only to stop midway with no options? Perhaps He is saying it is time to die in order that He might live through you. Give the Lord total control today and you will see His wind moving through your tattered sails.
© 2000. Today God Is First™ trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
To contact Os Hillman, send email to: oshillman@marketplaceleaders.org
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Redefining Double Whammy
Since the beginning of this school year, my Bible Study class (called BSF) has been going through the very familiar section of the Bible where Moses leads the Israelites out of Egypt into the Promised Land of Canaan. Despite the familiarity of this story, as we focus on the Life of Moses it has been bringing out different levels of understanding the same story from a new perspective. So, I've been enjoying these lessons so far.
On this Saturday (11/1/2008) morning I began my usual routine of attending the BSF leadership meeting at 6:55am in Menlo Park and then had to head out early to my son's 8am soccer game in Palo Alto in the first rainy day of this winter season in California. I pulled over a hooded rain jacket to keep myself dry while the boys ran hard in the light rain on the artificial grass field. Then I got a call from my aunt.
She conveyed to me that my first out of five uncles passed away in Korea. He never woke up from the night's sleep. In recent months this uncle and I were very actively exchanging email mainly because he loves to take & send pictures of my parents and others almost like a picture journalist would. And my last email to him was that my family should be the next one spending time with him so we can be in his pictures too. Not only that his children (my cousins) and I are close in age we used to hang out practically like a family when I grew up. Needless to say he and I were pretty close.
My thoughts:
Wow, I guess I am getting old now that I am facing more deaths than weddings and baby showers; and this is the first encounter of death for someone very close to me ...
... so I thought until I got the next phone call about an hour later while watching my daughter's game.
The caller ID was my sister's # but her husband was on the line. He conveyed to me that about 9am ET, my sister did not wake from her sleep rest she took in the morning because she did not get a good night's sleep. She was fighting breast cancer but we thought the condition was not critical. My first response on the phone was: "What? Can you say that again because it's a bit noisy here and I might not have heard you correctly."
Don't you just know the moment when you could stop the time or even reverse it a little? This was that moment. How can this be?
Talk about an impact. Many thoughts rushed through my mind but I put them on pause and watched the rest of the game just to settle my mind a little so I can reflect on the lessons from the Life of Moses which are fresh in my mind because deep inside I knew God was still in full control of my life as well as my sister's and uncle's lives and He had allowed these events to happen for a special cause.
Remember that BSF leadership meeting I attended earlier? There I had shared my lesson plan for my high school class which focused on an introductory concept from how eagles train their eaglets to fly:
As eagle's position their nests on high elevation the mother eagle basically pushes the young eaglet off precipice while the father watches from above and before the eaglet hits the bottom he swoops down with incredible speed to catch with huge wings. The eaglet cannot fall faster than the father can fly. We are going to see a similar training carried out by God where He tests his people's faith on His amazing power through what seems to be deadly situations to His people.
Could God have prepared my mind through my preparation of this teaching lesson? That even though I would be experiencing the free-falling myself that I would be prompted to the picture of the father eagle swooping up the eaglet and that's exactly how God was going to do with me? Yes, I believe so!
All these, however, does not remove or lessen the pain going through me, but allow me to get my bearings straight while getting comforted. And that's where I am right now.
I will be flying to Korea tomorrow so I may attend my uncle's funeral service as well as to comfort my parents' grieving process. And because of the time constraints my brother will attend my sister's funeral service in East Coast. I would be a liar if I said I know exactly what I'm doing now but with all the prayer support from many friends/families, I am quite certain God knows what is best for me in this situation and is guiding me every step of the way.
I'm so grateful for my own family -- my wife, my three children -- which God placed me into because we are all encouraging each other to look to God during this time of confusion and pain in double whammy capacity!
On this Saturday (11/1/2008) morning I began my usual routine of attending the BSF leadership meeting at 6:55am in Menlo Park and then had to head out early to my son's 8am soccer game in Palo Alto in the first rainy day of this winter season in California. I pulled over a hooded rain jacket to keep myself dry while the boys ran hard in the light rain on the artificial grass field. Then I got a call from my aunt.
She conveyed to me that my first out of five uncles passed away in Korea. He never woke up from the night's sleep. In recent months this uncle and I were very actively exchanging email mainly because he loves to take & send pictures of my parents and others almost like a picture journalist would. And my last email to him was that my family should be the next one spending time with him so we can be in his pictures too. Not only that his children (my cousins) and I are close in age we used to hang out practically like a family when I grew up. Needless to say he and I were pretty close.
My thoughts:
Wow, I guess I am getting old now that I am facing more deaths than weddings and baby showers; and this is the first encounter of death for someone very close to me ...
... so I thought until I got the next phone call about an hour later while watching my daughter's game.
The caller ID was my sister's # but her husband was on the line. He conveyed to me that about 9am ET, my sister did not wake from her sleep rest she took in the morning because she did not get a good night's sleep. She was fighting breast cancer but we thought the condition was not critical. My first response on the phone was: "What? Can you say that again because it's a bit noisy here and I might not have heard you correctly."
Don't you just know the moment when you could stop the time or even reverse it a little? This was that moment. How can this be?
Talk about an impact. Many thoughts rushed through my mind but I put them on pause and watched the rest of the game just to settle my mind a little so I can reflect on the lessons from the Life of Moses which are fresh in my mind because deep inside I knew God was still in full control of my life as well as my sister's and uncle's lives and He had allowed these events to happen for a special cause.
Remember that BSF leadership meeting I attended earlier? There I had shared my lesson plan for my high school class which focused on an introductory concept from how eagles train their eaglets to fly:
As eagle's position their nests on high elevation the mother eagle basically pushes the young eaglet off precipice while the father watches from above and before the eaglet hits the bottom he swoops down with incredible speed to catch with huge wings. The eaglet cannot fall faster than the father can fly. We are going to see a similar training carried out by God where He tests his people's faith on His amazing power through what seems to be deadly situations to His people.
