God be with you till we meet again;
Neath his wings protecting hide you;
Daily manna still provide you;
God be with you till we meet again.
Till we meet, till we meet,
Till we meet at Jesus’ feet;
Till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Living in the Body of Christ – part 4 - Our work
...from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part... (Ephes. 4:16a-b)
Each part of a body has a function to perform. The Body of Christ is not a lot of loose parts in a pile. The Body of Christ is composed of parts that are being fitted and held together.
Just as in our human body where each bone is connected to another bone by a joint, so there are joints which connect the members of the Body of Christ. The Body of Christ is held together by that which every joint supplies. And what is that? The “that” which every joint supplies is ministry. It is “the work of service” referred to in verse 12 of this chapter. The proper working of each individual part is the Christian work we do for one another. It is at this point of ministry or service where we are joined.
And it is the proper working of all of these unique parts which is essential. In the Body of Christ each part is employed, by first of all surrendering to Jesus. We must work together under the leadership of our risen Lord. And we must take our responsibility to be faithful in using our gifts with love and doing God’s work to the benefit of all, seriously. Otherwise the Body cannot be held together.
Each of us received a gift and a task from the Holy Spirit. There are lists of gifts in Scripture. There are for example gifts of service, teaching, praise, giving, leading, and showing mercy mentioned in Romans 12. There is another list in 1 Corinthians 12. And Eph 4 calls leaders, people such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers also gifts to the church.
Have you discovered your gift? Are you using it in the church to touch someone else's need. Remember, a gift is given to flow from God through you to someone's need. It is “that” service in love that holds us together in doing God’s work well.
Prayer: Take my gift Lord and glue me through service to you, my Head and to every part, every person, in your glorious work. Amen.
Each part of a body has a function to perform. The Body of Christ is not a lot of loose parts in a pile. The Body of Christ is composed of parts that are being fitted and held together.
Just as in our human body where each bone is connected to another bone by a joint, so there are joints which connect the members of the Body of Christ. The Body of Christ is held together by that which every joint supplies. And what is that? The “that” which every joint supplies is ministry. It is “the work of service” referred to in verse 12 of this chapter. The proper working of each individual part is the Christian work we do for one another. It is at this point of ministry or service where we are joined.
And it is the proper working of all of these unique parts which is essential. In the Body of Christ each part is employed, by first of all surrendering to Jesus. We must work together under the leadership of our risen Lord. And we must take our responsibility to be faithful in using our gifts with love and doing God’s work to the benefit of all, seriously. Otherwise the Body cannot be held together.
Each of us received a gift and a task from the Holy Spirit. There are lists of gifts in Scripture. There are for example gifts of service, teaching, praise, giving, leading, and showing mercy mentioned in Romans 12. There is another list in 1 Corinthians 12. And Eph 4 calls leaders, people such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers also gifts to the church.
Have you discovered your gift? Are you using it in the church to touch someone else's need. Remember, a gift is given to flow from God through you to someone's need. It is “that” service in love that holds us together in doing God’s work well.
Prayer: Take my gift Lord and glue me through service to you, my Head and to every part, every person, in your glorious work. Amen.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Two not so perfect sons!
Jesus once told the temple’s leadership a parable. (See Mat 21: 23 – 34) And the parable is this. There is a dad who has work that he needs done on his farm and he asks his two sons to go to the vineyard and do the work. One son is stubborn and disobedient and says no to his father, but then later he finds himself able to go and goes into the vineyard and does what his father asks. The other son tells his dad that he is going to do what he asks, but then he doesn’t go. He never did the work.
Jesus asked the leadership of the temple which one did what the dad asked them to do. The answer is obvious. Actions speak louder than words and what matters more than what you say you are going to do, is what you in fact do in the end.
The son who said no to his father changed his mind because of guilt. His conscience was working overtime until he decided to do the right thing. Perhaps he was being disobedient to his father, because he wanted to make a point, and in the end realised that his disobedience was wrong.
And then there is the son who said that he would do the work, and didn’t. Did he say yes without thinking whether he really could or wanted to do it? Did he forget? Did something come up that kept him from going? When looking at this son we realise that intentions don’t really matter as much as practically doing the right things.
Jesus identifies the one who said no with the tax collectors and the prostitutes; he identifies this son with the lost. These are the people who made bad decisions early in their lives and went in the wrong direction, but later repented. They realized they were heading in the wrong direction and turned around. They came back and followed Christ.
Jesus is looking at the leaders of the temple as people who started their lives in the right direction, but then were sidetracked and ended up not following where God had led.
Many of us said yes to God early in our lives. Are we going to follow through with what we promised to do? Are we going to remain faithful to God and go where he sends us or are we going to turn away from God’s call on our lives?
Or are we going to take a third way. The best way. This third way would be a son who says yes to his father and then follows through with it. I believe that if the Church was full of people following this third way, the Church would be able to do God’s work according to God’s way and desire.
Do we respond when Jesus calls? Do we follow through with our promises to him?
When we asked Jesus to be our Saviour and Lord, we have promised ourselves to him. Are we living the way we said we would?
Are we doing the work we promised to do?
We said yes to our God.
Are we now ready to follow through and align our lives with our promises and words?
Jesus asked the leadership of the temple which one did what the dad asked them to do. The answer is obvious. Actions speak louder than words and what matters more than what you say you are going to do, is what you in fact do in the end.
The son who said no to his father changed his mind because of guilt. His conscience was working overtime until he decided to do the right thing. Perhaps he was being disobedient to his father, because he wanted to make a point, and in the end realised that his disobedience was wrong.
And then there is the son who said that he would do the work, and didn’t. Did he say yes without thinking whether he really could or wanted to do it? Did he forget? Did something come up that kept him from going? When looking at this son we realise that intentions don’t really matter as much as practically doing the right things.
Jesus identifies the one who said no with the tax collectors and the prostitutes; he identifies this son with the lost. These are the people who made bad decisions early in their lives and went in the wrong direction, but later repented. They realized they were heading in the wrong direction and turned around. They came back and followed Christ.
Jesus is looking at the leaders of the temple as people who started their lives in the right direction, but then were sidetracked and ended up not following where God had led.
Many of us said yes to God early in our lives. Are we going to follow through with what we promised to do? Are we going to remain faithful to God and go where he sends us or are we going to turn away from God’s call on our lives?
Or are we going to take a third way. The best way. This third way would be a son who says yes to his father and then follows through with it. I believe that if the Church was full of people following this third way, the Church would be able to do God’s work according to God’s way and desire.
Do we respond when Jesus calls? Do we follow through with our promises to him?
When we asked Jesus to be our Saviour and Lord, we have promised ourselves to him. Are we living the way we said we would?
Are we doing the work we promised to do?
We said yes to our God.
Are we now ready to follow through and align our lives with our promises and words?
Saturday, September 24, 2011
When our minds are changed
Romans 8: 5- 7: Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so.
Paul speaks about the contrast between the natural, sinful mind of man and a mind that has been transformed by the Spirit of God.
One of the works of the Holy Spirit in our lives, is the work of “changing our minds” for us, for we would normally resist change, above all change that will require us to use more energy to create life and peace in God’s work.
