by Dr. Mary Logan

At the age of 35, I was excited about having my first child. In late July, almost 30 years ago, God placed a beautiful daughter into our home.

I still remember dressing Michelle in a long, white dress one Sunday morning, taking her to church, and listening to our pastor dedicate her to God. In essence, that gift to us was voluntarily being returned to the Creator by her parents for dedication to His service. A scriptural model is found in 1 Samuel 1:28:

 “So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.”

 A New Testament model is found in Luke 2:22 when baby Jesus was brought to the temple:

“Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.”

 Little did I realize that, 18 years later, I would kneel beside her bed and dedicate her anew to God. You see, she was diagnosed with encephalitis (a rare brain infection), lost over 60 pounds, and almost died. However, in His awesome sovereignty, God raised her to good health. She married her high school sweetheart and has given birth to two wonderful boys, Noah and Jude.

During my pregnancy with Michelle, the doctor gave me the option to have a test to determine if any abnormalities existed. I did not know that age 35 could be a critical age for carrying my first child. I asked the doctor my options if abnormalities were detected. He gave me two: (1) continue with the pregnancy, or (2) have an abortion. I knew I would not choose abortion, even though it had been legalized nine years earlier, so I opted against the test.

 I prayed for a normal, healthy child and as easy a delivery as possible. God answered both prayers. I arrived at the hospital 30 minutes before she was born. Since that time God’s hand has been upon Michelle’s life.

 Just prior to reaching her third birthday, after a revival service at our home church, I had the privilege of leading her in the sinner’s prayer. Three years later, God baptized her with the Holy Spirit. She began singing in church, and God used that talent and her musical ability to influence her choice of majors in college.

Because of her illness, her college career was delayed a year, and she could enroll in only 12-13 hours at a time. I encouraged her not to compare herself with anyone else and to accomplish what she could accomplish with the daily strength God gave her. I would often remind her of God’s wonderful plan for her life—“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

 The path in life’s journey is rocky at times, and seemingly no good can come out of the situation. However, Romans 8:28 says,

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

Michelle is now involved in her home church’s music ministry and also serves as a guest singer in various churches. Her testimony is that “she would not take anything for what God taught her through her near death experience.”

 Being an only child, Michelle is listed as a beneficiary in my last will and testament. So part of my legacy to her is a portion of my estate. An even greater legacy, though, is the spiritual legacy. Moses emphasized the importance of passing God’s commandments and instructions from one generation to another when he said,

 “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (Deuteronomy 6:7)

King Solomon also admonished parents to “train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Part of that training is not only walking in the ways of the Lord ourselves but also setting godly standards for our households.

Seeing this legacy now being passed to my grandchildren is a thrilling part of God’s plan. Yet Satan tries to thwart the plan. Knowing the thief comes “to steal, to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10), we must be on our guard, be proactive, and be diligent in ensuring that we pass a godly legacy on to the next generation.

Mary Logan, Ed.D., is a Course Development Specialist and Professor of Business and Education at Global University. For more information about Global University, visit http://think.globaluniversity.edu

 by Alver Rance

Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.”

When God created the heavens and earth, He put in place components, much of which humanity is just starting to discover today. The components have always been there, but it often takes humankind a while to figure it all out. The world has lived without much of what we consider essential to life today. If we could bring back our ancestors of only a century or two ago, they would be amazed by what they would find in our world.

In Daniel 12:4, the Scripture says, “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” This is an amazing prophecy given by Daniel over 500 years before Christ. He says that at the time of the end there will be distress of nations and an increase of knowledge.

Much of this knowledge has been hidden from humankind until recent years. In God’s plan, humanity did not discover these things until God allowed us to do so. Because of this knowledge today, other prophecies can now be fulfilled.

For instance, Revelation 11:9 tells of how the two witnesses, whom God will send during the tribulation period, will be killed and lie in the streets of Jerusalem for three and a half days and will be seen by people around the world. For years those who have faithfully preached about these prophecies have wondered how this could be possible. It isn’t hard to understand that now.

Also, Jesus said in Matthew 24:14, “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”

We at Global University are happy to be a part of the spread of the gospel to all parts of the earth through the technology the Lord has provided for such a time as this. What seemed impossible only a few years ago is now considered normal as we speed the light of the glorious gospel around the world for testimony to all nations. As a result, we can expect to see people in heaven one day from “every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation” (Revelation 5:9). What a day that will be!

