Germany Trip Day #2-3

Although I enjoy a bit of site-seeing, I would much rather see what God is doing in and through His people in that region. However, this is not to say that visiting sites cannot serve as “a visual devotional.” I hope you are challenged by these inner reflections of my outward look at Berlin. In particular…

•  I was saddened — at the site of the Berlin Wall and the memorials to the many who lost their lives during the Cold War.

My reflection: “Heavenly Father, may this recently re-unified nation do more than unite around a common desire for political freedom and   economic stability. May you stir in them — and us — a desire to walk  in oneness with You.”

• I was tired — after climbing the 270 stairs to the top of the Berlin Dome. It was obviously much easier coming down.

My reflection: “Lord Jesus, thank You for the exhausting reminder that is was far better for You to come down to earth than for us to try, in our own effort, to make the impossible climb to heaven.”

• I was disturbed — at the memorial to the murdered Jews of Europe.

My reflection: “Merciful God, we dare not ask how this kind of thing could happen. We ache over the reality of the holocaust of hatred that truly burns in every human heart. One need not wonder about the total  depravity of man. We have plenty of evidence around us and in us!”

• I was amazed — at the fully reconstructed gates to the marketplace in ancient port-city of Miletus, where the Apostle Paul met with the elders from the nearby city of Ephesus (Read Acts 20:15-35).

My reflection: “Holy Spirit of God, thank you for opening the gates of opportunity for us today. Like the Apostle Paul, may we not shrink from declaring Your Word. May we finish well the course and ministry which we received from You.”

• I was excited — to view an actual reconstruction of the Ishtar Gate of ancient Babylon, built around 600 BC by Nebuchadnezzar II and the place where Daniel came in as a slave and rose to be the governor and a mighty voice of the One true God.

My reflection: “Omnipotent God, thank you for spiritual ancestors like Daniel, who You empowered to stand against the evils of an entire nation. May his example of walking in righteousness and wisdom be ours.”

• I was disturbed — at the pagan artifacts and reproduction of a temple to Zeus, the place Revelation 2:13 calls “Satan’s throne” and where the faithful followers of Christ, like Antipas, were martyred.

My reflection: “Holy God, although we do not worship the  ancient gods of Greece or Rome, as we reflect on Colossians 3:5-8, may we deal daily with our own insidious idolatry of  ‘…immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed…” as well as our ‘…anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech…’”

• I am blessed — to meet so many committed brothers and sisters in Christ who love the Lord and His Word.

My reflection: “Lord of the Harvest, may this remnant of Your people, who will soon celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, be used by You to start a longer-lasting revival of people who are saved by grace alone, through faith in Christ alone and are committed to the Scriptures as their sole source of faith and practice.”

• I am challenged — to continue teaching these many sessions on “Winning the Purity War” with clarity and passion. I am not only speaking through a translator to this German-speaking audience here in Berlin but a number of churches and groups throughout Germany and Switzerland are listening via  live internet video-streaming. (What an amazing time to be alive!).

My reflection: “Sovereign Lord, may You be pleased to use us to help equip a mighty remnant of fellow Ambassadors of Purity in German-speaking homes, churches and communities around the world.”

Thanks for joining me in this little tour of the heart of Berlin!