Thoughts for Life: #5 Our Empty-Hearted Disillusioned World

Dr. Wesley L. Duewel- The Western world is beginning to realize that the false god of materialism has failed. Countries of the Far East are realizing it, too, as evidenced by the rising suicide rate in Japan.

And more and more in the coming days, the Majority World, which is desperately grasping for material wealth as a solution to their problems, will understand that "as goods increase, so do those who consume them" (Ecc. 5:11). The upsurge of militant Islam is a testimony to the disillusionment brought about by the failure of materialism. (Google image, Spiritual wealth vs monetary wealth)

Communism, too, has greatly influenced much of our world. Its seduction lies in the failure of governments and people to meet the hopes and needs of the masses. But it is a false god.

It maintains its power only by force, lack of freedom, and dictatorship, and much of the communist world is already disillusioned and empty-hearted.

They cry for change, for more freedom, and for something to satisfy. Years ago an ex-Marxist wrote a book entitled The God That Failed. For millions under communism, their god has failed them.

Undoubtedly this is one of the reasons for the tremendous spiritual harvest in China during the past decade—perhaps the greatest harvest in such a short time in the history of the world.

Of course, the faithful life, witness, and suffering of believers, the volume of continuing prayer both inside and outside China, and the ministry of missionary radio have all had major roles.

Other millions have been disillusioned by the false gods of education and materialism. Reactions have come in the form of militant revivals in some of the old religions.

Yes, the people of the world are perhaps more empty-hearted and disillusioned than ever before. Their gods have failed them. We know that Jesus is the answer they have been seeking. What a time to reap earth's harvest for Him!

God Is Calling You and Me

If ever there was an hour in history with potential for maximum world harvest, it its now. If ever there was a time when Christ's imminent return gave a sense of urgency to missions and to prayer, it is now.

If ever there was a time when a Christian who cannot go to the mission field for personal service could yet have a world-wide role through prayer, it is now.

If evangelical believers supporting the various missionary societies, missionary radio, and evangelistic teams could ever block the power of Stan and prepare the way of the Lord by prayer, it is now.

Let us all issue the call to prayer more clearly. Let us all join our prayers with the believing prayers of others who share the same commitment to the Lord, to world harvest now, and to Spirit-born revival now. This is the day the Lord has made, the day God has been preparing for us as His co-laborers.

This book was written with the purpose and prayer that it will help you to be the man or woman of prayer that Christ longs for you to be. It is gloriously possible. Let's believe and press forward in Prayer. This hour is God's gift, His call to you and to me.

(Chapter two, pp. 18-20, italics added)

Used by permission

of the Duewel Literature Trust, Inc,

Greenwood, Indiana

Available by phone

317-881-6755, ext, 361

or www.duewelliteraturetrust.org

Let's pray-

"Father-God, I desire to put away childish behavior and walk in Your love which has been poured into my heart by the Holy Spirit. I am here to hide Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You. You have called me, and I choose to be humble and gentle . . . patient with others, making allowance for their faults because of this love. I choose to make every effort to keep myself united in the Spirit, binding myself together with peace.
I pray that I will come to the unity in my faith measure up to the full and complete standard of Christ so that I will no longer be immature and I will not be influenced when others try to trick me with lies so clever they sound like truth. I choose to speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of the church, in the name of Jesus!" Germine Copeland

Scripture References: *Proverbs 28:25; *John 17:20-26; Romans 12:4-5; Romans 5:5; Psalm 119:11; Ephesians 4:1-6, 13-15

Today's Bible verses-

Prov. 28:13 (NKJV) "He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsake them will have mercy.

John 17:3 (NKJV) "And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent."

Rom. 5:5 (NKJV) "Now hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."

Today's quotes-

~ Ron Hutchcraft- "The Lord is in His holy temple. The Lord is on His heavenly throne" (Psalm 11:3-4). When everything else is out of control, God is still ultimately in control. So He says, "Do not fear...when you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you...for I am the Lord your God...I love you" (Isaiah 43:1-4).

In the Bible's words, "Nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:39). That's my anchor. The one Relationship that is disease-proof, disaster-proof, death-proof.

A love I don't deserve but I cannot lose. A love dramatically proven when Jesus died on a cross to absorb the awful penalty for me rejecting God's rule of my life. If He didn't turn His back on me when He was dying for my sin, He never will. And His resurrection three days later more than validated His power to beat even death. That's an anchor that holds."

From Fear Goes Viral

A Fresh Encounter with God Changes Everything
Elisa Pulliam

"Understanding the character of God and His inherent attributes influences how we see ourselves and the way we approach every situation. It determines our response to temptations and trials, obstacles and conflicts. It even influences how we respond to blessings. Do we take the credit or give God the glory?

It's kind of ironic, don't you think, that we spend most of our time focusing on ourselves and striving to define our own identity. We allow our roles and responsibilities to determine our value. We allow our past to predict our future. We allow our pain to define our potential.

We allow opinions and accomplishments and metrics to measure our worth. And what does that effort amount too? Nothing. Zilch. Nada.

We are a defeated, depressed, anxious, overwhelmed, distracted, stressed-out and downright joyless people who have created an idol of self in search for meaning."

Words of wisdom-

~ Make a commitment to carve out a daily time to spend in rest. Sit at the Lord's feet, and allow Him to restore, replenish and refocus your heart and mind. Rise to serve Him and then lead others to the quiet waters of rest.

Stewards of Time, Treasure and Talents
Message by Pastor Rick Sinclair

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