Showing posts with label good news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label good news. Show all posts
Saturday, September 22, 2012
What Do You Do When It Stinks?
What Do I Do When It Stinks?
Emotions of despair, those feelings that the situation that is being faced is hopeless and impossible. Realization dawns upon the consciousness bringing with it the certainty that all hope is gone and that I have arrived at the “Irr Home.” At the “Irr Home” everything living here is: Irreparable, Irremediable, Irretrievable, Irreclaimable and Irrevocable! With that realization comes a perception of impotence, which brings with it the awareness of powerlessness and weakness. Struggling with the conception of thoughts that leave one paralyzed with fear. Feeling totally ineffective to face another day of more of the same.
These are the feelings of the real world. Products of a world that is determined to take the best we have to offer and to stomp on it until it is totally crushed beyond repair. We have tried our best and our best isn’t enough! We have offered all that is sacred and dear, and it has been rejected. We have gutted it our until we feel that our guts are exposed to be literally ripped from our bodies.
The world looks at us with a look of contempt and scorn and says, “You made your bed, now sleep in it!” However, I have good news for you! The wonderful news of the Gospel of Christ! When the world says you made your bed now sleep in it, Jesus says, Take up your bed and walk!”
It is just another day like any other day for the past thirty-eight years. Somehow he drags himself one more time down by the sheep market to the Pool of Bethesda. He isn’t even sure why he goes to all of the trouble. He knows that there is no possible way for him to get into the pool if the angel were to come today. With this acknowledgment comes a feeling of despair. His situation is hopeless. He is not only physically impotent. He is powerless to ever change his life. Life will always be this way! In the midst of this chaotic jumble of embroiled emotions came Jesus!
Jesus came to this place which conveyed ideas of magical cures. A place where sometime during the year an angel would come and trouble the water and the infirm would hope to be the first into the water. The first person in the water, after the angel troubled it, was healed of their disease. This was a place that was close to the sheep market, and like is the case with large livestock sale barns, I am sure the emanation of the sheep gathered into that one small place would begin to attack the olfactory senses of those that came to the pool. In other words, it smelled!
The bodies of men and women who were sick with all manner of diseases, impotent folk. The blind, the halt, the crippled. Many of them unkept and unwashed. It was a painful picture of the chief kind of human suffering and bodily disease. It was a place of hopelessness. A feeling which must have permeated the air. A cauldron of fear percolating out feelings that each situation was irremediable, irrevocable. Screaming there is no hope! Helpless and powerless! Individuals grasping at the illusive, fragile dream that they might be the first into the pool the next time the water was troubled. Struggling to hold on to that dream through year of failure. Hearing a constant bombardment of doubt and fear from those around them that had been at the pool for so many years. Spirits, once high with hope and promise, have now shrunken in distress as realization dawns on them, their situation is hopeless. That was the atmosphere of the Pool of Bethesda!
Jesus looks on the man, knowing how hopeless his plight is, and without demanding from the man even faith, asks him, “Wilt thou be made whole?” This individual, who might have come to the place where he was doubtful of the blessing of healing because of the resulting responsibilities, is hearing a question he might have heard from others. He whines out, with a professional drawl, his oft told story, reflecting very much on his lovelessness, quarrelsomeness, and ugly temper. The melancholy recital of his frequent disappointment is given with an air of insolvent resignation. Maybe even a gloomy satisfaction with his lot in life can be heard in his voice. However, Jesus doesn’t even rebuke him for his lack of faith, as he has others. He doesn’t require anything special of him. All he simply says is, “Take up your bed and walk.”
The Psalmist said, “Why am I discouraged? Why so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again — my Savior and my God! (Psalms 43:5 NLT)
The Apostle Paul added to this, “And if we have hope in Christ only for this life, we are the most miserable people in the world.” (1 Cor 15:19 NLT)
We are living in a time when life is filled with uncertainty. Men and women are living lives filled with fear and hopelessness. No matter what is tried to improve life it seems powerless to make the needed change. There is a high rate of burnout and certainly a deep level of cynicism. Dependency upon the world system has left many in despair, wondering where to turn and when it will all change.
Our hopes in this life and what this life has to offer are bound to bring nothing but disappointment. This world, or the age in which we live, is ruled by the god of this world. As a result, it is doomed for failure. If we rely upon this world to meet our needs and to save us from our despair, we too are doomed for failure and disappointment.
Jesus stood at the tomb of Lazarus. His heart was broken, not because his friend had died. He knew and had already said that Lazarus was just asleep. His heart hurt for those who were crushed with sorrow and wept as a result of all hope laying dead for four days. He told them to roll away the stone from in front of the tomb and their response was, “He has been dead for four days and it is going to stink!”
So what do you do when it stinks? You roll the stone away! You take up your bed and walk! You refuse to let circumstances dictate to you your response to the blessings of God. Step out by faith. Do the opposite of what is natural and step into the world of the Supernatural! Let Jesus Christ have a chance to bring to live what the world says is dead!
It is in the midst of turmoil and chaos that Jesus Christ is at his best. Whether it be in the midst of a crowd at the pool where hope has faded or at the tomb of one who has been buried too long, Jesus Christ is still the answer we need today. When life is nothing but a stinking mess, Jesus Christ is still our only hope. The choice is ours. We can continue to lay in a world of cynical unbelief or we can take up our bed and walk. We can continue to lay in that which has entombed us, or we can arise and come out of the tomb.
Well, its just a thought! I refuse to be discouraged or sad, I will put my hope in Jesus Christ!
Saturday, February 25, 2012
The Sword of the Spirit
The Sword of the Spirit
History knows the Roman short sword as the “sword that conquered the world.” One of the most easily recognized swords of any era is a Roman short sword. The sword was known for its short, double-edged 20” blade with a diamond–point tip. The Bible distinguishes the Roman double-edged sword, for its awesome powerfulness as a weapon, by using it, as an example, of the Word of God in Hebrews 4:12. This sword is also a critical part of the Biblical description of the “Full Armor of God.”
They tell great stories of Roman soldiers’ fierce bravery in battle (never retreating). Nevertheless, historians have shown there was a strategic fighting advantage behind this resolve. In the midst of combat, your sword and shield were vital. The first person to turn and retreat had his backside unprotected and the Roman short sword was the perfect weapon to deliver a fatal quick forward thrust.
In speaking, to us about the Armor of God, Paul instructs us to “take . . . the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”: (Eph. 6:17 KJV). Of all the parts of the Armor of God, the sword of the Spirit is the only weapon that we have. All of the other parts are for protection but the sword is the weapon for us to use in attacking the enemy or to fight back with.