Could God have prepared my mind through my preparation of this teaching lesson? That even though I would be experiencing the free-falling myself that I would be prompted to the picture of the father eagle swooping up the eaglet and that's exactly how God was going to do with me? Yes, I believe so!
All these, however, does not remove or lessen the pain going through me, but allow me to get my bearings straight while getting comforted. And that's where I am right now.
I will be flying to Korea tomorrow so I may attend my uncle's funeral service as well as to comfort my parents' grieving process. And because of the time constraints my brother will attend my sister's funeral service in East Coast. I would be a liar if I said I know exactly what I'm doing now but with all the prayer support from many friends/families, I am quite certain God knows what is best for me in this situation and is guiding me every step of the way.
I'm so grateful for my own family -- my wife, my three children -- which God placed me into because we are all encouraging each other to look to God during this time of confusion and pain in double whammy capacity!
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Mount Horeb
Mount Horeb
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Thursday, October 09 2008
"So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he
traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the
mountain of God." 1 Kings 19:8
Elijah and Moses were men of great zeal. They were passionate about
their causes. Moses sought to free the Hebrews from the tyranny of
slavery by killing an Egyptian with his own hand. Elijah, after
calling down fire on the evil prophets of Baal, found himself spent
physically and emotionally to the point he asked God to take his
life.
Immediately after these two events, 500 years apart from one another,
both men were led to the same Mount Horeb, the mountain of God. In
Hebrew, Horeb means "desolation." This barren environment mirrored
the condition of Moses and Elijah. For Moses, it was 40 years of
barrenness. For Elijah, it was 40 days without food. Elijah became
tired of standing alone for God.
As workplace believers we often become so focused on the goal we
forget to meet God at our own Mount Horeb. This was the place God met
both Moses and Elijah. It was a place of renewal, a place of new
beginnings, a place of personal encounter with the living God.
Perhaps Elijah's greatest virtue was his zeal. Indeed, we shall see
that twice in his communication with God, Elijah speaks of having
been "very zealous" for the Lord. But zeal, unattended eventually
becomes its own God; it compels us toward expectations, which are
unrealistic, and outside the timing and anointing of God. To remain
balanced, zeal must be reined in and harnessed by strategic
encounters with the living God. We otherwise become frustrated with
people and discouraged with delays. We step outside our place of
strength and spiritual protection. Many of us become so consumed with
our battles that we are no longer aware of the presence of Jesus. We
have been traveling in our own strength. [Francis Frangipane, Place
of Immunity (Cedar Rapids, Iowa: Arrow Publications, 1994), 5.]
Pray that Jesus will teach us that intimacy with Him is the greatest
measure of success. Lord, guide us to the mountain of Your presence.
© 2000. Today God Is First™ trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
To contact Os Hillman, send email to: oshillman@marketplaceleaders.org
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Be Careful Of What You Ask For
As most of you know, I've been traveling down to Los Angeles close to a year now to work at an Internet start-up company. I started to engage in part-time mode months before doing all the work remotely but then they needed to increase my hours just after I committed to volunteer for BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) as a Children Leader. So, I requested if flying down Wednesday through Friday (3 days/week) would work out and it was accepted. Even though this traveling schedule impacted every member of our family we felt this was where we needed to be and wanted to see where God was leading us toward.
Around January of 2008, my client requested whether I could be in LA Tuesday through Thursday to close the gap of being away Monday and Tuesday after the weekend. They understood that I had made a commitment to until May and I desired to fulfill my commitment and allowed that I fly down Monday and then return for Tuesday (to teach BSF on Tuesday night) and the fly back to LA for Wednesday & Thursday.
It was a bit hectic but by the grace of God I completed the BSF year and knew quite well that we as a family needed to make a plan during the summer to bring the family together and stop this "split" mode before the next school year. With the encouragement of BSF's Children Ministry Supervisor who told me he was praying that my company would move up to the Bay Area, our family began to ask God He would move indeed move the company up so that I may return to Menlo Park BSF this fall. The rest was in God's own timing.
As usual on one of the early mornings before the sun smiled into the Bay Area, I drive into the usual park-n-fly lot and hopped into the shuttle headed to SJC airport. Unlike the usual radio station I hear, I noticed some familiar tunes and soon realized it was K-LOVE (Christian station). Hey, that's a pretty cool! Afterwards being dropped off by Southwest Airline at LAX airport I got on another shuttle headed to the rental place and noticed a sign up front that put a smile on my face which read, "Your driver's name is: Jesus." :-)
The next day at our company managers' offsite meeting, I found out that the management is considering to move the company up to the Bay Area in order to better fit into the niche market we're in. Nothing's confirmed so at this point, it was a sign to pray harder!
Well, about a month or so later, the decision was reached to relocate the company up to the Silicon Valley, Bay Area. So the prayer must not cease at this point until the movers pick up our stuff from LA but according to the plan we should be relocated by October 2008 latest.
What's bottomline? Just be careful of what you ask from God because He may just grant it to reality. On the other hand, don't expect much from God if you do not ask for anything (James 4:2).
Around January of 2008, my client requested whether I could be in LA Tuesday through Thursday to close the gap of being away Monday and Tuesday after the weekend. They understood that I had made a commitment to until May and I desired to fulfill my commitment and allowed that I fly down Monday and then return for Tuesday (to teach BSF on Tuesday night) and the fly back to LA for Wednesday & Thursday.
It was a bit hectic but by the grace of God I completed the BSF year and knew quite well that we as a family needed to make a plan during the summer to bring the family together and stop this "split" mode before the next school year. With the encouragement of BSF's Children Ministry Supervisor who told me he was praying that my company would move up to the Bay Area, our family began to ask God He would move indeed move the company up so that I may return to Menlo Park BSF this fall. The rest was in God's own timing.
