Today, we are going old school, in fact some six hundred years back in time, to glean the wisdom of a humble soul, and one whose singular desire was to become more like Jesus.
I am certain most of you have this book somewhere in your libraries, since it continues to be, after such a long time, a very sobering read.
I am referring to the book entitled 'The Imitation of Christ', by none other than Thomas a Kempis, born Thomas Hammerken in 1380, passing on in 1471 at ninety-one years of age. It always amazes me how actual and true old writings can continue to be, how we can go back to a book that was penned three hundred, five hundred, or even six hundred years ago, and find gems of wisdom and truth that would challenge us and compel us to seek a closer intimacy with Christ our Savior and Lord. I have read this book many times, the copy I possess being highlighted on many a page. I have chosen some of the passages that spoke to my heart, and I pray they speak to yours as well.
"Surely profound words do not make a man holy and just; but a virtuous life makes him dear to God. I would rather feel contrition than know the definition thereof."
"Every man naturally desires to know, but what does knowledge avail without the fear of God? Better, surely, is a humble laborer ho serves God than a proud philosopher who neglecting himself, studies the course of the heavens."
"True peace of heart therefore is found by resisting our passions, not by obeying them. There is then no peace in the heart of a carnal man, nor in him who is given up to outward things, but in the fervent and spiritual man."
"Be not ashamed to serve others for the love of Jesus Christ, nor to be esteemed poor in this world."
"Glory not in wealth if you have it, nor in friends because they are powerful, but in God who gives all things, and above all desires to give you Himself."
"If there be any good in you, believe better things of others, that you may preserve humility. It does not hurt to see yourself lower than all men, but it hurts exceedingly if you set yourself before even one man. Continual peace is with the humble, but in the heart of the proud there is envy and frequent indignation."
"Many are under obedience, rather for necessity than for love; such are disconnected and easily murmur. Neither can they attain to freedom of mind, unless with their whole heart they put themselves under obedience for the love of God."
"If we esteem our progress in religious life to consist only in some outward observances, our devotion will quickly have an end."
"He who desires true and everlasting glory cares not for that which is temporal. And he who seeks temporal glory, or removes it not from his soul, shows that he little loves the glory of Heaven."
With love in Christ,
Michael Boldea Jr.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Sunday, October 7, 2007
The Word
I realize to most in what has become a carbon copy of Laodicea, mentioning, quoting or otherwise encouraging people to read the Word of God is not very popular.
If I were smart, at least in the eyes of some pseudo-evangelists and quasi-theologians, I am of course referring to the self promoters out there, at this moment in time I would be encouraging you to buy my books, watch my DVDs and sow a seed of faith, (put it on your credit card if you have to), into my ministry, which would be easy enough to remember since it would simply be my name in big bold letters, followed by the word 'ministries'.
Since I consider myself to be an honest man however, I will say something that amounts to shooting myself in the proverbial foot. If you only have time to read either this web log, or the Bible, I beg you, plead with you, and otherwise implore you, read the Bible.
Let's face it, nothing I will ever write will ever come even marginally close to matching the beauty, the wisdom, the eloquence and spiritual nourishment for your soul that one readily finds in the Word of God.
The Word of God is both surgeon and scalpel, both the path to eternity and the light by which we walk that path.
I speak from personal experience when I say that no matter the trial, no matter the heartbreak, it is due to the word of God that my hope was not shattered, and my faith was not shaken.
Too often in our lives we consider the idea of substituting the Word with books, or other men's writings, but there is no substitute for the Holy and sovereign Word of God.
Although I must admit I read more than most people, there is not a day that goes by that the Bible is not on that reading list. Even if I think I don't have the time, I make the time to open my Bible read a few verses, and meditate on the love, mercy grace, righteousness and justice of God. The Bible feeds my soul, and it will do the same for anyone who sincerely desires to know its mysteries.
So, back to my original thought for today, lest I make it longer than it was intended. If you only have time to read one thing on a daily basis, may it be the Word of Life, the Gospel of Christ, the guidepost to eternity.
