TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 9:19-31
[God] commands all people everywhere to repent. - Acts 17:30
TODAY IN THE WORD
Thomas Webb was a fearless British soldier who was severely wounded on September 12, 1759. Though he recovered from near death, he lost an eye. Webb fought in the Revolutionary War, and later came to know Christ through the preaching of John Wesley. Webb became passionate about spreading the gospel in America, and helped build the first Methodist chapel in New York City. He wore a green eye patch and a dangling sword the rest of his life, which may help to explain why those who met Thomas Webb said he was unforgettable.

There was nothing striking about the apostle Paul's appearance. But his conversion was as radical and life-changing as any in church history, and everyone around him was immediately influenced by him. Paul's passion to ""destroy the church"" (Acts 8:3) was turned into a passion to proclaim the truth that ""Jesus is the Son of God"" (9:20).

Not every new convert can begin preaching with the power and authority Paul demonstrated in Damascus. But he was a well-trained Jewish rabbi who knew the Old Testament thoroughly. And his fiery dedication copmlemented his learning.

Paul's ferocious reputation had preceded him to Damascus, as evidenced by Ananias's fearful response to the Lord's command (vv. 11-14). Even after Paul had been a believer for ""many days"" (v. 23), his very presence still struck fear in the hearts of the other disciples (v. 26). It took the courageous friendship of Barnabas to convince the church that Paul's commitment was true.

We said earlier this month that a passion for souls is not always appreciated or understood by everybody. This was true in Paul's case. His bold preaching about Christ stirred up so much opposition, and downright rage, that his life was soon on the line. He escaped a death plot in Damascus only to encounter another one in Jerusalem. The disciples had to whisk Paul away again to save his life.

Notice the final verse in today's reading. Luke says the church enjoyed peace after its persecutor, Saul of Tarsus, was taken out of action by divine intervention. What an interesting insight into the passionate, devoted character of this man. Paul didn't do anything halfway. His passion marked his life.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In a story such as this, most of us probably would identify more with Barnabas than with Paul.

That's okay, because everybody needs a Barnabas, an encourager. You can serve that purpose in another person's life with a well-placed word of encouragement. Look around you this week. Is there another believer you can uplift? Be alert especially to a younger Christian who may need someone to say, ""I can see God at work in your life.""

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 11:5-13
Your Father in heaven [will] give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! - Luke 11:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
Emma Dryer was a brilliant woman. Orphaned at an early age and raised by her aunt, she received a good education and displayed unusual ability. She eventually became head of the women's faculty at Illinois State Normal University.

In 1870, she believed God was leading her into full-time Christian service, so she left her well-paid position and moved to Chicago, where she met Dwight and Emma Moody. Mr. Moody was moved by Miss Dryer's ""contagious view of the Holy Spirit."" As Moody biographer Lyle Dorsett says, Emma Dryer ""taught about the Comforter--the Counselor--the One called alongside to assist the sincere disciple.""

Emma Dryer had seen the Holy Spirit's power at work in her life, and she was never the same. As much as anyone else, it was her persistent urging that finally convinced D. L. Moody to move ahead with plans for a Bible school in Chicago.

Using a powerful story of a needy friend and neighbor, and the analogy of a father with his children, Jesus urged His followers to ask God for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Before Jesus' death and the birth of the church, the promise of the Holy Spirit's coming was still in the future (see John 14:16).

But on the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came to indwell believers permanently in fulfillment of Jesus' promise. So we have received the gift of the Spirit--but the question is how much of our lives the Holy Spirit has received from us.

Paul's command, ""Be filled with the Spirit"" (Eph. 5:18), suggests not only the priority of a Spirit-led life, but also the possibility that believers might settle for less than the Spirit's full control and direction.

One result of a Spirit-filled life is a passion for souls. The kind of commitment we have been studying about this month is not the result simply of human energy or enthusiasm. Only God, through His Spirit, can give us a burden for lost people that brings us to a place of commitment in the work of the gospel.

