Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
--2 Corinthians 5:6-8
In his book, The Best Is Yet to Be, Henry Durbanville told the story of an elderly woman who lived in southwest Scotland. She wanted very much to see the city of Edinburgh, but was afraid to take the train because it had to go through a long tunnel to get there.
Things came up and she was forced to travel to Scotland’s capital. Filled with fear and anxiety, the trip began and she became more anxious as the train sped along the tracks. Before the train reached the long tunnel, the older woman, exhausted with worry, fell fast asleep. When she awoke, she was already in the city.
Of this story, Durbanville commented, “It is even so with the dying saint. He closes his eyes on earth, passes into what he thinks of as the tunnel of death, and opens them immediately in the celestial land.”
Your earthly body is nothing more than a temporary home. Moving day is coming for everyone. You’ll never know when the moving truck will pull up to your “house,” with its crumbling foundation, failed heating system, and cracked windows, load up what’s left inside, and take it away to your new home.
The Scripture says, “For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come” (Hebrews 13:14). As moving day approaches, it is important to realize in this analogy that death for the believer is not a dreaded parting?it is a glorious homecoming.
PRAYER CHALLENGE: Pray that God would give you peace as you prepare to leave your earthly home. Thank God for the upcoming homecoming reunion that will take place when you are reunited with the ones you love and most importantly?the Lord Jesus Christ.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Listening Hard for God
"Where there is no vision, the people perish" (Prov. 19 :18).
Waiting upon God is necessary in order to see Him, to have a vision of Him. The time element in vision is essential. Our hearts are like a sensitive photographer's plate; and in order to have God revealed there, we must sit at His feet a long time. The troubled surface of a lake will not reflect an object.
Our lives must be quiet and restful if we would see God. There is power in the sight of some things to affect one's life. A quiet sunset will bring peace to a troubled heart. Thus the vision of God always transforms human life.
Jacob saw God at Jabbok's ford, and became Israel. The vision of God transformed Gideon from a coward into a valiant soldier. The vision of Christ changed Thomas from a doubting follower into a loyal, devout disciple.
But men have had visions of God since Bible times. William Carey saw God, and left his shoemaker's bench and went to India. David Livingstone saw God, and left all to follow Him through the jungles of dark Africa. Scores and hundreds have had visions of God, and are today in the uttermost parts of the earth working for the speedy evangelization of the heathen.
There is hardly ever a complete silence in the soul. God is whispering to us well-nigh incessantly. Whenever the sounds of the world die out in the soul, or sink low, then we hear the whisperings of God. He is always whispering to us, only we do not hear, because of the noise, hurry, and distraction which life causes as it rushes on.
"Speak, Lord, in the stillness,
While I wait on Thee;
Hushed my heart to listen
In expectancy.
"Speak, O blessed Master,
In this quiet hour;
Let me see Thy face, Lord,
Feet Thy touch of power.
"For the words Thou speakest,
'They are life,' indeed;
Living bread from Heaven,
Now my spirit feed!
"Speak, Thy servant heareth!
Be not silent, Lord;
Waits my soul upon Thee
For the quickening word!"
Waiting upon God is necessary in order to see Him, to have a vision of Him. The time element in vision is essential. Our hearts are like a sensitive photographer's plate; and in order to have God revealed there, we must sit at His feet a long time. The troubled surface of a lake will not reflect an object.
Our lives must be quiet and restful if we would see God. There is power in the sight of some things to affect one's life. A quiet sunset will bring peace to a troubled heart. Thus the vision of God always transforms human life.
Jacob saw God at Jabbok's ford, and became Israel. The vision of God transformed Gideon from a coward into a valiant soldier. The vision of Christ changed Thomas from a doubting follower into a loyal, devout disciple.
But men have had visions of God since Bible times. William Carey saw God, and left his shoemaker's bench and went to India. David Livingstone saw God, and left all to follow Him through the jungles of dark Africa. Scores and hundreds have had visions of God, and are today in the uttermost parts of the earth working for the speedy evangelization of the heathen.
