Cast Your Burdens
Cast Your Burdens – Learning to Cast
by Brenda Blakely
Cast: “to chuck, throw out, or to throw overboard.”
"Cast" is a familiar term around the water.
Fishermen cast their bait in hopes of catching the big one. The catch, no matter the size, must be cleaned and prepared before the fishermen can fully reap the reward. After the work is done, the catch comes to the dinner table prepared for all to “Come and get it, eat and enjoy.”
Passengers who find themselves in an emergency situation while aboard a boat or ship may get a different concept of the word "cast." In order to survive, those on board may have to "cast" overboard the things that threaten the safety of the ship or hinder it from reaching its destination.
People "cast" their lot for the catch -- the big one in life. The catch may be a new job, new house, or new spouse -- things they want so badly. We think these items will make our lives complete, but soon learn otherwise. Beginning to live with the "catch," moving in, settling down, and /or beginning the new job may expose some flaws. There may be things to fix or work to be done before this catch really reaches its potential.
The "catch" can become a blessing or a burden.
When the circumstances of life become a burden, we want to cast it overboard, just as the person does who is onboard a conveyance in distress. But casting is not as easy as it looks either for the survivor or the person who has burdens in their life.
by Brenda Blakely
Cast: “to chuck, throw out, or to throw overboard.”
"Cast" is a familiar term around the water.
Fishermen cast their bait in hopes of catching the big one. The catch, no matter the size, must be cleaned and prepared before the fishermen can fully reap the reward. After the work is done, the catch comes to the dinner table prepared for all to “Come and get it, eat and enjoy.”
Passengers who find themselves in an emergency situation while aboard a boat or ship may get a different concept of the word "cast." In order to survive, those on board may have to "cast" overboard the things that threaten the safety of the ship or hinder it from reaching its destination.
People "cast" their lot for the catch -- the big one in life. The catch may be a new job, new house, or new spouse -- things they want so badly. We think these items will make our lives complete, but soon learn otherwise. Beginning to live with the "catch," moving in, settling down, and /or beginning the new job may expose some flaws. There may be things to fix or work to be done before this catch really reaches its potential.
The "catch" can become a blessing or a burden.
When the circumstances of life become a burden, we want to cast it overboard, just as the person does who is onboard a conveyance in distress. But casting is not as easy as it looks either for the survivor or the person who has burdens in their life.
Cast Your Burdens – What do we do with our burdens?
So what can we do?
We can:
So what can we do?
We can:
- Carry the burdens to family or friend
- Spend time unloading on a counselor’s couch.
- Cast the burdens any place that there is someone who will listen, maybe even to the stranger on the street
There is one place we can "cast" our burdens. A place that far exceeds the list above. There is someone who can be the best friend you'll ever have and you can be a part of His family. He is a counselor, who has no equal and He is available and wants to listen -- any time of the day or night. He takes whatever burdens you want to cast upon Him and takes care of them for you.
His name is Jesus. He waits right now for you to call on Him; to cast all of your burdens upon Him. Will you respond? Will you let Him take care of the heaviest burden you have, your sin?
Jesus gave His life so that you do not have to carry your burden. He knows this burden hinders you from having eternal life. He knows your sin burden hinders you from living the abundant life that God created you to live. He knows your sin hinders you from experiencing joy and peace that has no bounds and hinders you from receiving all that God has promised and created you to receive.
You just have to ask.
He promises not to cast you away -- no matter what you have done (see John 6:37). There is nothing you have done, no burden you have, that He can't take care of for you.
He cares for you, He loves you. You can call to Him now, right where you are.
Jesus, I am a sinner. I need You to take care of my burdens. Because "all have sinned” (Romans 3:23), I know, I too, am a sinner. Will You come into my heart, wash all my sins away, and make me whole? Will You clean me up and prepare me to live the life God created me to live (see John 3:5, 15-16)? Will You show me the way and the truth? Will You take care of my burdens?
In the Bible, God tells us how: "Casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).
If you would like to help with the burdens of hungry children throughout the world, please consider our friends at Compassion International. You can make a huge difference through one of their support a child programs.
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Finding Peace
Finding Peace – The Importance of Friends
You’ve probably heard that you really know who your true friends are when the going gets tough. I believe there is a lot of truth to that statement. We have all experienced a scenario or two when we have been going through a painful situation only to discover who actually has the time for us. . . our tears, our problems, our endless hours of whining and self-discovery. The people in our lives who we thought would be there, faithfully -- no matter what, through thick or thin -- wind up being, what we called in second grade, “fair-weathered friends.”
As you know, a fair-weathered friend is someone who is only your friend when things are going good. When the weather is nice. When things look bright and sunny or when they need YOU. As long as the atmosphere is pleasant, you have a friend for life but let a storm start to brew in your neighborhood and they are nowhere to be found.
I wrote an acronym when I was in elementary school for the word “friend” that I think holds a very true meaning of what a real friend should be.
You’ve probably heard that you really know who your true friends are when the going gets tough. I believe there is a lot of truth to that statement. We have all experienced a scenario or two when we have been going through a painful situation only to discover who actually has the time for us. . . our tears, our problems, our endless hours of whining and self-discovery. The people in our lives who we thought would be there, faithfully -- no matter what, through thick or thin -- wind up being, what we called in second grade, “fair-weathered friends.”
As you know, a fair-weathered friend is someone who is only your friend when things are going good. When the weather is nice. When things look bright and sunny or when they need YOU. As long as the atmosphere is pleasant, you have a friend for life but let a storm start to brew in your neighborhood and they are nowhere to be found.
I wrote an acronym when I was in elementary school for the word “friend” that I think holds a very true meaning of what a real friend should be.
You see, it shouldn’t matter what the climate is in your world as to whether your friends stand with you during times that are stormy or sunny. It is usually the times of adversity that draw our faithful friends to us and then we become closer and more personally bonded with them -- building longer lasting, closer relationships.
Finding Peace – The Importance of Jesus
I have discovered it is the same way with Jesus. We will never really know Him in a personal way until we allow Him to help us in our adversity. In fact, Jesus tells us in John 16:33 that we WILL have adversity in our lives. It is inevitable. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." How awesome it is to know that with the troubles, we will also have peace as well.
Currently undergoing the most difficult time in my life, I have relied on my family and friends more now than ever. And I have come to the realization which friends are my “fair-weathered” and which are faithful. My family and friends have been a blessing to me and I have been uplifted with cards, emails, text messages, Music CD’s, sermons, books, and simple notes of encouragement. They have gotten me through days I could not muster enough strength to get out of bed. Others are nowhere in sight. Perhaps they are dealing with their own storms.
But beyond the generous love and support of family and friends, I have dug deep into my faith. A faith I’ve always carried with me boldly, always relied on and needed. However, through this particular adversity, I met my faithful friend Jesus in a more personal way.
I got a profound message that dissected Psalm 91 and taught me how to pitch my tent there and set up my camp as a reminder to me each and every day that “He is my place for safety and protection. My God in whom I trust” (vs2). That “under his wings I can hide” (vs4) “nothing bad will happen to me… He will put His angels in charge of me to watch over me wherever I go” (vs11) “I can call on Him and He will answer. He will be with me when I am I trouble and rescue me.” (vs15). I have prayed Psalm 91 daily and made it personal for me. It has sustained me.
My aunt sent me a little book called Words of Comfort with a card where she had written Psalm 34 in big letters. I looked up that scripture. Psalm 35:4 says: “I asked the Lord for help, and He answered me He saved me from all that I feared.” I found such comfort in those words. I do not consider it a coincidence that she sent me that scripture on that day. How could she know that specific day I was filled with fear? My faithful friend Jesus must have told her.
So, while I’m waiting for the storm to pass. Perhaps you are weathering a storm in your life as well. I know the waiting is the hardest part. Rest assured in knowing there is a silver lining. Nothing is hopeless. Nothing. Every hurt can become a treasure. Every ending is the beginning of a fresh start. Every tear is the watering of new growth. And the only moment that truly lasts forever is the one where we say yes. Yes, Lord, you are my faithful friend -- my God in whom I trust.
So hold on. Hold tight. Read Psalm 91 daily. Yes, others will fail you but your friend (found reaching in every needed direction of your life) wants you to have peace -- peace through the storm.
Prayer for Peace!I have discovered it is the same way with Jesus. We will never really know Him in a personal way until we allow Him to help us in our adversity. In fact, Jesus tells us in John 16:33 that we WILL have adversity in our lives. It is inevitable. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." How awesome it is to know that with the troubles, we will also have peace as well.
Currently undergoing the most difficult time in my life, I have relied on my family and friends more now than ever. And I have come to the realization which friends are my “fair-weathered” and which are faithful. My family and friends have been a blessing to me and I have been uplifted with cards, emails, text messages, Music CD’s, sermons, books, and simple notes of encouragement. They have gotten me through days I could not muster enough strength to get out of bed. Others are nowhere in sight. Perhaps they are dealing with their own storms.
But beyond the generous love and support of family and friends, I have dug deep into my faith. A faith I’ve always carried with me boldly, always relied on and needed. However, through this particular adversity, I met my faithful friend Jesus in a more personal way.
I got a profound message that dissected Psalm 91 and taught me how to pitch my tent there and set up my camp as a reminder to me each and every day that “He is my place for safety and protection. My God in whom I trust” (vs2). That “under his wings I can hide” (vs4) “nothing bad will happen to me… He will put His angels in charge of me to watch over me wherever I go” (vs11) “I can call on Him and He will answer. He will be with me when I am I trouble and rescue me.” (vs15). I have prayed Psalm 91 daily and made it personal for me. It has sustained me.
My aunt sent me a little book called Words of Comfort with a card where she had written Psalm 34 in big letters. I looked up that scripture. Psalm 35:4 says: “I asked the Lord for help, and He answered me He saved me from all that I feared.” I found such comfort in those words. I do not consider it a coincidence that she sent me that scripture on that day. How could she know that specific day I was filled with fear? My faithful friend Jesus must have told her.