As usual on one of the early mornings before the sun smiled into the Bay Area, I drive into the usual park-n-fly lot and hopped into the shuttle headed to SJC airport. Unlike the usual radio station I hear, I noticed some familiar tunes and soon realized it was K-LOVE (Christian station). Hey, that's a pretty cool! Afterwards being dropped off by Southwest Airline at LAX airport I got on another shuttle headed to the rental place and noticed a sign up front that put a smile on my face which read, "Your driver's name is: Jesus." :-)
The next day at our company managers' offsite meeting, I found out that the management is considering to move the company up to the Bay Area in order to better fit into the niche market we're in. Nothing's confirmed so at this point, it was a sign to pray harder!
Well, about a month or so later, the decision was reached to relocate the company up to the Silicon Valley, Bay Area. So the prayer must not cease at this point until the movers pick up our stuff from LA but according to the plan we should be relocated by October 2008 latest.
What's bottomline? Just be careful of what you ask from God because He may just grant it to reality. On the other hand, don't expect much from God if you do not ask for anything (James 4:2).
He Had Such Great Potential
He Had Such Great Potential
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2 by Os Hillman
Tuesday, July 08 2008
"Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and
drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright"
(Gen 25:34).
Have you ever heard someone say, "Oh, he had such great potential? He
never lived up to it though."
Esau was the brother of Jacob. He was a man who had great potential.
He was skilled in almost everything he did. He was a hunter. He was a
leader. He came from a Godly patriarch family. He could do just about
anything he put his mind to. The problem was, he put his energies in
all the wrong places. The Bible says he was a lady's man too. He was
promiscuous and married outside the tribe. His parents were greatly
saddened by the direction his life was taking.
During a moment of weakness, Esau made the greatest mistake of his
life when he traded away his birthright for a simple meal. He had
just returned from a time of hunting and he was hungry. His brother
was making stew but would not give him any. Esau was angered by this
and negotiated for what he wanted by agreeing to give Jacob his
family inheritance. It seems almost unbelievable that Esau would do
such a thing.
Esau had not understood the value of his birthright or his future in
God. He could only see the immediate pleasures available to him. His
appetites were driven by his flesh. And his choices led to a life
that even God said He despised in Esau. Everyday there are Esaus
living out their calling in the same way. They see the fruits that
their professional life can give them. They make choices based on
what seems right at the moment for immediate gratification. The Bible
says there is a way that seems right but only leads to death.
God has a future and a plan for every person. But not every person
will choose to follow this plan. Pray for those you encounter today
that are still living as Esaus and ask God to move on their behalf in
order that they fulfill their Godly heritage.
© 2008. Today God Is First™ trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
To contact Os Hillman, send email to: oshillman@marketplaceleaders.org
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2 by Os Hillman
Tuesday, July 08 2008
"Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and
drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright"
(Gen 25:34).
Have you ever heard someone say, "Oh, he had such great potential? He
never lived up to it though."
Esau was the brother of Jacob. He was a man who had great potential.
He was skilled in almost everything he did. He was a hunter. He was a
leader. He came from a Godly patriarch family. He could do just about
anything he put his mind to. The problem was, he put his energies in
all the wrong places. The Bible says he was a lady's man too. He was
promiscuous and married outside the tribe. His parents were greatly
saddened by the direction his life was taking.
During a moment of weakness, Esau made the greatest mistake of his
life when he traded away his birthright for a simple meal. He had
just returned from a time of hunting and he was hungry. His brother
was making stew but would not give him any. Esau was angered by this
and negotiated for what he wanted by agreeing to give Jacob his
family inheritance. It seems almost unbelievable that Esau would do
such a thing.
Esau had not understood the value of his birthright or his future in
God. He could only see the immediate pleasures available to him. His
appetites were driven by his flesh. And his choices led to a life
that even God said He despised in Esau. Everyday there are Esaus
living out their calling in the same way. They see the fruits that
their professional life can give them. They make choices based on
what seems right at the moment for immediate gratification. The Bible
says there is a way that seems right but only leads to death.
God has a future and a plan for every person. But not every person
will choose to follow this plan. Pray for those you encounter today
that are still living as Esaus and ask God to move on their behalf in
order that they fulfill their Godly heritage.
© 2008. Today God Is First™ trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
To contact Os Hillman, send email to: oshillman@marketplaceleaders.org
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Performing Miracles With Your Staff
Performing Miracles With Your Staff
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Tuesday, June 03 2008
"But take this staff in your hand so you can perform miraculous signs with it." - Exodus 4:17
What is the staff God has put into your hand? Is it being a builder? Is it being an office worker? Is it being a doctor? Moses' staff represented his vocation as a shepherd. God had something in mind for his vocation - to perform miracles. And awesome miracles He did! God turned the Nile river into blood with the touch of the staff. He turned the staff into a snake. He parted the Red Sea with it. These are just a few of the miracles God did with that staff.
When we yield our talents and abilities to the Lord, God can perform miracles through them. First, Moses had to yield what He had in his hand to God. Only after this took place could God use that staff. As long as Moses held onto it, God could not and would not perform miracles through it.
Until we come to this place with our heavenly Father, we will fail to see miracles performed in our work. He delights in showing His power through us. When we become an open vessel, we can expect to see things happen.
Have you given your staff to the Lord? Offer it to Him and see what He might want to do through it. Your life will never be the same.
© 2008. Today God Is First™ trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Tuesday, June 03 2008
"But take this staff in your hand so you can perform miraculous signs with it." - Exodus 4:17
What is the staff God has put into your hand? Is it being a builder? Is it being an office worker? Is it being a doctor? Moses' staff represented his vocation as a shepherd. God had something in mind for his vocation - to perform miracles. And awesome miracles He did! God turned the Nile river into blood with the touch of the staff. He turned the staff into a snake. He parted the Red Sea with it. These are just a few of the miracles God did with that staff.
