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firstIMPRESSIONS
Soon the intense heat would cause impure particles to surface and these, too, were skimmed off of the liquid metal. Still not satisfied with the refinement, the worker turned up the heat with an even hotter flame by using his densest wood. Although this was a long process, the refiner never left his post. He doesn’t want to injure the silver by leaving it on the heat too long. “It is ready” he announced to his new apprentice. With a questioning look the young man readies the molds. The master refiner removed the pot from the heat and allowed the apprentice to look inside. He announced, “You know the silver is perfectly refined when you can see a reflection of yourself. Now it is ready for use.” Zechariah 13:9 says “This third I will bring into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, ’they are my people,’ and they will say, ’the LORD is our God.’” When was the last time the “heat” was turned up in your life? Maybe your relationships seemed to burn your broken heart or a health problem felt like constant fire or the all-too-common financial hot coals were burning your pocket book. What knowledge or change of personality or insight did you gain from the experience? The intention of the high heat allowed God to remove the sediment from your character that kept Him from seeing His reflection in your life. He refined character with the blazing warmth of troublesome times in order to remove any particles of self-reliance or disobedience. The surface of a heated heart shimmered with hope. His image soon appeared, as an outline of The Refiner’s Reflection. That last bit of high temperature brought into focus a clear image of the Refiner. You are ready for his use. Here is your copy of firstIMPRESSIONS, Volume 7.19. Live for God, on purpose, knowing that the fires you pass through will perfect you in the image of our Lord. |
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 The Compassion of Evangelism If you have read many books on evangelism, or attended many seminars on soul-winning, then I am sure that you have heard and read your share of reasons for winning souls, scriptures to use in soul-winning, as well as steps and methods to winning the lost. Likewise, you have most likely been bombarded with messages designed to motivate you to witness, convict you for not witnessing, and inspire you to witness more and more. There are many ingredients necessary for effective evangelism to take place. There must be believers who are willing to share their faith. They should have something to say to others. They should have a reason for the “hope that lies within them.” And, of course, there must be people that need to hear the message! But the single most important ingredient for effective evangelism is often the least considered ingredient – compassion. In order for there to be truly effective evangelism, the heart of the believer must be filled with compassion for the lost. Effective evangelism doesn’t take place because you are driven to share out of guilt or obligation. It cannot be because of pressure placed upon you by others, or even by your own conscience. Effective evangelism happens because, like Jesus, you look at the people and you are moved with compassion, and see them as sheep without a shepherd. You grieve in your spirit because they are desperately lost, and crying out for hope. And, because you are filled with and led by His Spirit, you must – you absolutely must – share the good news that you have discovered. This week we will conclude our four part series through Acts 4 on Effective Evangelism. Don’t miss this week’s message, as we consider Acts 4:23-27 and “The Compassion of Evangelism.” (top)  Spirit-Led or Purpose-Driven?
by Tom Barnard I didn’t create the question. Someone else did. But it’s a fair question to ask. The problem is not with the word, “purpose.” The problem is with the word, “driven.” In his chapter, “What Drives Your Life?” author Rick Warren states, “Everyone’s life is driven by something.” He explains, “Right now you may be driven by a problem, a pressure, or a deadline. You may be driven by a painful memory, a haunting fear, or an unconscious belief. There are hundreds of circumstances, values, and emotions that can drive your life.” (The Purpose Driven Life, page 27) Then Warren lists what he considers to be five of the “most common” things in life that drive people: guilt; resentment and anger; fear; materialism; the need for approval. He may be correct. They surely are common among the un-redeemed. Are they also common among the redeemed, or does the author list them to introduce his theme, “purpose-driven living?” Probably the latter. Again, the question is the use of the word, “driven.” Does God “drive” his children, or does He “lead” them? In Exodus, Chapter 6, God promised deliverance to the Children of Israel by saying that Pharaoh will “drive” them out of Egypt. But when the Lord described how he will fulfill his promise, he said, “I am the Lord; I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, I will rescue you from their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. I will take you as My people, and I will be your God. Then you shall know that I am the Lord your God who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.” (Exodus 6:6, 7 NKJV) Notice the action words in this paragraph: “bring... rescue... redeem... take.” Then the Lord concludes by saying, “and I will be your God.” There is nothing in Exodus 6 that suggests that God’s people were driven by anyone except Pharaoh. Do you remember how God led his people during their forty years in the wilderness? By day he led them with a “pillar of cloud” and during the long nights he led them with a “pillar of fire.” The Presence of God was ahead of them, drawing them – not behind them, pushing. The difference between being “driven” and “led” is not semantic. One suggests being forced; the other suggests being drawn. One implies being pushed; the other suggests being pulled. I like the comparison cited by one Christian writer: “I submit that Christians should be purposeful and Spirit led, not purpose driven.” Christians are not like cattle that are driven by a drover; Christians are like sheep that are led by a shepherd. God leads his people. And if necessary, he carries them as well. Consider these words from a song written by the gospel songwriter, Doris Mae Akers: I am weak and I need Thy strength and power, Help me tread in the paths of righteousness, I am lost if you take your hand from me, as seen in Dr. Tom Barnard’s “Tuesday Mornings” from May 8, 2007. To subscribe, write to Dr. Tom Barnard at barnard22@cox.net (top)  What are You Depending On?