So, while I’m waiting for the storm to pass. Perhaps you are weathering a storm in your life as well. I know the waiting is the hardest part. Rest assured in knowing there is a silver lining. Nothing is hopeless. Nothing. Every hurt can become a treasure. Every ending is the beginning of a fresh start. Every tear is the watering of new growth. And the only moment that truly lasts forever is the one where we say yes. Yes, Lord, you are my faithful friend -- my God in whom I trust.
So hold on. Hold tight. Read Psalm 91 daily. Yes, others will fail you but your friend (found reaching in every needed direction of your life) wants you to have peace -- peace through the storm.
3.
Materialism
Materialism -- A Change for Your Dollar
Attempting once again to pursue the timid middle-class ballerina as she walks to her car, the fairly well-to-do, attractive, young man looks through the driver’s window of his Mercedes and asks her if she’d like a ride home. “No thanks” she says, “I have a car.” “Yes,” pipes the young man with a smirk “but mine is an eighty-thousand dollar Mercedes.” She continues walking, content in driving herself home not impressed with what he thinks is making a good impression. As he slowly drives along beside her, trying diligently to entice her, she turns to him and says “So what makes your car so different from mine?” Exasperated he said, “It cost $80,000!”
That was the scenario on a television show I caught a glimpse of one night.
But is it really that much different than real-life? I have to confess I fell into the same trap. I have a friend who has several (meaning more than five) Louis Vuitton purses, as well as the entire luggage set, among her other collection of designer shoes, handbags, sweaters and so on. I had my heart set on someday owning a coveted Louis Vuitton purse but had a price limit set that I was willing to pay for one. For months, I checked E-bay, Craigslist and so on until the day finally arrived. I got my genuine, authentic, original Louie! I was ecstatic as I filled it with all my stuff. Now mind you, I really don’t even carry a purse. My cell phone, lip-gloss and drivers license/debit card is all I really need (and how much room does that stuff take up)? But now that I had this expensive purse, I managed to “acquire” extra stuff to put in it so I could carry it around.
I already drove what was considered a “luxury car” and now I had my Louie. Wasn’t I “hot stuff?” Truth is, it didn’t change how I felt about who I was on the inside. I didn’t feel like I was better than anyone else, or more important. I was just me with this great deal on a really expensive purse. But to everyone around me, to people who didn’t know me… what did they see? It’s not that I cared what people thought about me. It’s about what people thought of me.
Attempting once again to pursue the timid middle-class ballerina as she walks to her car, the fairly well-to-do, attractive, young man looks through the driver’s window of his Mercedes and asks her if she’d like a ride home. “No thanks” she says, “I have a car.” “Yes,” pipes the young man with a smirk “but mine is an eighty-thousand dollar Mercedes.” She continues walking, content in driving herself home not impressed with what he thinks is making a good impression. As he slowly drives along beside her, trying diligently to entice her, she turns to him and says “So what makes your car so different from mine?” Exasperated he said, “It cost $80,000!”
That was the scenario on a television show I caught a glimpse of one night.
But is it really that much different than real-life? I have to confess I fell into the same trap. I have a friend who has several (meaning more than five) Louis Vuitton purses, as well as the entire luggage set, among her other collection of designer shoes, handbags, sweaters and so on. I had my heart set on someday owning a coveted Louis Vuitton purse but had a price limit set that I was willing to pay for one. For months, I checked E-bay, Craigslist and so on until the day finally arrived. I got my genuine, authentic, original Louie! I was ecstatic as I filled it with all my stuff. Now mind you, I really don’t even carry a purse. My cell phone, lip-gloss and drivers license/debit card is all I really need (and how much room does that stuff take up)? But now that I had this expensive purse, I managed to “acquire” extra stuff to put in it so I could carry it around.
I already drove what was considered a “luxury car” and now I had my Louie. Wasn’t I “hot stuff?” Truth is, it didn’t change how I felt about who I was on the inside. I didn’t feel like I was better than anyone else, or more important. I was just me with this great deal on a really expensive purse. But to everyone around me, to people who didn’t know me… what did they see? It’s not that I cared what people thought about me. It’s about what people thought of me.
Materialism – Checking My Heart
I started to look at myself and materialism differently. I asked God to search my heart like in Psalm 139: “Search me, O God, and know my heart, try me… and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me the way everlasting.” I know God wants us to prosper and to be blessed. But, call it coincidence if you want (although I don’t believe in coincidences) within weeks of searching, the strap broke on my Louis Vuitton purse and my car got totaled in a wreck, and I realized something very profound.
The most important things in life -- aren’t things. I knew it all along but…if I don’t even carry a purse then why spend the money on one, let alone one so expensive, even if I got it at a great deal? If I can afford a luxury car why not drive a less expensive one and give the extra money to a charity? If a Louis Vuitton purse costs three hundred dollars, why not buy a nice leather purse for twenty dollars and donate the other two hundred and eighty to the battered women’s shelter or an orphanage or whatever is on your heart?
Fact is, we drive these cars and have these over extravagant homes and expensive purses, clothes and “things” so the world will take notice, to prove that we “are somebody,” that we have money, value. Well, I’ve decided I only want God to take notice and I only care about what He thinks. He already values me and thinks I’m somebody. Besides in the end, to me, it’s all about pleasing Him anyway.
In today’s economy, I am blessed to have a job, two healthy and happy teenagers who are great gifts, a supportive husband, and a wonderful, big, loving family. Jesus himself tells us in Matthew 6:19-20, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying you can’t have nice things or enjoy the finer things in life, but when we trample someone to death for a midnight madness sale or shoot someone for an X-Box 360 or think a Mercedes is better or more impressive simply because it cost $80,000. I think we all need to search our hearts. Mine is about pleasing Jesus. I plan to get the strap fixed on my Louis Vuitton purse and donate it. It will sit in the car until God tells me the person I am supposed to give it to. I am blessed and therefore, I want to be a blessing. That is the legacy I want to leave.
I started to look at myself and materialism differently. I asked God to search my heart like in Psalm 139: “Search me, O God, and know my heart, try me… and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me the way everlasting.” I know God wants us to prosper and to be blessed. But, call it coincidence if you want (although I don’t believe in coincidences) within weeks of searching, the strap broke on my Louis Vuitton purse and my car got totaled in a wreck, and I realized something very profound.
The most important things in life -- aren’t things. I knew it all along but…if I don’t even carry a purse then why spend the money on one, let alone one so expensive, even if I got it at a great deal? If I can afford a luxury car why not drive a less expensive one and give the extra money to a charity? If a Louis Vuitton purse costs three hundred dollars, why not buy a nice leather purse for twenty dollars and donate the other two hundred and eighty to the battered women’s shelter or an orphanage or whatever is on your heart?
Fact is, we drive these cars and have these over extravagant homes and expensive purses, clothes and “things” so the world will take notice, to prove that we “are somebody,” that we have money, value. Well, I’ve decided I only want God to take notice and I only care about what He thinks. He already values me and thinks I’m somebody. Besides in the end, to me, it’s all about pleasing Him anyway.
In today’s economy, I am blessed to have a job, two healthy and happy teenagers who are great gifts, a supportive husband, and a wonderful, big, loving family. Jesus himself tells us in Matthew 6:19-20, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying you can’t have nice things or enjoy the finer things in life, but when we trample someone to death for a midnight madness sale or shoot someone for an X-Box 360 or think a Mercedes is better or more impressive simply because it cost $80,000. I think we all need to search our hearts. Mine is about pleasing Jesus. I plan to get the strap fixed on my Louis Vuitton purse and donate it. It will sit in the car until God tells me the person I am supposed to give it to. I am blessed and therefore, I want to be a blessing. That is the legacy I want to leave.
Materialism – A Change in Perspective
My life I no longer based in materialism. It is almost a new year. Why not make it your New Year’s resolution to search your heart? I know I look at things so much differently now. It’s all just “stuff.” One day, they will be rusted, rotted and disintegrated, but the people that you could of helped, ministered to, listened to or encouraged will remember the difference you made in their day or their lives. Why not leave above the standard 15% next time you’re at a restaurant or call the local grocery store and have pre-paid for gift card waiting for a someone who went above and beyond in their job? Be creative. big or small, before you make a purchase ask yourself how you could make it “a better purchase.”
I challenge you to take the step to live a life of “true luxury” by giving and investing in contentment and sowing into others. You will see just how rich and rewarding your life will become.
I am rich beyond means, beyond measure and I don’t need any “thing” to prove otherwise to anyone. “I give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for me, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things” Psalm 107:8-9.
Learn More!My life I no longer based in materialism. It is almost a new year. Why not make it your New Year’s resolution to search your heart? I know I look at things so much differently now. It’s all just “stuff.” One day, they will be rusted, rotted and disintegrated, but the people that you could of helped, ministered to, listened to or encouraged will remember the difference you made in their day or their lives. Why not leave above the standard 15% next time you’re at a restaurant or call the local grocery store and have pre-paid for gift card waiting for a someone who went above and beyond in their job? Be creative. big or small, before you make a purchase ask yourself how you could make it “a better purchase.”
I challenge you to take the step to live a life of “true luxury” by giving and investing in contentment and sowing into others. You will see just how rich and rewarding your life will become.
I am rich beyond means, beyond measure and I don’t need any “thing” to prove otherwise to anyone. “I give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for me, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things” Psalm 107:8-9.
4.....
Rules to Live By
Rules to Live By - It’s so Elementary
Let’s take a trip back in time. For some of you it may be a further journey than others. Return with me to your younger days, when you stepped into your first elementary school classroom. You can probably envision all the desks strategically placed within sight of the teacher’s and can look back on exactly where the hooks were for hanging coats, gloves and so on. As you may also recall, your eyes glanced around the top of the blackboard to the alphabet with handwritten upper and lower case letters drawn beside a picture that started with the appropriate letter like an apple or a ball. You scanned the room with its bright colors and gasped at the joy of discovering all that was contained within these new four walls. Right now your heart is beating erratically from the reminiscent memories of your schooldays, as your mind seems to disconnect from reality, isn’t it?
