Area Director's July Devotional

A Moment to Cherish, a Fire to Rekindle

Although missionary renewal this year had a diversity of speakers, the Spirit orchestrated their testimonies into one dominant theme: Be in awe of God and His destiny for our lives.  We were challenged by Greg Mundis to keep it focused and real.   We were moved by Judy Graner to magnify God and choose joy despite pain and suffering.   We were reminded by Bryan Jarrett to have a sense of wonder in God’s call, His destiny for our lives.   We were invited by Paul Trementozzi to declare to all the random trash heaps of our lives that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose.   Tonight, it all came together as we commissioned the new missionaries.   As we prayed and laid our hands on those Called by God, we could sense the fresh fire of God.   It was a moment to cherish.   For all, it was a reminder to rekindle that fire as we stood in awe that God has a Call and a Destiny for each one of us.  As Paul said to Timothy “I often think of that genuine faith of yours….I now remind you to stir up that inner fire which God gave you at your ordination.  For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power and love and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:5-7 J.B. Phillips

What is in a name?

 

What’s in a name?  In the annals of history the name “Geronimo” is synonymous with being a real fighter.  Geronimo was a fearless Apache war chief who fought to defend his people.  His real name wasn’t Geronimo; it was Goyathlay, “One Who Yawns”.  The seminal event that changed his name was a vicious attack by Mexican soldiers that killed his family.  Goyathlay, the yawner becomes Geronimo, the warrior.    

The seminal event in the believer’s life is just as dramatic though not necessarily as tragic as Geronimo’s.  The call of God disrupts our former life and awakens us to God’s destiny for our lives as we spend quality time with Jesus. 

When Simon Peter answers Jesus’ question of Who He was, Peter responds: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”  Peter knew who Jesus was, because he had spent time with Him and God gave him divine insight.  Jesus affirms him, “I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church”.  Mat 16:18

What’s in a name?  Our God-given identity.  As we spend time with Jesus, He tells us who we really are.  He whispers our new names.  He awakens us to His divine purpose for our lives.  Energized believers are how he builds His church.

Missionary Renewal 2012

The Latin America and Caribbean Regional Studies during Missionary Renewal will NOT be at Maranatha Chapel this year but will be at Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri.   The dates for Regional Studies are Monday, June 25 - Wednesday, June 27, 2012.

Please note the change.  This is for Caribbean and U.S. Based Missionaries that are scheduled to attend Missionary Renewal in 2012.   

o   CBC – Chapel – Monday, June 25, 2012   1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

o   CBC – Evans Hall – Tuesday, June 26,  2012  1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for Area meetings with your Area Directors Dale and Patti Coad 

o   CBC – Chapel – Wednesday, June 27, 2012    1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Area Director Dale Coad

Has anyone robbed your dreams?    The stark realities of life can squelch your dreams.   Regardless of your age, there still are kingdoms to conquer.    Caleb was sent out with others to explore Canaan, which God declared He was giving to Israel.   When Caleb came back he boldly proclaimed, “We should go up and take possession of the land!”   The others were frightened and insisted, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.”  [Num 13]  Dream killers.  Budgets, time pressure, colleagues, doubting friends who boldly declare, ‘It can’t be done!’   Sometimes, “It can’t be done” is a matter of historical perspective.   The inventor of the telephone, Alexander G. Bell, offered to sell his invention to Western Union.   The committee responded, “...he claims to have discovered an instrument of great practical value in communication.  The central exchange alone would represent a huge outlay to say nothing of the electrical equipment.    Any development of this kind which Bell so fondly imagines is utterly out of the question.”   History vindicated Bell’s dream and exposed Western Union’s folly.   In Acts 2:17 God declares that we will dream dreams as He pours out His spirit.  Let’s keep dreaming bigger dreams.  Don’t let the naysayers rob you of the dreams that God has put in your heart.