I’ve been thinking a lot about the outflow of our devotional lives. I’ve observed (in myself!) two very opposite attitudes that can result from the same great source of personal time with Jesus:

1. Superiority & Judgementalism
2. Broken-hearted humility

Contemplate two scenarios:

First: You just spent considerable time in prayer. The Word of God seemed to come ‘alive’ to your heart and you begin writing down all that God is showing you. You then begin to feel wise and important and begin thinking of all the people in your life who NEED to hear this. They are not living at their best and YOU have the answer.

Second: You just spent considerable time in prayer. The Word of God seemed to come ‘alive’ to your heart and you begin writing down all that God is showing you. You realize how unworthy you are to be hearing from God. You begin to thank Jesus for His saving work in you, the ‘chief of sinners’.

Same encounter, two very different outflows. The first approach makes you proud & judgemental. The second makes you humble and joy-filled at God’s grace in your life.

Allow the tone of your daily life to be marked by a humble joy. Marvel at the miracle of God’s saving work in you!

It seems that being comfortable is not a priority on God’s list of character qualities. What happens to the follower of Christ when he/she is comfortable?

Apathy. Lack of faith. Less urgency in prayer. Little concern for the lost.

It is my belief that God intentionally uses trials to keep us trusting in Him, running hard after Him, desperate for Him.

Without our world being shaken at times, we would simply relax and enjoy the pleasure that prosperity brings. Though we should never ask God for pain and suffering, it is going to happen and we best know how to respond when it does.

Thank God for your difficulties today, though it seems like a costly offering. It just may be His gift to you.

As I write (and as you read), our first MCM Ministry School class is in Thailand preaching the Gospel. There’s nothing more exciting than seeing young people (and old!) giving their lives for the cause of Christ. That’s why I love the MCM Ministry School. I’ve had the privilege of leading worship  once a week throughout this entire first year and the passion of the students is inspiring.

The MCM Ministry School is designed to provide a prospective student not only with classroom training but with real life experiences in ministry.  Every day we involve students in our PRAYER SCHOOL.  Once a week, we engage in PRACTICAL COMMUNITY OUTREACH in connection with one of eight churches that have been planted in Pittsburgh.  Once a year, the students participate in an INTERNATIONAL TRIP to work in partnership with Mission SOS in a Signs and Wonders Festival among UNREACHED PEOPLE GROUPS.

The passion of the MCM Ministry School is to raise up faith-filled adventurers who are committed to living out the supernatural lifestyle of the book of Acts.  The practical experiences come in the context of a growing church that is actively planting churches and sending teams to reach unreached people groups.

All the details can be found on the NEW MCM Ministry School Website.  We are hosting an OPEN CLASS DAY on May 8th from 9am to noon for anyone who is interested.

You should check this out!