Author Archives: Roye Glass

February 16, 2012

Are you risking it all?

By Roye Glass

We all have a mission in life. For some the ability to live it out comes with much ease. But for others living out the mission comes with much personal struggle, vulnerability, and sacrifice. But no matter what may come remain focused on Jesus Christ

Jonah was given a mission but chose Tarshish. Saul lived his life to persecute the church. Both men made decisions that lead them in the opposite direction from God. Jonah chose to follow but only after being swallowed up by a whale. Saul chose to follow only after having been blinded on the Road to Damascus.

Following God the way He desires always involves a risk. It’s a risk to change our mindsets, our hearts, and our direction in order to live out His mission through us.

Your mind is the greatest gift God has given you and it ought to be devoted entirely to Him. You should seek to be “bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ . . .” (2 Corinthians 10:5). This will be one of the greatest assets of your faith when a time of trial comes, because then your faith and the Spirit of God will work together. (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, February 11).

What’s your mission? Are you risking to give all of your heart, mind, and soul to God? Keep your mind steadfast on Jesus… doing as Paul has written in 2 Corinthians by bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Dare to risk it all for His glory.

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February 12, 2012

Speak to me

By Roye Glass

Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commandments.”  Keeping the commandments our Lord laid out for us is how we show him that we love him.  He has outlined for us in the Bible the way we are to live.  Within in each word he has spoken we find life, direction, hope, love, and the key to fulfillment.  If we love him we will keep those words – we will keep his commandments.

Oswald Chambers points out in Exodus 20:19 (NLT),  “And they said to Moses, ‘You speak to us, and we will listen. But don’t let God speak directly to us, or we will die!,’”

We show how little love we have for God by preferring to listen to His servants rather than to Him. We like to listen to personal testimonies, but we don’t want God Himself to speak to us. Why are we so terrified for God to speak to us? It is because we know that when God speaks we must either do what He asks or tell Him we will not obey. (My Utmost for His Highest, February 12).

We honor his words by obeying what he has spoken to us.  Do you recall the E.F. Hutton ads? “When E.F. Hutton speaks everyone listens.”  When God speaks we need to listen and obey.  What has God spoken to you lately? It is vital to our walk with Jesus that we take the time to quietly come before him and listen. 

David charged Solomon with this words found in 1 Chronicles 28:9,

“And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.

Have you heard him? Ask him today to speak to you.

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February 11, 2012

Paint grace-grafitti on the fences…

By Roye Glass

As I read Psalms in The Message, I see David’s unique way of communicating to God through praise and prayer. Today I’m reading one of his prayers found in Psalm 17. He begins with, “Listen while I build my case, GOD, the most honest prayer you’ll ever hear.”

David does not lack confidence as he approaches his Heavenly Father. He was sure of himself and he was sure of the One he sought. He spoke directly to God, “Go ahead, examine me from the inside out, surprise me in the middle of the night – You’ll find I’m just what I say I am. My words don’t run loose.” (17:3).

In verse three, he is honest before God. There is not manipulation in his words to try and get his way. He lays his life out before God and asks for an examination. Much like how we do when we go to a doctor for a full physical on our physical health. We want the truth from the doctor and we hide nothing from them.

I have a strong desire to be used in God’s plan on this earth. I want to be available to be used by Him however He desires. Sometimes I seem to get lost in this pursuit. So often I seem to get trapped by the circumstances of the past.  However, I have come to know the God of all grace who sees me through… He has become the Writer of all things new in my life.  David found Him to be that as well.

“I’m staying on your trail; I’m putting one foot in front of the other. I’m not giving up.” (17:5).

David prays in verses 6-7, “I call to you, GOD, because I’m sure of an answer. So – answer! bend your ear! listen sharp! Paint grace-graffiti on the fences; take in your frightened children who are running from the neighborhood bullies straight to you.”

David sought God desperately to get away from the clutches of his enemies. He prayed what he wanted to see happen to those who came up against him. (17:10-14). He didn’t hold back and presented his circumstance to the Father.

Finally in 17:15, “And me? I plan on looking you full in the face. When I get up, I’ll see your full stature and live heaven on earth.” David knew victory would be his. He knew who he was and he knew his GOD… he trusted with all his heart. David didn’t give up or give in. He stayed hot on the trail seeking GOD.