When we yield our talents and abilities to the Lord, God can perform miracles through them. First, Moses had to yield what He had in his hand to God. Only after this took place could God use that staff. As long as Moses held onto it, God could not and would not perform miracles through it.
Until we come to this place with our heavenly Father, we will fail to see miracles performed in our work. He delights in showing His power through us. When we become an open vessel, we can expect to see things happen.
Have you given your staff to the Lord? Offer it to Him and see what He might want to do through it. Your life will never be the same.
© 2008. Today God Is First™ trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
A Call to Prayer for Virginia Tech
[Received the following email from a friend]
My dear brothers and sisters:
I received this message today from my friends at Familylife and wanted to share this with each of you and ask that you all join us in a call to prayer tomorrow.
Below is a heartfelt message and I encourage each of you to read it and share it with someone not on this distribution. May God Bless Each One of You and May he Hold you all Ever Safe and protected in the face of Evil.
-----Original Message-----
From: FamilyLife [flannounce@familylife.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 18, 2007 1:46 PM
Subject: A Call to Prayer for Virginia Tech
Just one step of faith, that's all it took. Just one step of faith.
Yesterday my cell phone rang in the middle of the day. It was my daughter Laura. Nothing unusual about that.
What was unusual about the call was that my normally upbeat, positive daughter (a senior, just a month away from graduating from college) was down, and in a "funk."
All because of the Virginia Tech massacre on Monday morning. She wanted to do something.
As we talked, I read Laura a portion of the words from President Bush's address at the special service held at Virginia Tech on the day after the shootings. In his message the President quoted Romans 12:21:
"These sources of strength are also in the faith that sustains so
many of us. Across the town of Blacksburg and in towns all across
America, houses of worship from every faith have opened their
doors and have lifted you up in prayer. People who have never met
you are praying for you; they're praying for your friends who have
fallen and who are injured. There's a power in these prayers, real
power. In times like this, we can find comfort in the grace and
guidance of a loving God. As the Scriptures tell us, ‘Don't be
overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.'"
In our conversation I encouraged Laura to turn her grief heavenward and pray for those who have been impacted by evil.
Then I re-read Romans 12:21 to her: "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Laura replied, "But I'm just a college student, what could I do? I live off campus. I'm not in a dorm or sorority house on campus. What can I do?"
Reflecting on Laura's response, I think that most of us feel that way … I'm just a dad … or a mom … what can I do? The enemy of our souls loves it when we think this way. Doubt gives way to unbelief and ultimately results in paralysis. I'm reminded of British statesman Edmund Burke's warning, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
But a follower of Jesus Christ is more than "just" a college student, a dad, a mom. God made us to be children of the King who are empowered by Him to push back against the forces of evil that seek to destroy us and take away our hope.
The Scripture gives us resolute purpose: "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
I then challenged Laura to take the lead with a few student leaders on campus to join with her and organize a campus-wide prayer meeting Thursday for the Virginia Tech students, faculty and families.
There was silence on the phone.
After a few moments, my adventuresome, "go for it" daughter, Laura, declared, "I got it! I'm on it! I'll do it!"
I had a few more words of encouragement and we said goodbye. I concluded by asking her to keep me posted on what was going on.
Ten minutes later I was in a meeting and my cell phone rang. It was Laura. She had contacted her friend Ben, a fired-up Christ follower, as well as student leaders of various campus ministries. They all were "on it!" The campus-wide prayer meeting was scheduled at an outdoor amphitheater on campus for Thursday at 7 p.m. I told her how excited I was for her and the other students.
I jumped back in to my meeting and another ten minutes later the phone rang again. This time Laura told me that she had just sent the following e-mail to 12 student leaders on campuses across the country who are participating in an internship with her at The Falls Church in Falls Church, Va., beginning this fall:
All across the country students are feeling sad about the loss of life at Virginia Tech, and also thinking that it could have been me. I know I have thought that a couple of times while on campus today. I know that all of us have been and are praying for the students and families of Virginia Tech. I have called several of my friends and we are getting together on Thursday night at 7:00 to have a time of prayer for the students, families, faculty, and everyone that has been affected because of this tragedy. I just wanted to throw this out there to see if you all
would get together with your friends and fellow students, on your campus and pray together on Thursday. Our God is powerful and He can and will turn this evil into good!
I responded with a "Wow" and told Laura, "You go, girl!"
In the midst of all this, I thought of my friend and comrade, Mark Gauthier, the national director of the Campus Ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. So I wrote him and shared with him what Laura and students were doing on her campus.
Mark was pumped! So pumped that last night he sent an e-mail out to four thousand full time staff and student leaders on more than a thousand campuses here in the U.S. and even more in over 100 countries of the world.
By 8 a.m. today, Mark's inbox had over 200 responses from campus leaders all over the world, saying they will be calling for a campus-wide Call to Prayer for Virginia Tech. In fact, I was just told that the e-mails are streaming in so fast they can't keep up. Spiritually and virally, this thing has taken off with responses from London, East Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Italy, Sweden, and even North Africa (where three Virginia Tech grads lead the ministry). Many more will join.
Another group of college students who use Facebook online have responded by establishing a Facebook group to pray for Virginia Tech. Somehow mother's groups and churches have received the e-mail and they are calling for prayer. And another e-mail was sent to the leaders of other national campus ministry groups (Navigators, Intervarsity, Impact, etc.) inviting them to lead and call their students to prayer tomorrow. Bill Pugh, national director of Athletes in Action, has written his leaders
on several hundred campuses and many of those will be rallying students on their campus to pray.
I started forwarding e-mails to Laura this morning from all over the world and I just got off the phone with her. I told her how proud I was of her for taking one step of faith and saying "I'll do it!" I told her that her step of faith helped create something much bigger than anything we would have imagined. All she could say was "Wow! God is indeed powerful."
Wow, indeed.
