"And take heed to yourselves lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares"(Luke 21:34).
Have you ever met someone who likes to talk about themselves? I have... me.
I enjoy talking about personal experiences in the past, and vision for the future. Maybe all of us do to a degree. Some people focus continually on their problems. But being consumed with ourselves is both dangerous and addicting.
I wrote the above verse in the old King James version, because I wanted us to see the word 'surfeiting.' It means 'given to continual overeating.' Does that describe us? We are a generation given to consumption in many areas. And once this is a habit, then it becomes an entitlement. Soon we deserve all the 'goodies' of life, and we deserve even more. We never compare ourselves with half the world that earns $4/day or less, but with our neighbor who has something we don't.
Today let's repent for selfishness, and all that comes with it. Jesus has called us to a higher call. He said if we lose our life we will find it. Let's pray.
Let's pray for ourselves.
Dear Lord,
I am sorry for being so focused on myself and my needs, which are often just greeds. Forgive me for laying down my cross instead of daily taking it up. Forgive me for demanding my own way, and judging others in my heart as not as good as myself. This is simply pride, and I repent. Change my heart. Show me how to learn something valuable from every person I meet by listening more than speaking.
Let's pray for our city and country.
Dear Lord,
We humble ourselves today, and acknowledge that any good thing we have is a gift from you. Any good thing we have accomplished happened because You gave us the ability to make it happen. Forgive us for our prideful and independent spirit. Help us be agents of change in our city by humbly giving all the glory to You for any good in us.
Let's pray for the global advance of the gospel.
Dear Lord,
You warned us to not be consumed with ourselves, lest we lose track of Your soon return. Awaken the eyes of not only the unreached, but especially of the reached, to see again the urgency of the hour. Bring the worldwide church back to their first love again. Revive us, so we will be like the virgins who had their lamps full of oil, eagerly waiting your return. In Jesus' mighty name we pray, amen.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Releasing God's Favor
"The goodness of God leads men to repentance" (Romans 2:5).
I recently heard evangelist Ed Silvosa say something insightful and yet simple. He remarked that if we want to get favor with unsaved people, do them a favor!
Jesus also said it, "Whatever you would like men to do to you, do also the same to them" (Matthew 7:12). And again, "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31).
The first thing we should do is pray. Pray that God will show us how to love others without expecting anything in return.
The next thing we should do is to find a way toreach out to unsaved people with a favor. Here's some ideas:
Recently a family friend came up to me, looked me in the eye, and said something that both impressed and blessed me. "You have a marvelous son,"she said. Then she went on to give specific examples of the character traits she saw in my son. It made my day! But I was also reminded of the tremendous power of thoughtful words. Later as I told my wife of this incident, (since it's her son, too!) I said that we should try harder to make our words an unexpected, but true, gift of love.
Can I encourage us to ask people about themselves before we talk about ourselves?
Let the first nine words from our mouths bring life."It's so good to see you," or "I've been hoping I could see you again to tell you how much I appreciate you," or "It's always a joy to run into you," or "You're looking younger every time I see you." Well, don't stretch the truth too much, but you get the point. The Bible tells us that 'faith without works is dead.' Let's model a living faith by doing unexpected favors for people.
Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
I recently heard evangelist Ed Silvosa say something insightful and yet simple. He remarked that if we want to get favor with unsaved people, do them a favor!
Jesus also said it, "Whatever you would like men to do to you, do also the same to them" (Matthew 7:12). And again, "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31).
The first thing we should do is pray. Pray that God will show us how to love others without expecting anything in return.
The next thing we should do is to find a way toreach out to unsaved people with a favor. Here's some ideas:
- Go out of your way to ask questions about their family
- Look for unexpected ways to bless them
- Offer authentic compliments
- Show neighborly hospitality
- Take them out to eat
Recently a family friend came up to me, looked me in the eye, and said something that both impressed and blessed me. "You have a marvelous son,"she said. Then she went on to give specific examples of the character traits she saw in my son. It made my day! But I was also reminded of the tremendous power of thoughtful words. Later as I told my wife of this incident, (since it's her son, too!) I said that we should try harder to make our words an unexpected, but true, gift of love.
Can I encourage us to ask people about themselves before we talk about ourselves?
Let the first nine words from our mouths bring life."It's so good to see you," or "I've been hoping I could see you again to tell you how much I appreciate you," or "It's always a joy to run into you," or "You're looking younger every time I see you." Well, don't stretch the truth too much, but you get the point. The Bible tells us that 'faith without works is dead.' Let's model a living faith by doing unexpected favors for people.
Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
Monday, April 12, 2010
What is God's Will?
"I delight to do Your will, O my God" (Psalm 40:8a).