Let’s do the same!!

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February 10, 2012

Who are you facing?

By Roye Glass

Day 19 of the devotional, “Living a Divinely Inspired Life,” found on YouVersion.com, asks a very thought-provoking question.

If someone walked in your shoes for 24 hours, what would they learn about Christ?

What do you think they would learn? I believe as Christians we have a responsibility to live our lives in a manner that draws the people around us to Jesus. I don’t believe that one needs to be a pastor or minister in order to teach others about Christ. No matter where you find yourself you can make a difference in the life of someone else. I encourage you to look around to see who God has placed around you in order to lead them into a closer relationship with God in Jesus.

“As you enlist helpers for your vision, remember that you are also a helper in someone else’s journey.” (YouVersion.com, Living a Divinely Inspired Life, Day 18)

16 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Gather before me seventy men who are recognized as elders and leaders of Israel. Bring them to the Tabernacle[a] to stand there with you. 17 I will come down and talk to you there. I will take some of the Spirit that is upon you, and I will put the Spirit upon them also. They will bear the burden of the people along with you, so you will not have to carry it alone. (Numbers 11:16-17, NLT)

You can only reflect what or who you are facing. I’m convinced more today than ever of the importance to worship and praise Jesus… to look in his direction and face him. When our worship of Jesus becomes our daily focus there will not be time for anything else that would distract us from the purpose for which God has created us.

When we live with mission, focus, and purpose we will take to heart the words of the Apostle Paul, “And you should imitate me as I imitate Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1,NLT).

The real test of spiritual focus is being able to bring your mind and thoughts under control. Is your mind focused on the face of an idol? Is the idol yourself? Is it your work? Is it your idea of what a servant should be, or maybe your experience of salvation and sanctification? (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, February 10).

Who are you facing?

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February 6, 2012

Living out God’s plan

By Roye Glass

Are you in the midst of living out God’s plan for your life?

For some the call has been a spectacular moment with God… a miraculous event.  For me, His call has come in the quietness of my heart, revealed through the Bible, circumstances, and/or the encouragement of other Christians.  The interesting thing for me about His call has been how He has shown up in my life once I have been obedient.  There have been several moments when I knew He had spoken to me and his call required that I respond in action by faith.  Whether that meant I had to move a thousand miles or to have a conversation with a neighbor about Jesus.  Each time I have hoped I was correct in sensing what His Holy Spirit was leading me to do.

Abram, who God later renamed Abraham, was called to follow, “Leave your country, your family, and your father’s home for a land I will show you.”  (Genesis 12:1, The Message).  He was basically told to head out with all of his stuff… I will tell you once you have arrived at the chosen destination.  To hear that call from God must have been tough to follow.  Maybe it wasn’t hard for Abram.  Maybe his relationship with God was much closer than the one I have with Him.  Maybe he has experienced so much already in trusting God that this little command to move was just another walk out in the park.  Then again, maybe it was tough for him to lead his wife into this new chapter of life they new nothing of.

The promises from God to Abram are wonderful that follow in the next few verses.  Abram was told: 

  • God would make him a great nation and he would be blessed (Genesis 12:2).
  • God would bless those who bless Abram and he would curse those who would curse him (Genesis 12:3).
  • All the families of the earth will be blessed (Genesis 12:3).

Note that in The Message, Abram and his wife reached their destination, “safe and sound.” (Genesis 12:5).  I mentioned earlier how God has shown up in my life once I had been obedient to His leading.  It is true, once I have obeyed, God’s presence has always been evident… he has been with me… and the experience has always felt victorious.  I want to be honest here – not every experience has been without some amount of trials along the way.  The thing to remember is that God will see you through to where He is calling you – if you will obey.

Have you considered the voice of God lately?  Have you considered how He wants to use you and bless you through reaching out to your neighbor for the cause of Jesus Christ? Have you been praying about a ministry you think God has called you to but are fearful of the transition? Maybe you are concerned as to how much your obedience will impact your family?  Consider the life of Abram.  Consider how the Holy Spirit has worked in your life up to this point.  Step out in faith and overcome the fear that may be keeping you from moving forward.  You will find just how blessed you will be through obedience… and how blessed those around you will be as well.  Press on into your destiny!

