The Wonder of God’s Blessings, Part 2
The Wonder of God’s Blessings, Part 2
Psalm 87:7
Last time I wrote,
We often say, ‘God blesses us so that we can bless others.’ This is very true and this Psalm takes us deep into that principle. It teaches us that God gives us a fountain of blessings that abides within us.
Common Blessings
Yes, we had good things in our lives before we were Christians. We had times of joy and times of blessings before we surrendered to Christ. But they fell far short of the blessings we have now as His redeemed and beloved children of God.
Previously, we were recipients of the common graces that God shines upon everyone in this world.
Everyone, whether they love God or hate God, enjoys the beauty of God’s creation; a beautiful sunset, the view of snow-capped mountains, the majestic scene of a mighty ocean. Everyone, regardless of their faith or lack of faith in God, has the opportunity to enjoy love, family and friendship. These are the common graces of God that He gives to the world.
Special Blessings
But there are springs of joy that reside within God’s people which provide us blessings upon blessings that are far beyond the common graces of this world. The apostle Paul speaks of these special graces that are provided by God to His own loving people:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ… Ephesians 1.4
The apostle Peter wrote of our great blessings in his opening lines of 2 Peter:
Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 1:2-3.
Everything means Everything
Both Paul and Peter use a descriptive word that is worth thinking about. Paul says, [we are] blessed us with every spiritual blessing.
Peter says, His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness.
God has given us everything we need.
- He’s given us everything we need to be saved, forgiven and secure for eternity in heaven. Ephesians 1:1-2:10
- He’s given us everything we need to grow in Him and honor Him with our lives. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17. Romans 5:1-5
- He’s given us everything we need to face the temptations of sin and Satan. Ephesians 6:10-18
- He’s given us everything we need to face trials and the difficulties of life. James 1:2-4. I Peter 4:12-19
God has given us everything [we need] pertaining to life and godliness.
When Jesus said, it is finished, (John 19:30), He was affirming that He had given everything so that we could have everything. When Jesus said, it is finished, He was proclaiming that His work has been finished, complete and His mission was accomplished.
We are the blessed recipients of His finished work.
Jesus speaks in Revelation 21:6 saying, It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost.
As blessed recipients of the work of Christ, Jude 1 says we are the called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ.
Father, we are so grateful for the abundance we have received as Your beloved; Your blessed ones. Forgive us for not acknowledging and realizing at all times the fullness of what You have done and what You have given us. Knowing that You have given us everything we need; in return, we want to humbly honor You with our lives. Give us the strength and perseverance to live daily in submission to Your guidance and Your perfect will. Amen.
The Wonder of God’s Blessings, Part 1
The Wonder of God’s Blessings, Part 1
Psalms 87:7
Then those who sing as well as those who play the flutes shall say, ‘All my springs of joy are in you.’
God speaks to us in a metaphor as He says ‘All my springs of joy are in you.’
What Does it Mean?
Let’s unpack the meaning of this metaphor that describes the wonder of God’s blessings in your life. It’s important to realize the context in order to fully understand.
This Psalm is a prophetic description of the times of blessing for the city of Jerusalem. Someday in the future, the city of Jerusalem and the Jewish people will once again be at the center of God’s blessings.
With that context, let’s unpack this metaphor of the spring of joy within us.
First, What are the ‘springs of joy’?
In the future times of Jerusalem’s blessings, the prophets Joel and Ezekiel describe an abundant fountain that will flow from the temple in Jerusalem and richly water the surrounding areas, (Joel 3:18; Ezekiel 47:1-12).
The prophets portray that everywhere this water flows, abundant life and blessings abound.
Secondly, the springs of joy within us are like this fountain flowing from the temple of God in Jerusalem.
So, God’s springs of joy are a picture of His abundant blessings within us. God’s blessings don’t simply surround us, they reside within us. The springs of joy [are] in you. In Christ, we are the temple of God, I Corinthians 9:19. In Christ, we also are a picture of the temple of God that the prophets described.
The fountain of His joy is within us who have been saved.
Thirdly, the fountain flows from the temple and waters and blesses outwardly.
Ezekiel describes the fountain as flowing outside of the temple, first as a trickle, and then growing and expanding into a mighty river of blessing and life. Just like Jesus multiplied a small amount of fish and bread into a meal for thousands, the overflow of our blessings to others, grows into a mighty river. From the temple in Jerusalem during the times of favor, the fountain flows and richly nourishes the land.