My teenage years were great... filled with fun, friends, and loving parents. But one question seemed to never leave me... 'God, what is Your will for my life?' What career should I choose, whom should I marry, where should I live, and what school should I attend are all major decisions for which I have needed God's wisdom!
As a ninth grader we were assigned to write about three possible career choices that interested us. I remember mine clearly... an evangelist, an FBI agent, and a policeman. They all seem to have lots of excitement. And in retrospect, it's interesting that all three involve helping people find justice.
We all want to know our God-given purpose. But at times, our steps seem uncertain like walking up an icy, slippery sidewalk. Some people live their whole life searching for God's will.
So how do we know God's will? Let's take a look at David, who was a man after God's own heart. Listen to how he describes his quest:
"I delight to do Your will, O my God" (Psalm 40:8).
"I do not restrain my lips" (Psalm 40:9).
"I have not hidden Your righteousness in my heart" (Psalm 40:10).
"I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation" (Psalm 40:10).
"I have not concealed Your loving-kindness" (Psalm 40:10).
David found that if he delighted in God with all his heart, and helped others find God's love, he would be in the will of God. Did you get that? David was determined to share God's love with others; he was not ashamed that Jehovah was his God! After that, he seemed confident that God's will for life's specifics would eventually become clear. Affirming this he wrote, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 34:7). In the book of Psalms David repeatedly reminds us how we find the 'sweet spot' of God's presence when we give ourselves to disciplined prayer.
When we make God the main thing, everything else seems to work out.
Luke was also clear as to the will of God: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' ; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself'" (Luke 10:27). Matthew said it right. "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). So we can conclude that if we continuously pursue these main two goals, God's favor and wisdom will be extended to us for every other decision.
So, what's God's will? Let's follow the examples of David, Luke, and Matthew. Love God passionately today, but don't hold it in your heart. Let it out through your lips. Declare the glory of God both privately and publicly. Don't confine his glory to a church service or seal it within your heart. Reveal His magnificent, life-changing glory through your life to others!
It's God's will.
Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
My teenage years were great... filled with fun, friends, and loving parents. But one question seemed to never leave me... 'God, what is Your will for my life?' What career should I choose, whom should I marry, where should I live, and what school should I attend are all major decisions for which I have needed God's wisdom!
As a ninth grader we were assigned to write about three possible career choices that interested us. I remember mine clearly... an evangelist, an FBI agent, and a policeman. They all seem to have lots of excitement. And in retrospect, it's interesting that all three involve helping people find justice.
We all want to know our God-given purpose. But at times, our steps seem uncertain like walking up an icy, slippery sidewalk. Some people live their whole life searching for God's will.
So how do we know God's will? Let's take a look at David, who was a man after God's own heart. Listen to how he describes his quest:
"I delight to do Your will, O my God" (Psalm 40:8).
"I do not restrain my lips" (Psalm 40:9).
"I have not hidden Your righteousness in my heart" (Psalm 40:10).
"I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation" (Psalm 40:10).
"I have not concealed Your loving-kindness" (Psalm 40:10).
David found that if he delighted in God with all his heart, and helped others find God's love, he would be in the will of God. Did you get that? David was determined to share God's love with others; he was not ashamed that Jehovah was his God! After that, he seemed confident that God's will for life's specifics would eventually become clear. Affirming this he wrote, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 34:7). In the book of Psalms David repeatedly reminds us how we find the 'sweet spot' of God's presence when we give ourselves to disciplined prayer.
When we make God the main thing, everything else seems to work out.
Luke was also clear as to the will of God: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' ; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself'" (Luke 10:27). Matthew said it right. "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). So we can conclude that if we continuously pursue these main two goals, God's favor and wisdom will be extended to us for every other decision.
So, what's God's will? Let's follow the examples of David, Luke, and Matthew. Love God passionately today, but don't hold it in your heart. Let it out through your lips. Declare the glory of God both privately and publicly. Don't confine his glory to a church service or seal it within your heart. Reveal His magnificent, life-changing glory through your life to others!
It's God's will.
Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Inch by Inch Evangelism
If the disciples learned any two lessons from the feeding of the five thousand, it was this:
LITTLE BECOMES MUCH WHEN IT'S IN THE HANDS OF GOD.
GOD USES ORDINARY PEOPLE TO ACCOMPLISH THE EXTRAORDINARY. Mother
Teresa was said to have told someone that God wanted her to build an orphanage. They asked her, "how much money do you have towards this project?" She answered, "Seven pennies." They responded, "You can't build an orphanage for seven pennies!" She answered, "I know I can't, but I can with seven pennies and God!"