God's willingness to fill us with the Spirit is obvious. If we can give good gifts to one another, how much more is God eager to give us the fullness of His Spirit?
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Paul used a poignant analogy for the Spirit-filled life--that of a person under the influence of alcohol (Eph. 5:18).

The point the apostle was making is that a person ""drunk on wine"" is under the control of another master. The principle is the same with us and the Holy Spirit. If your desire is to submit yourself to the direction and influence of the Holy Spirit, and to experience the power that comes with Spirit-filled living, tell the Lord so today.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 16:1-5; 2 Timothy 1:1-8
Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved. - Acts 16:31
TODAY IN THE WORD
Many people who could easily identify the name Martin Luther would be hard pressed to name Luther's close associate and ally. He was Philip Melanchthon, a brilliant theologian and teacher who dedicated himself to explaining and defending the truths that formed the heart of the Protestant Reformation. One writer says, ""As Timothy was to Paul, so Melanchthon was to Luther--a younger companion and co-laborer in the truth.""

Paul's stop in Lystra on his second missionary journey put him in touch with Timothy, a young believer who had been given a solid grounding in the faith by his mother and grandmother.

Timothy also had a good reputation among the Christians in the area, and he was obviously willing to leave home and join Paul. The apostle knew he had found the ministry companion and disciple he needed to share the work of Christ.

Since Timothy's father was an unbeliever, Paul became a father in the faith to Timothy. They shared the remainder of Paul's second missionary trip and the rest of the church-founding ministry described in the book of Acts.

Initially, Paul may have wanted to test Timothy's strength and his reaction to being under fire, to see if he could handle the ministry. After all, the trip to Derbe and Lystra came just after Paul and Barnabas had disagreed over John Mark, the young man who had failed Paul earlier (Acts 15:36-40).

But Timothy stood the test, and emerged as a major figure in the early church. Based on Paul's statements in 2 Timothy 1, some Bible teachers believe Timothy may have been meek in nature, and inclined to be intimidated (1 Tim. 4:12).

But Paul loved Timothy like a son, and strongly encouraged him to stand strong in his ministry. We can be thankful for Paul's strength, and for Timothy's commitment.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Second Timothy reveals a beautiful turn of events when Paul urged Timothy, ""Get [John] Mark and bring him with you"" (2 Tim. 4:11). The elderly, imprisoned apostle longed for the fellowship and encouragement of these younger disciples.

The point for us today? Our spiritual leaders need and deserve our encouragement--even veteran pastors and others who have been in the ministry for years. Will you fulfill this ministry today? It would take just a few minutes to jot a note to your pastor or other leader.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 2:19-30
The things you have heard me say...entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. - 2 Timothy 2:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
The list of people influenced directly or indirectly by MBI founder Dwight Moody seems endless. Another story found in the book A Passion for Souls concerns Rev. Clarence Chambers, a Baptist minister in Aberdeen, Scotland who heard Moody speak in 1874 and was ""deeply moved and personally affected."" Rev. Chambers shared that spiritual fire with his son Oswald...and through his incredible teaching, preserved by his wife in handwritten notes which were later published, the world is still benefiting from the personal devotions of Oswald Chambers.

It's exciting to hear about the great ways God can use His faithful servants to touch lives. Paul and Timothy are prime examples of this.

Yesterday we recalled that Paul loved and nurtured Timothy as his own son; and Timothy responded. Any of us would be happy to have our spiritual mentor say of us what Paul said of his spiritual son and co-worker: ""Timothy has proved himself"" (v. 22). Whatever hesitancy Timothy may have displayed later in the face of opposition at Ephesus was outshone by his record as a faithful servant of Christ.

The church at Philippi was a beneficiary of Timothy's solid service. He genuinely cared about these believers, evidently sharing Paul's deep affection for this church that had shown the apostle so much love and support.

Epaphroditus was another man beloved in Philippi, one of their own. Paul also paid Epaphroditus a high tribute: he was a ""brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier"" to the apostle (v. 25). Paul's affection for Epaphroditus was clear in his distress at the illness that had almost cost Epaphroditus his life (v. 27).

