tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51603717624364364102024-03-13T23:17:43.752-07:00His Word in Our HeartsThis is a spot to share thoughts from God's Word that have come to my heart. I hope they will find a place in your heart, too.Patti Hedgepath Luskhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06738903451845172402noreply@blogger.comBlogger131125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160371762436436410.post-37137736896994907092024-02-22T15:23:00.000-08:002024-02-22T15:23:28.708-08:00THE LIFE OF SURRENDER AND EFFECTIVENESS<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">I love to read,
and there are some books that I read at least once a year and some even more
frequently than that. Most of the books in the re-reading category are the ones
that inspire me and stir up the flame of God’s Spirit within me, pushing me
toward God’s purpose. They remind me of the goal of the high calling of God in
my life. Many of the books are life stories of some of the great men and women
of God. So, they give me real-life examples of people who were nothing
according to this world, but God chose to use them in a powerful way because
they were available to Him. They listened for His voice and believed what He
said, enough to act on it. One such book is “The D. L. Moody Collection”
compiled by James S. Bell. I want to share with you what God has been speaking
to me as I re-read this book.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">D. L. Moody was
raised in a poor home and there was no early indication that he would ever
amount to anything. Even when he became involved with a Sabbath School and had
a teacher that took an interest in him, the teacher didn’t really think he
could amount to much. Here is what that teacher said about those early days: “I
can truly say (and in saying it I magnify the infinite grace of God as bestowed
upon Mr. Moody), that I have seen few persons whose minds were spiritually
darker when he came into my Sabbath-school class, or one who seemed more
unlikely ever to become a Christian of clear, decided views of gospel truth,
still less to fill any sphere of extended public usefulness.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Yet D.L. Moody
became the greatest evangelist of his time both in America and overseas. People
flocked to his meetings and were born again because the presence of God was
there. They didn’t leave the meetings talking about what a great orator he was.
Some actually criticized his poor grammar. But people left with changed lives. And
that was D.L. Moody’s motive; to see as many people come into the kingdom of
God as possible. So, it wasn’t just during his meetings that he extended an
invitation for people to know Jesus Christ. Regardless of where he was, whoever
happened to be around him would hear the gospel message. And many were saved
that way…on trains, in homes, in barber shops or on the street. He never took a
count of those saved in his meetings. He wasn’t concerned about numbers, but
about souls. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
don’t know who you are or what your standing is in the eyes of this world, but
you can be used of God if you will surrender your life completely to Him. Yes, you
can make a difference in every life you touch. You may ask “How?” One of D. L.
Moody’s closest ministry companions was R. A. Torrey. He wrote about the attributes
that allowed God to use Moody as He did. If we want to be used of God, there
may be some things that need to change in our lives. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">First, we need to
repent and be born into the kingdom of God. We need to be fully surrendered to Jesus,
not to other people and not to ourselves. What is in us that needs to be
emptied so we can fully serve God? We need to remove anything that separates us
from God’s presence. If we reserve part of ourselves, we are not fully
surrendered to Him. So, we need to empty our selfish ambitions and take on the
form of a servant. Jesus said if we want to be great in His kingdom, we need to
be the servant of all - just like Jesus. If Jesus had clung to His “rights”
instead of being wrongly treated and wrongly murdered; If He had been like the Pharisees
and wanted to be noticed and served, we would have no hope of salvation. But Jesus
gave up His rights and majesty in complete humility and obedience to the
Father. When God speaks to us, we need to obey. If we are obedient and
selfless, He can use us in extraordinary ways and He will be with us. We can’t
trust our own understanding, so we need to be led by God. It is imperative that
we know when He is speaking to us, and we need to be listening. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">That means we need
to be people of prayer and come to recognize the voice of God. Prayer is a
two-way conversation between us and God. We are not to spend all our time
asking Him to do our will but asking Him what His will is for us. Are we
spending time with God and actually listening to His voice? If we are open to
Him, His Spirit will speak to our spirits. We will have a knowing within us as
to which direction we are to go, what to do or who we are to speak to. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Another way we can
hear God speak to us is through His Word, the Bible. If we want to grow in our
Christian walk, we need to know what God is like. We need to be diligent
students of His Word. When we are born into the kingdom of God, the Bible
becomes our light in the darkness of this world. We can understand the Word of
God because we have come to know the God of the Word and He will enlighten us
to its meaning. If we want to make a difference in our world for Christ, we
need to read and obey His Word.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Humility is
another characteristic that seems to be very difficult for people to accept
these days. Everybody wants to be looked up to. They want to make sure they get
their fair share of attention and applause for their lofty deeds. Humility is
not like that. Neither is it thinking of yourself in a negative way. It’s
simply not considering self at all because we are considering the purpose of Jesus
Christ. If we think of ourselves more highly than we ought, we are not much use
to God. Let’s look at the humility of Jesus in Philippians 2:5-10: “<span class="text"><span style="color: black;">Let this mind be in you, which was also in
Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal
with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a
servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a
man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the
cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is
above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in
heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;</span></span>” Imagine
God taking on human flesh so He could redeem us! Why was Jesus willing to do
that? Because He loves us and because it was the will of the Father.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Apostle Paul
suffered so much persecution, but he didn’t let it stop him from proclaiming
the gospel. He never stopped preaching God’s Word regardless of whether it was
accepted or rejected. His passion was to carry out the great commission. He did
it because it was the will of God. We need that same passion in walking with
God. His passion should be our passion. His desires and goals, our desires and
goals. We need a renewed passion for the salvation of the lost. There are only
two eternal destinations – heaven and hell. They are both endless destinations,
so it is vitally important that everyone hears the gospel message so they can
make a decision for Christ before it’s too late. That’s our job.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another important element of being useful in
God’s kingdom is to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. Jesus told His disciples to
wait for the promise of the Father. Without the power of the Holy Spirit, He
knew they would not be able to do the work He had called them to. He knew they
needed the Holy Spirit to empower them and lead them in the way they should go.
Many messages are good, but few change lives without the power of the Spirit of
God being present. We need the Holy Spirit if we are to obey Jesus’ command to
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel.” Paul said he did not bring the
message of Jesus Christ in word only, but in “demonstration of the Spirit and
of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the
power of God.” If a person is a great orator and can move a crowd with their words,
their message will point to the speaker. If a person is empowered by the Holy
Spirit, their message will point to Jesus Christ. During a writer’s conference
some years ago, one of the presenters made it very clear that they were an
inspirational publication. They did not mention the name of Jesus in any of
their publications. I marked them off my list of publishers to submit articles
to in the future. I didn’t care how well known they were if they did not lift
up the name of Jesus, the Name above all Names. We need the power of the Holy
Spirit if we are to make a difference. We need to speak the Truth of God’s Word
and let people know how to be saved. If they don’t know what it is to be saved,
they will be deceived into believing they are going to heaven when they are
not. If you have not taken the first step toward Jesus, which is repentance; turning
away from sin and turning to Jesus as Lord and Savior, you can do that right
now. If you are not born again and following Jesus, you are not saved. John 3:3
says, “except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Works
will not get us into the kingdom of God. Our knowledge of the Bible will not
get us in. Our good intentions won’t get us in. Our sincerity in believing the
wrong thing won’t get us in. We must hear the Word of God and obey in
repentance and surrender to Him. If we sincerely believe in another way to
heaven, we will be sorely disappointed when we stand before God and hear, “I
never knew you…depart from Me.” Just any way is not THE Way. We must be born of
the Spirit. We can be wrong about many things, but it is eternally destructive
to be wrong about the way to heaven. Read the Bible.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Isaiah 55:6-7
says, “<span class="text"><span style="color: black;">Seek ye the </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="color: black; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;"> while he may be found, call ye upon
him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man
his thoughts: and let him return unto the </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="color: black; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;">, and he will have mercy upon him; and to
our God, for he will abundantly pardon.</span></span>”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Patti Hedgepath Luskhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06738903451845172402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160371762436436410.post-82613925282767161662024-01-24T11:33:00.000-08:002024-01-24T11:33:02.978-08:00RESTORATION AND RELEASE<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><o:p> T</o:p></span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">he
chapter in Scripture that foretells the release of the Jews from the Babylonian
captivity and the rebuilding of the old waste places, also foretells what Jesus
would do for us in the spiritual realm.</span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">It’s found in Isaiah 61. These words of Isaiah the prophet were
fulfilled by God when Cyrus allowed the captives to go back to their homeland.
Much later, Jesus declared to be the fulfillment of those words when He read
them in the synagogue in Nazareth where He had been brought up. He said, “</span><span class="text" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.</span><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">” All that
was lost to Judah, God would restore. All that was lost in the Garden of Eden,
Jesus restores to us. Jesus came to restore what was broken – our fellowship
with God and our ability to relate on a higher spiritual plane.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus
is the antidote for every part of us that has been left in ruins. Matthew Henry
said of Isaiah 61, “As Isaiah was directed to proclaim liberty to the Jews in
Babylon, so was Christ, God’s messenger, to publish a more joyful jubilee to a
lost world.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There
are many people who wind up with broken lives - some even shattered into pieces.
As a matter of fact, we all start out with broken lives because we are born
with a sin nature. Jesus does not want any life thrown away. He wants to renew,
rebuild, and restore every damaged or ruined life. Jesus not only <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">can</i> restore broken lives to usefulness,
but He is also <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">willing </i>to do it. Most
of us need restoration in at least one area of our lives. Yet nobody is
worthless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nobody is useless. We just
need the touch of the Master’s hand. Jesus came to rebuild and restore us! God
has a plan. He is a builder and a rebuilder. God is a creator and a recreator.
He is a restorer of broken lives. If something needs to be restored, it was
obviously once in its prime, in healthy working condition. And it has somehow
fallen from that condition.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Let’s
look at the first part of Isaiah 61. Jesus read, “The Spirit of the Lord <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">God</span> is upon me; because the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> has anointed me. Anointed means to
rub with oil. Oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. That is what we need above
all, to have the Holy Spirit in us, leading us and empowering us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus
said one of the things He was anointed to do was to preach good tidings to the
meek. Good tidings are glad news. We are the meek. We are the poor and
afflicted, needy in circumstances. But the good news is that we can be raised
up and anointed. Then we can be the bearers of the good news! We can be on both
sides of this – We receive, then we give. We need to look at ourselves as both
receivers, and givers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
passage of scripture goes on to say, “he has sent me to bind up the
brokenhearted. Our heart is our mind, our will and emotions. Our heart is the
very center of who we are. That’s why we are told in Proverbs 4:23 to </span>“Keep
your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues
of life.” What is in our hearts will spill out in everything we do. And we
don’t have to be broken.<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> To be broken is to be hurt, crushed or broken in pieces.
Jesus can bind us up when we are broken. Just like a broken bone is set and
wrapped to cause it to merge together again, we can be wrapped tightly with
Jesus and grow as one with Him. We are the brokenhearted, yet we are the
binders of the brokenhearted by the anointing! Our restoration is the catalyst
by which we can offer others restoration through Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus
also came to proclaim liberty to the captives and “and the opening of the
prison to them that are bound.” This tells us we can be free from our sins.
Chains and yokes can be cut off. Isaiah 10:27 says “<span class="text">And it shall
come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy
shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed
because of the anointing. The sin nature can be broken, and we can be free to
be joined to Jesus. But there is more. He said He would bring</span> recovering
of sight to the blind. We all know Jesus restored blinded physical eyes, but He
will also restore our spiritual insight and enlighten us to the kingdom of God.
No more thinking from a darkened mind but having insight into spiritual things
by the Holy Spirit. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sometimes I think we are not fully
aware of how blessed we are to be able to see spiritually and be free
spiritually. We are blessed to be able to understand spiritual things.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus also came to “proclaim the acceptable year of the
Lord”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every 50th year in Israel was the
Year of Jubilee, the year of release. <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Servants were set at liberty. Debtors
had their debts wiped out, those who had mortgaged their lands, had them
returned to them again. And in our spiritual jubilee we have our sins washed
away, our sin debt paid and the blessings of the Lord restored to us! GOD IS A
RESTORER!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Next,
He speaks of “the day of vengeance of our God.” Vengeance is revenge. Satan had
taken possession of God’s creation, but Jesus took it back. Jesus
overcame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He conquered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we are in Christ, we too are overcomers! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He
also came to comfort all that mourn, to give unto them beauty for ashes. What
kind of ashes do we have in our lives? Ashes are the charred remains of what
used to be alive and useful. You can’t recognize what it used to be from
looking at the ashes left behind. What places in us used to be thriving, but
are now a pile of ashes? He will give us beauty for those ashes. And He will
give us “the oil of joy for mourning”. Not just any joy, but joy unspeakable!
It comes from God, not the world. And the joy of the Lord is our strength. His
joy will raise us up in power. Have we lost it? Have we lost the joy of the
Lord? It can be found in His presence, in being connected to Him. Our joy can
be full by the Holy Spirit within us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He
gives us “the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Heaviness is a burdened,
failing spirit. But Jesus will replace it with a spirit of praise if we let
Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus
fulfilled all this so that we might be called trees of righteousness, the
planting of the Lord so that<span style="font-variant: small-caps;"> </span>that He
might be glorified. That God’s glory would be openly seen through us as others
see His righteousness in us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This
is what God desires for us. We don’t have to beg Him to do it. It is already
done. We just need to receive it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What
has been damaged in your life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is
no longer working in you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What lies in
ruins and ashes?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What has you so
burdened that your shoulders are drooping, and your legs are shaking under the
weight? You can be stored!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Hebrews
12:12-13 says, </span>“Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and
the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is
lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
prophecy that Jesus fulfilled goes on to say, “And they shall build the old
wastes, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“ancient ruins”. Those are the
places in our lives that have been ruined and destroyed. They crumbled slowly,
a little at a time, so we accepted it as part of our lives a little bit at a
time. Jesus came so those places can be restored, rebuilt and repaired. Are we
willing to live with things as they are, or do we want to rebuild? Are we okay
with being frail and unable to move forward, or have we decided to rise up?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
love the wording here. It says, “they shall raise up the former desolations”
They aren’t just seeing the unfruitful deserts that used to be lush and green
and remembering when it was full of life and bearing much fruit. They aren’t
just wishing for the glory days when all was good. They decide to do something
about it. Where we have been unfruitful, are we willing to accept it, or do we
want to raise it back up by the anointing of the Holy Spirit?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“And
they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.” It
may have been in that sad condition for a long time, but today can be the day
to change it all. We don’t have to accept things in the broken condition they
are in, no matter how long they have been that way. Instead of saying, “Well, that’s
how it’s always been.”, we can bring back the glory of God to it and shine in
righteousness. It can be repaired, new, put back in good condition, renewed,
restored. Iniquitous traits are passed from generation to generation when
people say, “Well, that’s how it has always been.” But they can stop the cycle
when someone finally says, “Jesus restores. We can put a stop to it because of
what Jesus has done for us.” Are we willing to break free from how it’s always
been when “how it’s always been” is less than what God has for us? We have a
part in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God will help us, but we
have to take the first step. Remember, before healing people or having them
join Him, Jesus often said things like, “Stretch forth your hand”, “Go wash in
the pool of Siloam”, “Follow Me” “Come unto Me”. We have a part to play. We
have a choice to make. Are we willing to live with things broken down and in
ruins, or do we want to be restored, rebuilt, renewed and made useful again?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 4.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">“Therefore strengthen
the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths
for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be
healed.”<o:p></o:p></p>Patti Hedgepath Luskhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06738903451845172402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160371762436436410.post-78350111009123736482023-12-10T15:31:00.000-08:002023-12-10T15:31:47.425-08:00BREAKTHROUGH<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13pt; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span> </span> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">How many times
have you come to a point in your life that you needed a breakthrough? Maybe you
ran into a problem that seemed insurmountable or a decision that you couldn’t
make because you kept vacillating back and forth.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt;">But what about the
breakthroughs that come out of the clear blue and turn your life around in a
new direction that God has planned for you?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt;">This Christmas
season I have been thinking of all the breakthroughs those in the Bible
experienced because God wanted to use them in a wonderful way for their good
and His glory.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt;">Zacharia</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">s</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt;"> was a priest, and it was his time to minister to the
Lord in the temple at Jerusalem on behalf of the people. But this time God
broke through to speak to Zacharia</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">s</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt;"> through </span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">the</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt;"> angel</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt;">Gabriel. Gabriel
told Zacharia</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">s</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt;"> that his aged
wife would have a son. That in itself was a miracle because she had always been
barren and was old now. But </span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">He</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt;"> also told
Zacharia</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">s</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt;"> that his son would be the
forerunner of the Messiah. That was huge news. And Zacharia</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">s</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt;"> had a hard time believing it.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Segoe UI",sans-serif; font-size: 13.0pt;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt;">“<span class="text">Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am
an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years. And the angel answered and
said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was
sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. But
behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things
take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in
their own time.” And</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt;"> it did come to pass. Zacharias and Elizabeth became
the parents of John the Baptist. And Zacharias regained his voice after John’s
birth.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt;">As far as we can
tell, Mary was an ordinary girl who was engaged to be married to Joseph. She
was probably preparing for the wedding when she experienced a breakthrough. Again,
Garbriel was sent to tell Mary that she would have a baby and He would be the
long-awaited Messiah. Mary had questions about how this would happen but was
believing and willing to take on this new turn in her life. Regardless of how
misunderstood she would be and the possibility of losing Joseph, she was
willing to be part of God’s plan. “<span class="text"><span style="color: black;">Then
Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” And
the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon
you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that
Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed,
Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is
now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God
nothing will be impossible.” Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the
Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.”
Notice how Gabriel gave Mary a link to another miracle that was close to her.
