“The Man, Behind, The Man In The Mirror”
Brian Reid, August, 2007, Bear River East
How times a day do you look in the mirror?
What is it that you see?
We can see many things, if we really look.
We can see a child, a parent, a friend, a Christian. Perhaps, we see a loving, happy and successful person.
Or, perhaps, you see something different. Perhaps, you see someone who is sad, lonely, and maybe even a failure.
But, I urge you to look closer; look behind that person in the mirror. Have you ever seen or can you see “The Man, Behind, The Man In The Mirror.”
For some, see Jesus. For some, Christ is right behind them. For some, the earthly Father, Lord and God, has always been, and always will be there.
He guides, supports, and encourages. He lifts, steadies, and points the way. He smiles, nods, and frowns.
Yes, sometimes, Jesus, our great encourager, doesn’t like what we do. For some, the man behind the man in the mirror is not pleased with our action, thoughts, or deeds; but, He always is, and always will, be our biggest supporter.
But for some, there is no one standing behind the man in the mirror. Why?
Why isn’t God standing behind those people? Why? Because they have not allowed Him into their lives. They have not called upon His name; and they have not made room in their hearts, or their mirror for Him.
Let me tell you this; with Jesus behind us, we can accomplish anything, we set out to do – in His name. I ask you; “If Jesus is for us, who can be against us?
With Jesus behind us, we have great courage, we have confidence in ourselves, and ‘we will run and not grow weary.”
Jesus encourages us, pushes us (sometimes) beyond, what we feel we could ever achieve. He does this because He knows (full well), what we are truly capable of. For often, we do not know, we sell ourselves short, and we, ourselves, hinder our own progress.
Jesus does all this, simply because we call His name; and commit to living a life, dedicated to the one who is dedicated to us. Not only is Jesus behind us, but also, a great and vast Crowd of Witnesses surrounds us.
Those who have gone on ahead of us, those who, in former ages, times gone by, have run the race (for God), and have been victorious. “They have run the race, and finished well.”
Every person, who looks for, “The Man, Behind, The Man In The Mirror” they are surround by the other Christians who accepted the ‘call to action,’ and “laid aside every ‘weight and sin,’ which clings so closely.” For they have finished and finished well.
You too, can throw off everything that hinders; strip off every weight, which slows you down, and obstructs your progress. For those who surround us, are witnesses to the life of faith, which is found in Jesus Christ.
God has laid out a plan, a life-plan, a race, unique and individual, for us to run. The victory that the others have realized, stirs us to race and to win.
And, it is within us, this inspiring heritage, that we are encouraged to “keep our eyes on the goal, on the prize; to strain every nerve and muscle, to win…” to finish and finish well!
God gives us the freedom to run our race, as we will, as we see fit, and ‘only as we can.’ And, we all participate with limitations and handicaps. But, rest assured, God does not call the equipped, He equips those who He has called.
If you answer God’s call – in your life? If you understand and accept God’s plan of salvation? If you call upon Jesus to be your Lord and savior; then, God will provide for you, watch over, and grant to you, everything you will ever need.
Even though, at times, “we may pet, the sin, that dogs our feet,” with Christ’s help, we can put away such childish games.
There will be days, when everything we do, feels like a failure, but there will be days that we will “lay aside every hindering weight, and shun every distraction, and run the race, for God, with great perseverance.”
“The Man, Behind, The Man In The Mirror,” and the great Crowd of Witnesses, know the initial struggles of a New Christian, and those struggles that return to Mature Christians – that tax and chip away at our faith. Overcoming those struggles, are what makes the victory so sweet.
When we are faced with hardships and discouragements, it’s easy to loose sight of what’s really happening. For God uses our sins and sufferings, to purify us – as fire purifies metal. He allows us (sometimes) to suffer, and sometimes He chastens, and chastises us, as a means to perfect His children; a priesthood of believers, His soon to be saints.
For; “Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future;” and suffering is the training ground for Christian maturity. The Christian life involves hard work, and is NOT the easy road to take. It requires us to give up, those things, that we love, that endanger our relationship with God; and those very things that hinder our progress.