But don’t stop there. Think even further. Close your eyes. Look off in the corner by the teacher’s desk, near the blackboard. There sits another desk for the one unruly student who simply can’t seem to get it together that day. Perhaps it is the daydreamer or the student who marches to the beat of a different drum. And right beside that small desk -- a list. Do you recall the list? That’s right, every classroom has one…the list of classroom rules. Raise your hand. Be polite. Respect each other. Don’t talk when someone else is talking -- things like that. As a substitute teacher I personally love to see this list when I walk into a classroom. Its posting serves as a reminder that this particular group of students are held accountable and made aware on a daily of what is expected of them. So, with that said, you can imagine how ecstatic I was when I found my “adult” list of rules for living.
Let’s take a trip back in time. For some of you it may be a further journey than others. Return with me to your younger days, when you stepped into your first elementary school classroom. You can probably envision all the desks strategically placed within sight of the teacher’s and can look back on exactly where the hooks were for hanging coats, gloves and so on. As you may also recall, your eyes glanced around the top of the blackboard to the alphabet with handwritten upper and lower case letters drawn beside a picture that started with the appropriate letter like an apple or a ball. You scanned the room with its bright colors and gasped at the joy of discovering all that was contained within these new four walls. Right now your heart is beating erratically from the reminiscent memories of your schooldays, as your mind seems to disconnect from reality, isn’t it?
But don’t stop there. Think even further. Close your eyes. Look off in the corner by the teacher’s desk, near the blackboard. There sits another desk for the one unruly student who simply can’t seem to get it together that day. Perhaps it is the daydreamer or the student who marches to the beat of a different drum. And right beside that small desk -- a list. Do you recall the list? That’s right, every classroom has one…the list of classroom rules. Raise your hand. Be polite. Respect each other. Don’t talk when someone else is talking -- things like that. As a substitute teacher I personally love to see this list when I walk into a classroom. Its posting serves as a reminder that this particular group of students are held accountable and made aware on a daily of what is expected of them. So, with that said, you can imagine how ecstatic I was when I found my “adult” list of rules for living.
Rules to Live By – Finding My Rules
One day, while doing my daily devotions, I ran across this scripture in a New Century Version Bible. It was so pure and simple it rocked my world in a way that I cannot explain except to take me back to my childhood days in elementary school. It is from Romans 12:9-21: Your love must be real. Hate what is evil, and hold on to what is good. Love each other like brothers and sisters. Give each other more honor than you want for yourselves. Do not be lazy but work hard, serving the Lord with all your heart. Be joyful because you have hope. Be patient when trouble comes, and pray at all times. Share with God's people who need help. Bring strangers in need into your homes. Wish good for those who harm you; wish them well and do not curse them. Be happy with those who are happy, and be sad with those who are sad. Live in peace with each other. Do not be proud, but make friends with those who seem unimportant. Do not think how smart you are. If someone does wrong to you, do not pay him back by doing wrong to him. Try to do what everyone thinks is right. Do your best to live in peace with everyone…If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink….Do not let evil defeat you, but defeat evil by doing good.
Can’t you just see those on posters around a classroom? 1). Hate what is evil! 2). Hold on to what is good! 3). Do not be lazy but work hard! 4). Serve the Lord with all your heart! 5). Be patient when trouble comes! 6). Pray at all times!… you get the idea. This scripture has been that “rules for living” list for me. I’ve printed them out one by one and placed them around my house as a daily reminder of how God wants me to live. They are my mantra for my life. I need them like I need air. I believe we all do.
One day, while doing my daily devotions, I ran across this scripture in a New Century Version Bible. It was so pure and simple it rocked my world in a way that I cannot explain except to take me back to my childhood days in elementary school. It is from Romans 12:9-21: Your love must be real. Hate what is evil, and hold on to what is good. Love each other like brothers and sisters. Give each other more honor than you want for yourselves. Do not be lazy but work hard, serving the Lord with all your heart. Be joyful because you have hope. Be patient when trouble comes, and pray at all times. Share with God's people who need help. Bring strangers in need into your homes. Wish good for those who harm you; wish them well and do not curse them. Be happy with those who are happy, and be sad with those who are sad. Live in peace with each other. Do not be proud, but make friends with those who seem unimportant. Do not think how smart you are. If someone does wrong to you, do not pay him back by doing wrong to him. Try to do what everyone thinks is right. Do your best to live in peace with everyone…If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink….Do not let evil defeat you, but defeat evil by doing good.
Can’t you just see those on posters around a classroom? 1). Hate what is evil! 2). Hold on to what is good! 3). Do not be lazy but work hard! 4). Serve the Lord with all your heart! 5). Be patient when trouble comes! 6). Pray at all times!… you get the idea. This scripture has been that “rules for living” list for me. I’ve printed them out one by one and placed them around my house as a daily reminder of how God wants me to live. They are my mantra for my life. I need them like I need air. I believe we all do.
Rules to Live By – Will you join me?
I hope you read each one over and over again and really chew on its meaning and that they would move you as they have me. Perhaps you feel it is too overwhelming, too much to take in all at once. I challenge you to grab one or two and focus on that for one month. Then do that one and another one for the next month and so on. Imagine what kind of world we would live in if everyone followed these rules on a daily basis. I hope that you will join with me in the quest of not just “making” the world a better place but “leaving” the world a better place.
I think I should warn you though, that should you choose not to join me, I’m perfectly content to sit in the unruly desk all by myself- serving the Lord with all my heart.
Learn More!I hope you read each one over and over again and really chew on its meaning and that they would move you as they have me. Perhaps you feel it is too overwhelming, too much to take in all at once. I challenge you to grab one or two and focus on that for one month. Then do that one and another one for the next month and so on. Imagine what kind of world we would live in if everyone followed these rules on a daily basis. I hope that you will join with me in the quest of not just “making” the world a better place but “leaving” the world a better place.
I think I should warn you though, that should you choose not to join me, I’m perfectly content to sit in the unruly desk all by myself- serving the Lord with all my heart.
5....
Wedding Feast
Wedding Feast – The Preparation
"When someone invites you to a wedding feast,
do not take the place of honor,
for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited.”
When making out our invitation list for the weddings, we have done countless revisions -- who to add, who to drop. How far back into the family gene pool to send these invitations to. . .it can get costly and we have big families! So, trying to keep the guest list feasible is a challenge when you throw in all the family friends.
You should hear us at times! “Well, if you invite this one you need to invite that one. Don’t send Joe one because he’ll not be able to come anyway. But will he be upset if he doesn’t receive an invitation?” Back and forth we’ve been until I think we’re blue in the face, but about to arrive at some sort of agreement/conclusion. We’re all fearful of leaving someone out. We don’t want to miss anyone!
The food is another challenge. My husband and I went price shopping two weeks ago. I now have this nice big list of possible food dishes/items to serve at the upcoming brunch and rehearsal dinner. How many ounces/pounds for this price vs that price.
Here I am, six weeks away from the first wedding and can already visualize the setting. It’ll be fall, so mums and pumpkins galore will decorate the reception hall. The smell of spiced cider will float through the air. There will be a crispness to the outdoor wedding that’ll make you want to cozy up to the one you love. And no, it will NOT rain that day. It just can’t!
The second wedding will be set in a Christmas theme with Christmas red dresses and ivory roses wrapped in baby’s breath and pearls. Gifts for the happy couple will be placed under a large Christmas tree in the foyer of the church. Soft Christmas music will play before the ceremony begins.
Wedding Feast – Savoring the Moments
“I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”
While busy, I am having a blast. I am going to enjoy and savor every last moment of these two weddings and their various events.
But you know what? I can’t help but think of the greatest wedding feast to come. This is just a foretaste of the pleasures and joy in what Jesus has in store for us when we sit at HIS table.
Wedding Feast – The Most Glorious Feast!
“Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
and his bride has made herself ready.”
You see, Jesus is preparing a place. He is the Bridegroom and the Church is His Bride. He is coming again. Possibly sooner than we may believe. When He comes to claim His own, we will be served a wedding feast in Glory. Beauty we cannot fathom will be seen in every direction.
“I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem,
coming down out of heaven from God,
prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.”
We will even be served by the Savior Himself. He’s planning this event with you in mind. He wants you there. He invites you right here, right now. Will you have a place reserved just for you? Will you be seated at the Lamb’s table? Are you ready and looking forward to His feast?
“The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!"
And let him who hears say, "Come!"
Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes,
let him take the free gift of the water of life.”
© Lucy Cain
http://allgloryishispoetry.blogspot.com/
6..................
Yes We Can
Yes We Can! - Change
“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” - 2 Corinthians 3:18
There has been so much talk of change lately. As the entire world watched enviously, Americans were recently told, “Yes we can! Yes, we can change!” Both political parties had promised change. Now, regardless of which presidential candidate one voted for, we are all waiting to see what change the next four years will actually hold.
I wonder though, What if all the promises of change that politicians make were to be fulfilled? What then? Would this world really be so different than it is today? All this talk of change reminds me of a young Macedonian king who stormed across Asia in the fourth century B.C. With 30,000 warriors, Alexander blazed a trail of victorious battles from Asia Minor to North Africa and beyond the Khyber Pass onto the plains of India. Before he died at the age of 32, Alexander had expanded his realm of influence to an unprecedented breadth. Remnants of his culture and language remained long after his death, continuing to hold their influence even to this day.
Through the centuries Alexander has been remembered as The Great, yet by at least one measure his legacy turned out to be greatly exaggerated. Following his death, his kingdom was torn apart more rapidly than the amount of time it took him to establish it. In other words, he gave the world a culture and language but no kingdom. He was the ancient equivalent of an entrepreneur who builds a business empire that disintegrates in the months following his own retirement. Or, we might compare Alexander to a gifted communicator whose congregation scatters to the wind soon after he leaves for another post.
