Acts 15:39-40 "And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God."
God knows what was going on. Paul had his reasons why Mark should not go with them on the second missionary journey, which eventually took Paul and his company into Greece. Mark had let him down and perhaps Paul had taken this personally. In any case, it caused Paul to not take Mark, but instead to take Silas with him. Silas operated in the gift of prophecy, and it is noteworthy that during this journey we read a lot about the Holy Spirit's direction, including the famous Macedonian Call. So it seems God used this seemingly negative event, to stretch and to grow Paul's experience of the prophetic gift.
But God did not forget about Mark in this process. Barnabas took Mark, his nephew, under his wing. This took forgiveness, and Barnabas, the Son of Encouragement (a name given him by fellow church members) gave Mark a fresh opportunity for ministry. Tradition says that Mark later became the personal assistant to Peter, the apostle to the Jews. There he learned much about the events of Jesus' ministry, which Mark then wrote down in the Gospel according to Mark, which is considered to be the first of the four gospels to be written.
So God used this seemingly negative event, to develop and grow two people, and countless others through them.
God knows the things we are going through, personally. I am sure Paul felt badly about this conflict with Barnabas, may have wished he could do it over. But in God's hands, all things work together for good for those called according to His purpose. Turn the situation over to God, and allow Him to use it for His purposes. He knows what He is doing. He promised never to leave or forsake us.
"Lord, help me to be an instrument of Your grace, and I ask you to work out the situations of my life, for Your glory. Amen"
Showing posts with label blog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blog. Show all posts
Monday, October 22, 2012
Monday, October 8, 2012
Personal Revival - Prov 24:16
The life of the Christian has its ups and downs. We start on our walk with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, with great enthusiasm, we love the new closeness we have with God! It is awesome! We may have met Jesus at a revival meeting, or perhaps it was a "chance" encounter with someone on the street, perhaps it was some relative or friend who introduced us. But we were excited, and we were going to tell the world about it!
The natural way of things, is that life starts to encroach on this relationship. Busy-ness is one of these things. Early in life we have less responsibilities, and more time to maintain the freshness of this relationship. As time goes on, though, more things crowd in to devour our time, meaning there is less time to feed our relationship with Jesus. Gradually, Jesus can be allowed to drift to the periphery of our life, while other more urgent things take center stage.
The church in Ephesus had this happen to them. They started with a bang, people had to decide rapidly on which side they stood, when a riot threatened to kill off the initial attempts to start a church (Acts 19). They persevered though, and Paul was able to write one of his most profound letters to this church - the epistle to the Ephesians. As time goes on, we can become weary in well-doing (2 Thes 3:13), but this was not the case in Ephesus. They maintained their spiritual walk, and are commended for this (Rev 2:1-3)
But Jesus also, besides the commendation, has something to say to this church. "Yet I hold this against you. You have forsaken your first love." He says, "Repent, and do the things you did at first". This church was obedient and resistant to false teaching, they persevered. But they had lost the freshness of their first love, that first contact with Jesus! Relationship may have become religion to them. Jesus urges them to recapture that initial zeal, and get back to the urgency of their early days as God's children.
Proverbs tells us: "for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again". We can regain that closeness with Jesus. He says to do the first works, what worked before will work again! We devoured the Bible, our prayer time was precious to us. Yes, we may have lost our habit of doing these things, but we can get up again! Restarting certain disciplines may feel uncomfortable for a while, but as we regain that lost fervor, we will once again feel the hunger for a closer walk with the Lord!
"Lord, we surrender ourselves to you, and ask you to lead us into a closer relationship with you. We long for your touch! In Jesus' name, amen"
The natural way of things, is that life starts to encroach on this relationship. Busy-ness is one of these things. Early in life we have less responsibilities, and more time to maintain the freshness of this relationship. As time goes on, though, more things crowd in to devour our time, meaning there is less time to feed our relationship with Jesus. Gradually, Jesus can be allowed to drift to the periphery of our life, while other more urgent things take center stage.
The church in Ephesus had this happen to them. They started with a bang, people had to decide rapidly on which side they stood, when a riot threatened to kill off the initial attempts to start a church (Acts 19). They persevered though, and Paul was able to write one of his most profound letters to this church - the epistle to the Ephesians. As time goes on, we can become weary in well-doing (2 Thes 3:13), but this was not the case in Ephesus. They maintained their spiritual walk, and are commended for this (Rev 2:1-3)
But Jesus also, besides the commendation, has something to say to this church. "Yet I hold this against you. You have forsaken your first love." He says, "Repent, and do the things you did at first". This church was obedient and resistant to false teaching, they persevered. But they had lost the freshness of their first love, that first contact with Jesus! Relationship may have become religion to them. Jesus urges them to recapture that initial zeal, and get back to the urgency of their early days as God's children.
Proverbs tells us: "for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again". We can regain that closeness with Jesus. He says to do the first works, what worked before will work again! We devoured the Bible, our prayer time was precious to us. Yes, we may have lost our habit of doing these things, but we can get up again! Restarting certain disciplines may feel uncomfortable for a while, but as we regain that lost fervor, we will once again feel the hunger for a closer walk with the Lord!
"Lord, we surrender ourselves to you, and ask you to lead us into a closer relationship with you. We long for your touch! In Jesus' name, amen"
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Suddenly!
Luke 17:28-29 "It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulphur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all".
In this passage, Jesus gives some information about the coming of the Kingdom of God, and Jesus' return to this earth. He first of all tells that the kingdom is inside of us (v. 21), and that we can't find it by looking in this place or that place. He also tells that when he returns, all people will see him (v. 24), like the lightning that lights up the sky. And then he tells us that when this event happens, people will not be expecting it. Things will happen suddenly!
Things sometimes creep up on us and suddenly they are there. Things may seem quiet and normal, just as in the days of Lot. They were carrying on their daily business and everything seemed peaceful to them. They did not expect something horrendous to happen. Yet it came! Suddenly! In our own lives we may let down and take it easy and we don't even notice how we are slipping away in our relationship with God. But he will return, suddenly! "Two women will be grinding grain together, one will be taken and the other left" (v.35). Here, Jesus seems to be speaking of the rapture, described in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. It will happen suddenly! And the day we meet Jesus may be even closer than we think - each of us is only a breath away from meeting our Maker!
This is why Jesus tells us to watch and pray! We ought always to be ready to meet Jesus! Be awake. Be in relationship with him. Be ready so he will be able to say to us, "Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter into the joy of your Lord!" Don't let that day come upon us, unawares.
