WHEN GOD MESSES WITH YOUR PLANS
Matthew 1:18-25
Let’s take a look at the marriage of Joseph and Mary:
Engagements were handled differently in those days than they are now. Marriages were pre-arranged by the parents, often when the kids were only infants. But, there had to come a point, when the couple became aware of the engagement, and began to make their plans!
Imagine young Joseph. The wedding date is approaching, and he is making preparations. We can see Mary. The date every young lady lives for is just about here. She is so excited as she and her parents make the wedding plans. She and Joseph have such dreams for their lives together. But then,
But then GOD MESSED WITH THEIR PLANS!
It was not ever in their goals for Mary to become pregnant before their wedding night. And certainly, the idea of becoming pregnant miraculously and giving birth to the Lord Jesus Christ was not the foremost of their thinking. Mary's reaction to the news was one of perplexity. She asks in Luke 1:34; "How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
Joseph's reaction was a little different. He has a decision to make. Should he believe that Mary has been faithful to him and that she had miraculously become pregnant with the Son of God? Or should he decide to break off the engagement? Of course, you know the rest of the story. They did get married, did give birth to the Messiah, and the rest is history!
Let’s look at three things based upon this Biblical scene:
I. GOD DIDN'T ASK JOSEPH AND MARY-HE TOLD THEM!
We can not find any passage where the angel announcing God's plan, asks Mary or Joseph
if this is acceptable with them! God simply told them His plan and will for their lives!
"How many of you are doing what you planned on doing when say, you were in 7th grade?"
(Most of us aren't doing what we thought we would be doing when we graduated from High
School!) Quite often the majority of the plans we had as a young person are radically different than what has really come to pass.
Some of the plans have changed because we have changed my decisions and desires. But other plans were changed because of circumstances beyond our control: God messed with our plans! And God has never asked us when He has chosen to put those circumstances into our life!
Listen, God has a plan for your life. He made that plan before He created the world and He has no intention of asking your permission to proceed with His plan! Now, you can choose not to obey His will, But you cannot change His will for your life!
II. GOD'S PLAN FOR MARY AND JOSEPH WAS NOT AN EASY ONE.
Sometimes we think that if we are in the will of God, everything will be a bed of roses and life will be without trial or difficulty. That was not the case for Joseph and Mary.
Consider the following:
1. Why didn't God work it out so the Caesar’s tax was collected after the Baby was born? He could have done that couldn't He? Really, having a woman, who was so pregnant that she just barely got to Bethlehem before she had the baby, travel this far on a donkey! This would not have been easy. Surely God could have worked things out better than that!
2. The baby was born in a manger because there was no room in the Inn. Again, can’t you
see the young couple's frustration as, after traveling that far, Mary is exhausted and ready to deliver, AND THEY CAN NOT FIND ANY PLACE COMFORTABLE EVEN TO TAKE HER! Now, God is a sovereign God. He is able to do anything He wills. He obviously has willed that there is no room in the Inn! He isn't making it easy for them, even though they are obeying the will of God for their lives.
3. Why were they forced to flee Bethlehem to Egypt because of the threat of King Herod.
Again, we can see the hand of God at work because He warned them of the danger so they
could flee. Why didn't he just make the King's heart soften so they would have to flee at all? Especially since all the babies 2 years old and younger were killed by Herod's men after Mary and Joseph were gone. The Baby was about 2 year's old when they went to Egypt. And that would not have been an easy trip to make!
4. Then, after all of this, somewhere between when Joseph took his family back to Nazareth
and when Jesus became 30 years old, Joseph died. Jesus had to become the head of
the home, taking care of his mother and his half brothers and sisters. We make a terrible
error in our concept of Christianity when we believe that God makes life easy when we are
in is will and that the easy way is God's way. Take for instance Jesus' message about the
two roads: “For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13-14
When we choose the way that looks the easiest, we aren't necessarily choosing the way that is the will of God! Christ chose a path that led to the cross. Paul chose a path that led to imprisonment and execution. But both chose paths that were in the plan of God for them! God does not promise us an easy trip. He promises to be with us as we take it!
Need a verse? Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
III. THOUGH THINGS WERE DIFFICULT, GOD DID BLESS.
1. They wondered at the child as he grew. Look at these verses in Luke 2:52: "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”
Luke 2:49-51: “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he was saying to them. Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.
2. Ultimately, Jesus grew up to be a blessing to the whole world! Any parent is blessed
when their child grows up to be a person of influence and importance in the world. More
parents are blessed if their kid grows up to do something good for mankind. Now we know that Joseph was gone by this time, but can you imagine the blessing Mary must have
experienced when her firstborn son, Jesus Christ, rose victorious over death and the grave? Can you imagine what she must have felt like as she watched Him ascend visibly, bodily, and gradually into heaven! Can you imagine the excitement in her soul when she realized, THAT HER SON HAD OPENED THE DOOR TO HEAVEN FOR ALL WHO WOULD ACCEPT HIM AND RECEIVE HIM AS SAVIOUR?
God's plan for our lives isn't always an easy one. But it is a plan that will lead to our being a blessing to many. Even if His plan is an early death. He is going to use that in some way ultimately to bring more people to a saving knowledge of the truth. God's plan for Fanny Crosby was that a doctor would give her the wrong medicine when she was a baby, resulting in her blindness. Rather than growing bitter, Fanny Crosby used her condition to make her more spiritually sensitive. She wrote some of the most beautiful hymns we sing.
God used the death of H.G. Spafford's four daughters to inspire him to write a great
hymn, All Is Well With My Soul. Spafford's wife and kids were one a ship to England, and he was going to join them there in a short time. However, the ship with his family on board sank. His wife was saved, but his kids all died. Back home, Spafford awaited news as to the fate of
his family, and when it finally came, it was a telegram from his wife simply saying,
"Saved, Alone." Spafford, while mourning their deaths wrote these words,
"When peace like a river attendeth my way.
when sorrow like sea billows role.
Whatever my lot thou has taught me to say,
it is well it is well with my soul!"
God didn't ask Spafford if it was ok to make that part of his plan for him. And we can be sure
Spafford didn't plan it for himself. But as difficult as God's plan was, it has resulted in something that has blessed countless numbers of suffering souls since it was written!
And, while we may not think our circumstances are nearly that tragic. Nor our influence nearly that far-reaching. The truth of it is if we will agree to follow God’s plan, no matter how difficult, eternity will record an impact for good because of it.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Where’s the Line to See Jesus?
Last year while at the mall with his mom and grandpa, a four-year-old boy watched as children lined up excitedly to see Santa Claus. Having been taught as a toddler that Christmas is the holiday that Christians celebrate the birth of God’s Son, with the innocence of a child, he asked his mom, “Where’s the line to see Jesus? If Christmas is Jesus’ birthday, why don’t we see him more?”
Overhearing, his grandpa was so proud that little Spencer understood the true meaning of Christmas at such a tender age. But both mother and grandfather—Becky Kelly and Steve Haut—were so struck by the profoundness of this little boy’s question and the message inherent within it that they collaborated together to write and record a song based on the experience. Click ling to see video and hear song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OExXItDyWEY
Where’s the Line to See Jesus?
Christmas time was approaching, the snow is starting to fall,
Shoppers choosing their presents, people filling the mall,
Children waiting for Santa with excitement and glee.
A little boy tugged my sweater, looked up and asked me,
Where's the line to see Jesus? Is He here at the store?
If Christmas time is His birthday, why don't we see Him more?
Where's the line to see Jesus? He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents, but Christ gave His life for me.
As I stood in amazement at this message profound,
I looked down to thank him, he was no where around.
The little boy at the mall might as well have had wings
As the tears filled my eyes, I thought I heard him say,
Where's the line to see Jesus? Is He here at the store?
If Christmas time is His birthday, why don't we see Him more?
Where's the line to see Jesus? He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents, but Christ gave His life for me.
In the blink of an eye, at the sound of His trump,
We'll all stand in line at His throne.
Every knee shall bow down, every tongue will confess,
That Jesus Christ is Lord.
Where's the line to see Jesus? Is He here at the store?
If Christmas time is His birthday, why don't we see Him more?
Where's the line to see Jesus? He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents, but Christ gave His life for me.
Out of the mouths of babes sometimes come profound truths that many adults cannot understand. You know, the Bible tells the story of Jesus’ birth in Luke 2:1-21.
On that first Christmas morning there was a line to see Jesus -- shepherds and angels all gathered to see the newborn King lying in a manger. Today, as Christmas approaches, however, impatient shoppers stand in line at the check out aisles, children line up to see Santa, but—as little Spencer asked—where’s the line to see Jesus? If Christmas time is the celebration of his birth, then why don’t we see him more?
More and more lately, we see less and less of Christ in Christmas.