Alver Rance serves as a missionary at Global University. Alver and his wife Linda served as missionaries to Latin America for 35 years. For more information about Global University, visit www.globaluniversity.edu

 by Bina Richardson

 In all steps of faith there is an element of risk. In Hebrews 11:27 we find the key that enables us to take that risk and step out in faith. Moses “forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible” (NKJV, emphasis added). “Seeing Him who is invisible” is the key to every step of faith.

If God is the originator of that step, you have nothing to fear—you step out and you find God is there. In the book of Joshua, we read of a Gentile lady named Rahab who was willing to take a risk and step out in faith because she saw Him who is invisible:

“I know that the LORD has given you the land, that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land are fainthearted because of you” (Joshua 2:9).

 After Rahab hid the two Israelite men who came to spy out Jericho, she asked them to favor her and her family when God would destroy the city. Her step of faith in hiding the men was rewarded, for she and all her house were saved from the destruction of Jericho. In fact, Rahab’s reward is recorded in the “Hall of Faith”: “By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace” (Hebrews 11:31).

Her reward did not stop there. In Matthew 1:5, we find Rahab in the ancestory line of Jesus the Messiah. Faith—seeing Him who is invisible and taking the risk—is rewarded. Amen!

Bina Richardson is an undergraduate Global University alumna. She ministers at Way of Faith in Fairfax, VA. Learn more about Way of Faith by visiting www.way-of-faith.org

by Dr. Randy Hedlun

I arrived early enough to be seated and still have time to let my mind roam freely, considering this new environment in which I found myself. The relaxed and well-dressed crowd was filling the room’s neatly arranged rows of chairs. Most seemed to know each other or at least found many close acquaintances in the room. It seemed I was one of the few guests attending the event and there was no attempt to integrate me into the various conversations that formed and reformed around the room. It was quite pleasant to be in such accommodating facilities with soft music being played skillfully by professional live musicians in the background.

 This was my first experience at a country club social pageant. My quizzical nature began probing the whole country club phenomenon. What motivated these people to join this club? Why invest time and money into maintaining these beautiful facilities and activities? My host that evening had been a member of several such organizations prior to his joining this one, and I couldn’t help wondering why this one was where he settled.

From the evidence in the parking lot outside and the attire of the crowd, substantial personal wealth was represented in that room. Of course, only a small portion was available to the club, that which was predetermined by the established dues and fees. However, a building program was underway at that time, and solicitation signs were posted, encouraging members to contribute more to the expansion of “their” club.

I don’t think I even began to formulate sufficient answers to my questions regarding the motivation to join such a club. But it did seem obvious from the composition of the crowd that commonality had a lot to do with it. It seemed these folks were seeking to associate more closely with people they were most like—ethnically, socially, and economically. At least this seemed to explain a lot to my wondering mind. There was justification for investing money, time, and energy into an organization that offered such engineered compatibility. It seemed the entire purpose was to participate in an organization that offered the greatest degree of commonality. This was an organization through which one could not only access social relationships with one’s own “kind” but also participate in activities that closely matched one’s personal interests.

How convenient and personally satisfying this arrangement seemed. And then another question occurred to me . . . What is the difference between this and the church?

God forgive us!

Dr. Randy Hedlun, is Dean of the Berean School of the Bible at Global University. For more information about Global, visit www.globaluniversity.edu

by Dr. Mary Logan

Having just returned from Israel last month, the places where Jesus lived and walked as he healed the sick, raised the dead, and ministered to the multitudes are very vivid in my mind. So, this Holy Week has been even more meaningful to me. What were the major events that occurred during Jesus Christ’s week of Passion?

 Jesus of Nazareth, who claimed to be the Messiah, had been preaching the Kingdom of God for three years and was growing in popularity. The High Priest and the Jewish authorities saw Him as a serious threat, especially after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, which caused many to believe in Him.

Being a subject nation, the Jewish leaders knew that they did not have the power to condemn Jesus to death. Only the Roman Governor could do so. Since this was Passover Week, with many pilgrims coming to Jerusalem, thus began the Holy Week.