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but... it leads to death.” – Proverbs 14:12 (NIV) There’s a broken rope on display at the Alpine Museum in Bern, Switzerland. It’s associated with a tragic story. Seven climbers who scaled the Matterhorn roped themselves together for the return descent, but one slipped and dragged three others with him into an abyss. The three remaining climbers braced for the shock on the rope that linked them together, expecting it to halt their companions’ fall. The tug came, but then to everyone’s horror the rope snapped, plunging their four friends to their death. Nobody knows why an inferior rope was used for such a hazardous venture, but they do know it wasn’t genuine Alpine Club rope which was guaranteed and distinguished by a red strand running through it. Just as reliable equipment is crucial in preparing for the life-and-death adventure of mountain climbing, it’s even more essential in preparing for the most important journey you’ll ever make; the one from here to eternity. And an ‘anything goes’ attitude ... loose connections to the church ... casual claims that you’re doing your best ... and fuzzy notions about God’s indulgence won’t cut it. Solomon said, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but ... it leads to death.” And Peter says: “Jesus is the only One who can save” (Acts 4:12 NCV). Assurance of a place in heaven comes only through accepting Jesus as your personal Saviour, believing that He died for your sins and rose again to give you everlasting life. No more will be asked; no less will get you in. Today Jesus is waiting to save you – will you let Him? as seen in “The Word For Today from May 7, 2007. To view any more information please visit The Word For Today website at www.thewordfortoday.com.au (top)  Mother
by Ken Pierpont “Her children rise up and call her blessed...” – Proverbs 31:28 She dreamed of you from the time she was a little girl cradling a baby doll in her arms. She always saw you playing around the little cottage in her childhood dreams. She carried you in her body and you made her sick every morning for weeks and weeks. She bore you into the world through intense pain but when she heard you cry and saw your wrinkled face she forgot all about it and wept tears of joy. She fed you at her breast and her whole world revolved around you. She stole into your room at night just to watch you sleep and she was sure you were the most beautiful child on earth. She sat up through the night to bathe away the fever and at breakfast your dad said: “Sleep well, honey?” oblivious of the all-night vigil. She somehow always knew when you needed her, even in the middle of the night, and she came to your room and changed your bedding and made sure you were warm and dry. She covered your ears and gave you your coat and checked your homework and made you practice the piano and set through all your ball games and recitals like they were the seventh game of the World Series and a debut at Carnegie Hall. She nagged you to brush your teeth with words of wisdom like: “Be true to your teeth or they will be false to you.” She changed your diaper and cleaned up when you were sick and washed underwear no one else would touch without a chemical suit. And who do you think always cleaned the gunk out of the kitchen sink and bathtub drain? She made sure you had the drumstick and your dad had the breast and acted like she preferred the wings. Her oatmeal cookies made you forget the beating you took from the neighborhood bully. She listened to you and didn’t laugh when others would have mocked you. She believed in you when you didn’t believe in yourself and prayed for you even when you didn’t think you needed it. She made you think you could do things you were sure you couldn’t do. She was tough enough to call your bluff and discipline you and give you a sense of boundaries and the security that comes with it. She spanked you when “Spocking” was all the trend with lesser mothers. She knew when you needed a spanking or just a nap and she didn’t always give you candy though she longed to indulge you. She was always waiting when you came in late. When you complained about it, she pretended to be asleep the way you always did when you wanted her to carry you in from the car after a long trip. She read the Bible to you and read the Bible in front of you and did what mothers have to do to make sure the family is faithful in church. She made your dad a much better man than he ever would have been without her. She mended clothes as a labor of love and it broke her heart to see how quickly you grew out of them. She knew you were loaned to her from God and soon the house would fall silent again. She washed mountains of dishes and truckloads of laundry. She put up food on the hottest summer days and didn’t complain. Her most sincere prayers were the ones she sent heavenward in gratitude for you. She filled your home with fragrance and beauty and music, the smell of her perfume and fresh-cut flowers, bacon for breakfast and Sunday roast. Her eyes were bright and happy and full of life. She wept though, wept and worried a thousand times for you when no one ever knew. She rose early on holidays so you could enjoy a festive meal and an enduring memory. She planned for days and worked for hours so that in a few minutes you could gulp it down and go watch football. You didn’t always thank her or help her with the dishes, but those meals have been a cherished memory for years. She baked you special treats just to watch you eat them. Something inside made her happier the more you ate. She wore old dresses so you could have a new ball glove. She skipped vacations and second honeymoons so you could go to camp. She limited expenses for her hobbies so you could get your band instrument. She was happy with last year’s fashion so you could have this year’s tennis shoes. She