PEACE

Prince of Peace

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven's Armies will make this happen!”  Isaiah 9:6-7 NLT

God’s Peace.

“Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.  And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 AMP

God’s Peace is Shalom

Spending sometime with the LORD this morning, I told Him how I felt about life, which wasn’t all that positive.   I was just tired of life and I knew that was the wrong attitude especially at this time of the year.   I asked the Lord to clear and quiet my mind.   I then turned on some worship music and spent some time on my face, kneeling, sitting and standing.  At first I wasn’t sensing God’s presence but as I continued to sing to Him and seek Him I began to feel his presence and his Spirit came over me and I began to speak in tongues.   I don’t usually speak in tongues but it does happen from time to time.

The tongues were Hebrew, I believe because I kept saying “Shalom” a number of times and then I exploded into other powerful low guttural authoritative words.   (In a surprising thought, and tears in my eyes I said silently to myself, “That came from me?!” 

Don’t ask me what I said because I don’t know….  Would have been great to have some interpretation.

Afterward I felt completely empty of all the negative contents.  I felt like a crystal clear empty glass vessel.   I felt peace but I wondered if this kind of “empty” was a good thing?  Was I missing anything?  Is this one of the times my cup should be overflowing?  Did I spring a leak…. Were my cisterns drained as quickly as they were filled?  Was the devil trying to steal my peace by having me second-guess?

I searched my spiritual pockets.  I still had that unexplainable peace protecting my soul.  This was neW….

Knowing “shalom” meant “peace” I went to the Strong’s Hebrew concordance to see what else “Shalom” meant.

Shalom means:

1) completeness, soundness, welfare, peace

a) completeness (in number) b) safety, soundness (in body) c) welfare, health, prosperity d) peace, quiet, tranquility, contentment e) peace, friendship

1) of human relationships 2) with God especially in covenant relationship f) peace (from war) g) peace (as adjective)

Wow! Shalom is quite a blessing of a statement.

I don’t know about you but when I think of peace I think of candles glowing in their glass containers and soft Christmas music playing in the background or a mountain cabin in snow blanketed woods with light smoke coming out of it’s chimney and soft light lighting up it’s windows…. maybe the smell of warm food being lovingly prepared inside too.   

I guess that’s kind of like what the Lord does for us….   He prepares a meal of peace in our heart and mind as we praise, worship, and have fellowship and companionship of with Him.   He bestows all these wonderful gifts of peace as we come and seek refuge from the cold of the world.  He warms and takes care of us so we can be warm lights to others.   Just think what would happen if we didn’t come to Jesus for all our cares in this life?   Thank you Jesus for your care and love for us.

“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Luke 2:14

Merry Christmas and may God’s peace be granted and given to you as you come and gather to him- the Prince of Peace.

Servants of Light

To understand what a servant of light is, we must begin with Jesus – for when we understand who we are in Jesus Christ the mental weight of servant hood is lifted.

Thomas Jefferson is quoted as saying, "Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude."

We have heard the saying "Attitude is everything." Our mindset can either limit us or make us achieve what we never thought possible.

The level of realization of who we are in Christ will greatly affect how we look and undertake what a true servant is.  We fail to develop a servant's mindset with our lack of realization of who we are in Christ Jesus.   Peter says,  "But those who fail to develop these virtues are blind or, at least, very shortsighted. They have forgotten that God has cleansed them from their old life of sin." 2 Peter 1:9.

In our old life we were filled with pride and self ambition or self-pity.   Pride only led to inflated self perception which became a wedge of division if anyone put down, negated, defeated, contradicted our thoughts and opinions.  Self ambition and self-pity made us only see ourselves, our needs, our strengths and our weaknesses and our wants according to what we envied in others people's lives.  We were blind to everything but what was in our mental closet.  We played, and danced, and lived in the masquerade ball but when we finally got a real good look at our reflection we saw nothing on earth could help us.  We had no fairy god mother to keep the truth from revealing itself.