 Palm Sunday

On His way to Jerusalem, as they neared Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples ahead to find a donkey tied and her colt with her. Jesus instructed the disciples to untie the donkey and bring the donkey and the colt to Him.

Sitting on the donkey, Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, which fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9.

The multitudes cried out, saying “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest.” (Matt. 21:9)

 Jesus and his disciples probably spent the night with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus in Bethany, a town about two miles east of Jerusalem.

 Monday of Holy Week

 On Monday morning Jesus and His disciples returned to Jerusalem. On the way, Jesus cursed a fig tree which had leaves but no fruit, a symbol of God’s judgment on Israel’s spiritually dead religious leaders. Some scholars believe the symbolism extends to all believers and that true faith must bear spiritual fruit.

Jesus went into the temple, drove out everyone who was buying and selling and kicked over the tables of money changers and stalls of dove merchants.

He said “It is written . . . ‘My house is a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of robbers.’” (Luke 19:46)

 That evening Jesus stayed in Bethany again.

 Tuesday of Holy Week

 As Jesus and His disciples passed by the withered fig tree on their way to Jerusalem, Jesus taught them about faith.

 When Jesus came into the temple, the religious leaders aggressively confronted Him, hoping for an opportunity to arrest Him. Jesus pronounced judgment on them:

“. . . blind guides! . . . You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful

            on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything

            unclean.” (Matt. 23:24-27)

 That afternoon Jesus and His disciples went to the Mount of Olives, which overlooks Jerusalem east of the Temple. Jesus prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem and taught in parables about the end times. That night Jesus and the disciples stayed again in Bethany.

 Wednesday of Holy Week

The Scriptures do not say what Jesus and His disciples did on this day. Scholars speculate that the day was spent resting in Bethany.

 Holy Thursday

Jesus sent Peter and John from Bethany to Jerusalem to reserve a place for the Passover meal. After sunset that evening, Jesus and the disciples gathered together for the meal, and Jesus washed the disciples feet, humbly demonstrating how they were to love one another.

Our Lord established the Lord’s Supper, or Communion, at this last Passover meal. Jesus himself, about to fulfill the meaning of the Passover, instructed His followers to remember His sacrifice by sharing in the bread and wine.

 After leaving the Upper Room, Jesus and the disciples went to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus cried out, just like a child, in brokenness and dependency

 “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matt. 26:39).

The cup that He asked God to remove from Him was not death itself. Instead, it was the separation from His Father.

Later that evening in the garden, Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus with a kiss. Jesus was arrested by the Sanhedrin and taken to the High Priest. A case was made against Jesus by the whole council. In the early morning hours as the trial began, Peter denied Christ.  After the rooster crowed, he wept bitterly. Hearing of the death sentence, Judas committed suicide.

 Good Friday

This day was the most difficult day of the entire week. Jesus was mocked, beaten, falsely accused, and sentenced to death by crucifixion. Soldiers spit on Him, tormented Him, and placed a crown of thorns upon His head.

 Jesus carried His own cross to Calvary, where the Roman Soldiers nailed Him to that wooden cross. His first words from the cross were

 “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing . . .” (Luke 23:34)

 Around 3 p.m., Jesus breathed His last breath and died. By 6 p.m., His body was taken down from the cross and laid in a tomb.

Saturday of Holy Week

 Throughout this Sabbath day, Roman soldiers guarded the tomb where Jesus’ body lay. When the Sabbath ended, Nicodemus

“. . . brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.” (John 19:39-40)

 On this day, Jesus did battle in the grave. Not only did He bear our sins on the cross, but He also carried them to the grave, leaving them buried forever. He became the perfect, spotless sacrifice.

   “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that

            you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your

            forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or

            defect.” (I Peter 1:18-19)

Resurrection Day

 The resurrection of Jesus Christ, which we call Easter, is the crux of the Christian faith.  All of the doctrine of Christianity hinges on the truth of this event.

Early that morning, several women went to the tomb and discovered the stone had already been rolled away. An angel told them

“Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay” (Matt. 28:5-6).

 On this day, Jesus Christ made several appearances to others. These eyewitness accounts provide undeniable evidence of His resurrection.