The secret to Alexander’s explosive success and the reason for the evaporation of his kingdom are one and the same. He had no interest in conquering the soul. His kingdom was skin deep. His name was known and revered across the earth, yet souls were untouched. For Alexander, this was an intentional decision. He prided himself on leaving his subjects alone to cling to their own idols and keep their private little kingdoms intact. He demanded almost no taxes from his conquered subjects, once even saying, “I hate the gardener who cuts to the root the vegetables of which he ought to cull the leaves.”
In other words, Alexander anticipated reaping a harvest without paying much attention to the roots.
“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” - 2 Corinthians 3:18
There has been so much talk of change lately. As the entire world watched enviously, Americans were recently told, “Yes we can! Yes, we can change!” Both political parties had promised change. Now, regardless of which presidential candidate one voted for, we are all waiting to see what change the next four years will actually hold.
I wonder though, What if all the promises of change that politicians make were to be fulfilled? What then? Would this world really be so different than it is today? All this talk of change reminds me of a young Macedonian king who stormed across Asia in the fourth century B.C. With 30,000 warriors, Alexander blazed a trail of victorious battles from Asia Minor to North Africa and beyond the Khyber Pass onto the plains of India. Before he died at the age of 32, Alexander had expanded his realm of influence to an unprecedented breadth. Remnants of his culture and language remained long after his death, continuing to hold their influence even to this day.
Through the centuries Alexander has been remembered as The Great, yet by at least one measure his legacy turned out to be greatly exaggerated. Following his death, his kingdom was torn apart more rapidly than the amount of time it took him to establish it. In other words, he gave the world a culture and language but no kingdom. He was the ancient equivalent of an entrepreneur who builds a business empire that disintegrates in the months following his own retirement. Or, we might compare Alexander to a gifted communicator whose congregation scatters to the wind soon after he leaves for another post.
The secret to Alexander’s explosive success and the reason for the evaporation of his kingdom are one and the same. He had no interest in conquering the soul. His kingdom was skin deep. His name was known and revered across the earth, yet souls were untouched. For Alexander, this was an intentional decision. He prided himself on leaving his subjects alone to cling to their own idols and keep their private little kingdoms intact. He demanded almost no taxes from his conquered subjects, once even saying, “I hate the gardener who cuts to the root the vegetables of which he ought to cull the leaves.”
In other words, Alexander anticipated reaping a harvest without paying much attention to the roots.
Yes We Can! – Real Change
Another king was born about three centuries after Alexander’s megastar legacy was enshrined across Greek speaking Asia. As a small child, Jesus may have even scampered through the alleys of Alexandria, the great Mediterranean coastal city Alexander had marked out and ordered built on the north coast of Egypt. This was the second largest city on earth at the time, and home to the greatest population of Jews outside of Palestine. Whether Jesus ever stepped foot in Alexandria or not, he lived his entire 33 years in the windblown ashes of Alexander’s conquests.
As he grew up, Jesus must have pondered the emergence of his own kingdom. He too, would lead warriors over deserts, mountain passes and onto distant shores. But his realm would be so much deeper. He had no intention of forming a paper thin kingdom that would breeze across nations only to shrivel up and evaporate, leaving a somewhat hollow shroud of rituals, religious verbiage and Tuesday night bingo tournaments.
Jesus was a radical. The word radical is defined as “arising from, or going to the root, or source.” Ah, the audacity of Jesus! His kingdom would be pervasive. Beginning with the soul, he would then conquer hearts, minds, bodies, passions and possessions. His kingdom would indeed cut to the roots, setting humanity free, permeating and ruling over all of the cosmos. Jesus was no doubt aware of Alexander’s words about the zealous gardener when he said, “I am the true vine and my Father is the Gardener. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away; and every branch that bears fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit … He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.” Speaking for the Gardener that Alexander had claimed to disdain, Jesus then boldly proclaimed that any tumbleweed who does not abide in him would wither up and be hurled into a fire.
I am reminded of my good friend Rasinus, who was born in the remote Indonesian village of Samalantan. When Rasinus was eight years old, his father died. His mother had little money and could no longer afford to raise her children. Following the funeral, Rasinus, his three younger sisters and baby brother were taken away to live with different families. Rasinus’ childhood became a cauldron of painful memories, rejection, loneliness and hopelessness. He spent some time at a local orphanage, then it suddenly closed. He ended up sleeping on the streets, surviving with the occasional help of a motorcycle mechanic. A lost soul, Rasinus began to get involved in gangs and selling drugs. At this point in Rasinus’ life, all the words, rhetoric, maneuvering, welfare programs, conservatism, liberalism, promises and political philosophies on earth had no chance of ever helping him.
Just like all of us, Rasinus desperately needed something much deeper.
In this moment of desperation, Rasinus was invited to stay in one of Mustard Seed’s children’s homes. There he encountered even more than a place to sleep, safety, schooling, and three meals a day. He encountered the living God. Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” From the inside out, Rasinus began to experience transformation. As a teenager, he was filled to overflowing with the fruits of the Spirit. Reborn, his life was awakened, activated and unleashed. Rasinus began to dream of a future serving others, of winning souls, and of advancing God’s kingdom. Today, Rasinus is in his last semester towards completing his Master’s degree in Theology. Now working as a Mustard Seed missionary teacher, he has returned back to his own village, the original location where his mother still lives. There, where there is no school, he is in the process of building a new Christian school.
Rebirth. Life. Transformation. Redemption. Awakening. Hope … and yes, change.
“Yes, he can! Yes, HE can change the world!” When seen in light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, how these words sizzle and leap in our hearts! They represent what we are so passionate about. They drive us to our knees, burn in our hearts and motivate us to persevere.
“God, continue to work in and through the movement of Mustard Seed missions in India, Africa and Southeast Asia. Bring hope and transformation into the lives of children and teenagers, setting them free to rise up and honor you with redeemed souls and transformed lives.”
Learn More!Another king was born about three centuries after Alexander’s megastar legacy was enshrined across Greek speaking Asia. As a small child, Jesus may have even scampered through the alleys of Alexandria, the great Mediterranean coastal city Alexander had marked out and ordered built on the north coast of Egypt. This was the second largest city on earth at the time, and home to the greatest population of Jews outside of Palestine. Whether Jesus ever stepped foot in Alexandria or not, he lived his entire 33 years in the windblown ashes of Alexander’s conquests.
As he grew up, Jesus must have pondered the emergence of his own kingdom. He too, would lead warriors over deserts, mountain passes and onto distant shores. But his realm would be so much deeper. He had no intention of forming a paper thin kingdom that would breeze across nations only to shrivel up and evaporate, leaving a somewhat hollow shroud of rituals, religious verbiage and Tuesday night bingo tournaments.
Jesus was a radical. The word radical is defined as “arising from, or going to the root, or source.” Ah, the audacity of Jesus! His kingdom would be pervasive. Beginning with the soul, he would then conquer hearts, minds, bodies, passions and possessions. His kingdom would indeed cut to the roots, setting humanity free, permeating and ruling over all of the cosmos. Jesus was no doubt aware of Alexander’s words about the zealous gardener when he said, “I am the true vine and my Father is the Gardener. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away; and every branch that bears fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit … He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.” Speaking for the Gardener that Alexander had claimed to disdain, Jesus then boldly proclaimed that any tumbleweed who does not abide in him would wither up and be hurled into a fire.
I am reminded of my good friend Rasinus, who was born in the remote Indonesian village of Samalantan. When Rasinus was eight years old, his father died. His mother had little money and could no longer afford to raise her children. Following the funeral, Rasinus, his three younger sisters and baby brother were taken away to live with different families. Rasinus’ childhood became a cauldron of painful memories, rejection, loneliness and hopelessness. He spent some time at a local orphanage, then it suddenly closed. He ended up sleeping on the streets, surviving with the occasional help of a motorcycle mechanic. A lost soul, Rasinus began to get involved in gangs and selling drugs. At this point in Rasinus’ life, all the words, rhetoric, maneuvering, welfare programs, conservatism, liberalism, promises and political philosophies on earth had no chance of ever helping him.
Just like all of us, Rasinus desperately needed something much deeper.
In this moment of desperation, Rasinus was invited to stay in one of Mustard Seed’s children’s homes. There he encountered even more than a place to sleep, safety, schooling, and three meals a day. He encountered the living God. Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” From the inside out, Rasinus began to experience transformation. As a teenager, he was filled to overflowing with the fruits of the Spirit. Reborn, his life was awakened, activated and unleashed. Rasinus began to dream of a future serving others, of winning souls, and of advancing God’s kingdom. Today, Rasinus is in his last semester towards completing his Master’s degree in Theology. Now working as a Mustard Seed missionary teacher, he has returned back to his own village, the original location where his mother still lives. There, where there is no school, he is in the process of building a new Christian school.
Rebirth. Life. Transformation. Redemption. Awakening. Hope … and yes, change.
“Yes, he can! Yes, HE can change the world!” When seen in light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, how these words sizzle and leap in our hearts! They represent what we are so passionate about. They drive us to our knees, burn in our hearts and motivate us to persevere.
“God, continue to work in and through the movement of Mustard Seed missions in India, Africa and Southeast Asia. Bring hope and transformation into the lives of children and teenagers, setting them free to rise up and honor you with redeemed souls and transformed lives.”
7.......
Dive Chapel Devotions
Dive Chapel Devotions
Nathan Shepherd is the fictional pastor of The Dive Chapel in Candle Key, Florida. He is also founder and president of Reef Restoration Ministries.
Nathan’s sermons have become a hit with the youth and self-styled characters of the Candle Key area. The following “Dive Chapel Devos” are attempts to capture the power and spirit of Pastor Nathan’s teaching in a story-like, devotional format.
Enjoy!
Nathan’s sermons have become a hit with the youth and self-styled characters of the Candle Key area. The following “Dive Chapel Devos” are attempts to capture the power and spirit of Pastor Nathan’s teaching in a story-like, devotional format.
Enjoy!
Devos on Judges
Introduction to Judges
If we let the Amorites of gossip run amok in our lives, there can be painful, long-term consequences.