"Lord, I pray that you would keep me awake and alert and on the ball, and that my relationship with you would stay hot and fervent! Come quickly, Lord Jesus!"
In this passage, Jesus gives some information about the coming of the Kingdom of God, and Jesus' return to this earth. He first of all tells that the kingdom is inside of us (v. 21), and that we can't find it by looking in this place or that place. He also tells that when he returns, all people will see him (v. 24), like the lightning that lights up the sky. And then he tells us that when this event happens, people will not be expecting it. Things will happen suddenly!
Things sometimes creep up on us and suddenly they are there. Things may seem quiet and normal, just as in the days of Lot. They were carrying on their daily business and everything seemed peaceful to them. They did not expect something horrendous to happen. Yet it came! Suddenly! In our own lives we may let down and take it easy and we don't even notice how we are slipping away in our relationship with God. But he will return, suddenly! "Two women will be grinding grain together, one will be taken and the other left" (v.35). Here, Jesus seems to be speaking of the rapture, described in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. It will happen suddenly! And the day we meet Jesus may be even closer than we think - each of us is only a breath away from meeting our Maker!
This is why Jesus tells us to watch and pray! We ought always to be ready to meet Jesus! Be awake. Be in relationship with him. Be ready so he will be able to say to us, "Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter into the joy of your Lord!" Don't let that day come upon us, unawares.
"Lord, I pray that you would keep me awake and alert and on the ball, and that my relationship with you would stay hot and fervent! Come quickly, Lord Jesus!"
Thursday, August 9, 2012
The state of our heart!
Today I have been thinking about marriage. I am thinking about my own marriage, that of others I know, and I am thinking about all of my friends.
A few weeks ago, I was privileged to perform the wedding ceremony for some close friends. This was the culmination of a journey they started some time ago, and they had invested time, not just in gazing into each others' eyes, but also in counseling and preparing for taking this momentous step. When we start out on the journey called marriage, we have all kinds of idealistic notions, some realistic, some not. But we start out with the very best of intentions for the future.
As the months progress we see more of each other than we may care to know. Human nature being what it is, we tend to examine the other more than ourselves. Things happen in life, which can leave wounds if not dealt with properly. I am not blogging about how to deal with these things, each situation is different, though the priniples of keeping our marriage fresh and alive, have not changed. But hurts happen, and they can take their toll in our relationship.
A couple of weeks ago I personally started a journey to improve my marriage. Dianne and I watched the movie "Fireproof" and I recommend it to everyone, whether you are married, divorced or contemplating marriage at some time in the future. The movie talks about one couple's journey from the brink of divorce, to a new and fresh relationship they had never yet experienced. You may think it would take both partners to do this, but in the movie and in real life, one party can make a huge difference in our marriage complexion
Anyway, I started the journey talked about in the movie. It makes a difference, that's all I will say. I suggest that anyone who wants their marriage to improve, take on the Love Dare. It doesn't matter how rough things have become, there is hope because the future has not yet happened, and change is possible.
Join me on the journey!
Love you,
Pastor Gerry
A few weeks ago, I was privileged to perform the wedding ceremony for some close friends. This was the culmination of a journey they started some time ago, and they had invested time, not just in gazing into each others' eyes, but also in counseling and preparing for taking this momentous step. When we start out on the journey called marriage, we have all kinds of idealistic notions, some realistic, some not. But we start out with the very best of intentions for the future.
As the months progress we see more of each other than we may care to know. Human nature being what it is, we tend to examine the other more than ourselves. Things happen in life, which can leave wounds if not dealt with properly. I am not blogging about how to deal with these things, each situation is different, though the priniples of keeping our marriage fresh and alive, have not changed. But hurts happen, and they can take their toll in our relationship.
A couple of weeks ago I personally started a journey to improve my marriage. Dianne and I watched the movie "Fireproof" and I recommend it to everyone, whether you are married, divorced or contemplating marriage at some time in the future. The movie talks about one couple's journey from the brink of divorce, to a new and fresh relationship they had never yet experienced. You may think it would take both partners to do this, but in the movie and in real life, one party can make a huge difference in our marriage complexion
Anyway, I started the journey talked about in the movie. It makes a difference, that's all I will say. I suggest that anyone who wants their marriage to improve, take on the Love Dare. It doesn't matter how rough things have become, there is hope because the future has not yet happened, and change is possible.
Join me on the journey!
Love you,
Pastor Gerry
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
What Does Blessing Mean?
In my last post I spoke about the power of blessing.
Jacob blessed his grandchildren. It impacted that family down through the generations. Grankids became familes, which grew into tribes and eventually nations. There is a lesson in this. An event which seems insignificant today, can have far-reaching and long-lasting effects, even beyond our own awareness.
We are all aware that hurts can have seemingly permanent consequences. Blessing, however, also has the power to change the future of relationships
In his letter to the diaspora, the scattered 12 tribes of Israel, James tells us a little about the power of the tongue. He starts by warning teachers, in James 3, about their greater accountability. "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly". And then he continues, "We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check."
Even as I am thinking right now, my thoughts go to times I have offended, unintentionally. But the emphasis of this comment by James, is not to condemn, but to encourage blessing. Verse 17 tells us, "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness."
Blessing is described in these positive qualities. Blessing is pure, no ulterior motives, purely well-wishing. Blessing is peace-loving, it desires to reconcile, bring unity. Blessing is considerate, caring about others' feelings and situations. Blessing is submissive, "in humility consider others better than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3). Blessing is full of mercy, giving others the benefit of the doubt, giving them trust, another chance. Blessing is full of good fruit, our lives speak of our being blessers rather than people who tear down. Blessing is impartial, just as God is no respector of persons, neither are we, each person is our brother or sister and needs our blessing equally. And finally, blessing is sincere, it is not a form of words, rather it is an expression of the love of Jesus in our heart, towards another.
I pray that we be a band of blessers, touching lives around us, who will then pass it on to others, in an ever-expanding ripple of God's grace across this world.
I bless you today, in your relationships, your families, your friends, your employment, and above all in your relationship with the Father who loves us so dearly.
Have an awesome day,
Pastor Gerry
Jacob blessed his grandchildren. It impacted that family down through the generations. Grankids became familes, which grew into tribes and eventually nations. There is a lesson in this. An event which seems insignificant today, can have far-reaching and long-lasting effects, even beyond our own awareness.