Christian Salvation is not just a finished product or transaction; it is not just a past psychological experience; or a claimed prize. Christian Salvation IS a race to be run, a life to be lived, and work to be done.
God has set before us, a unique and personal race, a life-long journey – from which only we can achieve or accomplish success. We are enabled by Him, supported and encouraged by Him, and given the tools, skills and abilities, we need to stay the course, finish the race, and finish well.
Finishing the race, requires that we do not take our eyes off of Jesus; for He is the example and pattern, that everyone looks to. He has shown, through His life, death and resurrection, that eternal life, is the victory to running the race – which not many run.
But be advised and fore-warned, that taking your eyes off Jesus will cause you to loose your concentration in Him; who has redeemed us, and called us, and whom we are to honor and serve – with our lives, and with our running of the race.
“Jesus is our Christian Coach, in the race of life, and the pioneer and originator of our faith.”
Jesus is the author, and architect of our new life, and the one who will perfect, and finish, the good work that He has begun in us all.
Jesus endured the shameful and painful death upon the cross, to rid our lives of sin; and to show us what comes afterwards – eternal life in God.
For death is NOT the end; death is the means, by which the end is realized. That end is eternal life – which is the will of God in our lives.
Jesus Christ, who ran this race first, and foremost, to show us the way, to show us how it was done, to show us that it can be done; now sits at the right hand, of the throne of God. Jesus has already run His special race; He has already finished and finished well – in victory and glory.
For us, to finish, in that same manner, we must commit ourselves 110 %, to the race set before us. We are to consider what Christ did for us, keeping that in mind and keeping Him in sight – making Him the focus of our lives.
Jesus, “who endured, from sinners, such hostility, against Himself, so that you may NOT grow weary or faith hearted.”
For, “Those who hope in the Lord, will find new strength. They will fly (soar) high on wings, like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint.”
Jesus, who ran the ultimate race, before us, is the greatest example of patience in the face of opposition. He did NOT grow weary or fainthearted, so we are called upon to endure in our own struggles – and NOT drop out of the race of life.
Winning any race, requires purpose and discipline. The Christian life takes hard work, self-denial, and grueling preparation.
How much self-denial did Jesus suffer?
What grueling circumstances, did Jesus endure for us?
How much responsibility, did Jesus assume?
How much preparation are you prepared to take on?
Are you really capable of following through?
Are you accountability, for your actions?
As Christians, we are running toward our heavenly reward. To get there requires great purpose and discipline. Dedication to prayer, bible study and worship, are ways that we are equipped to run this race with vigor and stamina.
With the single-mindedness of an athlete in training, we must lay aside everything that is harmful and distracting; while forsaking anything that may hinder our progress – thus keeping us from becoming effective Christians, and finishing our race well.
Because of our hope in Christ, we can let go of all that past guilt, associated with our sins of yesterday; and look forward to what God will help us to become and achieve.
What is in the past, is in the past, never to be realized or changed. But, right now, we can focus on our relationship with God, living in the here and now.
To live effectively (for God), we must keep our eyes on Jesus; for we will stumble, if we look away. But, remember the great Crowd of Witnesses, that surrounds us, and, Jesus, who encourages us.
For, this race, that we are all part of, requires us to always be looking at “The Man, Behind, The Man In The Mirror.”
Let’s pray;
Monday, August 20, 2007
Monday, August 13, 2007
"Bread Crumbs"
“Bread-Crumbs ”
Brian Reid - August, 2007
Matthew 15:21-28 and Mark 7:24-30
This story seems very straightforward and easy to understand. A woman comes to Jesus seeking help for her daughter, who is possessed by a demon. The woman asks Jesus to rid the demon from her child; and (in the end) Jesus does. All is well.
Well, not exactly. Things are not as they seem to be – all well and good. Taking a closer look; there are some things in these passages that causes one, to ask some deep and probing questions.
Verse 21
“Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.”
Whenever we read the word “withdrew,” usually it means that Jesus needed to separate Himself (from those who followed Him) – for whatever reason.
It could mean He simply needed to rest; it could mean that He needed to get away and pray; it could mean that Jesus was seeking refuge from the crowds, from all the people who sought Him out, as well as seeking refuge from those who opposed Him.
