Daily Reflections with Oswald Chambers [October 16, 2006]

My Utmost for His Highest (The Golden Book of Oswald Chambers; 1992) ^ | 1935/1992 | Oswald Chambers

[.30Carbine]

The Key to the Master’s Orders

" Pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest "

—Matthew 9:38

The key to the missionary’s difficult task is in the hand of God, and that key is prayer, not work— that is, not work as the word is commonly used today, which often results in the shifting of our focus away from God. The key to the missionary’s difficult task is also not the key of common sense, nor is it the key of medicine, civilization, education, or even evangelization. The key is in following the Master’s orders— the key is prayer. "Pray the Lord of the harvest . . . ." In the natural realm, prayer is not practical but absurd. We have to realize that prayer is foolish from the commonsense point of view.

From Jesus Christ’s perspective, there are no nations, but only the world. How many of us pray without regard to the persons, but with regard to only one Person— Jesus Christ? He owns the harvest that is produced through distress and through conviction of sin. This is the harvest for which we have to pray that laborers be sent out to reap. We stay busy at work, while people all around us are ripe and ready to be harvested; we do not reap even one of them, but simply waste our Lord’s time in over-energized activities and programs. Suppose a crisis were to come into your father’s or your brother’s life— are you there as a laborer to reap the harvest for Jesus Christ? Is your response, "Oh, but I have a special work to do!" No Christian has a special work to do. A Christian is called to be Jesus Christ’s own, "a servant [who] is not greater than his master" ( John 13:16 ), and someone who does not dictate to Jesus Christ what he intends to do. Our Lord calls us to no special work— He calls us to Himself. "Pray the Lord of the harvest," and He will engineer your circumstances to send you out as His laborer.

In 1910 Chambers married Gertrude Hobbs. They had one daughter, Kathleen, who still resides in London (as of 1992).

In 1911 he founded and became principal of the Bible Training College in Clapham, London, where he lectured until the school was closed in 1915 because of World War I. In October 1915 he sailed for Zeitoun, Egypt (near Cairo), where he ministered to Australian and New Zealand troops as a YMCA chaplain. He died there November 15, 1917, following surgery for a ruptured appendix.

My Utmost for His Highest, his best-known book, has been continuously in print in the United States since 1935 and in this, the last decade of the century, remains in the top ten titles of the religious book bestseller list with millions of copies in print. It has become a Christian classic. [from the flyleaf of the book]

[.30Carbine]

Come to these threads as you are; leave with what you have discovered.

Absolutely no flaming! These daily threads are intended to be devotional in nature. If a particular day's offering says nothing to you, please just go on and wait for the next day. Consider these threads a DMZ of sorts, a place where a perpetual truce is in effect and a place where all other arguments and disagreements from other times and places are left behind.

I can attest from personal experience that reading from Chambers daily will almost certainly change - not one's faith - but one's perspective of his/her own faith, and open up new vistas in your spiritual life. If - when - this happens to a reader of these threads, and they choose to share what has happened within them - we are treading on hallowed ground. Be respectful.

- Religion Moderator

[.30Carbine]

Devotion ping!

[DollyCali]

another good thread. pointing out we are ALL missionaries.. some in our home, some in our work, some in our recreation, some in far away lands & SOME IN THE MIDST OF TURNMOIL & CHAOS no matter where we are at..

When tragedy strikes perhaps the best thing to say is the famous biblical statement = with an added extension.... "here am I Lord, use me.... and PS, in doing so please help me get thru this mess I am now in..."

Pinging a few friends who might be interested in this particular devotional or the thread in general.

[Jen]

Well... this sure is timely (as usual)! My friend LD owns a business and one of her customers is a Muslim man (Ali). Right before Ramadan he told LD that he knew she was Christian and asked her to pray for his family! Yesterday at church LD told me that Ali has invited her and her husband to dinner at his home to meet his wife. So, she and I believe that God is drawing him. Would you prayer warriors please join me in praying that LD and her husband can clearly explain the Gospel message to Ali and his wife and that God will prepare their hearts to receive it?

[FreedomProtector]

"The key to the missionary’s difficult task is also not the key of common sense, nor is it the key of medicine, civilization, education, or even evangelization. The key is in following the Master’s orders— the key is prayer."