Elizabeth, Mary’s relative, was also the wife of Zacharias. Mary went to see Elizabeth,
and they greatly encouraged one another. </span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, Mary became the mother of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt;">When Joseph
learned Mary’s news, he was about to back out of the marriage until he had a
breakthrough. Joseph’s breakthrough came through a dream. “But while he thought
about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream,
saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your
wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His
name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Joseph took
that calling seriously and took Mary as his wife, protecting her and the new
Life inside her. He also protected them after Jesus was born. And Joseph became
known as the father of Jesus. Yet he knew God was the Father.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt;">The shepherds
outside tending their sheep had a breakthrough when an angel startled them with
his presence. But the angel said, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you
good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is
born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the
Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe
wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. “Then a multitude of
angels joined him praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest and on
earth peace, good will to men.” That is an amazing breakthrough for a group of
shepherds who were just working their shift on a normal night. But these
shepherds went to the place the angel told them about and saw for themselves
the truth of the angel’s words. Then they all became missionaries as they told
everybody they saw about their breakthrough and about the birth of the Messiah.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt;">It seems the wise
men had a breakthrough, too. They studied the stars and God gave them the
wisdom and enlightenment to know what the stars were saying to them. It took
them awhile to arrive at their destination, but they met Jesus when He was
about two years old and gave Him extravagant gifts.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt;">If we fast-forward
to the time of Jesus’ ministry, we find Him asking His disciples who the people
were saying He was. They gave him the answer to what they had been hearing. Then
Jesus narrowed it down to this. He asked, “Who do you say that I am?” <span class="text"><span style="color: black;">Simon Peter answered and said, “You
are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to
him, </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">“Blessed are
you, Simon Bar-Jonah,</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">for flesh and blood has not revealed this to
you, but</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">My Father who is in heaven. Peter did not
come up with that knowledge on his own. </span></span>He had a breakthrough
from God that enlightened him to the truth of Who Jesus really is. His
breakthrough was probably a light to the other disciples also. So, Peter became
a disciple of Jesus Christ for the rest of his life.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt;">When Saul [who
later became Paul] was on his way to persecute those who believed in Jesus, he
was well-meaning but wrong. He thought this was a cult that was trying to lead
people away from the true God. But then Paul had a breakthrough – a major
breakthrough. “<span class="text"><span style="color: black;">As he journeyed he
came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from
heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">“Saul, Saul,</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">why are you persecuting Me?” </span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;">And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” </span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;">So he, trembling and astonished, said,
“Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">“Arise and go into the city, and you will
be told what you must do.” Paul remained a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ
from that moment on. He suffered a lot of persecution but he also wrote a large
part of the New Testament by the leading of the Holy Spirit.</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt;">There was a little
girl who was always taken to church but didn’t really know Jesus. She was at a
youth camp when she was eleven years old and the Holy Spirit drew her to the
altar where she was born again. When she was born into the kingdom of God she
came alive spiritually and was never the same again. She became a disciple of
Jesus Christ. That little girl was me. I have never regretted giving my life to
Jesus. He gives me the strength, power and wisdom I need. He is faithful to me
and I want to remain faithful to Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt;">Could you add your
breakthrough story to this list? Has God broken into your life and asked you to
come with Him as He leads you on the wonderful journey He has for you? If He has,
have you accepted this new adventure? Life in the spiritual realm is more
certain and more alive than life in this world. Maybe it’s time to ask for a
breakthrough. Maybe it’s time to allow God to redirect your life and lead you
into life more abundant than what you have experienced so far. The best thing
that could happen to us this Christmas is to have a breakthrough from God. The
breakthrough is God’s part. Following Him in it is ours.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt;">If you are already
a follower of Jesus, keep looking for the breakthroughs yet to come. He will
lead us in different paths in the various seasons of our lives. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.0pt;">HAVE A VERY MERRY
CHRISTMAS!<o:p></o:p></span></p>Patti Hedgepath Luskhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06738903451845172402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160371762436436410.post-76017992921761792042023-10-03T07:34:00.001-07:002023-10-03T07:34:26.784-07:00CONTEND FOR THE FAITH<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">My
Mom passed from this life September 21, 2023. She was taken quickly out of this
world by an aneurysm and was ushered into the presence of Jesus. We were very
close, so I am sad for me because this life will never be the same. But I am
happy for her because she is in the presence of Jesus, the One she lived her
life for. She has reached the goal we all should be striving for. Mom was a
prayer warrior, and she prayed on a daily basis for many of you who receive
this newsletter. She was the one who led me down the path where I could meet
Jesus. She was also the one who proofread, folded, stapled and stamped all
these newsletters. She had a desire for every lost soul to be saved and prayed
diligently every day toward that end. I thank God for what she taught me and
what she brought to my life. She was a voice in this world proclaiming truth,
grace, righteousness and faith in Christ Jesus. She proclaimed it in her
conversations and her life. She proclaimed it in the poems she wrote. She even
proclaimed it on Facebook. Now she has her eternal reward.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Most
of us are willing to take a stand for the things we really believe in, the
things that are of great importance to us. But it’s not always easy. We are not
always popular when we stand for God’s Word, but truth is truth, and we cannot
afford to hide it from others. Everyone needs to know. We are called to be a
voice that proclaims Him. But are we? Are we really a voice to this world that
proclaims God’s truth, grace, righteousness and faith in Jesus Christ?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we want to gain a reward that will not fade
away, and if we want to bring others to Jesus, we need to learn how to work
together as the people of God for the faith of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We
need to be His voice in this world. His voice is very unwelcome among many, but
Truth still needs to be proclaimed. There are those who will hear and welcome
the good news. There are those who will hear and reject. Proclaiming the gospel
isn’t just with words. It is also through our lives and actions. We can show
people the gospel message by how we act, how we respond to them, and how we
love. Those first Christians had a great love for one another and were one in
Christ. They were the body of Christ in this world who shared the pure message
of the gospel without adding or taking away from what the Lord had first spoken
to them. They received a lot of opposition, but their message was more
important than the opposition against them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Philippians 1:27-30 says, “</span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Only</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">let your conduct be
worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am
absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">with one mind</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">striving together for
the faith of the gospel,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">and not in any way terrified by your
adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">to you of salvation, and
that from God.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For to you</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">it has been granted on
behalf of Christ,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">not only to believe in Him, but also to</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">suffer for His sake,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">having the same conflict</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">which you saw in me and
now hear</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">is</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">in me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Paul wrote that to the Christians in Philippi as well as
to you and me today. He preached truth. He made sure it was available to
everyone he spoke with. He underwent great persecution because of the message
of Jesus Christ. But he continued to strive to make Truth known to as many as
he could reach.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What does it actually mean to strive? It means </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">to make strenuous efforts toward any goal. And what more
worthy goal than the gospel of Jesus Christ? It also means to contend in
opposition, battle, or any conflict. It takes effort and determination. We must
strive, because if we retreat, who will teach others the Truth? How can people
hear without someone telling them? Jesus told us to go and make disciples. That
means to teach others the Word of God and the ways of God. We cannot afford to
retreat. We must continue to move forward. No soldier ever won a battle by
retreating. <span class="text"><span style="color: black;">We don’t have to be
afraid of those who oppose us. Our job is to make the truth of the gospel
known. Then others can choose to accept salvation (a state of final spiritual
bliss) or perdition. (a state of final spiritual ruin). So you can see that the
reason we are to strive is because eternal souls are at stake. We can’t force
anyone to follow Jesus, but we can make sure they have knowledge so they can
make their own choice.</span></span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jude wanted to write about the joys of the salvation
we share, but God had a different message for him. So he wrote, “Dear
friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we
share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the
faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span class="text">For certain individuals whose condemnation was written
about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly
people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny
Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.” Jude warned them that everyone does
not teach the truth of the gospel and they needed to be aware of those who
taught false doctrines. We need to know Truth and stand for it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Paul wrote to the Christians in Galatia, “<span style="background: white; color: black;">I marvel that you are turning away so
soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different
gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and
want to pervert [distort] the gospel of Christ; But even if we,
or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have
preached to you, let him be accursed.<b><sup> </sup></b>As we have
said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to
you than what you have received, let him be accursed.</span>” </span></span><span class="text"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">[Galatians
1:6-9]</span></b></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">There are those who try to change the Word of God, but
they cannot. They can write their own gospel, but God’s Word is Truth and Truth
never changes. It remains absolute…complete and unadulterated. That’s why we
need to contend for the faith, the Word of God. To contend simply <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>means to struggle in opposition; </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">to exert oneself
vigorously. If there was anyone who contended for the faith, it was the apostle,
Paul. He struggled in opposition with those who tried to pervert the gospel of
Jesus Christ. It wasn’t a physical battle, but a spiritual battle. Paul wasn’t
a fighter in the physical sense. Physically he seemed to be constantly being
beat up because he taught the Scripture. Look at <span style="background: white; color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">2 Corinthians 11:24-28. Here Paul
outlines a few examples of the opposition against him. He said, “</span><b><sup> </sup></b>Of
the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. <span style="mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice
I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings
often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own
countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the
wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness
and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often,
in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh
upon me daily, the care of all the churches.” But he never quit being the voice
of God in this earth until he was beheaded and received his reward in heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">What kept Paul from getting burned out
and leaving the ministry? His love for Jesus Christ, his disregard for himself,
his passion to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit even when he stood alone
in dangerous territory, his stand to follow Jesus rather than do what everyone
else was doing. I can’t imagine him following the notion of ‘church as usual’
with its form and lack of God’s Spirit. He didn’t have a goal he had set for
himself. He had a message that burned in him and the world became his pulpit.
He even said, “<span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black;">For
if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid
upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this
willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been
entrusted with a stewardship.</span></span>” </span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[1 Corinthians 9:16-17] </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Even
with all the trials Paul endured, he said, “Not that I speak in respect of
want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I
know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all
things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to
suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” </span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">[Philippians 4:11-13]</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> When he was on the top, he was content. When he was on the bottom, he
was content. When he was in the middle, he was content because his contentment
was in Christ, not in goals he had carefully crafted out. We burn out when we
get our eyes on what we are doing instead of Who we are serving. We get burnt
out when we go through the form that is expected of us instead of following the
leading of the Holy Spirit burning inside of us. One is focusing on pleasing people.
The other is focused on pleasing God. Paul wanted to please God, so he followed
what He said and let God handle the consequences. His experiences taught him
that even in the worst circumstance, Jesus was with him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">“Striving together for the faith of
the gospel” is a concept we may find strange. But every true believer in Jesus
is part of His body today. We are His hands, feet and voice. If we as the
people of God do not strive together and contend for the gospel of Jesus
Christ, who will?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">In all the ups and downs in our lives, we can strive
together for the gospel of Jesus Christ. We can stand together and make a
difference. And Jesus promised He would never leave us or forsake us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Patti Hedgepath Luskhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06738903451845172402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160371762436436410.post-56314060064502212702023-07-17T16:11:00.002-07:002023-07-17T16:11:14.310-07:00HOW DO WE STAND?<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span> </span>To stand means to be in an
upright position on the feet or to remain firm or steadfast, as in a cause.
That can be difficult to maintain if something or someone is pushing against
you. There are some types of opposition you might possibly be able to stand
your ground against. But if someone is stronger than you, or you try to stand
against tornado-force winds, you cannot remain standing. You will fall from the
force of the power being used against you.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">In Ephesians 6, the apostle
Paul tells us how to stand against evil powers that are much stronger than we
are. We cannot remain standing on our own, but God has provided a way for us. Here
we find the secret to having overcoming strength. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">“In conclusion, be strong
in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union
with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. Put on the full armor of
God,…so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes
and the strategies and the deceits of the devil. For our struggle is not
against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against
the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present]
darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly
(supernatural) places. Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you
will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of
danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm
[in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious]. So stand firm and hold
your ground, having tightened the wide band of Truth (personal integrity, moral
courage) around your waist and having put on the breastplate of Righteousness
(an upright heart), and having strapped on your feet the Gospel of Peace in
preparation [to face the enemy with firm-footed stability and the readiness
produced by the good news]. Above all, lift up the [protective] shield of faith
with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take
The helmet of Salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times…in the
Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition interceding
in prayer] for all God’s people.” </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">[Amplified Bible]</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">We are to put on the
complete armor, not just a piece here and there. Not just on certain days, or
taking a break every once in a while. It is imperative that our armor stay
intact.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Jesus came into this earth
as the Son of God and the Son of man. His character remained consistent in
every circumstance He encountered. Who He was and His conversation were the
same whether He was with His disciples, the crowds, an individual or the religious
rulers. Even in the presence of evil spirits, He took authority over them. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Jesus’ purpose was also
always the same, and He never let anything divert Him from His purpose. Not the
temptations of the devil, the acceptance of the crowd, the defiance and threats
of the temple rulers or the horrors of the cross. He lived His earthly life
totally surrendered, yielded, to the Father’s will. He spoke the truth clearly
without apology. He understood the urgency of getting His message across to as
many people as would hear Him. Yet He never tried to browbeat them into
conforming. The Truth was there to either accept or reject. Even on trial,
Jesus spoke Truth, knowing the consequences. He realized the power He had over
His interrogators and tormentors, but He also knew His purpose for coming to
this earth as a man. He was faithful to complete it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Jesus never took a break
from Who He was or His purpose. But He did take occasional breaks from the
crowds, the religious leaders, the busyness of life, the heavy load of the
ministry, and even from His own disciples. He went away alone to talk to His
Father. Being in the presence of God is like recharging our spiritual
batteries.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">If we want to stand in
every situation as Jesus stood, we must unceasingly keep ourselves covered with
righteousness, salvation, faith, the gospel of peace, truth, the sword of the
Spirit (the Word of God) and we must continue to pray in the Spirit. If any of
the armor is missing, we have a weak area where the enemy can get an advantage
over us. We never need to take a break from this armor. It is our protection,
authority and strength. Satan looks for a weak area or a missing piece of
armor. He will take advantage of any weakness he finds.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus said we are to be rooted and grounded in
Him. If our roots are deep in Jesus, we have a firm foundation and can remain
standing. “Remain in Me, and I [will remain] in you. Just as no branch can bear
fruit by itself without remaining in the vine, neither can you [bear fruit,
producing evidence of your faith] unless you remain in Me. I am the Vine; you
are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for
[otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can
do nothing.” John 15:4-5.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A vase of flowers can be moved from place to
place easily. But a deep-rooted plant remains where it was planted. If you
uproot it, it will die. It is the same with us. Apart from Jesus we can do
nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">One Mothers Day
I was handed a small plant as a gift from the church. I was happy to receive
it, but then remembered my track record with plants. I asked my husband on the
way to the car, “I wonder how long it will take me to kill this one?” But I
decided to make it live. I would take good care of it. And I tried. I really
did. But in my exuberance to succeed, I overwatered it and killed it. My
husband tried to revive it by repotting it for me, but to no avail. It made me
sad to think I had killed the little thing. I really wanted it to live.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Have
you ever had a dream or a direction from the Lord that you tried so hard to
make come to pass that you killed it by your own determination and efforts?
Maybe you rushed the timing or took it the wrong direction, and God was not in
it. If we are not careful, we can take the work of God out of His hands, place
it in our own and run with it. That never succeeds. Either He will have to find
another person to carry out His plans or wait until we see our error and turn
it back over to Him. When we do things His way, we will have His power behind it
instead of our own might and power. His plans always succeed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Can we honestly say that we, like Jesus, are
the same in every circumstance and are loyal to the purpose God has entrusted
to us? Are we suited up in God’s armor all the time, or just part of the time?
Is our character consistent and are we faithful to our purpose every day? Do we
even know what our purpose is? Our purpose is to be at the right place at the
right time by God’s design and to make the right choice when we get there. The
only way we can fulfill our purpose is to be led by the Holy Spirit and take on
the whole armor of God. We can only do that by taking a break from all the
busyness around us so we can hear from the Father. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the days of Jesus, the laws that were
instituted by God through Moses had been adapted to fit the mindset of those
interpreting it. Many laws were added or taken away to accommodate the new
mindset of the rulers. That sounds familiar to our day. But the problem was
that the law of God is Truth, and if you change or twist Truth, you have
created a separate entity that is a lie. Truth is Truth regardless of how we
choose to view it. Jesus is the Truth, and to speak anything else would be to
speak a lie, which He cannot do. So, when Jesus came teaching truth, it went
against many of their man-made laws. That sounds familiar in our day, too.
Naturally that made Him very unpopular with those who wielded the religious
power of their day. Although His teachings demanded more holiness from the
people, He made it easier to live a holy life by changing our sin nature to a
new nature inhabited by the Spirit of God Himself</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But as many as received him, to them gave He power to
become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name”</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> It was no longer struggling to do what
pleased God. It was a change of heart, a change of nature that allowed people
to be empowered and led by the Spirit of God within them. It was no longer a
physical struggle but a spiritual freedom to do what was right.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As we, the people of God, speak Truth, live
Truth, and walk in Truth, we find ourselves walking against the forces of this
world and the powers of darkness. That is why it is important to have every
piece of our armor in place at all times. Then, and only then, can we stand. We
stand in righteousness, salvation, faith, the gospel of Truth, and the sword of
the Spirit [Word of God], and we continue to pray in the Spirit. That is how we
stand. It is the only way we can successfully stand.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Have you got your armor on?<o:p></o:p></span></p>Patti Hedgepath Luskhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06738903451845172402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160371762436436410.post-60198481035607507382023-06-27T17:03:00.003-07:002023-06-27T17:03:55.007-07:00IS THERE NOT A CAUSE?<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span> </span>Most of us are
familiar with the account of David facing Goliath. There seems to be no rational
reason for a shepherd boy to put himself in the place of danger that none of
the trained soldiers or even the king were willing to place themselves. The
army of Israel had been hearing the threats of this giant of a warrior for
days, and they had been cowering in their own camp with no reply to his demand and
no warrior willing to fight him. No one offered to risk their lives. They were
at a stalemate. That is until David was sent by his father to take some food to
the front lines where his brothers were in the army of Israel. While he was
there delivering the provisions, he heard the giant come out and defy, not only
the army of Israel, but the God of Israel. He began asking the soldiers
questions about this giant. When his older brother heard him, he said to David,
</span><span class="text" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Why did you come down here? And
with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride
and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.” And
David said, “What have I done now? Is there not a cause?” There was a
good reason why David was there in the camp. He was sent by their father to
deliver food. But while he was there, David
saw a much greater cause. A cause that was being neglected.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">David was just the delivery boy. But once he arrived at camp and
saw what was happening, he knew there was a greater cause than delivering food.
This Philistine was defying God, so David volunteered to fight him. King Saul
said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight
with him; for you <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">are</span> a
youth, and he a man of war from his youth.” But David said to Saul, “Your
servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came
and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after it and struck it, and
delivered <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">the lamb</span> from
its mouth…Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this…Philistine will
be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God.” <b><sup> </sup></b>Moreover
David said, “The </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">,
who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will
deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“<span style="background: white; color: black;">Then he took his staff in his hand; and he
chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in a
shepherd’s bag, in a pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand. And he
drew near to the Philistine. So the Philistine came, and began drawing
near to David, and the man who bore the shield <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">went</span> before him.” David didn’t back up. He stood his ground.
“And when the Philistine looked about and saw David,
he disdained him; for he was <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">only</span> a youth…</span><span style="color: black;">So the
Philistine said to David, “<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Am</span> I
a dog that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his
gods. And the Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give
your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!” This warrior
was sure of himself. Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a
sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of
the </span></span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> of hosts, the God of
the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> will
deliver you into my hand, …<b><sup> </sup></b>Then all this assembly shall
know that the </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> does not save with sword
and spear; for the battle <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">is</span> the </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">’s,
and He will give you into our hands.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">David was sure of His God. He knew from experience what God can
do, so he declared boldly that he would win. And he did because God was with
him. When the Philistines saw that a boy had conquered their greatest warrior,
they took off running. The army of Israel was right behind them to conquer
them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Look around you. Is there not a
cause? Is there not sufficient reason to stand up and proclaim the power, love
and the Name of our God? We have been left in this world to provide truth and
light. But what do we do when the enemy rages against us? Do we retreat and
tremble? Or do we keep proclaiming the Good News of Great Joy because we are
sure of our God? <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Have
we lost sight of our cause?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cause of every Christian is found in the
words of Jesus. He said, </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“</span></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">All
authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.</span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Go</span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">therefore and</span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">make disciples
of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and
of the Holy Spirit,</span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded
you; and lo, I am</span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">with you always, even to the end of the age.”</span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Amen.</span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">” <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus gave us the command to carry
on the work He started in this earth. We are to teach His Word and make
disciples. Jesus made it clear that all authority belongs to Him. He is the one
in charge. Then He gives us a promise. He will be with us. He is not sending us
out in our own strength. Just as David did not go out in his own strength, neither
do we. He promises to be with us even to the end of the age, so we need to
continue His work “even to the end of the age.” There is not a cut-off date.
Are we so sure of Jesus Christ that we will take up the cause?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As professing Christians we would do
well to look within to see if we are in the condition to accomplish the work
Jesus has assigned to us. Are we, ourselves, walking according to the teachings
of Jesus and the principles of the Bible? Are we ready to be broken and poured
out so others can hear the message of salvation? Are we willing to lay our
lives into the hands of Jesus to use us as He wills, regardless of the outcome?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We are not told to raise up a physical army and go to war with
whoever won’t receive the gospel. The kingdom of God is spiritual, not
physical. Only Light can dispel darkness. So we are here to shine Christ’s
light in the darkness so everyone can see it and accept or reject it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There is a great need for the people of God to allow Him to search
our hearts and see if there is any wicked way there. If there is any unbelief,
apathy, complacency or disobedience to God’s Word, we need to confess and turn
from it. </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Proverbs
29:13-14</span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">tells us that</span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“He who conceals
his transgressions will not prosper, But whoever confesses and turns away
from his sins will find compassion and mercy. Blessed and favored
by God is the man who fears [sin and its consequence] at all times, But he who
hardens his heart [and is determined to sin] will fall into disaster.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If we truly want
to see the Spirit of God move in our world, in our sphere of influence, we need
to be prepared by the Spirit of God. We need a revelation from God to show us
His will and purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Proverbs 29:18
tells us this: “W<span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black;">here
there is no revelation, people cast off restraint;</span></span><span style="color: black;"><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">but blessed is the one who heeds
wisdom’s instruction.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Without revelation from God, without light
illuminating His Truth, people will not restrain themselves from sin and evil. Sin
becomes rampant and the light goes dim. Without revelation, the Light in the
people of God grows dim. When the Word of God is not taught or demonstrated in
the lives of believers, others will have no example to light God’s way and they
will go deeper into sin. There will be nothing to restrain them from delving
into greater evil.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Where there is no revelation, even the people of
God will begin to compromise Jesus’ teachings. Revelation comes from the Word
of God and the Holy Spirit within our hearts. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need a fresh revelation of what God’s Word
really says instead of accepting the watered down version of man’s invention.
We cannot bring Truth down to our sinful level and expect God to accept us. We
are seeing that happen in a far-reaching way. And many are deceived about their
soul’s salvation because they are depending on the “updated rules of religion”
instead of having a relationship with Jesus Christ and following what He has
declared as Truth. If Truth is changed, it becomes a lie. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many are looking for an easy way when Jesus
declared the way of Truth is a narrow path and few walk in it. Many professed
Christians walk in the parts of Jesus’ teachings that make them feel
comfortable, but turn a deaf ear to anything that requires something of them. If
we have no vision from God, no understanding of His Word or leading of His Holy
Spirit, we will live carelessly and spend our time and energies on things that
don’t matter. But if we walk according to the Holy Spirit in us, He will lead
us into truth and holiness. And we can be the Light of Christ to this world
instead of blending in with the evil or hiding in fear. We need a spirit of
brokenness over our sins and the sins of our cities and nation. We need to remove
sin and apathy from our hearts and be firmly established on the Word of God.
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart –
These, O God You will not despise.” </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“The </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> is near to
those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” </span></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Psalm 51:17<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and Psalm 34:18] </span></b></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When we draw near to the Lord, He will open up our
understanding and show us spiritual things that only He can reveal. We need
those revelations to remain steadfast in the faith. Are we cowering in the camp
or taking His Light into the darkness?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Look
around you. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There
is a cause. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>Patti Hedgepath Luskhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06738903451845172402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160371762436436410.post-15802801791028793272023-05-28T13:29:00.004-07:002023-05-28T13:29:39.182-07:00BUT THERE WAS LIGHT IN GOSHEN<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span> </span><span> </span>Have you ever
experienced darkness so dense that you could see nothing at all, not even your
hand in front of your face? That kind of darkness brings a halt to any activity
and a fear that can only be removed when light enters in. I have heard of some
caves that are so deep and dark that if you don’t have a guide and a light, you
could easily fall into a deep chasm and lose your life. My husband and I went
on a guided tour of a cave that was much less dangerous than that, but still if
it hadn’t been for our guide and the lights, we would have been lost.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Life sometimes
presents us with circumstances that seem to leave us in a dark place with no
sense of direction of how we can get out. In the book of Exodus, we read the
story of the Israelites who were stuck and had no way out of their situation. Most
of us know the story of God’s people being enslaved in Egypt and how God sent
Moses to deliver them out of slavery to a land of freedom He was giving them. Their
nemesis was Pharaoh, the powerful king of Egypt, who was determined not to
allow these people to leave their homes in Goshen no matter what consequences it
brought on himself and his people. Pharaoh was determined to stand strong and prove
he was in control, so he repeatedly rebelled against God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God brought ten plagues on Egypt. Before each
of these plagues, Pharaoh was warned of what was to come if he did not obey
God. Yet he refused to follow God’s command. The telling signs that these
things were happening by God’s intervention and not some human force were the
facts that God had Moses announce each one before it happened and most of them
only affected the Egyptians and not God’s people just a short distance away.