Jesus may have left “that place” (Galilee), to escape His challengers, His enemies. Long before, the Scribes, the Pharisees, and King Herod had branded Him as a sinner who broke through the rules and regulations - that everyone else lived by; and regarded Him as a menace. And the people of Nazareth, His own people, His own hometown, had treated Him with scandalized dislike.
So, after Jesus had finished, visiting and teaching on the importance of inner purity, He leaves Galilee, and travels (about 30, 40, 50 miles - north) to the port cites of Tyre and the nearby, Sidon.
Tyre soon became known for its wickedness; and it was into this evil and materialistic culture, that Jesus brought His message.
He comes to one of the most wicked and selfish cities in the region. He has come to teach, to preach and to heal; but He comes quietly, but soon the news travels, and the people come to see Him, to hear Him and to touch Him.
Verse 22
“A Canaanite woman from the vicinity came to Him, crying out, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession.’”
This woman is called ‘a gentile, indicating that she was from the territory, northwest of Galilee – which would be near the cities that Jesus was not traveling in. She is called a Gentile, which meant she was separate, from the Jews.
Why was there such a distinction between the Jews, and the Gentiles, here in this passage?
Verse 23
“Jesus did not answer a word. So His disciples came to Him and urged Him, ‘Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.’”
The disciples asked Jesus to get rid of her, because she was bothering them with her persistent begging. They showed no compassion for her, or sensitivity to her needs.
Here, Jesus (too) was ignoring her. This doesn’t sound right – for Jesus loved everyone – that was what His whole ministry was based on – love and acceptance. So, why did He pay no attention to her, pay no heed to her, and overlook her? Because she was a Gentile.
In Verse 24, He explains;
“I was sent, only, to the lost sheep of Israel.”
Say what? Pardon me? Can you repeat that?
‘I was sent only, to the lost sheep of Israel,’ meaning the Jewish people – not the Gentiles. Is that what this passage is saying? That’s right! Jesus was sent (only) to the lost Jewish sheep.
But wait a minute;
Isaiah 56:7, says;
“…for my house (the Lord’s house) will be called a house of prayer – for all nations.”
Psalm 22:27;
“All the ends of the earth, will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before Him…”
Matthew 28:19;
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit…”
Romans 15:10;
“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.”
Psalm 117:1;
“Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol Him, all you peoples.”
These verses, these few passages (altogether) point to “all nations of the world;” not just the Jews – so, what’s Jesus say here? “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”
Verse 25
“The woman came and knelt before Him. ‘Lord, help me!’ she said.”
Again, the woman begged for mercy. Again, the woman asked Jesus for help. Again, the woman reaches across the cultural barrier, and sends a strong message to Jesus.
Verse 26
“He replied, It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.’”
Jesus was telling this Gentile woman, ‘what I have to offer, will be offered to the Jews – first.’ For the Jews were the chosen people of God – not the Gentiles – not the Greeks.
Jesus was telling the woman, that the Jews were to have the first opportunity to accept Him, as the Messiah; because God, wanted the Jews, to present the message of salvation to the rest of the world.
Jesus was not really rejecting the woman, maybe testing her faith, maybe testing the disciples to see what they would say or do, or He may have wanted to use this situation as another opportunity to teach that faith is available to all people.
Whatever the reason, she persisted…And maybe that’s what He wanted her to do – for all to hear.
Verse 27
“‘Yes, Lord,’ she said, ‘but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.’”
The woman did not take offense to His words, she did not argue with Jesus, she used the very language, which He spoke; her response was rational and reasonable.
She was saying was that some Jews rejected the Messiah; and why waste that salvation, why waste that message on deaf ears – when she, and other Gentiles, were willing to listen.
Many Jews, would lose, and had already lost, God’s blessings and salvation, because they rejected Jesus; and many Gentiles, would, and did, find salvation, because they recognized and accepted Jesus, as God’s Messiah.
Was this what Jesus really wanted her to say?
Was this what Jesus wanted His disciples, other Jews and Gentiles to hear – loud and clear?
Verse 28
“Then Jesus answered, ‘Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.’ And her daughter was healed from that very hour.”