This is a good reminder that while we have a responsibly to share the good news of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we do not have the power to change hearts "hostile to God" via clever reasoning, argumentation, medicine, civilization, education, evangelization, or any other method or program, only God can do that. While logic and human reasoning, and misc programs may help remove the layers of protection the unbeliever has made to shield himself from the reality God's special and natural revelation, it is incapable penetrating their heart. It is our responsibility to loudly proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ "following the Master’s orders", but we can rest (and not get discouraged in our inability to change hearts), and pray...we can rest in the fact that only God changes hearts---"the key is prayer".


"For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so.". Romans 8:6-7

"But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised." 1 Corinthians 2:14


"we do not reap even one of them, but simply waste our Lord’s time in over-energized activities and programs."

This is personally convicting.

"Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.... " Ephesians 5:16

[Alamo-Girl]

The key is in following the Master’s orders— the key is prayer.

So very true. Pray without ceasing. Thank you for these beautiful devotions!

[Ciexyz]

Prayer bump.

[Ciexyz]

Most beautiful devotion.

[Kate of Spice Island]

This may sound kind of goofy and some may disagree with me, but...

I have tried for so long to do things from my heart in a way that makes the world a better place for all, but I rarely crack open the bible.

This is not to say that I do not pray. I do on a daily basis, just not for hours on end.

To ma, a person is meant to behave the same way that Christ would if He were here today.

I find it better to learn to assist those that have challenges in their lives (mental illness, drug/alcohol issues) and guide them to take over their lives again and inspire them towards the pathways of recovery (and one of the five pathways is through spirituality).

It is very difficult work, but to break the stereotype of "mental illness" one must learn open-mindedness.

We are in the midst of the second revolution of recovery and a normal life for the rest of these adult lives. It was possible in the 1800s with humane treatment and then fell to pieces during the middle of the 20th century.

I question myself and my own spirituality because of meeting more than one person that could go to church on Sunday and break as many of the 10 Commandments as humanly possible the rest of the week. Then go to church on Sunday again to keep the pious guise up.

Any input?

(I do read a little bit of daily inspiration of a mixed variety daily through e-mail. Is that what a 21st century Jesus would do? Spend more time healing others and then a quick check-in to keep the heart, mind and soul together?)

[DollyCali]

I have a few things to say.. but just got in..will see who else will add their two cents before I add my 50 cents!

HA!

Women of TOO MANY WORDS, I am, I am!

:-)

[Alamo-Girl]

Indeed. Praise God!!!

[FreedomProtector]

"I question myself and my own spirituality because of meeting more than one person that could go to church on Sunday and break as many of the 10 Commandments as humanly possible the rest of the week. Then go to church on Sunday again to keep the pious guise up."

There is an interesting summary of the arguments for the existence of God (25 listed), and arguments for atheism (5 listed) in the introduction of this book (Introduction by Peter Kreeft):

Does God Exist? The Great Debate

The 5th arguement for atheism is given as:

" 5. Finally, atheists often point to negative consequences of belief that can be seen in in individual lives (Jim Jones, Jim Bakker, and Jimmy Swaggart) and in history (the Spanish Inquisition): moral weakness, dishonesty, or cruelty. G.K. Chesterton said that there was only one really convincing argument against Christianity--Christains. (Someone also said there is only one convincing argument for Christianity--saints.)"

It is an interesting book esp if you have a philosophical bent....the 25 arguments for the existence of God are much stronger then the 5 for atheism.


There are examples in the bible of believers behaving horribly. In 2 Samuel 11, David committed adultery with Bathsheba and then proceeded to murder her husband, but was described as "the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart" It is important to note that David was contrite and repented. The song of repentance that David wrote is in Psalm 51.

The parable of the sower is relevant here. It is recorded in all three synoptic Gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke.

"A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown."....

"This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop."

There some people in churches that are just like the plants described: "They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature." while there are others that provide evidence that Christianity changes lives: "But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop"

Christians and not perfect people and churches are not perfect churches, if they where, they would have no need for a Savior.

"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."

Matthew 7

Church discipline, handling the issue of unrepentant sin in the local church is a difficult subject.