The writer of Hebrews gives us a brief description of how powerful the Word of God is. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Heb 4:12 KJV)
He speaks of the Word of God being quick or alive. The Apostle Peter tells us that we are born again by the word of God which is alive and is eternal (1 Peter 1:23). The Hebrew writer also gives us another reason to use the sword of the Spirit and that is it is powerful!
When I hear the word “powerful” I think of something that is strong or forceful. However, as I began to study the word “powerful,” I also found it to have the following meanings. It is to be active, effectual and able. It means to be powerful in action. The word, “powerful,” comes from the Greek word “energes” which is where our word energy comes from. The word “work” comes from the same root word.
So, when the writer of Hebrews is describing the Word of God as powerful, he is telling us that it is “full of power and is able to achieve results.” In other words, if I use the word of God in Spiritual battle, it is going to accomplish what needs to be done.
Another term used to describe the Word of God is it is “sharper than any two-edged-sword.” He is speaking of it being sharp enough to cut in a single stroke rather than hacking away at it.
Several years ago a man attended a Church I pastored. This man worked in a chicken plant, for more than twenty years then, as a knife sharpener. I have never, before or since, seen a knife as sharp as this man could get them. He also made knives and sold them. We would bring our pocket knives or kitchen knives to him and he would sharpen them for us. My boys and I had a saying that a knife wasn’t sharp unless it was “Staley Sharp.” Staley was his last name. A kitchen knife that was “Staley Sharp” would cut through a thick piece of meat as if it were nothing.
The Word of God will slice through the problem no matter how difficult it seems. The writer of Hebrews tells us that it is so sharp it can separate the soul and spirit. It can divide the joint from the marrow of the bone. It can tell the difference between the thought and the intent of the heart. In other words, the things that we can’t separate, the Word of God can separate. Those things that we have trouble defining. The Word of God will define. Where a fine line needs cut. The Word of God will cut it.
Why is this important? Is this going to make a difference or help in my life? Will this enable me to be an over comer in battle? Yes! How often have I needed an answer, it seemed there were no answers at all, only to have the Word of God give clarity to the situation? The question of right and wrong comes up and there’s a “fine line” between the two. However, the Word of God makes a distinction and I know which way to go.
I remember an incident several years ago. God had been dealing with my heart to do something that I really did not want to do. I had a tremendous burden that I had carried for several years and many dreams that had yet to occur. If I did what I felt God was telling me to do, it would affect my family, my church and many others. I knew I would face great opposition and questions that I couldn’t answer, if I followed the direction I felt God leading me.
After much prayer and seeking clarity for this directive from God I came across a passage of scripture. I don’t know if it would ever speak to someone else the way it spoke to me but as I read it I knew what I had to do. The Word of God cut away all of the confusion and doubt in the situation.
In the summer of 1990 I was sitting in a Sunday School class while on vacation. They had diagnosed my father with Parkinson’s disease about a year prior to this time and I was dealing with a lot of confusion in my mind. Dad was a great man of faith. He was sixty years old and just now thinking of retirement. He wanted to travel some and be a blessing to Churches with teaching and preaching. Dad and Mom planned to enjoy spending time with their grandchildren. However, now all of those plans had changed. He was now dealing with a life debilitating disease. My confusion came because of these different changes. I also had questions because, as I said, Dad was a man of great faith. I had seen him pray for people and God instantly healed them. Yet, we had prayed for him several times and nothing had changed. As I sat there that day and the Pastor taught a Bible lesson, we read a passage from the Bible as part of the lesson. Although the lesson had nothing to do with the questions that I was dealing with, this passage cut right to the heart of my questions. The answer was made clear to me in an instant. Through the following years I held onto the Word I had received from God.
In talking about the Full Armor of God, we have referred to the enemy attacking with the spirit of fear. We have established how the different pieces of armor are effective in protecting us from these attacks of the enemy. One thing that we must realize is we cannot remain on the defense all of the time. The shield of faith, the breastplate of righteousness and the other parts of the armor are all defensive in their protection. Yet, if we are on the defense too long, we will become weary and will eventually fall.
I like to listen to football games on the radio. It isn’t something I do often, but a couple of Saturdays during the season I will listen to my favorite college team play. Often, during a game, I have heard the announcers say, “They have got to get the defense off the field because they are wearing out!” I have yet to ever hear them say, “They have got to get the offense off the field they are wearing out!” Why is this? Because, when you are on offensive, and you are scoring points, you are in control of the game. When you are on defense you are trying to anticipate the opponent’s next move and react accordingly. You are trying to resist and push back against the thrust of the opponent.
The same is true in spiritual warfare. If you remain on the defense, you will wear out! You are constantly trying to anticipate the next move of the enemy. You are pushing back against his advances, constantly resisting him. This is why the sword of the Spirit is so important to us. It gives us the ability to attack the enemy! We can go on the offensive and take control of the battle and we will be victorious.
The sword is also used as a defensive tool. It can block a blow by the enemy and deliver a blow. We see this happening in the account of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness. Twice, Satan approached Jesus and tempted Him with the temptation of turning stones to bread and casting Himself off the pinnacle of the temple. Both times, Jesus used the Word of God to block the attack of the enemy. The third temptation Satan tempted Jesus with possessions if He would bow and worship him. This time Jesus attacked by saying, “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” (Matt 4:10 KJV) In other word’s Jesus said, “Get out of here! The scripture says that you must worship the Lord your God. Worship only Him.” You will also notice that Satan left Jesus then.
Paul tells us in Romans 10:17 that our faith comes by hearing the Word of God. I have found it to be very effective to read or quote scriptures aloud when I am in warfare. As I read or quote the passage I am hearing it, which in turn builds my faith. Take your Bible in your hand and begin to read scripture that builds your faith to deal with your situation! Have victory and be an overcomer.
Personalize the scripture as you are reading it. For example, as passage that means a lot to me and has helped me in many battles is Psalms 149:4-9. Which reads:
“For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.
5 Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.
6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand;
7 To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people;
8 To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron;
9 To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD.” (Ps 149:4-9 KJV)
When I am in battle I like to read this way:
For the LORD taketh pleasure in ME: he will beautify ME with salvation.
5 SO I WILL be joyful in glory: I WILL sing aloud upon MY bed.
6 The high praises of God be in MY mouth, and a twoedged sword in MY hand;
7 To execute vengeance AND punishments upon MY ENEMY;
8 To bind the PRINCIPALITIES, POWERS AND RULERS OF DARKNESS with chains, and with fetters of iron;
9 To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour I have AS his saint. I WILL Praise the LORD! Ps 149:4-9 KJV (NOTE: All of the capitalized words are added or changed by me to make it personal).
