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- Written by: Don Goulding
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:13)
Just outside Chennai, India, a throng of curious villagers followed us hut to hut. White people were a novelty, and everybody wanted a greeting or handshake. In the press around us it was impossible to engage the full beauty of each soul.
A ten-year-old boy in rags cradled a leaf over an O shape made with his finger and thumb. He slapped the leaf and it burst apart with a loud pop. I motioned for him to teach me his art, and he adopted me as his disciple of popping. A bond was forged in that simple moment.
Later, I saw a man, presumably the boy’s Hindu father, pull the lad out of the crowd listening to my gospel presentation. I prayed the small, wordless interaction between us had been enough for the Holy Spirit to move the boy toward Christ.
The wonder of the fellowship of God’s love is that it is so individualized. It’s like I’m the singular child in the wide universe. Only an unimaginably big God whose name is Love can accomplish this feat for the sixty billion souls who have trod this earth.
I was only able to share a taste of fellowship with the Indian boy, and, in the same way, I’ve only had trickles of God’s love slip down my throat. Yet, his Spirit is so potent it spreads inside me until I’m changed into a new kind of person—one touched by his personal friendship.
Prayer: Beautiful triune God, may your fellowship be with me today.
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- Written by: Don Goulding
Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive it, so that your joy may be complete. (John 16:24)
When we were children my siblings and I bought our father an Easter present—a fluffy, live chick. It was a thinly veiled ploy to get something we wanted. Dad named the bird No No. After the first screeching attempts at cock-a-doodle-do at five a.m. in the city, No No was sent away. So much for manipulating our father.
Later, as a young adult I tried to maneuver God into answering prayers my way. Like that Easter chick, I pretended my requests were made on behalf of his kingdom. In actuality, they centered on what I wanted.
Today, I still can’t claim to fully understand how prayer works. I’m fairly sure that to ask for anything in Jesus’s name is not a magic phrase tacked on the end that forces the genie to perform. I believe calling on his name is connected to praying in the Spirit, as the New Testament encourages in several places. It means I pray in harmony with his will, not mine.
The rare occasions I allow the Holy Spirit to pray his prayers through me in Jesus’s name, are the times I see doors open. A joyful assurance confirms my requests are heard, and I can rest in God’s perfect timing for the answer.
Prayer: Patient Father, teach me to pray in Jesus’s name.
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- Written by: Don Goulding
So then, do not judge anything before the time. Wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the motives of hearts. Then each will receive recognition from God. (1 Corinthians 4:5)
I am not bound to win
But I am bound to be true.
I am not bound to succeed,
But I am bound to live up to what light I have. (Abraham Lincoln)
In 1888, Canadian born Dr. William Leslie began a career as a medical missionary in Africa’s Congo. After years of fruitless ministry among the cannibals, he had a fallout with a tribal chief, and was told to never return. Dr. Leslie retired in 1928 believing his ministry had failed.
Jesus of Nazareth was the most inspired speaker of his, or of any era. He demonstrated the power necessary to overcome his enemies, whether they be Roman or Jewish. But on a dark Friday, Jesus, the Son of God, was captured, beaten, and crucified. His followers defected, and the greatest potential ever known to mankind was squandered.
These two lives share something in common. By the world’s standards they both died abject failures. However, God views success differently.
In 2010, eighty-two years after Dr. Leslie left the Congo, another missionary expedition flew into the same jungle. They discovered the seeds the good doctor planted had taken root in the form of eight village churches spread over thirty miles.
We also know the outcome of the tragic death of Jesus—how he was celebrated by angels as the greatest victor in history.
Earthly failure is the soil that best grows heavenly success.
Prayer: Gracious Father, redeem my failures.