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How we look at the things going on all around us is so very important. What I am suggesting is not anything like, “living in denial” or “believing in some kind of modern psychology”. Really, it is a matter of living in The Spirit of God and trusting in The Word of God. How we perceive the things around us says much to God and others about what we believe to be The Truth.
First, let’s look at one event, that, on the surface, we are sure was very violent, yet was also the greatest moment in all of time. It is so easy to think of the cross as such a violent and terrible moment… because it was. We can only imagine the horrific detail that is missing from the description of Christ’s torture and death, but dear friends, we know that Christ would rather we consider the depths of His love that He poured out for us by this event. Do we forget that He said:
John 10:15. Even as [truly as] the Father knows Me and I also know the Father--and I am giving My [very own] life and laying it down on behalf of the sheep. 17. For this [reason] the Father loves Me, because I lay down My [own] life--to take it back again.
Oh, I know the Roman soldiers pushed, beat, spit, and crucified Our Lord with all their force, pride, and hatred… but little did they know that The God Of All Things was actually surrendering Himself into their hands. And, for no other reason, but for His love… love for the very ones set against Him that day, and love for even you and I today. The way we look at this one single event is so important, because, if we believe that Christ allowed it to happen, then we must also consider to what purpose it occurred and to what end He had planned in allowing it.
John 3:16. For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten ( unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.
And then, how we look at things going on around us today, right now, is also very important. Recently, you know that I felt led by The Lord to ask for prayer over a specific event. Now, I must tell you that I am oppressed all the time, and there are many things that happen to me often that I could ask everyone to pray about… all the time. We are told to pray, but we are also told to trust. And so, walking in Christ… being led by The Holy Spirit requires dependence upon His leading and not on what we see and hear. Another fact is that Prayer is not always asking for help, but instead, should be thanking and praising Him for whatever is happening. We must remember that Our Father is never asleep when these things that happen, happen.
1 Thessalonians 5:18. Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].
Many of us are going through hard times, making ends meet, hoping to stay employed, trying to afford medical attention, etc, etc. and it is easy to wonder if God has turned His back on us. We know He hates sin and that our own nation, which was founded on His principles, has turned its back on Him and so we must consider that God may have pulled His blessings from our once blessed nation. But, we must also consider that He still loves us and that it may be very important to look at how we live with what little He is giving us. I still see many Christians resisting obvious ways to make ends meet, like families sharing a large house instead of living beyond their means to live separate. Ride sharing, cooking larger meals and using the leftovers for work lunches… many other things like this, that became less necessary when our economy “seemed” better, which can be done now to help make it through these times. If we find ourselves anxious about our provisions being met, then we must believe that if this period of less seems too hard, then we must not be listening for what we are to do, during these times... or, that when we did hear, we resisted, ignored Him, were unwilling to cut out the unnecessary. We must let go of dependence on anything besides Him.
Too often we look at what we don’t have instead of what God has given us. In all four gospels, we find the account of Jesus feeding the five thousand people with nothing but five loves and two fish. All too often in our thinking, we assume we don’t have enough because we fail to see and take seriously what we already have. It is from what we have, not what we don’t, that we find what we need… and then some!
Matthew 14:13-21 (see also Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-14)
Why would God command us to thank Him regardless of the circumstances? The idea defies human logic. But then, the Lord rarely binds Himself to man-made rules. Scriptural principles serve specific purposes in the Christian’s life. Gratitude keeps us aware of God’s presence, which builds our trust and ultimately strengthens our witness.
Luke 12:22. And [Jesus] said to His disciples, Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious and troubled [with cares] about your life, as to what you will [have to] eat; or about your body, as to what you will [have to] wear. 25. And which of you by being overly anxious and troubled with cares can add a cubit to his stature or a moment [unit] of time to his age [the length of his life]?
We must realize that thankfulness is not based on emotions or a situation’s outcome. We can be grateful, even during trials, because the Lord has promised to work everything for our good. (Romans 8:28) That means He has a purpose for every experience, pleasant or difficult. A big problem stacked against our small resources sends us running to Him, thankful He has committed to work it to our benefit. Thanking God during these trials is something we do because we TRUST Gods’ Word… not like some ancient text… some written promises of a once living visionary. We trust His living presence and His awareness of what is happening to us and around us. We must consider Christ’s perspective as we truly move about in His presence. We not only Trust His Word because we read it but we are following The Spirit of Christ Jesus… The Holy Spirit. Remember, following the letter leads to death, but following The Holy Spirit leads to life.
II Corinthians 3:6. [It is He] Who has qualified us [making us to be fit and worthy and sufficient] as ministers and dispensers of a new covenant [of salvation through Christ], not [ministers] of the letter (of legally written code) but of the Spirit; for the code [of the Law] kills, but the [Holy] Spirit makes alive.
We learn, grow, and are changed by the study of Gods’ Word, but it is the Living Jesus Christ that we are guided by, live for, and Love First. His Holy Spirit, whom dwells within us, is who reveals the truth. The Holy Spirit is constantly trying to move us left or right through all things we are going through, yet, all too often our eyes and ears influence our perception... and subsequently, out actions. The Holy Spirit gives us GODS’ PERSPECTIVE.
I love you.
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I thought when I was saved that you would leave.
But like white on rice, you seem to cleave.
My love for you turned into hate.
Exactly as Gods' Word doth state.
Though your seductive lure is always there.
With this new heart now, I just don't care.