Countless retailers all over the country refuse to even acknowledge Christmas. Sure, they’re happy to take your money, but they’d rather not use the word Christmas. You’ll see signs that say “Happy Holidays” or “Holiday Sale” or even “Holiday Trees.”
Retailers aren’t the only ones who are trying to eliminate Christ from Christmas though. Certain Christian circles are working just as hard to do the same thing. A pastor received an e-mail from his alma mater—Freed-Hardeman University. Just because I was curious about this school, I “googled” it. Here what it says about itself – A Private Christian School. Here is what the email said:
“Seasons greetings from your Freed-Hardeman University family and friends. May this holiday season bring you cheer and hope as you celebrate your family, your blessings and the love you have for one another. May the peace and joy of the holiday season be with you throughout the coming new year. Best wishes for a wonderful holiday and a Happy New Year.”
Do you see anything missing from this message? Where’s Christ? Where’s Christmas? And this is from a Christian college and seminary. They let Christ out for a reason, though. They teach that Christians shouldn’t celebrate Christmas since: the Bible doesn’t mention Christmas, Jesus wasn’t even born on December 25th, it was pagan holiday, there’s no Scriptural authority to celebrate Jesus’ birthday, etc.
Well, there’s no Scriptural authority to celebrate your birthday either, but we still let you have a party, don’t we? The truth is—yes, December 25th was originally a pagan festival celebrating the birthday of the Sun god, Apollo. But, what is often overlooked is that the early church chose that day intentionally. Rather than Christianizing a pagan celebration, they established a rival celebration of the birth of Jesus—the true Son of God. While the world has all but forgotten the Greco-Roman gods of those days, it is annually reminded that two thousand years ago Christ invaded time and space. The birth of Jesus gives all of heaven and earth cause to celebrate! The celebration began in the stable and Christian need to carry on that celebration until he comes again!
When it comes down to it, though—we’re all responsible for removing Christ from Christmas. We get lost in the maze of convoluted commerce and commercialism. We allow ourselves to be swept up in the buying, bidding, wrapping, packing, and distributing of gifts that we forget what the true gift of Christmas really is—Jesus.
The message of the manger is that, in the words of Becky Kelly, Jesus “was born just for me; Santa Claus gave me presents, but Christ gave his life for me.”
This year, just like every year, millions of people, both children and adults, will open millions of gifts. Some won’t fit. Some will be the wrong color. Many will be returned or exchanged. But there’s one gift that meets everyone’s need, one gift that will never wear out, never break or need repairing. A gift that is appropriate for a small child, or a teenager, or an adult, or a senior citizen. Boy or girl, man or woman, it makes no difference. The gift we all need, the most valuable gift of all, is that baby lying in the manger. Christmas is a celebration of the fact that “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). As the apostle Paul said, “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15). Or, as The Living Bible puts it: “Thank God for his Son—his Gift too wonderful for words”.
When Mary touched the face her new born baby boy, she was touching the face of God. When she held her precious child in her arms, she was holding the greatest gift ever given—not just to her, but to all mankind throughout all of history. As you give and receive gifts this Christmas, let it be a reminder that Jesus has given us the greatest gift of all—he gave us himself.
And let’s never forget that one day we will all stand in line to see Jesus. As the song says, “In the blink of an eye, at the sound of his trump, we’ll all stand in line at his throne.” The Bible tells us that one day “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow ….., and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord” Philippians 2:10-11.
Do you know why Christmas trees are evergreen trees? It’s because, in 16th century Germany, Christians would decorate evergreens with apples to represent the tree of life awaiting us in heaven The Bible tells us that it will be forever green, yielding its fruit twelve times a year right in the center of the new heaven and earth (Revelation 22:2) —a symbol of the eternal life that we’ll enjoy in God’s presence all because of the birth of a that special baby two thousand years ago.
When we finally stand in that line before the throne of Jesus, for those of us who have loved him and surrendered our lives to Him, it will be a day of celebration—the beginning of the very best, the beginning of an eternity with Him.
We all know Christ is the reason for the Christmas season (he’s the reason for EVERY season)! But folks, unless you’ve accepted the gift that he’s given—unless you’ve received Jesus (In other words, opened the gift.), known him as friend and Savior, unless you return the love that he has so graciously lavished upon us—then you’ve missed the real meaning of Christmas. Christmas should always be a reminder of the day Jesus stepped out of eternity and into his mothers arms, the day when shepherds and angels all lined up to see Jesus.
Don’t miss it!
Overhearing, his grandpa was so proud that little Spencer understood the true meaning of Christmas at such a tender age. But both mother and grandfather—Becky Kelly and Steve Haut—were so struck by the profoundness of this little boy’s question and the message inherent within it that they collaborated together to write and record a song based on the experience. Click ling to see video and hear song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OExXItDyWEY
Where’s the Line to See Jesus?
Christmas time was approaching, the snow is starting to fall,
Shoppers choosing their presents, people filling the mall,
Children waiting for Santa with excitement and glee.
A little boy tugged my sweater, looked up and asked me,
Where's the line to see Jesus? Is He here at the store?
If Christmas time is His birthday, why don't we see Him more?
Where's the line to see Jesus? He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents, but Christ gave His life for me.
As I stood in amazement at this message profound,
I looked down to thank him, he was no where around.
The little boy at the mall might as well have had wings
As the tears filled my eyes, I thought I heard him say,
Where's the line to see Jesus? Is He here at the store?
If Christmas time is His birthday, why don't we see Him more?
Where's the line to see Jesus? He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents, but Christ gave His life for me.
In the blink of an eye, at the sound of His trump,
We'll all stand in line at His throne.
Every knee shall bow down, every tongue will confess,
That Jesus Christ is Lord.
Where's the line to see Jesus? Is He here at the store?
If Christmas time is His birthday, why don't we see Him more?
Where's the line to see Jesus? He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents, but Christ gave His life for me.
Out of the mouths of babes sometimes come profound truths that many adults cannot understand. You know, the Bible tells the story of Jesus’ birth in Luke 2:1-21.
On that first Christmas morning there was a line to see Jesus -- shepherds and angels all gathered to see the newborn King lying in a manger. Today, as Christmas approaches, however, impatient shoppers stand in line at the check out aisles, children line up to see Santa, but—as little Spencer asked—where’s the line to see Jesus? If Christmas time is the celebration of his birth, then why don’t we see him more?
More and more lately, we see less and less of Christ in Christmas.
Countless retailers all over the country refuse to even acknowledge Christmas. Sure, they’re happy to take your money, but they’d rather not use the word Christmas. You’ll see signs that say “Happy Holidays” or “Holiday Sale” or even “Holiday Trees.”
Retailers aren’t the only ones who are trying to eliminate Christ from Christmas though. Certain Christian circles are working just as hard to do the same thing. A pastor received an e-mail from his alma mater—Freed-Hardeman University. Just because I was curious about this school, I “googled” it. Here what it says about itself – A Private Christian School. Here is what the email said:
“Seasons greetings from your Freed-Hardeman University family and friends. May this holiday season bring you cheer and hope as you celebrate your family, your blessings and the love you have for one another. May the peace and joy of the holiday season be with you throughout the coming new year. Best wishes for a wonderful holiday and a Happy New Year.”
Do you see anything missing from this message? Where’s Christ? Where’s Christmas? And this is from a Christian college and seminary. They let Christ out for a reason, though. They teach that Christians shouldn’t celebrate Christmas since: the Bible doesn’t mention Christmas, Jesus wasn’t even born on December 25th, it was pagan holiday, there’s no Scriptural authority to celebrate Jesus’ birthday, etc.
Well, there’s no Scriptural authority to celebrate your birthday either, but we still let you have a party, don’t we? The truth is—yes, December 25th was originally a pagan festival celebrating the birthday of the Sun god, Apollo. But, what is often overlooked is that the early church chose that day intentionally. Rather than Christianizing a pagan celebration, they established a rival celebration of the birth of Jesus—the true Son of God. While the world has all but forgotten the Greco-Roman gods of those days, it is annually reminded that two thousand years ago Christ invaded time and space. The birth of Jesus gives all of heaven and earth cause to celebrate! The celebration began in the stable and Christian need to carry on that celebration until he comes again!
When it comes down to it, though—we’re all responsible for removing Christ from Christmas. We get lost in the maze of convoluted commerce and commercialism. We allow ourselves to be swept up in the buying, bidding, wrapping, packing, and distributing of gifts that we forget what the true gift of Christmas really is—Jesus.
The message of the manger is that, in the words of Becky Kelly, Jesus “was born just for me; Santa Claus gave me presents, but Christ gave his life for me.”
