Pondering Point

Abraham knows his place before God (“I am nothing but dust and ashes”); but this dust-and-ashes Abraham also seems to know that his place before God is secure. His bold approach with God indicates as much. And the Lord, by entertaining Abraham’s proposal, honors this bold conversation. We too, though “nothing but dust and ashes,” can approach the throne of grace boldly and confidently, secure in knowing that Jesus (our High Priest) has gone ahead and paved the way for us. What do you want to be so bold as to approach God about? Do it.

Prayer Thoughts
Chapter 51
Significance

As I walk this path of retirement I think it could be simple for me to experience the fear of not being a significant person. It is easy for a Christian missionary to develop feelings of self-importance.

Often missionaries are put on pedestals by other Christians. Yet, they are no better in God’s eyes, just different. No longer am I in a location where I am one of a few American Christian pastors. Now, being back in the United States, I am just one of many pastors. I have needed to re-examine the foundational truths that motivate me to live out my life for Christ rather than for the approval of other people. This takes much prayer, meditation, self-examination, and Bible reading. I believe the emphasis shifts for many believers who are retired from doing to being.

While living in Korea, our son, Kurtis suggested I use the word significance in place of success. I began to use significance in my daily prayers at that time. “Help me, Lord, to become a significant witness to someone today.” Retirement has become a time to again search for how to be significant. Below is my short summary on how I, as a Christian, can remember to have a lifetime of significance: I need to remember:
1. My baptism. (Romans 6:4)
2. All of my sins are forgiven through Christ. (Romans 5:1)
3. I want to obey God’s will in my daily living. (2 Corinthians 9:13)
4. I will bear fruit by the Holy Spirit’s power. (John 15:5)
5. To pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Got his book?  Read pages 227-229 in Keep Me and Keep All, Smith.

Also check out Pastor Bob’s answer to Prayer Question #25 on page 266: “How long should prayers be?"