There was no way a mere human could arrange these catastrophes. There were ten
plagues in all: water turning to blood, frogs, lice, flies, pestilence among
their livestock, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and the death of the
firstborn. But I want us to focus in on the plague of darkness.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And the </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> said
unto Moses, Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness
over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt. And Moses stretched
forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of
Egypt three days: They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for
three days: <u>but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.</u>”</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Notice there was
light in Goshen where God’s people lived. Those who followed God did not
experience this darkness. They had light. The Egyptians not only experienced
darkness, but they were totally disabled by it. They couldn’t even see one
another in their own homes. It was that eerie type of darkness you can feel.
They couldn’t go about their everyday business because they couldn’t see. They
were blinded with thick darkness.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Let’s look at
this same scenario on a spiritual level. The nemesis of humankind is Satan. He
is determined to keep us all in darkness and to disable us from seeing the
light of Jesus Christ that can bring us into Truth and freedom. He wants to be
in control.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But Jesus was
sent to deliver us from slavery to Satan and to bring us into a land of freedom
which is His kingdom. Jesus warns us of the dangers if we continue walking in
darkness. And He gives us the choice to walk in the light. However, Satan tries
his best to keep us in darkness. That is the only way he can keep us under his
control. This darkness disables us from walking in freedom. It causes us to be
blind to the way of Truth. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Darkness and
Light are total opposites. They cannot coincide. But how can you separate light
and darkness? And how could there have been total, dense darkness, darkness that
can be felt, in Egypt and yet there be light in Goshen? Goshen was part of
Egypt. Only God can do that. After all, He separated light and darkness in the
beginning. We read in Genesis 1:1-5 how God separated the light from darkness.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">God also
separates the darkness and the light spiritually. <span class="text"><span style="color: black;">The light of God is there for everyone who wants to be part
of the light. But we cannot be part of the light and part of the darkness at
the same time. When light comes, darkness has to flee. Second</span></span>
Corinthians 6:14 asks this question. “<span style="background: white;">and what fellowship
can light have with darkness?” There is no way there can be an alliance between
what is evil and what is good. </span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;">When
we surrender our lives to Jesus Christ, we are no longer part of the darkness. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In Matthew 4:16 Jesus
quoted an Old Testament passage that was prophetic of His coming to restore
light in the world. “<span class="oblique"><span style="background: white;">The
people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in
the region and shadow of death Light has dawned.” So, who can walk in light?
Everyone who is surrendered to Jesus Christ. “</span></span>Then Jesus spoke to
them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me
shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">(John 8:12) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Psalm 18:28 says</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">, “For you will light my candle:
the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since Jesus is the Light, that is where I want
to be. If God has separated the light from darkness, we should, too. Does that
mean we live in little Christian communes away from the world? Absolutely not!
Jesus prayed to the Father, not to take us out of this world, but to keep us
from the evil, the darkness of this world. The only way those in this world can
see light is through those of us who have the light of Jesus in us. But if we
partake of the darkness of this world, we lose our light. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If we truly want
to belong to the kingdom of God, the kingdom of light, we will choose to
establish our lives on the Word of God. Then we will have spiritual light to
understand those things that we never understood before. Suddenly the Bible
becomes clear. It makes perfect sense, just like when you turn on a light in a
dark room. Everything changes. Suddenly you can see clearly what is there. You
see the arrangement of the furniture in the room and you can move through the
room without running into something and getting hurt. Jesus said, “If anyone
walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this
world. But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light
is not in him.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When we purpose
to live our lives in the light according to Jesus’ teachings, we will find that
He enlightens us. When we read the Bible and take it as our guide for life, we
will receive understanding and wisdom to lead us through the pitfalls and
obstacles of life. We don’t have to stumble through a dark world because we
have His light in us. If we allow the Word of God to be our guide, we will have
light and life more abundantly. We don’t have to be ruled by habits, sin, past
failures or any other thing that will bring us down. Darkness no longer has
dominion over us. But we need to keep our lights burning bright and not neglect
them.<span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">One of the light
bulbs went out in the room where I was. It was noticeably dimmer than it had
been before. But since it was up on the ceiling, I left it like it was until I
could get help. I had a hard time seeing without that bulb at first, but after
a few minutes my eyes adjusted, and I didn’t even notice the poor lighting. It
did not take long to accept a lesser quality than I had before.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As
darkness settles over the earth, it’s easy to shift gears and compromise rather
than retain the light in our souls. Others’ rejection of Christ, humanism, and
trying to be politically correct can turn us from the true Light, Jesus Christ.
If the light dims in our soul a little at a time, we won’t notice as much. That
happens when we compromise a little here and a little there. Then we find
ourselves apart from God and groping in darkness like everybody else. Beware of
letting your light go out. Make sure you keep your light burning brightly by
staying in fellowship with Jesus.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus
said those who hear His teachings and have a teachable heart, those who love
the truth and walk in the light of the truth they have been given, will receive
more truth, more light. But those who do not have a teachable heart and who do
not practice what they hear in the light of Jesus’ words will lose what they
heard. The choice is ours. We can walk in the brilliant light of Jesus Christ
where His light will plainly show us the truth and lead us into more and more
of His Truth, or we can walk in darkness. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“For you were once darkness, but now <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">you are</span> light in the Lord. Walk
as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">is</span> in all goodness,
righteousness, and truth).”</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Patti Hedgepath Luskhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06738903451845172402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160371762436436410.post-35601237038255962862023-04-24T14:16:00.000-07:002023-04-24T14:16:09.253-07:00STILL<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 13pt; text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">Have you ever
had an MRI? You are placed in a restrictive tunnel, and they tell you to be
completely still. Movement will keep the test from giving a true reading. It’s
not always easy to be still. Even if we have a broken bone or illness that
calls for bed rest, we can get antsy and are ready to get up and get something
done instead of lying there accomplishing nothing. But just lying there </span><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">is</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"> accomplishing something when we need
the rest to make us mobile again. Sometimes we need to stop so we can start
again. Sometimes we need to be quiet so God can speak to us. It’s easy to
interpret these “time-outs” as punishment when it is actually a time of
refreshment and renewal. God knows we need them, even if we don’t.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt;">Ecclesiastes
3:1-8 says, “<span class="text">To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, And a
time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted; A
time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up;
A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And
a time to refrain from embracing; A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to
keep, And a time to throw away; A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to
keep silence, And a time to speak; A time to love, And a time
to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace.</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt;">What season are we
in? We may be pushing ahead into the kingdom of God and working as hard as we
can. But, what happens when God takes us aside to be still? Can we understand
when it is the hand of God at work in us? We need to know the times and know
when to do what. We can only do that as God reveals it to us.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt;">From the foundation
of the world, God has had a plan and has carried it out in His wisdom and power
exactly as He intended it to be and exactly when He intended it to be.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt;">Between the end
of the Old Testament writings and the New Testament, there were 400 years of
silence from God. But when He spoke next, what exciting news He brought.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt;">Galatians 4:4-5
tells us: “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His
Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those
who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” There
was a time for that Son to become flesh and dwell among us. There was a time
for Him to sow the Word. A time to gather His disciples. A time to speak and a
time to be silent. There was also a time for that Son to die.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt;">Hebrews 2:10
tells us: “For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things
and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make
the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings<span style="background: white;">.</span>” But it was only for a time. Jesus was only
on the cross for a time. He was only in the tomb for a time. He was only “made
flesh and dwelt among us” for a time. When He rose, it was forever!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt;">Through Jesus
Christ, mankind will once again be in perfect union with Him in a perfect
place, and all gathered together unto Him…in God’s time.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt;">Satan is trying
to bring the whole world together under the canopy of evil…a new world order
under his rule. But it can only last for a time. Because God has a purpose and
it is not for the devil to reign. And when all evil is vanquished (destroyed),
nothing will be left except those who are one with God. God’s purpose is to
bring everything into one in Christ. That is true peace. Just as Jesus was
born, lived and died in the fullness of time, He will return in the fullness of
time and set up His kingdom in the fullness of time, bringing everything into
one in Him. Nothing will stop Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
know there are times when God brings a pause into our lives and we feel as if
we just need to move a little. But there is a time to move and a time to remain
still, motionless. We need to distinguish the times and seasons we find
ourselves in. If this is a season for you to be still, embrace it. Listen for
the voice of God and remain calm even in the midst of the turmoil around you.
Let Him impart to you the wisdom and strength to be able to continue on the
journey He has ahead for you. We can learn so much when we remain still in the
presence of the Almighty Lord God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Don’t
allow yourself to feel neglected or useless. God took years to prepare Moses
for the task He had for him to accomplish. He sent David through many harsh
conditions before he was able to be used by God in a powerful way. Don’t pull
away from God in silent times. Draw closer to Him and let Him accomplish in you
what He needs to do so He can use you in a powerful way. Being still seems to be
the exact opposite of becoming powerful, but in reality it is a powerful tool
used by God. Jesus Himself pulled aside often to be still in His Father’s
presence and gain wisdom, strength and guidance for what lay ahead. Surely we
need to do the same.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt;">The word ‘still’
has several meanings. Here are a few: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt;">Remaining in place or at rest; </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt;">When we are
unsure of a time or season in our lives, it is imperative that we not push
forward on our own trying to create something outstanding for us to do. We need
to remain at rest in the place God has ordained for us to be until the fullness
of time comes. Then when the season comes for us to accomplish God’s purpose,
we will be prepared and ready to face the task.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt;">Free from turbulence or commotion; <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt;">Many times we have no choice but to
remain still, but we are turbulent inside. There have been many times when we
had ministry scheduled for a certain place at a certain time when something
came up that made it impossible. I would get turbulent inside, trying to think
of a way to make it happen anyway. All it did was cause turmoil inside me and
prolong the inevitable. The truth was we were going to have to cancel and
re-schedule. Rather than pushing to make something happen, we need to learn to
be still and let God work out His will through us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt;">Peaceful; tranquil;</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt;"> We can only be
at peace when we are at one with God. In her book, “Suffering Is Never For
Nothing”, Elizabeth Elliot wrote about arriving at the airport and finding the airport
was closed when they arrived for their flight although they had tickets to
leave for their destination that day. She said that everyone was upset and
ranting, raving and crying. There were fist fights and people who wouldn’t get
off the plane even after they had been told the airport had closed. There was
total chaos. Although she and her husband had people expecting them on the
other end of the line, they had peace. This is what she said about it all. “Lars
and I were not at the mercy of the weather, let alone of the airport. We’re not
adrift in chaos. We’re held in the everlasting arms. And therefore, and this
makes a difference, we can be at peace and we can accept. We can say yes, Lord,
I’ll take it. The faculty by which I apprehend God is the faculty of faith.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can trust God in all our ways, knowing
that He knows best.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt;">Without waves or perceptible current; not flowing,
as water.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt;">
The water that the Lord, our Shepherd, leads us to drink from is not an ocean
or the rapids. He leads us beside the still waters. There we can drink our fill
without fear of drowning or being overcome by the tide. God gives us precious
times beside the still waters to refresh and restore our souls. There is time
enough to face the wiles of the devil and do the work of God’s kingdom as we
face persecution. But in these moments of stillness, we gain courage to walk
through the valley of the shadow of death and fear no evil. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt;">The seasons of
stillness in our lives are for our good. They are to teach us the value of
waiting on the Lord. Isaiah 40:31 tells us, “<span style="background: white;">But
they that wait upon the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> shall
renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run,
and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.</span>” That scripture applies
to those who wait on the Lord. Those who accept His times of stillness when He
prescribes it for them. Those who rest in His hands.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.5pt;">Psalm 46:10
says, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“<span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Be</span><span style="background: white; color: black;"> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">still</span>, <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">and</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">know</span> that I <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">am</span> God; I will <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">be</span> exalted among the nations, I
will <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">be</span> exalted in the
earth!</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Embrace your
moments of stillness and learn afresh and anew that He indeed is God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Patti Hedgepath Luskhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06738903451845172402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160371762436436410.post-32579005322211146732023-03-29T20:14:00.000-07:002023-03-29T20:14:20.093-07:00GOD’S CHILD? OR GRANDCHILD?<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;"><o:p> D</o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">avid
Du Plessis awoke early one morning hearing a voice loud and clear. It simply
said “God has no grandsons”. David thought over the words and couldn’t really
grasp what they meant. It was over a week later when he understood. In order
for us to be God’s child, we must be born of His Spirit. We are not God’s child
because our parents are. We are not part of His family through a natural
lineage. We are only part of God’s family when we are personally born again of
the Spirit into the kingdom of God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It
seems many in our churches today consider themselves Christians because they
were raised in a Christian home. They were taught the Ten Commandments, agree
with the tenants of faith and attend church. They are ‘second generation
Christians’ who came up under born-again parents, but they themselves are
unregenerate. That is why so many of our churches are spiritually weak and the
attendees are sincere and active in the church, but without the power of the
Holy Spirit in their lives. They have no power or freedom to walk in the Spirit
because they have not personally been renewed in their hearts and minds. They
have not been reborn in spirit or baptized in the Holy Spirit. They just
adopted the habits and traditions of their parents. They adhere to the form of
godliness their parents have, but are void of God’s Spirit within their own
hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
truth is if there has not been a rebirth in a person’s life that has brought
about a life-changing experience, that person is not born again. When the
Spirit of God enters a life, that life cannot remain the same. It is
enlightened by God’s Spirit and the touch of God always brings spiritual light,
driving out the darkness. It’s like being in a dark room and then turning on
the light. Suddenly you can see and are aware of what is around you – things
you didn’t see before. There is a spiritual world of which we are unaware until
we are born of the spirit. We cannot see it. We cannot operate in it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Are
we sons and daughters of God, or are we simply carrying on a family tradition
of ‘faith’? It is quite a burden to shoulder the weight of such a tradition in
our own power.<br />
Those who try to be grandchildren of God instead His children, will labor
through life with no peace, no freedom, no joy, no love, and no power. The
cause of those effects is that they are unregenerate. Jesus told Nicodemus,
“except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” The Amplified
Bible translates it this way: “I assure you and most solemnly say to you,
unless a person is born again [reborn from above - spiritually transformed,
renewed, sanctified], he cannot [ever] see and experience the kingdom of God.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So
what is the cure for this dry, burdensome religion so many inherit from their
predecessors? If we change the cause, we will change the effects.”You must be
born again.” The faith and rebirth of our parents can be a wonderful example
for us to follow, but it cannot and will not carry us into the kingdom of God.
If there has been no change in our hearts and minds, we are not born again and
we cannot see or experience God’s kingdom in this life or the next, no matter
how we try to copy the faith of those who have gone before us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus
said in John 3:6, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh [the physical is
merely physical], and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Once
we have been personally born again, we will begin to see the effects of that
rebirth. We can begin to grow in the kingdom of God. We can experience the
freedom, peace, love, joy and power of God living in us and through us. We can
have life that goes beyond just the physical. Our spirits are renewed by the
power of the Holy Spirit in us, the power of God Himself. Only then can we have
wisdom and knowledge beyond anything we have ever known. We can begin to walk
in that wisdom and knowledge. It is called living in the Spirit and walking in
the Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives us the knowledge we need and the power to act
on that knowledge. We can say what the Spirit tells us to say and do what the
Spirit tells us to do because He is working through us on the inside. Galatians
5-:25-26 in the Amplified Bible says, “If we [claim to] live by the [Holy]
Spirit, we must also walk by the Spirit [with personal integrity, godly
character, and moral courage—our conduct empowered by the Holy Spirit].”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If
we make the claim that the Holy Spirit is at work in us, it needs to be proven
out in our words and actions. When God’s Spirit is in control, we will do the
will of God instead of our own will. We learn to put others before ourselves
and share the gospel with them. We learn to hear what the Spirit speaks to our
hearts and then follow Him. That is being led by the Spirit.<br />
How many so-called ‘grandchildren’ of God have been raised up who have neither
the power of the Holy Spirit nor the inheritance of the saints? They only have
a form of godliness without the Holy Spirit. They name the name of Christ but
continue in their sins and the lifestyle of this world. They are enslaved to an
empty religion of works and duty instead of life and freedom. They are deceived
into believing they are living a Christian life. But it doesn’t have to be that
way. Every person can be born again and walk in newness of life. ‘Whosoever
will’ can become a child of God. John 1:10-13 says, He (Christ) was in the
world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him.
He came to that which was His own [that which belonged to Him—His world, His
creation, His possession], and those who were His own people [the Jewish
nation] did not receive and welcome Him. But to as many as did receive and
welcome Him, He gave the right [the authority, the privilege] to become
children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and
rely on) His name - who were born, not of blood [natural conception], nor of
the will of the flesh [physical impulse], nor of the will of man [that of a
natural father], but of God [that is, a divine and supernatural birth - they
are born of God - spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified].<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If
you are a ‘Christian’ only under the grandfather clause, you can change that
right now. You can know what it really means to follow Christ. Paul wrote to
the Ephesians, “Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord
Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making
mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father
of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the
knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may
know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his
inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to
us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
unregenerate have none of that. They have no testimony, no cleansing by the
blood of Jesus, no infilling of the Holy Spirit, no insight into spiritual
things and no power to do God’s work. Their words and work lack power and
meaning because there is no life. They have no lasting purpose. But every
person can be born again. Every person can become a child of God. Jesus made it
possible.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you have realized that you are not a true child of God,
don’t miss out on what God has for you. Don’t settle for less than you can
have. Elijah told the people of Israel, “</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">How long halt ye
between two opinions? <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">If</span> the <span class="small-caps"><span style="color: black; font-variant: small-caps; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Lord</span></span> be <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">God</span>, <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">follow</span> him: but <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">if</span> Baal, then <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">follow</span> him.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” Likewise, we all have a decision to make. Follow Jesus
Christ or follow a form of religion.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Let’s look at John 14:21-23. “</span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Judas
(not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to
us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered and said to him, </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love
him,</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">and
We will come to him and make Our home with him.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” In other words, Jesus said His Spirit would live in us. Following
a form of religion can be depressing and quite a tremendous burden, but having
the Spirit of God living inside of us is refreshing and empowering. He is
described as rivers of living water flowing out from us. Those living waters
are very refreshing to us and to those we meet.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How good it is to be a true child of God!<o:p></o:p></span></p>Patti Hedgepath Luskhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06738903451845172402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160371762436436410.post-52551503556140263122023-02-15T15:20:00.000-08:002023-02-15T15:20:03.167-08:00SHOW ME JESUS<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">If I had to identify what humanity
needs more than anything else in this life, I would have to say our greatest
need is love. Real love. Not the manufactured, conditional type of love or even
the romantic type of love, but the love of God. The love that emanates from the
One Who, even while we were sinners and rebelling against Him, loved us anyway
and made a way for us to be reinstated to fellowship with Him. And no one is
left out except by their own choice.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">I believe love to be the most needed element of life because
God is love, and we cannot experience true life, life in the kingdom of God,
without Him. All we have to look forward to is eternal death and punishment
without the love of God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Love has been defined as
“affectionate concern for the well-being of others.” We cannot love a stranger
for their actions, their disposition, their temperament, personality, or
nature. That would be impossible because they are strangers to us. We don’t have
any knowledge of their attributes or characteristics. Yet we can still be
concerned for their well-being, both spiritual and physical.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My husband and I receive numerous
pleas by mail asking us to help people all over the world. You probably get
them, too. They are pleas to help people that we have never met. But we are
moved by the need. And the love of Christ within us compels us to do what we
can to help. We can’t help everyone. We cannot answer every request. That would
be impossible, but we can help some. That is part of loving our neighbor. We
can show them Jesus by the Spirit of God in action through us. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">Many of you probably get a lot of prayer requests on
social media. We do, too. Some of the people we don’t know personally. But we
can still reach out in prayer on their behalf because we care about their
difficulties. We have compassion and a concern for the well-being of others.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">I opened the mail one day while my grandson was with me.
We saw a picture of a young boy who was bent in a terrible position, making it
impossible for him to stand and walk. My grandson’s heart was immediately
touched. He wanted to help. Feeling sorry for the boy was not enough. Something
needed to be done to change his situation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">That is how God’s love works. It is a love of compassion
that compels us to do something, to act. While I was in the process of writing
this article, my grandson came over wearing a shirt that said, “Love Out Loud”.
That is what true love does. It makes itself known in compassionate ways. We
can look back to the “Good Samaritan” and see love in action. He loved out
loud. Allow me to give you my paraphrase of this story. A man who had been
beaten and robbed lay by the roadside, left for dead. Two members of the Jewish
‘clergy’ saw him and passed him by. They couldn’t be late for ‘church’. Later a
Samaritan, who was hated by the Jews, came along and saw this man who needed
help. We are told he had compassion on the man. So, he stopped and helped him.