I can be victorious and have an overcoming life! That is the will and plan of God for me, as a child of God. This leads us to the last of our resources, which is prayer.
History knows the Roman short sword as the “sword that conquered the world.” One of the most easily recognized swords of any era is a Roman short sword. The sword was known for its short, double-edged 20” blade with a diamond–point tip. The Bible distinguishes the Roman double-edged sword, for its awesome powerfulness as a weapon, by using it, as an example, of the Word of God in Hebrews 4:12. This sword is also a critical part of the Biblical description of the “Full Armor of God.”
They tell great stories of Roman soldiers’ fierce bravery in battle (never retreating). Nevertheless, historians have shown there was a strategic fighting advantage behind this resolve. In the midst of combat, your sword and shield were vital. The first person to turn and retreat had his backside unprotected and the Roman short sword was the perfect weapon to deliver a fatal quick forward thrust.
In speaking, to us about the Armor of God, Paul instructs us to “take . . . the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”: (Eph. 6:17 KJV). Of all the parts of the Armor of God, the sword of the Spirit is the only weapon that we have. All of the other parts are for protection but the sword is the weapon for us to use in attacking the enemy or to fight back with.
The writer of Hebrews gives us a brief description of how powerful the Word of God is. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Heb 4:12 KJV)
He speaks of the Word of God being quick or alive. The Apostle Peter tells us that we are born again by the word of God which is alive and is eternal (1 Peter 1:23). The Hebrew writer also gives us another reason to use the sword of the Spirit and that is it is powerful!
When I hear the word “powerful” I think of something that is strong or forceful. However, as I began to study the word “powerful,” I also found it to have the following meanings. It is to be active, effectual and able. It means to be powerful in action. The word, “powerful,” comes from the Greek word “energes” which is where our word energy comes from. The word “work” comes from the same root word.
So, when the writer of Hebrews is describing the Word of God as powerful, he is telling us that it is “full of power and is able to achieve results.” In other words, if I use the word of God in Spiritual battle, it is going to accomplish what needs to be done.
Another term used to describe the Word of God is it is “sharper than any two-edged-sword.” He is speaking of it being sharp enough to cut in a single stroke rather than hacking away at it.
Several years ago a man attended a Church I pastored. This man worked in a chicken plant, for more than twenty years then, as a knife sharpener. I have never, before or since, seen a knife as sharp as this man could get them. He also made knives and sold them. We would bring our pocket knives or kitchen knives to him and he would sharpen them for us. My boys and I had a saying that a knife wasn’t sharp unless it was “Staley Sharp.” Staley was his last name. A kitchen knife that was “Staley Sharp” would cut through a thick piece of meat as if it were nothing.
The Word of God will slice through the problem no matter how difficult it seems. The writer of Hebrews tells us that it is so sharp it can separate the soul and spirit. It can divide the joint from the marrow of the bone. It can tell the difference between the thought and the intent of the heart. In other words, the things that we can’t separate, the Word of God can separate. Those things that we have trouble defining. The Word of God will define. Where a fine line needs cut. The Word of God will cut it.
Why is this important? Is this going to make a difference or help in my life? Will this enable me to be an over comer in battle? Yes! How often have I needed an answer, it seemed there were no answers at all, only to have the Word of God give clarity to the situation? The question of right and wrong comes up and there’s a “fine line” between the two. However, the Word of God makes a distinction and I know which way to go.
I remember an incident several years ago. God had been dealing with my heart to do something that I really did not want to do. I had a tremendous burden that I had carried for several years and many dreams that had yet to occur. If I did what I felt God was telling me to do, it would affect my family, my church and many others. I knew I would face great opposition and questions that I couldn’t answer, if I followed the direction I felt God leading me.
After much prayer and seeking clarity for this directive from God I came across a passage of scripture. I don’t know if it would ever speak to someone else the way it spoke to me but as I read it I knew what I had to do. The Word of God cut away all of the confusion and doubt in the situation.
In the summer of 1990 I was sitting in a Sunday School class while on vacation. They had diagnosed my father with Parkinson’s disease about a year prior to this time and I was dealing with a lot of confusion in my mind. Dad was a great man of faith. He was sixty years old and just now thinking of retirement. He wanted to travel some and be a blessing to Churches with teaching and preaching. Dad and Mom planned to enjoy spending time with their grandchildren. However, now all of those plans had changed. He was now dealing with a life debilitating disease. My confusion came because of these different changes. I also had questions because, as I said, Dad was a man of great faith. I had seen him pray for people and God instantly healed them. Yet, we had prayed for him several times and nothing had changed. As I sat there that day and the Pastor taught a Bible lesson, we read a passage from the Bible as part of the lesson. Although the lesson had nothing to do with the questions that I was dealing with, this passage cut right to the heart of my questions. The answer was made clear to me in an instant. Through the following years I held onto the Word I had received from God.
In talking about the Full Armor of God, we have referred to the enemy attacking with the spirit of fear. We have established how the different pieces of armor are effective in protecting us from these attacks of the enemy. One thing that we must realize is we cannot remain on the defense all of the time. The shield of faith, the breastplate of righteousness and the other parts of the armor are all defensive in their protection. Yet, if we are on the defense too long, we will become weary and will eventually fall.
I like to listen to football games on the radio. It isn’t something I do often, but a couple of Saturdays during the season I will listen to my favorite college team play. Often, during a game, I have heard the announcers say, “They have got to get the defense off the field because they are wearing out!” I have yet to ever hear them say, “They have got to get the offense off the field they are wearing out!” Why is this? Because, when you are on offensive, and you are scoring points, you are in control of the game. When you are on defense you are trying to anticipate the opponent’s next move and react accordingly. You are trying to resist and push back against the thrust of the opponent.
The same is true in spiritual warfare. If you remain on the defense, you will wear out! You are constantly trying to anticipate the next move of the enemy. You are pushing back against his advances, constantly resisting him. This is why the sword of the Spirit is so important to us. It gives us the ability to attack the enemy! We can go on the offensive and take control of the battle and we will be victorious.
The sword is also used as a defensive tool. It can block a blow by the enemy and deliver a blow. We see this happening in the account of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness. Twice, Satan approached Jesus and tempted Him with the temptation of turning stones to bread and casting Himself off the pinnacle of the temple. Both times, Jesus used the Word of God to block the attack of the enemy. The third temptation Satan tempted Jesus with possessions if He would bow and worship him. This time Jesus attacked by saying, “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” (Matt 4:10 KJV) In other word’s Jesus said, “Get out of here! The scripture says that you must worship the Lord your God. Worship only Him.” You will also notice that Satan left Jesus then.