We are all aware that hurts can have seemingly permanent consequences. Blessing, however, also has the power to change the future of relationships
In his letter to the diaspora, the scattered 12 tribes of Israel, James tells us a little about the power of the tongue. He starts by warning teachers, in James 3, about their greater accountability. "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly". And then he continues, "We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check."
Even as I am thinking right now, my thoughts go to times I have offended, unintentionally. But the emphasis of this comment by James, is not to condemn, but to encourage blessing. Verse 17 tells us, "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness."
Blessing is described in these positive qualities. Blessing is pure, no ulterior motives, purely well-wishing. Blessing is peace-loving, it desires to reconcile, bring unity. Blessing is considerate, caring about others' feelings and situations. Blessing is submissive, "in humility consider others better than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3). Blessing is full of mercy, giving others the benefit of the doubt, giving them trust, another chance. Blessing is full of good fruit, our lives speak of our being blessers rather than people who tear down. Blessing is impartial, just as God is no respector of persons, neither are we, each person is our brother or sister and needs our blessing equally. And finally, blessing is sincere, it is not a form of words, rather it is an expression of the love of Jesus in our heart, towards another.
I pray that we be a band of blessers, touching lives around us, who will then pass it on to others, in an ever-expanding ripple of God's grace across this world.
I bless you today, in your relationships, your families, your friends, your employment, and above all in your relationship with the Father who loves us so dearly.
Have an awesome day,
Pastor Gerry
Monday, May 14, 2012
The Power of Blessing!
"When Israel saw the sons of Joseph, he asked, 'Who are these?'' 'They are the sons God has given me here,' Joseph said to his father. Then Israel said, "Bring them to me so I may bless them.'" - Genesis 48:8-9
This incident has a huge impact! As a result of Israel (Joseph's father previously known as Jacob) blessing Joseph's children, and later the rest of Joseph's brothers, blessings were given that were passed on to their descendents. Starting with this one seemigly insignificant event in Jacob's tent, something was set in motion that benefitted countless generations down through the centuries.
There is power in blessing. The words that we speak have impact. Our words either build up or tear down. James tells us about the power of the tongue. It either benefits someone or ourselves, or it curses them and destroys their future.
So we have the power to speak blessing into the lives of our children just as Jacob did with his grandkids. As a matter of fact, we have power to speak blessing into the lives of everyone we meet or touch. That person at work, the person we see hurting in the grocery department, our wife, husband, children and extended family. Our words can make them or break them!
What an awesome privilege and responsibility!
Have a day full of words of life!
Pastor Gerry
This incident has a huge impact! As a result of Israel (Joseph's father previously known as Jacob) blessing Joseph's children, and later the rest of Joseph's brothers, blessings were given that were passed on to their descendents. Starting with this one seemigly insignificant event in Jacob's tent, something was set in motion that benefitted countless generations down through the centuries.
There is power in blessing. The words that we speak have impact. Our words either build up or tear down. James tells us about the power of the tongue. It either benefits someone or ourselves, or it curses them and destroys their future.
So we have the power to speak blessing into the lives of our children just as Jacob did with his grandkids. As a matter of fact, we have power to speak blessing into the lives of everyone we meet or touch. That person at work, the person we see hurting in the grocery department, our wife, husband, children and extended family. Our words can make them or break them!
What an awesome privilege and responsibility!
Have a day full of words of life!
Pastor Gerry
Monday, May 7, 2012
Walking on Water ...
I want to tell you a little about my journey in seeking a deeper walk with the Lord. It may be helpful to someone. During the last 3 weeks I have been fasting a Daniel fast as circumstances have allowed it and I have been much more focussed on prayer. I am halfway through the time the Lord gave me to do this. During this period I have been made painfully aware of personal things the Lord wants to change in me. Yesterday in particular was a hard day, I was depressed about myself, I clearly saw my own unworthiness before God (Isa 6:5).
At lunchtime I visited Women Aglow (meets at Grace Fellowship the second Wednesday each month, at noon). The guest speaker spoke encouraging words, but that is not what made the difference. It was the Holy Spirit who brought healing to my soul. It was as though I had been taken from the pit and placed on a high hill. It was like Elijah on the run from Jezebel, depressed, wanting to give up. But God sent him an angel who gave him food for the journey, which kept him going. God knew exactly what I needed.
The rest of the day I was encouraged. But the lessons go on.
Yesterday evening my wife said some true words to me, which hit home. They related to living in faith. I had just spoken some words which were not based on faith, and I am sure you too are aware that the words we speak (which come out of our heart) change and affect our circumstances.
Earlier this morning the Lord reminded me about the record of Peter stepping out of the boat, and walking on the water with Jesus. There are a number of lessons we can draw from this example, the big one of course being that of faith. As I read the various accounts (Matt 14:25, Mark 6:48 and John 6:19) I was first of all struck by the fact that Mark and John, while telling the story about Jesus walking on the water, did not mention about Peter's part in the incident.
Why is this? Mark received much of his information about Jesus' ministry from Peter. It seems Peter did not want to seek glory for himself, and did not pass this information on to his listener. John and Peter were close, and probably shared this attribute (John generally does not refer to himself by name in his gospel), and John too does not draw attention to this event. But Matthew did, so that we could learn from Peter's courageous experience.
The lesson the Lord is teaching me today, is to "not look at the circumstances, or depend on the arm of flesh, but set your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith, it is He who will bring it to pass. What he has given he will not take away, and what he has started he will complete. The task he is preparing you for, will come to pass though it tarry many days. The words he has spoken will not return to him void. So be encouraged, the Lord is at hand".
Have a day full of faith,
Pastor Gerry
At lunchtime I visited Women Aglow (meets at Grace Fellowship the second Wednesday each month, at noon). The guest speaker spoke encouraging words, but that is not what made the difference. It was the Holy Spirit who brought healing to my soul. It was as though I had been taken from the pit and placed on a high hill. It was like Elijah on the run from Jezebel, depressed, wanting to give up. But God sent him an angel who gave him food for the journey, which kept him going. God knew exactly what I needed.
The rest of the day I was encouraged. But the lessons go on.
Yesterday evening my wife said some true words to me, which hit home. They related to living in faith. I had just spoken some words which were not based on faith, and I am sure you too are aware that the words we speak (which come out of our heart) change and affect our circumstances.
