August 15, 2013: Volume 2, Number 20
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30 60 100 MINISTRIES |
September 19-21, 2013(SP)∞ Strategic Planning Mesilla Valley Christian SchoolsLas Cruces, NM The Spiritually Healthy Leader� seriesFirst and Third Wednesdays9 AM - 1 PM30 60 100 MINISTRIES officesAlbuquerque, NM 8/21/13 Healthy Relationships 9/4/13 Conflict Checkup 9/18/13 Conditioning for the Course 10/2/13 Clearing the Hurdles 10/18/13 Finishing Well More details here 30 60 100 MINISTRIES COACHING
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* Mission Field Preparation
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| Greetings! |  Is your passion for God rising -- or falling? Interestingly, God looks less at the actual reading on your spiritual thermometer, focusing instead on whether it is moving up (towards zeal) or down (towards indifference.)
In the first of a two-part series contrasting zeal and indifference, you can read how to Check Your Spiritual Temperature.
We look forward to hearing from you about your spiritual journey this summer. Keep growing!
P.S. In July, Dalton (above, left) joined son Jesse and grandson Brennan for a Three Generations Regeneration missions trip, when Brennan led a sustainable agricultural project in remote Guatemala. Your prayers and support are extending to develop leaders the next generation. Thank you!
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EL CULTIVADOR:
The Cultivator Debuts in Spanish!
| The Spanish edition of The Cultivator debuted this summer to our Spanish-speaking readers across the globe ... to great success! (See What People Are Saying, below.) We would love to send El Cultivador to those you know who are looking for practical help in their walk with Jesus - in ministry, the workplace, or at home. Please invite Spanish speakers you know to send us their email address -- and we will subscribe them to this publication in their mother tongue!
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Spiritually Healthy Leader� Series Debuts
| The first session of the Spiritually Healthy Leader� series in our new location -- using a "boardroom" format instead of a classroom set up -- debuted last week to capacity! We're now considering requests to add an extra SHL� group to meet requests to accommodate those interested.
The next in the interactive Spiritually Healthy Leader� series continue on August 21 with a session on Healthy Relationships. Learn more about this exciting series here.
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 Feature: ZEAL v. INDIFFERENCE, PART 1
GETTING CHILLY? TAKE YOUR SPIRITUAL TEMPERATURE | Growing hotter, cooling to lukewarm, or becoming cold: which describes your zeal for God?
During a visit to Jerusalem, Jesus found men selling livestock and exchanging money in the temple courts. Angry and passionate, Jesus overturned tables, scattered money, and drove all the men and animals out of the temple area with a whip (John 2:13-17).
As the disciples watched the scene unfold, they recognized the fulfillment of David's words: "Zeal for your house consumes me" (Psalm 69:9, NIV). Jesus' zeal was a vigorous, all-encompassing fervency. So active was His passion for God that it literally "ate him up."
The opposite of this bubbling zeal is not a heart that has long been cold, but rather a heart that has grown apathetic. That kind of flagging passion repulses our Lord. He even goes so far as to admonish and correct those whose hearts were once fervent but are now becoming indifferent (Revelation 3:16).
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The Temperature Reading Versus Temperature Movement
Like a thermometer that rises and falls according to changes in temperature, a Christ-follower's zeal fluctuates in temperature, too. In Revelation 3 John writes of several churches whose established believers were previously filled with intense passion for God, but now have lost that zeal. The drop in their spiritual temperature meant their hearts had become lukewarm. They needed to be rekindled.
Your current temperature reading is less important than the direction it's moving on the thermometer. Is your zeal cooling down ... or warming up? A hunger for worship, a desire for God's Word, a willingness to serve, deepening relationships with others - these are just a few indicators of a growing passion for God.
Check the Direction Your Thermometer Moves
As you reflect on your spiritual temperature, consider whether it's stationary or moving - and in which direction. Draw a horizontal line on a piece of paper. Label one end with a 1 (indifferent) and the other 10 (zealous). Ask, "Is my love for God becoming more passionate, or has it cooled to lukewarm complacency or even cold indifference?" Place a dot along the line at the spot appropriate for where you are now and an arrow in the direction in which you're moving.
Growing in zeal is the direction I want to be headed in. I don't want to be in the "indifferent or complacent camp." I wager you don't, either. If you're moving towards lukewarm complacency or cold indifference, know this: you don't need to keep going that way. God desires for you to be passionate about Him.
Seek Him. Reflect on His amazing character, how much He loves you, and all He has done in your life. Ask God to rekindle and multiply your passion for Him and His house.
As you do, your thermometer readings will begin to shift away from indifference ... and towards a zeal that "eats you up."
Part 2 addresses how to battle indifference and complacency towards God.
Growth Point
Zeal for God is measured by how it is growing.
Scripture
Zeal for your house consumes me. (Psalm 69:9, NIV)
Prayer Points - Why might God reject a lukewarm faith over a cold one?
- On a scale of 1 to 10 (10=zealous, 1= indifferent), describe your passion for God today as compared with a week ago, a month ago, and a year ago.
- What can move you a step closer to a 10?
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What People Are Saying ...
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 "How beautiful -- the email ( El Cultivador ) that I received today. So encouraging! I am going to begin using these materials as devotionals at our business starting in September. Greetings to you and God bless you both." Rosi F., Paraguay
Hear more testimonies from Christians in remote areas served by 30 60 100 MINISTRIES staff here.
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