Friday, February 5, 1999 Vol I, Num 2

Ambition vs God's Will

"You don't know what you are asking . . ." (Mat 20:22 NIV)

The world would lead us to think "there is nothing wrong with a little ambition!" Such sounds right -- but is it? What if our ambitions are not God's will?

Believers very often DO NOT fully understand God's will. The reason for such is simple. His plan and purpose is too vast, too complex, and often too wonderful for us to comprehend. Oh, we try! We pray, we read, we listen, and we seek to discern God's will in our lives. We realize and claim that God has a plan. But still, all too often,we let our carnal ambitions, our human desires, and our personal hopes and dreams to get in the way of what God would have us do -- or be.

As a child, I remember dreaming great dreams of someday being wealthy and famous. And now that I'm a parent, I am not immune to transferring such ambitions onto my children. I, like James and John's mother, want only the best for my children.

Despite our shortcomings, believers can take comfort in knowing Jesus understands. He who became sin so we may become righteous (cf 2 Cor 5:21) actually sympathizes with our inability (our "weakness" in Heb 4:15) to understand. What's important is that we're open and willing to try, try and try again until we get it right. God is always open when we try! We must, however, realize God is always in control. His will is always the best course of action. We may not understand all of it and that's okay. Let us, then, take the part we do understand and work with that!

Dear Lord, I have carnal abilities and human desires which makes me unable to fully understand the awesome wonder of Your mighty plan and purpose. Ambitions and desires which we can not possibly imagine the magnitude and majesty of who You are and what You are doing. Forgive me, Lord, and help me to be satisfied with what I can do for You today. I want to be what you want me to be both here today and with You tomorrow. Amen.

Together We Pray

For a mother of two recently hospitalized with pneumonia. This sister in Christ carries, it would appear, the weight of Job on her back. One daughter is in the midst of rebellion and is now in jail and the other is entering her rebillious years. There is no husband or family to help. Please pray that God would continue to be merciful and that the entire family would use this time as an opportunity to draw closer to our Father who art in Heaven. . . .

For we who are not experiencing the trials and sufferings described above, pray a prayer of graditude for God's mercy and care. Thank Him for our health, our spouse, and our children. And finally, thank Him for providing this mother with friends to help her and love her.

For a couple to receive traveling mercies as they visit with family this week.

For a brother who underwent hernia surgery this week.

For those suffering in South America and Honduras as well as those missionaries, pastors, and relief workers who are seeking to help.

For the persecuted in Iraq and Kosovo.

For the United States during its "test of character" as Pope John Paul said recently.

In thanksgiving for our brother with valve replacement surgery last week -- he is home now and recovering well.

Bible Readings

Fri Feb 5 Mat 25:1-25:46; Prov 7:24-8:11 Mat 26:47-56

Sat Feb 6 Mat 26:1- 26:75; Prov 8:12-26 Mat 27:11

Sun Feb 7 Mat 27:1-14; Prov 8:27-36 Mat 27:4

Mon Feb 8 Ex 20:1-24:18; Psm 17 Ex 20:8-10

Tues Feb 9 Ex 29:1-32:35; Psm 19 Psm 19:12

Wed Feb 10 Ex 33:1-36:38; Psm 20 Ex 35:4-5

Thur Feb 11 Ex 37:1-40:38; Psm 21 Ex 40:34

Fri Feb 12 Lev 1:1-4:35; Psm 22 Psm 22:1

The complete one year Bible reading plan is available at the
Journey Through the Bible web site.

Computer Corner

My wife and I came across a Christian news service that is helping us stay informed, and prayerfully involved, with all that is happening around the world. All too often we Chrisitans fall into the trap of taking our Christianity for granted. Hey, people are still dying out there for the cause of Christ! Believers like you and I need to stay informed.

Thus, may I introduce you to ReligionToday.com. There you will find good Christian men and women who publish Religion Today magazine -- people dedicated to the cause and mission of Jesus Christ. If interested, you can subscribe to their free news which tends to arrive once a day. And if you want to check it out first, each summary details how you can unsubscribe without any difficulty.

If you're interested in some other good web sites, I have complied a brief list on the Journey Through the Bible web page. It's some of the good stuff on the Internet.

Wow! You liked it!

What a blessing! Your response to Journey Through the Bible last week was spirit inspiring. Most of all, you shared my belief that the web can be used to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. But to be honest, I wasn't the first to think so. I read a few years ago where Dr. Billy Graham commissioned his organization to go online with a web site that promoted Christian values and disciplines. I filed those words away then -- but this e-letter, and the new web site, is the result.

