Day 7 - What hinders passion?

Opening directly to I Cor. 3:3 to begin reading is rather jolting, isn't it? For you are still fleshly . . . Wow, what a sobering reality check from Paul! As I honestly evaluated myself in light of Paul's diagnosis of the Corinthian church, I easily identified some things that have hindered my passion:

Distractions -- for me, much of this past year has been consumed by distractions, especially issues with ministry partners and battles with governmental and administrative bureacracy. Today's study has helped me to realize the toll those have taken on my passion for God and my service to Him.

Divisions -- thankfully, this has not been a major area of concern, but I appreciated how today's author insightfully shared the challenges, sometimes subtle, that come from envy, pride and disagreements.

Lack of Discipline -- like several who identified with Elijah this past Friday, this too has been a hindrance to true passion in my life.

So which of these has been hindering your passion?

Day 6 - Is God passionate?

I appreciated the way the devotional guided us to the correct response to this question. Probably most of us sensed that the question "Is God passionate?" should be answered in the affirmative, but given the negative connotations associated with "passion" in our society today, we hesitated in knowing exactly what we mean by that.

I was also challenged by the questions attached to the re-reading of the passages, including: "Are you comfortable with a God who raises a war cry?" (Is. 42:13) and "For what is God zealous in this passage?" (Is. 59:17) The second question forces us into the fuller context of Isaiah 59 and God's passion against the lack of justice, truth and righteousness. Therefore, He acts in passion to restore these to the community.

So, the summary question for each one of us today is: "Am I passionate as God is passionate and for the things about which He is passionate?"

From Kenny Mead

Although, I can not say I relate to Daniel's stedfastness and strength, I think we all can relate to his living in a culture that was not his own. Which makes his stand that much more impressive. He didn't excuse it as a cultural thing. It has challenged me to spend more focused time where Daniel found his strength - PRAYING

Am I cheating with this answer?

Dear Teens,

What do you think about the following statement found in today's devotional?

"No matter what people say or do, you’ll say, “I’m passionate for Christ. He’s worth it all. I love Him. Sure, I know there’s a cost, but the cost of serving Christ is worth it all.”

These are BIG words aren't they. Are they words that you yourself would say? If they are, then I commend you and thank the Lord for your love for Him. If they aren't, why aren't they? Is it possible that you're afraid of what it might cost you? If your afraid of the cost, you're not alone. Many believers are afraid, even though they believe that "God is in control". Elijah had every reason to have faith in God against Jezebel's threat...but instead he ran away.

However, Daniel, as a young man, did not flinch. Not only did he choose to continue to worship God against the King's edict, he did NOT change his commitment to God at the threat of lions!

So how about it? Where do you find it hard to live your faith? I'd love to hear your comments. (Thanks Michelle and Mallory for your previous comments!)

Gang, there have been thousands of Elijah's....and Daniels throughout history! Relating to these accounts, purpose to be like Daniel! Get up in the morning and say - "Lord, how can I love you and live for the Kingdom today?"....

Have a great evening my young friends!
Pastor Jerry

Day 5 - The All Consuming Fire of Passion

- for Friday, Oct. 10th

Question of the Day: Who do you most identify with...and why?

After reading today's devotional I started thinking about which one of these 2 men that I could most identify with? (I know - poor sentence structure.)
Elijah - IKings 19:1-9
or
Daniel - Dan.6:1-9.
Do you want to know with whom I most identify?
Do you want to know why?
If so, click on the words "comments" below, and I'll tell you.
Don't forget to leave me your comments. Let me know who you most identify with, and why.
I really want to know!

blessings,
Doug

Day 4: What biblical characters portray passion?

Do you act based on what you see, like Phinehas, or are you a LIAR? In his book Amusing Ourselves to Death author Neil Postman uses the acronym LIAR to describe what he refers to as the "Low Information-Action Ratio." We often have more than enough information but still fail to act on it.

Did you catch the indictment in the final paragraph of the devotional? Sadly, many do not view Christians as people of action. Can this be said about you? About me?

These texts and today's devotional do more than provoke thought -- they demand action. So what do you see that needs to be done that nobody else is doing anything about? Will you do something? Do you trust God to reward you even if your actions are unpopular?

Hello teens...me again...