We followed the desires of our sinful nature just as Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.  And when the truth was revealed to them they tried to cover their nakedness just a people try to cover up themselves today in many varieties of things such pride, arrogance, addictions, in the friends they keep, the way they dress, the jobs they have, the way they change their appearance such botox injections and hair dye and lots of make up.  What are they trying to cover up?

I watched a woman once come onto an airplane.  She sat down, powdered her face, blended, added blush and crimped her eye lashes, put on eye liner, eye shadow, and darkened her eyelashes - and by the time she was done putting on these things on her natural pleasant face, she looked like an entirely different person.  She looked like a completely different person from when she first got on the plane.

Everyone's facades will be exposed no matter if they are.   Why do people try to hide who they really are?  The only one they are trying to fool is themselves.

It's them, themselves, who will have to stand before God - not those they have tried to fool to cover up who they really are.  Is it a sin to put on make-up -of course not!  That is not my point.  My point  is... people use all kind of things to cover up who they are.  Why are they trying to cover up to be something they are not.  Before I was saved, I used anger to cover up my insecurity.

God is all truth and when truth comes looking at them in their reflection and they see nothing on earth can help them... hopefully,  for their valuable soul's sake, they come to God instead of continue down the path to another masquerade.

It's in the mind not reality.

Ask any military veteran what is worst, the physical wounds and mental wounds and I can guarantee most of them will say the mental wounds cut deeper and last longer then the physical ones.

The enemy of our soul continually goes after our mind just as he did with Adam and Eve.  Nothing has changed.  If Satan can tie up the mind of a person in psychological garbage of this world, confusion, and warfare then he has nothing to worry about from that person.  The people in this world are lost in the mindset of the world but Christians, you don't have to be!  And you can be a helping vessel to help those lost in the tossing and roaring ocean of life.

People are tried of just existing and living day to day, they want to live a meaningful life!  The only way to a meaningful life is through Christ Jesus.  We too can be endangered of falling into the same thinking if we lose sight of Christ.   We too can end up chasing after things that are meaningless and never satisfying and find ourselves in the tossing oceans of doubt and uncertainty and hopelessness.   Our hope in Jesus Christ is our only anchor and allows us to experience things we didn't think possible which enriches and encourages the Christian soul to endure.    


^"This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary." Hebrews 6:19

You cannot be a light if your life is based on meaningless worldly things but to be a servant of light amongst darkness is like being one of those lights on the airport runway or a lit up pointing the way to Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father. 

Ephesians 6:17 says, "Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

Paul is saying, put on Christ and all he IS! Who is Christ?  What does the Spirit of God say to you as you read his word? Who are you and I to be?!
    

“To accept Christ as all he is, is to find who we are and who we are truly meant to be in God.”
 – J.D. JOHNS

The Four Facades of Jesus Christ

In the book Ezekiel, Chapter 1, it talks about these “beings” with four faces.  They had a face of human, a face of lion, a face of an ox, and a face an eagle.  These four faces represent the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.   All four of these gospels are a picture of and represent a dimension or aspect (qualities and characteristics) of our Lord Jesus Christ.  

The book of Matthew is the symbol of the lion.  It is written to the Jewish people.  Jesus is the Lion of Judah.  The King of Kings! Lord of Lords!  "THE KING" who was prophesied about to Jewish people in scriptures "THE KING" had to be a descendant of King David.  Jesus was a descendant of King David on both his earthly father's side and mother's side.  Joseph and Mary were both descendants of King David.

"Behold, [the] days are coming," says the LORD, "That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; A King shall reign and prosper, And execute judgment and righteousness in the earth." Jeremiah 23:5

"During the reigns of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed or conquered. It will crush all these kingdoms into nothingness, and it will stand forever." Daniel 2:44

"For when you die and join your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, one of your sons, and I will make his kingdom strong.  He is the one who will build a house- a temple-for me.  And I will secure his throne forever.  I will be his father, and he will be my son.   I will never take my favor from him as I took it from the one who ruled before you.  I will confirm him as king over my house and my kingdom for all time, and his throne will be secure forever."  1 Chronicles 17:11-14 
Jesus was also a descendant of Abraham.