The metaphor for us, His blessed ones, is that the fountain of blessings within us flow forth and bless others.
Blessed to Bless Others
To sum it up:
- The literal fountain in the temple of God during His times of favor is a metaphor of the springs of joy and blessings given to each of us who are saved.
- These blessings are not just around us, but are springs of joy [are] in you.
- The fountain of Jerusalem will flow forth and nourish the surrounding areas. The metaphor for us is that the springs of joy within us will flow outward and bless many.
We often say, ‘God blesses us so that we can bless others.’ This is very true and this Psalm takes us deep into that principle. It teaches us that God gives us a fountain of blessings that abides within us. The prophets expand on this theme and teach us that the overflow of our fountain (blessings) blesses others. This is quite amazing to consider: We are both the recipients of God’s abundant blessings as well as a source of His blessings. As a source of God’s blessings, we are also dispensers of God overwhelming blessings to others as well.
There’s much more to consider. More on the blessings of God next time.
Father, fountains of fresh and pure water are such a wonderful metaphor of your blessings within our lives. Water purifies; water cleanses; water refreshes; water heals; water is life. Your blessings are to us the very essence of our lives. We have received much; help us to give much. We are blessed so that we may bless others. Help us every morning to soak in the wonder of Your blessings during our time with You. Then, may we go forth during our day and allow the overflow of our blessings to bless others. All for Your glory! Amen!
At All Times, Part 2
At All Times, Part 2
Psalm 34:7-10
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them. O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! O fear the Lord, you His saints; for to those who fear Him there is no want. The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; but they who seek the Lord shall not be in want of any good thing.
The Promises of God
Last time, we looked at Psalms 34 and discussed the beauty of being mindful of our Lord throughout the day. Additionally, the expression of our soul’s awareness of God is to speak His praises out loud and throughout the day. I think we all agree, we should do it more.
God calls us to praise Him always and, in this calling, as we’ll look at today, He promises rich rewards. What a kind Father He is. Let’s look at the wonderful promises.
Promise # 1: Your face will shine
When we praise the Lord at all times, the look on our faces will reflect a radiance that comes from the God we praise. Heartfelt praise will transform how You feel and how you will look. Our Psalm for today says
They looked to Him and were radiant.
Stephan is an example of the Spirit of God radiating from one’s face in Acts 6:15, And fixing their gaze on him (Stephan), all who were sitting in the Council saw his face like the face of an angel.
When you set your hope and praise upon the Lord, people will notice the difference in your face! They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces will never be ashamed,” Psalms 34:5.
Praise also fills you with unashamed confidence! And their faces will never be ashamed, Psalms 34:5.
Why?
Continual praise takes your eyes off of yourself, your fears, your insecurities and lifts you up before God where your boldness and confidence soars to new heights. And your face will show it!
Promise #2: Care and provision of God
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them.
Those who humbly live and are mindful of God in fear and reverence, live their daily lives with boldness, confidence and the resolute assurance of the presence of God. The Psalm promises that His angels will encamp around us.
We are bold because nothing happens to us outside of His care and provision. Even when it seems all is wrong in our world; the Lord is near. He may allow you to encounter hardship but do not lose heart; He promises to save us from our troubles (verse 6), and rescue us from our enemy when we look to Him as our refuge, (verse 7,8).
Promise #3: The Lord gives and gives
Consider these words from verse 9 & 10: for those who fear Him there is no want, and …they who seek the Lord shall not be in want of any good thing.
God is not stingy when it comes to giving. He gives with abundance all that we need. This is the secret of the ever-elusive peace and contentment that everyone seeks. The missing piece of the puzzle of life is the attainment of peace and contentment.
David spoke of contentment in Psalms 23:1 where he writes, I shall not [be in] want.
Know the secret: Fear God and He gives us all that we need and even more. He blesses us with contentment.
How do I get the promises of God?
Now, consider the prerequisite of contentment and possessing all that is good and having no want. What is the “cause and effect” of it all.
Those who FEAR Him and they who SEEK Him shall not be in want.
Okay, there it is. Fear Him and Seek Him and what will follow will be goodness. The result will be that you will have no want.
As we close, ask yourself, what am I focused on?
Jesus said, Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you, Matthew 6:33.
May I NOT FOCUS on what I want, my needs; to have, to hold, to possess. Instead may I focus on the fear of the Lord and seeking Him always, and all these other things will be provided by God, in His perfect time.
