Today's Devotions

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Showcase: Assorted Treats

  • Why We Need the Puritans by JI Packer +

    1 Horse Racing is said to be the sport of kings. The sport of slinging mud has, however, a wider Read More
  • May 9 Devotional: Valley of Vision (Puritans) +

    Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly, Read More
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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

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Publications

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Music

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Audio & Video

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Favorites

  • Process +

      The finished diamond is one of the most beautiful and desirable gems. Read More
  • Not a Conscientious Objector +

    As we abide in him and he abides in us, we are receiving his life rather than creating our own Read More
  • Falling in Love With God +

    “falling in love with God,” as Boa’s subtitle for the facet explains. In this approach we attempt to enter into Read More
  • God's Dimension +

    We experience a great sense of the wonder, boldness, and overwhelming awe of God through our relationship with the Holy Read More
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Hidden Blessings

  • Praise as Warfare by Sylvia Gunter +

    Praise is adoration of God for who He is, His person, His character, His names. It is loving God because Read More
  • Followers First by Steve Tamayo, Chatham Community Church +

    What does it mean to be a Christian? Read More
  • Dallas Willard on Spiritual Formation +

    What does it mean to be a disciple, to follow the disciplines necessary to serve Jesus with our whole heart? Read More
  • Cultivating joy to proclaim the gospel +

    And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Mark 16:15 Read More
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