There is hardly ever a complete silence in the soul. God is whispering to us well-nigh incessantly. Whenever the sounds of the world die out in the soul, or sink low, then we hear the whisperings of God. He is always whispering to us, only we do not hear, because of the noise, hurry, and distraction which life causes as it rushes on.
"Speak, Lord, in the stillness,
While I wait on Thee;
Hushed my heart to listen
In expectancy.
"Speak, O blessed Master,
In this quiet hour;
Let me see Thy face, Lord,
Feet Thy touch of power.
"For the words Thou speakest,
'They are life,' indeed;
Living bread from Heaven,
Now my spirit feed!
"Speak, Thy servant heareth!
Be not silent, Lord;
Waits my soul upon Thee
For the quickening word!"
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Angels Touch
Although I cannot see you, I feel your presence here
The comforting feeling that surrounds me, assures me you are near
You’ve come to take my hand, and release me from this pain
My body is giving up, no longer able to take the strain
For years I fought with dignity, I swore I’d prove them wrong
It was only your love and strength, which kept me going strong
Your no longer by my side, it was me, who begged you not to stay
I knew you could not handle this, this day when I went away
I’ll take with me the memories, and the love that we two shared
I’ll forever remember you smiling face, and your blue eyes which showed you cared
I’ll remember your ever gentle touch, and the sweet smell of your perfume
I’ll take every memory made with you, as I leave this earthbound tomb
I’ll take my place among the stars, and join the countless others
Those of us who are looking down, watching over our sisters and brothers
So please don’t shed a tear, when you find out that I’ve passed
I’m just another angel, in the army that Gods amassed
I know you want to be here, standing right by my side
But I don’t want your last memories of me, to be of the day I died
Don’t you worry baby, thru your memories, I’ll forever roam
For God has sent and Angel, to bring another warrior home
The comforting feeling that surrounds me, assures me you are near
You’ve come to take my hand, and release me from this pain
My body is giving up, no longer able to take the strain
For years I fought with dignity, I swore I’d prove them wrong
It was only your love and strength, which kept me going strong
Your no longer by my side, it was me, who begged you not to stay
I knew you could not handle this, this day when I went away
I’ll take with me the memories, and the love that we two shared
I’ll forever remember you smiling face, and your blue eyes which showed you cared
I’ll remember your ever gentle touch, and the sweet smell of your perfume
I’ll take every memory made with you, as I leave this earthbound tomb
I’ll take my place among the stars, and join the countless others
Those of us who are looking down, watching over our sisters and brothers
So please don’t shed a tear, when you find out that I’ve passed
I’m just another angel, in the army that Gods amassed
I know you want to be here, standing right by my side
But I don’t want your last memories of me, to be of the day I died
Don’t you worry baby, thru your memories, I’ll forever roam
For God has sent and Angel, to bring another warrior home
Healing Before Ministry
Joshua 5:8
And after the whole nation had been circumcised, they remained where they were in camp until they were healed.
Before the nation of Israel could go into the Promised Land they had to be circumcised. Circumcision is painful, bloody, and personal. God requires each of us to be circumcised in heart before we are allowed to enter and receive the blessings that await each believer in the Promised Land.
This circumcision can often be very painful. Circumcision requires losing our old way of life. The process of spiritual circumcision may mean a loss in areas that have been a part of our lives in order to draw us to the Savior. God understands this. Consequently, like the people of Israel, we must wait until we are healed before we begin to be effective in our calling. If we launch out too early, we will be ineffective and may risk infection and disease and will not be at our full capacity. God wants each of us to walk in His healing grace.
The people of Israel fought only two battles when they were coming out of Egypt. In the Promised Land they fought 39 battles. Each of us must be prepared to enjoy the benefits of living in the Promised Land. However, we must also be prepared to wage war against the enemy of our souls. Make sure the Lord has provided the needed healing to your circumcision experience before you enter the Promised Land.
And after the whole nation had been circumcised, they remained where they were in camp until they were healed.
Before the nation of Israel could go into the Promised Land they had to be circumcised. Circumcision is painful, bloody, and personal. God requires each of us to be circumcised in heart before we are allowed to enter and receive the blessings that await each believer in the Promised Land.