As I write this, I am about to go into the studio to tell the story on our broadcast tomorrow and challenge several hundred thousand moms and dad, husbands and wives, and singles to join with us. I also decided to send this letter out to you, along with more than 165,000 stakeholders in FamilyLife all around the world, encouraging you and your family to join in the Call to Prayer. And take a step of faith and challenge at least one other person to do the same:
Find information about the tragedy and updates on how you can pray at Campus Crusade for Christ’s website dedicated to the tragedy at Virginia Tech. If you have any children in college, call and challenge them to organize a Call to Prayer for Virginia Tech tomorrow. Send them this
e-mail. They'll know how to get more information on Facebook.
And if you are unable to get a group together to pray, just pray where you are. Prayer is portable—you can join the movement tomorrow at lunch or at the dinner table with your family. But pray.
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Dennis
P.S. On my way to the office I was listening to the radio and just
heard of the Supreme Court's ruling to uphold the ban on partial birth
abortion. I have to admit I became emotional and immediately broke out
in a prayer of thanksgiving to God that He has given five Supreme Court
justices the courage to protect unborn life. Wow! I invite you to lead
your family in giving thanks to God for this historic decision (Psalm
118:8).
You are receiving this e-mail because you either gave your e-mail
address when you registered for a conference, filled out a conference
evaluation, made a donation or purchased a product from FamilyLife. This
newsletter is sent intermittently, but not more than once a week.
FamilyLife's mission is to effectively develop godly families who change
the world one home at a time. FamilyLife/Campus Crusade for Christ is a
501(c)(3) organization. All gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law.
To contact us, visit http://www.familylife.com/about/contact.asp; or write to FamilyLife, 5800 Ranch Drive, Little Rock, AR 72223.
Please do not hit "Reply" to this e-mail to send us your comments or
questions.
Copyright © 2007 FamilyLife. All rights reserved.
My dear brothers and sisters:
I received this message today from my friends at Familylife and wanted to share this with each of you and ask that you all join us in a call to prayer tomorrow.
- Pray for the families and friends of students who were killed—that they would turn to God for His comfort and strength. Four of the students were involved with Campus Crusade at Virginia Tech.
- Pray for the survivors of the shootings who witnessed the horrors of that day.
- Pray for God's grace and comfort.
- Pray for wisdom for the Campus Crusade staff and other campus ministers and pastors as they seek to counsel and love the hurting students.
Below is a heartfelt message and I encourage each of you to read it and share it with someone not on this distribution. May God Bless Each One of You and May he Hold you all Ever Safe and protected in the face of Evil.
-----Original Message-----
From: FamilyLife [flannounce@familylife.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 18, 2007 1:46 PM
Subject: A Call to Prayer for Virginia Tech
Just one step of faith, that's all it took. Just one step of faith.
Yesterday my cell phone rang in the middle of the day. It was my daughter Laura. Nothing unusual about that.
What was unusual about the call was that my normally upbeat, positive daughter (a senior, just a month away from graduating from college) was down, and in a "funk."
All because of the Virginia Tech massacre on Monday morning. She wanted to do something.
As we talked, I read Laura a portion of the words from President Bush's address at the special service held at Virginia Tech on the day after the shootings. In his message the President quoted Romans 12:21:
"These sources of strength are also in the faith that sustains so
many of us. Across the town of Blacksburg and in towns all across
America, houses of worship from every faith have opened their
doors and have lifted you up in prayer. People who have never met
you are praying for you; they're praying for your friends who have
fallen and who are injured. There's a power in these prayers, real
power. In times like this, we can find comfort in the grace and
guidance of a loving God. As the Scriptures tell us, ‘Don't be
overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.'"
In our conversation I encouraged Laura to turn her grief heavenward and pray for those who have been impacted by evil.
Then I re-read Romans 12:21 to her: "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Laura replied, "But I'm just a college student, what could I do? I live off campus. I'm not in a dorm or sorority house on campus. What can I do?"
Reflecting on Laura's response, I think that most of us feel that way … I'm just a dad … or a mom … what can I do? The enemy of our souls loves it when we think this way. Doubt gives way to unbelief and ultimately results in paralysis. I'm reminded of British statesman Edmund Burke's warning, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
But a follower of Jesus Christ is more than "just" a college student, a dad, a mom. God made us to be children of the King who are empowered by Him to push back against the forces of evil that seek to destroy us and take away our hope.
The Scripture gives us resolute purpose: "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
I then challenged Laura to take the lead with a few student leaders on campus to join with her and organize a campus-wide prayer meeting Thursday for the Virginia Tech students, faculty and families.
There was silence on the phone.
After a few moments, my adventuresome, "go for it" daughter, Laura, declared, "I got it! I'm on it! I'll do it!"
I had a few more words of encouragement and we said goodbye. I concluded by asking her to keep me posted on what was going on.
Ten minutes later I was in a meeting and my cell phone rang. It was Laura. She had contacted her friend Ben, a fired-up Christ follower, as well as student leaders of various campus ministries. They all were "on it!" The campus-wide prayer meeting was scheduled at an outdoor amphitheater on campus for Thursday at 7 p.m. I told her how excited I was for her and the other students.
I jumped back in to my meeting and another ten minutes later the phone rang again. This time Laura told me that she had just sent the following e-mail to 12 student leaders on campuses across the country who are participating in an internship with her at The Falls Church in Falls Church, Va., beginning this fall:
All across the country students are feeling sad about the loss of life at Virginia Tech, and also thinking that it could have been me. I know I have thought that a couple of times while on campus today. I know that all of us have been and are praying for the students and families of Virginia Tech. I have called several of my friends and we are getting together on Thursday night at 7:00 to have a time of prayer for the students, families, faculty, and everyone that has been affected because of this tragedy. I just wanted to throw this out there to see if you all
would get together with your friends and fellow students, on your campus and pray together on Thursday. Our God is powerful and He can and will turn this evil into good!
I responded with a "Wow" and told Laura, "You go, girl!"