The natural mind focuses on physical, material and selfish concerns. There may be thoughts about God, but even that will be thoughts about how to approach God on our own terms. Generally, however, the natural mind is filled with thoughts that centre on ways to gratify itself.
But, what a change we see in the lives of those who have their minds set on what the Spirit wants! While they still fail God, they focus on God and this focus gives them daily direction in all they do. They love God and all the things that relate to him. They love his Word, his people, his worship. The Spirit of God redirects the thinking of those redeemed by the blood of Jesus. The Spirit changes our minds about God and about ourselves. “We” are not the focus point anymore – but the focus is on the life and peace the Spirit desires for us.
The result is that the focus of Spirit filled minds are changed. They find themselves drawn away from the things which only please their desires. What we cannot produce by ourselves, the Holy Spirit does produce in us! The believer finds that he/she can live a life that is pleasing to the Lord and that he can do things that are useful and blessed within the faith community, in his/her family and all the other aspects of his/her life.
The flesh is strong, but the Spirit of God within us is stronger.
We may be hard headed, one track minded and confused, but the Sprit makes us soft hearted, God minded and focussed on the desires of the Spirit for our lives!
What a Saviour and what an amazing salvation we received!!
Paul speaks about the contrast between the natural, sinful mind of man and a mind that has been transformed by the Spirit of God.
One of the works of the Holy Spirit in our lives, is the work of “changing our minds” for us, for we would normally resist change, above all change that will require us to use more energy to create life and peace in God’s work.
The natural mind focuses on physical, material and selfish concerns. There may be thoughts about God, but even that will be thoughts about how to approach God on our own terms. Generally, however, the natural mind is filled with thoughts that centre on ways to gratify itself.
But, what a change we see in the lives of those who have their minds set on what the Spirit wants! While they still fail God, they focus on God and this focus gives them daily direction in all they do. They love God and all the things that relate to him. They love his Word, his people, his worship. The Spirit of God redirects the thinking of those redeemed by the blood of Jesus. The Spirit changes our minds about God and about ourselves. “We” are not the focus point anymore – but the focus is on the life and peace the Spirit desires for us.
The result is that the focus of Spirit filled minds are changed. They find themselves drawn away from the things which only please their desires. What we cannot produce by ourselves, the Holy Spirit does produce in us! The believer finds that he/she can live a life that is pleasing to the Lord and that he can do things that are useful and blessed within the faith community, in his/her family and all the other aspects of his/her life.
The flesh is strong, but the Spirit of God within us is stronger.
We may be hard headed, one track minded and confused, but the Sprit makes us soft hearted, God minded and focussed on the desires of the Spirit for our lives!
What a Saviour and what an amazing salvation we received!!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Living in the Body of Christ – part 3 Our uniqueness
...that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part... (Ephesians 4:16b)
Christ is the head of the Body, but the Body is composed of many unique parts. We are unique as members of the Body of Christ. The emphasis on every joint and each individual part is something we need to see and celebrate. The Body of Christ is compared to a human body composed of many unique parts. Each part is different, yet each works together with the other parts in a harmony of life. Some parts of the body are not more prominent than others. All are important. In fact, all the parts are needed.
The Lord makes us part of the Body just as we are. Our personality does not change. Our talents he wants to use, whatever they may be. He gives us gifts to work for him that suits our uniqueness. And we all are important in his work.
We read in 1 Corinthians 12:14-21, “For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot should say, `Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body, it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body, it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? But now there are many members, but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, `I have no need of you; or again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.“
There is individuality in the Body of Christ. God has made us different, not to be independent of others, but that we can work better together. God has given us all different gifts and ministries. He has not done this so that we are put on a pedestal above others, but that we all together could do his work better.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I need to determine what my unique position as part of the Body Life is and in doing so find my true identity in your work. Show me who I am in your Body, dear Lord. Amen.
Christ is the head of the Body, but the Body is composed of many unique parts. We are unique as members of the Body of Christ. The emphasis on every joint and each individual part is something we need to see and celebrate. The Body of Christ is compared to a human body composed of many unique parts. Each part is different, yet each works together with the other parts in a harmony of life. Some parts of the body are not more prominent than others. All are important. In fact, all the parts are needed.
The Lord makes us part of the Body just as we are. Our personality does not change. Our talents he wants to use, whatever they may be. He gives us gifts to work for him that suits our uniqueness. And we all are important in his work.
We read in 1 Corinthians 12:14-21, “For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot should say, `Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body, it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body, it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? But now there are many members, but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, `I have no need of you; or again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.“
There is individuality in the Body of Christ. God has made us different, not to be independent of others, but that we can work better together. God has given us all different gifts and ministries. He has not done this so that we are put on a pedestal above others, but that we all together could do his work better.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I need to determine what my unique position as part of the Body Life is and in doing so find my true identity in your work. Show me who I am in your Body, dear Lord. Amen.
Monday, September 19, 2011
The wide and the narrow roads
Mat 7: 13 – 14: 13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
Jesus tells us two things about the wide and broad gate and road. Firstly he said, "many enter through it." The wide gate and broad road is popular. The majority of people prefer it over the small gate and narrow road. Secondly, Jesus warns us that the broad road "leads to destruction." The road to hell, says Jesus, is broad, straight, smooth and trendy. It is really easy to go to hell. And people naturally choose this road for themselves – to follow the crowds, to take the easy way of least résistance that leads to hell.
Jesus also tells us two things about the small and narrow gate and road. Firstly he said that "only a few find it." The narrow road is not popular. Many people never find it. Secondly, Jesus tells us that the narrow road "leads to life." Everlasting life, that is. Life forever with God, he speaks about.
Jesus reminds us that the road to heaven is not the easy or the natural way for our lost mankind and society. To travel the narrow road requires sacrifice, commitment, a life of service, a constant struggle against sin, a constant evaluation of priorities.
The afterlife is very important to consider. We need to make sure we are walking on the right road.
Jesus also said “I am the way, the truth and the life”. Who travels on the narrow way called Jesus, travels a road where we carry our daily cross in sacrificial service of our Lord. And this way, the Jesus-way, leads to heaven!
Jesus tells us two things about the wide and broad gate and road. Firstly he said, "many enter through it." The wide gate and broad road is popular. The majority of people prefer it over the small gate and narrow road. Secondly, Jesus warns us that the broad road "leads to destruction." The road to hell, says Jesus, is broad, straight, smooth and trendy. It is really easy to go to hell. And people naturally choose this road for themselves – to follow the crowds, to take the easy way of least résistance that leads to hell.
Jesus also tells us two things about the small and narrow gate and road. Firstly he said that "only a few find it." The narrow road is not popular. Many people never find it. Secondly, Jesus tells us that the narrow road "leads to life." Everlasting life, that is. Life forever with God, he speaks about.
Jesus reminds us that the road to heaven is not the easy or the natural way for our lost mankind and society. To travel the narrow road requires sacrifice, commitment, a life of service, a constant struggle against sin, a constant evaluation of priorities.