With love in Christ,
Michael Boldea Jr.
If I were smart, at least in the eyes of some pseudo-evangelists and quasi-theologians, I am of course referring to the self promoters out there, at this moment in time I would be encouraging you to buy my books, watch my DVDs and sow a seed of faith, (put it on your credit card if you have to), into my ministry, which would be easy enough to remember since it would simply be my name in big bold letters, followed by the word 'ministries'.
Since I consider myself to be an honest man however, I will say something that amounts to shooting myself in the proverbial foot. If you only have time to read either this web log, or the Bible, I beg you, plead with you, and otherwise implore you, read the Bible.
Let's face it, nothing I will ever write will ever come even marginally close to matching the beauty, the wisdom, the eloquence and spiritual nourishment for your soul that one readily finds in the Word of God.
The Word of God is both surgeon and scalpel, both the path to eternity and the light by which we walk that path.
I speak from personal experience when I say that no matter the trial, no matter the heartbreak, it is due to the word of God that my hope was not shattered, and my faith was not shaken.
Too often in our lives we consider the idea of substituting the Word with books, or other men's writings, but there is no substitute for the Holy and sovereign Word of God.
Although I must admit I read more than most people, there is not a day that goes by that the Bible is not on that reading list. Even if I think I don't have the time, I make the time to open my Bible read a few verses, and meditate on the love, mercy grace, righteousness and justice of God. The Bible feeds my soul, and it will do the same for anyone who sincerely desires to know its mysteries.
So, back to my original thought for today, lest I make it longer than it was intended. If you only have time to read one thing on a daily basis, may it be the Word of Life, the Gospel of Christ, the guidepost to eternity.
With love in Christ,
Michael Boldea Jr.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
The Sentinels
This morning as I was driving my little brother Daniel to the airport, we started reminiscing about our childhood, and among the many events we remembered there was also a story our grandfather told us of when he was a young man in the Romanian army. Looking back, I think he loved telling us stories of his youth as much as we enjoyed listening to them, but this one has stuck in my mind for the better part of twenty years.
The story went, that during a training exercise with the Russian army my grandfather found himself somewhere in Siberia in the dead of winter. Although the base where they resided was fenced in, sentinels were posted at intervals all around the outer perimeter, wearing heavy coats, and fur hats, but even with all the clothing the cold was numbing and bone chilling. As night fell and they made their rounds inspecting the sentinels, my grandfather noticed that some had secured their bayonets to their rifles, placed the butt of their rifles in the snow, and were resting their chins on the tip of their bayonets.
When my grandfather asked why some of the soldiers were exhibiting such strange behavior, the commanding officer smiled at him and said the behavior was not strange at all, but rather it was their way of staying awake during the long nights.
The sharp metal, pressed against the soldiers' chins served two purposes the commanding officer informed him. First, if they fell asleep during the night, they would freeze to death, so whenever they dozed off the sharp prick of the steel would rouse them from their slumber, and second the constant knowledge that if they fell asleep they would essentially be impaling themselves kept them vigilant and aware.
I said my goodbyes to my brother, made sure they allowed all of his bags to travel with him, promising we would see each other again sometime in December, and as I drove back home, I began to think of the spiritual implications that could be applied to my grandfather's story.
Though the spiritual night might long, thought the sentinels might be weary and tired, though the watchmen are in great need of some much deserved rest, we cannot fall asleep at our posts, for to fall asleep now, in this hour, in this spiritual climate amounts to nothing less than certain spiritual death.
Whatever it takes to keep us sharp, focused, vigilant, and aware whether it be trials, tribulations, hardships, or physical pains, may we welcome them as what they were intended to be, God's way of keeping His watchmen, His sentinels awake, and ready for battle.
With love in Christ,
Michael Boldea Jr.
The story went, that during a training exercise with the Russian army my grandfather found himself somewhere in Siberia in the dead of winter. Although the base where they resided was fenced in, sentinels were posted at intervals all around the outer perimeter, wearing heavy coats, and fur hats, but even with all the clothing the cold was numbing and bone chilling. As night fell and they made their rounds inspecting the sentinels, my grandfather noticed that some had secured their bayonets to their rifles, placed the butt of their rifles in the snow, and were resting their chins on the tip of their bayonets.