This year, just like every year, millions of people, both children and adults, will open millions of gifts. Some won’t fit. Some will be the wrong color. Many will be returned or exchanged. But there’s one gift that meets everyone’s need, one gift that will never wear out, never break or need repairing. A gift that is appropriate for a small child, or a teenager, or an adult, or a senior citizen. Boy or girl, man or woman, it makes no difference. The gift we all need, the most valuable gift of all, is that baby lying in the manger. Christmas is a celebration of the fact that “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). As the apostle Paul said, “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15). Or, as The Living Bible puts it: “Thank God for his Son—his Gift too wonderful for words”.
When Mary touched the face her new born baby boy, she was touching the face of God. When she held her precious child in her arms, she was holding the greatest gift ever given—not just to her, but to all mankind throughout all of history. As you give and receive gifts this Christmas, let it be a reminder that Jesus has given us the greatest gift of all—he gave us himself.
And let’s never forget that one day we will all stand in line to see Jesus. As the song says, “In the blink of an eye, at the sound of his trump, we’ll all stand in line at his throne.” The Bible tells us that one day “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow ….., and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord” Philippians 2:10-11.
Do you know why Christmas trees are evergreen trees? It’s because, in 16th century Germany, Christians would decorate evergreens with apples to represent the tree of life awaiting us in heaven The Bible tells us that it will be forever green, yielding its fruit twelve times a year right in the center of the new heaven and earth (Revelation 22:2) —a symbol of the eternal life that we’ll enjoy in God’s presence all because of the birth of a that special baby two thousand years ago.
When we finally stand in that line before the throne of Jesus, for those of us who have loved him and surrendered our lives to Him, it will be a day of celebration—the beginning of the very best, the beginning of an eternity with Him.
We all know Christ is the reason for the Christmas season (he’s the reason for EVERY season)! But folks, unless you’ve accepted the gift that he’s given—unless you’ve received Jesus (In other words, opened the gift.), known him as friend and Savior, unless you return the love that he has so graciously lavished upon us—then you’ve missed the real meaning of Christmas. Christmas should always be a reminder of the day Jesus stepped out of eternity and into his mothers arms, the day when shepherds and angels all lined up to see Jesus.
Don’t miss it!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Sure Thing!
If you want to know for sure that you are saved and have a relationship with Jesus this is a great sermon. It is 30 minutes.
This week's lesson was a sermon by Dr. James Merritt from CrossPointe Church in Georgia. To watch it click the link below, scroll down to you see 2010, then scroll over until you see November, click November then click the sermon Sure Thing? and the video will be in the larger "window" above then you play it like any other video. Sorry for the many steps. I ordered the actual DVD for use in the class so not as complicated to view:
go to the link below: http://www.touchinglives.org/multimedia/video-broadcasts//
This week's lesson was a sermon by Dr. James Merritt from CrossPointe Church in Georgia. To watch it click the link below, scroll down to you see 2010, then scroll over until you see November, click November then click the sermon Sure Thing? and the video will be in the larger "window" above then you play it like any other video. Sorry for the many steps. I ordered the actual DVD for use in the class so not as complicated to view:
go to the link below: http://www.touchinglives.org/multimedia/video-broadcasts//
Monday, November 29, 2010
When You Question God's Love!
“I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.” Jeremiah 31:3
Have you ever had to be around someone who did not like you? Someone at work or at school or at church or in your own family … and you had to spend time with him or her. It is awkward and uncomfortable, isn't it? It is something that you dread, isn't it? Let's face it. We do not like to be around people who are disappointed, disgusted, and displeased with us. We shy away from encounters with those who don't like us very much.
A major reason so many people spend so little quality time with God is because, deep down, they do not think God likes them very much. Sure, they know in their head that He loves them, but they are pretty sure He is displeased and disappointed with them most of the time. It is a chore—not a joy—to spend time with the Lord when you believe He is negative toward you.
Nothing could be further from the truth. God thinks you are terrific! He thinks you hung the moon (well, actually He did, but you get the point). He has your picture in His wallet and your name on His lips. He thinks about you all the time and loves to spend time with you. He loves you with an everlasting love! He calls you His “special treasure” (Exodus 19:5).
"But you don't understand. I have so much sin in my heart. How could God be anything but displeased with me?" Remember, God is displeased with sinful actions, but He is not displeased with you. There is a big difference between the two.
God has blessed me with a wonderful grandson. I am so proud of him and love to spend time with him. I think about him with joy, not disgust. Does he ever do things that displeases me? Have I needed to discipline him for disobedience? Yes … but I am never displeased with him, just displeased with his actions from time to time. I would love him no matter what he did. He is my grandson … and I am well pleased with him. So it is with God and His children.
It is time for you to believe and receive the truth. Jesus said, "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32). If you've asked Christ to come live in your heart, you are a child of God. And God is inviting you to spend time with Him … to rest in His unconditional love and enjoy it! He wants you to know that He not only loves you, but He likes you and thinks the world of you. He wants to be your best friend. What do you say to that?
The hardest lesson to learn is “For God so loved the world“ John 3:16
When you were little, most of you were taught this familiar little song: "Jesus Loves Me This I Know, for the Bible Tells Me So." What a simple message, easy enough for a child to understand. But the sad reality is this: so many people have trouble believing it is true.
Often it is very easy to start thinking that God accepts and loves us on the basis of performance. We are quick to adopt the "daisy theology": "He loves me, He loves me not." We tend to think, God loves me if I am obeying Him, but He doesn't love me if I am failing Him. Your feelings may tell you that this is a true statement, but we need to know it is a lie! Regardless of our behavior or performance, God loves us!
The day Jesus began His public ministry, the father's voice thundered from heaven as soon as Jesus was baptized, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17). How amazing; how significant! Before Jesus had performed one miracle, the Father publicly set His love and approval on Him. Do you see the principle? God does not love you based on your performance. He loves you because He chose to love you, regardless of your performance.
If we know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we are “called children of God!” (1 John 3:1). And God loves His children, every one of them. He has no favorites, only intimates (close acquaintance, association, or familiarity.). And the intimates are those who have learned to believe and receive His love for them and act accordingly.
Do you want to know the secret to pleasing God and living a life of obedience to His commandments? It all has to do with believing and receiving His great love for you. When you understand how much He really loves you, you can't help but really love Him back. “He loved us first". (1 John 4:19). And when you really love Him back, you obey Him. "Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me." (John 14:21).
The key is love. It is all about love, God's love for you and your response of love for Him. That is why Jude earnestly pleads, "keep yourselves in God’s love". (Jude 1:21). The love of God is the cornerstone of a victorious and thrilling Christian life.
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars,
which You have ordained; what is man that You take thought of him? And the son of man, that You care for him? —Psalm 8:3-4
Do you ever would look up into the night sky, see all the stars and think about the greatness of God. How small do you feel when compared to the vastness of the universe? David said, "Wow, Lord. Who am I that you would care for me or even give me a thought? You are so awesome, and I am so insignificant."
God is so much greater than our minds could ever comprehend. He created all that we see, all that the highest-powered telescopes can reveal, just by the power of His Word. He simply spoke it all into existence. Wow!
And here is the even more amazing part – He loves us!!! We matter to Him. He thinks about us all the time. His thoughts toward you and me outnumber the sand on the seashore (Psalm 139:18). How cool is that?
Why does God love you and me so much? Why did He send His Son to die such a horrible death for us on the cross? It is not because you and I are so wonderful; the Bible says “it was simply that the LORD loves you”. (Deuteronomy 7:6-9). The Scripture clearly tells us, "God is love". (1 John 4:8). Love is a big part of His nature.
God chose to love us regardless of who we are or what we do. Because it was God's choice, it is not dependent on you and me. Talk about getting off the performance-based acceptance train! Here is truth to put in your heart: There is nothing you can do to get God to love you any more than He already does, and there is nothing you can do to get God to love you any less than He already does. He just loves you!
Our job is to receive His love and rejoice in His love. Obedience to His commands comes when you realize that everything God tells us to do or not to do is for our greatest good. The God who loves us says yes to some things and no to other things. His commandments are not given to deprive us; they are given to bless us, because every one of them is given in love.
Believe it or not we are loved. Jesus said “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love.” John 15:9 The sooner you believe and receive God's great love for you, the better you will be.
What happens to a person who truly believes and receives God's great love?
That person feels a tremendous sense of acceptance and peace.
That person will be free to love the Lord back.
That person will be free to love other people (see Romans 5:5).
That person will be able to face life with joy and a song in his or her heart.
That person will see difficult circumstances as an opportunity for Jesus to shine.
We have to continually remind ourselves of the truth of God's love, because we can easily see all our shortcomings and conclude that there is no way He could love us. We can easily start focusing on all the negative circumstances in our lives and conclude that all these difficulties are arising because He does not love us. Those are lies from the devil!
God truly loves us … and nothing can ever change that (see Romans 8:38-39). He has purchased us with His own blood, and He has a special and wonderful plan for us. We choose to believe and receive His love and reject the devil's lies. And because He loves us, He never fails to work all things together for good in our life.