In a round about way, Jesus had drew out of the woman, those words that He wanted others to hear, the words that would make a difference, in so many lives.
So, this seemingly, incident, interaction between Jesus and this Gentile woman, was not really about healing her daughter, but a strong message, to all who chose to hear it;
“…that even though salvation was offered to the Jewish people first, it is also available to the Gentile – to anyone who accepts God’s plan and God’s Messiah, Jesus.”
In Romans 1:16, the Apostle Paul tell us this;
“I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God, for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.”
Why did the message go to the Jews first? That’s the question!
Well, they had been God’s special people for more than 2000 years; ever since God chose Abraham and promised great blessings to his descendants (way back in Genesis 12).
God did not choose the Jews because they deserved to be chosen, but because He wanted to show His love and mercy to them; for it would be through the Jewish people, that God’s Messiah would come into the world.
God chose them, not because He was playing favorites, but because He wanted them to bring His message, and tell the world about His plan of salvation.
For centuries, the Jews had been learning about God, by obeying His laws, keeping His festivals, and living according to His moral principles. Often, they would forget God’s promises and laws; often, they would have to be disciplined; but still, they had a precious heritage of belief, in the one true God.
Of all the people on earth, the Jews should have been the most ready to welcome the Messiah, and to understand His mission and message – and some of them did; but most did not.
The Jews rejected the Messiah, Jesus. They expected their deliverer, to be a great warrior, to ride on a white, war-horse and to take back their freedom by force. But, Jesus came, like a whisper, He was a gentle man, who spoke of love; not retaliation.
The Jewish people were to accept Jesus, accept God’s message and plan of salvation; and spread it through-out the world.
That was God’s plan, and this is why Jesus first ignored, and rejected helping this Canaanite woman; for she was not a Jew.
Conclusion
Sometimes, it is possible, that we become so preoccupied with spiritual matters, that we overlook, and become oblivious to, the needs around us, that are right under our noses.
So, was the case of this Gentile woman and the Disciples. When Jesus said that He had come (only) to the lost Jewish people, He was merely echoing and verbalizing, what was in the hearts and minds of His Disciples.
I feel Jesus had every intention of helping her, but want to ‘test’ and ‘teach’ the Disciples, a priceless and important lesson.
I also, feel that the woman knew that Jesus would help her, and she had ‘read between the lines.’
All though this conversation between Jesus and the Gentile woman, the words would have meant one thing, but, if Jesus was saying them in a particular manner of speech, then the meaning would be quite different.
If, Jesus spoke in a question tone, then it was a ‘test’ and an optimal, teachable, moment; for all who were present.
For, it was the woman’s persistence, humility and faith that won her, her request. To the disciples, and the other people (Jews and Gentiles alike), the lesson learned was that faith in Christ would bring salvation. (x2)
Her faith was tested, and her faith was real; and her prayer was answered.
That happens so much to us, today. Our faith is tested, and sometimes it holds true; but often, so very often, our faith fails us.
Symbolically, this woman represents the entire Gentile world; which includes you and I. This woman, and other Gentiles, easily understood God’s message, earnestly accepted Jesus as God’s messiah, and eagerly seized the Bread-Crumbs that the Jews threw away – which was the Bread of Life, the Bread of Heaven…Salvation.
My question to you, today;
If God’s message is so easy to understand;
…faith brings salvation.
Will you earnestly, and eagerly, accept Jesus as your Lord and savior, today, and for ever more?
If you want a personal relationship with Christ, come.
Come to the front, and I will pray for you.
Let’s Pray;
Creator of things, and of all the seasons of our lives, we are thankful for the days that have been – and those that will come. Lord, sometimes we get lost along the way. We are your children, who need your constant guidance.
We pray that we would have faith, hope and courage; till we have become one with You; through Your Son, Jesus. We wait, in anticipation, for the transformation that will change us for ever; as we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior.
Amen.
Brian Reid - August, 2007
Matthew 15:21-28 and Mark 7:24-30
This story seems very straightforward and easy to understand. A woman comes to Jesus seeking help for her daughter, who is possessed by a demon. The woman asks Jesus to rid the demon from her child; and (in the end) Jesus does. All is well.
