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About-Him.Com Devotional 07-03-04
Galatians 2:6 But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:
Seems like a strange scripture to start a devotional, doesn't it? I agree. It seems that the apostle Paul had met up with some folks who demanded his respect, because of the position they had obtained in the church. Paul, who had been caught up to heaven and had seen the Lord the Lord face to face would have none of it. he simply said, "Whatever they were, they didn't add anything to me." Do you ever feel that way?
So who gets our respect? The demanding Pastor? The golden tongue orator? The gifted writer? The great singer or musician? Perhaps, but only on the basic that they have a genuine relationship with the Lord. Only when their life reflects what they preach and sing about. My thoughts today have been about people who have affected my life. Most of them are simple people, who preached more by example than anything else.
Here are a few who have affected my life.
Dr. John Crist: A gifted writer who holds fast to his doctrinal convictions while still having a love for other people. Pastor Crist recently demonstrated the courage of his convictions by resigning from a reportedly large organisation rather than compromise his beliefs. He has my respect!
Pastor Bill and Lois Lobbs: Pastor Bill's Nuggets of Truth http://nuggetsoftruth.com Thrust out of their denomination with no place to go, they followed the leading of the Lord and soon found themselves ministering to hippies in the midst of the Jesus explosion in the early seventies. Later, they planted a new successful church and they pastored and rebuilt several struggling works. All the while Pastor Bill labored with his hands and took nothing for his labors in the ministry. They have always been givers, rather than takers. They have been an anchor for me during some very stormy times in my life. They have my respect!
David Tait: Walking With Jesus Ministries http://www.wwj.org.nz/ http://www.wwj.org.nz/ From New Zealand, this man ministers and share his keen kingdom insights, largely at his own expense to the poor nations of Africa.
I've never met him personally, but he presents himself totally transparent and without pretense. Bro. David has my respect!
David Penrod - Haiti Mission - Pastors a small church in Bowling Green Ky. Bro. Penrod sponsors a church and school in Haiti. While having to work at a low pay job to supplement his income, he nevertheless pays his own airfare when going to Haiti to oversee the work there. Pastor Penrod has my respect!
My cousin Virgil: Probably wealthy, but he has a heart for giving. He has been known to show up where people have been praying over a financial need with the exact amount needed. He would simply say, simply say, "The Lord sent me." He has my Respect?
David Tolman: - Seedtime and Harvest Ministries - Gave up a high paying job in Canada to go to Mexico as a missionary. He and Sis. Tolman have been very successful in training leadership and several multiplying church have resulted. The Tolman's have my respect!
Charlie Ward: I met him at the Genesee County jail in Michigan. Charlies job was to push a video cart around the jail and show Christian videos to the inmates. Charlie wasn't much of a talker, but his demeanor showed that he had a relationship with the Lord and really cared for the inmates.
I believe Jesus said something about if we only gave a cup of water in His name, we would not lose our reward. Charlie has my respect!
Johnnie Calhoun: My deceased friend who showed up at my brother's door and said, "Bro. Spooner, I couldn't eat my supper because the Lord told me you didn't have anything to eat." He then proceeded to fill my brother's need. Bro. John has my respect and I expect to see his smiling face soon, at the throne of God.
Scott Hutchinson: Scott is from South Alabama and is quite gifted in the word of God. Most of all he is known as a peace maker and a genuine caring individual who reflects the life of Christ. He calls me often and his first words are always, "I just wanted to call and see if ya'all are making it okay?" Scott has my respect.
Do I agree theologically with all of these people? No I don't, but I recognise their relationship with the Lord. Their everyday actions speak more loudly to me than any sermon I've ever heard, or preached. These folks simply reflected the life of Jesus who lives in their hearts.
I'm sure you have your own list. Think about it. Who has touched your life? Who would you nominate?
Malachi 3:17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
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Humor
The boss returned from lunch in a good mood and called the whole staff in to listen to a couple of jokes he had picked up. Everybody, but one girl laughed uproariously.
"What's the matter?" grumbled the boss. "Haven't you got a sense of humor?"
"I don't have to laugh," she replied. "I'm leaving Friday."
Somebody Has Said
Being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable.
Keep Looking Up! Don & Marie Spooner
About Him! Ministries
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