When my grandfather asked why some of the soldiers were exhibiting such strange behavior, the commanding officer smiled at him and said the behavior was not strange at all, but rather it was their way of staying awake during the long nights.
The sharp metal, pressed against the soldiers' chins served two purposes the commanding officer informed him. First, if they fell asleep during the night, they would freeze to death, so whenever they dozed off the sharp prick of the steel would rouse them from their slumber, and second the constant knowledge that if they fell asleep they would essentially be impaling themselves kept them vigilant and aware.
I said my goodbyes to my brother, made sure they allowed all of his bags to travel with him, promising we would see each other again sometime in December, and as I drove back home, I began to think of the spiritual implications that could be applied to my grandfather's story.
Though the spiritual night might long, thought the sentinels might be weary and tired, though the watchmen are in great need of some much deserved rest, we cannot fall asleep at our posts, for to fall asleep now, in this hour, in this spiritual climate amounts to nothing less than certain spiritual death.
Whatever it takes to keep us sharp, focused, vigilant, and aware whether it be trials, tribulations, hardships, or physical pains, may we welcome them as what they were intended to be, God's way of keeping His watchmen, His sentinels awake, and ready for battle.
With love in Christ,
Michael Boldea Jr.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Spiritual Pollution
I don't believe that for the past few years a day has gone by when a newspaper, a radio show, or a television news station has not mentioned in passing, or in depth the plight of the environment, the dangers of pollution, or what they deem to be the catastrophic endgame of global warming. Before you roll your eyes, and turn off your computer thinking to yourself that I too have joined the bandwagon, please give me a minute to explain.
It is said that the waters are polluted due to spills, the air is polluted due to cars, behemoth plants and factories, and now there is even talk of noise pollution, all these producing a disquiet and unhealthy effect in mankind both physical and physiological.
We know this because there are countless organizations dedicated to saving the environment, churches are having green days and talking about global warming, and battery powered cars with low emissions are flying off the shelves.
Although there is much talk about the pollution of the environment, rarely does one hear any talk of spiritual pollution. Even those who ought to be shouting from the rooftops seem content with their silence, an so we see witchcraft, spiritism, violence, alcoholism, corruption, greed, envy and lust, take on new heights bringing about a moral decline of unprecedented proportions.
Seeing all these things, question begs to be asked, who is responsible for warning against these things? Whose responsibility is it to sound the alarm?
'You' said Jesus, 'are the salt of the earth and the light of the world!'
If truly we are the salt of the earth, then why does our society so reek of decay? If we are the light of the world, why are so many stumbling about in the darkness of sin?
Has the salt lost its flavor, its power to conserve? Has the light lost its ability to illuminate?
If society then has lost its moral markers, if their moral compass is broken, it is no less true that the same can be said of the Evangelical church of today's generation. The church has lost its direction, its purpose, and its calling.
Do churches still represent anyone? Then whom do they represent, and more importantly how?
As anyone who knows me even in passing can tell you, I am a reader, and every bit of news I read coming from the church seems to be written with a reckless, almost sadistic joy and ignorance. Rome is burning, Rome is burning, play on fiddler, play on.
Churches have given up the fight in my humble opinion, they've sheathed their swords, their armor is rusty, and are content to live only for themselves, a parasitical organism of sorts within the body of Christ.
In the olden days, God spoke to Israel and said, 'I have set before you the way of life and the way death', it is up to us to choose which path we travel.
The devil's merchants seem to be on every street corner, his offer and the terms therein available for everyone at any time, but where is God's counteroffer? Who tells the world that there is a better way, a righteous path, a heaven and a hell if the church is silent?
I have grown weary, and I am tired of hearing about the new additions, the new church buildings, the annexes and the refurbished auditoriums. Do not speak to me of what is being done within the confines of the church, if by the same token you cannot tell me what you are doing outside its four walls.