Judges 1
If we let the Amorites of gossip run amok in our lives, there can be painful, long-term consequences.
Judges 2
In a "pre-incarnation" visit, Jesus chastises Israel about living in compromise with the pagan folk of the land of Canaan.
Judges 3
Ehud, the left-handed hero of Israel, gets an audience with the vile and oppressive ruler, "Eglon the Enormous" - and kills him.
Judges 4
In a time of war, God raised up somebody's mom to lead the nation when the men acted like wimps and idiots.
Judges 5
God can do anything. When He calls us to His cause, it's not the time to go sailing or surfing.
Judges 6
The power of God can easily transform a chicken-whiner into a mighty member of the Hall of Faith.
Judges 7
When God is the General, He sends ALL of the fraidy cat’ home and it doesn't change the end result.
Judges 8
The aging rock star Gideon challenges us to pray for ministries that are crashing through their monument and mosque phases.
Judges 9
When you are serving the LORD in massive evangelism, deep discipleship or huge pastoring, don't dare leave to take an administrative position.
Judges 10
Are you following Baal - the god of knowledge? How about Ashtoreth - the god of sensuality? What about Mammon - the god of money?
Judges 11
God can, and will, use anybody. It doesn't matter what you've done, where you've come from, or what people say about you.
Judges 12
Our words are powerful - whether encouraging or discouraging, joyful or woeful, better or bitter. It pays to guard your tongue.
Judges 13
Gentlemen, listen to what God may be saying to our wives. Ladies, encourage our husbands as leaders in our homes.
Judges 14
"I Like Women just a Little on the Trashy Side," speaks well of the spoiled rock star Samson.
Judges 15
Samson, the powerful leader, was possibly the worst husband in history. How could that be if the LORD was with him?
Judges 16
The arrogant, lusty Samson forgets about the source and secret of his powers and ends up bound, blinded, and belittled.
Judges 17
Then, as now, there was no king in the country and everyone did what was right in his or her own eyes.
Judges 18
Many people who perceive themselves as followers of Jesus are forever turning away as “perseverance stages” unfold in their lives.
Judges 19
One of the most disturbing, graphic, brutal chapters in the Bible. It should serve as a warning that America may be headed for self-destruction.
Judges 20
How many times do Christians today go off-road when they think they see something or someone who needs to be corrected?
Judges 21
It will amaze you how much this twisted saga of the children of Israel mirrors the American culture of today.
Introduction to Judges
If we let the Amorites of gossip run amok in our lives, there can be painful, long-term consequences.
Judges 1
If we let the Amorites of gossip run amok in our lives, there can be painful, long-term consequences.
Judges 2
In a "pre-incarnation" visit, Jesus chastises Israel about living in compromise with the pagan folk of the land of Canaan.
Judges 3
Ehud, the left-handed hero of Israel, gets an audience with the vile and oppressive ruler, "Eglon the Enormous" - and kills him.
Judges 4
In a time of war, God raised up somebody's mom to lead the nation when the men acted like wimps and idiots.
Judges 5
God can do anything. When He calls us to His cause, it's not the time to go sailing or surfing.
Judges 6
The power of God can easily transform a chicken-whiner into a mighty member of the Hall of Faith.
Judges 7
When God is the General, He sends ALL of the fraidy cat’ home and it doesn't change the end result.
Judges 8
The aging rock star Gideon challenges us to pray for ministries that are crashing through their monument and mosque phases.
Judges 9
When you are serving the LORD in massive evangelism, deep discipleship or huge pastoring, don't dare leave to take an administrative position.
Judges 10
Are you following Baal - the god of knowledge? How about Ashtoreth - the god of sensuality? What about Mammon - the god of money?
Judges 11
God can, and will, use anybody. It doesn't matter what you've done, where you've come from, or what people say about you.
Judges 12
Our words are powerful - whether encouraging or discouraging, joyful or woeful, better or bitter. It pays to guard your tongue.
Judges 13
Gentlemen, listen to what God may be saying to our wives. Ladies, encourage our husbands as leaders in our homes.
Judges 14
"I Like Women just a Little on the Trashy Side," speaks well of the spoiled rock star Samson.
Judges 15
Samson, the powerful leader, was possibly the worst husband in history. How could that be if the LORD was with him?
Judges 16
The arrogant, lusty Samson forgets about the source and secret of his powers and ends up bound, blinded, and belittled.
Judges 17
Then, as now, there was no king in the country and everyone did what was right in his or her own eyes.
Judges 18
Many people who perceive themselves as followers of Jesus are forever turning away as “perseverance stages” unfold in their lives.
Judges 19
One of the most disturbing, graphic, brutal chapters in the Bible. It should serve as a warning that America may be headed for self-destruction.
Judges 20
How many times do Christians today go off-road when they think they see something or someone who needs to be corrected?
Judges 21
It will amaze you how much this twisted saga of the children of Israel mirrors the American culture of today.
Questions? Comments? Pastor Shepherd would love to hear from you.
8.......................
Jordan River Stones
Jordan River Stones - Stones In My Jordan
by Gloria Small
It is a joy to find it true that, if we open our hearts to Him, the LORD continually teaches us. Passages of scripture that have been read over and over suddenly jump out at you and the lesson there is always perfectly timed. Just that sort of thing happened to me. I have been so blessed and thrilled by the application of this truth to my heart that I wanted to share it. The passage is found in Joshua the fourth chapter.
The context of this chapter is, of course, the passing of the children of Israel over the Jordan into the Promised Land. The LORD had instructed Joshua to tell one man from every tribe to pick up a stone from the midst of the Jordan and to carry it to Gilgal. There Joshua was to set up those stones as a memorial of what the LORD had done for them that day and what He had done at the Red Sea (Joshua 4:20-24). The word for this stone is "eban." The Holy Spirit brought to my mind the "stone of the help," Ebanezer, that Samuel had set up when the LORD gave them the victory over the Philistines (1 Samuel 7:9-14).
Yet, there were two sets of stones mentioned in Joshua chapter four! That is something that I had read before but it never really registered. There is also a set of 12 stones that Joshua set up in the "midst of the Jordan" (Joshua 4:9). It is this set of stones that are "there unto this day," that the LORD has used to bless my heart.
by Gloria Small
It is a joy to find it true that, if we open our hearts to Him, the LORD continually teaches us. Passages of scripture that have been read over and over suddenly jump out at you and the lesson there is always perfectly timed. Just that sort of thing happened to me. I have been so blessed and thrilled by the application of this truth to my heart that I wanted to share it. The passage is found in Joshua the fourth chapter.
The context of this chapter is, of course, the passing of the children of Israel over the Jordan into the Promised Land. The LORD had instructed Joshua to tell one man from every tribe to pick up a stone from the midst of the Jordan and to carry it to Gilgal. There Joshua was to set up those stones as a memorial of what the LORD had done for them that day and what He had done at the Red Sea (Joshua 4:20-24). The word for this stone is "eban." The Holy Spirit brought to my mind the "stone of the help," Ebanezer, that Samuel had set up when the LORD gave them the victory over the Philistines (1 Samuel 7:9-14).
Yet, there were two sets of stones mentioned in Joshua chapter four! That is something that I had read before but it never really registered. There is also a set of 12 stones that Joshua set up in the "midst of the Jordan" (Joshua 4:9). It is this set of stones that are "there unto this day," that the LORD has used to bless my heart.
Jordan River Stones – What are these Stones?
When the LORD applied the stones as a lesson to my life and heart it seemed everything I heard or read re-enforced the truth. Isn't it a wonderful thrill when that happens? The Spirit asked me, "What means these stones?" My soul had to answer, "these are the stones of the help that the LORD has allowed to come into my life."
As I look back through it now, I can see those stones. They have not been "stones of stumbling." Rather, the afflictions that I have seen have been building material. God has been building upon the foundation He laid in my life with those stones. Not only that, He is the one who carries the burden! What JOY!
Where are those stones? In the midst of my Jordan! I am still traveling through my Jordan, walking upon the dry ground He has prepared for me. Along the way, I see those "stones of the help" that are constant reminders that "He who has begun a good work in me, will be faithful to complete it" (Philippians 1:6).
These are stones of remembrances of battles He has won, of steps of faith taken in His Name. Those stones will remain there until "the day of Jesus Christ" and they are built upon His foundation that is under me and will be until I reach my final home with Him. How my heart filled to over flowing with love and gratitude when this lesson came flooding over me.
When the LORD applied the stones as a lesson to my life and heart it seemed everything I heard or read re-enforced the truth. Isn't it a wonderful thrill when that happens? The Spirit asked me, "What means these stones?" My soul had to answer, "these are the stones of the help that the LORD has allowed to come into my life."
As I look back through it now, I can see those stones. They have not been "stones of stumbling." Rather, the afflictions that I have seen have been building material. God has been building upon the foundation He laid in my life with those stones. Not only that, He is the one who carries the burden! What JOY!
Where are those stones? In the midst of my Jordan! I am still traveling through my Jordan, walking upon the dry ground He has prepared for me. Along the way, I see those "stones of the help" that are constant reminders that "He who has begun a good work in me, will be faithful to complete it" (Philippians 1:6).
These are stones of remembrances of battles He has won, of steps of faith taken in His Name. Those stones will remain there until "the day of Jesus Christ" and they are built upon His foundation that is under me and will be until I reach my final home with Him. How my heart filled to over flowing with love and gratitude when this lesson came flooding over me.
Jordan River Stones – Conforming Me
The process that we constantly go through, as the LORD conforms us to the image of His Son, is not always an easy one. It seems we ever learn from the "rocky places." It is the oasis of His Word that refreshes us with springs of living water. These times of encouragement from the Spirit of Christ living with in us help us along the way. The Word that is "spiritually discerned" fills us and gives us His strength to "keep on keeping on" as we journey through our own Jordan, knowing this promise that is sure "I will never leave you nor forsake you." The lesson of these stones has brought me peace and joy in the midst of the battle. So if it looks like the waters of your Jordan are about to overwhelm you, look around for those stones.