"This is my covenant with you: I will make you the father of a multitude of nations! What's more, I am changing your name. It will no longer be Abram. Instead, you will be called Abraham, for you will be the father of many nations. I will make you extremely fruitful. Your descendants will become many nations, and kings will be among them!"I will confirm my covenant with you and your descendants after you, from generation to generation. This is the everlasting covenant: I will always be your God and the God of your descendants after you." Genesis 17:4-7

 Jesus is the perfect King.  His kingdom is the everlasting kingdom of heaven which the everlasting covenant with Abraham.  All other kingdoms will pass away but his kingdom will last forever. 

Revelation 5:5 "But one of the twenty-four elders said to me, "Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David's throne, has conquered.  He is worthy to open the scroll and break its seven seals."

The book of Luke is the symbol of a man.   It is written to the Greeks, and one Greek in particular "Theophilus" which means "lover of God or friend of God".  Theophilus also received what we know as the book of Acts from Luke as well.   Luke's aspect of Jesus was Jesus is the "perfect" man.  He was a man without sin.   The first man, Adam brought sin and death to humanity because he and his wife Eve believed Satan and ate from the tree which God told Adam not to eat from.  Adam and Eve's betrayal gave power to sin and curses upon the earth but Jesus, brought power and freedom from sin to those who believe in him.

The book of John is the symbol of an eagle.  It is written to us- the church and the world.   The eagle represents sovereignty, majesty, and the supremacy of Jesus Christ.

The book of Mark is the symbol of an ox or calf.  It is to the Romans.  Roman society had a mindset of being servant.  They were to serve the authority over them.  Those the Romans took over became servants and slaves of the Roman society, work force and even to the Roman cause- such as Roman axillary armies in the Northern Europe.  The ox represents the perfect servant.  Jesus Christ is the perfect servant.

Jesus Christ is King of kings, Lord of lords; He is the perfect man (without any sin). He has sovereignty and supremacy over everything, and he is the perfect servant.

So what does that have to do with us being a servant of light?

We are to serve others but that is hard to do if we are putting a "requirement" on it.  If we are putting some "have to" burden on it or some "emphasis" that puts us in the wrong mindset.  Our mindset must be on who we are in Jesus Christ- not what the world may think of or desire for us or even a religious perspective.

A.W. Tozer is quoted as, "Until the will is sanctified the man is still a rebel just as an outlaw is still an outlaw at heart even though he may be yielding grudging obedience to the sheriff who is taking him to prison."

What is the will stimulated and encouraged by?  The world, the church, yourself or Christ?

We need to be stimulated and encouraged by God and who we are in God/Christ Jesus.

The Lion:  You and I serve a mighty God in Jesus Christ.  Our heritage and lineage is in GOD - thanks to Jesus Christ - His throne and kingdom will last forever.    You and I maybe nothing important in the sight of this world but in the sight of God you are HIS child. You and I are a king, a prince, and a royal priesthood.  Jesus is King and Savior of your life.   If Jesus is our brother and he is King then what does that make us? If he is High Priest what does that make us?  If he is the Prince of Peace then what does that make us.   If he is the Lion of Judah, what does that make us? 

Jesus said,  “Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven in my brother and sister and mother!”  Matthew 12:50. (NLT) 

1 Peter 2:9 says, " But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God’s] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." (AMP)

Matthew 5:9 Jesus said, "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God."

Proverbs 28:1 says  “The wicked flee when no man pursues them, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous are bold as a lion." (AMP)

We are not to live contingent on how the world sees us or treats us or even how we perceive ourselves but live in the assurance of a child of God.  You don't work and serve others because you "have to" but because you "want to".   Jesus said  “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.  Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. " Mathew 6:31-33

You are a child of God!

The Perfect Man: We serve Jesus Christ the perfect man that never sinned.  He withstood every test in this life so he will help us withstand the tests that come into our life as well as we trust him.   The perfect man presents himself to God and seeks the appointments and will of God in their life.   We are to read and meditate on the words of the bible as directed by the Spirit of God and allow God's Spirit to teach us and provide us with daily tasks that put those powerful teachings to work. 