In the midst of all this, I thought of my friend and comrade, Mark Gauthier, the national director of the Campus Ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. So I wrote him and shared with him what Laura and students were doing on her campus.
Mark was pumped! So pumped that last night he sent an e-mail out to four thousand full time staff and student leaders on more than a thousand campuses here in the U.S. and even more in over 100 countries of the world.
By 8 a.m. today, Mark's inbox had over 200 responses from campus leaders all over the world, saying they will be calling for a campus-wide Call to Prayer for Virginia Tech. In fact, I was just told that the e-mails are streaming in so fast they can't keep up. Spiritually and virally, this thing has taken off with responses from London, East Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Italy, Sweden, and even North Africa (where three Virginia Tech grads lead the ministry). Many more will join.
Another group of college students who use Facebook online have responded by establishing a Facebook group to pray for Virginia Tech. Somehow mother's groups and churches have received the e-mail and they are calling for prayer. And another e-mail was sent to the leaders of other national campus ministry groups (Navigators, Intervarsity, Impact, etc.) inviting them to lead and call their students to prayer tomorrow. Bill Pugh, national director of Athletes in Action, has written his leaders
on several hundred campuses and many of those will be rallying students on their campus to pray.
I started forwarding e-mails to Laura this morning from all over the world and I just got off the phone with her. I told her how proud I was of her for taking one step of faith and saying "I'll do it!" I told her that her step of faith helped create something much bigger than anything we would have imagined. All she could say was "Wow! God is indeed powerful."
Wow, indeed.
As I write this, I am about to go into the studio to tell the story on our broadcast tomorrow and challenge several hundred thousand moms and dad, husbands and wives, and singles to join with us. I also decided to send this letter out to you, along with more than 165,000 stakeholders in FamilyLife all around the world, encouraging you and your family to join in the Call to Prayer. And take a step of faith and challenge at least one other person to do the same:
- Pray for the families and friends of students who were killed—that they would turn to God for His comfort and strength. Four of the students were involved with Campus Crusade at Virginia Tech.
- Pray for the survivors of the shootings who witnessed the horrors of that day. Pray for God's grace and comfort.
- Pray for wisdom for the Campus Crusade staff and other campus ministers and pastors as they seek to counsel and love the hurting students.
Find information about the tragedy and updates on how you can pray at Campus Crusade for Christ’s website dedicated to the tragedy at Virginia Tech. If you have any children in college, call and challenge them to organize a Call to Prayer for Virginia Tech tomorrow. Send them this
e-mail. They'll know how to get more information on Facebook.
And if you are unable to get a group together to pray, just pray where you are. Prayer is portable—you can join the movement tomorrow at lunch or at the dinner table with your family. But pray.
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Dennis
P.S. On my way to the office I was listening to the radio and just
heard of the Supreme Court's ruling to uphold the ban on partial birth
abortion. I have to admit I became emotional and immediately broke out
in a prayer of thanksgiving to God that He has given five Supreme Court
justices the courage to protect unborn life. Wow! I invite you to lead
your family in giving thanks to God for this historic decision (Psalm
118:8).
You are receiving this e-mail because you either gave your e-mail
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Monday, March 05, 2007
Striving Versus Abiding
by Os Hillman, March 5, 2007
Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. - Psalm 127:1a
What does it mean for the Lord to build the house? It almost seems a contradiction when we consider that we might be the builders in this passage. God wants us to allow Him to build the house. He explains further:
Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat - for He grants sleep to those He loves (Psalm 127:1-2).
God is telling us there is a way of working without striving. There is a way to conduct business without sweating and toiling for outcome. His warning to each of us is to avoid thinking that outcome is based on our sweat and toil. Outcome is based on obedience. That outcome is sometimes more than we deserve. Sometimes it is less than we hoped for. His desire for each of us is to see Him working in our daily work life. He wants us to avoid looking to our own effort to gain an outcome.
One day Jesus called out to Peter from the shore of the lake and suggested he throw his net on the other side of the boat. It was this simple act of obedience that yielded a tremendous catch that he would not have received unless he obeyed.
We are called to work; He is called to bring forth the fruit. He is the vine. We are the branches. Fruit comes forth naturally from a healthy tree.
Today, ask God to show you when you enter into striving. Ask Him to show you the difference between loving trust and obedience and striving for outcome. It can be challenging for us to balance this in our daily work experience. He wants to help us walk in this freedom and rest.
© 2007. TGIF Today God Is First™ is a registered trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. - Psalm 127:1a
What does it mean for the Lord to build the house? It almost seems a contradiction when we consider that we might be the builders in this passage. God wants us to allow Him to build the house. He explains further:
Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat - for He grants sleep to those He loves (Psalm 127:1-2).
God is telling us there is a way of working without striving. There is a way to conduct business without sweating and toiling for outcome. His warning to each of us is to avoid thinking that outcome is based on our sweat and toil. Outcome is based on obedience. That outcome is sometimes more than we deserve. Sometimes it is less than we hoped for. His desire for each of us is to see Him working in our daily work life. He wants us to avoid looking to our own effort to gain an outcome.
One day Jesus called out to Peter from the shore of the lake and suggested he throw his net on the other side of the boat. It was this simple act of obedience that yielded a tremendous catch that he would not have received unless he obeyed.
We are called to work; He is called to bring forth the fruit. He is the vine. We are the branches. Fruit comes forth naturally from a healthy tree.
Today, ask God to show you when you enter into striving. Ask Him to show you the difference between loving trust and obedience and striving for outcome. It can be challenging for us to balance this in our daily work experience. He wants to help us walk in this freedom and rest.
© 2007. TGIF Today God Is First™ is a registered trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Tony Dungy's Super Bowl Breakfast 2006 Speech
If you have a few minutes, listen/watch the following two clips to hear a man whose life bears the sign of Christ. Tony Dungy is the Head Coach of Indianapolis Colts who led the team to the Super Bowl XLI (41) Championship.
