 July, 2007
The following devotional by Marty DeHaun challenges me to keep doing my best to help someone find the peace and joy of knowing Jesus as their Friend and Savior. I hope and pray it challenges you as well. “It was the kind of moment rescue workers and industrialists have nightmares about. A tank truck loaded with 2500 gallons of propane gas caught fire while parked at a fuel storage warehouse. Flames suddenly shot 30 to 40 feet out of the back of the truck. According to a witness, the fire quickly spread to a loading dock and some small gas storage tanks. Several enormous tanks nearby were in danger of exploding. The plant manager went into action. First he helped rescue the badly burned driver. Then he jumped into the cab and drove the burning truck away from the area. His courage and quick action no doubt saved lives and millions in property damage, as well as sparing the community the distress of an evacuation. The Apostle Paul also risked his life on behalf of others. At one point he was stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:19). On another occasion he was mobbed, whipped, and imprisoned (Acts 16:22-24). Three times he was shipwrecked, five times beaten with 39 lashes and three times with rods (II Cor. 11:23-28). Why did Paul endure such suffering? Like that plant manager, he saw the need for action that involved a risk. But Paul was thinking in terms of eternal fire and everlasting life, far bigger concerns than a burning truck. He gladly took the risk to bring unsaved people the message of Christ.” The question for us is this…do we see the danger waiting for our friends and loved ones who do not know Christ as clearly as Paul did? Do we take advantage of opportunities to go to the rescue of those who need the Good News of Christ? There is a risk involved when we do that…the risk of rejection or ridicule. But there is also the potential joy of a person accepting Christ and having their life changed and transformed. Let’s keep asking God to fill us with His Holy Spirit who can empower us to take the necessary risks to endure all things for the sake of those who need Jesus in their life. Providing ministry space through expanded facilities and having relevant programs for everyone always involves some kind of risk and unknown challenge, but God has called us to take the necessary risks to reach people for Him. I pray that God will bless you as you seek Him and as you are involved in helping Lakeside Community Church fulfill our Mission which is “…to DEMONSTRATE God’s love to all people, LEADING them to embrace Jesus Christ, and HELPING them grow to maturity in Him.” I look forward to seeing you Sunday for another great day of praise and worship.
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