 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has appointed me to preach Good News to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the downtrodden will be freed from their oppressors, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.” Luke 4:18-19.

"If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.  But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect." Matthew 5:47-48

"That is why we have a great High Priest who has gone into heaven, Jesus the Son of God.  Let us cling to him and never stop trusting him.  This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin.  So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.  There we will receive his mercy and will find grace to help us when we need it." Hebrews 4:14-16
     

The Eagle:  We serve Jesus Christ who is justice and truth.  He reigns on the throne of heaven and should reign in our hearts and in our lives to touch others. 

 “Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more.  Judgment will come because the prince of this world has already been judged.  Oh, there is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now.  When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.  He will not be presenting his own ideas; he will be telling you what he has heard.  He will tell you about the future.  He will bring me glory by revealing to you whatever he receives from me.   All that the Father has is mine; that is what I mean when I say that the Spirit will reveal to you whatever he receives from me. John 16:10-15. 

“But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere- in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

"The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works because I am going to be with the Father.  You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, because the work of the Son brings glory to the Father.  Yes, ask anything in my name and I will do it!" John 14:12-14

The Ox:  The perfect servant.  “You know that in this world kings are tyrants, and officials lord it over the people beneath them.  But among you it should be quite different.  Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all.  For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:42-45. 

"'And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.  The second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other command is greater then these." Mark 12:30-31

See a need- pray for and if you can provide for that need.

As Christians directed by the Spirit of God, we move in these four directions (The way of the lion, the way of the perfect man, the way of the eagle and the way of the ox) just as the beings did in Ezekiel.   Ezekiel 1:9-17 

It’s impossible to be a "content and satisfied" servant of light if we don’t allow God to continually remind us of all these things which bring a ruling peace to our heart as we attend to what the Lord directs.

Those who are secure in Jesus can be servants of others  -without feeling lesser of a person. 

May God richly bless us in who we are in Christ Jesus so we may do freely- without some grudging requirement.   May He heal our spiritual blindness that so easily hinders us from being all he wants us to be in this life.   May we live as light to this world by first seeing who we are in the light, then the light that floods our soul will be graciously and freely shine upon others.  In Jesus Name I ask Amen.

“Your eye is a lamp for your body.  A pure eye lets sunshine into your soul.  But an evil eye shuts out the light and plunges you into darkness.  If the light you think you have is really darkness, how deep that darkness will be!”  Matthew 6:22

"You are the light of the world- like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see.  Don't hide your light under a basket!  Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all.  In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."
Matthew 5:14
 
Extra:

We are our Heavenly Father's children but to really know who we are in Jesus Christ is like being arrows in his quiver.  Are ready to be sent?

 

"Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builder is useless.  Unless the LORD protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.  It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones." Psalm 127:1-2

Thank you for reading.

Simple Stones

“Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.  For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, [are called].  But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.  But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God--and righteousness and sanctification and redemption--that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the LORD."  1 Corinthians 1:25-31

Simple stones.... not in our abilities but his working in us makes us qualified.  Our trust and faith alone in God allows us to overcome the restraints of ourselves.  I am limited in myself but not when I let the mind of Christ occupy me - nothing is impossible with God.   I hope for nothing but God.   To die to self is hope to gain more of Christ – that he might live mightily within me. 
 

”And if you will make Me an altar of stone, you shall not build it of hewn stone, for if you lift up a tool upon it you have polluted it.”  Exodus 20:25

Isn’t God the one who made these vessels to deem what he wills of them?  Isn’t it God who makes us right with himself by his Son Jesus Christ? Are we not to have the same mindset of Christ who said, ”I can do nothing on my own.  I judge as God tells me. Therefore, my judgment is just, because I carry out the will of the one who sent me, not my own will.”  John 5:30

Who also said, “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”  John 15:5

Simple stones know their weaknesses and knows where their strength lays within.

⁵ And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.
1 Peter 2:5

Living and Holy Sacrifice.