Then he took the man to an inn and paid for him to be taken care of until he got
back from his business. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">Too often we forget that love is an action word. If love
is never seen in action, if we don’t love out loud, it is no more than a
feeling within a person that only they know anything about. The religious
leaders may have felt sorry for the beaten man, but they did not have
compassion. They were not concerned for his well-being.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">Romans 5:7-8 tells us, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“For scarcely for a righteous man
will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to
die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we
were still sinners, Christ died for us.”<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">Again we can read How God’s love took action in John
3:16. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“For
God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever
believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” This is the love
of God. It is the love that we have received. It is the love we are to give to
others so they, too, can see Jesus, <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">and they can only see Him through those who allow His love to flow
through them. We can love people by extending charity and benevolence to them. Will
we?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">Imagine living in a place where you cannot support
yourself or your family. Then someone comes to you and tells you there are people
on the other side of the world who have sent money, food, clean water, or
instruments so you can begin to farm and take care of your family again. When
these are given in Jesus’ name, we show them Jesus in His compassion and love.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">Even greater than relieving the physical maladies and
deprivation of others is relieving their spiritual maladies and deprivation.
Every person needs to hear about Jesus Christ. Every person needs the
opportunity to know Him. Jesus said that is up to you and me – those of us who
know Him. Yet so many are preoccupied with the things of this world. Not
necessarily evil things, but things that take the place of God in our hearts.
The Apostle John says those things are idols. Anything that gets in the way of
our serving Jesus Christ and sharing the gospel with others on a regular basis
is an idol.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">With all the social media and other electronic devices we
have now there are so many opportunities to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
How are we using them? What is important to us? What are our priorities? Are we
majoring on ourselves and our positions in this world? Or is our focus on Jesus
and living in the kingdom of God here and now? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">People need to know about Jesus. They need to understand
that they can be free from the bondage of sin and live freely in the kingdom of
God even while they are still in this world.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">The Apostle Paul endured years of persecution so he could
take the gospel message to as many places and people as he could. His whole
Christian life was spent spreading the gospel. He traveled. He wrote. He
preached. He used up every bit of himself for the glory of God’s kingdom and
the salvation of souls. As God’s children, we have received the same call.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">Matthew 28:18-20 says, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“And Jesus came and spoke to
them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on
earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and
lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Every person is
not called to ‘go’ in the same way or the same place. But if we name the name
of Christ, we are called to make disciples. It may be one-on-one. It may be
preaching. It may be writing. It may be going to another country. It may be
ministering to those around us. But we are all called.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We are not called to do our own
business, but to do God’s business. And when we step out to do God’s business,
we are not alone. Jesus said, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“If you love Me, keep My commandments. <b><sup> </sup></b>And
I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He
may abide with you forever - the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot
receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He
dwells with you and will be in you...<b><sup> </sup></b>He who has My
commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be
loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="woj"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We show God that we love Him by following His commandments. And He
will baptize us with the Holy Spirit to enable us to love others as He loves us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus said, “</span></span><span class="woj"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">You shall love
the </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="woj"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with
all your mind.’</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This is <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">the</span> first
and great commandment.</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">the</span> second <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">is</span> like it:</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">‘You shall love your
neighbor as yourself.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">Again, Jesus said, “</span><span class="woj"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Greater
love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” Laying
down our lives for others doesn’t always mean dying. It may mean putting self
aside to show this world Jesus in action through us. We show our love for
others by showing compassion and meeting their physical and spiritual needs in
the name of Jesus Christ. <span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If we don’t see
the result of someone’s love, we don’t know it exists. God understands that. So
He proved His unfailing love for us. God’s love has no limits. It reaches to
everyone and it never ends. The power of His love causes us to feel the wind of
His Spirit blowing and to experience the transformation He works in us. The
fact of God’s love is undeniable, because the proof of God’s love can be seen
in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and it can be felt in our hearts when we open
them to Him. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">God loves out
loud!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So loud that it
echoes throughout time and space!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>Patti Hedgepath Luskhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06738903451845172402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160371762436436410.post-81834584010651057512023-01-11T14:38:00.000-08:002023-01-11T14:38:03.290-08:00A NEW THING<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">Christmas is over for another year. By
now you probably have all of your decorations put away, all of your gifts
opened and all the parties behind you. And you are probably ready to get back
to business as usual, back to the old routine.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As much as I love all the decorations and other glories of
Christmas, I must admit that in a way, it’s pretty comforting to restore
everything back to its normal order, to get back to the familiar.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But what if there was something
greater on the horizon that God wanted you to take part in? What if God was
saying, “Don’t settle into the norm of your routine. Come with Me instead.”?
That may not sound very comfortable or even intriguing until we realize the
Creator of the universe may be calling our name to come up higher and get into
stride with Him instead of passing our time in this life with the mundane pursuits
of this world. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Think for just a moment what could be accomplished if we all
followed God’s path for us instead of our own routine. I know new things can
seem pretty scary at the beginning, but everything we have ever accomplished
was new to us at some point. Are we past reaching ahead because we have found a
comfortable niche in our lives that is holding us contentedly in place?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In Isaiah 43:18 and 19, God says, <span style="background: white;">“Do not
remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do
a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even
make a road in the wilderness a<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">nd</span> rivers
in the desert</span>.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">God spoke those words to His people Israel, but they have been
burning in my heart for this new year, 2023. Just maybe this is the year for
all of God’s people to rise up out of sleep from the </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">normal, everyday
habits of this life that rule our time and consume our energy. Just maybe it’s
time to find out what God is doing and get into pace with Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If God can make
a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, (and He certainly can), just
imagine what He can do with us if we will just believe Him, surrender to Him,
and obey. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mr. Henry Varley
once said to D. L. Moody, in Moody’s early years of ministry, “It remains to be
seen what God will do with a man who gives himself up wholly to Him.” Moody
said to himself, “Well I will be that man.” And he became a man that God used significantly
because he depended on God and followed His leading. D.L. Moody was not
schooled in philosophy, psychology or, technically, not even in theology. But he
was a man who studied the Word of God extensively, a man of prayer and a man surrendered
to Jesus. And he went on to do great things for God’s kingdom because he worked
with God. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Think of all the
things you are actively pursuing. Are they centered on Jesus, or are they
something that you do because you’ve always done it or it seems a good thing to
do? Should we re-think our priorities and set everything in order according to
God’s purpose and His Word? Or just return to business as usual?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Maybe you are
right in the center of God’s will and making progress in His kingdom. Praise
God for you if you are. That is exactly what He wants. He wants His children to
work alongside Him in the work He has for us. He has chosen to place His Holy
Spirit in His people so we can reach the hearts of this world.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If God spoke to
you, would you hear Him? If you heard Him, would you say ‘yes’? That seems to
be such a simple question, but there are a lot of “but what ifs” that tangle up
our answer. Let this year be the year, this day be the day, this moment be the moment
that you say, “Here I am, Lord, send me.” Throw off the restraints and let God
do something new in you. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sometimes
‘something new’ isn’t a new location, but a new heart or allowing the Holy
Spirit to give you the power or revelation of God’s Word that you have been
missing out on. It may be something new within you that changes your whole life
and begins to change the lives of others, too.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 3:12-14, “Not
that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I
press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold
of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one
thing <i>I do,</i> forgetting those things which are behind
and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward
the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Then,
not long before he was beheaded, Paul wrote these victorious words to Timothy. “</span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept
the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which
the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only,
but unto all them also that love his appearing.</span></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
want to be able to say that I have completed what God has assigned me to do and
that I have done it with joy, without giving up, turning back or refusing to
keep moving forward. I don’t want to disappoint Jesus and I don’t want to miss
out on working side by side with Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There
are numerous obstructions and thought patterns that can keep us from walking in
the “new thing” God has for us. Don’t let them hold you back from God’s best.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thoughts
of all the wrong we have done and the times we have rejected Jesus can make us
feel unworthy of coming to Him now. But all of that can be washed away by the
blood of the Lamb. When we come to Jesus in repentance and surrender ourselves
completely to Him, we can begin a whole new walk without condemnation. We can
be empowered by the Spirit of God. Don’t allow the sins of the past to cause
you to remain in sin today. There is hope and a future in Christ when we submit
our lives to Him and begin a new walk in the kingdom of God. Let the past be
the past. Look forward to what God can and will do through willing vessels surrendered
to Him.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Maybe
you haven’t been rejecting Jesus. You have been serving Him, attending church
and doing all the things you think are right. But your life isn’t free and you
are trying to live the Christian life without the freedom of God’s Spirit.
Working for Jesus and working with Jesus are two very different things. Working
for Him comes from us. It puts the burden of success or failure on us. Working
with Him is simply doing what He says for us to do, saying what He says for us
to say and allowing His Holy Spirit to guide us and enable us. When we are
surrendered to Him, He will guide and enable. We don’t make the plans. We just
follow His.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A
new year always feels like we are getting a fresh start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it’s not the only time we can start
over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we go through a difficult
season in our lives and finally come through to the other side, we face a new
beginning. When we have failed and are able to put it behind us and press on,
it’s a new beginning. When we choose to forgive someone for the ‘unthinkable’
and move ahead, it’s a new beginning for us and for them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Life
is full of new beginnings if we allow them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They happen when we close the door to what is behind us and choose to
move forward. We can’t change the past, but we can learn from it, using it as a
springboard to propel us forward so we can have a fresh start for the future. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Do you need a
new beginning?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you let go of the
past and allowed God to open the door to what He has for you in the future?” We
don’t have to be afraid to take that step, because we will not be alone. The
Spirit of God will walk with us and uphold us. He will show us the way and give
us the words to speak. He will show us things that we could never understand in
our own wisdom. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Isaiah 42:9
says, “Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare:
before they spring forth I tell you of them.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The past is the
past. Don’t get stuck there waiting for everything to be just right before you
say ‘yes’ to Jesus. He is not back there idling and waiting for you to catch
up. He has gone on ahead and beckons you to follow Him into life more abundantly,
an existence in the kingdom of God that produces more life than we ever thought
possible. Sometimes we just need to let go before we can reach out and grasp
what God is handing us now. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
past has brought us to this moment, but it is no longer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
now have today.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What
are we doing with it?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Patti Hedgepath Luskhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06738903451845172402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160371762436436410.post-48606351095138381002022-12-06T20:32:00.003-08:002022-12-06T20:32:37.388-08:00FEAR NOT<p> </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Some people
possess a faith in God that compels them to step out where others would never
dare. Others are controlled by fear, and accomplish very little or nothing for
the Kingdom of God. So what makes the difference! The difference is allowing faith
to conquer our fears. Satan does not want us to act in faith and to be
overcomers, because overcomers take ground for the Kingdom of God. So Satan tries
to control us with fear and can use something very small to incite just enough
fear and doubt to keep us from God’s will.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">One day I was in
the kitchen cooking when I suddenly felt a shadow pass over me. It was obvious
that something very large was flying around in the kitchen. Fear swept over me,
until I found the cause. It was a small bug about one third the size of my
little fingernail. It appeared much bigger than it was because it had come
between me and the light. I had no idea that such a small bug could cast such a
big shadow. But it did.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And that is how
Satan tries to convince us that he is bigger than we are – that he is bigger
than whatever God calls us to do. He says that we are going to fail and that he
has the power to stop us from overcoming. He comes between us and the light of
truth.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Have you ever
felt a shadow of darkness pass over your soul? It may be a shadow of sickness,
a bad report from the doctor, family problems, financial difficulties,
condemnation, inner turmoil, spiritual confusion. They all scream defeat,
saying “You can’t overcome! We are bigger than you. You might as well not even
try.” But God’s Word says differently. His Word says the authority of hell
itself will not prevail against God’s people. So, whose report are you going to
believe? God’s report and Satan’s are total opposites. God’s report is based on
His Truth. Satan’s report is based on his lies. Satan uses fear to separate us
from Jesus and His Word and make himself look bigger so we will shut the door
on God’s opportunities.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Remember when
Peter stepped out of the boat into a raging sea? His faith in Jesus propelled
him to step out. But when he looked around and saw the severity of the
situation, he began to realize he was in way over his head…literally! At that
moment, something came between him and the Light. But he did a very wise thing
when his faith faltered. He immediately cried out to Jesus, and they both
walked back to the boat. Sometimes we need to cry out, “I believe, Lord, but
help my unbelief.” We grow in faith through God’s Word and applying it to our
situations. We learn to walk in faith by practicing what God’s Word says to us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">One type of fear
is an anxious anticipation of danger or pain. It is anxiety and fright. It’s
also a distressing emotion aroused by impending evil, whether the threat is
real or imagined. It causes us to be apprehensive with a sense of dread. Dread is
like the darkness and eerie stillness just before a storm hits. It is an evil
foreboding, which is a fearful or threatening feeling that something bad is
going to happen at any moment. It brings a darkness of soul so heavy you can
feel it. It can hang over us indefinitely if it’s not dealt with. When Jesus
told the disciples He would be going away, He said, <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">“<span style="background: white;">Do not let your hearts be
troubled [distressed, agitated].” In other words, don’t dread it.</span> He was
going to send the Holy Spirit, so t</span>he disciples didn’t need to live
under a cloud of dread. Jesus had given them His assurance. He gives us the
same assurance. “I will never leave you or forsake you.” Sometimes apprehension
hangs over us like the lull before the storm, even when there is no storm. But
we don’t have to go through that. We have God’s Word. We are not to live in a
dream world and pretend that problems aren’t really there, but we don’t have to
let dread convince us that it is bigger than God, because it’s not. We need to
stay in the light. Remove all obstacles that block the Light. They only lead us
away from Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Fear can also
make us want to run or escape. It can happen when God asks us to step out in a
new area, maybe to do something bigger than we are, or we are faced with a
challenge. Fear will bring up every negative reason for us to run from the
call. Fear says, “That can’t be God. He would never ask you to do that!” Have
you ever just wanted to run away? That type of fear screams out, “David, you
can’t kill Goliath!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Run while you have
the chance!” Satan will call your name, too, and say you can’t do whatever it
is God says you can. When you’re reasoning out if you can do it or not, don’t
factor out God. If He is the One Who said it, you CAN do it! If Satan can trick
us into listening to his voice and acting on it, he can snuff out our
faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Another type of
fear is cowardice, timidity, withdrawing and insecurity. When we are alone in
the house at night and hear a strange sound, the first thing most of us do is
to freeze right where we are and try not to breath. That is a picture of
someone who is withdrawn from life and is always hiding from things that do not
exist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This type of fear will immobilize
us. Remember the man who received one talent from his master to tend while His
master was away? This man was immobilized with fear and froze, so he lost
everything. He was so afraid that he would do something wrong that he did
nothing! We all had unfounded fears as children. When we get older our fears
change, but most of them are still unfounded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They turn to “what-ifs” – what if I fail?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard God wrong?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People reject me or come against me? What if
this happens? What if that happens? I might do the wrong thing, so I will just
do nothing. I’ll hide my talent in the ground and keep it safe. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There will
always be someone to criticize us, to tell us how they would have done it
better, to say “I told you so” if we fail, or to offer their inexperienced
opinion of our performance. But God knows the heart and soul of the worker
whether we win or lose. Keep following God. We cannot allow the opinions of
others or our own feelings to stop what God has called us to. So many times we
know what God has said, yet we keep questioning Him because we want Him to say
something else, to change His mind. But He doesn’t say anything else because He
has already told us what to do. We are stalling and He knows it. This type of
fear will leave us in indecision and we will either compromise by doing
something that seems a little safer or we will hesitate in confusion and
insecurity until the opportunity passes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Either way, fear has done its job…and we have lost out. We cannot allow
fear to intimidate us if we want to move forward with God. Andy Andrews said:
“I have a decided heart…Indecision limits the Almighty and His ability to
perform miracles in your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has
put the vision in you ----proceed!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To
wait, to wonder, to doubt, to be indecisive is to disobey God.” There is a
difference in waiting on the Lord and procrastinating because we are afraid.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Philippians
4:6-7 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and
supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to
God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will
guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But sometimes,
we expect bad results from every opportunity that arises rather than having
confidence that God is working all things for our good. Or sometimes we just
shut down and accept defeat from every bad circumstance that does come. We just
hunker down and wait for the worst to come instead of hearing from God and
acting in faith in the middle of the situation. Some people would have told Joseph,
“you can’t become Pharaoh’s right-hand-man. You aren’t qualified, so just go
back to your place in the prison and be content there. You were doing a good
job there, but not in a position this big!” If Joseph had heard and taken that
advice, he would have missed the will of God for His life. He trusted God
through the worst of times and the best of times, and he was right in the
center of God’s will. He was a vessel prepared to be used of God in a mighty
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
need to go to the Light. Get out of the darkness of fear and live in the Light
of faith. Fear comes from hearing, believing and meditating on the words of the
enemy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It comes by practice. When we
practice these things, we develop our fear.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Faith
comes from hearing, believing and meditating on the living Word of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It comes by practice. When we practice these
things, we develop our faith in God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Fear not little flock
<span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">for</span></span><span style="background: white; color: black;"> <span class="woj">it is your Father’s
good pleasure to give you the kingdom</span></span>!<o:p></o:p></span></p>Patti Hedgepath Luskhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06738903451845172402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160371762436436410.post-55985280732407542112022-12-06T20:26:00.002-08:002022-12-06T20:26:35.592-08:00GOD IS WITH US<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">What
a wonderful season it is! Christmas may be busy and demand that our time be
split in many different directions, but when we finally settle down and reflect
on its true meaning, the love of Christ warms us through and through. The birth
of Jesus is a joyous time. It’s a time to remember how much God loves us. “For
God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever
believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We also remember
the passages of Scripture reminding us that the birth of Jesus was prophesied
thousands of years before He actually came in the flesh. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It all started
in Genesis 3:15 when God told the serpent, “<span style="background: white;">And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between
thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his
heel.</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Isaiah 7:14,
says, “<span style="background: white;">Therefore the Lord himself
shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and
shall call his name Emmanuel.</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In Isaiah 9:6-7,
the prophet said, “<span style="background: white;">For unto us
a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be
upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The
mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Then in Micah
5:2, the place of His birth was prophesied. “<span style="background: white;">But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the
thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be
ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> The
Messiah, Jesus, Christ, Emmanuel was born just as prophesied. He lived His life
and ministry just as the prophets had foretold. Here are just a few of the
prophecies concerning His life as the Son of Man.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Isaiah 61:1-2 – “<span class="text">The Spirit of the Lord </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">God</span></span><span class="text"> is upon me; because the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"> hath anointed me to preach good
tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to
proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that
are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span></span><span class="text">, and the day of vengeance of our God; to
comfort all that mourn;</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Jesus
died, was placed in a tomb, rose again the third day and then ascended back to
the Father. All of this had been prophesied, too. He was born to die for our
sins so we can live. Once again, these are just a few of the prophecies
concerning His death.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Isaiah 53:7 – “<span style="background: white;">He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a
sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Isaiah 50:6 – “<span style="background: white;">I gave my back to the smiters, and my
cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and
spitting.</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Isaiah 53:5 – “<span style="background: white;">But he was wounded for our transgressions,
he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him;
and with his stripes we are healed.</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Isaiah 53:12 – “<span style="background: white;">Therefore will I divide him a portion with
the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath
poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and
he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And there were
prophecies of His resurrection and ascension:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Psalm 16:10 – “<span style="background: white;">For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell;
neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Psalm 49:15 – “<span style="background: white;">But God will redeem my soul from the power
of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Psalm 68:18 – “<span style="background: white;">Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led
captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious
also, that the <span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span></span> God
might dwell among them.</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> It
is amazing how detailed some of these prophecies are, and yet they came about
exactly as foretold. All the other prophecies that are yet to be fulfilled will
be fulfilled when the time is right. There is another prophecy that has been
fulfilled that Jesus Himself prophesied.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">John
14:16-17 – “</span></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">And I will
pray the Father, and</span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">He will give you another</span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> Comforter</span></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">, that He may abide with you forever, the Spirit of truth,</span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him
nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you</span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">and will be in you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Acts 1:8</span></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";"> – </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“But you
shall receive power</span></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> <span class="woj">when
the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and</span> <span class="woj">you shall be</span> <span class="woj">witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and</span> <span class="woj">Samaria, and to the</span> <span class="woj">end of the earth.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This prophecy had also been given in Joel 2:28-29.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“And it
shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream
dreams, Your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants
and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
can read about it happening in Acts 2:1-4.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they
were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a
sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole
house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided
tongues, as of fire, and <i>one</i> sat upon each of
them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to
speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Thank God for the birth of Jesus,
and thank God for sending us His Spirit to live in us and guide us in the way
of Truth. Jesus may not be with us in bodily form, but He can be in us by the
Holy Spirit if we will allow Him to come in.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Knowing these prophecies that have
come to pass in perfect harmony with what God said gives us even more reason to
expect every other prophecy to come to pass.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
Mark 13:25-27, Jesus said, </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“And the stars of heaven shall fall, and
the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son
of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then shall he
send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from
the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Philippians
2:9-11 – “<span class="text">Wherefore God also hath
highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the
name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth,
and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus
Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thank God Jesus
came and dwelt among us in human flesh.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thank God His
Spirit still dwells in us with the same power, wisdom and love.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We have His
treasure in our earthen vessels.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And thank God
Jesus is coming again to rule and reign forever!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Have a very
Merry Christmas!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></p>Patti Hedgepath Luskhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06738903451845172402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160371762436436410.post-54090988436754257902022-10-22T10:26:00.003-07:002022-10-22T10:26:39.372-07:00THE CHURCH – THE BRIDE OF CHRIST<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span> </span><span> </span>When we talk
about the church, we usually mean a building where we assemble to sing and hear
the Word of God preached. We may have our name written on the roll as a member
of that group and become busy in all its activities. But the Church of the Lord
Jesus Christ is much more than that.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
Church is the Bride of Christ. That is its position or status. It is not
relegated to one group of people, one place, or at one point in time. The
Church is made up of those who are one with Christ. It represents the kingdom
of God on earth by the same Spirit that Jesus had when He was here. It has the
same power, wisdom and abilities. It is made up of those who have repented and
turned away from sin to do the will of God and to walk in His Spirit. They have
been washed in the blood of Jesus for forgiveness of their sins and never look
back. Jesus loves His Church so much that He gave His life for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ephesians
5:25-27 says, "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the
church,” How did Jesus love the church? He “gave himself for it; that he might
sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Even
after all Jesus did for us, most people couldn’t comprehend it, so they never
found their true place in the kingdom of God. They had no clue Who Jesus was or
why He came because they refused His Light. Did that stop Jesus from His
mission? Absolutely not!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s like the
proverbial “rags to riches” stories. We have all heard the fairy tales of a
girl who was poor and had evil influences that held her back from becoming all
she was meant to be.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But one day a prince takes notice of
her. He falls in love and marries her. Suddenly she is a princess and becomes
all she had ever dreamed of being because the prince did everything needed to
make her royalty. He made her his own.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus
did all that for us before any of those tales were ever written. His story is
true and powerful, not a fairy tale. We were born poor and destitute, with a
sin nature that oppressed us and we could not overcome it, yet Jesus loved us
and did all that was necessary to make us into who we were meant to be from the
beginning. We were made to be His bride. We were made to be royalty, ruling and
reigning with Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Even now many
will not receive His offer to become part of His Bride. They will not say “I
do” and come into a covenant relationship with Him. Yet there are numerous others
that have entered that covenant and become part of His Bride. They span the
annals of time, place and circumstance. They are the ones who will rule and
reign with Jesus Christ throughout eternity.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Although many rejected Him, He knew many
would become one with Him…part of His Bride!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So,
Jesus loves us and gave Himself for us. He sanctifies and cleanses us by the
water of the Word. WHY? “ that he might present it to himself a glorious
church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be
holy and without blemish." <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus
is not returning to claim a bride that is dirty, unfit and unprepared. There is
no excuse for His church to be unprepared, because He has done everything to cleanse
His Church and make it pure. But it is up to each individual to lay aside
anything that will make us unfit to be one with Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="background: white;">Isaiah 61:10 says, “I will greatly rejoice in
the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span>, My soul shall be joyful in my God;
For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with
the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as
a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then in Isaiah 62:5 it says,
“And as the bridegroom rejoices over
the bride, So shall your God rejoice over you.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus
rejoices over His Bride! And we are to rejoice in Him. After all, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He died to
cleanse us and make us holy so we can be one with Him. He is returning for His
Bride at an undesignated time, so we always need to be ready, always doing the
work of His kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Revelation
19:7-8 reveals this about the marriage supper. "Let us be glad and
rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his
wife hath made herself ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And to her
was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the
fine linen is the righteousness of saints."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus provides the robe of righteousness, but
we have to put it on and wear it. We have to allow Him to change us to be part
of His Bride.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Brides
look forward to their wedding day. They make sure they are ready, dressed just
right, hair done, everything perfect. But they don’t wait until that day to
start preparing. They plan and prepare for a long time so they will be ready
when the day comes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If
we want to be part of the Bride of Christ, we will prepare ourselves. Remember
the foolish virgins in <span style="background: white;">Matthew 25? Ten
bridesmaids had been waiting, but only five were prepared with extra oil when
the time came. When the time was announced, “<span class="woj">the foolish said
to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’</span><span class="text"> </span><span class="woj">But the wise answered, saying,
‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to
those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’</span><span class="text"> </span><span class="woj">And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were
ready went in with him to the wedding; and</span><span class="text"> </span><span class="woj">the door was shut.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They
had missed their opportunity to go in because they were not prepared. They ran
out of oil. Oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. We need to constantly be filled
with the Spirit, always following the leading of the Holy Spirit, and always prepared
for the coming of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There
is another time mentioned in the Bible about God shutting a door. It was after
Noah had preached repentance to a very unrepentant crowd. He told them of the
impending flood, but they refused to prepare. Once the last sermon was preached
by Noah and, as we would say it, the last altar call given, the door was shut, and
no one could go in. They were left to die in the flood they had been warned
about. They had chosen not to prepare.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Preparing
is being separated from this world and the contamination of sin. It also
involves connecting ourselves to Christ, His righteousness and His kingdom. If
we truly want to become holy, we will separate ourselves to Christ and from the
world, just like the vow made in our wedding ceremonies to forsake all others.