Remember our number-one job as His child is to keep ourselves in His love … and love Him back with all that we are. If we do this each day, we will be led by His Spirit, and our life will be a great success in His eyes.
HomeworkTonight, go outside and look up into the starry sky. Consider His heavens. Consider how great He is. Then, remember that the awesome God who made all that you see knows your name. He knows your circumstances. He knows your victories and your struggles. He knows everything there is to know about you, and He loves you still.
Share your hopes, dreams, worries, and fears with Him. Tell Him that you love Him. Cast all your cares upon Him, because He really does care for you (1 Peter 5:7)! Remember this great word from Isaiah the Prophet, "For since the world began, no ear has heard, and no eye has seen a God like You, who works for those who wait for Him" (Isaiah 64:4 NLT)! He truly will work in the hearts of those who will look to Him and wait for Him. Will you do it?
Have you ever had to be around someone who did not like you? Someone at work or at school or at church or in your own family … and you had to spend time with him or her. It is awkward and uncomfortable, isn't it? It is something that you dread, isn't it? Let's face it. We do not like to be around people who are disappointed, disgusted, and displeased with us. We shy away from encounters with those who don't like us very much.
A major reason so many people spend so little quality time with God is because, deep down, they do not think God likes them very much. Sure, they know in their head that He loves them, but they are pretty sure He is displeased and disappointed with them most of the time. It is a chore—not a joy—to spend time with the Lord when you believe He is negative toward you.
Nothing could be further from the truth. God thinks you are terrific! He thinks you hung the moon (well, actually He did, but you get the point). He has your picture in His wallet and your name on His lips. He thinks about you all the time and loves to spend time with you. He loves you with an everlasting love! He calls you His “special treasure” (Exodus 19:5).
"But you don't understand. I have so much sin in my heart. How could God be anything but displeased with me?" Remember, God is displeased with sinful actions, but He is not displeased with you. There is a big difference between the two.
God has blessed me with a wonderful grandson. I am so proud of him and love to spend time with him. I think about him with joy, not disgust. Does he ever do things that displeases me? Have I needed to discipline him for disobedience? Yes … but I am never displeased with him, just displeased with his actions from time to time. I would love him no matter what he did. He is my grandson … and I am well pleased with him. So it is with God and His children.
It is time for you to believe and receive the truth. Jesus said, "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32). If you've asked Christ to come live in your heart, you are a child of God. And God is inviting you to spend time with Him … to rest in His unconditional love and enjoy it! He wants you to know that He not only loves you, but He likes you and thinks the world of you. He wants to be your best friend. What do you say to that?
The hardest lesson to learn is “For God so loved the world“ John 3:16
When you were little, most of you were taught this familiar little song: "Jesus Loves Me This I Know, for the Bible Tells Me So." What a simple message, easy enough for a child to understand. But the sad reality is this: so many people have trouble believing it is true.
Often it is very easy to start thinking that God accepts and loves us on the basis of performance. We are quick to adopt the "daisy theology": "He loves me, He loves me not." We tend to think, God loves me if I am obeying Him, but He doesn't love me if I am failing Him. Your feelings may tell you that this is a true statement, but we need to know it is a lie! Regardless of our behavior or performance, God loves us!
The day Jesus began His public ministry, the father's voice thundered from heaven as soon as Jesus was baptized, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17). How amazing; how significant! Before Jesus had performed one miracle, the Father publicly set His love and approval on Him. Do you see the principle? God does not love you based on your performance. He loves you because He chose to love you, regardless of your performance.
If we know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we are “called children of God!” (1 John 3:1). And God loves His children, every one of them. He has no favorites, only intimates (close acquaintance, association, or familiarity.). And the intimates are those who have learned to believe and receive His love for them and act accordingly.
Do you want to know the secret to pleasing God and living a life of obedience to His commandments? It all has to do with believing and receiving His great love for you. When you understand how much He really loves you, you can't help but really love Him back. “He loved us first". (1 John 4:19). And when you really love Him back, you obey Him. "Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me." (John 14:21).
The key is love. It is all about love, God's love for you and your response of love for Him. That is why Jude earnestly pleads, "keep yourselves in God’s love". (Jude 1:21). The love of God is the cornerstone of a victorious and thrilling Christian life.
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars,
which You have ordained; what is man that You take thought of him? And the son of man, that You care for him? —Psalm 8:3-4
Do you ever would look up into the night sky, see all the stars and think about the greatness of God. How small do you feel when compared to the vastness of the universe? David said, "Wow, Lord. Who am I that you would care for me or even give me a thought? You are so awesome, and I am so insignificant."
God is so much greater than our minds could ever comprehend. He created all that we see, all that the highest-powered telescopes can reveal, just by the power of His Word. He simply spoke it all into existence. Wow!
And here is the even more amazing part – He loves us!!! We matter to Him. He thinks about us all the time. His thoughts toward you and me outnumber the sand on the seashore (Psalm 139:18). How cool is that?
Why does God love you and me so much? Why did He send His Son to die such a horrible death for us on the cross? It is not because you and I are so wonderful; the Bible says “it was simply that the LORD loves you”. (Deuteronomy 7:6-9). The Scripture clearly tells us, "God is love". (1 John 4:8). Love is a big part of His nature.
God chose to love us regardless of who we are or what we do. Because it was God's choice, it is not dependent on you and me. Talk about getting off the performance-based acceptance train! Here is truth to put in your heart: There is nothing you can do to get God to love you any more than He already does, and there is nothing you can do to get God to love you any less than He already does. He just loves you!
Our job is to receive His love and rejoice in His love. Obedience to His commands comes when you realize that everything God tells us to do or not to do is for our greatest good. The God who loves us says yes to some things and no to other things. His commandments are not given to deprive us; they are given to bless us, because every one of them is given in love.
Believe it or not we are loved. Jesus said “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love.” John 15:9 The sooner you believe and receive God's great love for you, the better you will be.
What happens to a person who truly believes and receives God's great love?
That person feels a tremendous sense of acceptance and peace.
That person will be free to love the Lord back.
That person will be free to love other people (see Romans 5:5).
That person will be able to face life with joy and a song in his or her heart.
That person will see difficult circumstances as an opportunity for Jesus to shine.
We have to continually remind ourselves of the truth of God's love, because we can easily see all our shortcomings and conclude that there is no way He could love us. We can easily start focusing on all the negative circumstances in our lives and conclude that all these difficulties are arising because He does not love us. Those are lies from the devil!
God truly loves us … and nothing can ever change that (see Romans 8:38-39). He has purchased us with His own blood, and He has a special and wonderful plan for us. We choose to believe and receive His love and reject the devil's lies. And because He loves us, He never fails to work all things together for good in our life.
Remember our number-one job as His child is to keep ourselves in His love … and love Him back with all that we are. If we do this each day, we will be led by His Spirit, and our life will be a great success in His eyes.
HomeworkTonight, go outside and look up into the starry sky. Consider His heavens. Consider how great He is. Then, remember that the awesome God who made all that you see knows your name. He knows your circumstances. He knows your victories and your struggles. He knows everything there is to know about you, and He loves you still.
Share your hopes, dreams, worries, and fears with Him. Tell Him that you love Him. Cast all your cares upon Him, because He really does care for you (1 Peter 5:7)! Remember this great word from Isaiah the Prophet, "For since the world began, no ear has heard, and no eye has seen a God like You, who works for those who wait for Him" (Isaiah 64:4 NLT)! He truly will work in the hearts of those who will look to Him and wait for Him. Will you do it?
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Whose Yoke are You Wearing?
"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matt 11:28-30
This is one of the most beloved passages in the New Testament, and it's the key to rest. You may read this and say, "Yes I'm weary and burdened. Please Jesus, where is my rest?" Yet as you look at the passage more, you realize that there was more to it then just "claiming the promise." Jesus is telling a group of people to "Come to Me." This passage is not just for Christians. God was saying for all to come to HIM.
So this passage reaches out to you those who can't seem to find that missing piece of the puzzle in life, even though you may have religion. This life is wearing you down, and you have a load of guilt and problems that you're carrying on your back, this passage is for you.
You may be a Christian and you're “busy” in some ministry, and yet you still can't seem to find the peace and joy that God has promised. You're almost questioning your own heart and salvation, because you're also weary and carrying a load of problems, this passage is for you.
"Come to Me..."
Jesus is starting off by saying "Come to Me," - God in the flesh, the Messiah who came to bring us salvation, Creator of the heavens and the earth, the Lord of Lords and King of Kings in whose image you were created. Come to the One who said, "I AM the I AM". "I AM the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending, the Way, and the Truth, the Resurrection and the Life." And Jesus calls out in love to come to Him, but sometimes this is the last thing that people want to do. They will take ANY other alternative, but Jesus.