Lord, may your presence always be on my mind and may I speak of you often. Cause Your presence to fill my heart and pour over into the countenance of my face, to Your glory and honor. “O taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.” Amen!
At All Times, Part 1
At All Times, Part 1
Psalm 34
I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul will make its boast in the Lord; the humble will hear it and rejoice. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Verse 1 says I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
If I’m honest with myself, I must acknowledge that I am not conscious of God throughout the day. I have a God-conscious adrenaline surge in the morning during my devotions (which thankfully I crave when I awake). But then I go through the day mindful of MY activities and focused on MY desired accomplishments.
Psalms 34:1, I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth, reminds me that I need further spiritual maturity in order to live and breathe in the Spirit with a stream of consciousness that is soaked in the awareness of the presence of God.
Now, don’t get me wrong. My activities and accomplishments are not usually anti-God, per se. But I am not “mindful” or actively conscious of God most of the time. Most of the time, I am simply pursuing my daily activities focused on the events around me in my physical world. But, oh to be more mindful of God always.
Progress: Thinking about God
I do want to encourage you though, in my progress and yours as well. Since I have significantly re-committed my life (about four years ago) to begin each day with God in His Word, (reading, reflecting and writing), I am progressing in my awareness of the presence of God throughout the day. The reality of His presence with me and the work He is doing in my mind and soul have increased. It is good. It is delightful progress. So be encouraged in your progress as well.
Progress: Speaking about God
To carry this theme further, this psalm conveys the sense of not only “thinking” about God always, but “speaking” about God always.
I will bless and His praise shall continually be in my MOUTH. Also, My soul will make its boast in the Lord, and O, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.
When we dwell upon the beauty and grace of our God toward us, it is natural for us to want to share our praise of God with others.
Try This
A helpful and simple way to apply this Psalm to your life is to seek out fellow Christians and others throughout the day and speak simple phrases of praise and gratitude toward God. Make it a habit to speak to others and say:
- God is good toward me today. I’m having some difficulties, but I sense His power and grace.
- Are you sensing the presence of God today? I am especially aware of Him today and it makes a huge difference.
- I’m feeling really grateful toward God today. How are you feeling?
- I just wanted to let you know that God placed you on my heart today. I’m praying for you.
Keep it simple and keep it humble. When we do this, we are prompting ourselves to stay close to God. We are also blessing others and encouraging them to be aware of the work of God in their lives. You are both worshiping your Lord throughout the day as well as serving others by bringing them along with you to worship.
Father, forgive us for allowing our minds to wander throughout the day toward the things of this world. Our fears and anxieties are many. But we are grateful that You are always with us. We are in your thoughts continually. We are so blessed and grateful to have such a caring, kind and loving Father as You. May we see progress in our lives to think of you always, speak of You of often and bless You continually. Raise our heads and set our thoughts upon You. Amen.
Honey from A Rock, Part 2
Honey from A Rock, Part 2
This is Part 2 of the Honey From A Rock series. Click here to read Part 1.
Who expects to get honey from a rock?
Psalm 81:10-16
Who expects to get honey from a rock?
I, the Lord, am your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt; open your mouth wide and I will fill it. But my people did not listen to My voice, and Israel did not obey Me. So I gave them over to the stubbornness of their heart, to walk in their own devices.
Oh, that My people would listen to Me, that Israel would walk in My ways! I would quickly subdue their enemies and turn My hand against their adversaries…But I would feed you with the finest of the wheat and with honey from the rock I would satisfy.
Honey From A Rock
Honey from a rock is an interesting phrase. There are two aspects to understanding this phrase:
- There is food that is functional. Food that is nutritional and good for us to eat. Then there is food that adds flavor and enjoyment to the meal. There is food that brings sweetness and pleasure. Honey is such a food; sweet and enjoyable. God does just bless us practically and functionally. He blesses with the sweetest and most wonderful blessings we can imagine.
- This metaphor of honey from a rock describes rare and valuable products as coming from the most unproductive places. God can and will bless us in the most unusual and unpredictable ways imaginable. He can produce honey from a rock.
When we are suffering the consequences of self-sufficiency, none of our efforts, not matter how sure and sound they seem to be, truly produce good results. But when we are close to God, listening and following Him, the sweetness of honey comes our way out of nowhere. Who expects to get honey from a rock? But when we are following God, His blessings and favor come over us in the most beautiful and unexpected ways. He will even turn a rock into the honey of blessings and favor toward us! This is amazing!