Paul tells us in Romans 10:17 that our faith comes by hearing the Word of God. I have found it to be very effective to read or quote scriptures aloud when I am in warfare. As I read or quote the passage I am hearing it, which in turn builds my faith. Take your Bible in your hand and begin to read scripture that builds your faith to deal with your situation! Have victory and be an overcomer.
Personalize the scripture as you are reading it. For example, as passage that means a lot to me and has helped me in many battles is Psalms 149:4-9. Which reads:
“For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.
5 Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.
6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand;
7 To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people;
8 To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron;
9 To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD.” (Ps 149:4-9 KJV)
When I am in battle I like to read this way:
For the LORD taketh pleasure in ME: he will beautify ME with salvation.
5 SO I WILL be joyful in glory: I WILL sing aloud upon MY bed.
6 The high praises of God be in MY mouth, and a twoedged sword in MY hand;
7 To execute vengeance AND punishments upon MY ENEMY;
8 To bind the PRINCIPALITIES, POWERS AND RULERS OF DARKNESS with chains, and with fetters of iron;
9 To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour I have AS his saint. I WILL Praise the LORD! Ps 149:4-9 KJV (NOTE: All of the capitalized words are added or changed by me to make it personal).
I can be victorious and have an overcoming life! That is the will and plan of God for me, as a child of God. This leads us to the last of our resources, which is prayer.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
The Shield of Faith
The Shield of Faith
As with each part of the armor, the shield had a very vital role in the armor of the soldier. I am including some information that I found concerning the construction and use of the shield the Roman soldier used in warfare.
“ The scutum was a curved oval shield made from two sheets of wood glued together and covered with canvas and leather, usually with a spindle-shaped boss along the vertical length of the shield. It can be considered a body shield, and was extremely heavy (~10kg or 22 lbs.). It is 1.28m (4.2ft) long and 63.5cm (25in) wide, and is constructed of laminated birch. Nine or ten strips of birch from 6-10cm (2.36-3.93in) wide were glued in-between two layers of thinner strips laid out perpendicular to the middle layer. The shield is thickest in the center (1.2cm) (1/2in), and is slightly less than a centimeter (.39") thick at the edges. The shield was covered with felt which was stitched through the wood. The grip was horizontal, and was meant to be held from the top. This type of shield probably also commonly featured an iron edging on the top and bottom rims. The shields of the legionary had to be of regulation size, and a soldier could be severely reprimanded if his shield was too large.”
When the soldiers marched into battle, they stood shoulder to shoulder with their shields in front of them, forming a wall. The men behind them stood in tight formation with their shields above their heads, forming a roof of protection. This formation was so tight and closed that the arrows of the enemy could not penetrate the protection. They said that the formation was so strong and dense that many times the troops would march into a river and stand there while the army, with wagons, passed over them using their shields as a bridge.
Through the years, while reading this passage, I have often pictured the soldier with a small round shield that he would maneuver around to stop the arrows coming at him. I would wonder what happened if he were to miss one or if two came simultaneously. This picture has changed, in my mind, to agree with the passage of scripture as it says, “ . . . taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench ALL the fiery darts of the wicked.” The enemy cannot fire anything at us that our faith will not protect us from.
Faith is such a powerful word. Faith is more than just hoping or thinking positives. It is much more. Faith is a firm persuasion or conviction based on what we have heard. It is to place trust or have confidence in what we are believing. In other words, faith is more than just saying I believe something is true, it is living as if you have been convinced it is true.
Let me give you the best word picture I can think of to help you understand faith. Jesus approached His disciples while they were in a boat on the sea. The disciples were afraid when they saw Jesus because they thought He was a ghost. Jesus called to them not to be afraid and identified Himself. Peter challenged the identity by saying “Lord if it is really you, bid me to come to you.” Jesus simply answered, “Come.”
Now faith has to kick in! Peter has heard that it was Jesus. Peter has received the invitation to come to Jesus. However, action must now accompany that which he has heard. Now Peter is about to try to do something that is physically impossible to do. He is about to swing his leg, over the side of the boat, and walk toward Jesus on the water. In order for this to take place, Peter must have the firm persuasion or confidence that Jesus is out there in the dark. He must have the trust or confidence that if Jesus said to come he can walk on water. Peter is about to live what he believes to be true.
As we all remember the story, Peter did, in fact, walk on the water to Jesus. He did accomplish that which was physically impossible for him to do. It wasn’t until he became convinced that he could not walk on the water that he began to sink. In other words, then he became firmly persuaded that what he was doing could not be done.
In our relationship with God faith is the base on which everything else rests. The writer of Hebrews said, “We must first believe that He (God) is and that He (God) is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” We must have that firm persuasion that God is really there. We can’t see Him, but we are persuaded and we trust that God is going to respond to our pursuit of Him.
Where does this faith come from? It is the result of what we have seen and heard. We have seen the evidence of God’s existence or His being. In fact Paul said it this way,
“From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God.”
(Rom 1:20 NLT)
Just looking around us and seeing the amazing creation of God starts us on the road of faith. Added to that basic realization and knowledge is what we hear. Again Paul gives us insight into faith:
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Rom 10:17
KJV)
To the basic knowledge there is a God, which we have because we have witnessed and enjoyed his handy work, we add what we have learned of God. Preaching and teaching is so important to our faith in that it is what spark our faith. Faith comes from what we hear and what we read in the Word of God. This is the reason we must have a personal Bible Study in our lives and we must be faithful to Church to hear the Word of God.
The question arises, how does this tie into spiritual warfare and the shield of faith? It goes back to that firm persuasion or conviction which is based on what we have heard. It involves placing trust or confidence in what we believe to be true. Let’s look at a good example of this happening in the Bible. The Spirit has led Jesus into the wilderness where He fasted forty days and nights. He is very hungry! Wild beasts surround him and Satan tempts him. (Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13)
You will notice that prior to going into the wilderness, John the Baptist baptized Jesus. After He was baptized, Jesus heard a voice from heaven, saying, “Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:22) So in the wilderness, when tempted, He stands on what He has heard. He has heard a voice from heaven and He has heard the Word of God, which was read aloud at the synagogue. He obviously read the scripture as well.
When the fiery darts of temptation were thrown at Jesus, we see Him using His shield of faith. He is firmly persuaded to live by the Word of God! He is placing His trust and confidence in the fact He is only to worship and serve God. There is no doubt in his mind that He doesn’t need to try or test God. He knows that God will stand by Him because of what the Word of God tells Him.
The young early Church has just received a warning they were not to preach in the name of Jesus. What were they to do? Peter told the court they were going to preach what they had seen and heard! They returned to the rest of the Church and explained the threats they had received. Together, all of the Church, began to pray and notice their prayer.
“And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.