Tony Dungy's Super Bowl Breakfast 2006 Part 1
Tony Dungy's Super Bowl Breakfast 2006 Part 2
Tony Dungy's Super Bowl XLI (41) Speech @ Indianapolis -- "Win it with dignity!"
Tony Dungy's Super Bowl Breakfast 2006 Part 1
Tony Dungy's Super Bowl Breakfast 2006 Part 2
Tony Dungy's Super Bowl XLI (41) Speech @ Indianapolis -- "Win it with dignity!"
Monday, February 05, 2007
The Black Hole
By Os Hillman
© 2007. TGIF Today God Is First™ is a registered trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
..."My grace is sufficient for you...." - 2 Corinthians 12:9
If you are older than 35, you may recall the early days of the space program. I remember the early spacecraft launch with John Glenn. One of the most exciting and tense moments of his return to earth was his reentry to the earth's atmosphere. I recall the diagram on television of the heat shield on the capsule that had to withstand incredible temperatures to avoid complete destruction. There was a blackout period for several minutes in which mission control had no radio contact. He was in the "black hole." It was a tense time. Either he would make it through, or the spacecraft would burn up in the atmosphere. There were several minutes of silence that seemed like an eternity. Then, mission control shouted with joy when they reestablished contact with the spacecraft. It was a time of rejoicing.
Have you ever had a time when you were in a spiritual black hole in your life? I have. The pressure was unbearable. No sense of God's presence. No sense of anything going on around me. God was about as far away as the man in the moon - at least from my perspective. I think every Christian who is called to make a significant difference in his world experiences times like these. These are the times when we question the reality of God, the love of God, the personal care of God. And He demonstrates to us that He was there all the time. These are "faith experiences" that God does in every person who is called to a higher level of relationship with Him. These times are needful in order to know that we have the "heat shield" that can withstand the incredible heat that comes when we follow Him with a whole heart - a heart that is radical in a commitment to fully follow His ways. Elisha had that spirit. He slaughtered his 12 oxen and burned his plowing equipment so that he would not have the opportunity to return to anything if God didn't come through (see 1 Kings 19:21).
The apostle Paul asked God to remove the heat from his own life one time. God's answer was not what he wanted to hear.
But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! (2 Corinthians 12:9 AMP)
How's your heat shield today? Can it withstand the heat that would want to burn up everything in your life not based in Him? Christ said, "My grace is sufficient." Is that really true in your life? Let His grace be your shield today.
© 2007. TGIF Today God Is First™ is a registered trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
No More Reproach
by Os Hillman
..."Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you".... - Joshua 5:9
Joshua and the people had just crossed the Jordan River. They were camped at Gilgal. But before they could proceed they were required to circumcise all the males, because a whole new generation had grown up while living in the desert. This is where Israel, like a worm in a cocoon, was transformed. Circumcision is bloody, personal, and it exposes all that you are. God was saying that before you can become His army, you must roll away the reproach of the Egyptian way of life. You are no longer a slave to the ways of Egypt. It is a time to put aside the old way of life. Many are walking around as goats in sheep's clothes, practicing a form of religion without the true source of truth and power.
Sin in our midst testifies against us. It keeps us in Egypt and never allows us to enter the Promised Land. Our lives must be circumcised in order for us to come out of Egypt into our own Promised Land of spiritual blessing with God. This transformation marks the first time Israel begins to taste the fruit of the Promised Land. No more manna from Heaven. The manna stopped the day after they were circumcised. There was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate produce from Canaan.
God is turning our plowshares into weapons of love to usher in a new generation of workplace warriors. But we will not be effective if we have the reproach of sin in our lives. Ask God to show you what needs to be confessed this day so that no reproach exists. The cross of Jesus takes away all reproaches. Enter the Promised Land with power.
© 2007. TGIF Today God Is First™ is a registered trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
..."Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you".... - Joshua 5:9
Joshua and the people had just crossed the Jordan River. They were camped at Gilgal. But before they could proceed they were required to circumcise all the males, because a whole new generation had grown up while living in the desert. This is where Israel, like a worm in a cocoon, was transformed. Circumcision is bloody, personal, and it exposes all that you are. God was saying that before you can become His army, you must roll away the reproach of the Egyptian way of life. You are no longer a slave to the ways of Egypt. It is a time to put aside the old way of life. Many are walking around as goats in sheep's clothes, practicing a form of religion without the true source of truth and power.
Sin in our midst testifies against us. It keeps us in Egypt and never allows us to enter the Promised Land. Our lives must be circumcised in order for us to come out of Egypt into our own Promised Land of spiritual blessing with God. This transformation marks the first time Israel begins to taste the fruit of the Promised Land. No more manna from Heaven. The manna stopped the day after they were circumcised. There was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate produce from Canaan.
God is turning our plowshares into weapons of love to usher in a new generation of workplace warriors. But we will not be effective if we have the reproach of sin in our lives. Ask God to show you what needs to be confessed this day so that no reproach exists. The cross of Jesus takes away all reproaches. Enter the Promised Land with power.
© 2007. TGIF Today God Is First™ is a registered trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Living Forward, Understanding Backward
Living Forward, Understanding Backward
by Os Hillman, December 1, 2006
The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it. - 1 Thessalonians 5:24
When I was in my 20's, I participated in a wilderness-training course in a desert and mountain area. For our "final exam," we were blindfolded, placed in the back of a pickup truck, and taken to a remote area. We were dropped off and told to meet back at the camp in three days. We did not know where we were. We had to determine our location with our compasses. It was a frightening experience for four young people who had learned to navigate through the use of a compass only a few days earlier. With our food and water on our backs, we began our trek. It had just snowed that morning, so the way was difficult. We walked through valleys, canyons, snow-covered hills, and forests. In all, we walked more than 60 miles in three days. There were times when we did not think we could go another foot. Exhaustion and frostbitten feet were taking their toll. However, we finally made it to our base camp successfully, and to our surprise, we were the first ones among the other patrols to make it back.