The afterlife is very important to consider. We need to make sure we are walking on the right road.
Jesus also said “I am the way, the truth and the life”. Who travels on the narrow way called Jesus, travels a road where we carry our daily cross in sacrificial service of our Lord. And this way, the Jesus-way, leads to heaven!
Friday, September 16, 2011
in Afrikaans: Die risiko om weg te val uit die genade.
Jesus het ons gewaarsku dat soos die lewe al meer uitdagend, moeilik, besig, gevaarlik en teleurstellend raak, sal die opregtheid van die gelowiges se verhouding met God ook meer en meer getoets word. Baie val weg uit die genade, omdat dit vir hulle al hoe moeiliker word om die Here prakties en konsekwent met oorgawe te dien.
Jesus sê self Mat 24: 12 – 14: En omdat die ongeregtigheid vermeerder word, sal die liefde van die meeste verkoel. Maar wie volhard tot die einde toe, hy sal gered word. En hierdie evangelie van die koninkryk sal verkondig word in die hele wêreld tot 'n getuienis vir al die nasies; en dan sal die einde kom.
In hierdie eindtyd is daar gelukkig ook, volgens Christus se woorde, nie net diegene wat wegval uit die genade nie, maar ook baie wat gewen word vir ‘n volle toewyding aan die Here en sy werk.
Sommige probeer om elders ’n antwoord op lewens uitdagings te vind, en elkeen wat net ‘n oppervlakkige verhouding met Christus het, sal weggaan uit sy diens en aanbidding om op ’n ander plek ‘n “makliker” taak en makliker “evangelie” te probeer vind.
Maar daar is ook opregte gelowiges wat besef dat toegewyde oorgawe aan Christus die enigste pad vir ons is! Opposisie van die lewe in die Liggaam van Christus motiveer selfs sommige om met groter oorgawe deel te word van ‘n geloofsgemeenskap wat God onvoorwaardelik op sy Woord neem! So sal teenstand teen die Evangelie sommige se geloof opbou en ander se halfhartige oorgawe finaal tot niet maak.
As jy sedert vanjaar begin het, weggestap het van Christus se gemeente, omdat dit te moeilik en uitdagend vir jou geword het – en die persoonlike opoffering teveel geword het – kom maar liewer terug voordat jy alles verloor; veral jou roeping, jou liefdesdiens aan Christus en jou persoonlike groei as sy dissipel. Daar is nie meer baie tyd oor om die geestelike mislukkings van 2011 reg te stel nie. En die koms van die Here, is naby!
Mag jy geseënd wees wanneer jy terugkom om in die verloste Liggaam van Christus te leef en jy Hom dien met jou hele hart begin dien.
Stuur asb. biddend aan vriende en familie wat te moeg geword het vir die uitdagings om Jesus 100% te volg en makliker uitdagings en uitweë gekies het.!
Jesus sê self Mat 24: 12 – 14: En omdat die ongeregtigheid vermeerder word, sal die liefde van die meeste verkoel. Maar wie volhard tot die einde toe, hy sal gered word. En hierdie evangelie van die koninkryk sal verkondig word in die hele wêreld tot 'n getuienis vir al die nasies; en dan sal die einde kom.
In hierdie eindtyd is daar gelukkig ook, volgens Christus se woorde, nie net diegene wat wegval uit die genade nie, maar ook baie wat gewen word vir ‘n volle toewyding aan die Here en sy werk.
Sommige probeer om elders ’n antwoord op lewens uitdagings te vind, en elkeen wat net ‘n oppervlakkige verhouding met Christus het, sal weggaan uit sy diens en aanbidding om op ’n ander plek ‘n “makliker” taak en makliker “evangelie” te probeer vind.
Maar daar is ook opregte gelowiges wat besef dat toegewyde oorgawe aan Christus die enigste pad vir ons is! Opposisie van die lewe in die Liggaam van Christus motiveer selfs sommige om met groter oorgawe deel te word van ‘n geloofsgemeenskap wat God onvoorwaardelik op sy Woord neem! So sal teenstand teen die Evangelie sommige se geloof opbou en ander se halfhartige oorgawe finaal tot niet maak.
As jy sedert vanjaar begin het, weggestap het van Christus se gemeente, omdat dit te moeilik en uitdagend vir jou geword het – en die persoonlike opoffering teveel geword het – kom maar liewer terug voordat jy alles verloor; veral jou roeping, jou liefdesdiens aan Christus en jou persoonlike groei as sy dissipel. Daar is nie meer baie tyd oor om die geestelike mislukkings van 2011 reg te stel nie. En die koms van die Here, is naby!
Mag jy geseënd wees wanneer jy terugkom om in die verloste Liggaam van Christus te leef en jy Hom dien met jou hele hart begin dien.
Stuur asb. biddend aan vriende en familie wat te moeg geword het vir die uitdagings om Jesus 100% te volg en makliker uitdagings en uitweë gekies het.!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Living in the Body of Christ – part 2: Our Source
Ephes. 4:15b: ...we are to grow up in all aspects into him, who is the head, even Christ.
The Body in which we live has a Head. Someone is in charge. Who is it? If someone who knows nothing about Christianity would ask us, “Take me to your leader,” where would you take them? I hope you wouldn't take him to your minister. The true head of the church is not the pastor, nor is it any other person or council. The head of the church is Jesus Christ. He is the one who should be in charge. The Body of Christ belongs to Christ!
And as the Head of the Body, he is the source of its life. It is because of Christ that we are in the Body. The Bible says “in him we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:28).
The Bible reveals that Jesus Christ is to be everything for us. 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 reads, “But by his doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption.” The focus is Christ!
Do you need wisdom? Christ has become your wisdom. Do you need righteousness? Christ has become your righteousness. Do you need sanctification? Christ has become your sanctification. Do you need redemption? Christ has become your redemption. Whatever you need, Christ is it! He is our source. He is our life. He is our focus. And he is the head of the Body.
The practical implication of this headship is that Christ is our Lord. He is the one in charge. In physical bodies where the head is not in charge, we have a physical problem. In churches where Christ is not in charge, we have a spiritual problem. It doesn't matter who or what we have replaced Christ with, whether a person, session, board, committee, or congregation; if the Head of the Church is not in charge, we are out of his will. The Body of Christ is to be led by Christ.
Prayer: Lord, if I ever thought that I could dictate to your Church what its focus or priority should be, I now submit in faith and gratefulness to my Head, the Lord Jesus. Amen.
The Body in which we live has a Head. Someone is in charge. Who is it? If someone who knows nothing about Christianity would ask us, “Take me to your leader,” where would you take them? I hope you wouldn't take him to your minister. The true head of the church is not the pastor, nor is it any other person or council. The head of the church is Jesus Christ. He is the one who should be in charge. The Body of Christ belongs to Christ!
And as the Head of the Body, he is the source of its life. It is because of Christ that we are in the Body. The Bible says “in him we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:28).
The Bible reveals that Jesus Christ is to be everything for us. 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 reads, “But by his doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption.” The focus is Christ!