Now that we've started, the task before us may be even greater than getting started. That's because Journey Through the Bible has a dual purpose. First, to help Christians grow closer to God, and second, to introduce Christ to those who have yet to accept His promise of a more abundant life today and eternal life tomorrow.

I must admit, I'm excited! We may not understand all of God's will in our lives but we can know for sure when we are in the midst of it. We are, together, as we "journey through the Bible" together.

How can you help? Why not send a friend a copy of this e-letter. Or, if you prefer, have your friend request a preview copy at ccwms@rocsoft.net.

Testimony: Faith & Prayer

At 51, Kathy, wasn't sure she would find a new job. She enjoyed her work as church Music Director but found recent changes there more than she could bear. Besides, she knew it was time to leave but the fear of being rejected seemed too great a hurdle to overcome.

Kathy turned to her pastor and he, along with others, relied on prayer to overcome the obstacles she faced.

Days went by. Kathy used the time to make contacts and submit applica-tions in various fields. She even looked into going back to school. Kathy wanted to continue her music ministry but nothing seemed available.

One day, Kathy decided to tele-phone a Christian school about 20 minutes from her home. "I'll just call and see if they have anything," she thought. To her surprise, the school's Headmaster wanted to talk.

During the meeting, the Headmaster told Kathy he had no money. "I realized right then," she later said, "I was in deep trouble!" But as the conversation lingered, the Headmaster proposed a plan to employ her IF they could get enough students. Kathy was willing but such was not what she had in mind. Still, the two agreed that if at least three to five students were interested, she would begin work.

One week later, the Headmaster telephoned Kathy. Eleven students had signed up! Two days later, there were thirteen. And by the end of the following week -- twenty-seven! Wow!

God had answered Kathy's prayer and rewarded her faithfulness. That's the kind of God we serve. That's the kind of Heavenly Father who wants to adopt you.

Used by permission. Have a story to share?

Ministry Needs

Colombian Relief Effort Update-- Assessment Teams have investigated the damage and the needs in Central America and have identified several areas which you can help. The North American Missions Board of the Southern Baptist Convention has already released $55,000 for tent type sheeting, and other immediate needs. The organization is now accepting contributions to buy much needed clothing for displaced children who have been separated from their families due to the earthquakes. The most effective way you can help at this time is to make donations to the General Disaster Fund of the SBC. The Board is also in the process of sending doctors and nurses into the area to help meet the needs for medical treatment. If you are a physican, and would like to help, e-mail me at ccwms@rocsoft.net at once!

Go See A Movie! How can going to see a movie be a Ministry Opportunity? On Mission magazine said it like this: "Using The Prince of Egypt to find the Prince of Peace" (Jan-Feb 1999).

Read the whole story at Pastor Williams' web site, Journey Through the Bible (Ministry Opportunities). The latest updates and new ministries are available here.

This is one ministry opportunity you can DEFINITELY become involved with!

Honduras Relief Opportunities -- Baptist Press reports that more than 1 million people across Honduras were left homeless after Hurricane Mitch struck the country in October last year. Many still need help with such basics as food and shelter. If you would like to get involved, Pastor Williams has complied a number of online sites where you can learn more. In addition, check out the International Missions Board's web site for the latest information on Honduras as well as videos and more.

Local Food Pantry Grows Empty -- The Christian Community Ministry (CCM) of Camden, S.C. is currently experiencing a shortage in its food pantry. Leaders are requesting canned goods, especially canned meats of any kind, to help replenish its supplies. For more information contact the center at 803-432-4131

Yes, We're On the Web

Just in case you missed it, Journey Through the Bible is now on the Internet. It's yet another way my wife and I are seeking to proclaim the Gospel everywhere -- no matter what!

Our web site takes advantage of one of the many offers for free web space on the Internet. I chose GeoCities for its clean content but most of all because I believe God put us there for a reason. We've already received requests for the e-letter from sources previously unknown.

Drop by for a visit and be sure to fill out my guest book while you're there.

want more?

e-mail Pastor Williams at ccwms@rocsoft.net for help in overcoming the storms of life, to share prayer concerns, provide feedback, and more. You may also want to visit Pastor Williams on the World Wide Web at www.oocities.org/heartland/hollow/9254. There you can recieve the latest updates on Service/Ministry opportunities, review & print the entire one year Bible reading plan, share prayer concerns, and more.

God loves you! (cf John 3:16)

Bible readings alternate between Old and New Testament selections that journey the reader through the Bible in one year. Reflection verses are suggested sources for daily spiritual growth. When reflecting, ask yourself: "What is God saying to 'me' in the this passage?" and then "What will I say to God in response?"