We must be faithful to Jesus in that same way, giving ourselves completely to
Him. Flirting with the world is unfaithfulness and is not acceptable. It will
turn our attention from Jesus and cause our oil to run out. Satan wants to woo
us away from our loyalties to the Groom. He is sly, and we need to be aware of
his devices and remember, we do not have to surrender to Satan’s attacks. We
have the power of the Holy Spirit to live a very different life, a life at one
with Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus has
something ahead for His Bride, and now is the time to prepare. Now is the time
to sacrifice our worldly desires for the things of God's Spirit and for eternal
accomplishments as we work alongside Him. We can be genuinely in love with
Jesus and full of His Spirit, then our worship comes alive, and our works bear
fruit. It happens when we choose to forsake all others and become truly one
with Him. It involves our own interests decreasing and the interests of God
becoming our sole focus.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">God has called
the Church, His Bride, to work side by side with Him. Every born again believer
who has forsaken this world and become one with Jesus from every era and every
place on earth is part of his Church where He chooses to dwell. Can you just
imagine that day when all of us who have prepared will be in heaven together
with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Peter, Paul and all the others? You don’t want to
miss it! Those who are not One with Him will be left out. But we can begin now to
prepare ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Psalm 139:23-24 says, “</span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;">Search me, O God, and know my heart: try
me, and know my thoughts: <sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> </span></sup>And
see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">That </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">prayer
can be a powerful tool to help us stay clean and pure in this world if we pray
it sincerely and follow what the Lord speaks to us in answer to it. If He shows
us something that has caused us to be tainted by this world, we can confess it
and allow Him to set us free from it. We need to consistently give ourselves a
spiritual check-up and allow Jesus to show us our faults. Then He can help us
correct them so we can draw closer to Him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">"And I John
saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared
as a bride adorned for her husband." </span><b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">(Revelation
21:2)</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Be prepared.
Don’t be caught off-guard <span style="background: white; color: #222222;">when
Jesus comes to claim His Bride.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Patti Hedgepath Luskhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06738903451845172402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160371762436436410.post-59834084394352857712022-09-26T14:52:00.003-07:002022-09-26T14:52:41.411-07:00CAN WE DO THE WILL OF THE FATHER?<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span> </span>I
gathered up everything I needed to work on the Bible study I was writing. Then,
I finally sat down and started to go to work. Immediately I knew something was
wrong. Something very important was missing. I didn’t have my reading glasses
and I couldn’t see the computer screen clearly. I had to get back up and get my
glasses so I could see clearly to do the job right.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If
we are planning to work with God, we need to be able to see clearly to get His
work done right. We need to hear Him clearly before we jump in with both feet.
After all, the kingdom of God is the place where the will of God is always
done. And we don’t have to wait for heaven to live in God’s kingdom. We can
live in His spiritual kingdom even while we remain in this world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When Jesus
prayed for us, He told the Father that He wasn’t praying for us to be taken out
of this world, but that we would be kept from the evil one. We are here as
witnesses of Christ in this world to our generation. And the power and wisdom
to do the will of the Father is within us by the Holy Spirit when we are born
again. It is the only way we can be effective witnesses.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
Matthew 7, Jesus tells us, “Not everyone who says to Me,</span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">‘Lord,
Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who</span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">does
the will of My Father in heaven. That won’t change for anybody. Even those who
have the best intentions. So, there is an important question we need to ask
ourselves. “Are we really doing the will of the Father? Or are we just
following our own desires? Does Jesus just get an honorable mention in our lives,
or is He everything to us? Or maybe we are busy doing works in our own power,
ability and wisdom, and just hope that it’s enough. The fact is that our works
will never be enough. It’s only by the Holy Spirit that we can do God’s will. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Do
we really want to know what the Lord is saying to us? So many people are
groping in the darkness when it comes to following Jesus. But it doesn’t have
to be that way. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Too often we are
self-assured and think we have everything we need to perform our Christian
duties. We say a prayer before we start on our newest project and ask God to
bless our hard work and planning. But we know something is missing. Why do we
see so few lasting results from our efforts? Let’s ask ourselves honestly,
“what results are we looking for?” A good turnout for the meeting we planned? applause
for our spectacular presentation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
record number of book sales? a flurry of excitement in the music? notoriety for
ourselves? Seriously, are our expectations for results the same as God’s
expectations? Have we asked Him? Before we start “laboring for the Lord”, let’s
make sure we are at the right job site and have the right tools to get the job
done.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Oswald
Chambers said, “How much Christian work there is today which has never been
disciplined, but has simply sprung into being by impulse! In our Lord’s life
every project was disciplined to the will of His Father. There was not a
movement of an impulse of His own will as distinct from His Father’s.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But
we can’t do His will if we don’t know what it is. And we can’t know what His
will is if we don’t know Him well enough to hear Him as He gives us His
instructions! So, how can we know Him and become one with Him in spirit and
purpose? We get to know Him through prayer, faith and as we follow Him.<span class="woj"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="woj"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Psalms 27:8 says, “When You said, “Seek My face [in prayer, require
My presence as your greatest need],” my heart said to You, “Your face, O LORD,
I will seek [on the authority of Your word].” His Face is His presence, His countenance.
Without His presence there is no life, light or power in what we do. We are in
desperate need of the presence of God among us. Not just an emotional experience,
but for God to be among us and within us; for His words to come forth in power
and with such Life that hearts are changed. We need to know Jesus Christ and
surrender all to Him so He can work through us and accomplish His will.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">“All to Jesus I surrender – All to Him I freely give.</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence daily live.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">To really do that, we need to seek God above everything else
in our lives and know Him. We have to seek His presence as our greatest need, freely
surrender everything to Him and live daily in His presence as we love and trust
Him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We seek Him through prayer - earnest
prayer that will not give up until we have heard from Him. But few are willing
to take time in His presence. We don’t just pray for His guidance and wisdom,
then move on to implement the plans we have already decided on. We find out
what His plans are and we adjust to them. We enter into His presence and linger
there until we hear from Him, until we get to know His heart. Prayer is about
knowing God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Prayer is a two-way conversation between us and God. Jesus
prayed often and heard from His Father. He only did what the Father told Him to
do and only said what the Father told Him to say. We can too if we take time to
listen to what God says to us. He may speak through the Holy Spirit within us,
through Jesus’ teachings or other parts of the Bible. But however He speaks, we
need to be listening. Hearing what God says is the most important part of
prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>C.S. Lewis said, “In worship, God
imparts Himself to us.” In other words, He makes Himself <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>known to us and reveals hidden spiritual
secrets to us. He opens our hearts and minds to spiritual insight that can only
be known by those who seek Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We need to seek God Himself. Then we will have the mind of
Christ and can actually accomplish things of eternal value. We will have the
presence of the Holy Spirit to lead us and empower us to truly make a
difference.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Elisabeth Elliot said, “Prayer lays
hold of God's plan and becomes the link between his will and its
accomplishment on earth. Amazing things happen, and we are given the privilege
of being the channels of the Holy Spirit's prayer”. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Can you imagine hearing from God and being part of
accomplishing His plans? It is overwhelming and exciting, almost unbelievable. But
it really is part of His plan for us. We may think that God revealing His plans
to us is impossible, that it was only for people like the disciples, the
apostle Paul, or the prophets in the Old Testament. But they are all gone from
this earth, and the work of the kingdom still needs to be done. It’s up to us
to carry it forward for this and future generations. We don’t need to miss out
on it because we are too busy carrying out our own plans.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Remember the part of the Lord’s
prayer that says, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in
heaven”? </span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">How can that be done? Only through those who are emptied of
self and filled with the Holy Spirit. Only through those who give up their
rights to serve others, and do the will of the Father; those who see the
possibilities of living in the kingdom of God as opposed to remaining
earthbound. Those who only have earthly eyes and earthly interests miss out on
seeing into the heavenly realm…a whole new dimension.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“The Lord came to Jeremiah, His prophet,
and said, “<span style="background: white;">Call to Me, and I will answer you,
and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’</span>” God
will show us what we need to know if we will just ask Him. He wants us to be
part of what He is doing. But, first, He wants to tell us things we have no way
of knowing or understanding through this world’s knowledge. Why? So we can be
equipped to work with Him. And we can know which jobsite we are supposed to be
on and what time we are supposed to be there, accomplishing great things and
winning great victories for the Kingdom.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus never conferred with His flesh man to decide what He
would do or what He would say to the people. He conferred with the Father. He
was representing His Father, not His humanity. The same holds true for us. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>God is always looking for someone
who is seeking Him so they can work with Him. Those who work with Him receive
the power of the Holy Spirit to carry out His plans. Daniel 11 tells of a very
difficult time for God’s people, then he says, </span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“But
the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great
exploits." And those of the people who understand shall instruct many</span></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">” (Daniel
11:32-33)</span></b></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Remember Noah? Moses? Joseph? Esther? Those are just a few
that God used mightily. They are all gone from this earth, so we need to step
up to know our God and do great exploits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We can do the will of the Father!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Are we willing?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Patti Hedgepath Luskhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06738903451845172402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160371762436436410.post-4136229996461152942022-08-25T12:24:00.004-07:002022-08-25T12:24:56.307-07:00ARE YOU TIRED?<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span> </span>I
was shopping for a toy for my grandsons when I saw the picture on a box that
looked like it might have a neat toy inside. I wasn’t really sure what it was,
but I bought it. Later, when my son brought the boys, he opened the box and put
everything together. It proved to be quite interesting, and the boys really
liked it. There was three feet or so of rubber fencing that, when put together,
housed a small robotic bug. When you turned the switch on the bug, it would run
around in the fence and turn in a different direction each time it hit the
fence or the turn stile in the middle of the area. It would continue running
around from place to place until you picked it up and turned it off. That little
bug was very busy but was going nowhere.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Honestly,
sometimes I can relate to that bug. There are times I feel like I am running
around here and there but when I think I am making progress, suddenly I hit a
block that causes me to turn in a different direction. I’m working hard but
never seem to accomplish anything. I have a lot of great ideas that go undone
because I keep running out of time or energy or inspiration. When that happens,
I get tired, weary, exhausted, discouraged and ready to turn myself off and
come to a complete stop. I get tired inside and out. Does that sound familiar?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Galatians
6:9 says “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall
reap, if we faint not.” But how can we keep from being weary? How can we “faint
not” when life is charging forward and we are desperately trying to hold on for
the ride?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When that discouraged, “ready to quit” feeling comes, we
need to be infused with the Holy Spirit. If we don’t take some time for an
infusion, we will collapse. It’s not that the Holy Spirit withdraws from us or
His strength gets weak like the power of a battery. It simply means we have
been too busy to tap into His supply that is always within our reach. Jesus
said the Holy Spirit was a river of living water within us. You can’t get any
closer than that. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If I am very thirsty and a glass of water is sitting right
next to me, all I have to do to quench my thirst is reach over, pick up the
glass and drink the contents. If I don’t make the effort, I can sit there until
I dehydrate while the help I need is right beside me.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John 7:37-39 tells us, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“On the last day, that
great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If
anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as
the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living
water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing
in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because
Jesus was not yet glorified.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">At this point He
was speaking of what was to come. But Jesus has been glorified, and the Holy
Spirit is available now to all who will receive Him. Jesus has offered to us
the power of God in our lives by His Spirit. He doesn’t just give us a little
sip. He gives us rivers of living water. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Notice this river is in us, but it also flows
out of us. It is not just for us, but for every person we come in contact with.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our bodies may get tired and need a rest, and that’s
understandable. Our mind and emotions may be weary, too, but if we stay tapped
in to the Spirit of God within us, we can be at full power spiritually on a
consistent basis. The Spirit of God within us can even renew our minds and
emotions. He can get us back on the right track so we can get off the track of confusion
and futility. He can give us wisdom, power, insight and strength, but we have
to allow our spirits to be infused by Him, only Him. He will renew, restore,
heal, and lead us in the right direction if we will follow Him. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>To ‘infuse’ means “to steep or soak
in a liquid for the purpose of extracting its properties or attributes and
qualities.” When we live in the Spirit and walk in the Spirit; when we have the
Holy Spirit within us, we are daily soaking up His attributes. Galatians 5:25
says, “</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If
we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” If we are constantly
infused by the Spirit, we are living in Him. Then we can walk out His
attributes in our lives. </span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Isaiah 40:28-31 says, “</span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God,
the </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">, the
Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding
is unsearchable.<b><sup> </sup></b>He gives power to the weak,</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> a<span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black;">nd to <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">those who have</span> no might He
increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men
shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord s</span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black;">hall renew <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">their</span> strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When we wait on the Lord, we linger in His presence and soak
up all He is into our spirits. As born-again believers, we have the Spirit of
“the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth” within us. He never grows
weary or faints. He can tell us not to be weary or faint because He gives us
His strength to press on, not limp on, but press on into the kingdom of God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Apostle Paul said, </span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Not that I have already attained, or am
already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which
Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to
have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which
are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I
press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ
Jesus.” </span></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">(Philippians
3:12-14)</span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We can continue to walk in the
Spirit accomplishing everything God has planned for us to accomplish. We can
continue on until we reach the end of this life and enter life eternal. Or we
can disregard the power we have at our disposal and try to hobble through this
life barely holding on. How foolish to be hungry and thirsty when we could
partake of the great banquet that is spread out for us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Holy Spirit will be with us to
renew our strength and power. He is with us to help us run and not be weary,
walk and not faint or even become tired. To those who have no might, He will
increase their strength as they soak in His power.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ephesians 5:18 tells us to be filled
with the Spirit. Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit that would live in us
to remind us of Jesus’ words, to empower us to do the work Jesus commissioned
all His people to do, and to have His insight and strength.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We don’t have to stumble through
life or be pushed through life by the chaos around us. We can walk every day
with purpose and power. We can live in a way that will bring God glory.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Have you been baptized in the Holy Spirit? Do you have the
rivers of living water flowing through you? Are you living in the Holy Spirit,
daily immersed in His power and might? Are you walking according to the
leadership of the Spirit in your life every day? If not, there is good news.
You can.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was poured out
on Jesus’ followers, Peter stood before the people gathered there and with the
power of the Spirit, he preached a message that brought 3000 people into the
kingdom of God. Before He received the Holy Spirit, he could not have
accomplished that, because it was the Spirit within him and flowing out of him
Who worked in the hearts of that great crowd.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Quoting from the prophet Joel, Peter said, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“<span class="oblique"><span style="background: white;">And</span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="oblique"><span style="background: white;">it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That
I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and</span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="oblique"><span style="background: white;">your daughters shall prophesy,
Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. And on My
menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And
they shall prophesy</span></span>. </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">(</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Acts 2:17-18)</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">To prophesy
means to speak under divine inspiration. That is exactly what Peter was doing
when he preached that sermon. We can do that too when we receive the same
baptism of the Holy Spirit. After Jesus’ resurrection, He told the disciples to
go to Jerusalem and await the coming of the Holy Spirit. He knew they couldn’t
operate without Him. So they waited for ten days. After the Holy Spirit was
poured out, they began a ministry in His power that “turned the world upside
down”.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Without
the power of the Holy Spirit, we are working on low power. Is that why we see
so few results for our labor? We can work alongside God in His power if we will
seek Him and allow Him to work through us. We can be infused with the Holy
Spirit and do the works of Jesus. Will we?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ephesians
5:15-18 tells us, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as
wise,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Redeeming the time, because the
days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of
the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with
the Spirit.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Patti Hedgepath Luskhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06738903451845172402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160371762436436410.post-17976036518708499202022-07-25T15:04:00.000-07:002022-07-25T15:04:02.494-07:00SIMPLIFY<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">While
on vacation I visited my favorite book store. It’s always one of the highlights
of my trip because it has a huge basement full of books, puzzles and
knick-knacks. I usually spend most of my time in the basement because I find
unusual, interesting things there. On this particular visit I found a plaque
about fourteen inches long. It was wooden with a piece of burlap across the
front. One word was written clearly on that piece of burlap. “Simplify”. Of
course I bought the plaque. That one word drew me with an intensity I couldn’t
explain or ignore. It seemed to call me to explore its significance. You are
about to read what I discovered when I followed that drawing.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As those who
profess to follow Jesus, do we need to simplify our spiritual lives both
personally and corporately, privately and publicly? Do we need an inner
cleansing that will strengthen our bond with Jesus and enable us to walk in His
Spirit with power and wisdom? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s look
at Jesus’ example to help us answer that question.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If
we simplify something, we make it less complex by removing the unnecessary elements.
We remove the clutter to retain only what has value. And we can see it more
clearly once the extra baggage has been removed. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus illustrated for us a life of simplicity. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He came down to
us in this world representing His Father and the kingdom of God. He lived a
very simple life with no entanglements to this world. <span style="background: white; color: #222222;">He never limited Himself to the narrow traditions of religion
or certain social classes or the newest trends. Nor did He try to fit in with the
religious leaders because He had only one authority that He was accountable to.
And that was His Father. </span>He said and did what the Father told Him, no
questions asked. He had no agenda of His own. He consistently spoke truth, the
message of His Father, whether He was applauded or criticized. Whether He was
received or rejected. He never struggled with confusion about who to obey, even
in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus never felt a need to defend Himself because
He knew Who He was and why He was here. He knew the religious leaders had no
authority over Him. Even the elements of this world had no authority over Him.