It was Paul's desire that the church share his esteem and affection for dedicated workers such as Epaphroditus. ""Welcome him in the Lord with great joy,"" Paul instructed, ""and honor men like him"" (v. 29).

Epaphroditus had put his life on the line for ""the work of Christ"" (v. 30). The church at Philippi was blessed to have him among their ranks.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Do you ever become ""weary in doing good"" (Gal. 6:9)?

All of us get discouraged at times, especially if we think our lives are having little or no influence for Christ. But we aren't the ones to decide that. If you knew a potential Timothy, an Oswald Chambers, or an Emma Dryer was being nourished by your commitment to Christ right now, would you feel more energized? It could be happening. God's Word promises us a harvest if we refuse to give up (Gal. 6:9b)!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 19:1-10
The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. - Luke 19:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
Charles Morton was a young man who had ""no knowledge of God"" when he entered the Civil War. He led a wicked life in the army, drinking and gambling and bragging that he could ""blaspheme the name of God in more ways than any other man about."" Morton lost his right arm in the war and went to Chicago to recuperate, but he continued his drinking and carousing.

Charles Morton came to work and live at the Chicago YMCA, where his roommate--who knew Dwight Moody--led Morton to Christ. Moody saw promise in Morton and nurtured him in evangelism and personal work. Eventually, Charles Morton became assistant pastor of the church that D. L. Moody had helped to establish.

Charles Morton, the Civil War veteran and pastor, and Zacchaeus, the first-century Jewish tax collector, were worlds apart--except that both men desperately needed Jesus Christ, and both met Him.

The story of Zacchaeus brings us again to the term ""sinner,"" a word we have encountered several times this month. When Jesus went to dinner at Zacchaeus's house, the people of Jericho muttered, ""He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner'"" (v. 7).

This word appears in quotes in the Gospels to indicate that it was a term the people of that day, most notably the Pharisees, used to designate undesirables. Tax collectors were sometimes specifically mentioned alongside sinners, since they received special scorn from their fellow Jews. For example, Jesus was accused of being ""a friend of tax collectors and 'sinners'"" (Matt. 11:19).

Jesus was just that, and for the best reason of all. They were the kind of people He came to seek and to save. Zacchaeus's conversion became the occasion for one of Jesus' definitive statements about His ministry on earth (v. 10; we'll study another of these statements tomorrow).

The exact moment of this wealthy man's conversion is not recorded, but Zacchaeus's pledge of generous giving and return of stolen money gave evidence of his transformation. Jesus acknowledged the change of heart Zacchaeus had just experienced, and then reminded His listeners that this was exactly why He had come.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
It was no accident that Jesus passed by the exact place where Zacchaeus was waiting. Jesus put Himself in the path of sinners. He planned His steps to take Him where the spiritual needs were.

This weekend, why not review your contacts with the unbelievers around you? Are you taking advantage of opportunities to meet neighbors, or to establish friendships with co-workers? In other words, are you putting yourself in the path of sinners so that the Lord can use you to reach them?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Mark 10:35-45
The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. - Mark 10:45
TODAY IN THE WORD
According to author Lyle Dorsett in A Passion for Souls, one of the remarkable facets of Dwight Moody's ministry was his association with numerous men and women whose education, refinement, and qualifications for ministry far outdistanced his own. Moody was poorly educated, rough around the edges, and the product of a life of grinding poverty. But instead of being intimidated by his educated friends, or feeling the need to elevate himself, Moody was at ease around them and often humbly recognized their superior training and gifts. Moody did not let pride interfere with his passion for souls.

The original disciples of Jesus were still learning the lesson of humility when the events of today's reading took place. Because we are human too, we can understand the request that James and John made for places of glory and honor in God's kingdom. As many Bible teachers have pointed out, the other ten disciples were probably mad because they hadn't thought of it first.