The Heart of God
The passion of God’s heart is to bless us, not discipline us. However, when we run away, do our own thing, when we rebel and disobey, God disciplines those He loves.
However, let’s renew our view of God and His passion for us. I found a parallel passage to this Psalm in Isaiah 30. Read this carefully and allow this reality of God’s nature to fully sink in. What does God long for?
Therefore, the Lord longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. Isaiah 30.18.
He longs to be gracious and He’s waiting. Waiting for what?
Oh, that My people would listen to Me, that Israel would walk in My ways! Psalms 81.13.
Again, He longs to be gracious and He’s waiting. Waiting for what?
He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when He hears it, He will answer you. Isaiah 30.19
To cry out to God, then to listen and obey is the very heart of the phrase, Living Scripture Daily. Listen to Him speak to you daily from the Bible and allow this daily time to transform your life day-by-day. Start small and build on it.
The promise of God is that He will unleash His blessings upon you in the most amazing ways. Doesn’t mean life will be easy. It means the joy, the grace and blessings He will pour over you will come in good times and bad times. And even out of the bad times, His blessings will be like the sweetness of honey from a rock.
Ashes to Joy
Let’s face it, our primary means of listening to God is to read His Word, reflect on its meaning and listen to God as he teaches you how to live accordingly. Then walk in it by faith. The righteous live by their faith. Over time, God will turn your ashes into joy. He promises it so! And today’s passage says He’ll do it quickly.
Lord, it’s so simple but we’ve made it so hard. The compounding results of living our own lives and following our own paths, creates hardship after hardship. Sometimes we feel like we’re in a hole and can’t get out. Help us to take just one step at a time toward the path of following You. Just one step at a time. The hole seems deep but You have promised to respond QUICKLY! What a great and loving God You are!!! Amen!
Honey from A Rock, Part 1
Honey from A Rock, Part 1
Psalms 81:13, 16
Oh, that My people would listen to Me, that Israel would walk in My ways! I would quickly subdue their enemies and turn My hand against their adversaries…But I would feed you with the finest of the wheat and with honey from the rock I would satisfy.
During this holiday season, I’m going to review and revise some of my posts from the past from the book of Psalms.
Let the Good Times Roll!
This is a Psalm that projects God in the first person speaking to Israel. God’s main point in this brief motivational message is: Folks, you all have no idea the fullness of blessings that will come to you if you will just LISTEN AND OBEY!
In my youth, we would often sing a hymn in church with the following words:
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, what glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and Obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to Trust and Obey.
God begins this Psalm by recounting all the wonderful things He has done for Israel in the past. Then he drops in a great big BUT! Everything is wonderful until God says, BUT! He changes the mood with one key word. B-U-T.
Verse 11 says, But my people did not listen to my voice and Israel did not obey Me.
Boom! There it is. They did not listen and obey.
It’s not that complicated
Attaining the blessings of God and thus, being happy is not that complicated. Why do we make it so hard? God tells us to listen, surrender and obey!
When the Israelites didn’t listen to God (and when we don’t) the results are completely predictable. God always does the same thing. I’ve sadly witnessed it in the lives of people I know. I’ve seen it over and over in the narratives of the Old Testament.
Verse 12 tells us what happens when we DON’T listen, surrender and obey. God said:
“So, I gave them over to the stubbornness of their own heart, to walk in their own devices.”
On Our Own
I’ve lived as a Christian for over 50 years now and I can tell you from experience, you don’t want to be ‘on your own’ in this world. You don’t want God to allow you to do your own thing. He doesn’t completely remove His hand from you but He allows you go your own way.
It sounds liberating but it’s not. Not at all.
When we DON’T listen and obey, we are actually telling God to leave us alone and let us do our own thing in our own way. And you know what? God does exactly that. He lets us walk in our own devices. Been there, done that.
We can all reflect and tell stories of this pattern of pushing God away. Usually, the painful consequences begin small and if we’re smart, we come to our senses and surrender to God. But if we don’t, the consequences intensify as time goes on. Instead of surrendering, we sometimes continue to follow our own selfish pursuits. The inevitable results of running from God are relational pain, financial pain, distrust, anxiety, failing health, sometimes disease. Everything you touch turns to dust. The intensity of our problems increases like birth pangs.