He rested completely in the Father’s control. How could He do this? Because
Jesus lived in the kingdom of God, the kingdom where God’s will is always done,
even while He was here in human flesh. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">That is the
place we are to live also. We are to live free from the confinement and the
dictates of this world. Often our interaction with this world draws us into a
place of turmoil and confusion. It lures us away from following Christ in the
purest form of devotion and commitment to Him. It robs us of our simple faith
in Him and His Word. Simply believe Jesus. Put your trust in Him and Him alone.
Life gets terribly complex and frustrating when we try to do what this world
requires and follow Jesus too. That seems to be where the majority of
Christians find themselves. Serving two masters and working feverishly to
please them both. There is a lack of peace when we are not at one with God.
Jesus was one with the Father and prayed that we would be, too. He prayed that
we would know the peace and simplicity of following Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus taught the
perfect way to simplify our lives. He said, “<span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">No one can serve two masters; for either
he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one
and despise the other.</span></span><span style="background: white; color: black;"> <span class="woj">You cannot serve God and</span> <span class="woj">mammon.</span></span>”
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">(Matthew
6:24)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
Mammon is materialism and the elements of this world. If we are serious about
simplifying our lives, we will need to lay aside this world to follow Jesus
just as He followed the Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There are two
kingdoms. One is the kingdom of this world. The other is the kingdom of God. We
are born into this world naturally in the flesh. We are born into the kingdom
of God supernaturally in the Spirit. The problem is that many Christians don’t
understand that we can begin living in the kingdom of God now. We can do the
will of the Father instead of the will of our natural disposition. In re-birth,
we have been changed to have the disposition of Jesus. We don’t just try harder
to do right, we become right because our inner self has been changed and the
righteousness of Jesus Christ has been given to us. We can experience the peace
of God, the oneness with Him that goes beyond our understanding. If we are
truly born again, we will not continue to follow the ways of the world or our
old nature. We have to cut ties with them. We now live, move and have our being
in the kingdom of God. <span class="text">There are so many confessing Christians
whose lives are divided into two parts - the physical (natural) and the
spiritual. They conduct their business in the natural realm the same as
everyone else. Most of their lives are spent in natural pursuits –
entertainment, leisure, etc. But they have their devotions with God and attend
church. It is a false security that has no merit. We cannot have one foot in
the world and one in the kingdom of God when it comes to allegiance and
commitment. The two often disagree and we have to make a choice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">That does not
mean we don’t interact with the people in this world. Jesus rubbed shoulders
with the people in this world daily and many times with crowds thronging Him.
But He didn’t rub shoulders with the things of this world. He operated
completely in the realm of God’s kingdom. How else could He heal the sick,
cleanse lepers, cast out devils, raise the dead and calm the storms? How else
could He speak with such authority in His teachings? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus was sent
to the people in this world, including you and me. He was sent to save us and
ultimately give us the same power and the same Spirit that He had. Now we are
the ones who are to do the works of Jesus by the Holy Spirit inside us. Now we
are the ones sent to the people of this world. They are waiting for the word of
salvation that will release them. But we need to be following the will of the
Father before we can show them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
know all these things, but we have lost them somehow, somewhere in the clutter
of temporal things. It’s time to break off the bands that have stolen our
freedom. It’s time to realize who we are in Christ Jesus and begin to walk in
it, free from the anxiety of this world. Will we let the fresh wind of God’s
Spirit blow out the cobwebs of the world in us? Will we become one with Jesus
and start walking in the Spirit? We can. Jesus was never held back, confined or
restricted by the expectations of people. Nor was He a self-seeking renegade. Far
from it. He never changed His course based on human expectations whether it was
the common people wanting to make Him a king or the religious leaders plotting
to kill Him. He was simply under the authority of One, His Father. God doesn’t
want us to limit ourselves to what we can produce on our own, but in what He
wants to produce through us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If we truly want
to simplify we will narrow all our interests down to One – Jesus Christ. Then we
can serve God wholeheartedly. Jesus has given us His Holy Spirit. When we yield
to Him, we can begin bringing things back to their purest form, eliminating all
the clutter of religion that has been added through the years. We can de-clutter,
getting rid of all the glitz, glamour and manmade traditions. We need to
simplify on both the personal and corporate levels. We can be free to serve God
without the pressure that this world imposes on us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We can be
liberated from traditions of the past as well as the present trends of religion.
We can be free to follow God with a pure heart. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s time to push off the limits and let Him
lead. It’s time to drop our own agendas, hear from God, then follow Him. If He
says, “be still”, we need to be still. If He says to step out in faith, we need
to step out in faith. We need a fresh flow of the Spirit of God in our lives
and churches. Is our worship in its purest form? Is it man-made or God
breathed? Are we free to worship? Are our prayers in the purest form, or are we
asking God to do things our way instead of listening to His voice? Are we free
in our faith or are there dark places of doubt that hold us back?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can be free in our faith when we hear from
God and follow.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If we try to
serve this world and Jesus, we are trying to coexist in two incompatible
worlds. They contradict each other, and trying to combine them in our hearts
will leave us confused and deluded. We will become double-minded, doubting the
Word of God and doubting the standard of this world. We will be built on an
unstable foundation and will fall. Living such a dualistic life is dangerous
because it gives us false assurance that we are following Jesus when we are
not. We are only truly following Him when we are one with Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The choice is up
to each of us. 1 Kings 18:21 says, “<span style="background: white; color: black;">And
Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between
two opinions? If the <span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span> <i>is</i> God, follow Him; but if
Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word.”</span> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So, will we follow
Jesus or the accepted values of this world? We cannot do both. Those who are
trying to live in both worlds will find the two are completely incompatible. We
need to simplify and have only one authority in our lives. We cannot
successfully serve the standards of this world and Jesus at the same time. It’s
that simple. We can live in bondage or we can be free.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Choose</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> for yourselves this day <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">who</span>m you will <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">serve…<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But as for me and my
house, we will <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">serve</span> the <span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span>.”</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>Patti Hedgepath Luskhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06738903451845172402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160371762436436410.post-49188676858442702142022-06-21T17:35:00.004-07:002022-06-21T17:35:52.365-07:00UNCHARTED TERRITORY<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">UNCHARTED TERRITORY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Uncharted: “not shown or located on a
map; unexplored; unknown, as a place or region: the uncharted depths of space.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Some
people have had the experience of leaving this world’s atmosphere to explore
what lies beyond it. But most of us have no idea how that would be. Even those
who have been in space have not touched the tip of the iceberg of what is
really out there. Although most places in our world have been charted, they
remain unknown and unexplored to us personally.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There
is no place that God has not charted or that is beyond His notice. There is no
place that God has not created. He knows every nook and cranny of this world
and all that lies beyond it. What if God called us to venture out beyond our
comfort zone; to explore a place that is unfamiliar, but where His Spirit will
lead us? He has called us. This place is not a physical place. It is a
spiritual place where Jesus is calling us to venture out in faith. He tells us
to come and explore the kingdom of God. Now is the time when God’s people need
to be alert to the vision He has for them. This is the time when God’s people
need to step out in faith, into the unknown, as He leads them. This is the time
when we need to cry out to God to give us His insight to see people and circumstances
as He sees them, not as we see them in the natural, but as He sees them in the
spirit realm. We need to so solidify our relationship with Jesus that we know
what He is saying to us and how He is leading us. Then we need to activate our
faith to follow Him into uncharted territory.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>God
told Abraham to leave all that was familiar to him and start on a journey,
leaving his family behind. God promised Abraham that He would show Him the
place. Talk about uncharted territory! We would have asked God to give us the
address to this place so we could put it in our GPS and get the shortest route.
But sometimes God tells us to follow Him in faith and He will get us to the
destination He has planned for us at the right time. We don’t need the details.
We need discernment and faith in God. We need to learn how to navigate by
following Jesus through this life. It’s not always about the destination.
Sometimes it’s about the journey. Or maybe we just need to experience the
journey to prepare us for our destination.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
prophet Ezekiel was shown water coming out from under the door of the temple of
God. It began to flow until it was ankle deep, knee deep, hip deep and then it
became a river that could not be crossed. It was water to swim in. The waters
from the temple of God swept through the area and healed the stagnant streams
and rivers, creating new life in them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
is the living water Jesus talked about. The water of the Spirit of God that can
be living in us and flowing out of us to bring life to others. This water comes
straight from His dwelling place and we are invited to have this living water
and be led into the depths of God’s Spirit. Our spiritual stagnation can be
healed and we can be refreshed in the living water! What’s more, we can refresh
others!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
wrote a song called “Wadin Through Life”. It depicts the life of a Christian
who is trying to play it safe instead of surrendering everything to Jesus. Here
are the lyrics:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Wadin’ through life. All I was doing
was wadin’ through life. Didn’t know if I’d swim or I’d sink. So I stayed on
the river’s brink. Wadin’ through life. All I was doing was wadin’ through
life. Deeper water sure gave me a fright ‘til I found the truth. I said all the
right things, even went to the meetings. But wadin’ ‘round in the shallow end
was not far enough from sin…The ankle-deep waters are refreshing I grant you;
But the fullness comes only when you get deep enough to swim.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>How
deep have you gone into the river of God? Can you still feel the safety net of
the shore under your feet, or are you swimming in the depths of the Holy Spirit,
being held up only by His hand? Are you saved, but not useful? Saved, but not
obedient? Saved, but not whole-heartedly committed? Or are you truly born again
and growing in the Spirit, watching the shore disappear from sight as you enter
the uncharted territory in the depths of God’s Spirit? Jesus is calling you to
come deeper. If you will follow Jesus you can rest in His hands knowing that
there is no uncharted territory with Him. He doesn’t get lost. He doesn’t make
a mistake in calculating the way. Everything is under His control, even our
safety. And He knows every inch of the territory. Are we so close to Jesus that
we know His will in the circumstances that arise in our lives? Are we so
committed to follow His will that we walk out His purposes without a thought of
self?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
read three titles in the book “My Utmost for His Highest” and could see that
they were three steps toward a life that is totally abandoned to Jesus. So,
while I am using the titles from Oswald Chambers, I will share my own comments.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
first title is,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> “Where the sin and the
sorrow cease, and the song and the saint commence.</b>” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our first experience with Jesus is when we are
enlightened to the fact of Who He is, and we make a decision to repent and
follow Him. That is when we are born again. Our life in the kingdom of God
starts right there. The sin in our lives is washed away by Jesus’ blood and we
are made righteous. The sorrow and the emptiness within us ceases as we are
made a new creation. This new creation has the power of the Holy Spirit, and we
know without doubt that we have been changed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
second title is,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> “Where the
self-interest sleeps and the real interest awakens.”<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This is where we
realize there is more to our experience with Jesus than “what’s in it for me?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We see that
being born again is just the beginning of our new life and there is much more ahead
of us if we will follow Jesus. This new birth is like our natural birth in that
we are babies in Christ and are to grow into maturity. We never stop thanking
God for the new life we have, but our vision increases to see the need of
others to have the gospel preached to them. We have our hearts opened to the
fact that we have a spiritual purpose, a holy calling. And we begin to follow
Jesus in that direction. If we are not careful, we can get stuck there, because
it’s easy to make our work in the kingdom all about ourselves. We can get a
haughty, superior spirit if we are not walking humbly with God. But we can do
mighty works when we deny self.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The third title is,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> “Where the selective affinity dies and the
sanctified abandon lives.” </b>An affinity is a natural liking for or
attraction to a person, thing or idea. In this step of our lives, we don’t just
chose what attracts us about Jesus and His teachings, but follow Him even in
the hard things He teaches and calls us to. Here we give ourselves over
completely to His will without thought to ourselves. We no longer chose what we
will or will not do, but fully surrender to His will. Here we have made the
decision to lay down our life for Him and for those who still don’t know Him,
and those who need to be discipled. Laying down our lives doesn’t necessarily
mean dying. It means that we present our bodies to God as a living sacrifice. That
we lay aside our will and desires for the cause of Christ. We embrace the
cross. Is it a burdensome, wearying, sad thing to do? NO! It is our delight to
follow Jesus and to have Him with us every step of the way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Are we truly following Jesus or are
we still in the same ankle-deep water we started in? Have we progressed in our
walk with Jesus and in our commitment to Him? If we have not been growing in
Christ, we can start today. Wherever we stopped growing, we can begin there to
move into the next step. We can go from ankle-deep to knee-deep to hip-deep and
then into the waters to swim in.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It may be stepping into uncharted
territory for us, but it is certainly not uncharted for God. Jesus said He
would never leave us or forsake us. If He is leading us, we have nothing to
fear. In Philippians 3:12-14 Paul says, </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Not that I have already obtained
it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I
actively press on so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which
Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own. Brothers and
sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I
do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to
what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the
[heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">[Amplified Bible]</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span class="woj">Don’t draw back in fear. Don’t freeze in place. Keep moving forward regardless
of the uncertainty of the situation. We can trust in the certainty of our God.
He will be there to support us, guide us and strengthen us for the journey.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Patti Hedgepath Luskhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06738903451845172402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160371762436436410.post-25487006109958424112022-05-15T10:24:00.002-07:002022-05-15T10:24:52.553-07:00WHAT MANNER OF PERSONS OUGHT WE TO BE?<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span class="text" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">2 Peter 3 says, “</span></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">But the day
of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a
roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and
everything done in it will be laid bare.”<span class="text"> Then it asks a
question. Since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to
be in holy conduct and godliness?”</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Obviously, Daniel
and his friends did not see the day of the Lord mentioned above, but they did
see Jerusalem, their city and their temple destroyed and burned. They were
taken from their homeland, family and culture and dropped into a very different
world. These young men from the elite families in Jerusalem were now slaves in
Babylon. This new culture that was now their home was totally different than
anything they had ever known. It was a sudden, drastic change from the familiar,
and they had to find a way to cope. W<span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black;">hat manner <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">of
persons</span> did they need to be? They knew and served their God well.</span></span>
So they learned to cope, not by working against the system, but working with
the Lord God Jehovah even within it. And God used them to give messages and
show His glory to kings during the 70 years they were there.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We have also
been removed from our culture to a totally different one, not physically, but
in thoughts and beliefs. It has happened over the course of years, subtle at
first and now more sudden and drastic. In this new culture, we are expected to
accept new ideals that are false and contradict the Word of God. Common sense
has been abandoned to accept abstract views that not only go against The Word
of God, but also defy science. These new ways of thinking about the obvious
concepts of life are being accepted by many. Yet Truth will never change. So
how do we deal with the deception and godlessness of this new world? We can
follow the path Daniel and his peers followed. They went along with what did
not go against God’s commandments. Yet they purposed not to break covenant with
Him, even when it caused them problems. They didn’t start trouble. They simply
stood firmly on God’s Word when trouble came to them. They did not plan a revolution
to overthrow the government. Instead of fighting against it, they simply worked
at their duties with excellence and kept doing what was right in God’s eyes. It
was not always easy, but God was with them through it all. Let’s look at some
of the problems they faced in a pagan nation. It was especially difficult for
these young men, because they were in the palace to serve the king himself. Yet
they purposed in their hearts to stay true to their God even in a hostile
environment, and even when facing great peril.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Their names were
changed to reflect the gods of Babylon, but they refused to allow it to change
who they were. These four young men knew who they were and that they belonged
to the Lord God Jehovah whether they were in Jerusalem or in Babylon. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What manner of persons ought we to be?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Are we like
Daniel and his friends, or are we more like a chameleon that changes with our
surroundings? We need to be fully surrendered to Jesus. If we go along with
ideals that are in opposition to His teachings we will lose our relationship
with Him and our ability to bring light. In our culture today, we need to
remember who we are. We are children of God and need to purpose in our hearts
to act accordingly. We need to walk in His ways. In a dark culture we can
simply be the light Jesus has called us to be. Instead of fighting against the
darkness, we can shine a light that will show truth and grace.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When the food
that was assigned to them by the king was brought, it was food that God had
forbidden the Jews to eat. Daniel didn’t stage a rebellion. He simply spoke
with the chief of the eunuchs, telling him this would defile them according to
their God. Then he diplomatically worked out a plan with him that they could be
given vegetables and water instead of the kings “delicacies and wine”. However,
when they were required to go through the Babylonian training they did it
without objection. They were taught the Chaldean language and were trained in
the ways of Babylon to make them fit to serve the king. There was nothing there
that would defy God, so they complied with this training for three years. The
ironic part is that after all that training, the wisdom that Daniel used in
serving the king never came from it. His wisdom came from the Lord God and
caused the king to take notice. Daniel was always quick to let the king know it
wasn’t his own wisdom, but that it was revealed to him through God. Daniel 1:17
tells us, “<span class="text"><span style="color: black;">As for these four young
men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom;
and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.”</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What manner of persons ought we to be?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> We are to do
our best and glorify God where we are. We are to serve others. If it goes
against God, we are to turn from it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When king
Nebuchadnezzar had a huge statue of himself made and commanded everyone in the
kingdom to worship it, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to worship the
idol. They had gone along with all the things that didn’t go against God’s
commandments, but to worship an idol was in direct disobedience to God. When
they were given another chance to obey the king, they refused and were thrown
into a fiery furnace, but God delivered them and they didn’t even smell like
smoke when they came out. It was a testimony to the king of God’s power and
control over everything and everyone…even the king. It could not have been easy
to allow themselves to be thrown in the fire, but they had rather die than turn
from Jehovah God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What manner of persons ought we to be?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Is it okay to
go along with the crowd on the outside as long as we don’t agree on the inside?
No. We should be so committed to Jesus Christ that we will not turn from Him no
matter what the consequences. Jesus said that to be His follower, we must
forsake all. If He asks us to represent Him in a pagan culture, then let’s do
it well.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Daniel’s
personal integrity and his excellence in serving the king made him a target of
jealousy. King Darius planned to put Daniel over all the other leaders in the
nation, so they formed a plot to have Daniel thrown in the lion’s den. They tricked
king Darius into signing their law that no one could pray to anyone except the
king for a month. If they did, they would be thrown into the lion’s den. They
knew Daniel would not stop praying to God. What they didn’t count on was that
God would stop the mouths of the lions and keep Daniel safe and that they would
be thrown to the lions when Daniel walked out unharmed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What manner of persons ought we to be?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> You may say,
“How will I know God won’t let me get hurt in the fire or the lion’s den.” You
won’t until you plunge ahead in His will trusting Him that He will do what is
best. The three Jewish young men said, “<span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black;">O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to
answer you in this matter. If that <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">is the case,</span> our God whom we serve is able
to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">us</span> from your hand, O
king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve
your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”</span></span>
That is faith and total surrender. We are not promised the outcome. We are
simply told to trust and obey.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">How can we be
that kind of Christian who stands firm in a pagan land? Only through the Spirit
of the Lord God within us. I see clearly the evidence of the Spirit of the Lord
resting on these young men. How else could they have such wisdom, strength,
understanding, wise counsel, knowledge and a reverential fear of God that
caused them to love Him so much that they were more afraid to live outside His
presence than they were to enter a lion’s den or fiery furnace?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What manner of persons ought we to be?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> This same
Spirit has been given to those who are born again into the kingdom of God. In
Isaiah 11:2 we are given a list of spiritual attributes that would rest on
Jesus. It says, “And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him - The
Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and strength, The
Spirit of knowledge and of the [reverential and obedient] fear of the Lord.”
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has made His Spirit available to us
if we will receive Him, commit totally to Him and follow Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When wisdom and
understanding are needed, God will give them to us if we are living in His
presence and surrendered to His will. When we don’t know the answer to our
dilemma, He is our Counselor and will give us Strength to do whatever He shows
us to do. His Spirit gives us Knowledge that those without Him do not have.
