Just A Man

Given November 8, 2007
Many great things have been done by people who were just ordinary folks. I was reminded of one recently and the Holy Spirit brought him to mind again during my devotion time this morning. He is Ananias.

In Acts 9, we read the story of Saul's conversion to Paul. The Spirit of Jesus knocked Saul off his donkey, blinded him, then told him to get up and go into the city of Damascus and wait for further instructions. He waited there three days, (Acts 9: 1-9).

In the mean time, here's this believer Ananias, a regular guy, who was going about his daily business and the Lord called him in a vision. Ananias answered and Jesus told him to go pray for this guy who'd been throwing Christians in jail. He gave him the guy's name and the address where he was staying. Ananias was a little hesitant about confronting this bad dude, (aren't we just like that?), but the Lord said "Go" and Ananias went, (Acts 9: 10-17).

Here's the point: God had a plan, Ananias was chosen to perform a task in that plan, he did it, and went back to his regular life. We don't hear of him again. The Lord called, Ananias obeyed, God's plan was implemented, and the world was changed! Just for the obedience of one regular guy!

I'm sure Ananias didn't realize the impact his obedience would have. He probably went back to his wife and said something like, "Honey, you won't believe what just happened over on Straight Street". Indeed. But, what if Ananias had not obeyed? Would God have chosen someone else? But because he did obey, I imagine he and his family enjoyed overflowing blessings even though we didn't hear about it.

We are just regular people too and God could call us, (and probably has), to do something for Him. Notice, He didn't just call some bum off the street in Damascus; He called a believer. I want to be ready when God calls me. How about you?

All Your Ways

Given August 2, 2007
In Proverbs 3:6 it says, "In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight". In all your ways...what does that mean? What are your ways? I think my ways are everything I think, say, and do during the day. That's a lot of things!

I acknowledge God during my morning prayer and devotion time and in church, sure, but what about when I go to the grocery store. What about when I'm in a meeting and the boss disagrees, or eating in a restaurant? How about when I'm doing some work around the house and what if I hit my finger with the hammer.....do I honor God then? Uh Oh!

God is looking for a few who will acknowledge Him in everything and, I believe, He's got a wonderful promotion waiting for those who prove to be faithful.

I was mowing the church grass, BY MYSELF, one week, no one showed up to help, and after about three hours, I was getting pretty fed up. I'd see church people pass in their cars, wave, and go on about their business. I was griping to myself, "Yeah, watch them wave. Why don't they get over here and help me!" Whaaa, whaaa, whaaa. At that instant, God spoke in my spirit and said, "Bill, are you mowing this grass for yourself or for Me?" Oh man, the ton of bricks fell! I was instantly reminded of Colossians 3:23, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."

Lesson learned! I repented, asked forgiveness, and spent the next hour and a half mowing in joy and peace. Whatever you do, acknowledge God, do it for Him, and He'll direct you.