Earlier this morning the Lord reminded me about the record of Peter stepping out of the boat, and walking on the water with Jesus. There are a number of lessons we can draw from this example, the big one of course being that of faith. As I read the various accounts (Matt 14:25, Mark 6:48 and John 6:19) I was first of all struck by the fact that Mark and John, while telling the story about Jesus walking on the water, did not mention about Peter's part in the incident.
Why is this? Mark received much of his information about Jesus' ministry from Peter. It seems Peter did not want to seek glory for himself, and did not pass this information on to his listener. John and Peter were close, and probably shared this attribute (John generally does not refer to himself by name in his gospel), and John too does not draw attention to this event. But Matthew did, so that we could learn from Peter's courageous experience.
The lesson the Lord is teaching me today, is to "not look at the circumstances, or depend on the arm of flesh, but set your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith, it is He who will bring it to pass. What he has given he will not take away, and what he has started he will complete. The task he is preparing you for, will come to pass though it tarry many days. The words he has spoken will not return to him void. So be encouraged, the Lord is at hand".
Have a day full of faith,
Pastor Gerry
Monday, April 30, 2012
At the start of a new week ...
Good morning everyone! It's Monday morning, and what an awesome weekend!
Dennis brought us a great message about grace, yesterday! We all need grace and forgiveness, daily. I have posted my notes, click here. Thank you Dennis for a message given from the heart.
Other good things this weekend - Teen Challenge raised over $4,700 at their parking lot sale on Saturday! God is blessing this venture to help those with addiction in our commun ity! Then, yesterday evening we joind with multiple Susanville churches in praise and worship, at the Southern Baptist Church. What an atmosphere of love and grace! Our differences fell away and we were the body of Christ, unified and sharing in our love for Jesus! Great things are happening in our little city!
This is a new week. What new things are going to happen in your life in the coming days?
At the start of the week is a good time to reflect, and set ourselves goals. How did I do last week in my spiritual life? What things can I change, so that I will be closer to God in the coming days? Are there things I can do to remove distractions from my devotional time? Just some relevant questions...
During this season, we are seeking a closer walk with God. Easter was the start, but the way into God's presence is a progressive journey. He is standing waiting for us, with open arms. As we are told in James 4, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you". Let's all continue that journey and be mindful of Jesus' presence in our lives.
Have an awesome week! Love,
Pastor Gerry
Dennis brought us a great message about grace, yesterday! We all need grace and forgiveness, daily. I have posted my notes, click here. Thank you Dennis for a message given from the heart.
Other good things this weekend - Teen Challenge raised over $4,700 at their parking lot sale on Saturday! God is blessing this venture to help those with addiction in our commun ity! Then, yesterday evening we joind with multiple Susanville churches in praise and worship, at the Southern Baptist Church. What an atmosphere of love and grace! Our differences fell away and we were the body of Christ, unified and sharing in our love for Jesus! Great things are happening in our little city!
This is a new week. What new things are going to happen in your life in the coming days?
At the start of the week is a good time to reflect, and set ourselves goals. How did I do last week in my spiritual life? What things can I change, so that I will be closer to God in the coming days? Are there things I can do to remove distractions from my devotional time? Just some relevant questions...
During this season, we are seeking a closer walk with God. Easter was the start, but the way into God's presence is a progressive journey. He is standing waiting for us, with open arms. As we are told in James 4, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you". Let's all continue that journey and be mindful of Jesus' presence in our lives.
Have an awesome week! Love,
Pastor Gerry
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
What the journey is like ...
"... Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith ..." - Hebrews 12:1-2
I am finding (not surprisingly) that this journey is not easy! It seems that distractions and temptations proliferate more than normal when I seek to spend deeper time with God. Sometimes I overcome them, sometimes I let them crowd out the time I intended for God.
I am becoming more aware that it is not about the fast or time, it is about my relationship with God. On Sunday I spoke about grace and how God is the One doing his work in us. And that is what it is all about. Grace. I can't earn a deeper walk with God by my fasting (a Daniel fast), I can't manipulate God by the time I spend with Him. But by His grace, I am welcomed closer in.
So, when I have not been able to stick to my intentions, I pick myself up and continue on. If I have not been able to speak in my spiritual language for an hour in the morning I try to make it up later in the day. I try to focus on Jesus. And I notice God is speaking during these times. I receive impressions in my mind while praying, and then write them down in my journal.
Above all, I recognize that this journey will take perseverance. I have a busy life and there are plenty of distractions. But I am hungry for a deeper relationship, and it is my Father's good pleasure to give me the Kingdom (Luke 12:32)
So be encouraged, and continue the good fight!
Love you all, pastor Gerry
I am finding (not surprisingly) that this journey is not easy! It seems that distractions and temptations proliferate more than normal when I seek to spend deeper time with God. Sometimes I overcome them, sometimes I let them crowd out the time I intended for God.
I am becoming more aware that it is not about the fast or time, it is about my relationship with God. On Sunday I spoke about grace and how God is the One doing his work in us. And that is what it is all about. Grace. I can't earn a deeper walk with God by my fasting (a Daniel fast), I can't manipulate God by the time I spend with Him. But by His grace, I am welcomed closer in.
So, when I have not been able to stick to my intentions, I pick myself up and continue on. If I have not been able to speak in my spiritual language for an hour in the morning I try to make it up later in the day. I try to focus on Jesus. And I notice God is speaking during these times. I receive impressions in my mind while praying, and then write them down in my journal.
Above all, I recognize that this journey will take perseverance. I have a busy life and there are plenty of distractions. But I am hungry for a deeper relationship, and it is my Father's good pleasure to give me the Kingdom (Luke 12:32)
So be encouraged, and continue the good fight!
Love you all, pastor Gerry
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
My journey with God ...!
As I mentioned in church the last couple of weeks, I am making a concerted effort to draw closer to God during the next 40 days.
I am using the tools of fasting, praying in my spiritual language, reading the Word, and listening to His voice. When I fall short on my intentions, I pick myself up and continue the journey.
My expectation is for breakthrough in my own life, the life of our church, and for Susanville as a whole!
Will you join me on the journey?
We have been called to make a difference!
Love you,
Pastor Gerry
I am using the tools of fasting, praying in my spiritual language, reading the Word, and listening to His voice. When I fall short on my intentions, I pick myself up and continue the journey.
My expectation is for breakthrough in my own life, the life of our church, and for Susanville as a whole!
Will you join me on the journey?