Let me ask you 3 important questions: Why are we so quick to dismiss impossible thoughts concerning evangelism? Why does our flesh automatically try to shoot down any thoughts of really reaching our communities for the Lord? Why do we so easily listen to the negative reports instead of God's promise to be with us?
I will tell you one of the main reasons: FEAR OF FAILURE.
Someone was asked how they accomplished such great things in their lifetime. They responded, "INCH BY INCH IT'S A CINCH. YARD BY YARD IT'S HARD." Let's stop listening to the voice of fear. Let's patiently do the task that God has set before us. If we stay focused and do something daily to reach our goal, we will, by God's grace, reach it!
That's why I like to challenge myself to SHARE MY FAITH EVERYDAY. Some days I miss great opportunities, but most I don't. I have found such joy in taking one day at a time and letting my testimony be heard one person at a time. And with God's help, I have seen happen what I thought impossible. I have had the privilege of praying with 16 people to receive Jesus in the last six months outside of my evangelist role.
How did it happen? Intentionally sharing my faith daily in my world, inch by inch.
Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
LITTLE BECOMES MUCH WHEN IT'S IN THE HANDS OF GOD.
GOD USES ORDINARY PEOPLE TO ACCOMPLISH THE EXTRAORDINARY. Mother
Teresa was said to have told someone that God wanted her to build an orphanage. They asked her, "how much money do you have towards this project?" She answered, "Seven pennies." They responded, "You can't build an orphanage for seven pennies!" She answered, "I know I can't, but I can with seven pennies and God!"
Let me ask you 3 important questions: Why are we so quick to dismiss impossible thoughts concerning evangelism? Why does our flesh automatically try to shoot down any thoughts of really reaching our communities for the Lord? Why do we so easily listen to the negative reports instead of God's promise to be with us?
I will tell you one of the main reasons: FEAR OF FAILURE.
Someone was asked how they accomplished such great things in their lifetime. They responded, "INCH BY INCH IT'S A CINCH. YARD BY YARD IT'S HARD." Let's stop listening to the voice of fear. Let's patiently do the task that God has set before us. If we stay focused and do something daily to reach our goal, we will, by God's grace, reach it!
That's why I like to challenge myself to SHARE MY FAITH EVERYDAY. Some days I miss great opportunities, but most I don't. I have found such joy in taking one day at a time and letting my testimony be heard one person at a time. And with God's help, I have seen happen what I thought impossible. I have had the privilege of praying with 16 people to receive Jesus in the last six months outside of my evangelist role.
How did it happen? Intentionally sharing my faith daily in my world, inch by inch.
Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Over 15,000 decisions for Christ!
I am writing this in India as we are getting ready to board the plane for home. All in all, we had an incredible trip. Our team of 11 was fantastic! Everyone pitched in with the heart of a servant to see these incredible results.
During the course of this wonderful trip we conducted four Gospel and Healing Festivals where we saw God's glory touch many people. Over 15,000 decision cards were signed by the spiritually hungry people of India as they thronged to the front of the stage to accept Jesus as their 'One True God.' Scores of grateful people testified to having received major healings and miracles. Four churches were built and 28 wells were drilled in remote villages that were without a Christian worship facility and nearby fresh water.
One of the most fun and unexpected times I had in India was when we were checking out of one of our hotel. We had already led several bell boys to the Lord, but now some of their friends were gathered around our car. They too wanted to hear the gospel and receive Jesus.
We got in a huddle, joined hands, and they all gave their lives to Christ. The next week I unexpectedly popped into the hotel and brought two of the bell boys to church with us the next morning. They said they were reading their Bibles and praying daily!
Thank you, thank you and thank you for all your prayers and support. Please now pray for this fruit to remain and that these people will be integrated into churches and the families of believers.
During the course of this wonderful trip we conducted four Gospel and Healing Festivals where we saw God's glory touch many people. Over 15,000 decision cards were signed by the spiritually hungry people of India as they thronged to the front of the stage to accept Jesus as their 'One True God.' Scores of grateful people testified to having received major healings and miracles. Four churches were built and 28 wells were drilled in remote villages that were without a Christian worship facility and nearby fresh water.
One of the most fun and unexpected times I had in India was when we were checking out of one of our hotel. We had already led several bell boys to the Lord, but now some of their friends were gathered around our car. They too wanted to hear the gospel and receive Jesus.
We got in a huddle, joined hands, and they all gave their lives to Christ. The next week I unexpectedly popped into the hotel and brought two of the bell boys to church with us the next morning. They said they were reading their Bibles and praying daily!
Thank you, thank you and thank you for all your prayers and support. Please now pray for this fruit to remain and that these people will be integrated into churches and the families of believers.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Calling All Seniors
"They shall bear fruit in old age. They shall be fresh and flourishing to declare that the Lord is upright" (Psalm 92:14-15).
