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Jesus promised his disciples three things - that they would be completely fearless, absurdly happy and in constant trouble.    — G. K. Chesterton

I know this is true, so what is wrong with the American churches?

Man’s capacity for justice makes democracy possible, but man’s inclination to injustice makes democracy necessary. -Reinhold Niebuhr, theologian (1892-1971)

There is only one difference between a madman and me. The madman thinks he is sane. I know I am mad. -Salvador Dali, painter (1904-1989)

A free Kutless MP3 is being given away at Bible Study Magazine. They are also having a contest to win cool Kutless gear and Logos Bible Software. Go check it out!

The doctrine of the Kingdom of Heaven, which was one of the main teachings of Jesus, is certainly one of the most revolutionary doctrines that ever stirred and changed human thought.   — H. G. Wells

Does this shed a new light on any of his writings?

The world rings changes, it is never constant but in its disappointments. The world is but a great inn, where we are to stay a night or two, and be gone; what madness is it so to set our heart upon our inn, as to forget our home?  — Thomas Watson

Leadership is found in becoming the servant of all.  — Richard Foster

I’d rather get ten men to do the job than to do the job of ten men.  — Dwight L. Moody

We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.    — C. S. Lewis

Romans 8:16-39 does nothing to take away this question either.  Yes, Paul assures us that “we are God’s children” but then he goes on to say that, “if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.”  I take comfort in his next statement, though:

“18 Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. 19 For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are.”

God has given us two hands:- one to receive with and the other to give with. We are not cisterns made for hoarding; we are channels made for giving.  — Billy Graham

The closest wording in scripture for this idea that I can find is  Proverbs 21:1 -

The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes. (NASB)

The idea is clear that we are to be used of God.  Indeed, this scripture seems to support Calvinistic ideas, but translations can make a big difference in how you read that verse.  Consider the Message:

Good leadership is a channel of water controlled by God; he directs it to whatever ends he chooses.

Here it is clearer that someone who has already chosen to be a good leader by choosing to following God is easily directed by God.  Very different idea.

How I praise Thee, precious Savior, That Thy love laid hold of me; Thou hast saved and cleansed and filled me That I might Thy channel be.

Channels only, blessed Master, But with all Thy wondrous power Flowing through us, Thou canst use us Every day and every hour.

Text: Mary E. Maxwell
Music: Ada Rose Gibbs