We have been called to make a difference!
Love you,
Pastor Gerry
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Resurrection Day plus One!
We have just celebrated Resurrection Day! Jesus who had been cruelly executed like a common criminal, was raised from the dead by the miraculous power of the Holy Spirit!
This was incredible! What a momentous day! And it culminated in the resurrected Jesus appearing to the disciples! Can you imagine, Jesus, the Son of God, resurrected from the dead, appearing in the room with you!
And now it is the day after. Monday morning. The events of yesterday seem so incredible, they fade away like a morning mist. Yesterday Jesus had said, "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." But now this command seems so remote, so beyond our capabilities that we put that thought on the shelf for the time being. No thought of moving into this brilliant new future. Just a returning to the hum drum life of last week.
Today is Monday. Yesterday we celebrated the risen Jesus! In church we listened to testimonies of how Jesus impacted our lives, showing that Jesus is as alive today as he was when he told the disciples to continue in his footsteps.
What has changed in our life, this Monday, that makes it different from a week ago? Have we a fresh vision for the future? Encouragement to take the first steps in a journey toward God's purpose? Have we been filled with a holy fire to reach this town with the truth about our risen King?
Today is Resurrection Day plus one. Will we remember Jesus' words - "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." What has Jesus sent us to do? Will we be obedient?
Will we answer Jesus' call?
This was incredible! What a momentous day! And it culminated in the resurrected Jesus appearing to the disciples! Can you imagine, Jesus, the Son of God, resurrected from the dead, appearing in the room with you!
And now it is the day after. Monday morning. The events of yesterday seem so incredible, they fade away like a morning mist. Yesterday Jesus had said, "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." But now this command seems so remote, so beyond our capabilities that we put that thought on the shelf for the time being. No thought of moving into this brilliant new future. Just a returning to the hum drum life of last week.
Today is Monday. Yesterday we celebrated the risen Jesus! In church we listened to testimonies of how Jesus impacted our lives, showing that Jesus is as alive today as he was when he told the disciples to continue in his footsteps.
What has changed in our life, this Monday, that makes it different from a week ago? Have we a fresh vision for the future? Encouragement to take the first steps in a journey toward God's purpose? Have we been filled with a holy fire to reach this town with the truth about our risen King?
Today is Resurrection Day plus one. Will we remember Jesus' words - "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." What has Jesus sent us to do? Will we be obedient?
Will we answer Jesus' call?
He was accepted, so I can be too!
He was accepted, so I can be too!
“When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!"- Hebrews 9:11-14
On Sunday I briefly mentioned about the momentous events of Resurrection Day. Jesus rose from the dead, appeared to Mary and a few disciples but would not allow them to worship Him (John 20:17), then later on He did allow others to worship Him (Matt 28:9). Something happened between these appearances. That event is what is described in today's passage!
In Old Testament times, people were ceremonially cleansed by bringing a sacrifice. Once a year the High Priest would bring blood from a sacrifice, into the Holy of Holies, which represented God's throne room in heaven. The priest would pray for forgiveness for the sins of the whole nation. In the same way, on Resurrection Day, Jesus presented His own blood at the throne of God in heaven, as an atonement for the sins of the whole world!
How beatiful a picture, and how humbling! In my mind's eye I see Jesus bloodied and beaten, walk across the sea of glass before God's throne, and kneel before the Father as he presents this atonement for all sins that have ever been committed! The Father gets up from his throne and takes Jesus by the hand, and asks Him to sit by Him at His right hand! Jesus has been accepeted, and His payment for our sins has been accepted! No matter what we have ever done, Jesus' blood is sufficient, so that we can leave that guilt behind! Hallelujah!
"Thank you Lord for your mercy in paying the price so that I may be healed, in spirit soul and body! I love You with all of my heart!"
“When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!"- Hebrews 9:11-14
On Sunday I briefly mentioned about the momentous events of Resurrection Day. Jesus rose from the dead, appeared to Mary and a few disciples but would not allow them to worship Him (John 20:17), then later on He did allow others to worship Him (Matt 28:9). Something happened between these appearances. That event is what is described in today's passage!
In Old Testament times, people were ceremonially cleansed by bringing a sacrifice. Once a year the High Priest would bring blood from a sacrifice, into the Holy of Holies, which represented God's throne room in heaven. The priest would pray for forgiveness for the sins of the whole nation. In the same way, on Resurrection Day, Jesus presented His own blood at the throne of God in heaven, as an atonement for the sins of the whole world!
How beatiful a picture, and how humbling! In my mind's eye I see Jesus bloodied and beaten, walk across the sea of glass before God's throne, and kneel before the Father as he presents this atonement for all sins that have ever been committed! The Father gets up from his throne and takes Jesus by the hand, and asks Him to sit by Him at His right hand! Jesus has been accepeted, and His payment for our sins has been accepted! No matter what we have ever done, Jesus' blood is sufficient, so that we can leave that guilt behind! Hallelujah!
"Thank you Lord for your mercy in paying the price so that I may be healed, in spirit soul and body! I love You with all of my heart!"
God's protection and watchfullness!
God's protection and watchfullness!
Psalm 121:7 "The Lord will keep you from all harm - He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forever more"
This psalm is about God's protection for His people. He watches over us, in other words He is aware of what is going on and He is never at a distance from us. He is always there with us, experiencing what we are experiencing. He never sleeps on the job, He is always watching over us. He protects us from the heat of the sun, He shades us so it does not harm us. He also protects us from the moon, the ruler of the darkness, and the dark times in our life. God will keep us from all harm.
God tells me, "according to your faith be it unto you". As I trust God's involvement and intimacy in my life, He steps up to the plate and makes it so. God knows everything about me. He knows my getting up in the morning, and my going to bed at night. He knows every sparrow that falls, how much more is he involved in our own lives!
"Thank you Lord for being with me, all the day, every day. I trust you to lead me in decisions I make and to guide my life, step by step. Thank you Lord, amen".
Psalm 121:7 "The Lord will keep you from all harm - He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forever more"
This psalm is about God's protection for His people. He watches over us, in other words He is aware of what is going on and He is never at a distance from us. He is always there with us, experiencing what we are experiencing. He never sleeps on the job, He is always watching over us. He protects us from the heat of the sun, He shades us so it does not harm us. He also protects us from the moon, the ruler of the darkness, and the dark times in our life. God will keep us from all harm.