We have people who would rather get high and drunk, than to turn to Jesus. They would choose a life in the gutters over a life as a child of the King. They know of Jesus, they believe that God has created them, they believe in heaven and hell, but they still want no part of Him.
And yet Jesus is gently calling out, "Come to Me...," all who are empty inside, all who are tired of their lives, all who are weary from sin. Those who are hurting, or are lonely..."Come to ME." Those who don't feel loved, those in broken lives, "Come to ME." There are no conditions here. He does not say "come if you're clean," or "sinless," "come if your act is all straightened out," "come if you're out of debt." He is not saying "come if you're one of the beautiful people" (thank God), or if your an "intellectual" (thank God again), but He simply is saying come….all who are good and bad, Come to ME."
It's important to remember that God is NOT starting off by saying: Come to church. Come to a pastor. Come to a tradition or a ritual. Come to a Christian psychologist. Come to a religion.
He starts off by saying simply, "Come to Me..."
This is the start of your rest: coming to, or receiving Jesus. The important part to remember is not just believing in Jesus, but receiving Him, asking Him to abide in you and fill you with His Spirit. You could believe that you have a gift in a beautifully wrapped Christmas gift, but unless you open it, receive it, your belief will do nothing for you! The same is true of Jesus. You could believe in Him all you want, but unless you receive Him, your belief is worthless!
There is no rest in any other name or thing, but Jesus, because then you receive your peace with God.
"All Who are Weary..."
God calls those that are weary, those who are to the point of utter exhaustion. You're weary from trying to find God, you have searched religions, rituals and traditions, and you are just plain tired of searching for God. Anyone who goes down this route will assure you that it is wearisome.
You can be weary from the affects of the world beating you down, the alcohol, the drugs, the painful relationships. You're just sick and tired of what is going on. You’re beat down! This can be very depressing and can make you feel like you don't even want to exist!
You can also be weary from trying to serve God on your own resources, or power! You have several ministries and they are just exhausting you. You press on to "serve God until you burnout." For some reason, there is no joy in your ministry, just a persistence to work for God. You have used every bit of your own resources and your wisdom, and you have nothing left to give.
"And Burdened..."
The word for burdened means carrying a load...a load of guilt, or a load of problems. You feel like you lost control of your problems years ago, and you starting to pay now for the choices you have made. You have mounds of bills, or family problems, even health problems, and you wonder where God is in all of this.
Through all of this God is telling us, "I will give you rest." The rest that God is talking about in this passage means: ease, refreshing or relaxation.
Recognizing God in the Storms
Sometimes we act like the disciples in Mark 4:36-41 when the storm came up and Jesus was asleep in the boat. When we are in the middle of a personal storm, where our whole life is being rocked by waves of problems, we think that Jesus is sleeping through our problems and that He does not care about us. “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Even though Jesus was asleep, technically God wasn't really sleeping, because the Scriptures tell us that "He never sleeps nor slumbers." (Psalm 121:4) Yet there are times we think that God is sleeping in the mist of our storms and instead He is right there in the mist of the storm with us!! Once we recognize that Jesus is with us, and that our life and faith is built upon Him, and that He cares for us, we can hear Him say, "Peace, Be Still," to our hearts. Jesus's disciples traveled with Him for three years, and they had to go through the storm to realize that He was the God of the storms. We too have to recognize that God is with us in the storm, no matter how many waves are rocking our lives. When we give Him control of the storm, He simply says, "Peace, Be Still," and then you experience the calm of peace that only He could give.
"Take My Yoke upon You..."
A yoke is a wooden harness that was commonly used in Biblical times to link two animals, usually oxen, together for purposes of plowing and working the fields. Because they were yoked, the animals could then be used together and kept under the master's control. The yoked animals worked together in plowing the land, or each sharing the burdened to be pulled. We ALL have yokes, we are all connected to something. It just depends on what we are yoked or connected to. We could be yoked to drugs or alcohol, we could be yoked to painful relationships or sinful relationships., we could be yoked to work. The list could go on and on!
Jesus is telling us the secret to rest right here. We are to be yoked or connected to HIM. When you are connected to other things but Jesus, God is not in control of your life. Instead, the one who is in control is the one whose yoke you are wearing. So God tells us that in order to have rest, we are to be linked to Him.
To wear God's yoke symbolizes obedience to Him. Jesus said, "If you love Me you will keep My commandments”. God's blessings are found in the path of trustful obedience.
"And Learn from Me, for I Am Gentle and Humble in Heart..."
We should be learning from Jesus by opening up the Bible and seeing what God says to us. And as we spend the quality time in the Scriptures we will learn wondrous things. We need to learn from Jesus, getting to know Him and His Word better. Learn His ways, and His mind in all things. Learn from Jesus how to find rest for your soul.
"And You Will Find Rest for Your Souls..."
Once we submit (there’s that word again!) to God’s will, and learn of Him and spend time with Him, then we will be rested. Sometimes we need to do...sit at the Lord's feet, as Mary did in Luke 10:38-42, listening to what He says!!
"For My Yoke is Easy and My Burden is Light..."
When you are yoked to Jesus, you are no longer carrying the problems, and you are no longer tired and weary because Jesus is carrying your load, your just walking with HIM!! So a ministry becomes a joy when it's not you doing it, but rather Jesus working through you. God is gently calling us to be yoked or connected to Him. For some of us that means asking God to change our yoke...to be now yoked or connected to Him ONLY. Simply come to Jesus and ask Him to remove the old yoke and to give you a brand new one. Ask God to help you find your rest in Him alone.
If you are in a ministry and you're burning out, ask God to show you if the ministry is of Him. If it's not of God, stop wasting your time and drop the ministry and then wait upon the Lord who will renew your strength. Stop trying to hold up a ministry in your own power and strength. Then there is no more pressure or stress!! Let Jesus do the work as you walk beside Him as He carries the load. God's invitation is open to all to "Come to Him," and find rest in Him. To those who don't know Him, He wants you to find rest for your souls as well. He wants a personal relationship with you, not just a knowledge of Him, but a living relationship with the God of the heavens and the earth. He wants to calm the storms raging in your soul with the simple words, "Peace, Be Still." God wants to give you the peace that surpasses all understanding. Ask God to give you the new life from the Spirit above. Ask Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit and make you a new person, and you will experience the joy, love and peace that ONLY God can truly give.
To those who are Christians but are weary and heavy burdened, find your rest in God alone. Sit at the feet of Jesus and learn from Him, for He is gentle and humble in heart. Ask God to once again remove the yoke that you are carrying and to yoke Himself to you...and then, and only then, will you find your rest.
This is one of the most beloved passages in the New Testament, and it's the key to rest. You may read this and say, "Yes I'm weary and burdened. Please Jesus, where is my rest?" Yet as you look at the passage more, you realize that there was more to it then just "claiming the promise." Jesus is telling a group of people to "Come to Me." This passage is not just for Christians. God was saying for all to come to HIM.
So this passage reaches out to you those who can't seem to find that missing piece of the puzzle in life, even though you may have religion. This life is wearing you down, and you have a load of guilt and problems that you're carrying on your back, this passage is for you.
You may be a Christian and you're “busy” in some ministry, and yet you still can't seem to find the peace and joy that God has promised. You're almost questioning your own heart and salvation, because you're also weary and carrying a load of problems, this passage is for you.
"Come to Me..."
Jesus is starting off by saying "Come to Me," - God in the flesh, the Messiah who came to bring us salvation, Creator of the heavens and the earth, the Lord of Lords and King of Kings in whose image you were created. Come to the One who said, "I AM the I AM". "I AM the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending, the Way, and the Truth, the Resurrection and the Life." And Jesus calls out in love to come to Him, but sometimes this is the last thing that people want to do. They will take ANY other alternative, but Jesus.
We have people who would rather get high and drunk, than to turn to Jesus. They would choose a life in the gutters over a life as a child of the King. They know of Jesus, they believe that God has created them, they believe in heaven and hell, but they still want no part of Him.
And yet Jesus is gently calling out, "Come to Me...," all who are empty inside, all who are tired of their lives, all who are weary from sin. Those who are hurting, or are lonely..."Come to ME." Those who don't feel loved, those in broken lives, "Come to ME." There are no conditions here. He does not say "come if you're clean," or "sinless," "come if your act is all straightened out," "come if you're out of debt." He is not saying "come if you're one of the beautiful people" (thank God), or if your an "intellectual" (thank God again), but He simply is saying come….all who are good and bad, Come to ME."
It's important to remember that God is NOT starting off by saying: Come to church. Come to a pastor. Come to a tradition or a ritual. Come to a Christian psychologist. Come to a religion.
He starts off by saying simply, "Come to Me..."