This circumcision can often be very painful. Circumcision requires losing our old way of life. The process of spiritual circumcision may mean a loss in areas that have been a part of our lives in order to draw us to the Savior. God understands this. Consequently, like the people of Israel, we must wait until we are healed before we begin to be effective in our calling. If we launch out too early, we will be ineffective and may risk infection and disease and will not be at our full capacity. God wants each of us to walk in His healing grace.
The people of Israel fought only two battles when they were coming out of Egypt. In the Promised Land they fought 39 battles. Each of us must be prepared to enjoy the benefits of living in the Promised Land. However, we must also be prepared to wage war against the enemy of our souls. Make sure the Lord has provided the needed healing to your circumcision experience before you enter the Promised Land.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Death and Birth of a Vision
John 12 :24
I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
Almost every significant thing God births He allows to die before the vision is fulfilled in His own way.
Abraham had a vision of being the father of a great nation (birth). Sarah was barren and became too old to have children (death). God gave Abraham and Sarah a son in their old age. He became the father of a great nation (fulfillment).
Joseph had a vision that he would be a great leader and that many would bow down to him (birth). Joseph's brothers sold him to some merchants and he became a slave. Later he was falsely condemned to spend his years in prison (death). God allowed Joseph to interpret the dreams of the butler and baker and later the king, whereupon, he was made a ruler in the land (fulfillment).
Moses had a vision of leading his people out of the bondage of Egypt (birth). Pharaoh as well as his own people drove Moses out of Egypt after Moses' first attempt to relieve their bondage (death). God gave Moses signs and wonders to convince Pharaoh to free the people and bring them out of Egypt and into the Promised Land (fulfillment).
The disciples had a vision of establishing the Kingdom of God with Jesus (birth). The very ones He came to save killed Jesus, and the disciples saw Him buried in a tomb (death). God raised Jesus from the dead, and the disciples performed great miracles until the gospel had spread through all the world (fulfillment).
A grain of wheat has a "vision" of reproducing itself and many more grains of wheat (birth). The grain dies in the ground (death). A harvest springs up out of the very process of "death" in the ground (fulfillment).
Has God given you a vision that is yet unfulfilled? If that vision is born of God, He will raise it up in His own way. Do not try to raise the vision in your own strength. Like Moses, who tried to fulfill the vision of freeing the Hebrews by killing the Egyptian, it will only fail. But wait on your heavenly Father to fulfill the vision. Then you will know that it was His vision when He fulfills it in the way only He can do.
I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
Almost every significant thing God births He allows to die before the vision is fulfilled in His own way.
Abraham had a vision of being the father of a great nation (birth). Sarah was barren and became too old to have children (death). God gave Abraham and Sarah a son in their old age. He became the father of a great nation (fulfillment).
Joseph had a vision that he would be a great leader and that many would bow down to him (birth). Joseph's brothers sold him to some merchants and he became a slave. Later he was falsely condemned to spend his years in prison (death). God allowed Joseph to interpret the dreams of the butler and baker and later the king, whereupon, he was made a ruler in the land (fulfillment).
Moses had a vision of leading his people out of the bondage of Egypt (birth). Pharaoh as well as his own people drove Moses out of Egypt after Moses' first attempt to relieve their bondage (death). God gave Moses signs and wonders to convince Pharaoh to free the people and bring them out of Egypt and into the Promised Land (fulfillment).
The disciples had a vision of establishing the Kingdom of God with Jesus (birth). The very ones He came to save killed Jesus, and the disciples saw Him buried in a tomb (death). God raised Jesus from the dead, and the disciples performed great miracles until the gospel had spread through all the world (fulfillment).
A grain of wheat has a "vision" of reproducing itself and many more grains of wheat (birth). The grain dies in the ground (death). A harvest springs up out of the very process of "death" in the ground (fulfillment).
Has God given you a vision that is yet unfulfilled? If that vision is born of God, He will raise it up in His own way. Do not try to raise the vision in your own strength. Like Moses, who tried to fulfill the vision of freeing the Hebrews by killing the Egyptian, it will only fail. But wait on your heavenly Father to fulfill the vision. Then you will know that it was His vision when He fulfills it in the way only He can do.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Son Of Righteousness
SON OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
WITH HEALING IN ITS WINGS
“But for you who revere my name,
the Son of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings.”
