The Magnificent Obsession by Anne Graham Lotz

Part of my morning devotion the last few mornings has been to read a little in the above mentioned book. There is a page in it that I would like to share with you.

“The Fear of Speaking Out to the World around Us” In this part of the book, God has told Abraham to leave his country, his people and travel to the Land of Canaan. Abraham has arrived and has heard God speak to him telling him that this land would be given to his offspring. Upon hearing this, Abraham proceeds to build an alter to the Lord, right there in the middle of Canaan. Can’t you just imagine the Canaanites asking him what he is doing….this leads up to this page in the book, where Abraham, must have felt all eyes of the Canaanites  on him, as he builds the alter to worship God, “What God are you building this alter to, as we have many god’s here in Canaan?”  Abraham’s response, “My God, who is the one true living God. The Creator of the universe and all that is in it.” “That sounds pretty narrow minded to us. So what’s with the alter?” (Canaanites)

Abraham…”God has said the only way we can be reconciled with Him, the only way we can enter into His presence, is through the sacrificial blod of a lamb. I’m worshiping God as He requires.”

Canaanites response, “didn’t I tell you that he was narrow minded? I’ve never heard of anything more intolerant or exclusive-not to mention weird. We need to keep our eye on this stranger in our midst.”

“When have you presented the gospel to the people around you? Who has seen your “alter”? When have you told others that you have been reconciled to God through the blood of the Lamb and that they can be also? Are you afraid, in our politically correct, increasingly pluralistic, multicultural society to exalt Jesus as…………

the unique Son of God,

the sinner’s Savior,

The captive’s Ransom,

The Breath of Life,

The Centerpiece of all cultures,

the one who stands in the solitude of Himself, by His own authoritative declaration, as “the way and the truth and the life”?

“Jesus said, “No one comes to the Father except through me.” So don’t be afraid. Build your alter”

This page in Anne’s book spoke to me so vividly this morning, as I prayed that God would use me. Where am I allowing Him to use me and where will I build my alter to Him? It might be someplace new, it could be in my neighborhood, or among people who God brings into my life. As we walk this “spiritual walk” with Him, we learn that we are always surprised at how God comes to us. It is never in the same way. It will always be in His time, His way and it will always be an adventure. I want to commit to Him to come humbly before Him, seeking HIS WILL, not mine……..will you join me in “building our alters” wherever and whenever He speaks?