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.   Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2

 

There is Something about Doing Good Deeds

I have always admired one of a mild disposition and gentle spirit, who doesn’t need to show presence in words or abilities or looks but is quite simple and comfortable in all things concerning life and men.

Nothing seems to overcome them even in difficult times.  They are content with little or much.   They take one task at a time realizing what can’t get done today can get done tomorrow or the next.   Their focus is of one driving in a thick white fog, focusing on the here and now instead of what may or may not come.   It is not that they are indifferent or dry or highly regard of them selves- it’s just that they keep their trust in someone higher then the world and higher then anything the world might offer at a price.  

They sit looking at nothing in particular too long – not the oceans, the skies, the stars or even the pathways of men.   They quietly stand unstirred by all the affairs of life.  They walk as if listening to a lovely sympathy.  On the hot days the shade and a cool breeze brings thanks to their lips. 

On the cold days a simple fire and a warm drink is not under-appreciated by them.   They journey through life with a light grasp.  Even when wrinkles grace their face and white hair crowns their head, they still live in a warmth and quiet peace enjoying, savoring and absorbing all precious moments as if they worth more then gold.   Yes every morning they sit like a boat in quiet waters reading scriptures from their well-worn bible and then rise as if a soft wind has just filled their sails.  They aren’t like the clouds that come and bring no wind or rain.  They come with a refreshing word and perspective, which seeds the ground.  They mist, sprinkle, and pour graciously encouraging the ground to germinate and grow its fruits.  Their personalities aren’t so massive that they block out the sun or thick with pride that rays of light can never shine through.  They have sympathy and compassion and unity like a sunrise and sunset.

It is not of icy self-assertiveness or self-interest that they do this- for that would be still too bothersome of a burden for the human soul to bear.  They shed their leaves of color amongst great gratitude and sometimes sorrow.  Sweet sap drips from them in conviction as their roots continually dig deeper into God’s securing love.  When the Spirit comes over them, their hands without fail rise up like crocuses awakened from frozen ground.   The hands of heaven dry their cheeks and lift their chins like loving parent.

Many men seek such assurance and confidence in bits of silver and gold but they are continually left with a bitter taste of dissatisfaction in their mouth and a hunger in their soul.   The simpleton confounds them.  

Why is this man of long walks and humble attributes so appealing?   He has nothing really to give but offers what little he has.   He smiles with no evidence he will get any smiles back.  Why in all the hustle and bustle and uncertainty of today and tomorrow, why are you like a light that continues to shine even in the worst of storms?  Why don’t you just blow out like everyone else?  Why are you are like that salt the makes my soup malleable and sweet warm butter on my bread?      

Why do you walk as if you were experiencing one of the greatest cities in world but it’s plain and ordinary and even dismal?   You greet people as if it were a privilege but they aren't important or even famous.  Why is there a glint of encouragement in your eye when the wisest of men has said, "All is meaningless"?

It makes me think that - in the eyes of God even meaningless has a role.  What if all this hollowness, frailty, unfulfilling, fleeting whims of this world that seduce and chastise man -had a purpose? 

What has this man found that is so irreplaceable?   He has invested many hours of thought and accounted for his loses and the benefits still out weighted the losses.   He has checked his inventory everyday to see if something is missing and continually works to have a mature up to date supply.   He continually checks to see if his house is in need of repair.  

He sees his pantry of supplies is not enough for his company and himself.  He sets out for fish market and bakery to find fresh provisions.  He buys wood to cook the food and warm it.   Then when everyone eats all will be satisfied and he will have satisfaction of doing his service well.  He does this day after day just glad to be of service.

This man definitely travels a road less traveled.  What does he find there? 

Then comes the question, “Do you too highly regard your life?  Do you cherish your life more then you should?

If the soul is discouraged -could it be out of one’s self-centerness?

Do we too highly regard our life?  Would the world miss one more selfish soul?  No, of course not.   
But they might miss an unselfish one though.

The Lord Jesus said: “It is more blessed to give than receive.” Acts 20:35

Am I saying, “Does this giving score us any points with God?”  No!  Am I saying, "Good deeds get us into heaven?" No! But does giving something to someone in need do something within us to encourage us out of discouragement?

