Elisabeth Elliot’s devotion for today:

Identity

The search for recognition hinders faith. We cannot believe so long as we are concerned with the “image” we present to others. When we think in terms of “roles” for ourselves and others, instead of simply doing the task given us to do, we are thinking as the world thinks, not as God thinks. The thought of Jesus was always and only for the Father. He did what He saw the Father do. He spoke what He heard the Father say. His will was submitted to the Father’s will.

Marines follow orders. They take all their strength and apply it to someone else’s will – the mission that has been assigned to them.
Situation: They approach the Situation and analyze it.
Mission: They keep in mind the Mission (5 W’s).
Execution: During Execution they task the maneuver and combat support units, keeping it all coordinated, working as a team and following the rules of engagement.
Service Support: They have a plan for Service Support – how to restock supplies, care for the injured, etc.
Command Signal: They know where Command is located, they know the succession of command. They know how and when to Signal, so that communication with Command is not hindered.
Marines complete missions or die trying, and they do not leave men behind. They honor their commander in chief. Jesus’ role was that of a Marine; he came here to fulfill a specific purpose. [Read more...]

Three CD series by Peter Davidson
Repentance Pt. 1 audio (wma file)

Repentence is from and for God, for his glory. The process of sanctification is a revelation of his goodness, mercy, love and justice – of all that he is. The main tool he uses for the process of sanctification is repentance. The purpose of repentance is to work God’s purpose in us, to bring us to a place of greater pleasure and joy in Christ, so that God will receive greater pleasure and joy in us.

2 Timothy 2:25 – in meekness instructing those who oppose, if perhaps God will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth

You cannot repent on your own, or make the decision to repent. Many people sin, and try to repent over and over again but continue to do the sin. When you sin, go to God and ask Him to give you the gift of repentance.

Dangers – things to keep in mind
1. We are first God’s possession

• 1 Peter 1:18-19 MKJV knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, silver or gold, from your vain manner of life handed down from your fathers, (19) but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot;
• Romans 8:1 MKJV There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

We need to be free from any fear of condemnation that will interfere with God’s work of freeing us from sin.

2. We are God’s coworkers.

• 1 Corinthians 3:9 MKJV For of God we are fellow-workers, a field of God, and you are a building of God.

When I sin, I don’t have to talk God into helping me, or hope that he does. I was purchased by God to be his fellow worker, joined into the body of Christ in order to work with Christ by the Holy Spirit in my redemption. God’s purpose is for me to be transformed into the image of His Son.

3. We are God’s finished product – what God has begun He will successfully finish.

• Philippians 1:6 MKJV being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ,
• Romans 8:30 MKJV But whom He predestinated, these He also called; and whom He called, those He also justified. And whom He justified, these He also glorified.

The necessity of repentance -
Repentance is our necessary response by faith for the work of God. If we are not a repenting people, we will leave our first love (God) and God will not work in us the way He wants to, for His joy and our pleasure. Repentance ought to be the first thing we pray for.