 Why is Jesus Christ’s resurrection so important to us? It not only shows God’s power, but it also is a testimony to the resurrection of human beings, which is a tenet of the Christian faith.

 Only Christianity has a founder who transcends death and promises that, as His followers, we will do the same. The grave could not hold Him. HE LIVES!

Mary Logan, Ed.D., is a Course Development Specialist and Professor of Business and Education at Global University. For more information visit www.globaluniversity.edu

by Roberto Ponce

 I was blessed to go to Florida on a beach vacation with my family a few weeks ago. I enjoyed taking my family, particularly my three-year-old and five-year-old daughters, to see the “sea” for the first time. It was fun!

As a dad, I loved watching my kids build sand castles. To me, they looked more like unrecognizable piles of sand, yet the girls referred to them as “castles.” The kids also played in the water by jumping above the waves, and my ten-year-old became an expert boogie-boarder.

The tide

The tide represents creation as God intended it: perfect, controlled, and beautiful for all humanity to enjoy. It also represents life at peace—when everything goes well. It is then you are on “cruise control.” You are healthy, you have provision, and blessings are upon you.

As I was sharing this special moment with my kids, “Sea and Spirit,” a blog written by Carolyn Hittenberger, came to mind, particularly this part:

“In all of nature God has set boundaries, structured limits to prevent the chaos that would result if each part of creation were left to find its own place, to decide at whim where and what would be its domain. . . . Unceasingly the sea strikes at its sandy boundaries and is drawn back again by an irresistible force.”

But what happens when the storm strikes, when the tide becomes a tsunami?

The tsunami

The tsunami represents the storms of life. I have never understood what I call the “happy-go-lucky” gospel some preach. Basically their message is that if you are a Christian you will lead a victorious life, you will be blessed, you will prosper financially, and you will be protected at all times. This is simply not true.

We can find beautiful promises in the Bible, yet bad things happen to wonderful Christians. Consider David Wilkerson, a great servant of God, who lost his life tragically in a car accident. The apostle Paul clearly describes in Romans 8:35 that bad things do happen to those who love Christ:

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?”

My tsunami year was 1994. I lost both of my parents when was only 20 years old. I remember clearly when God gave this Bible verse to me,  as I was sitting in the car outside the grocery store in Tegucigalpa, Honduras:

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

While this verse provided me with peace and hope at the moment, I never quite understood it until an American missionary explained the word and promise God had for me: “When the storm strikes, eagles are able to fly above the storm.” This brother in Christ had lost his 13-year-old daughter unexpectedly.

That day he prayed that God would lift me up above the storm as God had lifted him. Years later, I can tell you God did. It was not easy, and I still miss my parents dearly, especially my mother to whom I was very close. Yet God has been faithful. Always remember Jesus’ promise:

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20.

Roberto Ponce is director of communications at Global University. For more information about Global University go to www.globaluniversity.edu

by Carolyn Hittenberger

On bleeding feet He trudges the path ordained for Him

His life alone untainted by the deadly curse of sin

Son of God and Son of Man, the Perfect Sacrifice

 The Lamb of God advances to pay the vile price

Behind Him, sins of centuries – covered, lay in wait

Before Him, sins of those to come, in suspended state

Murder, treason, lies, infanticide, and greed

Rebellion, incest, hatred, every evil thought and deed.

Putrid guilt from all the ages, in concentrated might

Jesus’ holiness recoils—His love walks toward the fight

Nearer He comes to Calvary, the culmination place

Where sin and death, all Eden’s curse, meet God’s sufficient grace

With breaking heart He faces the plan that had begun

Before the earth had seen first light, or stars and planets hung.

His dying throat sounds one last cry, as sin inflicts its spell

“IT IS FINISHED!” He proclaims… Chaos breaks loose in Hell!

For there at gate stands LIFE, not death-God in holy fury!

 Conqueror over sin and death, and still the Lord of Glory!

Carolyn Hittenberger is Assistant for the Caribbean Regional Office at Global University and also works with University Communications. For more information about Global University, visit http://think.globaluniversity.edu.

by Dr. Mary Logan

What happened in the Garden of Gethsemane? Why did Jesus Christ suffer such agony and pain?