Malachi 4:2
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, in this life you will experience injustice, illness, rejection, misunderstanding, and death. But the time is coming when I, the son of righteousness, will both rise and de-scend to call My children home. Heaven’s healing waits for those who have known and revered Me—and a special place in My kingdom. Don’t be weary doing good things in My name. Because you have acknowledged My name, I will acknowledge yours.
A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
One day I’ll discard all my worn bandages and frayed Band-Aids—and receive no more doctor bills. You are the son of righteousness, Lord. Like an eagle soaring in the sky, You’ll rise with ultimate healing in Your wings. I’m waiting for that day, Lord.
SIMPLE TRUTH
The Lord delights in those who delight in Him.
WITH HEALING IN ITS WINGS
“But for you who revere my name,
the Son of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings.”
Malachi 4:2
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, in this life you will experience injustice, illness, rejection, misunderstanding, and death. But the time is coming when I, the son of righteousness, will both rise and de-scend to call My children home. Heaven’s healing waits for those who have known and revered Me—and a special place in My kingdom. Don’t be weary doing good things in My name. Because you have acknowledged My name, I will acknowledge yours.
A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
One day I’ll discard all my worn bandages and frayed Band-Aids—and receive no more doctor bills. You are the son of righteousness, Lord. Like an eagle soaring in the sky, You’ll rise with ultimate healing in Your wings. I’m waiting for that day, Lord.
SIMPLE TRUTH
The Lord delights in those who delight in Him.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Life Generosity
Life Generosity
He was very very rich.
In a mansion there he lived.
But for homeless people he never shared an inch.
He ate the best delicious food.
About hungry people he never understood.
For giving food to them, he had no interest or mood.
He bought and wore the best designer clothes.
In his wardrobe was a big horde.
The poor families wearing thin clothes,
by the fireside snuggled up very close.
The icy cold wind caused their blood almost frozen.
To their plight he turned a very cold shoulder.
He travelled in a private jet,
symbolizing his enormous wealth.
All the luxuries he enjoyed,
until one day he died.
Leaving all his belongings his soul went to Heaven Gate,
where St Peter decided his fate.
He reviewed his record of charity,
and shook his head slowly and sadly.
saying ' You didn't fulfill the need of people in poverty,
You didn't taste Salt Of Life a pleasure in giving with Generosity.
He was very very rich.
In a mansion there he lived.
But for homeless people he never shared an inch.
He ate the best delicious food.
About hungry people he never understood.
For giving food to them, he had no interest or mood.
He bought and wore the best designer clothes.
In his wardrobe was a big horde.
The poor families wearing thin clothes,
by the fireside snuggled up very close.
The icy cold wind caused their blood almost frozen.
To their plight he turned a very cold shoulder.
He travelled in a private jet,
symbolizing his enormous wealth.
All the luxuries he enjoyed,
until one day he died.
Leaving all his belongings his soul went to Heaven Gate,
where St Peter decided his fate.
He reviewed his record of charity,
and shook his head slowly and sadly.
saying ' You didn't fulfill the need of people in poverty,
You didn't taste Salt Of Life a pleasure in giving with Generosity.
Living a Life of Conviction
1 Thessalonians 1:4-5
For we know, brothers loved by God, that He has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.
Everyone lives a life of conviction. Whatever we give our greatest time, our greatest energies, and our greatest resources to is a good indication of where our convictions lie. Some live a life of conviction about sports. Some live a life of conviction around pleasure. Still others live a life of conviction about very little that matters at all.
Whenever God chooses to do a deep work in a life, a strong conviction is born of the Holy Spirit. Conversions in the early Church resulted in changed lives that held to a deep, life-transforming conviction regarding what they believed and how they lived out that belief. Paul explains that the gospel they received came not just in words, but also in power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.
In order to impact the marketplace for Jesus Christ, each of us must be reflecting a faith that is demonstrated through deeply held convictions. Are you living a life of deep conviction that spurs you on to reflect the power of Christ in your life and the lives of others? Paul was willing to suffer great persecution for his faith in a living God. God calls each of us to a life that is supernatural, not simply a good, moral life. The early Church understood the role the Holy Spirit played in demonstrating this power of the gospel. It was this deep work that resulted in living the gospel with great conviction. If you are not living the gospel with great conviction, ask the Holy Spirit to so fill your life today that the power of His Spirit is truly reflected in your life so that you may impact others in your marketplace.