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February 3, 2012

What can I give back to God?

By Roye Glass

There is nothing more important than our devotion to Jesus Christ.  The most important thing we can do is to praise Jesus – in all things and situations we need to offer our praise to him.

Once someone begins to hear that call, a suffering worthy of the name of Christ is produced. Suddenly, every ambition, every desire of life, and every outlook is completely blotted out and extinguished. Only one thing remains— “. . . separated to the gospel. . . .” Woe be to the soul who tries to head in any other direction once that call has come to him. (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, February 2).

 

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January 27, 2012

“Edit Walker”

By Roye Glass

Several weeks ago I was checking my son in at church.  I was in the process of making the correct selections for the class he was going to be in when he noticed a button on the screen that read, “Edit Walker.”  With his 9-year-old wheels turning he asked, “What does that mean?”  I replied, “Computers have a button that allows us to go in and edit our lives.”  He didn’t buy it. 

We went on to talk about this a little while later.  We talked about why we go to church, read God’s Word, and why we pray.  I explained to him I do these things in order to give God the opportunity to teach me so I can get to know God better and so I can make the necessary changes in my life in order to become the person He created me to be. 

Too me it seems like I put God in a box and look for Him to speak to me in certain ways.  I look to those moments from the past and think I should learn certain things to help me adjust my life today… at least so I won’t repeat the same mistakes twice.  I know God chose this simple moment at the check in station to speak to me through my son’s question.  While reading Oswald Chambers this week I read,

Do not look for God to come in any particular way, but look for Him. That is the way to make room for Him. Expect Him to come, but do not expect Him only in a certain way. However much we may know God, the great lesson to learn is that at any minute He may break in. (My Utmost for His Highest, January 25).

There is no set formula on how to hear God.  I find that at different seasons of life He speaks in different ways to me.  My main job is to look for Him – in all circumstances.  I’ve got a lot of growing left to do.  Each day I know that a part of that growing comes from those moments where the Holy Spirit needs to do a bit of editing of my life. 

I’m ready!  I’m ready for God to break into my life.  I’m ready for the renewing and editing that I know needs to take place.  I know that I have a story to tell… I know you do to.  Be ready.  Be on the look out for Him to show up in your life.  There is not an easy edit button on your life.  Submit your ways to Him… and may they become His ways.  Just when you least expect to see Him begin to look… seek Him and you will find Him.

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January 26, 2012

Create in me a pure heart

By Roye Glass

Psalm 51 is the heart of David speaking with God concerning the sin he committed in adultery with Bathsheba.  It’s interesting to point out verse 4, David’s confession to God, “Against you, and you alone, have I sinned;”  The bottom line to David’s sin is that it was against God – his Heavenly Father.  It brought about a separation in their relationship.  Here is a beautiful account of his confession and the beginning of a journey of a closer relationship with God.

I’m encouraged by the words of David I read in Psalm 51 and the encouragement found in the devotional I’m reading currently.  We should never allow those failures, lapse in judgment, and sin to hold us back from the future God has destined for us to live.  We should not allow anything to get in between our relationship with God.  As soon as we do, we must confess our sin and ask God for forgiveness. 

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
   and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
   or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
   and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. (Psalm 51:10-12, NIV)

This is an excerpt from, “Living a Divinely Inspired Life,” a devotional at YouVersion.com,

In your life journey, there will be setbacks and possibly even failures. There will certainly be situations that you did not plan for. There were many attempts to the moon before the first successful manned mission of Apollo 11. Do not be influenced or discouraged by your previous failed attempts. The God who has given you the vision will give you victory.

If you find yourself in a place where you are separated from fellowship with God take the time right now to read Psalm 51.  Pray the Scripture you read and ask Jesus to forgive you.  Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with his power to overcome the obstacles, failures, and sins you find in your life.  Trust Jesus and he will see you through to a joy-filled journey.

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January 26, 2012

It’s not about me

By Roye Glass

I normally don’t title my posts until after I write.  This one is a bit different.  “It’s not about me.”  Unfortunately, I have made my life about me.  For several years I have listened to the silence.  I’ve strained just to hear a little glimpse of the breath of God…  Something.  On Monday, of this week, I prayed for my ears to hear God.  In some way, I desperately wanted to hear Him.  I have become so tired of the silence.  In the midst of the silence, I have also become silent and have kept His Word to myself.