Do you need wisdom? Christ has become your wisdom. Do you need righteousness? Christ has become your righteousness. Do you need sanctification? Christ has become your sanctification. Do you need redemption? Christ has become your redemption. Whatever you need, Christ is it! He is our source. He is our life. He is our focus. And he is the head of the Body.
The practical implication of this headship is that Christ is our Lord. He is the one in charge. In physical bodies where the head is not in charge, we have a physical problem. In churches where Christ is not in charge, we have a spiritual problem. It doesn't matter who or what we have replaced Christ with, whether a person, session, board, committee, or congregation; if the Head of the Church is not in charge, we are out of his will. The Body of Christ is to be led by Christ.
Prayer: Lord, if I ever thought that I could dictate to your Church what its focus or priority should be, I now submit in faith and gratefulness to my Head, the Lord Jesus. Amen.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Jesus said: Remember Me
Luke 22: 19 "Do this in remembrance of me."
This is a command. It is amazing that Jesus commands us to "remember" him as if it were even possible for us to forget him and his cross. How can we possibly forget him who died for us and rose for us? How can we possibly forget him who redeemed us and saved us? How can we possibly forget him who changed us and planted new life in us?
Yet, we do forget. We so easily forget the centrality of Jesus to our faith. We so easily forget that the message of the cross and the grave lies at the centre of our faith. We so easily forget that Christ is our only hope and our only comfort in life and in death. We so easily forget that Christ is the only way to the Father's throne. We so easily think other things are more important than his cross and resurrection. We so easily become distracted from the first things. We let issues and work and family problems and things push Jesus and the Gospel aside. It is so easy for our hearts to wander away from Jesus because our hearts are prone to wander.
"Do this in remembrance of me." Our Lord Jesus has given us a way to always remember him. He has made provision that we never will forget the cross. He has given us the Lord's Supper to celebrate.
So, yesterday we came to do what Jesus commanded. We came to remember. We came not to forget.
And the Lord blessed us graciously.
This is a command. It is amazing that Jesus commands us to "remember" him as if it were even possible for us to forget him and his cross. How can we possibly forget him who died for us and rose for us? How can we possibly forget him who redeemed us and saved us? How can we possibly forget him who changed us and planted new life in us?
Yet, we do forget. We so easily forget the centrality of Jesus to our faith. We so easily forget that the message of the cross and the grave lies at the centre of our faith. We so easily forget that Christ is our only hope and our only comfort in life and in death. We so easily forget that Christ is the only way to the Father's throne. We so easily think other things are more important than his cross and resurrection. We so easily become distracted from the first things. We let issues and work and family problems and things push Jesus and the Gospel aside. It is so easy for our hearts to wander away from Jesus because our hearts are prone to wander.
"Do this in remembrance of me." Our Lord Jesus has given us a way to always remember him. He has made provision that we never will forget the cross. He has given us the Lord's Supper to celebrate.
So, yesterday we came to do what Jesus commanded. We came to remember. We came not to forget.
And the Lord blessed us graciously.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Holy Communion
My Lord, your Table now is spread,
your cup with love does overflow;
may all your children now be blessed,
and let them your sweet mercies know.
Drawn by the cross, your grace, dear Lord,
with grateful hearts before you bow.
your cup with love does overflow;
may all your children now be blessed,
and let them your sweet mercies know.
Drawn by the cross, your grace, dear Lord,
with grateful hearts before you bow.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Living in the Body of Christ - part 1
Ephesians 4:15b-16: ...we are to grow up in all aspects into him, who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.
I think everyone knows that the Church of the Lord is not a building. But the church is not simply a couple of people either. Most rooms full of people may just be a crowd. And if the room is full of Christian people, it may simply be a Christian crowd, it may not be a church or The Church.
The most important thing about the Church is that it consists of people who choose to live in the Body of Christ. The Church is a living organism, composed of Christ and his people who are organised for the Lord’s work on earth. This image of us becoming part of a living body reflects how the church ought to function and that I ought to find my place in it.
This means that we do not go to Church - we go to be the Church, because we are the Church.
The Church we are, is the Body of Christ.
Being part of the Church, means that I live in the Body of Christ.
You therefore cannot claim to be part of the Body of Christ, if you choose to live outside the Body of Christ.
We are told in 1 Corinthians 11:29 that some people fail to “discern” the Lord's Body. This is found in a section concerning the Lord's Supper. There Paul is dealing with disharmony in the church when they celebrated the Lord's Supper. Some were “doing their own thing” when the congregation celebrated Communion, failing to recognize that they were part of the fellowship of believers under the Head, Jesus. So they did not take the time to get right with God and with one another, and as a result of this they failed to recognize the Body of Christ.
They failed to live by the principle of the Body of Christ.
The term “Body of Christ” is a picture. It is a graphic illustration of how the church is to work, and therefore how we are to live. It provides the principle for living our lives as God’s children. Consequently, it is of great importance that we learn to understand what Body Life is all about. In a five part series we are now embarking on a journey of learning how to live in the Body. How to truly be a member of the Church.
Prayer: Lord, I need to know how to live as part of your Body. I desire to find my place and function as part of this holy Body. Let your Spirit teach me who I am within your Church. Amen.
I think everyone knows that the Church of the Lord is not a building. But the church is not simply a couple of people either. Most rooms full of people may just be a crowd. And if the room is full of Christian people, it may simply be a Christian crowd, it may not be a church or The Church.
The most important thing about the Church is that it consists of people who choose to live in the Body of Christ. The Church is a living organism, composed of Christ and his people who are organised for the Lord’s work on earth. This image of us becoming part of a living body reflects how the church ought to function and that I ought to find my place in it.
This means that we do not go to Church - we go to be the Church, because we are the Church.
The Church we are, is the Body of Christ.
Being part of the Church, means that I live in the Body of Christ.
You therefore cannot claim to be part of the Body of Christ, if you choose to live outside the Body of Christ.
We are told in 1 Corinthians 11:29 that some people fail to “discern” the Lord's Body. This is found in a section concerning the Lord's Supper. There Paul is dealing with disharmony in the church when they celebrated the Lord's Supper. Some were “doing their own thing” when the congregation celebrated Communion, failing to recognize that they were part of the fellowship of believers under the Head, Jesus. So they did not take the time to get right with God and with one another, and as a result of this they failed to recognize the Body of Christ.
They failed to live by the principle of the Body of Christ.
The term “Body of Christ” is a picture. It is a graphic illustration of how the church is to work, and therefore how we are to live. It provides the principle for living our lives as God’s children. Consequently, it is of great importance that we learn to understand what Body Life is all about. In a five part series we are now embarking on a journey of learning how to live in the Body. How to truly be a member of the Church.
Prayer: Lord, I need to know how to live as part of your Body. I desire to find my place and function as part of this holy Body. Let your Spirit teach me who I am within your Church. Amen.