For we know, brothers loved by God, that He has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.
Everyone lives a life of conviction. Whatever we give our greatest time, our greatest energies, and our greatest resources to is a good indication of where our convictions lie. Some live a life of conviction about sports. Some live a life of conviction around pleasure. Still others live a life of conviction about very little that matters at all.
Whenever God chooses to do a deep work in a life, a strong conviction is born of the Holy Spirit. Conversions in the early Church resulted in changed lives that held to a deep, life-transforming conviction regarding what they believed and how they lived out that belief. Paul explains that the gospel they received came not just in words, but also in power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.
In order to impact the marketplace for Jesus Christ, each of us must be reflecting a faith that is demonstrated through deeply held convictions. Are you living a life of deep conviction that spurs you on to reflect the power of Christ in your life and the lives of others? Paul was willing to suffer great persecution for his faith in a living God. God calls each of us to a life that is supernatural, not simply a good, moral life. The early Church understood the role the Holy Spirit played in demonstrating this power of the gospel. It was this deep work that resulted in living the gospel with great conviction. If you are not living the gospel with great conviction, ask the Holy Spirit to so fill your life today that the power of His Spirit is truly reflected in your life so that you may impact others in your marketplace.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
A redeeming, healing fellowship
For reading & meditation: Hebrews 10:19-25
"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another '" (v.25)
Yesterday we ended with the thought that the very first thing we ought to do when seeking to break out of the vicious circle of doubt is to go to the house of God. The psalmist has been prevented from falling by considering the consequences of his actions upon his brethren, so now his next step is to go and meet with them in the sanctuary. Whether it be in a cathedral or a cottage, how wonderful it is to join with Christian brothers and sisters. It is not so much the place that is important as the redeeming and healing fellowship we find there. Oftentimes people find release just by sitting down among their brothers and sisters and feeling the healing power of their warmth and love. One famous preacher said: "The house of God has delivered me from 'the mumps and measles of the soul' a thousand times and more - merely by entering its doors." What is it about being among our fellow believers that is so helpful and encouraging? One thing is the very fact that our fellow believers are there. You see, in our private misery and perplexity we could easily run away with the idea that there is nothing very much in the Christian faith after all, and that it is not worth our going on. But when we enter into the Lord's house and see our fellow believers coming together, often our doubts disappear. We say to ourselves, albeit unconsciously: "Here are people who think the Christian life is worth continuing with. My uncertainties must be wrong - there must be something in it after all."
Prayer:
O Father, help me see the power that flows towards me through Christian fellowship. Just as I am encouraged by it, help me to encourage others. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another '" (v.25)
Yesterday we ended with the thought that the very first thing we ought to do when seeking to break out of the vicious circle of doubt is to go to the house of God. The psalmist has been prevented from falling by considering the consequences of his actions upon his brethren, so now his next step is to go and meet with them in the sanctuary. Whether it be in a cathedral or a cottage, how wonderful it is to join with Christian brothers and sisters. It is not so much the place that is important as the redeeming and healing fellowship we find there. Oftentimes people find release just by sitting down among their brothers and sisters and feeling the healing power of their warmth and love. One famous preacher said: "The house of God has delivered me from 'the mumps and measles of the soul' a thousand times and more - merely by entering its doors." What is it about being among our fellow believers that is so helpful and encouraging? One thing is the very fact that our fellow believers are there. You see, in our private misery and perplexity we could easily run away with the idea that there is nothing very much in the Christian faith after all, and that it is not worth our going on. But when we enter into the Lord's house and see our fellow believers coming together, often our doubts disappear. We say to ourselves, albeit unconsciously: "Here are people who think the Christian life is worth continuing with. My uncertainties must be wrong - there must be something in it after all."
Prayer:
O Father, help me see the power that flows towards me through Christian fellowship. Just as I am encouraged by it, help me to encourage others. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
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