The world needs to hear the voice of God, and as His representatives on this earth it is up to us to proclaim it. One day, and one day soon, some of us, perhaps all of us, will be held to account for the blood of our generation, a generation suffocated by the pollution that sin and darkness produce.
It is an undeniable truth that people are dying every day, that they are dying in their sins, having never heard the truth of the gospel. Knowing this, only one question remains, what are we doing about it?
With love in Christ,
Michael Boldea Jr.
It is said that the waters are polluted due to spills, the air is polluted due to cars, behemoth plants and factories, and now there is even talk of noise pollution, all these producing a disquiet and unhealthy effect in mankind both physical and physiological.
We know this because there are countless organizations dedicated to saving the environment, churches are having green days and talking about global warming, and battery powered cars with low emissions are flying off the shelves.
Although there is much talk about the pollution of the environment, rarely does one hear any talk of spiritual pollution. Even those who ought to be shouting from the rooftops seem content with their silence, an so we see witchcraft, spiritism, violence, alcoholism, corruption, greed, envy and lust, take on new heights bringing about a moral decline of unprecedented proportions.
Seeing all these things, question begs to be asked, who is responsible for warning against these things? Whose responsibility is it to sound the alarm?
'You' said Jesus, 'are the salt of the earth and the light of the world!'
If truly we are the salt of the earth, then why does our society so reek of decay? If we are the light of the world, why are so many stumbling about in the darkness of sin?
Has the salt lost its flavor, its power to conserve? Has the light lost its ability to illuminate?
If society then has lost its moral markers, if their moral compass is broken, it is no less true that the same can be said of the Evangelical church of today's generation. The church has lost its direction, its purpose, and its calling.
Do churches still represent anyone? Then whom do they represent, and more importantly how?
As anyone who knows me even in passing can tell you, I am a reader, and every bit of news I read coming from the church seems to be written with a reckless, almost sadistic joy and ignorance. Rome is burning, Rome is burning, play on fiddler, play on.
Churches have given up the fight in my humble opinion, they've sheathed their swords, their armor is rusty, and are content to live only for themselves, a parasitical organism of sorts within the body of Christ.
In the olden days, God spoke to Israel and said, 'I have set before you the way of life and the way death', it is up to us to choose which path we travel.
The devil's merchants seem to be on every street corner, his offer and the terms therein available for everyone at any time, but where is God's counteroffer? Who tells the world that there is a better way, a righteous path, a heaven and a hell if the church is silent?
I have grown weary, and I am tired of hearing about the new additions, the new church buildings, the annexes and the refurbished auditoriums. Do not speak to me of what is being done within the confines of the church, if by the same token you cannot tell me what you are doing outside its four walls.
The world needs to hear the voice of God, and as His representatives on this earth it is up to us to proclaim it. One day, and one day soon, some of us, perhaps all of us, will be held to account for the blood of our generation, a generation suffocated by the pollution that sin and darkness produce.
It is an undeniable truth that people are dying every day, that they are dying in their sins, having never heard the truth of the gospel. Knowing this, only one question remains, what are we doing about it?
With love in Christ,
Michael Boldea Jr.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
The Wisdom of Others Volume 2
As promised, whenever I find compelling writing, whether from modern writers, which unfortunately is rare to nonexistent, or writers of past generations I will post what I consider to be some of their more timely and soul searching quotes in the hope that wisdom will awaken in you, and your thirst for God will continue to grow.
Today's featured writer is a man by the name of Arthur W. Pink, who was born in Great Britain, and became an itinerant Bible teacher after pastoring churches in Colorado, California and Kentucky. Arthur pink was born in 1886, and went to be with the Lord in 1952
"In addition to the fact that today hundreds of churches are without a leader who faithfully declares the whole counsel of God and presents His way of salvation, we also have to face the additional fact that the majority of people in these churches are very unlikely to learn the Truth themselves. The family altar, where a portion of God's word was wont to be read daily is now, even in the homes of nominal Christians, largely a thing of the past.