I met a man recently and as we spoke, we discovered we shared a common love for the Lord. But he also let me know that several years back he had wandered from God and was doing his own thing. Then, he said, one of the best days of his life happened. He called it a Hebrews 12:6 moment when God pushed his face into the concrete.
Hebrews 12.6 says, for those whom the Lord loves, He disciplines.
He had a bad motorcycle accident. It was extremely painful, as you can imagine. But looking back, he considers it one of the best things that ever happened to him. The pain drove him back to God. He is now listening and obeying God. Joy and purpose have returned to his life.
God responds to Israel’s disobedience with a fervent calling in this Psalm. In verse 13 He says;
“Oh, that My people would LISTEN to Me, that Israel would WALK in my ways.”
We are going to continue in this Psalm next time. Today we are considering what happens when we DON’T listen and obey. Next time, we’ll discuss the amazing, over-the-top blessings that God will quickly give us when we turn to Him and surrender.
Father, none of us want to have a Hebrews 12:6 moment. Your discipline seems painful when it is happening but deep down, we know if comes to us out of love. The purpose of Your discipline is to bring us back to You, and into the safety and security of your strong hand. We don’t want to follow our own path; we don’t want to be the captain of our own ship; we don’t want to be master of our own life. We want You! We want You to lead us, guide us and bless us. Lord, be our God and we shall be Your people; listening and obeying You. Amen!
Mushy Love
Mushy Love
Psalms 149:4
For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the afflicted (humble & meek) ones with salvation.
I have written on this verse in the past and was drawn to it again this morning during my devotional time with God. This verse first captured my attention a couple of years ago while studying and writing on the book of Ruth. In the past, I have spent considerable time studying and cross referencing it’s words and themes.
Words Cannot Describe…
I have always believed that being concise is an admirable quality in writing and speaking. Being concise forces one to filter the content down to its most meaningful and impactful principle(s).
However, when it comes to this Psalm, I feel that I could write a million words about the vivid word pictures and amazing theme of this brief but awesome verse. I’ll fight the urge to pontificate and attempt to be concise.
Have you ever read The Song of Solomon? Personally, I haven’t spent much time there. Mostly likely, you haven’t either. Today I was convicted that I’m missing out on something. My conviction wasn’t so much along the lines that I should be more romantic in my marriage. Although, I could and should apply that reality to my marriage in great abundance. I am lacking in the area of romance significantly, for sure. But that will be a post for another day.
As it pertains to the Psalm of our study today, the Song of Solomon gives insight into the phrase, For the Lord takes pleasure in His people. The Song of Songs provides a detailed, almost monotonous, redundant account of the love, passion and pleasure of the feelings of both the husband and the bride. It is described in extreme terms with vivid symbolism.
God Adores You!!!
Yes, God is love. And, for God so loved the world…Yes, the nature of God is to love and there is a love that God has for His creation. But His love for HIS PEOPLE is described in words like “takes pleasure” and the Lord “delights in you”. Song of Solomon describes His love, feelings and pleasures, not for the masses within the world, but for his bride. His one and only.
Have you ever considered yourself as God’s one and only?
I love and care for many people in my life. But the love and devotion I have for my bride is completely unique. I love and care about all children, but the love I have for my children and grandchildren is completely and utterly unique.
Psalms 149:4 (read it up above again one more time) is directed toward the nation of Israel and by extension of the New Covenant and with Jesus as our bridegroom, these words are directed toward us. We are individuals whom the Lord loves. He beautifies us with the devotion and passion of a faithful, romantic and lovestruck groom.
You are a ‘one and only’ to Him. It’s as if you are the only person in the world to Him. His gaze is locked on you. He doesn’t have ADD when He is with you. He doesn’t shoulder surf when talking to you in a crowded room or while sitting at dinner together. He is enamored, engaged and over the moon about you.
A Little Sappy? Who? Me?
I’m not exaggerating or being overly sentimental. I’m not just writing these words to make you glow and feel good. Yes, I am being a little sappy, but more importantly, I’m being biblical. I spent an extended time this morning studying this verse and cross referencing a dozen supporting passages throughout the Bible.
My conclusion is this: GOD TAKES PLEASURE in His people. GOD TAKES PLEASURE in you individually, if you are His own.
His love for you is romantic, passionate, oozing, gushing love and pleasure. His pleasure is not based on His feelings toward us because of what we do. It’s not generated as a result of our actions. We don’t deserve the level and volume of love that God has for us.
Why Does He Love Me?