Do we too highly regard our life, our comfort, our security, our needs, our feelings, our wants and so on? But not highly regarding God and what he wants from us?

How often do you ask God what he wants from us?  Personally I know it’s far less then my requests from him.   Keep this in mind, if God wants you to do something he will give you the strength and resources and mind of Christ to do it in.

I don’t want to go down that street of guilt but I want to ask, if we are not asking God what he wants… are we really honoring God or not honoring God?  Do we really have a relationship with him at all? Are we really his body, his people, his vessels?

None are perfect at this that I know of .... yet he still puts up with our dabbling in other things.

Sometimes we even miss the entire point of life?  We can so easily point out the negatives in this life as if they are bigger then God.   We don't realize God allows us to see the negatives - so we might pray and do something by His Spirit to speak into the situation.  We don't see that we are an ear, a hand, a foot, a voice, an eye to be used by God.

Do we really love the LORD with all our heart, soul and strength? 

I am not trying to sound religious and dry and yuck! Please understand me here in your heart. 

We go to God to fulfill our needs and he does it… not always in the time we think it should happen but he does answer them…. but ask yourself does God have needs?

Does God’s body have needs?  Does the people, who don’t know him yet but who he died for, have needs?   Of course they do!  But how can they know Christ and come to Christ to be saved if we only cram God’s words into their face with no caring action behind it?

James says what?... “Now someone may argue, ‘Some people have faith; others have good deeds.’ I say. ‘I can’t see your faith if you don’t have good deeds, but I will show you my faith through my good deeds.  Do you think it’s enough just to believe that there is one God? Well, even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror!  Fool! When will you ever learn that faith that does not result in good deeds is useless?”  James 2:18-20

We say our purpose as God’s people is to serve God and encouragement comes from God but how can we be encouraged in the Lord if we aren’t also doing and participating in the Lord’s work?  God's words need to come alive off the pages of our mind and into our daily actions.      

Are we so cared for by God that we overlook the needs of others?  Are we so cared for by God that we over look the simple blessings that we receive everyday such as clean running water we shower in, to electricity we use, the home we live in, to the comfortable warm bed we sleep in? Are we so cared for by God that we have become greedy over the things in this life? Not realizing we have far more then we need.   Why don't we share?  Do we take and take more then we give?

Why don’t we cry out "Lord what are your needs?  What are the needs you want me to help you with to help those made in the image of you?"

The reason we don’t ask is because of our own self-centerness and what little we give – at all- we think that is enough.  The reason we don't ask is because we are afraid of how he might answer us.

Self-centerness leads to discontentment and discouragement.  We get so focused on ourselves that we can’t see what God wants us to do!

The message of Christ should enrich our lives and the lives of others.   Good deeds are part of that.  It is not a self-centered message but a message of hope and encouragement.  Where the peace of Christ is ruling and filling the heart/soul to touch other people’s lives.

Self-centerness doesn’t lead to maturity in Christ- it lives and leads to the mindset of the world.

We hear we work to live or live to work but it is neither.   We serve God to live. There is where the secret of life is… there's another strategy God gives to overcome the world and our discouragement!   

We hang onto life - we lose it but if we give it to God (more then we are now) then we will discover it more fully.

If you just went to work for the paycheck, it would be meaningless but if we looked at work as… how could we make a difference in other people’s lives then “the job”… It would be a lot more fulfilling.

"Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." Colossians 3:23

2 Timothy 3:1-17 New King James Version (NKJV)

Perilous Times and Perilous Men

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: ² For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, ³ unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, ⁴ traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, ⁵ having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! ⁶ For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, ⁷ always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. ⁸ Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; ⁹ but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.

The Man of God and the Word of God

¹⁰ But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, ¹¹ persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. ¹² Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. ¹³ But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. ¹⁴ But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, ¹⁵ and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

¹⁶ All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Looking at this passage we can be thankful to God for these last days.  Sounds crazy but think about it….  There is to be a definite difference or departure from those caught up in the world and those living for Christ.   As things get progressively worse -God’s people, filled and guided by the Holy Spirit will have many chances to glorify God more and live encouraged in a discouraging world.