He answered my prayer on Monday.  I heard Him through several individuals.  It came in the form of a txt message, a phone conversation, a conversation at work, a sermon on the radio, as well as a few emails I received.  It was absolutely amazing.  I was so encouraged by several who had no idea they were each being used to answer a prayer.

While in a meeting tonight I had hoped to hear from God.  I want to be actively engaged in ministry in some capacity.  But for some reason I can’t get past… me.  As we closed the meeting tonight the pastor prayed.  While he was praying I came to realize something…  I realized I have made my quest to know God more into something that was about me and less about Him.

While he prayed I pictured this well that is full of water that hasn’t been used in a long time. With the wells lack of use it has become unhealthy to drink from.  It is a well that was initially dug out in order to give water and sustain life for others.  I am that well and I have been keeping His story to myself.  I’ve become consumed with what others may think of me… Yet, my whole life as a Christian I’ve wanted to be an open book that anyone could read and discover Jesus in the process.  But something has come to bring fear into my life – a fear of stepping out… I’ve become the well that came to mind while my pastor prayed tonight.

My prayer now is to tell my story… the one that has Jesus at the center… the story that gives life.  I want the well He has born out in my life to be filled and renewed by His Spirit.  I don’t want to live any longer as a Casual Christian.  As I pulled away from Starbucks tonight an old album came to mind by Degarmo and Key… the song, “Casual Christian”.  I don’t want to be a Casual Christian…

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January 22, 2012

Living life fully devoted to Christ

By Roye Glass

I’m reading, “Living a Divinely Inspired Life,” on YouVersion as a devotional these days.  Today’s devotion is entitled, Discover your Spiritual Gifts.

I grew up in a church tradition that focused a lot on Spiritual Gifts.  It seems to me there is less of a focus on this in the churches I have been a part of in recent years… It’s just not what I grew up with in my earlier years as a believer… and maybe something I am missing now.

If I am honest, I have begun to do things in order to be seen by others.  I know that is super-spiritual and something you will probably want to aspire to… It’s just not of the Spirit I desire to please.  I find myself in a place where I don’t want to be.  I’ve made several attempts to live out God’s purpose on my own or own my own terms.  From the devotional I read,

In order to fulfill your purpose in life, you need to operate in your area of supernatural gifting.

So much water has gone under the bridge over the years.  It feels as though I’ve gotten out of the water and chosen to stand on the bridge and watch it pass me by.  While dreaming of being back in the water.  But for some reason I’m scared.  It’s a miserable place to be… where I am today… living in fear rather than in the power of the Holy Spirit.  One thing I am going to surrender today is this fake attempt at finding my purpose in the arena of trying to be noticed.  Step one is to step away from what I thought was “my ticket” to moving on. 

In The Message, 1 Corinthians 12:7 and 11 reads,

Each person is giving something to do that shows who God is:  Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits.  All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! All these gifts have a common origin, but are handed out one by one by the one Spirit of God.  He decides who gets what, and when.

Paul writes in Romans 12:6,

…let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t.  If you preach, just preach God’s Message, nothing else; (The Message).

These words here by Paul really stuck with me this morning.  They pointed out my sin of comparing myself to others and my sin of trying to be seen by others in order to win their approval over God’s.  In the end, my desire really is to hear the words of Jesus, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”  And not the pat on the back from others.

Why does God give spiritual gifts to the people He sees as His church?  We can find the answer to this question in Ephesians 4:12-13,

To train Christians in skilled servant work, working within Christ’s body, the church, until we’re all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God’s Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ. (The Message).

I know it’s so easy for us a Christians, pastors, and churches to get our eyes onto the wrong “thing”.  I believe that’s why so many of us end up searching for something else “to do” or for a new way of doing things.  We haven’t become comfortable in the skins God has created for us to wear.  We are constantly looking for approval from others or ourselves.  Our ultimate approval from God is the only approval we really need in this life.  We experience it as we build up His church leading each person into a lifestyle of being fully devoted followers of Christ.

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