This is the start of your rest: coming to, or receiving Jesus. The important part to remember is not just believing in Jesus, but receiving Him, asking Him to abide in you and fill you with His Spirit. You could believe that you have a gift in a beautifully wrapped Christmas gift, but unless you open it, receive it, your belief will do nothing for you! The same is true of Jesus. You could believe in Him all you want, but unless you receive Him, your belief is worthless!
There is no rest in any other name or thing, but Jesus, because then you receive your peace with God.
"All Who are Weary..."
God calls those that are weary, those who are to the point of utter exhaustion. You're weary from trying to find God, you have searched religions, rituals and traditions, and you are just plain tired of searching for God. Anyone who goes down this route will assure you that it is wearisome.
You can be weary from the affects of the world beating you down, the alcohol, the drugs, the painful relationships. You're just sick and tired of what is going on. You’re beat down! This can be very depressing and can make you feel like you don't even want to exist!
You can also be weary from trying to serve God on your own resources, or power! You have several ministries and they are just exhausting you. You press on to "serve God until you burnout." For some reason, there is no joy in your ministry, just a persistence to work for God. You have used every bit of your own resources and your wisdom, and you have nothing left to give.
"And Burdened..."
The word for burdened means carrying a load...a load of guilt, or a load of problems. You feel like you lost control of your problems years ago, and you starting to pay now for the choices you have made. You have mounds of bills, or family problems, even health problems, and you wonder where God is in all of this.
Through all of this God is telling us, "I will give you rest." The rest that God is talking about in this passage means: ease, refreshing or relaxation.
Recognizing God in the Storms
Sometimes we act like the disciples in Mark 4:36-41 when the storm came up and Jesus was asleep in the boat. When we are in the middle of a personal storm, where our whole life is being rocked by waves of problems, we think that Jesus is sleeping through our problems and that He does not care about us. “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Even though Jesus was asleep, technically God wasn't really sleeping, because the Scriptures tell us that "He never sleeps nor slumbers." (Psalm 121:4) Yet there are times we think that God is sleeping in the mist of our storms and instead He is right there in the mist of the storm with us!! Once we recognize that Jesus is with us, and that our life and faith is built upon Him, and that He cares for us, we can hear Him say, "Peace, Be Still," to our hearts. Jesus's disciples traveled with Him for three years, and they had to go through the storm to realize that He was the God of the storms. We too have to recognize that God is with us in the storm, no matter how many waves are rocking our lives. When we give Him control of the storm, He simply says, "Peace, Be Still," and then you experience the calm of peace that only He could give.
"Take My Yoke upon You..."
A yoke is a wooden harness that was commonly used in Biblical times to link two animals, usually oxen, together for purposes of plowing and working the fields. Because they were yoked, the animals could then be used together and kept under the master's control. The yoked animals worked together in plowing the land, or each sharing the burdened to be pulled. We ALL have yokes, we are all connected to something. It just depends on what we are yoked or connected to. We could be yoked to drugs or alcohol, we could be yoked to painful relationships or sinful relationships., we could be yoked to work. The list could go on and on!
Jesus is telling us the secret to rest right here. We are to be yoked or connected to HIM. When you are connected to other things but Jesus, God is not in control of your life. Instead, the one who is in control is the one whose yoke you are wearing. So God tells us that in order to have rest, we are to be linked to Him.
To wear God's yoke symbolizes obedience to Him. Jesus said, "If you love Me you will keep My commandments”. God's blessings are found in the path of trustful obedience.
"And Learn from Me, for I Am Gentle and Humble in Heart..."
We should be learning from Jesus by opening up the Bible and seeing what God says to us. And as we spend the quality time in the Scriptures we will learn wondrous things. We need to learn from Jesus, getting to know Him and His Word better. Learn His ways, and His mind in all things. Learn from Jesus how to find rest for your soul.
"And You Will Find Rest for Your Souls..."
Once we submit (there’s that word again!) to God’s will, and learn of Him and spend time with Him, then we will be rested. Sometimes we need to do...sit at the Lord's feet, as Mary did in Luke 10:38-42, listening to what He says!!
"For My Yoke is Easy and My Burden is Light..."
When you are yoked to Jesus, you are no longer carrying the problems, and you are no longer tired and weary because Jesus is carrying your load, your just walking with HIM!! So a ministry becomes a joy when it's not you doing it, but rather Jesus working through you. God is gently calling us to be yoked or connected to Him. For some of us that means asking God to change our yoke...to be now yoked or connected to Him ONLY. Simply come to Jesus and ask Him to remove the old yoke and to give you a brand new one. Ask God to help you find your rest in Him alone.
If you are in a ministry and you're burning out, ask God to show you if the ministry is of Him. If it's not of God, stop wasting your time and drop the ministry and then wait upon the Lord who will renew your strength. Stop trying to hold up a ministry in your own power and strength. Then there is no more pressure or stress!! Let Jesus do the work as you walk beside Him as He carries the load. God's invitation is open to all to "Come to Him," and find rest in Him. To those who don't know Him, He wants you to find rest for your souls as well. He wants a personal relationship with you, not just a knowledge of Him, but a living relationship with the God of the heavens and the earth. He wants to calm the storms raging in your soul with the simple words, "Peace, Be Still." God wants to give you the peace that surpasses all understanding. Ask God to give you the new life from the Spirit above. Ask Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit and make you a new person, and you will experience the joy, love and peace that ONLY God can truly give.
To those who are Christians but are weary and heavy burdened, find your rest in God alone. Sit at the feet of Jesus and learn from Him, for He is gentle and humble in heart. Ask God to once again remove the yoke that you are carrying and to yoke Himself to you...and then, and only then, will you find your rest.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Daring to Care
Helping those in need is sometimes an individual responsibility. Often we’re tempted to think, "That’s not my job. There are all kinds of organizations and government programs. They’re not my responsibility!" This may be true in some cases but not all.
”whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:31-40
Do you think maybe at times God puts individuals before us and expects us to help them? And when those opportunities come, we must be ready to help.
There are many reasons to help people in need, but for the Christian, none is higher than this: when we love those in need, we are loving Jesus. It is a mystery beyond science, a truth beyond statistics. But it is a message that Jesus made crystal clear: when we love them, we love him.
This is the theme of his final sermon. (Matthew 25:31-40). The message he saved until last. He must want this point imprinted on our conscience. He depicted the final judgment scene. The last day, the great Day of Judgment. On that day Jesus will issue an irresistible command. All will come. From sunken ships and forgotten cemeteries, they will come. From royal tombs and grassy battlefields, they will come. From Abel, the first to die, to the person being buried at the moment Jesus calls, every human in history will be present.
In this sermon Jesus says “…he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Matthew 25:32-33.
How can one envision this moment without thinking: What determines his choice? How does Jesus separate the people?
Jesus gives the answer in Matthew 25:34-36 ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me. Those on the right, the sheep, will be those who fed him when he was hungry, brought him water when he was thirsty, gave him lodging when he was lonely, clothing when he was naked, and comfort when he was sick or imprisoned. The sign of the saved is their concern for those in need. Compassion does not save them—or us. Salvation is the work of Christ. Compassion is one of the results of salvation.
Then the “sheep” will react with a sincere question: when? When did we feed, visit, clothe, or comfort you? And Jesus gave the answer: ”whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.
Jesus will recount, one by one, all the acts of kindness. Every deed done to improve the lot of another person. Even the small ones. In fact, they all seem small. Giving water. Offering food. Sharing clothing. The works of mercy are simple deeds. And yet, in these simple deeds we serve Jesus. Astounding this truth: we serve Christ by serving needy people.
When you look closely at the history of the first church there in Jerusalem, you see an exciting and growing church. And as they grew, they became more and more concerned about helping those in need. Let’s look at one way in which they ministered to the people’s their material needs:
"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was with them all." Acts 4:32-33
This is the attitude the church in Jerusalem had. When they realized what God had done for them, and that everything they had came from Him, they became unselfish and generous.
"There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need." Acts 4:34
Now notice: First of all, the people were giving sacrificial gifts. They didn’t have a bazaar or bingo or a bake sale. They didn’t raffle off a camel. They just brought their gifts, and it was strictly voluntary. No one was telling them to do it.
But because of what God had done for them, and because they saw fellow Christians in need, they brought their gifts.
Secondly, the church didn’t keep the money. The church didn’t become wealthy, but distributed it among the people as they had need.
Do you think maybe it’s dangerous for a church to become rich? Is it unhealthy to have large bank balances? Don’t you think that God provides money to the church to be used in the building of His kingdom, not to draw interest?
As the church grows and people give generously, then the church has a responsibility to make sure that those funds are used wisely to fulfill the purpose of the church. And one result in the first church was that there weren’t any needy people among them whose needs weren’t being met.
Now the Bible does not teach that there has to be equal distribution of wealth. Nor does the Bible advocate a socialistic or communistic system. There have always been rich people and poor people, both in Bible times and today. Jesus said “You will always have the poor among you.” Matthew 26:11 and John 12:8
But If our brothers or sisters are in need, then we must take pity on them and do something in the name of Jesus Christ to help them in their need.