The greedy still won't give unless forced and they will still find ways to keep what they have and the giver, already be used to giving, will give freely to those in need. They will be looking out for others then themselves.

God addresses our discouragement about life when we are able to do things for others.  Instead of feeling like everything is hopeless, God puts us to work to make a difference in a hopeless world.

The Jackie Pullinger Story - Missionary to China from believe836 on GodTube.
  

 

 

The Earth. The World

The Earth. The World. 

Jesus says: “God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.” Matthew 5:5

It can be confusing to a person to read: God will give them the whole earth and then read “And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul in the process?  Is anything worth more than your soul?”   Matthew 16:26

We also read:

John 3:16 "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

1 John 2:15 “Stop loving this evil world and all that it offers you, for when you love the world you show that you do not have the love of the Father in you.”

Ephesians 5:5 “You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is really an idolater who worships the things of this world.”

Plus why would God give us the world that going to pass away?

“And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:17   

The differences we need to pick up on are the “word” choices.   Jesus and the apostles use the word “ge” for earth and the word “kosmos” for world.  This is also different then the word "owlam" which unending world that we know as eternity. 
 
Example:

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.  Ecclesiastes 3:11

Though the words “world” and “earth” are closely described in some of their biblical definitions and contexts such as the dwelling place of humans and the “inhabitants of the earth, men, the human family”… the word “world” - kosmos also refers to worldly affairs, riches, goods, endowments, advantages, pleasures, etc that which are hollow, unfulfilling, frail, fleeting and stir desire and seduce people from God and are obstacles to the cause of Christ.  (Concordance definition.)

The word “earth”, on the other hand, is more specific to make up or building composition of man or the heart of a man. 
  

So when Jesus says, “God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth” he is not referring to the “earth” as worldly things but people. 

Would it not be wonderful to see the people we have come into contact with in this life to be with us in Heaven?  To see the warm light of heaven grace their smiling countenance because you were a ray of light in their life.   To embrace those who were once so harden toward us but were now transformed by God’s amazing power and grace.  
  

Would it not be wonder to know that through the Holy Spirit we were able to touch peoples lives and plant a seed and be a part of them giving their life to Christ or rededicating their life to Christ?
   

That would be a wonderful inheritance to see.  And though this inheritance would be an honor I personally would have to give all recognition to the Lord.   For in Him alone and not in myself would I be able to do such things.  I can not do what the Lord wants me to do unless the Lord is working in me.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
 

To see and hear the Lord’s laughter of joy would be great enough.  Jesus Christ's joy- there is nothing like it. 
 

According to concordance and word of God.  “Gentleness or meekness is the opposite to self assertiveness and self-interest.  It stems from the trust in God’s goodness and control over the situation no matter how good or bad.  

 The gentle person is not occupied with self at all but the with the work of the Holy Spirit.  The human will may push the rudder in the direction of God but from there- nothing can be accomplished in all genuine real sincere goodness without God taking over and blowing in the sails of one’s life.

“But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Here is not conflict with the law.”

Oh how the Holy Spirit plays a wonderful symphony in one’s soul. 
  

The Soul

We know just experiencing this life that this human tent, vessel, body isn’t permanent.   In fact these bodies are fragile.  They bruise, ache, become tired and exhausted, break, get sick, and eventually, if not shortened by incident, shuts down where the soul is carried out of the body to it’s eternal destination- to either doom or glory.  Doom if the soul hasn’t given itself to Jesus Christ or glory if it has trusted and given itself to Jesus Christ.  The soul is eternal… the body is temporary.

God created the soul but if man’s soul doesn’t want God where all life flourishes in and was created by then how can it have life?  “In the beginning the Word [Jesus Christ] already existed.  He was with God, and he was God.  He was in the beginning with God.  He created everything there is.  Nothing exists that he didn’t make.  Life itself was in him, and this life gives light to everyone.  The light shines through the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” John 1:1-5

A person can choose to live in darkness, they can choose to stay in their disbelief and doubt but when Christ is living in a person's life it is evident.   They no longer do they do the same sinful things they used to do or crave the same things they used to crave.  The world is a bitter taste in their mouth and offensive to the mind and heart of Christ - the soul has found Christ Jesus.