Monday, September 5, 2011
No working on the Lord’s Day
Deut 5: 12 – 15 No working on the Lord’s Day; keep it holy just as God, your God, commanded you. Work six days, doing everything you have to do, but the seventh day is a Day of Rest… Don't ever forget that you were slaves in Egypt and God, your God, got you out of there in a powerful show of strength. That's why God, your God, commands you to observe the Day of the Lord and rest. (The Message)
We too have been delivered from slavery. Sin and evil are cruel slave owners that cause hardship, addiction, pain and suffering. Yet, when Jesus died and rose, God said about his people, about you and me: “Let my people go!” We too have been set free to serve God by our Lord’s powerful show of strength. We too need to obey God’s command to enjoy our freedom in Christ that enables us to worship, praise and serve our God with joy and to find rest in his salvation.
This Commandment of God comes into conflict with our culture, but keeping God’s commandments is the one way we certainly can show our love for the Lord. The commandment about the Lord’ Day is no exception.
It instructs us that there is a time when we must avoid work.
It should be apparent from a reading of this Commandment that God makes a great deal about avoiding work on the Lord’s Day. Beginning at verse 9, it says: "Work six days, doing everything you have to do, but the seventh day is a Day of Rest". God emphasizes that we should do no work on this special day. Why does God make such a big deal out of this?
The truth God is communicating to us, is that there is more to life than labour. The reason is that “you were slaves in Egypt and God, your God, got you out of there in a powerful show of strength” We are no slaves anymore and our daily work should never equal slavery in any way.
It is interesting that people are only recently "discovering" what God said thousands of years ago. Production analysts have concluded only recently that reasonably spaced work breaks clearly increase productivity. The medical community gives statistics, which indicate that workaholics top the list in work related disorders such as high blood pressure and premature heart attack. God knew this before all the doctors and analysts. He knew that our bodies need a break.
Our emotions need a break as well. By the end of a long week we are emotionally exhausted. Our nerves are on edge, our stress level is way up, and we are in desperate need of a change of pace. If we continue working at that point, we will inevitably begin making mistakes. We will make bad decisions and do sloppy work. We need a break. Too many people and too many demands take their toll. And the price we pay often reflects in our faith-life and our peace with God! We need a break and that break is for more than just rest.
We need to Worship!
There is a flip side to this Commandment. God gave the Commandment for two very important reasons. The first is that rest from daily work will benefit us physically, emotionally and spiritually. The second is that we will be blessed by authentic, peaceful worship of God and to hear the voice of God’s assurance of his love. God not only wants us to stop working on the Lord’s Day, he wants us to start worshipping.
This Commandment begins by God saying, "No working on the Lord’s Day; keep it holy just as God, your God, commanded you" Throughout history, people have worshipped on the Lord’s day. God’s people, Israel, gathered together for worship on the Day of Rest.
Jesus too always worshipped on his Sabbath, "as was his custom" (Luke 4:16). The Early Church continued this pattern.
When we gather together in Jesus’ name, we must remember that God is there. Sometimes we lose sight of that. Jesus has promised us his special presence when we gather in his Name. This is something more than his indwelling presence in our daily lives. There is a special presence reserved for the corporate gathering of his people. When we come together for worship, God visits us in a special way. There is a certain anointing of the Holy Spirit that is reserved for God’s people when they gather as the Lord’ sacred assembly
How can we keep the Lord’s Day a special holy day? There are several things we can do. Set the Lord’s Day apart as a priority day. Treat the Lord’s Day as a special day. Block it out on your calendar and don’t let anything or anyone interfere with it. You have an appointment with God on that day.
Renew your commitment to obey God and find that special blessing his day brings. Remember the words of Jesus:
Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. ––Matthew 11:28-29.
We too have been delivered from slavery. Sin and evil are cruel slave owners that cause hardship, addiction, pain and suffering. Yet, when Jesus died and rose, God said about his people, about you and me: “Let my people go!” We too have been set free to serve God by our Lord’s powerful show of strength. We too need to obey God’s command to enjoy our freedom in Christ that enables us to worship, praise and serve our God with joy and to find rest in his salvation.
This Commandment of God comes into conflict with our culture, but keeping God’s commandments is the one way we certainly can show our love for the Lord. The commandment about the Lord’ Day is no exception.
It instructs us that there is a time when we must avoid work.
It should be apparent from a reading of this Commandment that God makes a great deal about avoiding work on the Lord’s Day. Beginning at verse 9, it says: "Work six days, doing everything you have to do, but the seventh day is a Day of Rest". God emphasizes that we should do no work on this special day. Why does God make such a big deal out of this?
The truth God is communicating to us, is that there is more to life than labour. The reason is that “you were slaves in Egypt and God, your God, got you out of there in a powerful show of strength” We are no slaves anymore and our daily work should never equal slavery in any way.
It is interesting that people are only recently "discovering" what God said thousands of years ago. Production analysts have concluded only recently that reasonably spaced work breaks clearly increase productivity. The medical community gives statistics, which indicate that workaholics top the list in work related disorders such as high blood pressure and premature heart attack. God knew this before all the doctors and analysts. He knew that our bodies need a break.
Our emotions need a break as well. By the end of a long week we are emotionally exhausted. Our nerves are on edge, our stress level is way up, and we are in desperate need of a change of pace. If we continue working at that point, we will inevitably begin making mistakes. We will make bad decisions and do sloppy work. We need a break. Too many people and too many demands take their toll. And the price we pay often reflects in our faith-life and our peace with God! We need a break and that break is for more than just rest.
We need to Worship!
There is a flip side to this Commandment. God gave the Commandment for two very important reasons. The first is that rest from daily work will benefit us physically, emotionally and spiritually. The second is that we will be blessed by authentic, peaceful worship of God and to hear the voice of God’s assurance of his love. God not only wants us to stop working on the Lord’s Day, he wants us to start worshipping.
This Commandment begins by God saying, "No working on the Lord’s Day; keep it holy just as God, your God, commanded you" Throughout history, people have worshipped on the Lord’s day. God’s people, Israel, gathered together for worship on the Day of Rest.
Jesus too always worshipped on his Sabbath, "as was his custom" (Luke 4:16). The Early Church continued this pattern.
When we gather together in Jesus’ name, we must remember that God is there. Sometimes we lose sight of that. Jesus has promised us his special presence when we gather in his Name. This is something more than his indwelling presence in our daily lives. There is a special presence reserved for the corporate gathering of his people. When we come together for worship, God visits us in a special way. There is a certain anointing of the Holy Spirit that is reserved for God’s people when they gather as the Lord’ sacred assembly
How can we keep the Lord’s Day a special holy day? There are several things we can do. Set the Lord’s Day apart as a priority day. Treat the Lord’s Day as a special day. Block it out on your calendar and don’t let anything or anyone interfere with it. You have an appointment with God on that day.
Renew your commitment to obey God and find that special blessing his day brings. Remember the words of Jesus:
Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. ––Matthew 11:28-29.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
What should I do with my life?
“What should I do with my life?” Many of us ask this question when things do not make as much sense as during “better” times, or when we are exhausted, or worried. The Bible’s answer is that we have to begin with a bigger, more relevant question. If I am a Christian, if I am committed to follow Jesus and love him, my question should be: ”How do I fit into God’s plans?” And “What are God’s plans for me ?”
God is not standing idly by as the world we live in plummets from one debacle and failure into another. God certainly has not deserted our sad and corrupt world, leaving us to see whether we will be able to fix the problems we have created for ourselves and for each other.