"meeting more than one person that could go to church on Sunday and break as many of the 10 Commandments as humanly possible the rest of the week. Then go to church on Sunday again to keep the pious guise up."

...while not exploring the subject in detail, this may also be an issue due lack of church discipline.


It should also be noted that Christianity is the only religious view in the entire world that salvation is not earned, it is given. Every false religion has some mechanism by which one earns their salvation...the religion of secular humanism included "No deity must save us, we must save ourselves" (Humanist Manifesto II). Christians do not earn their salvation by bearing good fruit. Good fruit is evidence of the free gift of God and the work of the Holy Spirit changing ones heart, not a mechanism to earn salvation.

There are also many strong words in the sermon on the mount for pious hypocrites:
Matthew 6

Matthew 5


True believers/Christians will consistently "bear good fruit", "yield a crop, a hundred times more than was sown". Others consistently bear bad fruit, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, are not true believers or were never true believers/Christians. The athiest argument is void as they may not be referring to true believers.

[Kate of Spice Island]

I cheated and skimmed your post. (Sorry!)

I am too tired to try to read anything of substance and will read it after a good night's sleep.

Meanwhile, I am one of the few that ate 110% certain that God does exist. How to properly worship is what I have issue with. I am not thrilled with a "devout Catholic" that steals ($40,000+ from an insurance company) and also attempts to kill (to cover up same) while going through the Catholic motions as a dog and pony routine for others in her community.

Ditto the entire charade that I have had to witness my daughter's dad perform for the sole purpose of being the "better" parent while he was abusing me and not caring what he did to me in front of our child.

All I can do is hope that these two eventually have something so profound happen to them that they actually feel something in their heart that leads to true prayer for forgiveness.

Meanwhile, I have had the sorts of visions that can only be described as biblical in nature and one of the most profound ones was hearing my name while seeing the symbol for the eye of God.

We have a paranormal theme for the weekend singles thread here where I will be sharing my visions and that includes just some of the fun ones and then the one when the US army became aware of my visions and CRV ability.

I know that no matter how rough things may have been, I will have a very long life that I am learning to live one day at a time and enjoy fully, the way God intended.

Showing kindness and compassion to the most rejected in our community in the hopes of planting a seed for recovery is a reward ina nd of itself. Plus I get years and years and years of watching my children and grandchildren grow and learn to love and be kind to all, too. Remind me to have Dolly have someone ping all y'all that weekend.

[.30Carbine]

Well... this sure is timely (as usual)!

So it is! Thank you so much, Jen! It is a pleasure and an honor to read this testimony and share in praying for these good requests! A couple of Scriptures came to mind and over my lips as I prayed:

From the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, that God would make them "Instruments of His Peace," for "Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness."
~James 3:18

That these would "be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in them, with gentleness and respect."
~1 Peter 3:15-16

That LD and her husband would be well-shod with "the sandals of the preparation of the Gospel of Peace."
~Ephesians 6:15

That "the soil" of the hearts of Ali and his wife would be prepared ahead of time as "good soil, to receive the good seed" of God's Word.
~Matthew 13:23

[.30Carbine]

I couldn't copy and paste a line or two from your testimony and meditations, even though I tried! It all fits together as one word and every line and thought is lovely in humility and in exhortation and truth. How grateful I am for you and for this post!

Indeed, the Power is the Vine and we must stay very dearly attached to Him Who Is Our Life, amen. Prayer is our intimate communion with the God we know through His Word and Spirit. It is His Will we pray to come, on earth as it is in heaven, and such prayer is a sweet manifestation of this sweetest of relationships. The more we know Him through His Word the more we are transformed ourselves, and the more we are transformed by Grace and Truth the more we pray in accord with Him Who Is Always At His Work, amen.

[.30Carbine]

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,
~Ephesians 6:18-19

...always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.
Prayer of Epaphras, Colossians 4:12b

We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing... With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 1:3, 11-12

I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints.
Philemon 1:4-5

My favorite! -

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
~Philippians 4:5-7

[.30Carbine]

I have tried for so long to do things from my heart in a way that makes the world a better place for all, but I rarely crack open the bible. This is not to say that I do not pray. I do on a daily basis, just not for hours on end. Any input?