The Bible is not expounded in the pulpit and it is not read in the pew. The demands of this rushing age are so numerous, that multitudes have little time and still less inclination to make preparation for meeting with God. Hence the majority who are to indolent to search for themselves, are left at the mercy of those whom they pay to search for them; many of whom betray their trust by studying and expounding economic and social problems rather than the Oracles of God." Arthur Pink
"The cultivation of the old man is considered more practical than the creation of a new man in Christ Jesus; while universal peace is looked for apart from the interposition and return of the Prince of Peace." Arthur Pink
"The apostles of Satan are not saloon keepers and white-slave traffickers, but are for the most part ordained ministers. Thousands of those who occupy our modern pulpits are no longer engaged in presenting the fundamentals of the Christian Faith, but have turned aside from the Truth and have given heed to fables. Instead of magnifying the enormity of sin and setting forth its eternal consequences, they minimize it by declaring that sin is merely ignorance or the absence of good.
Instead of warning their hearers to flee 'from the wrath to come' they make God a liar by declaring that He is too loving and merciful to send any of His own creatures to eternal torment." Arthur Pink
"However pure our motives, however noble our intentions, however well meaning our purposes, however sincere our endeavors, God will not acknowledge us as His sons, until we accept His Son." Arthur Pink
With love in Christ,
Michael Boldea Jr.
Today's featured writer is a man by the name of Arthur W. Pink, who was born in Great Britain, and became an itinerant Bible teacher after pastoring churches in Colorado, California and Kentucky. Arthur pink was born in 1886, and went to be with the Lord in 1952
"In addition to the fact that today hundreds of churches are without a leader who faithfully declares the whole counsel of God and presents His way of salvation, we also have to face the additional fact that the majority of people in these churches are very unlikely to learn the Truth themselves. The family altar, where a portion of God's word was wont to be read daily is now, even in the homes of nominal Christians, largely a thing of the past.
The Bible is not expounded in the pulpit and it is not read in the pew. The demands of this rushing age are so numerous, that multitudes have little time and still less inclination to make preparation for meeting with God. Hence the majority who are to indolent to search for themselves, are left at the mercy of those whom they pay to search for them; many of whom betray their trust by studying and expounding economic and social problems rather than the Oracles of God." Arthur Pink
"The cultivation of the old man is considered more practical than the creation of a new man in Christ Jesus; while universal peace is looked for apart from the interposition and return of the Prince of Peace." Arthur Pink
"The apostles of Satan are not saloon keepers and white-slave traffickers, but are for the most part ordained ministers. Thousands of those who occupy our modern pulpits are no longer engaged in presenting the fundamentals of the Christian Faith, but have turned aside from the Truth and have given heed to fables. Instead of magnifying the enormity of sin and setting forth its eternal consequences, they minimize it by declaring that sin is merely ignorance or the absence of good.
Instead of warning their hearers to flee 'from the wrath to come' they make God a liar by declaring that He is too loving and merciful to send any of His own creatures to eternal torment." Arthur Pink
"However pure our motives, however noble our intentions, however well meaning our purposes, however sincere our endeavors, God will not acknowledge us as His sons, until we accept His Son." Arthur Pink
With love in Christ,
Michael Boldea Jr.
Hope In God!
There is a saying I heard somewhere once, a long time ago. At the time it seemed pretentious at best, especially given the context in which it was uttered, but seeing the signs all around us, seeing the convergence of so many events both natural and man made, the saying rings true today, 'those in the know, know!'
Unfortunate as it may be, the world seems more in tune with what is happening on this rock we call our temporary home, and justifiably so the world is concerned and some even fearful.
We are mere months, perhaps weeks away from starting a new war, in the same region we are currently engaged in battle; our economy is shaky at best; the almighty dollar, that which so many lust after and trust in, is rapidly deflating like a balloon which suffered the sting of a pinprick; people are losing their homes, debt is at an all time high, and many a soul have shared the bleak sentiment that there is nothing left to hope in.