God tells me, "according to your faith be it unto you". As I trust God's involvement and intimacy in my life, He steps up to the plate and makes it so. God knows everything about me. He knows my getting up in the morning, and my going to bed at night. He knows every sparrow that falls, how much more is he involved in our own lives!
"Thank you Lord for being with me, all the day, every day. I trust you to lead me in decisions I make and to guide my life, step by step. Thank you Lord, amen".
Facing Opposition
Facing Opposition
Acts 18:9 "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city"
After successfully preaching the gospel there, Paul had been the focal point of a riot in Thessalonica, causing both the crowd and the city officials to be "thrown into turmoil". The Christians there spirited Paul and Silas away by night, to Berea. The story is repeated here - Paul preaches, the Jews from Thessalonica come to Berea to stir up more trouble, and Paul again leaves town, to Athens, and then to Corinth.
In Corinth trouble once again seems to start, and Paul now takes a stand against his accusers, and tells them enough is enough - he has fulfilled his responsibility to preach to the Jews, and will now preach to the Greeks instead.
At this juncture God tells Paul, don't be afraid, and keep on speaking, don't be silent
Opposition is not a reason to silence our voice, rather, it is probably a sign that we are touching some tender points, and that the enemy feels we are getting too close for comfort.
The Christian message is always going to face opposition. It is radical, it shows up error when the truth is presented, and to accept the gospel requires repentance and change. This all goes squarely against society's way of going along with what feels or seems good.
God tells Joshua, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" - Josh 1:9
So we will go ahead and preach the truth. Some may disagree, some may oppose us. But God says, do not be afraid!
Acts 18:9 "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city"
After successfully preaching the gospel there, Paul had been the focal point of a riot in Thessalonica, causing both the crowd and the city officials to be "thrown into turmoil". The Christians there spirited Paul and Silas away by night, to Berea. The story is repeated here - Paul preaches, the Jews from Thessalonica come to Berea to stir up more trouble, and Paul again leaves town, to Athens, and then to Corinth.
In Corinth trouble once again seems to start, and Paul now takes a stand against his accusers, and tells them enough is enough - he has fulfilled his responsibility to preach to the Jews, and will now preach to the Greeks instead.
At this juncture God tells Paul, don't be afraid, and keep on speaking, don't be silent
Opposition is not a reason to silence our voice, rather, it is probably a sign that we are touching some tender points, and that the enemy feels we are getting too close for comfort.
The Christian message is always going to face opposition. It is radical, it shows up error when the truth is presented, and to accept the gospel requires repentance and change. This all goes squarely against society's way of going along with what feels or seems good.
God tells Joshua, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" - Josh 1:9
So we will go ahead and preach the truth. Some may disagree, some may oppose us. But God says, do not be afraid!
Our Sin and Guilt has Gone!
Our Sin and Guilt has Gone!
2 Corinthians 5:21 "God made Him who had no sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God"
We all hate to be told we are wrong. We particularly hate it when the accusation is correct. We are our own worst accusers, but then we also become our own staunchest defenders. We hate being reminded of our sins, because we know we have sinned so many times.
We may have grown up being told and punished for every wrong thing we did. It affects the way we view life, it even affects the way we see God, and ourselves. We see ourselves continually as worthy of punishment, and we see God as One who stands ready to punish us.
We have an inborn desire to sin. Romans 8:7 tells us that our sinful mind is hostile to God. We are born with this desire to run away from and rebel against God. Consequently we sin on a daily basis, no matter how hard we try not to do so.
But isn't it unfair that we should be born with this inbuilt hatred of God? After all, it is the result of Adam's sin. Ever since that day, this sinful nature has been handed down to us, generation after generation. This sinful nature is what this verse is referring to, when Paul says Jesus became sin for us. God goes right to the root of the matter. The litany of things we have done wrong is eradicated when the root problem has been removed.
The root problem was removed by Jesus taking the responsibility for our sinful nature upon himself, while on the cross. In doing this, he now made us righteous. More than just our sins, our sin(ful nature) has been removed from us, and laid on Jesus' shoulders. He then paid the price for this, by dying for us. Now God sees us as being righteous, not just because we have been forgiven for our individual sins (1 John 1:9), but more importantly because Jesus took the responsibility for our sinful nature on himself.
Our fleshly body still has this sinful nature in it, we struggle against it, just like Paul did (Romans 7:15-25). But the responsibility for it was laid on Jesus. The guilt and shame is no longer ours.
This is why we now are considered righteous by God! How incredible! God loves us so much that he removed the responsibility for this inherited sinful nature, and at Jesus ' return we will receive a new body, without the contamination of sin!
2 Corinthians 5:21 "God made Him who had no sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God"
We all hate to be told we are wrong. We particularly hate it when the accusation is correct. We are our own worst accusers, but then we also become our own staunchest defenders. We hate being reminded of our sins, because we know we have sinned so many times.
We may have grown up being told and punished for every wrong thing we did. It affects the way we view life, it even affects the way we see God, and ourselves. We see ourselves continually as worthy of punishment, and we see God as One who stands ready to punish us.
We have an inborn desire to sin. Romans 8:7 tells us that our sinful mind is hostile to God. We are born with this desire to run away from and rebel against God. Consequently we sin on a daily basis, no matter how hard we try not to do so.
But isn't it unfair that we should be born with this inbuilt hatred of God? After all, it is the result of Adam's sin. Ever since that day, this sinful nature has been handed down to us, generation after generation. This sinful nature is what this verse is referring to, when Paul says Jesus became sin for us. God goes right to the root of the matter. The litany of things we have done wrong is eradicated when the root problem has been removed.
The root problem was removed by Jesus taking the responsibility for our sinful nature upon himself, while on the cross. In doing this, he now made us righteous. More than just our sins, our sin(ful nature) has been removed from us, and laid on Jesus' shoulders. He then paid the price for this, by dying for us. Now God sees us as being righteous, not just because we have been forgiven for our individual sins (1 John 1:9), but more importantly because Jesus took the responsibility for our sinful nature on himself.
Our fleshly body still has this sinful nature in it, we struggle against it, just like Paul did (Romans 7:15-25). But the responsibility for it was laid on Jesus. The guilt and shame is no longer ours.
This is why we now are considered righteous by God! How incredible! God loves us so much that he removed the responsibility for this inherited sinful nature, and at Jesus ' return we will receive a new body, without the contamination of sin!
Teamwork!
Teamwork!