I trust you are being encouraged by what you are reading in the daily devo's. Some very good and helpful stuff there. For instance - from day 2:

"In the spiritual realm, passion is crucial! It will keep you going for God when you are tempted to quit or compromise. It will push you to leave your comfort zone and share your faith with a friend. It will wake you up in the morning and inspire you to start the day by meeting with God. It will propel you to accomplish the unique life mission that God has given you. It will spark you into action. Passion is the fuel that propels you down the road of spiritual impact and blessing."

or this from day 3.....

"The passion is there; that isn’t the issue. The target of our passion—that’s what we need to personally evaluate. Changing our passion will require change in us. It will require speaking out. It will require stepping outside of our safety net. It will require a willingness to have our stable lives led by an unpredictable God. Is it any wonder that so many Christ-followers are still hiding their faith?"

Yeah...good stuff! So what about you? DO you get up in the morning and think..."how can I be effective for the Kingdom today?" Or rather do you just think about....YOU - and what you have to do today? Well, anyone can do that, and unfortunately, most people do.

Hey, we're all passionate about something aren't we.... I'd love to hear your responses.

Have a great night my friends! Can't wait to meet you!
Pastor Jerry

Day 3: What is the influence of passion?

I was reminded this morning of the importance of "Loyalty to Truth" and having a true passion for the Word of God: "Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?" (Lk. 24:32) Is that how I really feel when I listen to the Word of God preached, taught or read?

I was also impressed with the "Leaps of Faith" that result from a true passion for God. My passion for Him should be the basis for the trust and peace necessary to follow Him without question or hesitation, like Gideon, no matter how big or seemingly impossible is the task He is calling me to or the direction He is leading.

Which of the 5 areas discussed in today's devotional challenged or encouraged you today?

Day 2: Why is passion important?

I was really challenged today by the distinction between "passion for (a) ministry" and "passion for God." As I have progressed in language learning so that it is no longer as big of an obstacle in doing ministry, there is a feeling of "return to competency" that has lessened my sense of dependency on God. This was a good reminder to make sure that my passion is directed to God and not merely the things that I say I'm doing in His Name.

I also enjoyed reading about George and his gifted story-telling. I readily identified with that since my best friend from college is quite the story-teller, too. I thought the closing question was quite poignant and is forcing me to consider how I'm telling my story -- in a mediocre way or with emotion, enthusiasm and excitement? How about you?

Hey teens!

Just wanted to start off on the right page....literally! In other words, did YOU happen to read the devotional for today? Well, I hope you did my young friends!! What a great way to start!

I would simply encourage you read carefully, assess yourself honestly...then pray! Ask the Lord to help you. When we desire to be passionate about Him...He's ALL in favor!!

Have a great night...and a great day tomorrow!

Pastor Jerry

PS. Michelle and Mallory....get to bed.....

Day 1: What is biblical passion?

The political and pet analogies in today's devotional helped me to evaluate my passion for God. Obviously, the campaign one is quite timely, and whether we're in the U.S. or not, we understand the bombardment of news and commentary, TV and radio ads, bumper stickers and yard signs. The challenges that stood out to me were the candidates' and supporters' "singleness of focus" and "energy spent on this one vision" when considering Whom I represent and the greater significance of His message!

Not being an outdoorsman (OK hush, those of you laughing at the severity of that understatement!), I'm sure I never fully grasped David's imagery of the panting deer, so I appreciated the family dog comparison. It made me realize that too often if someone were to somehow offer me more time with God, my internal response would be "Sure, that would be nice--thanks" instead of "YES! That is what I REALLY want -- in fact, it is the only thing I truly need!!"

So, where's your passion? Can you honestly sing the lyrics "better is one day in Your courts than thousands elsewhere"? That's going to be my focus today. What are your thoughts on today's devotional?

What do you think?

Hi everyone! Doug here. I also want to add my word of welcome. Add a comment and let me know what you think of the new CEEMed Community Blogspot.

The Devotional Guides

The devotional guides are extremely well written and layed out. A big thank you to all that participated in their creation.

Duane

Welcome!

Welcome to the CEEMed Community Blogspot! This was dreamed up by Doug Martin in Budapest, created by Beth Hafer in Perry, MI, and tested by yours truly in Bucharest. We look forward to facilitating discussions among our teammates, especially regarding the conference devotionals in the next 2 weeks.

See you in Greece!
Kelly