And as the church continued to grow in Jerusalem, we find out how they did that. “.. as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food. Acts 6:1
Since the church in Jerusalem was growing rapidly some widows were being overlooked. So there was a murmuring (hey, it was a church!), and the apostles recognized that there was a problem.
”So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. And so, brothers, select seven men (can we say Deacons?) who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.” Acts 1:2-4
“Everyone liked this idea” ( )……. "So God’s message continued to spread”. Acts 1:5, 7
When you’re taking care of your own, that is something tangible that the world can see. It’s one thing to sit around and talk about what a great faith we have, and what a great church we are, and all the things we’re going to do.
But when you roll up your sleeves and do something, the world sits up and takes notice and sees that it is not just talk. It’s a way to express our faith. And when we do, many will notice and be attracted to Jesus.
But now before we all quit our jobs and start hanging around the church, there is another passages that we need to examine:
The Apostle Paul writes says, "Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.”” 2 Thessalonians 3:10. This is a principle in scripture that we should not violate. If a person is physically able to work, and if the opportunity is there, and he or she refuses to work, we should not feel obligated to give them anything.
Galatians 6:10 says, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Now that teaches that we ought to be concerned about everybody, especially those who are a part of the church. We’re a family, and we need to watch out for each other.
You would be amazed to know how many people come by the church asking for help, and how often some dip into their pockets to help. All because they recognize that God has called us to minister to those in need.
There are people all over this world who are hurting. Maybe not quite that desperately, but many are waiting for someone to reach out and to touch.
None of us can help everyone. But all of us can help someone. And when we help them, we serve Jesus. Who would want to miss a chance to do that?
”whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:31-40
Do you think maybe at times God puts individuals before us and expects us to help them? And when those opportunities come, we must be ready to help.
There are many reasons to help people in need, but for the Christian, none is higher than this: when we love those in need, we are loving Jesus. It is a mystery beyond science, a truth beyond statistics. But it is a message that Jesus made crystal clear: when we love them, we love him.
This is the theme of his final sermon. (Matthew 25:31-40). The message he saved until last. He must want this point imprinted on our conscience. He depicted the final judgment scene. The last day, the great Day of Judgment. On that day Jesus will issue an irresistible command. All will come. From sunken ships and forgotten cemeteries, they will come. From royal tombs and grassy battlefields, they will come. From Abel, the first to die, to the person being buried at the moment Jesus calls, every human in history will be present.
In this sermon Jesus says “…he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Matthew 25:32-33.
How can one envision this moment without thinking: What determines his choice? How does Jesus separate the people?
Jesus gives the answer in Matthew 25:34-36 ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me. Those on the right, the sheep, will be those who fed him when he was hungry, brought him water when he was thirsty, gave him lodging when he was lonely, clothing when he was naked, and comfort when he was sick or imprisoned. The sign of the saved is their concern for those in need. Compassion does not save them—or us. Salvation is the work of Christ. Compassion is one of the results of salvation.
Then the “sheep” will react with a sincere question: when? When did we feed, visit, clothe, or comfort you? And Jesus gave the answer: ”whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.
Jesus will recount, one by one, all the acts of kindness. Every deed done to improve the lot of another person. Even the small ones. In fact, they all seem small. Giving water. Offering food. Sharing clothing. The works of mercy are simple deeds. And yet, in these simple deeds we serve Jesus. Astounding this truth: we serve Christ by serving needy people.
When you look closely at the history of the first church there in Jerusalem, you see an exciting and growing church. And as they grew, they became more and more concerned about helping those in need. Let’s look at one way in which they ministered to the people’s their material needs:
"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was with them all." Acts 4:32-33
This is the attitude the church in Jerusalem had. When they realized what God had done for them, and that everything they had came from Him, they became unselfish and generous.
"There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need." Acts 4:34
Now notice: First of all, the people were giving sacrificial gifts. They didn’t have a bazaar or bingo or a bake sale. They didn’t raffle off a camel. They just brought their gifts, and it was strictly voluntary. No one was telling them to do it.
But because of what God had done for them, and because they saw fellow Christians in need, they brought their gifts.
Secondly, the church didn’t keep the money. The church didn’t become wealthy, but distributed it among the people as they had need.
Do you think maybe it’s dangerous for a church to become rich? Is it unhealthy to have large bank balances? Don’t you think that God provides money to the church to be used in the building of His kingdom, not to draw interest?
As the church grows and people give generously, then the church has a responsibility to make sure that those funds are used wisely to fulfill the purpose of the church. And one result in the first church was that there weren’t any needy people among them whose needs weren’t being met.
Now the Bible does not teach that there has to be equal distribution of wealth. Nor does the Bible advocate a socialistic or communistic system. There have always been rich people and poor people, both in Bible times and today. Jesus said “You will always have the poor among you.” Matthew 26:11 and John 12:8
But If our brothers or sisters are in need, then we must take pity on them and do something in the name of Jesus Christ to help them in their need.
And as the church continued to grow in Jerusalem, we find out how they did that. “.. as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food. Acts 6:1
Since the church in Jerusalem was growing rapidly some widows were being overlooked. So there was a murmuring (hey, it was a church!), and the apostles recognized that there was a problem.
”So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. And so, brothers, select seven men (can we say Deacons?) who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.” Acts 1:2-4
“Everyone liked this idea” ( )……. "So God’s message continued to spread”. Acts 1:5, 7
When you’re taking care of your own, that is something tangible that the world can see. It’s one thing to sit around and talk about what a great faith we have, and what a great church we are, and all the things we’re going to do.
But when you roll up your sleeves and do something, the world sits up and takes notice and sees that it is not just talk. It’s a way to express our faith. And when we do, many will notice and be attracted to Jesus.
But now before we all quit our jobs and start hanging around the church, there is another passages that we need to examine:
The Apostle Paul writes says, "Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.”” 2 Thessalonians 3:10. This is a principle in scripture that we should not violate. If a person is physically able to work, and if the opportunity is there, and he or she refuses to work, we should not feel obligated to give them anything.
Galatians 6:10 says, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Now that teaches that we ought to be concerned about everybody, especially those who are a part of the church. We’re a family, and we need to watch out for each other.
You would be amazed to know how many people come by the church asking for help, and how often some dip into their pockets to help. All because they recognize that God has called us to minister to those in need.
There are people all over this world who are hurting. Maybe not quite that desperately, but many are waiting for someone to reach out and to touch.
None of us can help everyone. But all of us can help someone. And when we help them, we serve Jesus. Who would want to miss a chance to do that?
Reflections on 'I Can Only Imagine' by Mercy Me
This is a lesson that I did several years ago – actually in 2003. But it was brought to my attention this week and after reading it I felt that maybe God was leading me to do this again. And as we entered into our first night of the Judgment Day ministry and we try to “portray” what Heaven will be like, I felt that this is the lesson I am supposed to do today. So here it is again with some changes.
Reflection #1
"Look, Daddy, look what I learned today!" A four year-old girl, delighted that her father is finally home from work, motions for him to sit down on the living room couch. As her mother looks on with pride, a would-be ballerina gracefully lifts her arms and slowly spins on her tiptoes.
If you haven't experienced a scenario of this type firsthand, you can picture it. It doesn't take much of an imagination to see that little girl in your mind's eye. She's still dressed in her pink tutu and satin slippers. Her eyes are wide with excitement. Her face beams. As she looks into her father's smiling face, she senses his unconditional love. Knowing that, she longs to creatively express her love.
What a beautiful picture that impromptu dance recital is of a future homecoming. When we gather in the front room of heaven, the joy of being reunited with our Father will result in unlimited expressions of praise. Will we want to dance? Will we want to sing? Well, that's exactly what the group Mercy Me wants to explore with us as they sing "I Can Only Imagine."
At this point in lesson we played the entire song in class.
I am sure everyone reading this lesson has heard this song but you can listen to again as you read the read the lesson on You Tube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xwzItqYmII
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you, Jesus, or in awe of You be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine.
Who's to say what we will actually do once we get to heaven? No one knows for sure. We are certain of a couple of things. For one thing, the attractiveness of heaven will be mind-boggling. It will be the fulfillment of everything we've longed for. "No longer will there be a curse upon anything" (Revelation 22:3 NLT).
Just imagine. Sin and all its consequences will be absent--no death, disease, heartache, pain or loss. Injustice won't be found there; neither will there be a hint of terrorism or tragedy.