God has already revealed his plan to bring an end to all evil. He made the preparations for a new world possible when Jesus once and for all died and rose to save sinners. He continues his preparation by using you and me, his church, to invite the whole world to accept his invitation to join him in overcoming evil by following him as Lord of our lives.
A picture of this future is given to us in the book of Revelation:
“Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Rev 21:3-4)
This perfect peace is what the world is destined for. It is a world where those who share God’s peace will no longer be self-centred, greedy, corrupt, malicious and insecure. Instead God will be with his people and he will be their God. He will rule over them perfectly and lovingly through his Son Jesus. It begins for us when we submit our lives to the perfect rule of King Jesus.
As Christians, we “show case” the new world, as God transforms us to follow Jesus, to love Jesus and be more like Jesus. You and I are called to “no longer live for ourselves but for Jesus who died for us” (2Cor 5:15). He calls us to live for his kingdom and to live for his future.
The better question to ask is: Am I part of God’s plans? How will what I do fit into his plans? And how can I best serve him with the means, gifts, opportunities and responsibilities he has given me today?
God is not standing idly by as the world we live in plummets from one debacle and failure into another. God certainly has not deserted our sad and corrupt world, leaving us to see whether we will be able to fix the problems we have created for ourselves and for each other.
God has already revealed his plan to bring an end to all evil. He made the preparations for a new world possible when Jesus once and for all died and rose to save sinners. He continues his preparation by using you and me, his church, to invite the whole world to accept his invitation to join him in overcoming evil by following him as Lord of our lives.
A picture of this future is given to us in the book of Revelation:
“Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Rev 21:3-4)
This perfect peace is what the world is destined for. It is a world where those who share God’s peace will no longer be self-centred, greedy, corrupt, malicious and insecure. Instead God will be with his people and he will be their God. He will rule over them perfectly and lovingly through his Son Jesus. It begins for us when we submit our lives to the perfect rule of King Jesus.
As Christians, we “show case” the new world, as God transforms us to follow Jesus, to love Jesus and be more like Jesus. You and I are called to “no longer live for ourselves but for Jesus who died for us” (2Cor 5:15). He calls us to live for his kingdom and to live for his future.
The better question to ask is: Am I part of God’s plans? How will what I do fit into his plans? And how can I best serve him with the means, gifts, opportunities and responsibilities he has given me today?
Monday, August 29, 2011
Our battles belong to the Lord...
Israel and the Philistines were at war - again! They arranged their forces on opposite sides of a valley. This made it risky for either army to begin an attack. By descending one slope, crossing the valley floor and its stream, and climbing up the other side, the attackers would make themselves vulnerable. The result was a stalemate; neither army dared to leave its position.
It was the giant, Goliath, who provided a solution. He boastfully challenged anyone in Israel to a one-on-one confrontation. This encounter would decide the battle and the war.
The most important detail that the Bible gives us about Goliath is not his size, his armour or his challenge to Gods people. The most important detail is that Goliath defied "the armies of the living God" (1 Sam 17:26). He treated God with contempt. He mocked the almighty God of Israel.
But the LORD had chosen David to be his servant. David represents the power of God and the glory of God. David is God's chosen instrument to overcome an enemy who defied him.
David accepted Goliath's challenge, because the LORD was with him. Victory and defeat was in the hands of the LORD. Not in the hands of David or his ridiculous “weapon” – a sling and a stone. It was God who defeated Goliath - not David or his sling. The battle belongs to the Lord (1 Sam 17: 47), and the Lord will give his enemy into our hands, however insufficient our defence may be.
To save us from the last and final enemy, God has a chosen instrument – it is Jesus Christ, his beloved Son. God defeats the enemy without sword or spear. Of all things, God uses a cross and a grave, a crucifixion and a resurrection to defend us once and for all.
He chose his Son, dying on the cross and arising from the grave, to defeat the powers of darkness.
As always, the battle still belongs to the Lord.
As always it is not our weapons that make the difference – but God.
Because the battle belongs to the LORD, and so does the victory.
It was the giant, Goliath, who provided a solution. He boastfully challenged anyone in Israel to a one-on-one confrontation. This encounter would decide the battle and the war.
The most important detail that the Bible gives us about Goliath is not his size, his armour or his challenge to Gods people. The most important detail is that Goliath defied "the armies of the living God" (1 Sam 17:26). He treated God with contempt. He mocked the almighty God of Israel.
But the LORD had chosen David to be his servant. David represents the power of God and the glory of God. David is God's chosen instrument to overcome an enemy who defied him.
David accepted Goliath's challenge, because the LORD was with him. Victory and defeat was in the hands of the LORD. Not in the hands of David or his ridiculous “weapon” – a sling and a stone. It was God who defeated Goliath - not David or his sling. The battle belongs to the Lord (1 Sam 17: 47), and the Lord will give his enemy into our hands, however insufficient our defence may be.
To save us from the last and final enemy, God has a chosen instrument – it is Jesus Christ, his beloved Son. God defeats the enemy without sword or spear. Of all things, God uses a cross and a grave, a crucifixion and a resurrection to defend us once and for all.
He chose his Son, dying on the cross and arising from the grave, to defeat the powers of darkness.
As always, the battle still belongs to the Lord.
As always it is not our weapons that make the difference – but God.
Because the battle belongs to the LORD, and so does the victory.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Our God gives wisdom as much as he gives warning
God warns us way ahead of time of the dangers in our spiritual life as well as of the challenges for his church. It always was the case. In the days of Amos the prophet, God said through his servant:
Amos 3: 6 and 7: When a trumpet sounds in a city, do not the people tremble? When disaster comes to a city, has not the LORD caused it? Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.
But we have to listen when we hear and see that God reveals his plan, we must take the action God’s wisdom shows us and be prepared. God will provide in our every need, even when dangers prowl.
Always give your best and your all to God. When the day of the Lord comes, we will be prepared to heed his warning and triumph - in his Name and by his grace and mercy. Because our God gives wisdom as much as he gives warning.
May you be blessed when you serve God wholeheartedly, responding to his revelation and conquer through his omnipotent power! Be prepared to receive the Lord’s solution on the day of danger and attack, by giving him your best and giving him your all.
Amos 3: 6 and 7: When a trumpet sounds in a city, do not the people tremble? When disaster comes to a city, has not the LORD caused it? Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.
But we have to listen when we hear and see that God reveals his plan, we must take the action God’s wisdom shows us and be prepared. God will provide in our every need, even when dangers prowl.
Always give your best and your all to God. When the day of the Lord comes, we will be prepared to heed his warning and triumph - in his Name and by his grace and mercy. Because our God gives wisdom as much as he gives warning.
May you be blessed when you serve God wholeheartedly, responding to his revelation and conquer through his omnipotent power! Be prepared to receive the Lord’s solution on the day of danger and attack, by giving him your best and giving him your all.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
We see God's glory in the wonders of creation.