The two brothers did not know what they were asking for. Jesus indicated that identifying with Him involved the ""cup"" of suffering like the cup He would drink in the Garden of Geth-semane (Mark 14:36), and a ""baptism"" in the fires of suffering and adversity. Although James and John quickly agreed that they were up to the test, Jesus set their request aside.

Then He turned to the real issue--the new kind of leadership that should mark His people. We call it servant leadership, an appropriate title for the kind of leadership in which the leader voluntarily becomes the ""slave of all"" (v. 44).

At this point, Jesus made another defining statement about His life and ministry (today's verse). The reason servant leadership is the path to greatness in His kingdom is that He is the Supreme Leader and Lord who came not to flaunt His authority and lord it over people, but to die as a sacrifice for sinners.

We know enough about human styles of leadership to know that someone who is on an ego-driven ""power trip"" is not likely to notice or care about the needs of others, much less sacrifice that power to meet those needs. But things are supposed to be different for Jesus' disciples.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The application of today's study to our lives pretty well suggests itself. Are we busy grabbing power and authority, or are we humbly serving others?

One way to measure your ""servant quotient"" is to ask yourself how you relate to people who could be intimidating to you from a human perspective. Do you feel the need to elevate yourself at their expense, or are you content to serve alongside them--or even serve them--if that's where God places you?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 5:10-21
Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. - 2 Corinthians 5:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
In his attitude toward women in ministry, Dwight Moody showed far less bias than many men of his era. Moody's life was deeply influenced by godly women such as ""Mother"" Phillips, who discipled the young Moody in Chicago, and his wife Emma, whom he considered the greatest person he had ever known. Beyond these examples, Moody was also ""profoundly affected by his own love for souls,"" says biographer Lyle Dorsett. Moody believed women could lead souls to Christ as well as or better than men. ""Conse-quently, they should be deeply involved in kingdom work.""

This is another case in which Dwight Moody's vision for ministry was large enough to look beyond lesser issues. He had a strong sense that his life's goal was to please and serve the Lord, not just to please people. Paul had a similar perspective.

The thought that he would stand before Christ one day to have his Christian life evaluated was a tremendous motivation for Paul. His calling was to persuade people to ""be reconciled to God"" (vv. 11, 20). Everything else was basically a side issue, including the opinion the Corinthian believers had about Paul.

The apostle could keep his focus in the right place because he never looked past Christ's far-reaching and saving love. Once you get Christ's love fixed firmly in your mind and heart, He will revolutionize your motivation for life and ministry. There's no better goal for life than to live for the One who died for you (v. 15).

Paul's passion was so vibrant because os his Savior and his great message to share. Here, he focused on the good news of reconciliation, the aspect of salvation that emphasizes the healing of humanity's relationship with God, which was broken when Adam sinned.

This isn't just ""patching up"" a little misunderstanding here. Sin has alienated the human race from God, and to be alienated from God is to be lost, forever. This makes the gospel urgent business. People need to understand their true condition, and they need to accept the reconciliation that's available to them in Christ.

We can see why Paul didn't allow himself to become sidetracked. He had eternally important news to get out. And so do we.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Healing damaged relationships is also important between people--one reason is that our testimony and ministry are hindered when there is something between us and another person.

This is one of those areas where others can encourage reconciliation and make helpful suggestions, but they can't take the place of the people involved. If you know of any barrier between you and someone else, bring it to the Lord today, making yourself available to Him to be used in breaking down the wall.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 26:1-29
We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. - 2 Corinthians 5:20
TODAY IN THE WORD
Nineteenth-century pastor and Bible teacher Albert Barnes wrote, ""Sinners often treat God's messengers kindly, and do much to make them comfortable, and hear them gladly, while they themselves are unwilling to do the thing which is demanded of them--to repent and believe the Gospel. They expect that their kind intentions will be accepted in the place of what God demands--repentance and the forsaking of their sins.""

We're not sure how much, if anything, King Agrippa did to make Paul comfortable during the apostle's imprisonment in Caesarea. But he did give Paul a full chance to present his defense and explain the real reason behind his arrest in Jerusalem and the controversy swirling around him.