As people get older, sometimes they think that God is done with them, and can only use the younger generation. But I love the story of Caleb, Moses, Abraham and others who believed God when they were over 80 years old. In fact, Caleb said he still had the same strength of vision at 80 as he did at 40! Others say that my brain is young, it's just my body that is getting creaky.
Today's youth desperately needs MENTORS, people who have run the race and are finishing strong. Your life is not over until it's over! Somehow I think we never retire from serving Jesus or spreading the gospel.
Some of my greatest heroes are still alive, preaching, loving and sharing their faith. This inspires everyone, because the vision for the increase of God's kingdom never quits.
My dad, who passed into heaven this last July, was one of my greatest models. He could hardly pray over dinner without weeping and thanking God for the privilege of being His child. My dad kept fighting the good fight of faith right up until his home going. He loved to tell others about the goodness of God and did so often.
Seniors, we need you! Please ask your pastor for a young person you can mentor. Go sit in the youth group and watch them worship the Lord. It may be louder and different than you grew up with, but their energy and fire is contagious.
And your loving wisdom will be soaked up like a sponge.
Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
As people get older, sometimes they think that God is done with them, and can only use the younger generation. But I love the story of Caleb, Moses, Abraham and others who believed God when they were over 80 years old. In fact, Caleb said he still had the same strength of vision at 80 as he did at 40! Others say that my brain is young, it's just my body that is getting creaky.
Today's youth desperately needs MENTORS, people who have run the race and are finishing strong. Your life is not over until it's over! Somehow I think we never retire from serving Jesus or spreading the gospel.
Some of my greatest heroes are still alive, preaching, loving and sharing their faith. This inspires everyone, because the vision for the increase of God's kingdom never quits.
My dad, who passed into heaven this last July, was one of my greatest models. He could hardly pray over dinner without weeping and thanking God for the privilege of being His child. My dad kept fighting the good fight of faith right up until his home going. He loved to tell others about the goodness of God and did so often.
Seniors, we need you! Please ask your pastor for a young person you can mentor. Go sit in the youth group and watch them worship the Lord. It may be louder and different than you grew up with, but their energy and fire is contagious.
And your loving wisdom will be soaked up like a sponge.
Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
Monday, February 22, 2010
Oasis prayer and praise report from India
It is Sunday night in India. In two hours we begin our final night of our second Gospel and Healing Festival in Jonnigiri, Andhra Pradesh, India.
We continue to see a wave of God's mercy and grace as literally thousands have come to Christ during our first two weeks in India. In addition to those coming to know Jesus for the first time, God has blessed many with physical healings. One of which was a hysterical woman who came to the altar area. I didn't know if she was demon-possessed or if God had touched her mightily. As she weeped tears of joy, she testified that God had completely removed from her 12 years of constant major headache pain. (See her reaction by clicking on this video.)
Another man testified that he had been stone deaf for 20 years. During prayer on the second night of our festival, he regained his hearing in one ear and then on the fourth night during prayer he regained the hearing in his other ear! We brought both people to the platform the final night to share the amazing miracles Jesus had done for them.
Thanks for your prayers. We are doing double duty this week. While I conduct a Gospel and Healing Festival, Pastor George Bunnell and Craig Moore will be conducting one at another location. And next week Darrell Dobbelmann starts his Gospel and Healing Festival.
For His glory alone,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
P.S. Please continue praying...we depend on it every day! Our final festival will be held at a town of around 25,000 which has never had a open-air gospel and healing festival before.
We continue to see a wave of God's mercy and grace as literally thousands have come to Christ during our first two weeks in India. In addition to those coming to know Jesus for the first time, God has blessed many with physical healings. One of which was a hysterical woman who came to the altar area. I didn't know if she was demon-possessed or if God had touched her mightily. As she weeped tears of joy, she testified that God had completely removed from her 12 years of constant major headache pain. (See her reaction by clicking on this video.)
Another man testified that he had been stone deaf for 20 years. During prayer on the second night of our festival, he regained his hearing in one ear and then on the fourth night during prayer he regained the hearing in his other ear! We brought both people to the platform the final night to share the amazing miracles Jesus had done for them.
Thanks for your prayers. We are doing double duty this week. While I conduct a Gospel and Healing Festival, Pastor George Bunnell and Craig Moore will be conducting one at another location. And next week Darrell Dobbelmann starts his Gospel and Healing Festival.
For His glory alone,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
P.S. Please continue praying...we depend on it every day! Our final festival will be held at a town of around 25,000 which has never had a open-air gospel and healing festival before.
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