The process that we constantly go through, as the LORD conforms us to the image of His Son, is not always an easy one. It seems we ever learn from the "rocky places." It is the oasis of His Word that refreshes us with springs of living water. These times of encouragement from the Spirit of Christ living with in us help us along the way. The Word that is "spiritually discerned" fills us and gives us His strength to "keep on keeping on" as we journey through our own Jordan, knowing this promise that is sure "I will never leave you nor forsake you." The lesson of these stones has brought me peace and joy in the midst of the battle. So if it looks like the waters of your Jordan are about to overwhelm you, look around for those stones.
9.....
Perspective on Poverty
Perspective on Poverty - Speed of Life
This perspective on poverty was written by a man living in Indonesia. He brings a unique perspective on the poverty that much of the world experiences.
One of life’s greatest pleasures is speed, and my son can’t seem to get enough of it. He madly peddles his bicycle down hills at the highest velocity possible. He loves that feeling of going over the edge in roller coasters. When hearing that the space shuttle orbits the earth at 18,000 miles per hour, he predictably decided he wants to become an astronaut. He probably gets his speed-lust from me. A few years back, our organization was entrusted with a motor boat that doesn’t quite blast through the water as fast as the space shuttle knifes through space, but it comes close. Equipped with 250 snorting stallions worth of outboard power, it is used to haul supplies to teachers serving in some very hard-to-reach villages, to transport a drill for digging wells, and to explore rivers that slither for hundreds of miles through the dense jungle.
One can churn along these rivers for the better part of a day before coming across some of the remotest villages on earth. It’s a surreal experience to roar around a bend with the wind whipping one’s face, spot a village, then spend a few days at the speed of cold honey. Out there, no one ever has appointments, keeps calendars, owns clocks, or even has electricity. Entire days can be spent watching the river float past. Slowing down to that pace of life for a few days can give me whip lash, but I suppose it’s healthy for my soul.
Far more difficult than enduring the sluggish pace of life out there is being confronted by the razor sharp talons of poverty. Regardless of the noble idealism that is sometimes associated with poverty, there is nothing grandiose or enviable about it. Malaria and hepatitis wreak havoc on these villages. Most of the people don’t have clean water, nor do they understand the need to boil water before drinking it. In one of the areas where one of our teams has opened a Christian school and church, nine toddlers have drowned in recent memory. Malnutrition is visibly evident in many children, and most of them have worms. Life expectancy is much shorter than for people living in cities, where medicine and health clinics are more readily available. Tuberculosis epidemics can wipe out entire clans. I see far more birth defects and cases of leprosy in these villages than in cities. Teeth are rotting and falling out of their mouths. Fear of evil spirits and demon possession are a normal part of life. Few adults can read or write.
Come with me into a nearby village. Can you see those children perched on that roughly hewn, wooden porch? Notice that they don’t seem to have any comics, bikes, Lego bricks, Play Stations or Frisbees. That’s to be expected here. Now let’s move a few steps closer. It’s wet season, so be careful. You will need to take off your shoes and slog through the mud. With every step, your toes will squish in garbage and human waste that’s been haphazardly dropped into the muck. Go ahead, climb onto that porch, muddy feet and all. Sit down with them, if you can stand the stench. It’ll take a minute for them to get over their fear of you. Don’t mind the flies, even the ones crawling around on their lips and eyelashes.
Tell me, what do you see in their eyes? To the amazement of some who might come to places like this, most of these children are really doing just fine, thanks. They’re content. Feel free to ask them to tell you about their dreams, but don’t be surprised at the confused expressions on their faces. It has never even crossed most of their minds that they might either want to escape this place or somehow make it healthier, cleaner, prettier, or safer. This little world is like their day at the office. It is their daily grind. You might be wondering, “Why don’t they at least clear away some of the garbage under their feet? Hmm…they don’t even seem to see it!” They have no idea how deeply they are embedded in poverty. They feel at home in a condition that we would consider sub-human.
This perspective on poverty was written by a man living in Indonesia. He brings a unique perspective on the poverty that much of the world experiences.
One of life’s greatest pleasures is speed, and my son can’t seem to get enough of it. He madly peddles his bicycle down hills at the highest velocity possible. He loves that feeling of going over the edge in roller coasters. When hearing that the space shuttle orbits the earth at 18,000 miles per hour, he predictably decided he wants to become an astronaut. He probably gets his speed-lust from me. A few years back, our organization was entrusted with a motor boat that doesn’t quite blast through the water as fast as the space shuttle knifes through space, but it comes close. Equipped with 250 snorting stallions worth of outboard power, it is used to haul supplies to teachers serving in some very hard-to-reach villages, to transport a drill for digging wells, and to explore rivers that slither for hundreds of miles through the dense jungle.
One can churn along these rivers for the better part of a day before coming across some of the remotest villages on earth. It’s a surreal experience to roar around a bend with the wind whipping one’s face, spot a village, then spend a few days at the speed of cold honey. Out there, no one ever has appointments, keeps calendars, owns clocks, or even has electricity. Entire days can be spent watching the river float past. Slowing down to that pace of life for a few days can give me whip lash, but I suppose it’s healthy for my soul.
Far more difficult than enduring the sluggish pace of life out there is being confronted by the razor sharp talons of poverty. Regardless of the noble idealism that is sometimes associated with poverty, there is nothing grandiose or enviable about it. Malaria and hepatitis wreak havoc on these villages. Most of the people don’t have clean water, nor do they understand the need to boil water before drinking it. In one of the areas where one of our teams has opened a Christian school and church, nine toddlers have drowned in recent memory. Malnutrition is visibly evident in many children, and most of them have worms. Life expectancy is much shorter than for people living in cities, where medicine and health clinics are more readily available. Tuberculosis epidemics can wipe out entire clans. I see far more birth defects and cases of leprosy in these villages than in cities. Teeth are rotting and falling out of their mouths. Fear of evil spirits and demon possession are a normal part of life. Few adults can read or write.
Come with me into a nearby village. Can you see those children perched on that roughly hewn, wooden porch? Notice that they don’t seem to have any comics, bikes, Lego bricks, Play Stations or Frisbees. That’s to be expected here. Now let’s move a few steps closer. It’s wet season, so be careful. You will need to take off your shoes and slog through the mud. With every step, your toes will squish in garbage and human waste that’s been haphazardly dropped into the muck. Go ahead, climb onto that porch, muddy feet and all. Sit down with them, if you can stand the stench. It’ll take a minute for them to get over their fear of you. Don’t mind the flies, even the ones crawling around on their lips and eyelashes.
Tell me, what do you see in their eyes? To the amazement of some who might come to places like this, most of these children are really doing just fine, thanks. They’re content. Feel free to ask them to tell you about their dreams, but don’t be surprised at the confused expressions on their faces. It has never even crossed most of their minds that they might either want to escape this place or somehow make it healthier, cleaner, prettier, or safer. This little world is like their day at the office. It is their daily grind. You might be wondering, “Why don’t they at least clear away some of the garbage under their feet? Hmm…they don’t even seem to see it!” They have no idea how deeply they are embedded in poverty. They feel at home in a condition that we would consider sub-human.
Perspective on Poverty - Very Different Realities
How can two people, both having 20/20 vision, look in precisely the same direction and yet see such different realities, two perspectives on poverty. The dissonance is so awkward. I sometimes even feel a twinge of guilt. I am no smarter than them, and I am certainly not better!
Ah, but there is at least one difference between us.
I have walked through Butchart Gardens in Victoria, British Columbia. I’ve driven a car through the Canadian Rockies in July. I’ve gone to the fridge for a glass of clean, pure water. I’ve rushed my children to the hospital when they were mysteriously ill. I’ve slept in a bed. I’ve experienced what it feels like for God to set me free from the inside out. I’ve seen God breathe new life into my marriage when my wife and I were struggling and feeling hopeless. These memories remain in me, and they are a part of my consciousness. In this place, they rise within me, stirring me with hope. Images of God’s grace are embedded deep inside my imagination, and in yours.
An untrained imagination can be blown by the unpredictable winds of emotion, making wreckage out of a person’s life. As children, our imaginations caused fear of monsters in our closets. Even now, we sometimes hear imaginary thieves creeping around in our houses at night. We can so easily conjure up enemies at the office and misread the motives of others. Our imaginations can be wasted away in empty fantasies. For this reason, many of us rarely discuss the imagination. Yes, our imaginations can be dangerous. Yet why has God designed us with this mysterious ability to close our eyes and see what is not really there? Does imagination play any role in responding to the lot we find ourselves in? Does an activated imagination affect whether we can rise up and break through our own muddy conditions of slavery and paralysis?
Out here in this rancid mud with mosquitoes pillaging our ankles, we might feel like “aliens and strangers.” Why do we feel so out of place? Could it be that imagery and metaphors of God’s grace are so deeply lodged in our imaginations, that they create an internal dissonance? Yes, and these images are constant reminders that other, never before seen possibilities exist for this village. It’s not hard at all for us to imagine this village transformed into a paradise. Can you see these same children in a garden? They are playing near that cluster of bright yellow flowers. Laughing with delight, their voices ring out over the grass, “… duck … duck … goose!” It’s a blue sky day. Oh, their lunches are ready. Their mom’s voice is heard calling them from beyond the pond.
Listen to the Spirit of God hovering over these filthy children. His imagination is ablaze, and he’s whispering, “I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs. I will put into the desert the cedar and the acacia, the myrtle and the olive. I will set pines in the wasteland, the fir and the cypress together, so that people may see and know, may consider and understand, that the hand of the Lord has done this, that the Holy One of Israel has created it” (Isaiah 41:18-20).