At the conclusion of our journey, we were able to stand on top of a ridge, look behind us and see the beautiful terrain that we had just scaled. The pain of what we had just endured seemed to subside. We could not believe we had actually walked through those valleys and snowcapped hills. There was a sense of accomplishment.
Life is very much like this. It is often lived forward, but understood backward. It is not until we are down the road a bit that we can appreciate the terrain God has allowed us to scale and the spiritual deposits He has made in our life as a result. When you begin to realize some of this, you sit back and breathe a sigh of relief because you know that God was in control all along. It didn't seem like it at the time, but He was.
Are you in the midst of a difficult journey that seems almost impossible to continue? Be assured that God is providing grace even now to equip you for that journey. There will be a time when you can say, "Wow, look at what God has done because of what I gained through that valley." Trust Him with the outcome of where you find yourself today.
© 2006. TGIF Today God Is First™ is a registered trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
by Os Hillman, December 1, 2006
The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it. - 1 Thessalonians 5:24
When I was in my 20's, I participated in a wilderness-training course in a desert and mountain area. For our "final exam," we were blindfolded, placed in the back of a pickup truck, and taken to a remote area. We were dropped off and told to meet back at the camp in three days. We did not know where we were. We had to determine our location with our compasses. It was a frightening experience for four young people who had learned to navigate through the use of a compass only a few days earlier. With our food and water on our backs, we began our trek. It had just snowed that morning, so the way was difficult. We walked through valleys, canyons, snow-covered hills, and forests. In all, we walked more than 60 miles in three days. There were times when we did not think we could go another foot. Exhaustion and frostbitten feet were taking their toll. However, we finally made it to our base camp successfully, and to our surprise, we were the first ones among the other patrols to make it back.
At the conclusion of our journey, we were able to stand on top of a ridge, look behind us and see the beautiful terrain that we had just scaled. The pain of what we had just endured seemed to subside. We could not believe we had actually walked through those valleys and snowcapped hills. There was a sense of accomplishment.
Life is very much like this. It is often lived forward, but understood backward. It is not until we are down the road a bit that we can appreciate the terrain God has allowed us to scale and the spiritual deposits He has made in our life as a result. When you begin to realize some of this, you sit back and breathe a sigh of relief because you know that God was in control all along. It didn't seem like it at the time, but He was.
Are you in the midst of a difficult journey that seems almost impossible to continue? Be assured that God is providing grace even now to equip you for that journey. There will be a time when you can say, "Wow, look at what God has done because of what I gained through that valley." Trust Him with the outcome of where you find yourself today.
© 2006. TGIF Today God Is First™ is a registered trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
A Faithful Woman
A Faithful Woman
by Os Hillman, October 8, 2006
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. - Proverbs 31:28
She was the Vice President of Household Affairs for her entire adult life. She had a husband, four daughters, and one son whom she managed. Her calling was not to the workplace; it was to the home. It was a calling that she fulfilled well. She often went beyond her job description to fulfill menial tasks like sewing clothes for her twin girls, playing dolls, and even playing catch with the only boy in the clan.
Things were going along well until midway in life a telephone call came that changed everything. The caller informed her that the love of her life had been killed in an airplane crash. She was in her early 40's, still beautiful, with five kids to raise on her own in spite of the fact that she hadn't worked in the business place for nearly 20 years. The death of her husband removed their steady upper middle-class income, and she was now faced with the greatest test of her life. At her lowest moment, wondering how she was going to make it, she cried out to God. God answered, "Trust Me, Lillian." Those audible words became the strength that she needed to care for her family for the next 40 years. From that moment on, she came to know her Savior personally and shared Him with her family. Her children came to know Him as well. Grandchildren became the recipient of her prayers, and they came to know Him too. She was building an inheritance in Heaven, one prayer at a time, one soul at a time. She never remarried; Christ became her Husband.
Whatever wisdom and encouragement has come to you through these devotionals, it is only as a result of one who answered the call to the greatest and most important workplace there is: the home. You can thank my mom, Lillian Hillman, for whatever grace you have gained from these messages throughout the year because she remained faithful to the call to invest in those she was called to love and serve. "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her."
© 2006. TGIF Today God Is First™ is a registered trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
by Os Hillman, October 8, 2006
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. - Proverbs 31:28
She was the Vice President of Household Affairs for her entire adult life. She had a husband, four daughters, and one son whom she managed. Her calling was not to the workplace; it was to the home. It was a calling that she fulfilled well. She often went beyond her job description to fulfill menial tasks like sewing clothes for her twin girls, playing dolls, and even playing catch with the only boy in the clan.
Things were going along well until midway in life a telephone call came that changed everything. The caller informed her that the love of her life had been killed in an airplane crash. She was in her early 40's, still beautiful, with five kids to raise on her own in spite of the fact that she hadn't worked in the business place for nearly 20 years. The death of her husband removed their steady upper middle-class income, and she was now faced with the greatest test of her life. At her lowest moment, wondering how she was going to make it, she cried out to God. God answered, "Trust Me, Lillian." Those audible words became the strength that she needed to care for her family for the next 40 years. From that moment on, she came to know her Savior personally and shared Him with her family. Her children came to know Him as well. Grandchildren became the recipient of her prayers, and they came to know Him too. She was building an inheritance in Heaven, one prayer at a time, one soul at a time. She never remarried; Christ became her Husband.
Whatever wisdom and encouragement has come to you through these devotionals, it is only as a result of one who answered the call to the greatest and most important workplace there is: the home. You can thank my mom, Lillian Hillman, for whatever grace you have gained from these messages throughout the year because she remained faithful to the call to invest in those she was called to love and serve. "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her."
© 2006. TGIF Today God Is First™ is a registered trademark of Os Hillman/Marketplace Leaders. To request re-print permission, click here.
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