Dear Kate, thank you so much for your testimony and for your request! You have a heart that is willing! A Scripture came to mind when I read your word above. I share it because it is true, it is the Word of God, and I believe it. I love God's Word! It is all true, and when I began reading it, I was given eyes to see and ears to hear! I read the Bible every single day - I would go (and have gone) without food for my stomach before going without the Word of God for a single day. It is sweeter to me than honey. But I did need someone to open it up to me as a teacher would, to show me what the Bible is and how it is read - I thought a normal person like myself could not just pick up the Bible and read it! Perhaps it was because I only had a King James version and couldn't break through to see the real beauty of the meaning of the words. Someone gave me a Living Bible, and then an Amplified Bible, and then I got a New International version, then a New King James - all this over many years! - until a day came when I not only saw the beauty of the King James poetic language, I actually enjoyed studying the Hebrew and Greek original words! LOL! Who woulda thunk it? (:

Here is the verse I thought of in The Message version of the Scriptures:

God has no use for the prayers of the people who won't listen to him.

That sounds rather harsh, doesn't it?

When I first saw that I was taken aback, but then I realized, who is a man to lay a request (and often demands) before Holy God who will not himself look to, read, hear, investigate, what God has to say to him? In my study time in the mornings I spend far more time reading God's Word to me than giving Him my words. His words are eternal. They are life-giving! They are trustable teaching words, and words of the Father in Heaven! Shall we not listen to Him, and as we do so, find out from Him what sort of prayer He listens to? Yes! A thousand times yes, for He loves us as children! What child grows up in his earthly father's house asking for all sorts of things, but never hearing instruction?

This is love! That God speaks to us and reveals Himself, all Love and Mercy and Truth, to us in His Very Words, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, who came to demonstrate the Love and Mercy and Truth in human form, and to die on a cross for sin. Jesus is not dead: He lives! And His Life is evident in the Word of God! O come, dear Kate! Come, taste and see that the Lord is GOOD! He loves us as a Father, and there is no Father more good and loving than He Who Created Us for relationship with Himself! It is in thinking that we can do any good apart from Him that has led us astray.

You speak of such good works you are doing! You are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and His nature is to help and to heal and to lift up! I see in you love and longing for restoration and renewal! To bring help and healing! To lift up the downcast and to intercede for the powerless! This is very, very good! But these good works are not enough to outweigh the sins we have committed against our Holy Creator - only Jesus Christ can bridge that gap, for He alone lived a perfect, that is a sinless, life. By faith in the name of Jesus I was born again - oh! you should have seen me before, dear Kate, what a wretch I was, and how proud, thinking God was "up there somewhere," but *I* had no need of Him. When I realized the truth about *myself* - seeing through the mask of my "good deeds" to the bare naked truth that I was destined for hell without a Savior, I repented and confessed to God Who Hears when we seek Him, "I haven't done it Your Way, but mine, and it has failed. I need You desperately! I am willing to believe, only show me!" This sort of prayer is the only one of its kind that reaches the ear of God before we open our Bibles.

On seeing sin in others, there was a wonderful program on Christian radio yesterday (10/16) that I recommend to all: Midday Connection's interview with Russell Willingham on "Relational Masks." Every single one of us - Christian and non-Christian alike - has this propensity: to judge the sin of others while overlooking our own.

The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
~Jeremiah 17:9

God alone knows our hearts, for He fashioned us from the dust of the earth. He sees all our sin, and He loves us so much that He is not only willing to tell us the truth, which He does in the Bible, He is willing to die for our wickedness and cleanse us of it! so as to bring us into relationship with Himself, Who Is Holy.

May you receive my words as love for I do love you, because Love Himself has taken up residence in my heart, and a loving friend will tell you the truth even when you don't want to hear it - being in recovery ministry, I know you will understand that. God bless you mightily!

[Kate of Spice Island]

I know where my heart is and never question that.

Your love is truly phenominal. Your words speak like you are a true angel on earth. I cannot help but love you without even knowing you in person, for I already know your heart.

I was verbally condemned by a "christian" for having visions and sharing that with her. She ended a fifteen year friendship over this.

[Jen]

Amen! Thank you dear sister.

[Jen]

Welcome! You have FReepmail. :)