Since Paul was passionate about the Person of Jesus Christ and the gospel ministry, it's not surprising that his defense before Agrippa was delivered with passion. Paul used all of his persuasive powers to present the truth to Agrippa, knowing that this king with a Jewish background was well-versed in ""Jewish customs and controversies"" (v. 3).

It is likely that what we have in Acts 26 is a summary of Paul's speech. He set the proceedings in the right framework when he told Agrippa that the heart of the issue was ""what God has promised our fathers"" (v. 6). Later, Paul explained this hope as the death and resurrection of the Messiah (v. 23).

Paul took the king step by step through his own Jewish background and upbringing. The apostle mentioned his zeal as a persecutor of Christians (vv. 9-11), and his conversion on the Damascus road. With eloquence and conviction, he explained the gospel to Agrippa and those listening as repentance for sin and faith in Jesus.

Paul knew that Agrippa was ""familiar with these things"" (v. 26), and so he spoke freely. But the apostle was not content with a solid defense. He wanted Agrippa and the whole audience to believe the gospel.

Paul's direct question to the king must have made him squirm a little. Agrippa's edgy retort reveals a man under the searchlight of conviction--maybe the closest the king ever came to believing in Christ. But Paul had done his part in presenting the gospel and asking for a decision.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's study reminds us that once we have presented Christ and given a person the opportunity to receive Him, the results are God's responsibility.

This brings us back to the place of prayer in evangelism. If we have a passion for souls, we will also be passionate in praying for the unsaved friends and relatives on our own list, and for a world of people who need Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
The Lord's message rang out from you...your faith in God has become known everywhere. - 1 Thessalonians 1:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
We've met some interesting, colorful, and passionate people this month. First on the list is Dwight L. Moody, founder of Moody Bible Institute, who inspired an incredible array of gifted people who shared his passion for souls.

One of the people Moody inspired was General Oliver Otis Howard, a Union officer and devoted Christian who never forgot his first encounter with Moody. The latter preached the gospel to General Howard's troops, and the two men became lifelong friends. Moody gave Howard many opportunities to preach, and the general served Christ with great effectiveness.

General Howard was an example of godly commitment to the soldiers who served under him, much like the Thessalonian believers were a model to their fellow Christians (v. 7). Paul loved this European church, a body of believers that one Bible teacher calls ""exemplary."" We could say they were passionate in their devotion to Christ and in their desire to spread the gospel.

Acts 17:1-10 gives us some idea of the ""severe suffering"" Paul referred to in his letter. His initial visit to Thessalonica produced good results, but some ""bad characters"" in the city (Acts 17:5) stirred up trouble. Paul had to be escorted out of town under the cover of night. It's possible these enemies of the gospel then turned their fury on the new church.

In spite of persecution, these believers were faithful to live out their commitment to Christ. Their example, which they learned from Paul as he imitated Christ (v. 6), gave the Thessalonians a well-earned reputation in their region.

This church is a good example of what happens when the Holy Spirit ignites a group of people with a passion for Christ. Paul had brought them the gospel and delivered it ""with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction"" (v. 5)--his trademark passion, in other words. The people responded with equal zeal, and Paul's heart was bonded with theirs.

One reason the Thessa-lonians were so devoted to Christ is that they remembered that they had been delivered from the futility of idol worship and the wrath of God (vv. 9-10). Some-times, it helps to remember what God has saved us from.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The Bible commends faith, hope, and love to us as basic Christian virtues (see 1 Cor. 13:13).

If you want to see what these should produce in our lives, look at verse 3 of today's reading. Here's a great self-test you can take today to determine the quality of your discipleship. Ask yourself today if your work for Christ is being motivated by faith and love, and if your endurance, or patience, is the result of your hope in Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 8:1-11
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. - Matthew 11:28
TODAY IN THE WORD
A spokesman for the Australian Search and Rescue said he was amazed that a couple survived after their boat was smashed against rocks in a storm. The man and his wife sent out a distress signal at 2:30 a.m. as the storm pushed their boat toward the rocks. When the boat crashed, the couple swam to a rock, climbed up on it, and held on. A helicopter spotted the pair about 7:00 a.m. and pulled them to safety.