These are the times, and these are the days in which one sees where his house was built. Whether built upon the rock, or upon the sand, it is the trials and the hardships that prove the strength and stability of our foundation. The faithful few in this nation, that learned to trust and depend on God, that hoped in Him, and only Him when they had no earthly reason, because they lived in the years of plenty, will continue to be steadfast, and hope in Him now that the years of famine are closing in.
It is to those, and through those souls that God will prove Himself, that the world may see our hope was not vainly placed when we laid it at His feet. For now the faithful, the chosen and sanctified, will continue to hope in God, as they always have, while the world, and even those in the church who placed their trust in worldly things will continue to grow more fearful and despondent. What a truly terrifying thing it must be to realize, perhaps too late that you have been weighed, and have been found wanting, that all the crutches and security blankets have been violently stripped away, and though you could have abounded in hope, in peace, in joy and in charity, hollowness reigns in your heart.
It is not too late dear friend, hope in God, trust in Him, and He will neither fail you nor forsake you in your time of greatest need.
With love in Christ,
Michael Boldea Jr.
Unfortunate as it may be, the world seems more in tune with what is happening on this rock we call our temporary home, and justifiably so the world is concerned and some even fearful.
We are mere months, perhaps weeks away from starting a new war, in the same region we are currently engaged in battle; our economy is shaky at best; the almighty dollar, that which so many lust after and trust in, is rapidly deflating like a balloon which suffered the sting of a pinprick; people are losing their homes, debt is at an all time high, and many a soul have shared the bleak sentiment that there is nothing left to hope in.
These are the times, and these are the days in which one sees where his house was built. Whether built upon the rock, or upon the sand, it is the trials and the hardships that prove the strength and stability of our foundation. The faithful few in this nation, that learned to trust and depend on God, that hoped in Him, and only Him when they had no earthly reason, because they lived in the years of plenty, will continue to be steadfast, and hope in Him now that the years of famine are closing in.
It is to those, and through those souls that God will prove Himself, that the world may see our hope was not vainly placed when we laid it at His feet. For now the faithful, the chosen and sanctified, will continue to hope in God, as they always have, while the world, and even those in the church who placed their trust in worldly things will continue to grow more fearful and despondent. What a truly terrifying thing it must be to realize, perhaps too late that you have been weighed, and have been found wanting, that all the crutches and security blankets have been violently stripped away, and though you could have abounded in hope, in peace, in joy and in charity, hollowness reigns in your heart.
It is not too late dear friend, hope in God, trust in Him, and He will neither fail you nor forsake you in your time of greatest need.
With love in Christ,
Michael Boldea Jr.
Monday, October 1, 2007
A Timely Prayer
This morning I was re-reading some of A.W. Tozer's writings, when I came across a prayer he penned in his book 'God Tells The Man Who Cares'. It is a timely prayer, one that moved me to tears, and one that should be on the lips of every servant of God. May it bless, stir, and challenge you as it did me.
"It is time, O God, for Thee to work, for the enemy has entered into Thy pastures and the sheep are torn and scattered. And false shepherds abound who deny the danger and laugh at the perils which surround Thy flock. The sheep are deceived by these hirelings and follow them with touching loyalty while the wolf closes in to kill and destroy. I beseech Thee, give me sharp eyes to detect the presence of the enemy; give me understanding to see and courage to report what I see faithfully. Make my voice so like Thine own that even the sick sheep will recognize it and follow Thee.
Lord Jesus, I come to Thee for spiritual preparation. Lay Thy hand upon me. Anoint me with the oil of the New Testament prophet. Forbid that I should become a religious scribe and thus lose my prophetic calling. Save me from the curse that lies dark across the face of the modern clergy, the curse of compromise, of imitation, of professionalism. Save me from the error of judging a church by its size, its popularity or the amount of its yearly offering. Help me to remember that I am a prophet - not a promoter, not a religious manager, but a prophet. Let me never become a slave to crowds. Heal my soul of carnal ambitions and deliver me from the itch of publicity. Save me from bondage to things. Let me not waste my days puttering around the house. Lay Thy terror upon me, O God, and drive me to the place of prayer where I may wrestle with principalities and powers and the rulers of the darkness of this world.