The Earth   
The word "ge" for “earth” relates closely to the word "aphar" which means dust or earth.   We see the word "aphar" in the origin or the beginning of man.  

“And the LORD God formed a man’s body from the dust of the ground and breathed into it the breath of life.  And the man became a living person.” Genesis 2:7

“By the sweat of your brow will you have food to eat until you return to the ground from which you were made.  For you were made from dust, and to dust you will return." Genesis 3:19

“For then the dust will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.” Ecclesiastes 12:7

Jesus uses these concepts of the “earth” and “world” when he said this:

“The time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. The truth is, a kernel of wheat must be planted in the soil.  Unless it dies it will be alone- a single seed.  But its death will produce many new kernels- a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it.  Those who despise their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” John 12:23-25

Jesus came to plant his life saving message in the souls of men (and women) but in order for the 
massage to have power and meaning in men he had die as a pure innocent sacrifice for our sins. For man made of earth was separated from God by sin but Jesus made a way for us to be one with God through his death and resurrection from death by the Spirit of God, who lives in us who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  

And though he took his physical body with him when he ascended into heaven he left, a spiritual body behind, the body of Christ who lives by Spirit of God instead of the understanding of the world.

And through the Spirit of God we would stop living as the world lives and live and become God’s children.   Where our lives of faith in Jesus Christ would bring others to Jesus Christ and those others would bring others to Jesus Christ and so on… but those who love their life in this world will lose it.  Because the things of this world are hollow, unfulfilling, frail, fleeting and stir desire and seduce people from God and are obstacles to the cause of Christ.   For Christ is life and eternal life and without him there is no life… only meaninglessness.    

“Everything is meaningless,” says the teacher, “utterly meaningless!” Ecclesiastes 1:2

Jesus said, “The good soil represents the hearts of those who truly accept God’s message and produce a huge harvest-thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted.” Matthew 13:23

Our lives mean something to God and so do the souls who haven’t accepted the life saving message of Jesus Christ.

“But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him?  And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him?  And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?  And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent?  That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:14-15

There are people who are looking but are confused and helpless out there in this world. 

I heard a man recently tell a story of a woman, in India, who through her baby into the river to appease the false river god and when the missionary came by moments later to see what was wrong, she told him what she had done.  In sorrow and wishing he had been there sooner, he told her to appease the one true God for our sins we only have to come to Jesus who died for our sins and ask for his forgiveness and make him Lord and Savior our life.  Hearing this news she said to the missionary, "If you had been here to tell me this sooner, I would still have my baby boy."

A man jumps off a bridge and ends his life because he has made money his god and since he lost his god all his hopes are lost.

Jesus traveled through all the cities and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom.  And wherever he went, he healed people of every sort of disease and illness.  He felt great pity for the crowds that came, because their problems were so great and they didn't know where to go for help.  They were like sheep without a shepherd.  He said to his disciples, "The harvest is great, but the workers are so few.  So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send out more workers for the his fields." 

May we see people not as they are or appear to be but in how God sees them and who he created them to be.   We all have a greater potential in God then we see and allow ourselves to live in.  He has plans for them just as he has plans for us.  They are plans for good and not disaster, to give them a future and a hope.  (Reference: Colossians 1:16-17, Jeremiah 29:11)  But again how will they know this unless we show them what is right, and speak up for what is right, and show them they have value in God as well? May we ask God to help us to help those in need. 

“No, O people, the LORD has already told you what is good, this is what he requires: to do what is right, to love mercy and walk humbly with your God,” Micah 6:8

“Christ is the one through whom God created everything in heaven and earth.  He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see- kings, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities.  Everything has been created through him and for him.  He existed before everything else began, and he holds all creation together.”  Colossians 1:16-17

Only in Him can we do all he has asked of us.

Jesus says: “God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.” Matthew 5:5