The Garden of Gethsemane is located on the Mount of Olives. Since this mountain range was about a half mile from the city of Jerusalem, Jesus often spent the night there when He was in Jerusalem.

The night before His crucifixion, though, Jesus experienced great agony and pain. He had entered the garden with all the disciples except Judas. (Judas had already begun the betrayal of Jesus.) Jesus knew He would be arrested and crucified soon, and He wanted His disciples to remember how dependent He was on His heavenly Father.

 Jesus said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there” (Matthew 26:36). “And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed” (v. 37).

That night Jesus cried out, just like a child, in brokenness and dependency. “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will” (v. 39).

A few years ago, on Friday, February 26, during all my struggles of being a single mom after my husband left me, I read these words of Jesus; and I prayed that same prayer. Instead of God’s answering the way I thought He would, He gave me the grace to follow the path He would choose for me.

One day the pain of rejection was so strong, I began reading Scripture verses about Jesus being rejected. Isaiah (53:3) said, “He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. . . . He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.”

Matthew (8:34) wrote, “The whole city came out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they begged Him to depart from their region.” This was just after Jesus had healed two demon-possessed men.

One day Jesus was talking to the disciples about the coming of the Kingdom.

Luke (17:25) records Jesus’ words: “But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.”

Christ knew He had come to earth to die for every person’s sins. So, the “cup” He asked God to remove from Him was not death itself. Instead, it was the separation from His Father. His fleshly nature wanted to escape this separation. However, His godly nature chose to do as the Father willed.

Jesus had a purpose for which He was willing to die. “He suffered betrayal, denial by His friends, humiliation, beatings, spitting, torture, crucifixion, and ultimately death” (McCarthy 1992, 109).

Philip Yancey (1999, 39) said, “When Jesus prayed to the one who could save him from death, he did not get that salvation; he got instead the salvation of the world.”

Are you thankful Jesus chose to do the will of the Father? Have you accepted His gift of salvation? Are you willing to choose the Father’s will for your life?

Mary Logan, Ed.D., is a Course Development Specialist and Professor of Business and Education at Global University. While touring Israel, Dr. Logan presented this devotion in the Garden of Gethsemane on Saturday, March 10, 2012.

by Steve McMichael

A recent devotional reading allowed me to revisit the dedication of Solomon’s temple. Those chapters in 1 Kings (as well as 2 Chronicles) recount a monumental event in the history of the Old Testament, but this time my heart took me in a different direction.

The temple’s dedication represented a convergence of significance and success for Solomon. As David’s son, Solomon completed his father’s charge. This day marked the completion of the project that required 183,600 workers and over 50 billion dollars. The nation had united, worked, and succeeded in constructing the most magnificent edifice in Israel’s history. And above all, God honored the effort with His visible presence and confirmed His covenant.

Each of these factors is exhilarating for a leader. In moments like this, one’s heart is revealed through words. Solomon’s words offer a challenge to leaders today. With all of Israel watching, with his father’s charge and dream fulfilled, with herds of animals sacrificed and the labors of so many shining as the backdrop, Solomon prayed:

 “But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built.” (1 Kings 8:27)

For all that had been accomplished and all the success this day represented, in his heart, Solomon’s God was still bigger than Solomon’s temple.

While this perspective is theologically sound, it is difficult to remember in times of pressure and even more difficult to hold on to in times of success. Whether we are teaching a class, building a church, launching a ministry, or simply carrying out today’s duties, God must remain far bigger than our tasks. Here is a wonderful tool for balance.

 Sacred and motivational speakers alike challenge us as leaders to dream big. I believe God leads us to bold initiatives. Big dreams stir congregations, create momentum, and honor God. But big dreams require a bigger God. As long as our perspective sees our projects and service as smaller than the God we serve, we are in a great position to succeed and see His glory.

 As I have advanced in ministry, my dreams have grown. This visit to Solomon’s temple reminded me to guard my thinking and keep God, His desires, and His power bigger than the dreams I have in ministry.

 I pray that you are encouraged this week. Partake of motivational quotes, books and sermons. But in all the vision casting and dream building, keep the God of your temple bigger than the temple itself.

Rev. Steve McMichael is a Global University Alumnus from the Berean School of the Bible and the Undergraduate School of Bible and Theology. McMichael currently serves as an International Pastor.