Those who are not born into the kingdom of God cannot understand the things of
God. Do you have the Spirit of the Lord, the Spirit of wisdom and
understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, The Spirit of knowledge and
of the fear of the Lord? Daniel 11:32 says, <span style="background: white; color: black;">but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and
do <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">exploits</span>. </span>In
these days, we need the Holy Spirit within us. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We cannot make
it on our own,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">but with the
Spirit of the Living God inside us, we can do exploits.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>Patti Hedgepath Luskhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06738903451845172402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160371762436436410.post-1468105736428545402022-04-02T14:26:00.005-07:002022-04-02T14:26:50.327-07:00YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">Jesus told His
followers in the Sermon on the Mount, “You are the salt of the earth; but if
the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for
nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We
are to be salt for the here and now on this earth that we live in. Salt is an
important commodity. It is important now and it was in the past. I started
wondering about the offerings in the Old Covenant where God required the
sacrifices to be offered with salt. So, I searched them out, and discovered
that salt is figurative of God’s eternal covenant. Salting the sacrifices was a
type or example of preserving one’s covenant with God. <span style="background: white; color: black;">If we lose our saltiness, we are disloyal to our part of the
covenant.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What is our part of the covenant
with God? It is total surrender. That’s what Jesus said was required. We are to
give our lives to follow Him. And He will keep His covenant with us, which is
total redemption. Without His Spirit in us, empowering us, we cannot keep our
part of the covenant. Both parts of the covenant are necessary. God has
actually invited us to come and work alongside Him. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Being the salt
of the earth is a tremendous job that can only be accomplished when we are in
agreement (covenant) with God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But
if the salt has lost it flavor, it is void of spiritual life and therefore
useless. If meat has no flavor, you can get the salt shaker and give it some. But
if the salt has no flavor, there is nothing left to give flavor to the meat, or
in our case to season the lives of others. There is nothing that can salt this
world but those who are salt. That is why Satan works so hard to make us
flavorless, powerless, useless. He tries to make us break our covenant with
God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There are
numerous passages in Scripture that speak of salt regarding the Covenant. 2
Chronicles 13:5 says God made a “<span style="background: white; color: black;">covenant
of salt [a permanent pact, extending to each generation of Israel]”. </span>Numbers
18:19 says “<span class="text"><span style="color: black;">All the offerings of the
holy things, which the Israelites offer to the </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="color: black; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;"> I have given to you [the priests]
and to your sons and your daughters with you as a continual allotment. It is an
everlasting covenant of salt [that cannot be dissolved or violated] before
the </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="color: black; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;"> to
you and to your descendants with you.” </span></span><span class="footnote-text"><span style="color: black;">Salt was symbolic of the preservation and permanence of God’s
covenant”. </span></span>Salt was also considered as a symbol of loyalty and
durability. As long as we are loyal, we can impact this world. If we break our
covenant with God, we are of no use. We have lost our purpose in the kingdom of
God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In the Old Testament, they offered the required sacrifices
and literal salt offerings, keeping their covenant with God perpetual. Under
the New Covenant, we have seen we are to give all to follow Jesus. <span class="text">Romans 12:1-2 says “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by
the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy,
acceptable to God, <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">which is</span> your reasonable
service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">is</span> that good and acceptable and
perfect will of God.” </span></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This is the sacrifice we present to
God. Not a dead bull, lamb, dove, or goat. We present ourselves. But we can’t
just present part of ourselves to God. It has to be all of us, our bodies
included. God is specific in what is required.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There
were only certain animals that God would accept from the Israelites as a
sacrifice to Him and they had to be perfect – no blemishes. And they all had to
be offered a certain way. Our sacrifice has to be holy – not conformed to this
world but totally transformed and proving out in our lives what is good,
acceptable and the perfect will of God. Everything we offer to God must be
offered with total commitment to Him. <span class="text"><span style="color: black;">We
are called to <u>be </u>that which is holy and acceptable to Him. This
sacrifice of ourselves that we offer up to Him is living. It is ongoing. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>How can our bodies be living sacrifices to Him in this
covenant relationship? Jesus once said that “the spirit is willing, but the
flesh is weak.” So, He knows our weaknesses. But we are to keep our bodies in
subjection to our spirit. Paul put it this way, “But I discipline my body and
bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should
be a castaway (outcast). We are to be committed to holiness inside and out. So
we have to be careful what our mouths say, where our feet take us, what we
allow our eyes to watch, and what we do. Everything we do and say should be
reflective of the New Covenant we have through Jesus Christ. This was required
in every sacrifice offered by the Israelites. “You shall season every grain
offering with salt so that the salt of the covenant of your God will not be
missing from your grain offering. You shall offer salt with all your offerings.”
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">(Leviticus 2:13)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
covenant is the basis of our lives. It is our foundation. And that should be
evident as it flows from us. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If we lose our saltiness, we are untrue to our part
of the covenant. <span style="background: white;">This covenant includes our
redemption through Jesus blood, our righteousness, our source of Life, our new
heart with a new Spirit and our purpose. All of this comes through Jesus Christ
and His sacrifice for us. His part of the covenant enables us to keep our part
of the covenant.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">At the Last Supper, Jesus introduced the New
Covenant. He “</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">took bread, gave thanks and
broke <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">it,</span> and
gave <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">it</span> to them,
saying, </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“This is My</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">body which is given for you;</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">do this in remembrance of
Me. </span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Likewise He also <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">took</span> the cup after supper,
saying, </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“This cup <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">is</span> the new covenant in My blood,
which is shed for you.”</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">(Luke 22:19-20) </span></b></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1 Corinthians 11:25 says, </span></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“This cup is the
new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">it,</span> in remembrance of Me.” We
are</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> to never forget our covenant with
Jesus. We are to never forget the price He paid to make this covenant with us. We
are to always remember that a covenant has two parts and we are to be faithful,
even as He is Faithful and True.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Let’s
look at the properties of salt that can help us see how we are salt in this
earth.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Salt
Preserves -</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
When there was no refrigeration as we know it today, my mother’s daddy would
cure hams with salt. Covering them with salt would preserve them for a long
time. If we are salt, then we are the ones who can preserve the Word of God,
the work of God, the will of God and the power of God in a world that has
rejected Him and is decaying. This world needs salt! We can let other people
know about it by living as covenant people - fully surrendered. It’s important
to preserve the Word of God by speaking it and living it so this generation can
hear it and see it. Then it can be passed down to the next generation. That is
our purpose on this earth, to preserve God’s Word. We need to hold on to our
purpose.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Salt
Makes People Thirsty</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
- If we have a real, vibrant relationship with Jesus, we can bring others to Him,
too. Our example as a believer can draw people to Christ when they see love,
joy, and peace in action. It can make them thirsty for the Living Water. Most
people are thirsty for something in life but don’t know what it is. They can
find it in Jesus, and we can be the vessel used to point them to Him. We can
make them thirsty for Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Salt Can Be Used to Cleanse Newborns</b> – </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">(See Ezekiel 16:4)</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> That was news to me, so I
researched and found that they put salt on their skin to protect the infant
against foreign agents. Another source said it was to toughen the skin. I’m not
sure how it was done, but I do know the New Covenant of salt with God will keep
a newborn believer in the faith by teaching them and cleansing them from the
wickedness of this world.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Salt
Can Melt Ice to Prevent Slipping and Falling. - </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The ice on
frozen hearts can be melted so they can receive Jesus. As we spread salt all around,
we can offer them His firm foundation to keep them from losing their footing
and from slipping and falling into this world’s traps. Jude 24-25 let us know
there is One Who can keep us from falling. “<span style="background: white;">Now <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">to</span> Him who is <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">able</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">to</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">keep</span> you
from stumbling <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">or</span> falling
into sin, and <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">to</span> present
you unblemished [blameless and faultless] in the presence of His glory with
triumphant joy <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">and</span> unspeakable
delight, <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">to</span> the only
God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord.</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
Mark 9:50, Jesus said, “<span style="background: white;">Salt is good <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">and</span> useful; but if salt has lost
its saltiness how will you make it salty? Have salt within yourselves <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">continually</span>, and be at peace with one
another.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">After I had
taught on being the salt of the earth in Bible study, my mother asked me how
salt could lose its flavor. I had no idea, so I looked it up on Google, and this
is what I discovered.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Salt never
‘goes bad’. And it has no expiration date, regardless of what is on the
package. You can use it indefinitely, perpetually. BUT there are some ways it can
lose its flavor. It can lose its flavor if it is infiltrated with chemical
impurities. When that happens it becomes a mixture of manmade elements and
salt. In other words additives have been mixed with it and it is no longer
pure. When we cease to live and share the Word of God as it is, we lose our
saltiness. When we begin to add this world’s elements to God’s Word, we lose
our saltiness. When we break our covenant with God, we lose our saltiness. Nobody
gets thirsty when we spread weakened down, impure salt.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Another way salt can lose its flavor is if it absorbs
moisture, evaporates and leaves behind a substance that looks like salt but does
not taste like it. Once we absorb this world’s elements, we will only be a
shell without the Spirit of God in us. We may look like salt, but we are not
the real deal and have nothing of the Spirit of God to offer. We are empty inside.
If it’s not pure salt, it has no flavor. Salt can only lose its saltiness when
it is infiltrated by a foreign substance. We need to be careful not to be infiltrated
by this world or the lies of Satan. If we lose our saltiness, how will this earth
be preserved, made thirsty, set on a firm foundation, cleansed from sin? We are
the salt of the earth. Are we still flavorful? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Patti Hedgepath Luskhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06738903451845172402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160371762436436410.post-64717402581191765592022-03-14T18:47:00.001-07:002022-03-14T18:47:26.908-07:00STRENGTHEN THE THINGS WHICH REMAIN<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">If
Jesus wrote a letter to our churches today, what would He say? I wonder if it
would be the same message He sent to the church in Sardis. Jesus told John to
write: “I know your works, that you have a name [reputation] that you are
alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain,
that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.
Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent.
Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will
not know what hour I will come upon you.” </span><b style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">(Revelation 3:1-3 NKJV)</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
have attended church all my life, and I thank God for that opportunity and
blessing. I have learned much being in fellowship with other believers. I have
learned from the Truth that was taught and the errors that had to be corrected.
I praise God for people of integrity who are seeking to know more of Jesus and
are following Him more closely every day. There is always a remnant who are
faithful to the end. But what I see in so many professing Christians today is
disturbing. The presence of God seems to be missing in our gatherings. I have
been asking myself why, so I ask the following probing questions sincerely, not
as a condemnation but as a hope to get back on the right track spiritually, and
to strengthen what remains of Christ in His churches before it dies. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">How
can we set aside what Jesus taught, replacing it with what is more
culture-friendly and expect to make a difference in our world? Are we any
different from most people? Are we so far from Jesus’ example that few are
finding Him in us or in our meetings? Have we lost our influence because we
have lost the power and presence of God among us? Have we settled for “good
music”, “good speaking” and good fellowship as a replacement for the Holy
Spirit? Have we replaced the real moving of God’s Spirit among us for
emotional, sentimental feelings? If so, we have lost the heart of Christianity
and are going through a form of religion that offers no hope. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
heart yearns for the presence of God among us and a renewal of His people to a
true walk with Him. Do we have a reputation of being alive because we are busy
and growing in numbers, yet we are dead spiritually because somewhere down the
line we took over and stopped allowing the Holy Spirit to lead? Is there real,
prevailing prayer in our altars? Is there prayer in our hearts? What do people
find in our churches? What do they find in us? Do they find friendly people who
make them feel at home and invite them to join in all their activities? Or do
they find Jesus and learn to follow Him with all their hearts? Do they find the
presence of God noticeably in our midst? Do they find brokenness of heart that
leads to repentance and new birth? Are new Christians being taught to be real
disciples of Jesus, following His example and teachings, or are we teaching them
“church doctrine” like the scribes and Pharisees in Jesus day? We have begun to
think of coming to Jesus as adding a wonderful new concept to our lives. But
coming to Jesus means He becomes Lord over every part of our lives - our
decisions, our finances, our time, our relationships, our careers, our actions,
our thoughts, our possessions, our hearts, our souls and our minds. Isn’t that
what Jesus said? He cannot be our Savior if He is not our Lord and Master.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mark
8:34-35 says, “And when He [Jesus] had called the people unto him with his
disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny
himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life
shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's,
the same shall save it.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus
did not die and rise from the dead so we could have a casual relationship with
Him, but so we can be formed into His image. He died and rose again to change
our hearts to be able to follow Him now in the kingdom of God. When we are born
again, we become a whole new creation on the inside. Can people see the
difference?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When God shows us our sins, He is merciful to also tell
us how to reverse our condition, just as He did in His letter to Sardis. Let’s
look at the guide He gives us to get back on track. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Be Watchful. </b>There
are many warnings in the Scripture for us to be watchful. It simply means to be
vigilant, always awake and alert. Matthew 24:42-44 says “<span class="woj">Watch
therefore, for you do not know what</span><span class="text"> </span><span class="woj">hour your Lord is coming.</span><span class="text"> </span><span class="woj">But know this, that if the master of the house had known what</span><span class="text"> </span><span class="woj">hour the thief would come, he would
have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.</span><span class="text"> </span><span class="woj">Therefore you also be ready, for the
Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” We need to be consistent in
our walk with Jesus, always watchful not to turn aside in any way. We are not
to act like the world part of the time and act spiritual at other times. We are
to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">be </b>who Jesus has called us to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">be</b>. If we are born-again, committed to
Christ believers, then that is how we will act. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Strengthen
What Remains. </b>The Amplified Bible says, “<span style="color: black;">strengthen <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">and</span> reaffirm what remains</span></span></span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> [of your faithful commitment to Me] <span class="woj">which is about to die”. When we are newly born again, we feel like
the vibrant new creation that we are. We are released from sin and have the
Holy Spirit’s power to keep us growing more and more like Jesus Christ. But
sometimes that fervor cools. We stop growing and start assimilating back into the
world a little at a time. We stop sharing the gospel with others and spend less
time in the Word of God and prayer. The things of this world claim our
attention and we turn away from God without even noticing it. Maybe it’s time
to strengthen what remains of our relationship with Jesus. Maybe it’s time to
turn away from the world and put our focus back on Him, His Word, and His
Spirit. What remains of your commitment to Christ? Church attendance? daily
devotions? Is there anything that remains? If so, strengthen it and watch the
pull of the world weaken.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Remember How You Have Received and Heard. “</b></span></span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So remember <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">and</span> take
to heart the lessons you have received and heard. Keep <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">and</span> obey them<span class="woj"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">”. </b>Looking back to what we once knew
and practiced can sometimes help us renew our covenant with God. Paul tells
Timothy how to recall the Truth and stick with it. He says, “</span>O Timothy,
guard <i>and</i> keep safe the deposit [of godly truth] entrusted to
you, turn away from worldly and godless chatter [with its profane, empty words],
and the contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge’…<span class="text"><b><sup> </sup></b>If
anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of
our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine <i>and</i> teaching
which is in agreement with godliness (personal integrity, upright
behavior), he is conceited and woefully ignorant [understanding nothing]…But
as for you, O man of God, flee from these things; aim at <i>and</i> pursue
righteousness [true goodness, moral conformity to the character of God],
godliness [the fear of God], faith, love, steadfastness, and
gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith [in the conflict with evil];
take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and [for which] you
made the good confession [of faith] in the presence of many witnesses.” </span></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">(1 Timothy
6:-11-12, 20 Amplified Bible)</span></b></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Maybe it’s time to go back and re-embrace the teachings of
Jesus that we used to follow. Remembering what we have been taught will help us
understand how to strengthen what remains of our faith.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Hold Fast. </b>That means to be firmly
fixed in place or to stay securely attached. Jesus said in Matthew 6:24, </span></span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“No one can <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">serve</span> two <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">masters</span>; for either he will hate the
one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.
You cannot <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">serve</span> God
and mammon [money, possessions, fame, status, or whatever is valued more than
the Lord].<span class="text">” When we are reaching for these things, we have to
release our hold on the things of God to gain them. So hold fast to Jesus
Christ. We cannot vacillate between this world and the kingdom of God.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Repent. <span class="text"><span style="color: black;">“</span></span></span></b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">[Change your sinful way of thinking, and demonstrate your
repentance with new behavior that proves a conscious decision to turn away from
sin].<span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">” </b>When a
person repents, it brings about a profound transformation of the whole person –
body, soul and spirit. They have made the decision to turn away from this world
to embrace Jesus Christ and Him alone. Are we still embracing Jesus or trying
to embrace Him and this world? We cannot do both. Maybe it is time to turn back
to fully commit everything to Jesus. </span></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When God’s people have
turned away from Him and His Word, He will only accept true repentance. He
wants us to repent from our casual service to Him. He wants us to give up our
rights to do as Jesus did when He walked on this earth in human flesh. Without
God’s manifest presence in and among us, we can accomplish nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
our Bible study group started to study the teachings of Jesus, I warned them
that we better get ready for a real culture shock. What Jesus taught and what
we believe and do are often very different. But truth remains when all the
beliefs of man fall away. It stands through eternity supreme, and it is the
only thing that will truly make us free. When we are faced with truth, we have
a choice to make - follow it or turn away to destruction. What about you? What
about me? How far are we willing to go to follow Jesus’ teachings and other
Bible passages that call us to go beyond what we can comprehend? Will we adjust
our lives to be Jesus’ disciples? Or will we attempt to adjust His words to
suit us? Don’t let your commitment to Jesus die.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“He
who has an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Patti Hedgepath Luskhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06738903451845172402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160371762436436410.post-54714958980006203712022-02-11T11:14:00.000-08:002022-02-11T11:14:22.675-08:00SPEAK, FOR YOUR SERVANT HEARS<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">Samuel
was a young man who still didn’t understand all the ways of God. He had been
given to God’s service when he was a small boy and was raised in the temple in
Jerusalem. He was there at the temple to serve Eli, the priest.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">Or so he thought. But God was about to bring
judgment against Eli and His sons. He was going to end the days of their
priesthood in God’s temple because Eli’s sons were anything but holy, and Eli
allowed it. It was time for a change. And God was going to use Samuel. He just
hadn’t told Samuel yet.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>One
night God called out to Samuel and Samuel thought it was Eli’s voice, so he got
up and went to Eli. Eli told him he had not called him – go back to bed. The
third time it happened, Eli finally realized God was speaking to Samuel and
told him if it happened again to say, “<span style="background: white; color: black;">Speak, <span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span>,
for Your servant hears</span>”. “<span class="text"><span style="color: black;">Now
the </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="color: black; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;"> came
and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel! And Samuel answered,
“Speak, for Your servant hears.” </span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">(Samuel 3:10)</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When
Samuel acknowledged God’s call, God began to tell him things that would happen
in Israel. From that time, Samuel knew God’s voice. He had been listening for
the voice of Eli all those years, but now He was hearing from God and God used
him in a powerful way as a Judge over Israel.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As
God’s people, we need to learn to recognize Jesus’ voice. If we don’t, we will
shut Him out and continue serving other people and listening to their voice
instead of the Lord’s voice. We need to hear God’s voice to discern His will in
every situation that arises. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus
said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me</span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">” </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">(John 10:27)</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He went on to say, “he who enters by the door is the shepherd
of the sheep.</span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear
his voice; and he calls his own sheep by</span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">name
and leads them out.</span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes
before them<u>;</u> <u>and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.</u></span></span><span class="text"><u><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></u></span><span class="woj"><u><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Yet they will by no means follow a</span></u></span><span class="text"><u><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></u></span><span class="woj"><u><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">stranger,</span></u></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of
strangers.” If we are following another voice, we are not following Jesus. </span></span><span class="woj"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">(John
10:2-5)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We all need to be led. But we need to be careful
who is leading us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
sheep know the shepherd’s voice because they are close to Him. Most of the
people in Jesus’ day did not recognize God’s voice. If they had, they would
have known God was right there with them; that Jesus’ voice <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">was</i></b>
the voice of God. Instead, they followed the voice of the religious rulers who
led them astray. We need to listen carefully and learn the voice of God for
ourselves. We are to be one with Him and recognize that without Him, “we can do
nothing.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When
we are walking in the will of Jesus, following His voice, we cannot take it
personally when someone praises us for doing something well or for doing a good
deed. It is not us, but the Spirit of God working in us that accomplishes
anything of value. If the Spirit of God was removed from us, we would find out
how bereft of any good we really are. It is truly all about Jesus, not us. By
the same token, we need to realize the power of evil coming against us is actually
coming against Jesus in us. When Jesus stopped Paul on the road to Damascus, He
did not ask Paul why he was persecuting His people. Jesus asked, “Why are you
persecuting <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">ME</b>?” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
Matthew 25:37-40, Jesus told a parable about a King who proclaims a blessing on
the righteous for all the things they had done for Him personally. “<span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">Then the righteous will
answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You</i>
hungry and feed <i>You,</i> or thirsty and give <i>You</i> drink?</span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">When did we see <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You</i> a stranger and take <i>You</i> in,
or naked and clothe <i>You?</i></span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">Or when did we see <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You</i> sick, or in prison, and come to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You</i>?’</span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say
to you,</span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black;">inasmuch as you did <i>it</i> to
one of the least of these My brethren, you did <i>it</i> to Me.</span></span>”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In times of turmoil, we need to be still and listen for His voice.
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Instead
of making the situation about us, we need to stop and say, <span class="text"><span style="color: black;">“Speak, for Your servant hears. Lord, I’m listening. What
is it you want me to see or hear in this situation?” When we hear Him, then is
the time to act and obey Him. Maybe God has allowed something to slow us down
for a rest that we have ignored. (I have first-hand experience there.) Maybe He
is changing our course. Maybe He is ending one season of our lives because He
has a new assignment for us. Maybe we have served Eli long enough and He is
raising us up to take his place. We will never walk in the fullness of His will
if we don’t stop and listen for His voice.</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When king Uzziah
died, a godly king was taken from the throne of Judah. He was the king that
Isaiah the prophet had served under. The future must have looked dim to Isaiah.