27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:24-31 KJV)
So the shield of faith is again used for protection. A fiery dart of fear has been sent their way. As they began to pray they went back to that firm persuasion which was the result of what they had seen and heard. They returned to the bases of their faith which was, “God you created heaven and earth.” They continued with the greatness of God, His promises and deeds He had done. Then they presented their problem to the Lord. They were standing on their trust and confidence in God and His Word.
The enemy of our soul will attack us with fiery darts of fear and doubt. It is at this point that we must have confidence or trust in our salvation and our God of salvation. In your mind you can picture the Christian soldier behind the protection of a wall of faith. He stands firmly planted behind the persuasion or belief that he can place his trust in the Word of God.
Along with the basis of our faith we must build our faith or make it stronger. How is this accomplished? We build our faith by praying in the Spirit. We make ourselves, or our faith, stronger by praying in the Holy Ghost.
“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,” (Jude 20 KJV).
“A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally in the Lord,” (1 Cor 14:4 NLT).
We will spend some more time talking about prayer a little further on in this chapter. However, let me say here that prayer is so vital to strengthening our faith. As we pray in the Spirit, or in the Holy Ghost, we build up our faith. Pressing on in our prayer until we know we have touched God is like engaging in physical exercise. You press until you feel the “burn” and know you have had a good workout. You know that you are building your strength.
When in battle and under the attack of the enemy we have the blessed assurance that we can trust in the Word of God. No matter what is thrown our way, we can rely upon God’s Word to give us a shield against the enemy’s attack. Relying on that firm persuasion, our faith, will never let us down but will quench all of the fiery darts of the wicked.
As with each part of the armor, the shield had a very vital role in the armor of the soldier. I am including some information that I found concerning the construction and use of the shield the Roman soldier used in warfare.
“ The scutum was a curved oval shield made from two sheets of wood glued together and covered with canvas and leather, usually with a spindle-shaped boss along the vertical length of the shield. It can be considered a body shield, and was extremely heavy (~10kg or 22 lbs.). It is 1.28m (4.2ft) long and 63.5cm (25in) wide, and is constructed of laminated birch. Nine or ten strips of birch from 6-10cm (2.36-3.93in) wide were glued in-between two layers of thinner strips laid out perpendicular to the middle layer. The shield is thickest in the center (1.2cm) (1/2in), and is slightly less than a centimeter (.39") thick at the edges. The shield was covered with felt which was stitched through the wood. The grip was horizontal, and was meant to be held from the top. This type of shield probably also commonly featured an iron edging on the top and bottom rims. The shields of the legionary had to be of regulation size, and a soldier could be severely reprimanded if his shield was too large.”
When the soldiers marched into battle, they stood shoulder to shoulder with their shields in front of them, forming a wall. The men behind them stood in tight formation with their shields above their heads, forming a roof of protection. This formation was so tight and closed that the arrows of the enemy could not penetrate the protection. They said that the formation was so strong and dense that many times the troops would march into a river and stand there while the army, with wagons, passed over them using their shields as a bridge.
Through the years, while reading this passage, I have often pictured the soldier with a small round shield that he would maneuver around to stop the arrows coming at him. I would wonder what happened if he were to miss one or if two came simultaneously. This picture has changed, in my mind, to agree with the passage of scripture as it says, “ . . . taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench ALL the fiery darts of the wicked.” The enemy cannot fire anything at us that our faith will not protect us from.
Faith is such a powerful word. Faith is more than just hoping or thinking positives. It is much more. Faith is a firm persuasion or conviction based on what we have heard. It is to place trust or have confidence in what we are believing. In other words, faith is more than just saying I believe something is true, it is living as if you have been convinced it is true.
Let me give you the best word picture I can think of to help you understand faith. Jesus approached His disciples while they were in a boat on the sea. The disciples were afraid when they saw Jesus because they thought He was a ghost. Jesus called to them not to be afraid and identified Himself. Peter challenged the identity by saying “Lord if it is really you, bid me to come to you.” Jesus simply answered, “Come.”
Now faith has to kick in! Peter has heard that it was Jesus. Peter has received the invitation to come to Jesus. However, action must now accompany that which he has heard. Now Peter is about to try to do something that is physically impossible to do. He is about to swing his leg, over the side of the boat, and walk toward Jesus on the water. In order for this to take place, Peter must have the firm persuasion or confidence that Jesus is out there in the dark. He must have the trust or confidence that if Jesus said to come he can walk on water. Peter is about to live what he believes to be true.
As we all remember the story, Peter did, in fact, walk on the water to Jesus. He did accomplish that which was physically impossible for him to do. It wasn’t until he became convinced that he could not walk on the water that he began to sink. In other words, then he became firmly persuaded that what he was doing could not be done.
In our relationship with God faith is the base on which everything else rests. The writer of Hebrews said, “We must first believe that He (God) is and that He (God) is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” We must have that firm persuasion that God is really there. We can’t see Him, but we are persuaded and we trust that God is going to respond to our pursuit of Him.
Where does this faith come from? It is the result of what we have seen and heard. We have seen the evidence of God’s existence or His being. In fact Paul said it this way,
“From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God.”
(Rom 1:20 NLT)
Just looking around us and seeing the amazing creation of God starts us on the road of faith. Added to that basic realization and knowledge is what we hear. Again Paul gives us insight into faith:
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Rom 10:17
KJV)
To the basic knowledge there is a God, which we have because we have witnessed and enjoyed his handy work, we add what we have learned of God. Preaching and teaching is so important to our faith in that it is what spark our faith. Faith comes from what we hear and what we read in the Word of God. This is the reason we must have a personal Bible Study in our lives and we must be faithful to Church to hear the Word of God.
The question arises, how does this tie into spiritual warfare and the shield of faith? It goes back to that firm persuasion or conviction which is based on what we have heard. It involves placing trust or confidence in what we believe to be true. Let’s look at a good example of this happening in the Bible. The Spirit has led Jesus into the wilderness where He fasted forty days and nights. He is very hungry! Wild beasts surround him and Satan tempts him. (Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13)
You will notice that prior to going into the wilderness, John the Baptist baptized Jesus. After He was baptized, Jesus heard a voice from heaven, saying, “Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:22) So in the wilderness, when tempted, He stands on what He has heard. He has heard a voice from heaven and He has heard the Word of God, which was read aloud at the synagogue. He obviously read the scripture as well.
When the fiery darts of temptation were thrown at Jesus, we see Him using His shield of faith. He is firmly persuaded to live by the Word of God! He is placing His trust and confidence in the fact He is only to worship and serve God. There is no doubt in his mind that He doesn’t need to try or test God. He knows that God will stand by Him because of what the Word of God tells Him.