When you visit the coast, you see the most glorious sunsets. After the sun slides behind the sea, you go on your way, with this text on your lips: "O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" (Ps 8: 1 and 9)
God's glory shines above the heavens and below the sea. I am visiting South Africa’s second most popular international tourist destination, the Garden Route of the Southern Cape, also known as the Knysna region. (Kruger Park is the number one SA destination}
The fine arrangement and beauty of mountains, lagunes, wetlands, sea, rivers and the unique ecology shown in the abundance of vegetation and forests only found here, show the skill of the heavenly Artist. The immense grandeur of each one of these gardens designed by the eternal Gardener himself, demonstrates the incomprehensible greatness of God. It enthuses gratitude. It inspires thanksgiving.
God's name is not simply crowned in our hearts; it is majestic in all the earth. Many small and seemingly unimportant things reveal the greatness of God. Each little flower that opens is a witness of the Creator’s glory. The immense variety of birds tells of God’s divine creativity and each one sings its own song to proclaim the glorious majesty of God. Simply being in these quiet, natural gardens, reminds of the glory of the Lord.
David starts and ends Psalm 8 the same way, with words of praise to God:
(Ps 8:1 and 9) O LORD, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
God's name stands for God's person, God's being, and God's attributes; they are all majestic. In the Hebrew language, the word for Majestic tells us that God is the only one, unique, incomparable, omnipotent God.
We read this message on all the pages of the Scriptures, all the time:
(Ex 15:11) "Who among the gods is like you, O LORD? Who is like you - majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?"
(1 Sam 2:2) "There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no rock like our God."
(Jer 10:6) "No one is like you, O LORD; you are great, and your name is mighty in power."
God is majestic. He is majestic in power, in splendour, in glory, in works, in love and in holiness. He is incomparable. The Lord God almighty, the awesome Creator, is indeed the one and only God and need to be praised forever.
For King David, the majesty of God is especially evident in his vast and wondrous creation. David looks at the sun, moon, and stars, David looks at the birds, fish, and animals and David looks at man. He sees all that God has made and he says,
O LORD, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
God's glory shines above the heavens and below the sea. I am visiting South Africa’s second most popular international tourist destination, the Garden Route of the Southern Cape, also known as the Knysna region. (Kruger Park is the number one SA destination}
The fine arrangement and beauty of mountains, lagunes, wetlands, sea, rivers and the unique ecology shown in the abundance of vegetation and forests only found here, show the skill of the heavenly Artist. The immense grandeur of each one of these gardens designed by the eternal Gardener himself, demonstrates the incomprehensible greatness of God. It enthuses gratitude. It inspires thanksgiving.
God's name is not simply crowned in our hearts; it is majestic in all the earth. Many small and seemingly unimportant things reveal the greatness of God. Each little flower that opens is a witness of the Creator’s glory. The immense variety of birds tells of God’s divine creativity and each one sings its own song to proclaim the glorious majesty of God. Simply being in these quiet, natural gardens, reminds of the glory of the Lord.
David starts and ends Psalm 8 the same way, with words of praise to God:
(Ps 8:1 and 9) O LORD, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
God's name stands for God's person, God's being, and God's attributes; they are all majestic. In the Hebrew language, the word for Majestic tells us that God is the only one, unique, incomparable, omnipotent God.
We read this message on all the pages of the Scriptures, all the time:
(Ex 15:11) "Who among the gods is like you, O LORD? Who is like you - majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?"
(1 Sam 2:2) "There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no rock like our God."
(Jer 10:6) "No one is like you, O LORD; you are great, and your name is mighty in power."
God is majestic. He is majestic in power, in splendour, in glory, in works, in love and in holiness. He is incomparable. The Lord God almighty, the awesome Creator, is indeed the one and only God and need to be praised forever.
For King David, the majesty of God is especially evident in his vast and wondrous creation. David looks at the sun, moon, and stars, David looks at the birds, fish, and animals and David looks at man. He sees all that God has made and he says,
O LORD, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Our relationship with Jesus results in the fruit of love for each other
If we do not know Jesus, we can do nothing good!
As we look around our congregation, we see people whose lives reveal the glory of Jesus! Their witness strengthens our faith. We are strengthened by them and they by us, and together we reveal Jesus' glory, and as we reveal his grandeur, we help others to believe in him.
In the "true vine" context, Jesus says, "Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch (of the vine) cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me, and I in them, bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:4-5).
The fruit that Jesus speaks about is revealing his love through our love for each other as his children, thus sharing his joy with a sad, lost world, because he is the answer, the Saviour, the true source of life and hope, of meaning and fruit. In John 15: 10 – 11 Jesus says: “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” Our relationship with Jesus results in the fruit of love for each other and complete joy in his service.
If we really want to honour Jesus, this is how we do it: by loving one another. When we do, people will look at us and see Jesus living in us and, understanding his message, believe, take heart and give him glory! Only then our discipleship will be complete.
As we look around our congregation, we see people whose lives reveal the glory of Jesus! Their witness strengthens our faith. We are strengthened by them and they by us, and together we reveal Jesus' glory, and as we reveal his grandeur, we help others to believe in him.
In the "true vine" context, Jesus says, "Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch (of the vine) cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me, and I in them, bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:4-5).
The fruit that Jesus speaks about is revealing his love through our love for each other as his children, thus sharing his joy with a sad, lost world, because he is the answer, the Saviour, the true source of life and hope, of meaning and fruit. In John 15: 10 – 11 Jesus says: “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” Our relationship with Jesus results in the fruit of love for each other and complete joy in his service.
If we really want to honour Jesus, this is how we do it: by loving one another. When we do, people will look at us and see Jesus living in us and, understanding his message, believe, take heart and give him glory! Only then our discipleship will be complete.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Wait upon the Lord
Christians are infamous for their intolerance with God’s timing. They want to have perfect answers to instant prayers, immediately. They often blame God for having to wait. They time and again loose interest and focus when there is no wind driving their faith ships or when stormy weather interferes with their plans and desires.
Jesus, on the other hand, spent a lot of time waiting on his Father. He often went into retreat to find answers, strength, and patience. In order to be able to do this, Jesus made certain that he had time to pray. There are four important words about this in Matthew 14:22: "Jesus dismissed the crowd."
This was not just any crowd. This was about 10,000 people who had heard Jesus teach, had seen him heal the sick and had watched him produce enough food miraculously to feed them all. This was a crowd ready to make him a king. But Jesus dismissed them! Why? We read in verse 23: "After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray."
Jesus said no to a buzzing, excited crowd, an excellent opportunity, in order to say yes to an even better one. It was a deliberate choice to honour his priorities. Jesus' first responsibility and main concern was not to satisfy his scores of excited fans, but to wait faithfully on his heavenly Father until “his hour has come”, as he often said.
On another occasion Jesus said, "Blessed are the meek." This word "meek." used in the Bible is the same word used to describe a wild stallion that has been trained for the saddle. It means power under control, strength with direction, ready to get going, yet being disciplined, focussed – and waiting. This saying probably says something like: “Blessed are the focused, those who know their priorities and honour them and wait upon God for the wind to turn and the timing to be perfect.”