Well, not exactly. Things are not as they seem to be – all well and good. Taking a closer look; there are some things in these passages that causes one, to ask some deep and probing questions.
Verse 21
“Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.”
Whenever we read the word “withdrew,” usually it means that Jesus needed to separate Himself (from those who followed Him) – for whatever reason.
It could mean He simply needed to rest; it could mean that He needed to get away and pray; it could mean that Jesus was seeking refuge from the crowds, from all the people who sought Him out, as well as seeking refuge from those who opposed Him.
Jesus may have left “that place” (Galilee), to escape His challengers, His enemies. Long before, the Scribes, the Pharisees, and King Herod had branded Him as a sinner who broke through the rules and regulations - that everyone else lived by; and regarded Him as a menace. And the people of Nazareth, His own people, His own hometown, had treated Him with scandalized dislike.
So, after Jesus had finished, visiting and teaching on the importance of inner purity, He leaves Galilee, and travels (about 30, 40, 50 miles - north) to the port cites of Tyre and the nearby, Sidon.
Tyre soon became known for its wickedness; and it was into this evil and materialistic culture, that Jesus brought His message.
He comes to one of the most wicked and selfish cities in the region. He has come to teach, to preach and to heal; but He comes quietly, but soon the news travels, and the people come to see Him, to hear Him and to touch Him.
Verse 22
“A Canaanite woman from the vicinity came to Him, crying out, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession.’”
This woman is called ‘a gentile, indicating that she was from the territory, northwest of Galilee – which would be near the cities that Jesus was not traveling in. She is called a Gentile, which meant she was separate, from the Jews.
Why was there such a distinction between the Jews, and the Gentiles, here in this passage?
Verse 23
“Jesus did not answer a word. So His disciples came to Him and urged Him, ‘Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.’”
The disciples asked Jesus to get rid of her, because she was bothering them with her persistent begging. They showed no compassion for her, or sensitivity to her needs.
Here, Jesus (too) was ignoring her. This doesn’t sound right – for Jesus loved everyone – that was what His whole ministry was based on – love and acceptance. So, why did He pay no attention to her, pay no heed to her, and overlook her? Because she was a Gentile.
In Verse 24, He explains;
“I was sent, only, to the lost sheep of Israel.”
Say what? Pardon me? Can you repeat that?
‘I was sent only, to the lost sheep of Israel,’ meaning the Jewish people – not the Gentiles. Is that what this passage is saying? That’s right! Jesus was sent (only) to the lost Jewish sheep.
But wait a minute;
Isaiah 56:7, says;
“…for my house (the Lord’s house) will be called a house of prayer – for all nations.”
Psalm 22:27;
“All the ends of the earth, will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before Him…”
Matthew 28:19;
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit…”
Romans 15:10;
“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.”
Psalm 117:1;
“Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol Him, all you peoples.”
These verses, these few passages (altogether) point to “all nations of the world;” not just the Jews – so, what’s Jesus say here? “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”
Verse 25
“The woman came and knelt before Him. ‘Lord, help me!’ she said.”
Again, the woman begged for mercy. Again, the woman asked Jesus for help. Again, the woman reaches across the cultural barrier, and sends a strong message to Jesus.
Verse 26
“He replied, It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.’”
Jesus was telling this Gentile woman, ‘what I have to offer, will be offered to the Jews – first.’ For the Jews were the chosen people of God – not the Gentiles – not the Greeks.
Jesus was telling the woman, that the Jews were to have the first opportunity to accept Him, as the Messiah; because God, wanted the Jews, to present the message of salvation to the rest of the world.
Jesus was not really rejecting the woman, maybe testing her faith, maybe testing the disciples to see what they would say or do, or He may have wanted to use this situation as another opportunity to teach that faith is available to all people.
Whatever the reason, she persisted…And maybe that’s what He wanted her to do – for all to hear.
Verse 27
“‘Yes, Lord,’ she said, ‘but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.’”
The woman did not take offense to His words, she did not argue with Jesus, she used the very language, which He spoke; her response was rational and reasonable.