And another certainty we have about heaven is the fact that we will find appropriate ways to communicate our love as we see our Father face to face. "For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. And they will see his face" (Revelation 22:3-4 NLT). Can you imagine that? Seeing the face of the one we have waited our whole lives to see
Reflection #2
Fanny Crosby wasn't born blind. She was the victim of a tragic mistake. The family doctor inadvertently confused the chemicals he was mixing for a routine eye drop prescription. At six weeks, the infant girl's eyes were flushed with a toxic substance and she immediately lost her sight. That accident occurred early in the nineteenth century long before society would have insisted on lawsuits as a way of seeking retribution. The way Fanny responded to this unthinkable injustice was to write hymn lyrics.
When she died at the age of 95, Fanny had written over 9,000 hymns. Although sightless, Fanny had eyes of faith that allowed her amazing biblical insights. Because she knew she would one day see her Savior face to face, her vision of heaven was all the more keen. With pen in hand she wrote as she imagined heaven's splendor. In one of her best-loved hymns she celebrated the joyful assurance of her salvation while longingly anticipating the day she'd be with Jesus.
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love
(Blessed Assurance).
Miss Crosby once surprised an admirer by saying, "Do you know that if at birth I had been able to make one petition, it would have been that I should be born blind?"
"Why?" her amazed fan asked.
"Because when I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior!"
Fanny's old-English way of talking is a bit outdated. But her delight imagining what it will be like to actually see the Lord is timeless. It's what Mercy Me sings about in "I Can Only Imagine." Perhaps their lyrics are a bit easier to relate to.
I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When Your face is before me
I can only imagine.
That's the very thing the apostle Paul whets our appetite for in the famous love chapter of the Bible. In 1 Corinthians 13 he calls us to imagine what it will be like to have perfect vision and perfect love. “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”
Reflection #3
Why do so many babies die of Sudden Infant Death syndrome? Why do young mothers get cancer and leave school-age children to grow up with only a dad's love? Why didn't God intervene on September 11? Does God's perfect will for my life include a given career and a certain person for me to marry?
Can you imagine how often a pastor is approached by well-meaning people wondering why God allows certain circumstances or events or what He intends? Let's just say very often.
And well-meaning ministers do their best to respond. "When we get to heaven, we can ask God why Hitler was allowed to exterminate 6 million Jews, His chosen race. We'll be able to ask Him why innocent civilians are killed in combat. You can ask the Lord what He had in mind when He let that chain of events take place in your life."
Often people will ask “Will I see my mother, my father, my child, my best friend that went on to be Jesus before me?” We want to give comfort to those that have lost loved ones and so we say ‘Certainly”!
These are good responses. It just might be like that. But nowhere in Scripture is this kind of conversation with God hinted at. Nowhere does it imply that once in heaven we will have the need to know answers to those kinds of questions. In heaven earth-issues may not seem nearly as important. As the lyrics of an old Gospel song, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, speculate, the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace. And God says in Isaiah 17, “Look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth, and no one will even think about the old ones anymore.
It's entirely possible that we will be so blown away by His majesty and splendor that questions of any kind will seem inconsequential in the Lord's presence. That's what Mercy Me gets at in their song.
Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine.
In Psalm 46 the Lord speaks. What He says suggests that extended seasons of reverential silence may be more the norm in heaven than non-stop singing. "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10 NIV). It's an invitation to quiet reflection in His presence while we can only imagine what heaven will be like.
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9
My personal belief is that the greatest words that we could ever experience would be to hear Jesus say to us as we enter into Heaven: “Well done, my good and faithful servant” as He said them to the faithful servant in the story of the “talents” in Matthew 25:21.
For prayer requests, comments or to be included in our email ministry, email us at: whosoever@cottagehillbaptist.org. Also, Check out our “blog” at: http://thewhosoevers.blogspot.com/
Reflection #1
"Look, Daddy, look what I learned today!" A four year-old girl, delighted that her father is finally home from work, motions for him to sit down on the living room couch. As her mother looks on with pride, a would-be ballerina gracefully lifts her arms and slowly spins on her tiptoes.
If you haven't experienced a scenario of this type firsthand, you can picture it. It doesn't take much of an imagination to see that little girl in your mind's eye. She's still dressed in her pink tutu and satin slippers. Her eyes are wide with excitement. Her face beams. As she looks into her father's smiling face, she senses his unconditional love. Knowing that, she longs to creatively express her love.
What a beautiful picture that impromptu dance recital is of a future homecoming. When we gather in the front room of heaven, the joy of being reunited with our Father will result in unlimited expressions of praise. Will we want to dance? Will we want to sing? Well, that's exactly what the group Mercy Me wants to explore with us as they sing "I Can Only Imagine."
At this point in lesson we played the entire song in class.
I am sure everyone reading this lesson has heard this song but you can listen to again as you read the read the lesson on You Tube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xwzItqYmII
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you, Jesus, or in awe of You be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine.
Who's to say what we will actually do once we get to heaven? No one knows for sure. We are certain of a couple of things. For one thing, the attractiveness of heaven will be mind-boggling. It will be the fulfillment of everything we've longed for. "No longer will there be a curse upon anything" (Revelation 22:3 NLT).
Just imagine. Sin and all its consequences will be absent--no death, disease, heartache, pain or loss. Injustice won't be found there; neither will there be a hint of terrorism or tragedy.
And another certainty we have about heaven is the fact that we will find appropriate ways to communicate our love as we see our Father face to face. "For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. And they will see his face" (Revelation 22:3-4 NLT). Can you imagine that? Seeing the face of the one we have waited our whole lives to see
Reflection #2
Fanny Crosby wasn't born blind. She was the victim of a tragic mistake. The family doctor inadvertently confused the chemicals he was mixing for a routine eye drop prescription. At six weeks, the infant girl's eyes were flushed with a toxic substance and she immediately lost her sight. That accident occurred early in the nineteenth century long before society would have insisted on lawsuits as a way of seeking retribution. The way Fanny responded to this unthinkable injustice was to write hymn lyrics.
When she died at the age of 95, Fanny had written over 9,000 hymns. Although sightless, Fanny had eyes of faith that allowed her amazing biblical insights. Because she knew she would one day see her Savior face to face, her vision of heaven was all the more keen. With pen in hand she wrote as she imagined heaven's splendor. In one of her best-loved hymns she celebrated the joyful assurance of her salvation while longingly anticipating the day she'd be with Jesus.
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love
(Blessed Assurance).
Miss Crosby once surprised an admirer by saying, "Do you know that if at birth I had been able to make one petition, it would have been that I should be born blind?"
"Why?" her amazed fan asked.
"Because when I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior!"
Fanny's old-English way of talking is a bit outdated. But her delight imagining what it will be like to actually see the Lord is timeless. It's what Mercy Me sings about in "I Can Only Imagine." Perhaps their lyrics are a bit easier to relate to.
I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When Your face is before me
I can only imagine.
That's the very thing the apostle Paul whets our appetite for in the famous love chapter of the Bible. In 1 Corinthians 13 he calls us to imagine what it will be like to have perfect vision and perfect love. “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”
Reflection #3
Why do so many babies die of Sudden Infant Death syndrome? Why do young mothers get cancer and leave school-age children to grow up with only a dad's love? Why didn't God intervene on September 11? Does God's perfect will for my life include a given career and a certain person for me to marry?
Can you imagine how often a pastor is approached by well-meaning people wondering why God allows certain circumstances or events or what He intends? Let's just say very often.
And well-meaning ministers do their best to respond. "When we get to heaven, we can ask God why Hitler was allowed to exterminate 6 million Jews, His chosen race. We'll be able to ask Him why innocent civilians are killed in combat. You can ask the Lord what He had in mind when He let that chain of events take place in your life."
Often people will ask “Will I see my mother, my father, my child, my best friend that went on to be Jesus before me?” We want to give comfort to those that have lost loved ones and so we say ‘Certainly”!
These are good responses. It just might be like that. But nowhere in Scripture is this kind of conversation with God hinted at. Nowhere does it imply that once in heaven we will have the need to know answers to those kinds of questions. In heaven earth-issues may not seem nearly as important. As the lyrics of an old Gospel song, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, speculate, the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace. And God says in Isaiah 17, “Look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth, and no one will even think about the old ones anymore.
It's entirely possible that we will be so blown away by His majesty and splendor that questions of any kind will seem inconsequential in the Lord's presence. That's what Mercy Me gets at in their song.
Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine.
In Psalm 46 the Lord speaks. What He says suggests that extended seasons of reverential silence may be more the norm in heaven than non-stop singing. "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10 NIV). It's an invitation to quiet reflection in His presence while we can only imagine what heaven will be like.
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9
My personal belief is that the greatest words that we could ever experience would be to hear Jesus say to us as we enter into Heaven: “Well done, my good and faithful servant” as He said them to the faithful servant in the story of the “talents” in Matthew 25:21.
For prayer requests, comments or to be included in our email ministry, email us at: whosoever@cottagehillbaptist.org. Also, Check out our “blog” at: http://thewhosoevers.blogspot.com/
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