While recently rummaging through a somewhat familiar place, I quickly realized the need for some illumination. The introduction of a mere wisp of light made all the difference between a safe and successful search and potential disaster.
A conversation with friends last evening reminded me of that simple incident and the important lesson it provided. Other life situations also sometimes require a little illumination.
Believers carry about within us a light, the Holy Spirit. There is never a situation so dark that His illuminating presence isn’t there to guide and assist us. There are times, though, when we can run ahead and miss this great gift. Thinking we know best we can sometimes barge into a situation with a quick fix or admonition without reference to God’s timing or an awareness of the larger circumstances. The potential for doing harm can be great. It is precisely at those times when we need to slow down and listen. Maybe the Spirit has different plans and can shine His light into the situation more fully. Taking time to assess what is going on will promote greater discernment regarding the issues at hand and will reveal the more effective path to take.
The light of Scripture encourages us to ‘wait upon the LORD’. Patient faith will rest in the light of knowing that God is in control. Redemption, after all, is singularly his work and domain. The calling to be faithful witnesses simply means to channel His light into the world and the situations presented to us each day. People are drawn to the light in the darkness. It dispels despair and fear, replacing it with comfort and security. Generally, people will also find the right path when sufficient light is applied. Allow God to grow and develop the measure of wisdom He has given everyone.
In love and gentleness, lift Him high and He will draw others to Himself. God bless you as you bear the light of his Holy Spirit into the darkness of this fallen world.
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Revival
In many Christian circles, evangelicals in particular, is found an overbearing desire and claim for revival. The desire to be revived is not bad or wrong. However, the way we go about it, I believe, is completely wrong and bordering on madness.
Often we hear about it being talked about, prayed for, pleaded for, coerced, and claimed with no discernible difference in a person or community. People chase after it. They attempt to ‘speak it’ into existence, as if that were possible.
Revival, the act of being revived, is an intentional act. It isn’t simply brought about by claiming it, singing the right songs, saying the right words, praying the right prayers, or ‘creating an atmosphere’ for it to happen. It is simply going to the source, reaching for the very thing that can revive.
If you were parched, needing a reviving drink of water, what would you do? Would you just sing about it? Would you just sit down where you are and simply shout for someone to bring you a drink? Would you need to create an atmosphere where someone would want to bring you a drink? No, those are ineffective methods for quenching your thirst and becoming revived. You would instead go to the tap, to the store, to the stream, and you would simply drink and become revived.
As Believers in the Water of Life - Christ Jesus - if we want to be revived, we simply need to come to Him and drink. God through his Word says “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.” (Isaiah 55:1) Jesus also says “...whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14). In the final revelation of Jesus Christ, God proclaimed “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.” (Revelation 21:6).
Come freely. Come quickly to Him who offers you revival. Come as you are. Come drink freely. Be filled even if you have nothing to give but a poor, parched spirit. Be revived by God and then share with others needing revival.
Be encouraged today. God bless.
Often we hear about it being talked about, prayed for, pleaded for, coerced, and claimed with no discernible difference in a person or community. People chase after it. They attempt to ‘speak it’ into existence, as if that were possible.
Revival, the act of being revived, is an intentional act. It isn’t simply brought about by claiming it, singing the right songs, saying the right words, praying the right prayers, or ‘creating an atmosphere’ for it to happen. It is simply going to the source, reaching for the very thing that can revive.
If you were parched, needing a reviving drink of water, what would you do? Would you just sing about it? Would you just sit down where you are and simply shout for someone to bring you a drink? Would you need to create an atmosphere where someone would want to bring you a drink? No, those are ineffective methods for quenching your thirst and becoming revived. You would instead go to the tap, to the store, to the stream, and you would simply drink and become revived.
As Believers in the Water of Life - Christ Jesus - if we want to be revived, we simply need to come to Him and drink. God through his Word says “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.” (Isaiah 55:1) Jesus also says “...whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14). In the final revelation of Jesus Christ, God proclaimed “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.” (Revelation 21:6).
Come freely. Come quickly to Him who offers you revival. Come as you are. Come drink freely. Be filled even if you have nothing to give but a poor, parched spirit. Be revived by God and then share with others needing revival.