The young early Church has just received a warning they were not to preach in the name of Jesus. What were they to do? Peter told the court they were going to preach what they had seen and heard! They returned to the rest of the Church and explained the threats they had received. Together, all of the Church, began to pray and notice their prayer.
“And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.
27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:24-31 KJV)
So the shield of faith is again used for protection. A fiery dart of fear has been sent their way. As they began to pray they went back to that firm persuasion which was the result of what they had seen and heard. They returned to the bases of their faith which was, “God you created heaven and earth.” They continued with the greatness of God, His promises and deeds He had done. Then they presented their problem to the Lord. They were standing on their trust and confidence in God and His Word.
The enemy of our soul will attack us with fiery darts of fear and doubt. It is at this point that we must have confidence or trust in our salvation and our God of salvation. In your mind you can picture the Christian soldier behind the protection of a wall of faith. He stands firmly planted behind the persuasion or belief that he can place his trust in the Word of God.
Along with the basis of our faith we must build our faith or make it stronger. How is this accomplished? We build our faith by praying in the Spirit. We make ourselves, or our faith, stronger by praying in the Holy Ghost.
“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,” (Jude 20 KJV).
“A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally in the Lord,” (1 Cor 14:4 NLT).
We will spend some more time talking about prayer a little further on in this chapter. However, let me say here that prayer is so vital to strengthening our faith. As we pray in the Spirit, or in the Holy Ghost, we build up our faith. Pressing on in our prayer until we know we have touched God is like engaging in physical exercise. You press until you feel the “burn” and know you have had a good workout. You know that you are building your strength.
When in battle and under the attack of the enemy we have the blessed assurance that we can trust in the Word of God. No matter what is thrown our way, we can rely upon God’s Word to give us a shield against the enemy’s attack. Relying on that firm persuasion, our faith, will never let us down but will quench all of the fiery darts of the wicked.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
Our first inclination when we sense danger is to run and hide. We want to flee the threat of danger! Our pulse begins to race! Our adrenalin begins to pump! Fear grips our heart! The first thought we have is to make a retreat and save ourselves.
Fear is a controlling, amazing thing. The cause of fear doesn’t even have to be real, it can be something we have imagined or someone has told us. Experiences can cause fear in our lives that are either real or imagined. Fear will control you. Let me give you an example.
I was driving home from Church one Sunday with my mother. We exited the Interstate and came to a stop sign at an intersection. Across from where we sat, about a hundred feet away and to our right, we could see the shore of a lake. My mother looked at the lake and said, “That makes my stomach hurt!”
Not sure what she was referring to, I asked, “What are you talking about?” To this she replied, “That water! Looking at it makes my stomach hurt!”
Now I was very curious how the lake’s water could make her stomach hurt, so I asked her. To this she replied, “Well, when I was two years old I almost drowned. So when I look at water, it makes my stomach hurt.”
I was surprised and said, “Mom, you can’t even remember when you were two years old. How can that experience make you afraid of water to the point it makes your stomach hurt to look at it? You are just going on what someone told you.”
Mom replied, “I don’t care! It makes my stomach hurt to look at water.” I then began to recall how afraid she had been all of my life whenever water was involved. She had never, in my lifetime, gone swimming. In fact, I don’t ever remember her going wading or standing in the waves at the ocean. When we were kids, we would beg to go swimming at the river. When mom would finally give in and would take us we could only get in the water up to our knees. I was eighteen years old when I learned to swim. A fear that someone had told her about, had controlled her life for seventy-five years.
The same thing happens to us spiritually. We often deal with fears that things that we have experienced in our past have caused. Sometimes the enemy of our soul will whisper lies in our ears that will breed fears into our lives. Our imaginations begin to expand on the lies, making them larger and more real in our minds to the point fear controls us.
Paul tells us, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Tim 1:7 KJV)
John also writes and tells us, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18 KJV)
Fear is the root of so much of our spiritual troubles. It is the cause of much of the conflict we have with our brothers and sisters in the Lord. We can find ourselves going through life responding to the fears of what others think about us. We are afraid of what someone else will do or say if we dress a certain way or fail to respond in a certain way. Too often we find ourselves bound by things we are sure others are saying about us. Fear and condemnation can blind us until we become helpless.
When fear sets in it brings torment! Torment will result in the victim becoming self centered. Not because they are egotistical! This happens because they become consumed by the fear that has overtaken their lives. Everything becomes centered on this fear and how it affects them.
The “Good News” is that God hasn’t given us the spirit of fear. He has given us the “Spirit of Power.” Power is the opposite of fear. Fear leaves you feeling weak. Fear causes you to feel vulnerable and helpless. However, power is strength, ability and authority. “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you,” (Acts 1:8a KJV).
The “Good News” is that God hasn’t given us the spirit of fear. He has given us the “Spirit of Love.” Love is the opposite of fear. Fear causes you to feel alone. It will make you feel that no one cares and no one is listening to your cries for help. Fear will make you feel that no one will be there to take care of you. Love, on the other hand, is the assurance that someone is there and they do care. It is the knowledge that there is someone you can call to and they will respond and wrap their arms around you in a loving embrace. Peter admonishes us, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1Peter 5:7 KJV)
The “Good News” is that God hasn’t given us the spirit of fear. He has given us the “Spirit of a Sound Mind.” Several translations use the word discipline here. A mind that is undisciplined will cause fear. They allow the imagination to be in control. However, when we control or discipline our mind, fear is no longer able to rule over us. Paul admonishes us, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ”; (2 Cor. 10:5 KJV).
When I recognize that I have protection from fear I am free to walk in peace. I will enjoy peace that is beyond understanding in my life. I will know peace with my fellow man. It is then that I will be free to spread the “Gospel of Peace” in a world that is searching for peace. As Jesus said in His last words to His disciples, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me” (Acts 1:8 KJV).
Paul encourages us in to, “Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:6-7 NLT)
(An excerpt from the second chapter of the book I am presently writing.)
Fear is a controlling, amazing thing. The cause of fear doesn’t even have to be real, it can be something we have imagined or someone has told us. Experiences can cause fear in our lives that are either real or imagined. Fear will control you. Let me give you an example.
I was driving home from Church one Sunday with my mother. We exited the Interstate and came to a stop sign at an intersection. Across from where we sat, about a hundred feet away and to our right, we could see the shore of a lake. My mother looked at the lake and said, “That makes my stomach hurt!”
Not sure what she was referring to, I asked, “What are you talking about?” To this she replied, “That water! Looking at it makes my stomach hurt!”
Now I was very curious how the lake’s water could make her stomach hurt, so I asked her. To this she replied, “Well, when I was two years old I almost drowned. So when I look at water, it makes my stomach hurt.”
