Today's Devotions

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6

Showcase: Assorted Treats

  • Vampire Christians by Dallas Willard +

    Dallas Willard spoke in 2009 on the essential part of avoiding being a vampire Christian Read More
  • Seeing the unseen by Sylvia Gunter +

    As we come to the close of 2015 and welcome in 2016 Read More
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3

francis-chanIt has been a long time since I have written anything.  I have spent most of my days developing new friendships and trying to explain to them their need for Jesus.  I wish I could tell you a bunch of stories of lives that have changed as a result.  I wish I could tell you that hundreds have repented and are now serving the Lord faithfully.  Instead, I'm pretty sad as very few of my new friends are ready to ditch their lives to follow Jesus.  Some are not convinced they need to repent.  Others are not convinced He is worth it.

The good news is that I regularly see God do supernatural things (too many stories to write out).  I expected these miracles to result in conversions, but now I understand what Jesus meant when He said, "If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead." (Luke 16:31).

Jesus never promised revival; in fact, He told us to expect the opposite (2 Tim. 4:3-4).  Even when people saw the supernatural, it usually didn't lead to repentance (Luke 10:13).  What Jesus did promise was that we would have His presence with us as we made disciples (Matthew 28:20).  This I have definitely witnessed.  Supernatural answers to prayer never get old.

Like most speakers/pastors, I like to share about conversions and victories!  But by only sharing those stories, it may make people think that something is wrong if they don't see a lot of fruit in their efforts.  Maybe this post is a strange word of encouragement for those who have been sharing Jesus and not seeing much result.  We may not often see repentance, but we do experience God being with us; and we do enjoy the peace knowing we tried.  And that makes it all worth it.

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.  1 Corinthians 15:58

http://francisupdates.tumblr.com/post/25164552877/discipleship-is-not-sexy

Reflections to Consider

  • Warfare Spirituality

    The Trinity function as farmers of our souls, actively caring for God’s creation: an ongoing, radical reclamation of His creation. Read More
  • You are free

    The Jesus who calmed a sea of deadly, stormy waves, whose arrival sent thousands of demons cringing and cowering to Read More
  • 1

Publications

  • 1

Music

  • Magnificent

    Few songs capture the entrancing, humbling, overwhelming awe I experience in the presence of God. Magnificent, a song by U2 Read More
  • I'll Go Crazy

    I'll go crazy if I don't go crazy tonight Every generation gets a chance to change the world - U2 Read More
  • 1

Audio & Video

  • 1

Favorites

  • Praise Adonai by Paul Baloche +

    Who is like Him The Lion and the Lamb Seated on the throne Mountains bow down Every ocean roars To the Lord of hosts  Read More
  • An Interview with Paul Washer by Tim Challies +

    You probably know Paul Washer as the man who preached the infamous "Shocking Youth Message," a sermon that has tallied Read More
  • Glorious by Paul Baloche +

    Look inside the mysterySee the empty crossSee the risen SaviorVictorious and strong Read More
  • Paul's Prayers +

    How do we pray? What should we pray for? Yes, there is the Lord's prayer--Jesus teaching his disciples, and us, Read More
  • 1

Hidden Blessings

  • Thinking on Jesus Each Hour, Frank C Laubach +

    Practicing God’s Presence To his followers Jesus said ‘Come with me, walk with me, talk and listen to me, work Read More
  • Just a Little Talk with Jesus, Cleavant Derricks +

    Now let us have a little talk with Jesus. Let us tell Him all about our troubles. He will hear Read More
  • Jesus be the centre +

    Center is a song that speaks of the essence of our life in Christ, and echoes the words the Christ Read More
  • The Community of Jesus +

    What does it mean to be a Christian? Tim Keller, pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in NYC, makes a compelling Read More
  • 1