Recently Grace Fellowship had a stall at the Uptown Craft Fair. We had a fair representation of church members who had volunteered to man the tables.
What struck me was the sense of teamwork, as we all pitched in to serve our community and each other. Life is often such that we don't really support each other in the way we should - it was refreshing to see how well our people worked together. Thank you all for your efforts to make this event a success!
If we can work together in harmony at this level, surely we can learn to walk together in unity. Jesus said that we would be known by our attitudes toward each other. In his prayer in John 17, Jesus asks that the disciples and those who believed in Jesus through their message, would be totally unified, just as Jesus and the Father are one.
Do we live up to this expectation? I pray that we would be growing towards this ideal. The Holy Spirit dwells in all of us, and He is the same in each of us. So it should be possible to live in unity (Psa 133).
Actually, living in unity is a choice we make. We can choose to work together as a unified team, and not allow the little things of life to affect our attitudes toward each other. Alternatively, we can choose to allow these things to offend us, and cause divisions and splits in relationships. It is up to us!
I do wonder how God feels about the sensitivities between denominations and churches. I am sure it grieves him when we set ourselves up as being the "guardians of the truth", because we feel we have a better understanding than other parts of the body. He would rather that we esteem others better than ourselves (Phil 2:3).
It is as we live this life of love for each other, that people around us will notice and see the difference. They will want some of what we have (John 13:34-35)!
I pray that we all will learn to live this life of love and unity, so that we, our families, our acquaintances and our community will receive the blessings God gives to people of peace.
Recently Grace Fellowship had a stall at the Uptown Craft Fair. We had a fair representation of church members who had volunteered to man the tables.
What struck me was the sense of teamwork, as we all pitched in to serve our community and each other. Life is often such that we don't really support each other in the way we should - it was refreshing to see how well our people worked together. Thank you all for your efforts to make this event a success!
If we can work together in harmony at this level, surely we can learn to walk together in unity. Jesus said that we would be known by our attitudes toward each other. In his prayer in John 17, Jesus asks that the disciples and those who believed in Jesus through their message, would be totally unified, just as Jesus and the Father are one.
Do we live up to this expectation? I pray that we would be growing towards this ideal. The Holy Spirit dwells in all of us, and He is the same in each of us. So it should be possible to live in unity (Psa 133).
Actually, living in unity is a choice we make. We can choose to work together as a unified team, and not allow the little things of life to affect our attitudes toward each other. Alternatively, we can choose to allow these things to offend us, and cause divisions and splits in relationships. It is up to us!
I do wonder how God feels about the sensitivities between denominations and churches. I am sure it grieves him when we set ourselves up as being the "guardians of the truth", because we feel we have a better understanding than other parts of the body. He would rather that we esteem others better than ourselves (Phil 2:3).
It is as we live this life of love for each other, that people around us will notice and see the difference. They will want some of what we have (John 13:34-35)!
I pray that we all will learn to live this life of love and unity, so that we, our families, our acquaintances and our community will receive the blessings God gives to people of peace.
Perspectives ...
Perspectives ...
Sometimes life becomes so busy that it crowds out time for our relationship with God. Sometimes we have to give up certain things, in order to be followers of Jesus. Paul too had to face these questions.
In Philippians 3 Paul discusses his perspective on life. Paul had an exemplary background in terms of the Judaic society in which he lived. His pedigree was impeccable, his zeal was way beyond average, and he was faultless in his obedience to the law. His attitude towards his religion would put many of us to shame.
All of this assured Paul of a successful career in the religious community and probably in the Sanhedrin, he would be looked up to and respected.
But that fine sunny day when Jesus broke through his spiritual blindness, everything changed. His future was no longer about maintaining his pharisaical standards.
Instead, a new set of values became important for him. These values centered on one Jesus, who died the death of a criminal on a cross to pay for his (and our) sins, and then was raised to glory!
This change completely turned Paul's life upside down! No longer was life about what others thought of him, it was now only about what Jesus had done for him! And he wanted to spread this fresh revelation to all he met!
He scorned the good life he could have had, for the sake of this new perspective on life, death and the resurrection!
When Jesus enters our heart, old things become new! Past pleasures and ambitions are left by the wayside as we embrace this precious treasure hidden in the field! (Matthew 13:44). We give up everything for it!
"Whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ ... I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection of the dead!" (Philippians 3:7-8, 10-11)
Jesus was so real to Paul, his whole perspective on life changed! How radical has the change been in us?
Sometimes life becomes so busy that it crowds out time for our relationship with God. Sometimes we have to give up certain things, in order to be followers of Jesus. Paul too had to face these questions.
In Philippians 3 Paul discusses his perspective on life. Paul had an exemplary background in terms of the Judaic society in which he lived. His pedigree was impeccable, his zeal was way beyond average, and he was faultless in his obedience to the law. His attitude towards his religion would put many of us to shame.
All of this assured Paul of a successful career in the religious community and probably in the Sanhedrin, he would be looked up to and respected.
But that fine sunny day when Jesus broke through his spiritual blindness, everything changed. His future was no longer about maintaining his pharisaical standards.
Instead, a new set of values became important for him. These values centered on one Jesus, who died the death of a criminal on a cross to pay for his (and our) sins, and then was raised to glory!
This change completely turned Paul's life upside down! No longer was life about what others thought of him, it was now only about what Jesus had done for him! And he wanted to spread this fresh revelation to all he met!
He scorned the good life he could have had, for the sake of this new perspective on life, death and the resurrection!
When Jesus enters our heart, old things become new! Past pleasures and ambitions are left by the wayside as we embrace this precious treasure hidden in the field! (Matthew 13:44). We give up everything for it!
"Whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ ... I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection of the dead!" (Philippians 3:7-8, 10-11)
Jesus was so real to Paul, his whole perspective on life changed! How radical has the change been in us?
"God bless you!"
"God bless you!"
So often we speak glibly about God's blessing! When someone sneezes, we say "Bless you!". But what is blessing, particularly God's blessing, and what implications does that have for us?
First of all, God is the greatest Being in the universe! He created all things, he sustains the creation, in other words he keeps it all spinning correctly and working according to plan. God is omnipotent, He is omnipresent, and all-knowing! Nothing escapes His notice! He is simultaneously able to listen to each of our prayers, individually! What is more, He cares about us on a personal level!
Wow!
This great God, wants to do good to us!
