I have been using Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost for His Highest" since 1989, and it's still as sharp after almost twenty years. Jasmine has been using the children's edition ("Jesus Wants All of Me") since July 2004, long before she was saved. Last Friday morning in particular was encouraging for me. 

THE WORKER'S RULING PASSION

"Wherefore we labour that . . we may be accepted of Him." 2 Corinthians 5:9

"Wherefore we labour . . . ." It is arduous work to keep the master ambition in front. It means holding one's self to the high ideal year in and year out, not being ambitious to win souls or to establish churches or to have revivals, but being ambitious only to be "accepted of Him." It is not lack of spiritual experience that leads to failure, but lack of labouring to keep the ideal right. Once a week at least take stock before God and see whether you are keeping your life up to the standard He wishes. Paul is like a musician who does not heed the approval of the audience if he can catch the look of approval from his Master.

Any ambition which is in the tiniest degree away from this central one of being "approved unto God" may end in our being castaways. Learn to discern where the ambition leads, and you will see why it is so necessary to live facing the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul says - "Lest my body should make me take another line, I am constantly watching so that I may bring it into subjection and keep it under." (1 Cor. 9:27.)

I have to learn to relate everything to the master ambition, and to maintain it without any cessation. My worth to God in public is what I am in private. Is my master ambition to please Him and be acceptable to Him, or is it something less, no matter how noble?

Until you pick up your hard copy at a local Christian bookstore, try the online calendar.

I've also been using the "Experiencing God Journal" since 1998 and found Saturday's page enlightening.

Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me. PSALM 50:15

 "Did you know that you bring glory to God by calling upon Him when you are in distress? God promised He would deliver you if you turned to Him. You deny the Lord honor that is rightfully His every time you find yourself in difficulty and you fail to call upon Him for help! There may be times when God allows you to reach a point of need so that you can call upon Him, and thus let Him demonstrate to a watching world the difference He makes in the lives of His children. If God never allowed you to experience need, people around you might never have the opportunity to witness God's provision in the life of a Christian. If you never faced a shortfall, you might be tempted to feel self-sufficient and without any need of God in your daily life.

Pride will tempt you to think that you do not need to seek God's assistance. Self-regard will seek to convince you that you can handle your dilemma through your own wisdom, resources, and work. Pride will also rob glory from God and seek to give it to you. Don't allow your pride to take what rightfully belongs to the Lord. Call upon your Lord and wait exclusively upon Him to rescue you. Then give Him the glory that He deserves. Self-sufficiency can greatly hinder your ability to experience God and bring Him honor. The next time you are in distress, turn to Him!"

Again, until you can pick up your book, try the online resource.

Speaking of resources, be sure to order your Day of Prayer & Fasting resources from the IMB in time for Sunday, June 4 (less than eleven weeks). This year's focus is on Egypt. Be sure to find the Day of Prayer website.

+ Scott had numerous opportunities last week to see Jesus at work in the lives of those around him and asked to be involved in His work...indeed, the week began by showing a co-worker a few easier ways to use Outlook plus your prayers made his e-mail setup easier to handle! The next day your intercession allowed me to assist another co-worker with an annoying Monthly Report. Another day he pickjed up a co-worker from the airport and heard concerns for continuing ministry. He then met with friends of a Wednesday Weekly Wintercessor and heard their heart for prayer. Administrative tasks and medical appointments allowed him to intercede for those he otherwise doesn't see.

+ Shirin wrote, "Please pray for the ladies meeting in the Old City. We will be discussing God's love for women and children. Pray that the ladies will be drawn closer to God as they acknowledge God's ultimate love gift. The guest speaker works with women who are thinking about abortion. I was surprised to find out that this country has a high abortion rate and even offers free abortions to females in the military." Shirin adds, "Thank you for praying. The speak did a great job sharing from scripture that we are all created in God's image and that He has a plan for our lives. The speaker shared with the group that there are 150 abortions done each day in this land. We were able to watch some of " The Silent Scream". I was amazed to hear that the women had many simple questions about their bodies and pregnancies. At the end the women all said they learn a lot about abortions and its dangers and that God cares for them.

+ Jasmine asked you to pray for her friends at school to know God... Jasmine tells of friends "praying to receive Jesus," so I know she's sharing the Good News on the playground and, if not, her words tell me where her heart can be found.

<T H I S  W E E K><

<>< Scott has built a relationship with "Eric," a GPS software representative and asks you to join him in praying for Eric to realize that he can be found by the One Who seeks his life.

<>< Pray for the volunteer groups coming to the IPCJ to catch the vision of praying for unreached people groups/groups.

<>< Ask God to make Jasmine's allergies go away.

<* Pray for the Arabs of Morocco.><

CALENDAR UPDATES

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15, Ask God for stronger spiritual hunger in Thursday’s ladies meeting in the Old City.

* Shirin writes, "Your prayers are greatly appreciated. The women are becoming more comfortable finding scripture in the Bible and reading out loud. When they pray, their sincerity is clearly heard."

16-17, Scott celebrates 22 years of walking with Jesus and wants to see another new believer today!

* I had a regularly scheduled medical appointment and, unfortunately, Dr. M wasn't all that interested in my second birthday :-(

18, Pray for our neighbors on both sides of the Wall to know Jesus.

* Oh, for that day to come!

19, Pray for our spiritual growth as a family.

* Mother's Day was celebrated during worship and we had a memorable day growing together.

20-21, Pray that Jasmine will concentrate on both her local school work and homeschool.

* Shirin writes, "Jasmine is trying her best. She recently started showing signs of hay fever but continues to work hard at her school work." Report cards came out recently and Jasmine is one of the top five students in her class with grades in the upper 90's.