Here's an illustration of a valuable spiritual principle: when you're in trouble, cling to the Rock. No one who reached out to Jesus for safety and protection was ever turned away, because our Lord has a passion for souls that sent Him to the cross.

Your Bible may note that today's passage in the oldest surviving manuscripts of the Gospel of John. But it's just like Jesus to have compassion on a repentant sinner.

The facts of the case against this woman were apparently clear. She had committed a grievous sin. But the men who brought her were violating the Mosaic law, because the law specified that both of the guilty parties in adultery were to be put to death (Lev. 20:10).

It's obvious that the woman's accusers were not interested in justice. She was simply a pawn in their plan to catch Jesus in what they thought was an impossible situation. Verse 6 says they were using their question against Jesus. They were using the woman, too.

There has been much speculation about what Jesus was writing on the ground. But this action may have been a means Jesus used to cause the men involved to think about what they were doing and why.

If Jesus was deliberately trying to create an awkward silence, it was very effective. As He bent down again and started writing, the men were left to contemplate this challenge: either pick up a stone, or admit their own sinfulness and leave. The older ones left first, probably because they were most aware of their sin.

The woman had sinned, and Jesus didn't overlook that. But she was repentant, and He forgave her.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Maybe you feel like you're in a storm right now and need a safe place to cling to until the storm is over.

If so, bring your need to Jesus today. Cling to the Rock. He has promised rest for those who seek Him. Trade your worry and fatigue for His peace. And if your need is salvation, Jesus is the only Refuge from God's judgment. Don't let another day go by without settling the issue of your standing before God. Jesus is waiting for you to admit your sin and seek His forgiveness.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 10:1-15; 27-30
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. - John 10:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
John V. Farwell and Dwight Moody were complete opposites. Farwell was tall, thin, and dignified, a prosperous Chicago businessman who moved among the city's upper echelon. Moody was short, stocky, socially rough, and perfectly at home among the poorest of Chicago's street kids. Farwell was even thirteen years older than Moody.

But the two men shared a devotion to Jesus Christ and a passion for souls, and they became close friends. Farwell served with Moody in ministry and was one of the evangelist's most faithful and generous supporters for forty years.

One thing Dwight Moody taught John Farwell was how to lead people to the good shepherd. Jesus' teaching on His ministry as the shepherd who knows and cares for His own gives us the comforting assurance that not one of His sheep will be lost. Jesus also used this occasion to teach the equally important truth that there is no way to heaven except by Him, the gate through which the sheep enter.

The chapter break between John 9 and 10 is unfortunate, because the context of the Lord's good shepherd message was the blind man's healing. This miracle threw Jesus into controversy with the Pharisees, who were spiritually blind but refused to admit their need.

These leaders, supposedly Israel's spiritual guides, were as blind as the people they sought to lead. They were like the person who tries to enter the sheep pen without going through the gate, or the ""hired hand"" (v. 12) who, in the face of danger, only seeks to protect himself.

In contrast, Jesus is the good shepherd who gives His life for the sheep. And only Jesus can assure us that His Father is holding us forever in His hands. This is because only Jesus can say, ""I and the Father are one"" (v. 30).

Our security in Christ as His sheep is a biblical truth that gives us confidence in our efforts to reach people for Him. We have an eternal promise to offer others, because our God is greater than any person or force that might try to snatch us out of His hand. And He has promised us, ""Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you"" (Heb. 13:5).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
It's hard to reach out and offer a hand to other people when you feel as if you're standing on shaky ground yourself.

That's basically the position of those who believe that their salvation depends on their ability to hold on to the Lord. Maybe you have never come to grips with the fact that your eternity is secure because it is in God's hand, not yours. Whether this is a new concept to you, or a familiar comfort, take time today to thank God that He will never let you slip away.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Timothy 1:1-14
God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. - 2 Timothy 1:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
When it comes to the ""spirit of power"" that God has given His servants, Dwight Moody must have been given a double portion. No review of Mr. Moody's life can miss the fact that his ministry was carried out with a power and passion that often amazed the people around him. When Moody's critics said he lacked the eloquence, the education, and the other qualities necessary to produce amazing results as he did, Moody readily agreed. He gladly attributed the power behind his preaching to the Holy Spirit's work in his life.