His pleasure toward us is because…simply because we are the object of His affections. Period. He makes us beautiful. He beautifies us through salvation. It’s not our actions. It’s His grace. He chooses to love us in this way because we are the objects and recipients of His love.
You have one responsibility in this relationship. Accept His love. And Love Him back. Love Him back with your entire being. Speak to Him in terms of love and adoration and affection. May all your words and actions be from a simple and sincere heart of love for your God.
Brother Lawrence, in Practicing the Presence of God, said it this way
We ought to stop for a short moment, as frequently as we can, to adore God deep within our hearts and take pleasure in Him.
For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation.
Who can comprehend such things? Unfathomable! All we can do is thank Him; praise Him; love Him in return … to the best of our feeble ability. That’s all we can do…and that’s enough. May you rest in His love today. Amen!
A Story of Transformation
A Story of Transformation
Joel 2:32
And it will come about that whoever calls upon the name of The Lord will be saved…
Six Years Old
I have always considered my testimony of being saved as rather boring. However, the older I get, the more amazing and exhilarating my story has become to me.
Every time I encounter a six year old boy, I become more amazed at the way God saved me. Six year old boys are goofy little children. They seem incapable of processing any mental thoughts of spirituality at all. Can God save a six year old boy? Would He ever send His Spirit to cover, seal and secure for eternity a six year old boy? Would the angels in heaven rejoice over the salvation of a six year old boy?
From Clueless to Enlightened
My parents did not grow up going to church and had little to no spiritual influence in their lives. When I was a toddler, one night a Christian Pastor knocked on our door. For reasons none of us can explain, my parents invited this stranger into their home. It would never happen today, but it did back in 1962. As a 3 year old, I was completely unaware of the situation. However, I consider this event to be one of the most significant watershed events in my life.
This stranger shared the simple and concise story of the life and work of Jesus. He did it in a way that captured the minds and hearts of my agnostic parents. Knowing what I now know, he shared the simple gospel and the Spirit of God made it clear to my parents. Even though they had no previous knowledge of the Bible, it just clicked for them both. How do I know it was a true transformation for them? Because they have lived a life of simple devotion to Christ for their entire lives and also passed it on to me; for which I am forever grateful.
We started going to church several times a week. My parents went all in. Their lives were forever changed.
You’re Too Young!
When I was six years old, my mom shared with me the same simple and concise message of Jesus. Even though I was very young, it clicked for me too. I remember the day vividly; the exact location: our backyard in Kirkland, WA, while I was sitting on the swingset. I recall the time of day, the weather outside: a beautiful spring afternoon, blue skies scattered with white clouds, no sign of rain (a very nice day for Seattle). I clearly remember the amazing feeling of joy and peace….even though I was only six years old, I literally felt the joy and freedom of grace and forgiveness.
Let’s Do it Again!
The next day, I clearly recall going to mom and asking if I could be saved again so that I could feel the good feeling again? My mom smiled and explained that I only needed to do it once.
Honey, God saved you once and for all. Now you will grow in Him for the rest of your life.
I didn’t understand. I wanted the good feeling again. But playing with toys seemed to be a good idea too; so off I went.
As I grew up and into adulthood, I have been tempted to wander into sin and failed in many and various ways. However, my early start down the path with God has always pulled me back and protected me from myself over and over again. His presence in my life has always been clear and evident. Clearly not because I’m good (my failures are many) but because He’s forgiven me and kept me.
What did mom say to me that day?
The simple gospel message that “clicked” for me many years ago was:
- We have all sinned. Some people have sinned big, some small; but all of us have fallen short of God’s perfect glory. We all have a broken relationship with Him and have a sense of guilt upon us. Romans 3.10 says there is none righteous, no not one. Romans 3.23, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Even a six year old can understand the reality of doing wrong.
- The result of our sins, big or small, is eternal death and separation from God. Separation from God in eternity is what the Bible refers to as hell. The result of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord, Ephesians 2.8,9.
- God has provided a solution. He sent Jesus to die in our place and to pay the penalty for our sins. Romans 4.8, But God demonstrates His own love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Because He is the Son of God, his death counts as a full substitute for the death we deserve. Our debt has been paid. Romans chapters 1-6 explain it in great detail.