We are used to people not living up to our expectations. We are disappointed and our hopes are dashed. But with God all things are possible! God wants us to succeed. As a matter of fact He promises us that what he started in us He will complete, finish, bring to a successful conclusion!
He promises to always be there with us, in good times and bad!
That's the God I worship! Isn't that awesome? That such a great Being would actually care about what happens in my life!
It brings the ups and downs of life into perspective. If God be for us who can stand against us?
So be encouraged! What you may be going through today will be gone tomorrow. And there is laid up for us a future which is beyond our wildest dreams!
Our God is a God of blessing!
So often we speak glibly about God's blessing! When someone sneezes, we say "Bless you!". But what is blessing, particularly God's blessing, and what implications does that have for us?
First of all, God is the greatest Being in the universe! He created all things, he sustains the creation, in other words he keeps it all spinning correctly and working according to plan. God is omnipotent, He is omnipresent, and all-knowing! Nothing escapes His notice! He is simultaneously able to listen to each of our prayers, individually! What is more, He cares about us on a personal level!
Wow!
This great God, wants to do good to us!
We are used to people not living up to our expectations. We are disappointed and our hopes are dashed. But with God all things are possible! God wants us to succeed. As a matter of fact He promises us that what he started in us He will complete, finish, bring to a successful conclusion!
He promises to always be there with us, in good times and bad!
That's the God I worship! Isn't that awesome? That such a great Being would actually care about what happens in my life!
It brings the ups and downs of life into perspective. If God be for us who can stand against us?
So be encouraged! What you may be going through today will be gone tomorrow. And there is laid up for us a future which is beyond our wildest dreams!
Our God is a God of blessing!
"I'm hungry, do you have anything to eat?"
"I'm hungry, do you have anything to eat?"
Jesus sees the hungry crowd and he asks Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?"
These people had come to Jersus to listen to his message. They had followed him all day, and were famished. Jesus was testing Philip, as John 6 tells us, Jesus already knew what he was going to do about the situation!
There are people all around us who are famished! They are hungry, not for physical food, (though some may be) but for the spiritual side of life! They seek it in all kinds of ways, they look for it in fortune cookies, astrology columns, euphoria from drugs and alcohol. They are just plain hungry!
Do we have food to give them? As Christians, we have Jesus living in us. Later in John 6, Jesus tells the crowd, that he is the Bread of Life! He is the one who provides spiritual sustenance, he is the one who gives us our daily bread!
If Jesus lives in us, we can share him with others! When someone is hungry for the meaning of life, share the good news with them, that there is One who can satisfy that hunger! Once they eat of that Bread, they need never go hungry again! "He who comes to me will never go hungry and he who believes in me will never be thirsty!" (verse 35).
Use today to cast your bread upon the waters (Ecc 11:1), allow others to share in the banquet Jesus has prepared for us!
Jesus sees the hungry crowd and he asks Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?"
These people had come to Jersus to listen to his message. They had followed him all day, and were famished. Jesus was testing Philip, as John 6 tells us, Jesus already knew what he was going to do about the situation!
There are people all around us who are famished! They are hungry, not for physical food, (though some may be) but for the spiritual side of life! They seek it in all kinds of ways, they look for it in fortune cookies, astrology columns, euphoria from drugs and alcohol. They are just plain hungry!
Do we have food to give them? As Christians, we have Jesus living in us. Later in John 6, Jesus tells the crowd, that he is the Bread of Life! He is the one who provides spiritual sustenance, he is the one who gives us our daily bread!
If Jesus lives in us, we can share him with others! When someone is hungry for the meaning of life, share the good news with them, that there is One who can satisfy that hunger! Once they eat of that Bread, they need never go hungry again! "He who comes to me will never go hungry and he who believes in me will never be thirsty!" (verse 35).
Use today to cast your bread upon the waters (Ecc 11:1), allow others to share in the banquet Jesus has prepared for us!
The Supernatural Life
The Supernatural Life
We believe that Jesus was and is the Son of God. We believe that God and Jesus are supernatural Beings. We believe that the Holy Spirit is a Person and is also God. Much as we fail to comprehend it, because it is the teaching of the Bible we believe that God is three separate Beings and yet is also One.
The truth is that God is way bigger than we are! We cannot put God in a box and say we understand Him. He defies human explanation. Job asks God, "What is man that You are mindful of him?"
God is the creator of the universe, the sustainer of all living things, the ruler of all that exists, the one who is love personified, the source of all wisdom, who defines truth by the words he speaks. God is spiritual with a body that never ages or dies. Yet he transcended nature by becoming a physical man, subject to hunger thirst and death! He did this so that we too may ultimately share in that supernatural existence.
As a supernatural Being, he is not limited by concepts such as space and time. In John 14 Jesus tells us that he and the Father and the Holy Spirit will make their home in us. He dwells in me, in you, and in every other Christian.
Why would it then be strange to expect that God would do supernatural things while dwelling in his children?
God desires that we live a supernatural life, allowing him to work through us, impacting the physical world around us.
He will not force himself upon us, that would be contrary to his nature. But if we open up and allow him to do his work, the possibilities are endless! All things are possible to him who believes!
So, let us open up to our Savior, and allow him to have the freedom to act in and through our lives!
We believe that Jesus was and is the Son of God. We believe that God and Jesus are supernatural Beings. We believe that the Holy Spirit is a Person and is also God. Much as we fail to comprehend it, because it is the teaching of the Bible we believe that God is three separate Beings and yet is also One.
The truth is that God is way bigger than we are! We cannot put God in a box and say we understand Him. He defies human explanation. Job asks God, "What is man that You are mindful of him?"
God is the creator of the universe, the sustainer of all living things, the ruler of all that exists, the one who is love personified, the source of all wisdom, who defines truth by the words he speaks. God is spiritual with a body that never ages or dies. Yet he transcended nature by becoming a physical man, subject to hunger thirst and death! He did this so that we too may ultimately share in that supernatural existence.
As a supernatural Being, he is not limited by concepts such as space and time. In John 14 Jesus tells us that he and the Father and the Holy Spirit will make their home in us. He dwells in me, in you, and in every other Christian.
Why would it then be strange to expect that God would do supernatural things while dwelling in his children?
God desires that we live a supernatural life, allowing him to work through us, impacting the physical world around us.
He will not force himself upon us, that would be contrary to his nature. But if we open up and allow him to do his work, the possibilities are endless! All things are possible to him who believes!
So, let us open up to our Savior, and allow him to have the freedom to act in and through our lives!
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