She was saying was that some Jews rejected the Messiah; and why waste that salvation, why waste that message on deaf ears – when she, and other Gentiles, were willing to listen.
Many Jews, would lose, and had already lost, God’s blessings and salvation, because they rejected Jesus; and many Gentiles, would, and did, find salvation, because they recognized and accepted Jesus, as God’s Messiah.
Was this what Jesus really wanted her to say?
Was this what Jesus wanted His disciples, other Jews and Gentiles to hear – loud and clear?
Verse 28
“Then Jesus answered, ‘Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.’ And her daughter was healed from that very hour.”
In a round about way, Jesus had drew out of the woman, those words that He wanted others to hear, the words that would make a difference, in so many lives.
So, this seemingly, incident, interaction between Jesus and this Gentile woman, was not really about healing her daughter, but a strong message, to all who chose to hear it;
“…that even though salvation was offered to the Jewish people first, it is also available to the Gentile – to anyone who accepts God’s plan and God’s Messiah, Jesus.”
In Romans 1:16, the Apostle Paul tell us this;
“I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God, for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.”
Why did the message go to the Jews first? That’s the question!
Well, they had been God’s special people for more than 2000 years; ever since God chose Abraham and promised great blessings to his descendants (way back in Genesis 12).
God did not choose the Jews because they deserved to be chosen, but because He wanted to show His love and mercy to them; for it would be through the Jewish people, that God’s Messiah would come into the world.
God chose them, not because He was playing favorites, but because He wanted them to bring His message, and tell the world about His plan of salvation.
For centuries, the Jews had been learning about God, by obeying His laws, keeping His festivals, and living according to His moral principles. Often, they would forget God’s promises and laws; often, they would have to be disciplined; but still, they had a precious heritage of belief, in the one true God.
Of all the people on earth, the Jews should have been the most ready to welcome the Messiah, and to understand His mission and message – and some of them did; but most did not.
The Jews rejected the Messiah, Jesus. They expected their deliverer, to be a great warrior, to ride on a white, war-horse and to take back their freedom by force. But, Jesus came, like a whisper, He was a gentle man, who spoke of love; not retaliation.
The Jewish people were to accept Jesus, accept God’s message and plan of salvation; and spread it through-out the world.
That was God’s plan, and this is why Jesus first ignored, and rejected helping this Canaanite woman; for she was not a Jew.
Conclusion
Sometimes, it is possible, that we become so preoccupied with spiritual matters, that we overlook, and become oblivious to, the needs around us, that are right under our noses.
So, was the case of this Gentile woman and the Disciples. When Jesus said that He had come (only) to the lost Jewish people, He was merely echoing and verbalizing, what was in the hearts and minds of His Disciples.
I feel Jesus had every intention of helping her, but want to ‘test’ and ‘teach’ the Disciples, a priceless and important lesson.
I also, feel that the woman knew that Jesus would help her, and she had ‘read between the lines.’
All though this conversation between Jesus and the Gentile woman, the words would have meant one thing, but, if Jesus was saying them in a particular manner of speech, then the meaning would be quite different.
If, Jesus spoke in a question tone, then it was a ‘test’ and an optimal, teachable, moment; for all who were present.
For, it was the woman’s persistence, humility and faith that won her, her request. To the disciples, and the other people (Jews and Gentiles alike), the lesson learned was that faith in Christ would bring salvation. (x2)
Her faith was tested, and her faith was real; and her prayer was answered.
That happens so much to us, today. Our faith is tested, and sometimes it holds true; but often, so very often, our faith fails us.
Symbolically, this woman represents the entire Gentile world; which includes you and I. This woman, and other Gentiles, easily understood God’s message, earnestly accepted Jesus as God’s messiah, and eagerly seized the Bread-Crumbs that the Jews threw away – which was the Bread of Life, the Bread of Heaven…Salvation.
My question to you, today;
If God’s message is so easy to understand;
…faith brings salvation.
Will you earnestly, and eagerly, accept Jesus as your Lord and savior, today, and for ever more?
If you want a personal relationship with Christ, come.
Come to the front, and I will pray for you.
Let’s Pray;
Creator of things, and of all the seasons of our lives, we are thankful for the days that have been – and those that will come. Lord, sometimes we get lost along the way. We are your children, who need your constant guidance.