I was surprised and said, “Mom, you can’t even remember when you were two years old. How can that experience make you afraid of water to the point it makes your stomach hurt to look at it? You are just going on what someone told you.”
Mom replied, “I don’t care! It makes my stomach hurt to look at water.” I then began to recall how afraid she had been all of my life whenever water was involved. She had never, in my lifetime, gone swimming. In fact, I don’t ever remember her going wading or standing in the waves at the ocean. When we were kids, we would beg to go swimming at the river. When mom would finally give in and would take us we could only get in the water up to our knees. I was eighteen years old when I learned to swim. A fear that someone had told her about, had controlled her life for seventy-five years.
The same thing happens to us spiritually. We often deal with fears that things that we have experienced in our past have caused. Sometimes the enemy of our soul will whisper lies in our ears that will breed fears into our lives. Our imaginations begin to expand on the lies, making them larger and more real in our minds to the point fear controls us.
Paul tells us, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Tim 1:7 KJV)
John also writes and tells us, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18 KJV)
Fear is the root of so much of our spiritual troubles. It is the cause of much of the conflict we have with our brothers and sisters in the Lord. We can find ourselves going through life responding to the fears of what others think about us. We are afraid of what someone else will do or say if we dress a certain way or fail to respond in a certain way. Too often we find ourselves bound by things we are sure others are saying about us. Fear and condemnation can blind us until we become helpless.
When fear sets in it brings torment! Torment will result in the victim becoming self centered. Not because they are egotistical! This happens because they become consumed by the fear that has overtaken their lives. Everything becomes centered on this fear and how it affects them.
The “Good News” is that God hasn’t given us the spirit of fear. He has given us the “Spirit of Power.” Power is the opposite of fear. Fear leaves you feeling weak. Fear causes you to feel vulnerable and helpless. However, power is strength, ability and authority. “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you,” (Acts 1:8a KJV).
The “Good News” is that God hasn’t given us the spirit of fear. He has given us the “Spirit of Love.” Love is the opposite of fear. Fear causes you to feel alone. It will make you feel that no one cares and no one is listening to your cries for help. Fear will make you feel that no one will be there to take care of you. Love, on the other hand, is the assurance that someone is there and they do care. It is the knowledge that there is someone you can call to and they will respond and wrap their arms around you in a loving embrace. Peter admonishes us, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1Peter 5:7 KJV)
The “Good News” is that God hasn’t given us the spirit of fear. He has given us the “Spirit of a Sound Mind.” Several translations use the word discipline here. A mind that is undisciplined will cause fear. They allow the imagination to be in control. However, when we control or discipline our mind, fear is no longer able to rule over us. Paul admonishes us, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ”; (2 Cor. 10:5 KJV).
When I recognize that I have protection from fear I am free to walk in peace. I will enjoy peace that is beyond understanding in my life. I will know peace with my fellow man. It is then that I will be free to spread the “Gospel of Peace” in a world that is searching for peace. As Jesus said in His last words to His disciples, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me” (Acts 1:8 KJV).
Paul encourages us in to, “Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:6-7 NLT)
(An excerpt from the second chapter of the book I am presently writing.)
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Is Your Nose Pressed Against The Window?
It was so funny, one night at Church, you know that some of the funniest things happen at Church! I had to start laughing and shame on me. We were having an awesome move of God in service. I was standing up front playing the guitar and looked over to the side. My brother, Tim, was in the fellowship hall doing children’s ministry. He had come to the door and was peaking in to see what was happening. All I could see was one eye and his nose. I couldn’t help but laugh because it looked so funny.
I remembered an incident back many years ago. You can only remember many years ago when you get old. I was preaching a revival in a little town in Oregon. The revival was only for the weekend, so I had invited one of the young men from the church to accompany me so I wouldn’t have to travel alone. On Monday morning the pastor left early for work and we left, when he did, to head home. We stopped at a little restaurant in town to have breakfast. We were seated right at the window, which looked out over the street. The restaurant was right on a corner which also served as a school bus stop and there were several children standing waiting for the school bus. As we were setting at the table eating, I looked over toward the street and much to my surprise there were three little boys standing at the window with their noses pressed against the glass watching us eat.
You can imagine how funny that looked! We started laughing and they start laughing as well. I couldn’t help but think of those three little boys when I saw the big boy looking through the door. It was as if his nose was pressed against the glass and he was wishing he could have some too. If you know Tim, you know that is exactly what he was wishing!
The Psalmist tells us, “Oh taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.” (Ps. 34:8)
How many times have we stood back and watched others get blessed while we wonder how good it tastes?! How often have we looked in, with our noses pressed against the window, wishing we could have some of that?! All along each of us has the opportunity to “taste and see” for ourselves. We don’t have to be a spectator; we can be a participator in everything God offers to the believer.
I have observed as different ones plunge their dipper into the “well of living water” and take a taste. I have watched as the “well of living water” began to bubble up within them and the blessings began to purge away the pressure of the week. I have watched as some were healed, just as a result of worship. I have watched others as the weariness of life was washed from their faces. Some weep with relief. Others have responded with jubilation. They “tasted” and found for themselves the Lord is good. There is a special blessing when we realize we can place our trust in the Lord!
Each and every life is created with a hunger in it that can only be filled by God. Jesus stopped one day at a well and talked with a woman who had come to draw water to meet her natural, physical needs. Jesus offered her water that would meet the longing that was in her soul. In fact, Jesus told her, “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” (John 4:14 KJV)
How many times have I wanted to buy a type of food that I was hungry for only to realize it was too expensive? At the price of beef today you need to mortgage your home to buy a steak! There have been times in my life, when we have lived on very simple, basic staples because of a lack of finances. I remember one time when I was young and times were hard, as Dad and Mom were pastoring a home mission Church, we lived on pancakes for several weeks. In the morning we had pancakes with homemade syrup. In the evening we had pancakes with jelly. That was all we could afford and were thankful for it.
However we have this invitation, “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” (Isa 55:1 KJV)
I don’t have to stand outside the window and press my nose against the glass. I have a standing invitation to come inside and eat and drink until I am full. What a blessing to be invited to come in and sit down to eat at the king’s table. What a great opportunity is available, to have the assurance that satisfaction is available to each and every one of us.
Let me encourage you to step back from the window and come on in! Pull up a seat and place your trust in God, you will find out He is GOOD!
It’s just a thought! God Bless
Monday, June 6, 2011
Today is the Day of Good News!
Have you ever been sorry that you received good news? I can’t think of one time that I have regretted receiving good news. I do not remember one morning when I have awakened and thought, “I hope that I get some bad news today!” I do know that most mornings I am hoping for some good news. In fact, to be honest, I look forward to hearing good news, even when it isn’t for me.