Be encouraged today. God bless.
Sunday, October 20, 2019
Loneliness
Loneliness is real. In an ever connected world, one would imagine we would be closer to each other. However, the opposite is true.
While technology has allowed us to enter into the happenings of other people’s lives and experiences, it has not given us community. We are meant for fellowship. We grow stronger, healthier and more complete when we are in physical contact with each other.
Let’s not forsake the gathering together as some are inclined to do. Go visit that friend you have. Spend some time with your siblings. Attend that community event. Let’s come together and help each other overcome the loneliness that is so pervasive in our society today.
If you’re in the area, drop by for a coffee. Would love to see you. God bless.
While technology has allowed us to enter into the happenings of other people’s lives and experiences, it has not given us community. We are meant for fellowship. We grow stronger, healthier and more complete when we are in physical contact with each other.
Let’s not forsake the gathering together as some are inclined to do. Go visit that friend you have. Spend some time with your siblings. Attend that community event. Let’s come together and help each other overcome the loneliness that is so pervasive in our society today.
If you’re in the area, drop by for a coffee. Would love to see you. God bless.
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Spiritual discipline (Hebrews 12:4-17)
It seems we often do not put much stock in spiritual discipline. However, I believe it is of immense importance that we exercise discipline in our spiritual lives. Many of us have become so caught up in wanting things here and now that we become impatient whenever God asks that we wait. Did you know that waiting is not meant to be a time of idleness? No, it must be a time of preparation, of exercising spiritual discipline.
I am reminded of the warning given regarding Esau in Hebrews 12:16:17. He was hungry and wanted to be fed. The warning was not about eating or satisfying his hunger. Eating food for sustenance is not a bad thing. It is good to eat to satisfy your hunger. However, the warning is regarding how he went about satisfying that hunger - that real need he felt. Esau was impatient and wanted food NOW. So much so that he surrendered his birthright for a bowl of stew. He gave up the long term blessing and benefits of his birthright for the immediate gratification of feeling full in the belly. Esau should have exercised a little discipline and patiently prepared a meal to satiate his hunger instead of trading everything for a momentary reprieve of his hunger.
Are we doing the same? Are we trading the eternal for the temporary in our lives? Is there an area that we are not willing to wait and are risking everything for immediate satisfaction?
I encourage you - no, I implore you - to seek God with patience and intention. Wait upon him - your strength will be renewed, your real need met. While you wait, prepare your hearts to receive. Exercise spiritual discipline - pray, read and study Scripture, sing, meet with other Believers and encourage each other to do good to and for all, encourage each other in the faith. The God of all grace, mercy and providence will keep your hearts secure (Hebrews 10:19-25; 36-39). Keep your eyes upon the destination of dwelling in the House of the LORD forever - don't trade it for anything else in the world, especially not for a momentary and passing comfort.
May God bless and keep you today.
I am reminded of the warning given regarding Esau in Hebrews 12:16:17. He was hungry and wanted to be fed. The warning was not about eating or satisfying his hunger. Eating food for sustenance is not a bad thing. It is good to eat to satisfy your hunger. However, the warning is regarding how he went about satisfying that hunger - that real need he felt. Esau was impatient and wanted food NOW. So much so that he surrendered his birthright for a bowl of stew. He gave up the long term blessing and benefits of his birthright for the immediate gratification of feeling full in the belly. Esau should have exercised a little discipline and patiently prepared a meal to satiate his hunger instead of trading everything for a momentary reprieve of his hunger.
Are we doing the same? Are we trading the eternal for the temporary in our lives? Is there an area that we are not willing to wait and are risking everything for immediate satisfaction?
I encourage you - no, I implore you - to seek God with patience and intention. Wait upon him - your strength will be renewed, your real need met. While you wait, prepare your hearts to receive. Exercise spiritual discipline - pray, read and study Scripture, sing, meet with other Believers and encourage each other to do good to and for all, encourage each other in the faith. The God of all grace, mercy and providence will keep your hearts secure (Hebrews 10:19-25; 36-39). Keep your eyes upon the destination of dwelling in the House of the LORD forever - don't trade it for anything else in the world, especially not for a momentary and passing comfort.
May God bless and keep you today.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)