We pray that we would have faith, hope and courage; till we have become one with You; through Your Son, Jesus. We wait, in anticipation, for the transformation that will change us for ever; as we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior.
Amen.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
"Self Help"
Self-Help
Self-Help is something you do for yourself, because you love yourself. Self-Help is something you do for yourself – only.
On my blog, a week ago, some wrote anonymously:
“I was wondering if you could preach some Sunday, on God’s grace and peace, when you feel at times you want to give-up?”
I wrote on my Blog, that I would speak about that today.
So, where is God’s grace and peace, when you feel at times you want to give-up?”
Give up!
Give up what?
Give up doing what?
Give up on God’s grace, peace and love?
Give up on God’s awesome power?
Give up making believe its all okay?
Give up always being up (not down)?
Give up on living life (to the fullest)?
Give up on those around you and who love you?
Give up on the Christian way of life
Or
Give up on knowing that God makes a difference in the lives of those who will let him; and, especially, in the lives of those who want to give up.
Life isn’t easy; life can be very hard at times; bills, loneliness, heartache, stress, and overwhelming responsibilities. We all suffer greatly at times, but let me ask you this.
“For those, who are not Christians, those who do not believe, who do these people turn to in times of trouble, suffering, and pain? Who is there for them?”
No one.
But for us, we Christians, in those times of trail, whom do we have? Who can we turn to?
We have Christ to turn to, if we choose!
God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit surrounds us always. His presence is continuous, and He is there whenever we choose to turn to Him. Comfort from God is a choice. (x2)
In the bible, there are many promises, from God, that comfort us, if you choose to believe them.
He knows what we are going through…
“Come, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
He offers us help…
“For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand. Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’ Isaiah 41:13
He tells us to call upon him.
“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and tell you great and unsearchable things, which you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3
He longs for us to tell him what we need.
“Ask, and it shall be given unto you, seek, and ye shall find. Knock and the door will opened unto you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him, who knocks the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8
He says for us to take it to prayer.
“Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you will receive them, and you will have them.” Mark 11:24
He reassures us…
“Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.” Psalm 50:15
He is our safety…
“I give my sheep eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can ever snatch then from my hand.” John 10:28-29
He promises life.
“I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.” John 6:47
He tells us, we can do it.
“Everything is possible for him, who believes.” Mark 9:27
He asks us to have faith.
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives, and believes in me, will never die.” John 11:25-26
And he tells us what to do in our times of trial. This is our Self-Help from God!
“Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful, in everything you do.” Joshua 1:7
When you are at the point of giving in or giving up, remember God knows your situation and your fears, and he is ready to help you, if you ask.
In the wilderness time, the Israelites, were continually being reminded that faith and obedience to God brought victory; and we are also reminded:
Life is hard, it is a challenge at the best of times; and without God, it is absolutely frightening. But with God, life can be a great adventure.
“Be strong and courageous.”
If we accept Christ, and believe that He died for our sins, then God is there with us, as we face those challenges. That is not just a promise, but an absolute certainty!
“Obey the laws of Moses, do not turn from them; and you will be successful in everything you do.”
Following Christ, means following some tough rules, but these commandments are what keeps us close to God, and God close to us. If we keep on that path of righteousness, then anything we call upon to do, in the lord’s name, we will be successful.
When we get to the point of giving-up, we must remember it is ourselves, which can help us the greatest amount. We have to realize that help comes from within – that is Self-Help.
Self-Help can be as simple, as telling ourselves, to turn to God. Self-Help starts with The Self, and is realized in The One – The Only One - Holy One.
God’s grace is sufficient for all your troubles.
If you believe He can deliver you, then He can.
And if you ask – He will.
By following God’s plan for your lives, and believing in what Christ did for you on the cross, you are helping yourselves – by turning to God. For, He can be your Self-Help.
Everyday we face tough situations, difficult people, and overwhelming temptations; however, God promises, that he will never leave us, forsake us, or abandon us, or fail to help us, if we believe – if we believe…
…that Christ died for our sins.