I accept hard work and small rewards in this life. I ask for no easy place. I shall try to be blind to the little ways that could make life easier. If others seek the smoother path I shall try to take the hard way without judging them too harshly. I shall expect opposition and try to take it quietly when it comes. Or if, as sometimes it falleth out to Thy servants, I should have grateful gifts pressed upon me by Thy kindly people, stand by me then and save me from the blight that often follows. Teach me to use whatever I receive in such manner that will not injure my soul nor diminish my spiritual power. And if in Thy permissive providence honor should come to me from Thy church, let me not forget in that hour that I am unworthy of the least of Thy mercies, and that if men knew me as intimately as I know myself they would withhold their honors or bestow the upon others more worthy to receive them.
Though I am chosen of Thee and honored by a high and holy calling, let me never forget that I am but a man of dust and ashes, a man with all the natural faults and passions that plague the race of men. I pray Thee, therefore, my Lord and Redeemer, save me from myself and from all the injuries I am do myself while trying to be a blessing to others. Fill me with Thy power by the Holy Spirit, and I will go in Thy strength and tell of Thy righteousness, even Thine only. I will spread abroad the message of redeeming love while my normal powers endure.
Then dear Lord, when I am old and weary and too tired to go on, have a place ready for me above, and make me to be numbered with Thy saints in glory everlasting. Amen. Amen.
With love in Christ,
Michael Boldea Jr.
"It is time, O God, for Thee to work, for the enemy has entered into Thy pastures and the sheep are torn and scattered. And false shepherds abound who deny the danger and laugh at the perils which surround Thy flock. The sheep are deceived by these hirelings and follow them with touching loyalty while the wolf closes in to kill and destroy. I beseech Thee, give me sharp eyes to detect the presence of the enemy; give me understanding to see and courage to report what I see faithfully. Make my voice so like Thine own that even the sick sheep will recognize it and follow Thee.
Lord Jesus, I come to Thee for spiritual preparation. Lay Thy hand upon me. Anoint me with the oil of the New Testament prophet. Forbid that I should become a religious scribe and thus lose my prophetic calling. Save me from the curse that lies dark across the face of the modern clergy, the curse of compromise, of imitation, of professionalism. Save me from the error of judging a church by its size, its popularity or the amount of its yearly offering. Help me to remember that I am a prophet - not a promoter, not a religious manager, but a prophet. Let me never become a slave to crowds. Heal my soul of carnal ambitions and deliver me from the itch of publicity. Save me from bondage to things. Let me not waste my days puttering around the house. Lay Thy terror upon me, O God, and drive me to the place of prayer where I may wrestle with principalities and powers and the rulers of the darkness of this world.
I accept hard work and small rewards in this life. I ask for no easy place. I shall try to be blind to the little ways that could make life easier. If others seek the smoother path I shall try to take the hard way without judging them too harshly. I shall expect opposition and try to take it quietly when it comes. Or if, as sometimes it falleth out to Thy servants, I should have grateful gifts pressed upon me by Thy kindly people, stand by me then and save me from the blight that often follows. Teach me to use whatever I receive in such manner that will not injure my soul nor diminish my spiritual power. And if in Thy permissive providence honor should come to me from Thy church, let me not forget in that hour that I am unworthy of the least of Thy mercies, and that if men knew me as intimately as I know myself they would withhold their honors or bestow the upon others more worthy to receive them.
Though I am chosen of Thee and honored by a high and holy calling, let me never forget that I am but a man of dust and ashes, a man with all the natural faults and passions that plague the race of men. I pray Thee, therefore, my Lord and Redeemer, save me from myself and from all the injuries I am do myself while trying to be a blessing to others. Fill me with Thy power by the Holy Spirit, and I will go in Thy strength and tell of Thy righteousness, even Thine only. I will spread abroad the message of redeeming love while my normal powers endure.
Then dear Lord, when I am old and weary and too tired to go on, have a place ready for me above, and make me to be numbered with Thy saints in glory everlasting. Amen. Amen.
With love in Christ,
Michael Boldea Jr.
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