The Pharisee in Me

By Jill Briscoe

(transcribed by me from a radio broadcast)

One day I found within my heart

Someone who’d been there from the start

A prudish person, self-appointed

Self-sufficient, self-anointed

Though I a true disciple be

I’ve met the Pharisee in me

He passes people everyday

Who’ve lost their innocence some way

He says a prayer for those poor fools

For breaking his religious rules

“No time for mercy now,” says he

“At bible study I must be”

I know the Lord rebukes my guest

In scathing words at God’s behest

He tells me heed His words of strife

And realize He saps your life

He hates to share my heart, you see,

With him, the Pharisee in me

And why should He the God of Grace

Be forced to live here face to face

With him who hung Him up to die,

Against an angry anguished sky-

Who pierced His feet and crowned His head

Who laughed and left him very dead?

Forgive me Lord, I beg of thee

Deal with the Pharisee in me

I was driving in the car today and heard Jill Briscoe on the radio teaching on the Good Samaritan. She said we need to get off our "evangelical donkey and get in the ditch". Ouch! That stung... but it's the truth. I was challenged by her teaching regarding how I react to others in need. I can be a Pharisee (by judging their situation) or I can be a Levite (too busy "doing church" to see the need or expecting someone else to handle it.)
Jill says "compassion puts the man on his own donkey and walks to the inn."... Compassion doesn't say will I get appreciated... Compassion gets in the ditch...Come where they are. Lift them out. Pay for their recovery and follow-through."

I need God's help to "get in the ditch" and become a Samaritan.

If you'd like to listen to the full teaching you can find it at https://www.tellingthetruth.org/listen/series?name=hidden-treasures&sid=94b26f28-7350-44b8-a13e-a0cd1ece05fc
Look for Message Helping the Hurting in the Hidden Treasures series

Are we preparing our hearts for ministry?

I've started a new study in the book of Luke and I've been examining John the Baptist's life and ministry. Here are some things I've found.
1. Even before his birth, God had a ministry plan for John. (Luke 1:13-17)
2. He prepared himself for ministry in private. The Word of the Lord came to him in the wilderness. He must have known the scriptures because he describes himself as "the voice of one crying in the wilderness. Make straight the way of the Lord" as the prophet Isaiah said. (John 1:23)
3. John's ministry objectives were to a) go before the Lord to prepare the way, b) to give knowledge of salvation by remission of sins, c) to give light to those in darkness and shadow of death, d) guide their feet into the way of peace.
4. John knew his ministry pointed to another "Greater" than himself. (luke 3:16)
5.There was an appointed time for John's public ministry; it had a beginning and an end; it was done in the power of the Holy Spirit. John's ministry was complete when all the people were baptized. Jesus came on the scene at that time and we don't hear anymore of John.
6. He stayed faithful until death. We know that he was thrown into prison and eventually beheaded by Herod.

John's ministry is teaching me that his public ministry had a predetermined time frame. He was to make way for another greater than himself. He did not seek glory for himself. He gave his life for the ministry that he was called to. He spoke boldly of repentance. That is how I must prepare my heart for ministry as well.

With humility~ Keep in mind, it is not about us but to lead others to relationship with Christ. When Christ comes to do a work in a life, we need to be willing to step aside or give up our ministry so that His can continue. Don't hold on with tight fists but with open hands. Be clear about your personal ministry~ don't run over other people's calling.

Be wary of those in ministry who want the spotlight to be on them and their particular talents or ministry. Our gifts, talents, and ministry should ALWAYS, ultimately, be an arrow pointing away from ourselves and toward Christ.

Lord, forgive me for the times I wanted the spotlight in ministry; when I've wanted to take the glory for what only belongs to You. Remind me that everything done in my own strength will be burned like chaff. I want to be content with ministering in private until such time as I'm called to public ministry. Public ministry seems to have "seasons" so help me to be like John the Baptist who was willing to step aside so Your work can succeed. Show me by your Holy Spirit when I am to take on public ministry and help me to continue in private preparation. What I learn through study, prayer and by Holy Spirit guidance will prepare my heart when you decide to use me. I want to be obedient in private. Give me strength in ministry at home with family, friends, and those I meet each day~ May all that I do and say bring glory to your Name and point people to YOU.