Communion is a thoughtful reminder of Christ’s death upon the cross to rid the sins from the lives of those who choose to believe. For God is our Self-Help, and Communion is how we remember, what He gave, to help us.
“For God, so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
Self-Help is something you do for yourself, because you love yourself. Self-Help is something you do for yourself – only.
On my blog, a week ago, some wrote anonymously:
“I was wondering if you could preach some Sunday, on God’s grace and peace, when you feel at times you want to give-up?”
I wrote on my Blog, that I would speak about that today.
So, where is God’s grace and peace, when you feel at times you want to give-up?”
Give up!
Give up what?
Give up doing what?
Give up on God’s grace, peace and love?
Give up on God’s awesome power?
Give up making believe its all okay?
Give up always being up (not down)?
Give up on living life (to the fullest)?
Give up on those around you and who love you?
Give up on the Christian way of life
Or
Give up on knowing that God makes a difference in the lives of those who will let him; and, especially, in the lives of those who want to give up.
Life isn’t easy; life can be very hard at times; bills, loneliness, heartache, stress, and overwhelming responsibilities. We all suffer greatly at times, but let me ask you this.
“For those, who are not Christians, those who do not believe, who do these people turn to in times of trouble, suffering, and pain? Who is there for them?”
No one.
But for us, we Christians, in those times of trail, whom do we have? Who can we turn to?
We have Christ to turn to, if we choose!
God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit surrounds us always. His presence is continuous, and He is there whenever we choose to turn to Him. Comfort from God is a choice. (x2)
In the bible, there are many promises, from God, that comfort us, if you choose to believe them.
He knows what we are going through…
“Come, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
He offers us help…
“For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand. Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’ Isaiah 41:13
He tells us to call upon him.
“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and tell you great and unsearchable things, which you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3
He longs for us to tell him what we need.
“Ask, and it shall be given unto you, seek, and ye shall find. Knock and the door will opened unto you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him, who knocks the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8
He says for us to take it to prayer.
“Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you will receive them, and you will have them.” Mark 11:24
He reassures us…
“Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.” Psalm 50:15
He is our safety…
“I give my sheep eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can ever snatch then from my hand.” John 10:28-29
He promises life.
“I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.” John 6:47
He tells us, we can do it.
“Everything is possible for him, who believes.” Mark 9:27
He asks us to have faith.
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives, and believes in me, will never die.” John 11:25-26
And he tells us what to do in our times of trial. This is our Self-Help from God!
“Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful, in everything you do.” Joshua 1:7
When you are at the point of giving in or giving up, remember God knows your situation and your fears, and he is ready to help you, if you ask.
In the wilderness time, the Israelites, were continually being reminded that faith and obedience to God brought victory; and we are also reminded:
Life is hard, it is a challenge at the best of times; and without God, it is absolutely frightening. But with God, life can be a great adventure.
“Be strong and courageous.”
If we accept Christ, and believe that He died for our sins, then God is there with us, as we face those challenges. That is not just a promise, but an absolute certainty!
“Obey the laws of Moses, do not turn from them; and you will be successful in everything you do.”
Following Christ, means following some tough rules, but these commandments are what keeps us close to God, and God close to us. If we keep on that path of righteousness, then anything we call upon to do, in the lord’s name, we will be successful.
When we get to the point of giving-up, we must remember it is ourselves, which can help us the greatest amount. We have to realize that help comes from within – that is Self-Help.
Self-Help can be as simple, as telling ourselves, to turn to God. Self-Help starts with The Self, and is realized in The One – The Only One - Holy One.
God’s grace is sufficient for all your troubles.
If you believe He can deliver you, then He can.
And if you ask – He will.
By following God’s plan for your lives, and believing in what Christ did for you on the cross, you are helping yourselves – by turning to God. For, He can be your Self-Help.
Everyday we face tough situations, difficult people, and overwhelming temptations; however, God promises, that he will never leave us, forsake us, or abandon us, or fail to help us, if we believe – if we believe…
…that Christ died for our sins.
Communion is a thoughtful reminder of Christ’s death upon the cross to rid the sins from the lives of those who choose to believe. For God is our Self-Help, and Communion is how we remember, what He gave, to help us.
“For God, so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
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