- Receive God’s gift. We must by faith believe this to be true (not just intellectually but heartfelt & sincere) and call upon (or pray) God to save us. There’s not an exact formula. Call upon Him right now. Speak what is on your heart. John 1.12 but as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God. Just as it says in the Old Testament, Joel 2.32, and it will come about that whoever calls upon the name of The Lord will be saved…
That’s my testimony. I was only six years old. Today, I am 60. The story is pretty boring, right? I was never a prodigal who returned home; I was never a drug addict who was miraculously healed; I was never part of a motorcycle gang and any other type of gang.
I was saved when I was only six years old and God has been kind to keep me protected throughout all these years.
Boring? Yes, miraculously boring.
Why did God choose to save me when I was young? I don’t know but I am grateful, overjoyed and thrilled that He was so kind to save me and protect me all of these years.
What about you?
Any and every age is a wonderful time to be saved by God. Tell someone your story today.
Father, You are the God who saves. Your heart is to save, to forgive, to cleanse and make new. You beautify the afflicted with salvation and You make all things beautiful in Your time. If anyone reading this right now has never been saved, take hold of them and reveal Yourself to them in power and wonder; no matter their age, cause the angels to rejoice over one who is saved right now. Amen!
What is Your Purpose on Earth? Part 3
What is Your Purpose on Earth? Part 3
Luke 4:14
And Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about Him spread through all the surrounding district.
… but wait for what the Father promised, ‘which,’ He said, ‘you heard from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now. Acts 1.4,5
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses… Acts 1.8
The Power of the Spirit in Ministry
As Jesus entered public ministry, Luke made it very clear that the power of the Holy Spirit was upon Jesus’ ministry. He fulfilled His purpose on earth and the Holy Spirit produced the results of His ministry according to God’s purposes.
When Jesus departed the earth, He pledged to the apostles and early Christians that they would have the same power: The Holy Spirit would cover them. As a result, they would minister with boldness and power and God would produce the results according to His purpose.
Through the power of the Spirit, the Lord was adding to their number day by day those were being saved. Acts 2.47
Jesus set a pattern for us to follow. Surrender your ministry and service to God and ask the Spirit of God to produce results. It doesn’t matter if you are teaching children in Sunday School, serving lunch to the homeless, working as a greeter at your church, or preaching to thousands. Ask that the power of the Spirit, through your service to God, produce results.
The Power of the Spirit in YOUR Ministry!
We are all called to minister and serve in the name of the Lord. What is your ministry?
Last time, I introduced two ways in which you can serve and minister:
- You bless people with the good news of the gospel, with kindness and compassion and with works of service as you are going about your daily life. You care, you listen, you encourage, you confront and challenge, etc., as you go through life. This is LIFE Ministry.
- You follow a calling in a particular area of ministry for which God has gifted you. There is structure to it. You have allocated specific times and duties to this ministry. Because God has gifted you in this ministry, you enjoy and receive blessings from doing it. This is your Ministry CALLING
If I can do it, anyone can do it!
About four years ago, under the mentorship of my pastor, I began spending extended time with God in His Word and prayer daily: Reading, Reflecting and Writing. This daily time with God fueled my Life Ministry, as described above. My kindness and compassion for people grew. I was more aware and sensitive to daily opportunities to serve others. My Life Ministry grew.
But I didn’t have a specific Ministry Calling that I was involved with and devoted to. Once again, my pastor mentored me in this area. He preached a sermon on Personal Ministry that pierced my soul and convicted me, head to toe.
I evaluated my ministry passions and my gifting. I consulted with my wife and other accountability friends in my life. I determined I loved to study the Bible, to write and to teach. So, I began small by sending out emails summarizing my daily time with God in His Word to family and a few friends. As time passed, I felt led by God and encouraged by others to expand my ministry reach one step at a time.
What about you?
My encouragement to you is to:
- Spend daily time with God. This is your fuel for living a life of worship toward God and service to others.
- As you go through your day, look for opportunities to serve others through word and deed. Practice the presence of Jesus and He will direct your steps. This is your Life Ministry.
- Evaluate your ministry passions and gifting. Consult with those close to you who will pray and support you in this journey. Determine your gifting and calling and begin serving in a focused area of ministry. Start small and let it grow as God leads you. This is your Ministry Calling.
Father, You have given Your Spirit to cover our ministries and produce the results that You chose to accomplish through us. What do you require of us? Your Word tells us that we should do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God. We cannot manufacture the power of Your Spirit. It is Your work to cover us with Your Spirit. We know that You often chose to cover us when we are walking humbly with You. Help us Lord to walk humbly with You as we live and serve, to Your glory and for Your honor. Amen!