didn’t abandon the family when your dad was insensitive to her needs. She took the blame for your failures and stood back and let your dad have the glory for your successes. And having done all these things and a thousand others that make mother a sacred word, she still felt she wasn’t the mother she should have been. As seen in the May 7, 2007 issue of The Timothy Report, www.timothyreport.com. This article ©2002 Ken Pierpont (ken@kenpierpont.com), by way of Christian Voices. (CVWorldwide@wmconnect.com) (www.ChristianVoicesWorldwide.com) Ken is Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church in Fremont, Michigan. He and his wife live in Fremont with their 8 children. “I would be happy for you to use the piece. Please send readers my way. I love the feedback and I love to know that the material is used for the Kingdom.” – Ken Pierpont, Hinsdale, Illinois, www.kenpierpont.com (top)  Things My Mom Never Said to Me
1. “How on earth can you see the TV sitting so far back?” 2. “Yeah, I used to skip school a lot, too.” 3. “Just leave all the lights on... it makes the house look more cheery.” 4. “Let me smell that shirt – Yeah, it’s good for another week.” 5. “Go ahead and keep that stray dog, honey. I’ll be glad to feed and walk him every day.” 6. “Well, if Bobby’s mom says it’s OK, that’s good enough for me.” 7. “The curfew is just a general time to shoot for. It’s not like I’m running a prison around here.” 8. “I don’t have a tissue with me... just use your sleeve.” 9. “Don’t bother wearing a jacket – the wind-chill is bound to improve.” (top)  What My Mother Taught Me
My mother taught me RELIGION: My mother taught me LOGIC: My mother taught me MORE LOGIC: My mother taught me FORESIGHT: My mother taught me IRONY: My mother taught me about STAMINA: My mother taught me about WEATHER: My mother taught me THE CIRCLE OF LIFE: My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION: My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE: My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL: My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS: My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM: My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY. My mother taught me about ENVY. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION. My mother taught me about RECEIVING. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE. My mother taught me ESP. My mother taught me HUMOUR. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT. My mother taught me GENETICS. My mother taught me about my ROOTS. My mother taught me WISDOM. And my favorite: my mother taught me about JUSTICE. THANKS, MOM! (top)  How We See Our Mothers
When we are... ...4 Years Of Age – “My Mommy can do anything!” ...8 Years Of Age – “My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!” ...12 Years Of Age – “My Mother doesn’t really know quite everything.” ...14 Years Of Age – “Naturally, Mother doesn’t know that, either.” ...16 Years Of Age – “Mother? She’s hopelessly old-fashioned.” ...18 Years Of Age – “That old woman? She’s way out of date.” ...25 Years Of Age – “Well, she might know a little bit about it.” ...35 Years Of Age – “Before we decide, let’s get Mom’s opinion.” ...45 Years Of Age – “Wonder what Mom would have thought about it.” ...65 Years Of Age – “Wish, I could talk it over with Mom.” (top)  The Last Impression...
This Sunday is, of course, Mother’s Day. But – how many “super moms” are there out there? Here is a simple test to see if you are qualified to be a “Super Mom!” 1. You count the number of sprinkles on each kid’s cupcake to make sure they are equal. 2. You want to take out a contract on the kid who broke your child’s favorite toy and made him/her cry. 3. You have time to shave only one leg at a time. 4. You hide in the bathroom to be alone. 5. Your child throws up and you catch it. 6. Someone else’s kid throws up at a party and you keep eating. 7. You consider finger paint to be a controlled substance. 8. You mastered the art of placing food on a plate without anything touching. 9. Your child insists that you read “Once upon a Potty” out loud in the lobby of the doctor’s office and you do it. 10. You hire a baby sitter because you haven’t been out with your husband in ages, then you spend half the night talking about and checking on the kids. 11. You hope ketchup is a vegetable because it’s the only one your child eats. 12. You find yourself cutting your husband’s sandwiches into unusual shapes. 13. You fast-forward through the scene when the hunter shoots Bambi’s mother. 14. You obsess when your child clings to you upon parting during his first month at school, then you obsess when he skips in without looking back. 15. You can’t bear to give away baby clothes – it’s so final. 16. You hear your mother’s voice coming out of your mouth when you say, “Not in your good clothes.” 17. You stop criticizing the way your mother raised you. 18. You read that the average-five-year old asks 437 questions a day and feel proud that your kid is “above average.” It’s going to be a very special Mother’s Day here at WFA! Trust me – you won’t want to miss it! And, we have a special gift for every mom! Looking forward to honoring our mothers together, and worshiping the Lord as we celebrate all He has done for us! |
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Yours for HIM, |
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A refiner in Biblical times had a special way of purifying his silver. Using a large pot, he placed ore (with a high silver content that was mined from the earth) inside. He would build a huge, blazing fire underneath and carefully waited and watched as the contents started to melt. First he skimmed large amounts of sediment from the top with a wooden spoon. Knowing the silver was not pure he made the fire hotter by add more wood to the already bright flames.