Now, open your eyes once again to the scene before you. Smell the rancid garbage in this mud. Disgusting! In this sublime moment of dissonance, cedars and acacia, olives and pines rise in defiant revolt against the wasteland of what now is. This dissonance between our ideals and our present reality is what sparks the creative process and moves God’s own warriors of faith into action. What might happen if you dare to imagine problems being solved, marriages being healed, churches exploding with growth, the poor being served, beggar children on the streets being rescued, and neighbors being loved into the kingdom of God. As Paul wrote to the Philippians, we must flood our imaginations with images of truth, nobility, righteousness, purity, loveliness, admirable qualities and excellence (Philippians 4:8). When I dare to meditate on these things, I rarely sleep well, and neither will you. But be assured. A bold imagination is vital to accelerating our lives into higher levels of creativity, and launching static faith into motion.
How can two people, both having 20/20 vision, look in precisely the same direction and yet see such different realities, two perspectives on poverty. The dissonance is so awkward. I sometimes even feel a twinge of guilt. I am no smarter than them, and I am certainly not better!
Ah, but there is at least one difference between us.
I have walked through Butchart Gardens in Victoria, British Columbia. I’ve driven a car through the Canadian Rockies in July. I’ve gone to the fridge for a glass of clean, pure water. I’ve rushed my children to the hospital when they were mysteriously ill. I’ve slept in a bed. I’ve experienced what it feels like for God to set me free from the inside out. I’ve seen God breathe new life into my marriage when my wife and I were struggling and feeling hopeless. These memories remain in me, and they are a part of my consciousness. In this place, they rise within me, stirring me with hope. Images of God’s grace are embedded deep inside my imagination, and in yours.
An untrained imagination can be blown by the unpredictable winds of emotion, making wreckage out of a person’s life. As children, our imaginations caused fear of monsters in our closets. Even now, we sometimes hear imaginary thieves creeping around in our houses at night. We can so easily conjure up enemies at the office and misread the motives of others. Our imaginations can be wasted away in empty fantasies. For this reason, many of us rarely discuss the imagination. Yes, our imaginations can be dangerous. Yet why has God designed us with this mysterious ability to close our eyes and see what is not really there? Does imagination play any role in responding to the lot we find ourselves in? Does an activated imagination affect whether we can rise up and break through our own muddy conditions of slavery and paralysis?
Out here in this rancid mud with mosquitoes pillaging our ankles, we might feel like “aliens and strangers.” Why do we feel so out of place? Could it be that imagery and metaphors of God’s grace are so deeply lodged in our imaginations, that they create an internal dissonance? Yes, and these images are constant reminders that other, never before seen possibilities exist for this village. It’s not hard at all for us to imagine this village transformed into a paradise. Can you see these same children in a garden? They are playing near that cluster of bright yellow flowers. Laughing with delight, their voices ring out over the grass, “… duck … duck … goose!” It’s a blue sky day. Oh, their lunches are ready. Their mom’s voice is heard calling them from beyond the pond.
Listen to the Spirit of God hovering over these filthy children. His imagination is ablaze, and he’s whispering, “I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs. I will put into the desert the cedar and the acacia, the myrtle and the olive. I will set pines in the wasteland, the fir and the cypress together, so that people may see and know, may consider and understand, that the hand of the Lord has done this, that the Holy One of Israel has created it” (Isaiah 41:18-20).
Now, open your eyes once again to the scene before you. Smell the rancid garbage in this mud. Disgusting! In this sublime moment of dissonance, cedars and acacia, olives and pines rise in defiant revolt against the wasteland of what now is. This dissonance between our ideals and our present reality is what sparks the creative process and moves God’s own warriors of faith into action. What might happen if you dare to imagine problems being solved, marriages being healed, churches exploding with growth, the poor being served, beggar children on the streets being rescued, and neighbors being loved into the kingdom of God. As Paul wrote to the Philippians, we must flood our imaginations with images of truth, nobility, righteousness, purity, loveliness, admirable qualities and excellence (Philippians 4:8). When I dare to meditate on these things, I rarely sleep well, and neither will you. But be assured. A bold imagination is vital to accelerating our lives into higher levels of creativity, and launching static faith into motion.
Perspective on Poverty - Making it Personal
Could it be possible that when God hovers over your life, his imagination is filled with images of your destiny? Is it possible that his heart is moved as he looks at you? Perhaps we are all like the muddy faced children wallowing in our own slimy mud. Maybe we are the ones who find it difficult to imagine the possibilities that God holds out for us. So many couples are resigning themselves to dull, moribund marriages, when God has created us to thrive in radiant, joyful, loving, fulfilling, and intimate marriages. What prevents us from taking action, rising up and creating in response to the possibilities? Could it have something to do with our lack of imagination? Paul wrote that “we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16).
Yes, Lord, we all so desperately need an infusion of Your imagination!
Have you ever been caught by the mind of Christ, even for a moment? Perhaps you were passing a humdrum afternoon at the office, going through a pile of reports, when you were suddenly stirred by an image of something so beautiful, something that captured your heart so deeply and profoundly that yesterday’s standard of beauty suddenly felt hideously grotesque? Something within us whispers, “God, is this really how you created me to live? I know you created me for more than this!” Longing for a greater purpose and deeper meaning, we have no choice but to rise from our office chairs and go stand by the window and gaze at the smog hovering over the city for a few minutes. There must be something more out there. Moments like this are close encounters with the Creator. They are catalysts of his dreams being infused into our future. Perhaps even now he hovers above you. Feel the breath of his Spirit on the back of your neck. Buckle your seatbelt and hang on for dear life. If you’re looking for a special way to help children in poverty, please consider a monthly commitment to sponsor a child through our friends at Compassion International.
He is calling you into your destiny.
Could it be possible that when God hovers over your life, his imagination is filled with images of your destiny? Is it possible that his heart is moved as he looks at you? Perhaps we are all like the muddy faced children wallowing in our own slimy mud. Maybe we are the ones who find it difficult to imagine the possibilities that God holds out for us. So many couples are resigning themselves to dull, moribund marriages, when God has created us to thrive in radiant, joyful, loving, fulfilling, and intimate marriages. What prevents us from taking action, rising up and creating in response to the possibilities? Could it have something to do with our lack of imagination? Paul wrote that “we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16).
Yes, Lord, we all so desperately need an infusion of Your imagination!
Have you ever been caught by the mind of Christ, even for a moment? Perhaps you were passing a humdrum afternoon at the office, going through a pile of reports, when you were suddenly stirred by an image of something so beautiful, something that captured your heart so deeply and profoundly that yesterday’s standard of beauty suddenly felt hideously grotesque? Something within us whispers, “God, is this really how you created me to live? I know you created me for more than this!” Longing for a greater purpose and deeper meaning, we have no choice but to rise from our office chairs and go stand by the window and gaze at the smog hovering over the city for a few minutes. There must be something more out there. Moments like this are close encounters with the Creator. They are catalysts of his dreams being infused into our future. Perhaps even now he hovers above you. Feel the breath of his Spirit on the back of your neck. Buckle your seatbelt and hang on for dear life. If you’re looking for a special way to help children in poverty, please consider a monthly commitment to sponsor a child through our friends at Compassion International.
He is calling you into your destiny.
10......
Total Surrender to God
Total Surrender to God – The Persona of Surrender
When I was young, I wanted to surrender to God, but I had an emptiness in my heart. I always went to church with friends of my parents. I grew up knowing Jesus, learning all of the Bible stories, memorizing verses. I was known as “the good girl,” telling others about Jesus, following all of the “rules,” doing what was expected of me. I was always quiet, in the background, never wanting to be noticed or make waves.
As I matured into adulthood, I went to church, sang in the choir, went to Bible studies, and taught Sunday school. However, there was something missing in my heart. I never felt at peace. I tried the whole singles dating thing, the bars, taking classes -- anything to fill up my time and the void in my heart.
When I was young, I wanted to surrender to God, but I had an emptiness in my heart. I always went to church with friends of my parents. I grew up knowing Jesus, learning all of the Bible stories, memorizing verses. I was known as “the good girl,” telling others about Jesus, following all of the “rules,” doing what was expected of me. I was always quiet, in the background, never wanting to be noticed or make waves.
As I matured into adulthood, I went to church, sang in the choir, went to Bible studies, and taught Sunday school. However, there was something missing in my heart. I never felt at peace. I tried the whole singles dating thing, the bars, taking classes -- anything to fill up my time and the void in my heart.
Total Surrender to God – The Stress of Career Brought More Emptiness
Eventually, I got married, had children and a career. My life was more than full between home and work -- and the majority of my commitment was to my career. I lived for my job. Second to my job was my parents and siblings. My husband was all too often the primary caretaker of our children and the needs at home. Even when I was home, I was emotionally unavailable and unattached. I was usually too busy “trying to get things done” and was often angry, depressed, and stressed.
The year 2001 proved to be a major turning point for all of us, but most especially for me. My job was downsized and I was suddenly unemployed. For the first time in my adult life, I was forced to be at home. Our income was cut by 60 percent, my children were angry and bitter about so many things, and my husband and I were at odds most of the time. Things in our household were not pretty and that same empty void was bigger than ever.
Eventually, I got married, had children and a career. My life was more than full between home and work -- and the majority of my commitment was to my career. I lived for my job. Second to my job was my parents and siblings. My husband was all too often the primary caretaker of our children and the needs at home. Even when I was home, I was emotionally unavailable and unattached. I was usually too busy “trying to get things done” and was often angry, depressed, and stressed.
The year 2001 proved to be a major turning point for all of us, but most especially for me. My job was downsized and I was suddenly unemployed. For the first time in my adult life, I was forced to be at home. Our income was cut by 60 percent, my children were angry and bitter about so many things, and my husband and I were at odds most of the time. Things in our household were not pretty and that same empty void was bigger than ever.
Total Surrender to God – Learning the Peace of True Surrender
By August of that year, I was emotionally out of control and felt I had nothing left inside. I had no clue who I was or where to turn and in the process I was hurting everyone around me. Sometime during the third week of that month, I realized how empty and out of control I was. One night I poured my heart out in true surrender to God, telling Him all that I felt, all the things I had been doing, and how I had messed things up trying to do everything my own way. I asked for forgiveness and promised Him that if I lived another day, every breath I took, every day I lived would belong to Him. I could not do it my way anymore -- God needed to be in charge.
