Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:4-9
“Let us be clear that the body of Christ is not something remote and unreal, to be expressed only in heavenly terms. It is very present and practical, finding the real test of our conduct in our relations with others. For while it is true we are a heavenly people, it is no use just to talk of a distant heaven. Unless we bring heavenliness into our dwellings and offices, our shops and kitchens, and practice it there, it will be without meaning.”
Watchman Nee or Ni Tuosheng (1903-1972) in Sit, Walk, Stand (Carol Stream: Tyndale House, 1977) 19.
The focus of the World Evangelical Alliance Global Assembly centers on “The Gospel for Everyone” as a guiding theme. They invited me to speak because this theme won’t happen until ministries put their houses in order.
Pray for receptivity to my plenary, panel, and workshop remarks on the biblical and practical links between accountability and generosity on Thursday. For now, join me in soaking in the Scripture for today and aiming to pass the test real test.
Ask yourself this question. Does your conduct in relation to others reflect that God has transformed you into a heavenly person? Few people model this like my mom, Patricia “Patsy” Hoag. I celebrate her today as it is her birthday!
Thanks Mom for how you “bring heavenliness into our dwellings and offices, our shops and kitchens, and practice it there.” Your generous giving, living, serving, and loving passes the real test. God help us imitate you as you follow Christ.
Happy Birthday Mom!