Jesus most of the time served the crowd diligently. But he did dismiss them when he had to do something of greater importance – like having fellowship time with his heavenly Father, while waiting on his divine timing.
Will we, in spite of waiting long, when God’s time comes, still be focussed, calm and determined enough to accomplish his will?
Are we patiently disciplined when it comes to waiting upon the Lord?
Father, Thy will be done… Amen.
Jesus, on the other hand, spent a lot of time waiting on his Father. He often went into retreat to find answers, strength, and patience. In order to be able to do this, Jesus made certain that he had time to pray. There are four important words about this in Matthew 14:22: "Jesus dismissed the crowd."
This was not just any crowd. This was about 10,000 people who had heard Jesus teach, had seen him heal the sick and had watched him produce enough food miraculously to feed them all. This was a crowd ready to make him a king. But Jesus dismissed them! Why? We read in verse 23: "After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray."
Jesus said no to a buzzing, excited crowd, an excellent opportunity, in order to say yes to an even better one. It was a deliberate choice to honour his priorities. Jesus' first responsibility and main concern was not to satisfy his scores of excited fans, but to wait faithfully on his heavenly Father until “his hour has come”, as he often said.
On another occasion Jesus said, "Blessed are the meek." This word "meek." used in the Bible is the same word used to describe a wild stallion that has been trained for the saddle. It means power under control, strength with direction, ready to get going, yet being disciplined, focussed – and waiting. This saying probably says something like: “Blessed are the focused, those who know their priorities and honour them and wait upon God for the wind to turn and the timing to be perfect.”
Jesus most of the time served the crowd diligently. But he did dismiss them when he had to do something of greater importance – like having fellowship time with his heavenly Father, while waiting on his divine timing.
Will we, in spite of waiting long, when God’s time comes, still be focussed, calm and determined enough to accomplish his will?
Are we patiently disciplined when it comes to waiting upon the Lord?
Father, Thy will be done… Amen.
Monday, August 15, 2011
To those who have, more will be given!
Jesus used financial investment as an example of making the most of what God invested in our lives. In the parable about the 10 servants, each received one mina, an amount of money, to invest for their master. Some earned 10 and 5 minas more. One man kept it laid away in a cloth. The master’s investment did not earn any interest in his case.
About this man, Jesus said: (Luke 19: 26) "I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away”.
The servant who did nothing with the investment he was a steward of, represents people who have received the gospel message and God’s blessings, yet it has not changed them even one little bit! Therefore they have not shared God’s investment in their lives with others and did not use their blessings to expand the Kingdom of God. Their shareholding in God’s work remains small and vulnerable and insignificant.
But to those who made the most of God’s investment in their lives, who truly work with the Great Entrepreneur of the Kingdom of God, who use their given salvation, spiritual gifts, church membership, increasing Bible knowledge, access to God’s throne in prayer and ability to give, to advance the Kingdom of Christ, will hear the Master say: “Well done good and faithful servant.” By God’s grace, they have been changed into the godly entrepreneurs Christ needs for his work to be done!
Jesus Christ has invested his life, his death, his blood, his power, his Word and his Spirit in you!
What interest has he received through your life, your service and your witness?
About this man, Jesus said: (Luke 19: 26) "I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away”.
The servant who did nothing with the investment he was a steward of, represents people who have received the gospel message and God’s blessings, yet it has not changed them even one little bit! Therefore they have not shared God’s investment in their lives with others and did not use their blessings to expand the Kingdom of God. Their shareholding in God’s work remains small and vulnerable and insignificant.
But to those who made the most of God’s investment in their lives, who truly work with the Great Entrepreneur of the Kingdom of God, who use their given salvation, spiritual gifts, church membership, increasing Bible knowledge, access to God’s throne in prayer and ability to give, to advance the Kingdom of Christ, will hear the Master say: “Well done good and faithful servant.” By God’s grace, they have been changed into the godly entrepreneurs Christ needs for his work to be done!
Jesus Christ has invested his life, his death, his blood, his power, his Word and his Spirit in you!
What interest has he received through your life, your service and your witness?
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Seeking God Part 2
Psalm 27: 4 One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
“This is what I seek!” David says in Psalm 27. And we all are in pursuit of happiness in the Lord.
But what should be the focus of our search? It should be the same thing David was seeking: fellowship with God. Above all else, David knew that he could find strength and fullness of joy in God’s presence.
From the context of Psalm 27 we understand that David had been facing difficult challenges. There were enemies who were against him, made war against him and fought him constantly. You might say that David was under a lot of stress. Yet in the midst of this, he knew where to turn. He knew that in God’s presence, he would find the spiritual resilience to face every possible test.
It is only in God’s presence where we find refreshing water for our spiritual and emotional thirst and nourishment for our souls. We cannot fulfil this desire in any other way, even if we try! We need to seek God, because it is only fellowship with him that we will have our need for rest and spiritual fulfilment met. As we wait upon the Lord, enjoying fellowship with him, he promises us that he will renew our strength.
There is nothing as satisfying as true and earnest fellowship with Jesus Christ. As we seek him in prayer, through his Word, and through our living by faith every day, we receive an authentic inner strength through the assurance that he loves us and that he is there for us. Through fellowship we come to an understanding that his promises are real, and that he will never leave or forsake us. We come to know him as our Friend.
Never stall your seeking of Christ, that is your fellowship with him. If you lack power, peace and joy: pause to consider your fellowship with Jesus. Are you passionate about being with him? Do you desire to know him better every day? The focus of our search for God is fellowship with Jesus Christ.
And as fellowship with God in Christ is the focus of our search, so fellowship with God in Christ also will be the fruit of our search.
“This is what I seek!” David says in Psalm 27. And we all are in pursuit of happiness in the Lord.
But what should be the focus of our search? It should be the same thing David was seeking: fellowship with God. Above all else, David knew that he could find strength and fullness of joy in God’s presence.
From the context of Psalm 27 we understand that David had been facing difficult challenges. There were enemies who were against him, made war against him and fought him constantly. You might say that David was under a lot of stress. Yet in the midst of this, he knew where to turn. He knew that in God’s presence, he would find the spiritual resilience to face every possible test.
It is only in God’s presence where we find refreshing water for our spiritual and emotional thirst and nourishment for our souls. We cannot fulfil this desire in any other way, even if we try! We need to seek God, because it is only fellowship with him that we will have our need for rest and spiritual fulfilment met. As we wait upon the Lord, enjoying fellowship with him, he promises us that he will renew our strength.
There is nothing as satisfying as true and earnest fellowship with Jesus Christ. As we seek him in prayer, through his Word, and through our living by faith every day, we receive an authentic inner strength through the assurance that he loves us and that he is there for us. Through fellowship we come to an understanding that his promises are real, and that he will never leave or forsake us. We come to know him as our Friend.
Never stall your seeking of Christ, that is your fellowship with him. If you lack power, peace and joy: pause to consider your fellowship with Jesus. Are you passionate about being with him? Do you desire to know him better every day? The focus of our search for God is fellowship with Jesus Christ.
And as fellowship with God in Christ is the focus of our search, so fellowship with God in Christ also will be the fruit of our search.
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