Since that night, my life has been in an almost continuous state of change and growth. I am learning -- step by step -- to truly trust God and allow Him to have control of my life, our home, relationships, finances, etc. I am learning what love, joy, and peace truly mean.
I have seen changes in our marriage and in our attitudes. I am on a continuous journey with God that is not always easy, but is always awe-inspiring and resulting in more and more internal peace, contentment, and hope. I am learning what faith and trust are all about and how very much God truly loves and accepts me.
If you are struggling with total surrender to God, talk to God about your thoughts, feelings, and resistance. Surrendering to God means that we yield our ownership. . .we relinquish control of our time, our property, our career. Anything that we consider as “rights.” We acknowledge what we thought was ours, is actually Gods. We are simply caretakers. We acknowledge that He knows best. We want His perfect plan!
By August of that year, I was emotionally out of control and felt I had nothing left inside. I had no clue who I was or where to turn and in the process I was hurting everyone around me. Sometime during the third week of that month, I realized how empty and out of control I was. One night I poured my heart out in true surrender to God, telling Him all that I felt, all the things I had been doing, and how I had messed things up trying to do everything my own way. I asked for forgiveness and promised Him that if I lived another day, every breath I took, every day I lived would belong to Him. I could not do it my way anymore -- God needed to be in charge.
Since that night, my life has been in an almost continuous state of change and growth. I am learning -- step by step -- to truly trust God and allow Him to have control of my life, our home, relationships, finances, etc. I am learning what love, joy, and peace truly mean.
I have seen changes in our marriage and in our attitudes. I am on a continuous journey with God that is not always easy, but is always awe-inspiring and resulting in more and more internal peace, contentment, and hope. I am learning what faith and trust are all about and how very much God truly loves and accepts me.
If you are struggling with total surrender to God, talk to God about your thoughts, feelings, and resistance. Surrendering to God means that we yield our ownership. . .we relinquish control of our time, our property, our career. Anything that we consider as “rights.” We acknowledge what we thought was ours, is actually Gods. We are simply caretakers. We acknowledge that He knows best. We want His perfect plan!
11..........................
Who Is The Holy Spirit
Who is the Holy Spirit - God in Us
Who is the Holy Spirit? Consider these two verses:
"‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ -- which means, ‘God with us’" (Matthew 1:23).
“Because I have said these things, you are filled with grief. But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:6-7).
The disciples of Jesus Christ, undoubtedly, never fully comprehended that it was actually God in human form who walked among them, taught them, communed with them, and loved them. Yes, they saw Him perform miracles, saw Him heal the sick, saw Him raise the dead. They even heard Him forgive the sins of many who came to Him, to the outrage of the Jewish leaders of His day. They saw the wind and the waves obeyed Him and that He spoke with eloquence, authority, and wisdom beyond that of the scribes. But God? How could they have understood the God who created the universe had actually come to fellowship with them and had called them into His service? As soon as they began to grasp this truth, however, He began to speak of leaving them, of suffering, and dying. They were filled with grief and sorrow at the thought of His departure.
Jesus comforted them by disclosing an even greater miracle. If it was an enormous thing that God should come in a body and walk among men, how much greater stretch of faith for the disciples to believe that God would actually and literally dwell in man? “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever -- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you” (John 14:16-17).
The promise of the coming of the Holy Spirit -- the Spirit of truth -- was a two-fold blessing. First, unlike Jesus, who would go back into heaven to return to the Father, the Holy Spirit would be with the disciples, forever. Secondly, He would be in them.
Who is the Holy Spirit? Consider these two verses:
"‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ -- which means, ‘God with us’" (Matthew 1:23).
“Because I have said these things, you are filled with grief. But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:6-7).
The disciples of Jesus Christ, undoubtedly, never fully comprehended that it was actually God in human form who walked among them, taught them, communed with them, and loved them. Yes, they saw Him perform miracles, saw Him heal the sick, saw Him raise the dead. They even heard Him forgive the sins of many who came to Him, to the outrage of the Jewish leaders of His day. They saw the wind and the waves obeyed Him and that He spoke with eloquence, authority, and wisdom beyond that of the scribes. But God? How could they have understood the God who created the universe had actually come to fellowship with them and had called them into His service? As soon as they began to grasp this truth, however, He began to speak of leaving them, of suffering, and dying. They were filled with grief and sorrow at the thought of His departure.
Jesus comforted them by disclosing an even greater miracle. If it was an enormous thing that God should come in a body and walk among men, how much greater stretch of faith for the disciples to believe that God would actually and literally dwell in man? “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever -- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you” (John 14:16-17).
The promise of the coming of the Holy Spirit -- the Spirit of truth -- was a two-fold blessing. First, unlike Jesus, who would go back into heaven to return to the Father, the Holy Spirit would be with the disciples, forever. Secondly, He would be in them.
Who is the Holy Spirit – The Spirit glorifies Christ
The Holy Spirit was sent to earth when Jesus took his place at the right hand of the Father. He was manifested on the day of Pentecost. “Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear” (Acts 2:33).
Jesus, God in the flesh, dwelt on the earth for thirty-three years, being intimately involved with the disciples for three years. Jesus Christ had come to manifest and glorify the Father, to make Him known to the disciples. Jesus Christ never spoke His own words or performed deeds of His own choosing. No. He only did what He was instructed to do by the Father. “For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say" (John 12:49-50).
Jesus assured the disciples that the Holy Spirit would also interact with them in the same way, only the Spirit would bring glory to the Son. “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you” (John 16:13-15).
What a wonderful depiction of the three-fold yet inseparable manifestation of the Godhead; who can really comprehend it? But this was God’s plan, to bring many sons into fellowship with Himself. And so, as Christ came to earth to show mankind the personality and glory of God, the Holy Spirit was sent to dwell within man, making the things of Christ real and alive to him. When a person accepts Christ into their life, Christ enters into them in the person of the Holy Spirit. The body becomes the temple of the living God, now sanctified for the master’s use.
The Holy Spirit was sent to earth when Jesus took his place at the right hand of the Father. He was manifested on the day of Pentecost. “Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear” (Acts 2:33).
Jesus, God in the flesh, dwelt on the earth for thirty-three years, being intimately involved with the disciples for three years. Jesus Christ had come to manifest and glorify the Father, to make Him known to the disciples. Jesus Christ never spoke His own words or performed deeds of His own choosing. No. He only did what He was instructed to do by the Father. “For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say" (John 12:49-50).
Jesus assured the disciples that the Holy Spirit would also interact with them in the same way, only the Spirit would bring glory to the Son. “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you” (John 16:13-15).
What a wonderful depiction of the three-fold yet inseparable manifestation of the Godhead; who can really comprehend it? But this was God’s plan, to bring many sons into fellowship with Himself. And so, as Christ came to earth to show mankind the personality and glory of God, the Holy Spirit was sent to dwell within man, making the things of Christ real and alive to him. When a person accepts Christ into their life, Christ enters into them in the person of the Holy Spirit. The body becomes the temple of the living God, now sanctified for the master’s use.
Who is the Holy Spirit – God as our Helper
The Holy Spirit is God, our Helper. This is the ultimate goal of His indwelling. In the ancient language the word for Holy Spirit which is alternately translated, ‘counselor’ or ‘comforter’ actually signifies “called to one’s side.” Therefore the Holy Spirit is He who was called along side of us, to help us. But the Holy Spirit is God, the Creator, the Sovereign; it is He, Himself, who is our helper. He does not simply give us help, He is our Help.
How does He help us? The Holy Spirit teaches us; the Holy Spirit guides and leads us; the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf according to the will of God. The Holy Spirit appropriates the righteousness, peace, and joy of the Lord to us. The Holy Spirit reveals to us the deep things of God, things previously hidden to man. We have power now that the Holy Spirit has come to us. He is the Spirit of God and Christ; He is made everything to us and His indwelling is the guarantee of our future inheritance which surpasses even the wonder of our relationship to God, today. Perhaps the greatest thing of all is that by the Spirit, we cry, “Our Father.” The Spirit makes us know instinctively that we are the children of God. Even in our weakest moments that cry cannot be stilled as we call to Him, “Oh, my Father, help me.”
“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs -- heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory” (Romans 8:15-17).
The Holy Spirit is God, our Helper. This is the ultimate goal of His indwelling. In the ancient language the word for Holy Spirit which is alternately translated, ‘counselor’ or ‘comforter’ actually signifies “called to one’s side.” Therefore the Holy Spirit is He who was called along side of us, to help us. But the Holy Spirit is God, the Creator, the Sovereign; it is He, Himself, who is our helper. He does not simply give us help, He is our Help.
How does He help us? The Holy Spirit teaches us; the Holy Spirit guides and leads us; the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf according to the will of God. The Holy Spirit appropriates the righteousness, peace, and joy of the Lord to us. The Holy Spirit reveals to us the deep things of God, things previously hidden to man. We have power now that the Holy Spirit has come to us. He is the Spirit of God and Christ; He is made everything to us and His indwelling is the guarantee of our future inheritance which surpasses even the wonder of our relationship to God, today. Perhaps the greatest thing of all is that by the Spirit, we cry, “Our Father.” The Spirit makes us know instinctively that we are the children of God. Even in our weakest moments that cry cannot be stilled as we call to Him, “Oh, my Father, help me.”
“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs -- heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory” (Romans 8:15-17).
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
We have all sinned and deserve God’s judgment. God, the Father, sent His only Son to satisfy that judgment for those who believe in Him. Jesus, the creator and eternal Son of God, who lived a sinless life, loves us so much that He died for our sins, taking the punishment that we deserve, was buried, and rose from the dead according to the Bible. If you truly believe and trust this in your heart, receiving Jesus alone as your Savior, declaring, "Jesus is Lord," you will be saved from judgment and spend eternity with God in heaven.
What is your response?
What is your response?
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