But he says in Isaiah 6:1 - “<span style="background: white; color: black;">In the
year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high
and lifted up, and the train of His <i>robe</i> filled the temple.</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Uzziah was no
longer on his throne, but God was unmoved from His throne and was still in
control. His power and glory had not dimmed. It was during this time that
Isaiah answered the call to “go” for God. He had already been serving, but God
was changing his course. When Isaiah answered God’s call to go for Him, the
call was not directly addressed to him by name. Isaiah had found himself in the
presence of God, and he realized his sinfulness and uselessness. Then he cried
out, “Woe is me! For I am undone and ruined, because I am a man of unclean
lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have
seen the King, The Lord of hosts!” His knowledge of God took on a new depth and
passion.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Then flew one of the seraphim [heavenly
beings] to me, having a live coal in his hand which he had taken with tongs
from off the altar; And with it he touched my mouth and said, Behold, this has
touched your lips; your iniquity and guilt are taken away, and your sin is
completely atoned for and forgiven.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When he
acknowledged his sin, God took care of it. When we see ourselves as we really
are, God can begin the process of making us into His image. He can begin the
process of cleansing and renewing us so we can hear His voice and understand His
leading.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Once Isaiah’s
sin was dealt with, he began to put his focus on the Lord instead of himself. His
ears were opened to hear the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send? And
who will go for Us?” And Isaiah spoke up, “Here am I; send me.” He was right
where he was supposed to be, so he heard God’s question. </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">(Isaiah 6:5-8 AMPC) </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">God was preparing Isaiah and changing
his course. He listened, heard and answered.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Lord sends
out the call to come and follow Him. Can we hear the call if we are not in His presence
listening? Can we answer the call if we are not purified from sin? The call
goes out whether or not we are listening, whether or not we hear Him, whether
or not we are prepared to answer. Some will hear. Some will not. If we are not
listening, we won’t answer the call.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus sent the
call to all that came to Him. Many were called, but few were chosen. Why? Because
only a few were really listening. So only a few really heard Jesus’ call. Then
only a few out of those who heard Him answered the call. Only a few were
cleansed and made ready. Only a few were willing to completely follow Jesus. What
was Jesus’ call? “Come and follow Me.” Leave everything behind. Become
servants, not superstars. Empty yourself of everything but Jesus and let Him
work through you. Don’t follow your own purposes, only what He leads you to do.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Oswald Chambers
said, “Our Lord said in effect to Paul - Your whole life is to be overmastered
by Me; you are to have no end, no aim, and no purpose but Mine…Paul was devoted
to a Person, not to a cause. He was absolutely Jesus Christ’s, he saw nothing
else, he lived for nothing else…This abandon to the love of Christ is the one
thing that bears fruit in the life, and it will always leave the impression of
the holiness of God, never of our personal holiness.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A lot of people
are devoted to various causes, but few are devoted to Jesus. You may be devoted
to your church, your ministry, your family, your job, but are you devoted first
to Jesus? Until we give Jesus everything, we cannot accomplish anything of
lasting value. Without Him we are only a small speck in the annals of time.
Nothing we do is truly great except the work God does through us. When we get
‘self’ out of the way, the work God will do through us will have everlasting
value. It will change hearts for eternity.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In Revelation 3 Jesus said, If anyone hears My
voice and opens the door,</span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I will come in to him and dine with him, and he
with Me.</span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">To him who overcomes</span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame
and sat down with My Father on His throne.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The call has gone out. Who is listening? Who will answer?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus said, “<span style="background: white; color: black;">Everyone who is of the truth <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">hears</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">My</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">voice</span>.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Patti Hedgepath Luskhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06738903451845172402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160371762436436410.post-41880598437405096282022-01-08T12:09:00.002-08:002022-01-08T12:09:23.776-08:00PREPARING THE WAY FOR GOD’S PRESENCE<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Preparation
must precede God’s presence.” That is a quote from a book by Henry and Richard
Blackaby that caught my attention and led me on a search through God’s Word. I
couldn’t help but wonder what prepares us for the presence of God? Psalm 24:3-5
asks that same question and then answers it. “Who may ascend into the hill of
the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands
and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn
deceitfully. He shall receive blessing from the Lord, and righteousness
from the God of his salvation.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When the
Israelites were to meet God Who would speak to them from Mount Sinai, there
were specific instructions given them to follow before that meeting. They were
to wash their clothes and keep themselves from anything that would cause them
to be defiled according to the Law. They were to set themselves apart <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">from</i></b>
sin and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">to</i></b> God, because sin cannot exist in God’s presence. That is why
we can have no fellowship with God without righteousness. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Because none of
us were righteous, God made a way for us to come into His presence through the
sacrifice of Jesus Christ. But first, the world needed to be prepared. The very
presence of God Himself was about to come into this world, and the people
needed to be prepared to receive Him. So John the Baptist was sent by God to prepare
the way for Jesus’ entrance into the world. And yet many still rejected Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
find it very interesting that Luke 3:1-4 lists all the leaders of the day, both
political and religious. “<span class="text"><span style="color: black;">Now in the
fifteenth year of [Emperor] Tiberius Caesar’s reign—when Pontius Pilate
was governor of Judea, and Herod [Antipas] was tetrarch of Galilee, and his
brother Philip was tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and
Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene - in the high priesthood of Annas
and Caiaphas [his son-in-law], <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the
word of God came to John</b>, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness. And
he went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of
repentance for the forgiveness of sin; as it is written <i>and</i> forever
remains written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, “</span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="color: black; font-variant: small-caps;">The voice of
one shouting in the wilderness</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;">, ‘</span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="color: black; font-variant: small-caps;">Prepare the way of the Lord</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;">, </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="color: black; font-variant: small-caps;">Make His paths straight</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;">.”</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It’s
astonishing that God by-passed all the great rulers of that day and spoke to
John. But it isn’t unusual that he by-passed them, because John was prepared
for the presence of God and these leaders – both political and religious – were
not prepared for His presence. God Himself had chosen John before he was even
born and prepared him to do the work of paving the way for the Messiah. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Luke 1:15-17
tells us this about John. “<span class="text"><span style="color: black;">For he
shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor
strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his
mother's womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord
their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn
the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of
the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">John was only
six months older than Jesus, so he was probably barely past 30 years old when
he started his ministry. He was young and not formally trained in the law, so
he was an unlikely candidate in the eyes of all the “important” men of his day
to be the bearer of such wonderful news. But he was the only one prepared by
God for the honor.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“In those
days John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the Wilderness of Judea
[along the western side of the Dead Sea] and saying, “Repent [change your inner
self - your old way of thinking, regret past sins, live your life in a way that
proves repentance; seek God’s purpose for your life], for the kingdom of heaven
is at hand.” </span></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">(Matthew 3:1-2 AMPLIFIED)</span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">While John
faithfully preached repentance from sin and turning to God to prepare the
people for the kingdom of heaven, the religious leaders continued teaching
their rituals and rules. And the political leaders were busy touting the “party
line” so they could be promoted. They were oblivious to the greatness that was
coming among them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>John
had no grand illusions of his place in pointing the way to Jesus. He knew he
was not the Messiah everyone was looking for, and he told them so. John’s
disciples got offended when people stopped coming to John’s meetings and were
following Jesus instead. But John told them, “<span class="text"><span style="color: black;">He must increase [in prominence], but I must decrease. “He
who comes from [heaven] above is above all <i>others</i>;</span></span>” </span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">(John 3:30-31 AMPLIFIED) </span></b></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">John pointed his disciples to Jesus.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Many religious
leaders today have a tendency to promote themselves, pointing people to them
instead of to Jesus. They are the ones who have lost sight of the One Who came
from above. They forget that He is above all others. They continue on with
their traditions and plans with few results because they have not allowed God
to prepare them for His presence.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Many political
leaders think they can bring in a utopia or at least set up their own kingdom,
but God is still above all. They only do what He allows for His own purposes
and only as long as He allows it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">That’s why God
often by-passes those considered to be in high positions. They are busy with
their own plans and purposes and reject His. He knows that those who make a
real difference are the ones who have allowed Him to prepare them and use them
as He desires because they have learned that He is all that matters. They have
given up their rights, and they don’t try to take them back later.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I was reminded
recently of the Biblical meaning of taking off one’s shoes. If someone had a
right to buy someone’s property as the kinsman redeemer and he did not want to
do so, he would take off his shoe as a sign that he was relinquishing his
rights to that property. Remember how God told Moses and later Joshua to remove
their shoes in His presence? He was asking them to relinquish their rights to
themselves. Then God could use them as He chose. And He did so in a mighty way.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">God doesn’t
always use the ‘likely’. He uses the prepared, those who know how to enter His
presence and hear from Him. He uses those who have “clean hands and pure
hearts”. He prepares and uses those who give up their rights to themselves and
relinquish them to Him. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus came to
prepare us to be able to stand in the presence of God. Ephesians 5:25-27 says, “<span class="text"><span style="background: white;">Husbands, love your wives [seek the
highest good for her and surround her with a caring, unselfish love], just as
Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might
sanctify the church, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word
[of God], so that [in turn] He might present the church to Himself in
glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she
would be holy [set apart for God] and blameless.</span></span>”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Have we allowed Jesus
to cleanse us? Have we set ourselves apart for His purposes? Have we given up
our rights to do what He calls us to do regardless of the cost? Are our hands
clean and our hearts pure? The provision for our preparation is there for the
asking. But we must take that next step of submitting to Him and asking to be
prepared for His presence.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">God doesn’t use
the mighty. He uses the meek (those who are submitted to Him) and He makes them
mighty through His strength. God doesn’t choose the wise according to this
world’s wisdom, but He chooses those who seem inadequate and makes them more
than adequate through His wisdom.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the
power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser
than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your
calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty,
not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world
to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to
confound the things which are mighty;” </span></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">(1 Corinthians 1:24-27) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ephesians 2:10
tells us who we really are when we have given our rights over to Christ. “<span style="background: white; color: black;">For we are His workmanship [His own master
work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above - spiritually
transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for
us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them
[living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].</span>” </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">(AMPLIFIED)</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Has someone labeled
you as inadequate to accomplish much in the kingdom of God? Have you been told
you have to follow the pattern laid out by the prevailing religious realm? Have
you left the work of Christ in the hands of those who are considered “full-time
ministers”? If so, please read Ephesians again and again until you realize you were
created to be useful in God’s kingdom. You can do miracles if you relinquish
your rights to Him and enter His presence in a life-changing way that will
guide you into everything He has created you to be. The power of the Holy
Spirit in us will enable us to do what is impossible for us to do!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says
the Lord of hosts.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>Patti Hedgepath Luskhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06738903451845172402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160371762436436410.post-30696688896642338212021-12-22T16:03:00.003-08:002021-12-22T16:03:40.519-08:00MERRY CHRISTMAS<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">TREASURES OF THE KINGDOM<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">For whoever has [a teachable
heart], to him more [understanding] will be given; and whoever does not have [a
yearning for truth], even what he has will be taken away from him.” Mark 4:25</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">After
all my Christmas boxes were deposited in my house, I began the task of opening
each one to see what was in there. For me there were no surprises because I
have had most of them for a long time. But for my grandson, it was all new
since he was too small last year to remember it. He kept saying “Wow” as I
would pull out various decorations. Sometimes he would say, “Can I have this?”
or “Can I touch it?” As much as I love Christmas, I was excited that he was
excited to see it all and handled them well. He wanted to see more and more.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>God
has so many treasures for us in the treasure chests of His kingdom. He wants us
to seek them out and be excited at all the wealth and riches He wants to share
with us. The more of His Word and the more of His Spirit we ask Him about, the
more He will reveal to us. He has wisdom, power, strength, discernment, joy,
peace, and so much more. And the answer is, “Yes, you can have it, Yes you can
touch it!”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">CHALLENGE TO
CHANGE:</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Do I have a teachable heart? Am I
actively pursuing the Lord and all He has for me?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We never reach the end of God’s
resources. He delights in us when we are delighting in Him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">THE WONDERFUL COUNSELOR</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><b><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">“For
unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be
upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor.”
Isaiah 9:6</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">All the people who were instrumental in the advent of Jesus
were given clear instructions by angels and spiritual dreams. Mary, Joseph, the
shepherds, the wise men, and others were plainly told what to do, where to go,
what to expect and what to look for.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">God wants us to know what steps we need to take along our
path of life. Jesus, as our Counselor, will guide us and instruct us in the
right way to go. We might know the right thing to do, but it takes a plan to carry
it out. God’s Spirit will lead us with His instructions step by step. As His
children, all we have to do is ask. </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Have you ever been given instructions,
but had to ask for clarification so you could carry them out? You heard what
was said, but didn’t understand it clearly. Well, we can ask the Lord and He
will make it clear. When we need advice, we should immediately think of Jesus. When
we get off track, need to make a decision or face impossible odds, Jesus is the
answer. Nothing is too small for Him or too big.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">CHALLENGE TO
CHANGE:</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Am I receiving counsel from the
Wonderful Counselor, or am I trying to figure it out myself?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">We can receive counsel in most of life's
circumstances by going directly to the Bible. Other times, the Lord will show
us the way by the leading of His Spirit in our hearts.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">But, we have to have a heart willing to
listen and obey.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">THE PRINCE OF PEACE<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">“For
unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be
upon His shoulder. And His name will be called…Prince of Peace.”</span></b><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> Isaiah 9:6</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Everyone wants
peace - nations, churches, businesses, homes, individuals. But the problem is
that most nations, churches, businesses, homes and individuals want peace on
their own terms. Nations may make peace with one another and sign a treaty, but
they are broken before long. We try to find peace for our minds by filling them
with happy thoughts, but the world throws in many unhappy thoughts. Businesses
may cooperate with one another on one level, but they are still competitors
looking out for themselves. Even many churches are not guided by godly
principles, but try to compromise the Word of God so they will not offend
anyone. All of these are trying to settle for a temporary peace rather than
everlasting peace.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Our minds often
stray to other means of gaining peace, but the Lord is our only source of true
peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His kingdom is one of peace - at
one with God and therefore at one with each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">CHALLENGE TO
CHANGE:</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Have I found true peace in Jesus, the
Prince of Peace? Or am I still looking in the wrong places?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Isaiah 26:3-4 tells us how to accomplish
perfect peace. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on
thee: because he trusteth in thee.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Trust
ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting
strength."</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">THE LORD REMEMBERS
HIS COVENANT OF GRACE</span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">“But
the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is
heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his
name John.” Luke 1:13</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 9pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">I</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">n Bible days, names were chosen carefully. Babies
were often given names that had a meaning the parents wanted the baby to live
up to when they grew up. Jesus was named by the angel Gabriel. His name means
“the Lord is Salvation”. His name at birth was significant because it spoke of
Who He was and what He came to do. John the Baptist was also named by Gabriel.
His name means “Grace”. His parents’ names were Zacharias (the Lord Remembers)
and Elizabeth (God’s Covenant). It is amazing how relevant these names were
when we consider the work John was called to as the forerunner of the Messiah.
Put them together and you have “The Lord remembers God’s covenant - Grace.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">God’s works are so meticulous that sometimes we miss the
wonder of it all. Every detail is perfectly planned and executed. We may not
see what He is doing in our lives because we are so caught up with the hustle
and bustle of life. But God is always ahead of us to prepare our way and work
out every detail before we even get there. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">CHALLENGE TO CHANGE:</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Have I
ever stopped to notice how God is working in my life? Do I see His hand in the
smallest details?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We can
trust the God Who notices when the smallest sparrow falls. Surely He cares for
us.</span></p>Patti Hedgepath Luskhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06738903451845172402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160371762436436410.post-65074897096418862822021-11-22T18:05:00.005-08:002021-11-22T18:05:51.354-08:00WHAT ARE YOUR CREDENTIALS?<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">The
definition of credentials (according to the dictionary on my iPad) is as
follows: evidence of authority, status, rights, entitlement to privileges, or
the like. A lack of credentials can close doors for us. But some credentials
can open a lot of doors. They can boost our status, give us special rights and
privileges and back up our authority in specific areas. They can certify that
we are a medical doctor, lawyer or many other positions. But when this life is
over, the credentials are no longer valid.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The spiritual
credentials we have are much more important than the credentials of this world.
We may be ‘somebody’ according to this world’s standards, but what sort of
authority, status, rights and privileges do we have in the kingdom of God?
That’s what really counts because that is what is eternal. That is what we will
answer for in the day we stand before God in judgment. Our meager excuses will
carry no wait, neither will our earthly credentials.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The apostle Paul
explained all of his credentials for being a Pharisee, a teacher of the law.
This is what He said. “<span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black;">If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more
so: </span><span id="en-NKJV-29427" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of
Israel, <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">of</span> the tribe
of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; </span><span id="en-NKJV-29428" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning
the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.</span></span></span><span style="background: white;">” </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">(Philippians
3:4-6)</span></b><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
was a “card-carrying” Pharisee who had impeccable credentials. No one could
argue against his training or his authority and right to teach the law. Plus, he
had received his training from the well-respected teacher of the law, Gamaliel.
But Paul found out that all his human wisdom and training was nothing. His confidence
in his credentials took him in the wrong direction until He met Jesus Christ.
He had put all his dependence on himself and his achievements until he found
the truth in Jesus. That’s why, after listing his religious credentials, he
went on to say, “<span class="text"><span style="color: black;">But what
things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. </span><span id="en-NKJV-29430" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the
excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered
the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ </span><span id="en-NKJV-29431" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">and be found in Him, not having my own
righteousness, which <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">is</span> from
the law, but that which <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">is</span> through
faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; </span><span id="en-NKJV-29432" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">that I may know Him and the power of His
resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His
death, </span><span id="en-NKJV-29433" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">if, by any means, I may attain to
the resurrection from the dead.</span></span></span>” <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">(Philippians 3:7-11)</span></b><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Why
did Paul give up his lofty position and prominence? Because he came to realize
the futility of all his efforts and all his so-called achievements and success
in the religious hierarchy. He had accomplished nothing and now it was all
rubbish to him. But when He met Jesus and surrendered his life to Him, He began
working in the kingdom alongside the Lord. That’s when he began to make a real
difference in the world. He had rather suffer for the cause of Christ and
achieve something eternal than parade around in the robes of a Pharisee and be
honored by men. He called himself the servant or slave of Jesus Christ. In
other words, he became totally surrendered to Him. His eternal credentials were
impeccable.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus
also tried to help others understand the credentials God was looking for. “<span class="text"><span style="color: black;">Also He spoke this parable to
some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised
others: </span></span></span><span class="woj"></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span id="en-NKJV-25699" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one
a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span><span class="woj"></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span id="en-NKJV-25700" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">The Pharisee</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">stood and prayed thus with himself,</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men - extortioners, unjust,
adulterers, or even as this tax collector.</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span><span class="woj"></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span id="en-NKJV-25701" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all
that I possess.’</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span><span class="woj"></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span id="en-NKJV-25702" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">And the tax collector, standing afar off,
would not so much as raise <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">his</span> eyes
to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span><span class="woj"></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span id="en-NKJV-25703" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">I tell you, this man went down to his house
justified <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">rather</span> than
the other;</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">for everyone who exalts himself will be</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.</span>”
</span></span><span class="woj"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">(</span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Luke
18:9-14<span class="woj"><span style="color: black;">)</span></span></span></b><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Pharisees often performed their religious
rituals for show among the people. Their clothing even set them apart as ‘important
people’. They made a big display when they fasted or gave money to the temple
treasury. But their hearts were not right with God. They were depending on their
earthly credentials and works to save them. </span></span><span class="woj"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">(See Matthew 23)</span></b></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This particular Pharisee in Jesus’ parable seems
to have considered himself one of God’s choice people and could not see that he
was very much in need of the righteousness that comes only from Jesus. He was
so sure of himself and his accomplishments that he was blinded to the truth
that he was a religious sinner, not a child of God. Because he would not admit
his need of a Savior, he continued in his sins, believing a lie that would keep
him out of the kingdom of God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The tax collector, which was considered one of
the worst of sinners, admitted his sin and asked God to forgive him. He asked
God to show him mercy (to refrain from giving him what he deserved). He knew
what he deserved. And he went to the right place to receive pardon. Those who
confess their sins and turn from them are justified. Those who dress them in
religion remain in sin and will face everlasting punishment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1 John 1:8-10 makes this very plain. “If we say that we have
no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If
we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive
us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If
we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in
us.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Take notice that sandwiched between verse eight and ten is a
chance for forgiveness, just like the tax collector received…”</span></span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If we </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">confess</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> our </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">sin</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">s”. <span class="woj">Many have their confidence firmly planted
in ‘self’. But there will come a day when they will face God and will finally
see how sinful they really are and how much in need of the Savior they really
are. If that happens in this life like the Apostle Paul’s experience, they can
confess their sins, repent (turning from sin) and find new life in the
righteousness of Christ. If they wait until they stand before God in judgment,
then it’s too late. We cannot save ourselves. We need the blood of Jesus to
cover our sins. The sooner we learn to surrender to His will, the sooner we
will receive eternal credentials.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The credentials of a true servant of God are true
repentance and humility (total submission to Jesus). That is what Jesus is
looking for.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus spoke about humility, but He also showed us
His humility as He was obedient to the Father in every situation, even His
death on the cross. Our repentance and submission (humility) to Him are credentials
that open the doors of His kingdom for us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Andrew Murray said that humility “is in truth
nothing but the simple consent of the creature to let God be all, in virtue of
which it surrenders itself to His working alone.” When we acknowledge the truth
of our sinfulness and surrender our lives to Jesus, we can begin to live a life
that is more abundant because it is rooted in the kingdom of God. God becomes
all in all to us and He fills us with His Spirit, opening the treasures of His
kingdom to us as we seek for them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Earthly credentials can deceive us into believing
we are ready for eternal life. But the credentials needed to enter the kingdom
of God are true repentance and humility, not something we can do on our own.
Once we get those credentials, then we can begin to receive added credentials
that are eternal. They include </span></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">authority, status,
rights, and entitlement to privileges that only children of God can receive. We
have the right to approach the throne of God, the status of being God’s children
as His heirs, authority over the enemy, and more privileges than I can
name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He even transforms our fallen
nature to a new nature that is in His image. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So, what are your credentials? Are they rooted in
this world? Are you still counting on your best efforts and religious rituals
to save you? Or are your credentials rooted in the kingdom of God? <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It is not wrong to have credentials in this
world. To practice law or medicine or many other careers, certain credentials
are required. But we need to place the greater emphasis on our spiritual
credentials. Our eternal life depends on it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">If we confess our sins, He
is faithful and just to forgive us our sins<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness.</span></b></span><span class="woj"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Patti Hedgepath Luskhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06738903451845172402noreply@blogger.com0