Paul, too, realized that his ministry was not the result of his training or personal magnetism or any other quality, but the product of God's sovereign purpose and call (v. 9). And the apostle knew that the spiritual power which rested upon him was God-given, the power of the Holy Spirit.

It was because of God's purpose and power in his life that Paul was determined to carry out his ministry without being paralyzed by fear. He was eager for his spiritual son Timothy (see the February 17 study) to move out boldly too, reminding Timothy of the heritage he had and the spiritual gifts God had given him through Paul's ministry.

Today's reading also reminds us of the great message we have to share, the gospel that brings ""life and immortality"" (v. 10) to all who believe. Paul's references to suffering in the context of preaching the gospel testify to a fact we have encountered several times this month--the reality that the gospel stirs up opposition.

Paul was a prime example of this, since the reaction to his gospel ministry made him a prisoner (v. . People who are passionate about the truth and passionate in their concern for souls sometimes serve as a lightning rod for opposition. These people attract others to the flame of their commitment, but they also tend to attract the enemies of the gospel.

Paul's statement of confidence in God's gift of eternal life (v. 12) needs to be read in this context. How could we be ashamed of a God who has promised to guard the deposit of faith we have entrusted to Him? This means that no one with an account of faith in Christ will ever be spiritually bankrupt.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
It's exciting to see people we care about make that same deposit of faith by trusting Christ as their Savior.

At the beginning of the month (see February 2), we urged you to pray for a lost person with whom you hoped to share the gospel before the month was over. Has that opportunity come yet? If not, keep praying that God will open the door, even this weekend. Also, ask God to give you a spirit of power in your witness.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 4:1-16
Since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. - 2 Corinthians 4:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
You may have gotten the impression from our studies this month that Dwight Moody was a superhuman dynamo of energy and spiritual passion who never ran down or wore out. Not at all. Mr. Moody was very human, and in the book A Passion for Souls, Lyle Dorsett notes that 1868 and 1869 in particular were ""trying and exhausting"" years.

At this time, an overwhelming sense of inadequacy and a dizzying ministry schedule led Moody to say in retrospect, ""In my work I was quite discouraged, and I was ready to hang my harp on the willow""--a reference to the discouragement the Israelites felt in their captivity in Babylon (see Ps. 137:1-4).

Moody eventually found relief in his distress, through the filling work of the Holy Spirit that produced new power and direction in his ministry.

Paul also knew what it felt like to lose heart. At times he ""despaired even of life"" (2 Cor. 1:. But the apostle also understood clearly that his ministry was not his own unfounded dream. It was God who had called Paul to take the gospel to the Gentile world and entrusted him with the message of salvation.

Nothing less than a God-empowered ministry could be effective in a world where people groped around in spiritual blindness caused by Satan, the ""god of this age"" (v. 4). Paul refused to resort to trickery or manipulation in presenting the gospel. Others were doing so in his day, and it still happens today.

The opposite of deception is the kind of ministry that makes the gospel plain and shines the light of God into the dark corners of the world. Paul wanted the Corinthians to be sure that if the gospel he preached was being rejected, the reason was spiritual blindness and not the fact that he had tried to obscure the truth or trick people into believing in Christ.

Our theme these last few days has been the spiritual power we all need in order to translate our passion for souls into effective service. We don't need any tricks or slick packaging to make the gospel attractive. If we are simply faithful in making the truth available, God's Spirit will shine the light of understanding in people's hearts as the blinders of sin and Satan are removed.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Verses 3-4 are a powerful reminder that presenting the gospel is more than just using the right words or being convincing in our witness.

