Author Archives: lrbartel

Feb 20 2019
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Devos

Running the “race” looking to Jesus! You’re my hero and example Lord!

Run the race with patienceJust finished a wonderful prayer run on the APTS (Asia Pacific Theological Seminary) campus from the bottom of the Global Missions Center (GMC building – the parking area) up to the entry gate and back four times – a real “gut buster!” My goal before I leave and head back to Texas is five times! As I was running and praying this morning I was reminded of the life-challenging thing that Jesus did on our behalf – far beyond anything we have ever done…

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” (from Hebrews 12:1–3 ESV)

My run this morning is nothing compared to what Jesus did! I want my run this morning (which involved a significant level of determination and endurance) to simply be a microcosm of my commitment to follow my Lord with faithfulness and perseverance until he calls me “home” or sounds the trumpet that the race is finished and I step into “glory!” You’re my hero and example Lord!!!

Feb 18 2019
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Devos

A “divine paradox” that is really comforting!

Infant in the arms of a muscular man

Paradox can be troubling… trying to resolve what appears to be contradictory, especially when both poles of the paradox seem to be true can baffle, confuse, and even frustrate.

On the other hand, some paradoxes are comforting! I read a passage during my time of “coffee with the Lord” that presented an apparent paradox that had that effect upon me personally. The paradox? – the greatness of God’s power juxtaposed with His gentleness… Here it is from my Bible reading…

[The greatness of God’s power] … “Behold your God! … The Lord God comes with might, and His arm rules for Him! Behold, His reward is with Him and His recompense before him! [And then the gentleness of God in the very next verse!] He will tend His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs in His arms; He will carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young!” (from Isaiah 40:10-11)

I saw a picture recently that helped me with this paradox… A muscle bound hulk of a man, gently cradling and carrying a delicate infant (I hope I can find it for you and post it)…

Really you should read the rest of Isaiah 40 (I urge you to do it)… It develops the reality of God’s incredible power AND His gentle care simultaneously! See if it doesn’t encourage you! I believe you will find it comforting today… A God of incredible power but also a God of tender care on behalf of His people. Perhaps it’s a divine paradox you need to reflect upon today!

Feb 10 2019
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Devos

Living in a “pressure cooker world?” Here’s the invitation of Jesus…

Living in the pressure cookerDon’t know what you may be facing today or just ahead next week, but oh what a wonderful invitation from Jesus to those who live in a “pressure cooker world” – a world with high intensity and incredibly stress producing…

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 New Living Translation)

Com’on, just do it – do it NOW… do it tomorrow too!!!

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