The four men looked at each other and one of them said, “This situation looks really hopeless!” Another continued the thought, “That’s right! If we continue to sit here, we are going to die. If we go to the city we are going to die and if we go to the camp of the Syrians, our enemies, we will die.” Another one said, “You are right about dying if we sit here or if we go to the city, however, there is a chance the Syrians might feel sorry for us if we go to their camp and they might feed us.” The last man said, “What is there to lose? Let’s go take our chances with the Syrian camp.”
The Syrian army had besieged Samaria causing a great famine. It was so bad and people were so desperate for food that a donkey’s head sold for twenty pieces of silver. In fact the famine had gotten so bad that people were killing their babies and eating them. There was not hope in the city! This situation compounded the hopelessness of having the dreaded disease of leprosy for which there was no cure.
The four men got up from where they were sitting and began the walk to the Syrian camp. The Bible tells us in Second Kings seven that as they walked, the Syrians heard the sound of many chariots and many horses and a mighty host approaching. They thought Israel had found some allies to join them in the war so the Syrians fled before their imagined foe.
When the four lepers came into the camp, they found it deserted! The Syrian army had fled and left everything behind them just “as it was” and fled for their lives. The four lepers had come upon a bonanza! They entered into a tent and ate and drank and then carried off the treasure they found to hide it. They returned and went to another tent and carried off the treasure and hid it as well. They were going to live! Not only were they going to live, they were going to live well!
As they were returning to get more treasure one of them said to the others, “Fellas, this isn’t right. Today is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves. People are starving in the city and if someone comes upon us we are going to lose everything we have. Let’s share the good news with the King.”
The angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds in the field and said to them, “I bring you good news that will bring great joy! A savior has been born today who is Christ the Lord!” Today is a day of good news. We have a Savior!
Many of us is as the lepers were. Our lot in life is hopeless and we don’t know which way to turn. If we stay where we are we will die! If we go to the left, we will die! If we go to the right, we will die! There is not hope! However, today is a day of good news! We have a Savior!
It was His custom to go to the synagogue and so He went. As the service progressed, the minister handed Him the Book of Isaiah and Jesus turned to the sixty-first chapter and began to read; “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty they that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. “ He handed the Book back to the minister and told the people, “Today is this scripture fulfilled.” (Luke 4:18)
The word gospel simply means good news. In fact if you read this passage in the Old Testament it actually says to preach good tidings or good news. The good news is that each of us can have hope. Life deals us blows! As life happens, it often breaks our hearts. Yet let me assure you, today is the day of good news! Jesus came to heal the broken heart. The circumstances of life can leave us bound, chained by fear and defeat. However, today is a day of good news! Jesus came to deliver the captive. The fears and failures caused by the events of life often leave us blinded, unable to see what God can do and what He wants to do in our lives. But today is the day of good news! Jesus came to restore sight to the blind. The emotional and spiritual blows of life leave us laying bruised and battered, unable to continue on! I assure you that today is the day of good news! The blood of Jesus Christ will liberate the bruised and bring spiritual and emotional healing to your life.
Life happens and it happens to us all. We will be broken, captive, blinded and bruised. We will be poor in spirit, at the point of hopelessness with no where to turn. Yet in the midst of a time of despair in your life, be assured, today is a day of good news! We have a Savior!
It’s just a thought!
The four men looked at each other and one of them said, “This situation looks really hopeless!” Another continued the thought, “That’s right! If we continue to sit here, we are going to die. If we go to the city we are going to die and if we go to the camp of the Syrians, our enemies, we will die.” Another one said, “You are right about dying if we sit here or if we go to the city, however, there is a chance the Syrians might feel sorry for us if we go to their camp and they might feed us.” The last man said, “What is there to lose? Let’s go take our chances with the Syrian camp.”
The Syrian army had besieged Samaria causing a great famine. It was so bad and people were so desperate for food that a donkey’s head sold for twenty pieces of silver. In fact the famine had gotten so bad that people were killing their babies and eating them. There was not hope in the city! This situation compounded the hopelessness of having the dreaded disease of leprosy for which there was no cure.
The four men got up from where they were sitting and began the walk to the Syrian camp. The Bible tells us in Second Kings seven that as they walked, the Syrians heard the sound of many chariots and many horses and a mighty host approaching. They thought Israel had found some allies to join them in the war so the Syrians fled before their imagined foe.
When the four lepers came into the camp, they found it deserted! The Syrian army had fled and left everything behind them just “as it was” and fled for their lives. The four lepers had come upon a bonanza! They entered into a tent and ate and drank and then carried off the treasure they found to hide it. They returned and went to another tent and carried off the treasure and hid it as well. They were going to live! Not only were they going to live, they were going to live well!
As they were returning to get more treasure one of them said to the others, “Fellas, this isn’t right. Today is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves. People are starving in the city and if someone comes upon us we are going to lose everything we have. Let’s share the good news with the King.”
The angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds in the field and said to them, “I bring you good news that will bring great joy! A savior has been born today who is Christ the Lord!” Today is a day of good news. We have a Savior!
Many of us is as the lepers were. Our lot in life is hopeless and we don’t know which way to turn. If we stay where we are we will die! If we go to the left, we will die! If we go to the right, we will die! There is not hope! However, today is a day of good news! We have a Savior!
It was His custom to go to the synagogue and so He went. As the service progressed, the minister handed Him the Book of Isaiah and Jesus turned to the sixty-first chapter and began to read; “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty they that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. “ He handed the Book back to the minister and told the people, “Today is this scripture fulfilled.” (Luke 4:18)
The word gospel simply means good news. In fact if you read this passage in the Old Testament it actually says to preach good tidings or good news. The good news is that each of us can have hope. Life deals us blows! As life happens, it often breaks our hearts. Yet let me assure you, today is the day of good news! Jesus came to heal the broken heart. The circumstances of life can leave us bound, chained by fear and defeat. However, today is a day of good news! Jesus came to deliver the captive. The fears and failures caused by the events of life often leave us blinded, unable to see what God can do and what He wants to do in our lives. But today is the day of good news! Jesus came to restore sight to the blind. The emotional and spiritual blows of life leave us laying bruised and battered, unable to continue on! I assure you that today is the day of good news! The blood of Jesus Christ will liberate the bruised and bring spiritual and emotional healing to your life.
Life happens and it happens to us all. We will be broken, captive, blinded and bruised. We will be poor in spirit, at the point of hopelessness with no where to turn. Yet in the midst of a time of despair in your life, be assured, today is a day of good news! We have a Savior!
It’s just a thought!
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