There's nothing wrong with good communication. But since the spiritual blindness in lost people's hearts and minds is the powerful craft of our enemy, only the infinite power of God can overcome it. Today, let's pray that our witness will be directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 28:16-20
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations. - Matthew 28:18-19
TODAY IN THE WORD
Jesus' commission to His disciples is a good place to end this month's study. The Lord's life was given over to seeking and saving the lost, and making disciples. We are called and equipped to do the same.

This is also a good day to draw a final illustration from the life of D. L. Moody. No matter which way we measure Mr. Moody's life, the results are extraordinary. He was consumed with a passion for souls, both in evangelism and in training people for ministry. He was a renowned evangelist and a world figure. Moody also founded four schools and personally trained countless people in ministry. We honor Dwight L. Moody's lasting contributions to the cause of Christ in this centennial year of his death (Moody died December 22, 1899).

Like Moody, we can make Christ's commission the passion of our lives, regardless of our occupation, training, or interests. Jesus' authority for ministry has no contingencies attached to it. In other words, it is not dependent on our faith or lack of it, or our willingness. God the Father has conferred total authority on Jesus, period.

If it has been a while since you have read these verses, notice that even here, weeks after Jesus' resurrection and appearances to the disciples, Matthew says that some still doubted whether it was He (v. 17).

But interestingly, Jesus did not address or even acknowledge this doubt, the way He had done earlier with Thomas. There was a larger agenda on God's mind--and whoever the doubter or doubters may have been, all eleven of the apostles got the message.

Jesus closed with the promise of His abiding presence, the secret to making use of the promised authority. Within days of this scene, Jesus ascended to heaven (Acts 1:9-11), and the promised Holy Spirit came at Pentecost (Acts 2). This transaction turned the disciples from fearful followers into powerful witnesses whose passion for souls was unstoppable.

Before finishing today, we need to say again that God can do the same for us. His authority and His will have not changed. The only variable is our response to Him.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Jesus has told us to go and minister in His authority, which encompasses everything in heaven and earth.

That's all the authority you will ever need! As you look back over the month, has the Lord put something on your heart--a desire to serve in some area, a special burden for someone--that you may feel is too challenging for you? If you are convinced it is God's will for you, then draw on the authority He has made available to His disciples. Thank Him that in His strength you can do anything (Phil. 4:13), and then go for it!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 16:1-17:37
But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. - Joshua 24:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
Chapters 16 and 17 in Luke are loaded with difficult and sometimes controversial passages. The commendation of a dishonest manager, the coming of the kingdom of God, the issue of remarriage after divorce, and the description of heaven and hell are potentially confusing or sensitive topics, but a very simple ideal runs through each one.

Selfishness or servitude? That question rests at the heart of these two chapters. The dishonest manager redeemed himself not by trickery but by generosity (16:. Men and women were forsaking their vows to God to pursue their own lustful urges (16:18). The Twelve wanted greater faith when they should have gratefully recognized what they had (17:6, 10). The thankless lepers and the fools who ignored the coming judgment all served their own desires. But the most shocking selfishness comes in the parable of Lazarus and the rich man.

When the rich man glimpsed Abraham in paradise, he didn't ask to be let out or to be carried to Abraham's side. He only asked that Lazarus would come to him or that he would go to the man's family. The rich man didn't consider repenting himself, not that it would have mattered after he died.

As for his family, Abraham predicted judgment against them as well because they had already rejected the word of Moses and the Prophets. God had already spoken to them, and no miracle would have been enough to redirect their hearts.

The parable also confirms the concept of eternal judgment. The contrast in the descriptions of the deaths of Lazarus (who was carried away by angels) and the rich man (who was simply buried) effectively illustrates the chasm between eternal life and damnation.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Do we, like the Pharisees, ever fall into the trap of loving money? We can attempt to justify our spending habits, and slick explanations can fool our friends or even ourselves. But God knows our hearts. If you are clinging to material possessions and tempering your generosity, it will prevent you from serving in God's kingdom—we can't have it both ways. Choose today to serve God and be willing to surrender all that He desires of you.