So hang around if you so dare.
But your ill-fate is my daily prayer.
Though at birth oh flesh you were conceived.
Your power died once I said that I believed.
By Preston Pittman
I love you.
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My friends, I believe The Lord wants me to ask for your prayers. You know my Mom is in the Hospital recovering from major surgery. I have been watching my Father while she is there. He has Alzheimer's, post traumatic stress from Korea and Vietnam... Was an alcoholic all my childhood until I ran away from home many years ago and have lived all over the world until these last couple years. Yesterday started out really great... I took him to Hardees for breakfast where he sat with some of his friends he use to meet there a lot. We went to Wal-Mart and shopped for wiper blades and stuff. Later in the day we even went to K &W for lunch. I called Mom and gave him the phone to talk with her... It was a pretty good day. I talked with Juanita for a while and was going to call another friend, but thought I'd run in and check to see if Dad needed anything. He was in his room with the door closed (which was odd) so I knocked on the door and I heard him say something so I opened the door. I knew the moment I looked at him something was bad. I have seen that look many times when I was little... Deep anger! He wanted to know where the gun was. At first I thought he thought I had a gun, so I was confused. Then he asked if my mother hid it and I remembered they do have a gun. I told him I didn't know where it was. He stood up and looked at me with such anger and said, "your mother and you are not gonna control me. I tried to calm him by asking him about his anxiousness I had noticed a little bit a couple times today and he just got worse.... Told me to get out of the house and don't come back.
I am ok, but here... my mom is in the hospital who I don't want to add this mess onto her right now. My dad is at home with no phone... Lots of medicine that I kinda try to help remind him of... And if he has found the gun... It is possible that he would shoot me. I had to take a gun from him once years ago and throw it out the window on the highway and pull over and call the police. He has been violent in the past, but I worry about his health today! And, what about when my mom gets home? She will need assistance that he is not capable of. It is just more than I can figure out.
I am praying, which I am no stranger to... My patience is fine.... My spirit is fine... But how to fix this is a little confusing. He has no relatives and my moms would be on her side if they were even close enough to help. I need Gods' wisdom.
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What Christ has done in me is a mystery
He is done yet I’ve only began to see
I found a peace I thought did not exist
A constant companion within my midst
A love within not of my own
A connection now unto the throne
Joy in measure beyond compare
A comfort now that’s always there
Hope beyond my here and now
All fears I had have gone somehow
What Christ has done in me is mystery
I dare not care what became of me
By Preston Pittman
I love you.
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Christian… I know you love God, but you have had such a struggle. Do you wonder how you will ever be someone God can use? Maybe you have tried so many times to change. You've worked so hard to fix the mess you got into before you surrendered to Christ, and you still can't seem to get it right. Maybe you've been told by well-meaning people, that all you have to do is just stop sinning. Yes... I know you've tried... It's hard to do isn't it. The bible does say that if you love God... you won't sin! And so, many tell you to just stop sinning so God will really save you this time... or so He will know you love Him. Let's just stop right here for just a moment and go get one of those passages they quote.
John 14:15. If you [really] love Me, you will keep (obey) My commands.
Sometimes God uses the simple little verses to say the greatest truth. If you read this little verse as a threat... you've already missed it. Read it again... this time from a loving God… as a loving promise. Jesus is saying... If you really love me... My dear, Preston... Susan... Teri, (Put your name here)... I promise you... You WILL keep my commandments. Not convinced? That's alright... Let's just move on to another key passage. I want us to look hard at something important Paul says to the Philippians' about how we work out, or carry out the goal to stop sinning and really love God... and fully complete our own salvation.
Philippians 2:12. Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], so now, not only [with the enthusiasm you would show] in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ).
In this verse, Paul emphasizes man's responsibility to resist temptation... trying not to offend God... discredit Christ's name... And if that's as far as we read in this area of scripture... your well-meaning friends might sound like they have the right idea after all. But it doesn't stop there. Look at the very next verse.
13. [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.
Although God's part follows in Philippians 2:13, clearly man's part in Philippians 2:12 would be impossible without divine empowerment! Now, if you are a Christian, then you must consider yourself as part of "The Church"... Not the place... but, The Body - you, yourself, and many others whom Jesus Christ now dwells within. Another way to think of this is, when church services are over and everyone leaves, you could say, "The Church has now left the building"! It's the people of God now that make up the Church and not pretty white buildings. Anyway, back to the issue of who does the changing... If you consider yourself part of "The Church", listen to this next verse carefully.
The first mention of the Church is in Matthew 16:18, where Peter declared that Jesus is the Messiah, son of the living God. Jesus said that this truth would be the foundation upon which He would build His Church. Notice who's going to be doing the building and whose Church it is. Studying the passage where an important concept first appears can be very helpful in interpreting subsequent passages on the same subject.
Matthew 16:18. And I tell you, you are Peter [Greek, Petros--a large piece of rock], and on this rock [Greek, petra--a huge rock like Gibraltar] I will build My church, and the gates of Hades (the powers of the infernal region) shall not overpower it [or be strong to its detriment or hold out against it].
Wow, besides describing who is doing all the real Church work around here… what an awesome promise from Jesus this verse is. So, how do you feel about this failing struggle you've been after now? Man has never been able to do it. This was why Jesus said He had come here. Maybe you do believe God will change you, but you feel you just have to help Him? Really? No, my friends... when you said you surrendered your life to Christ... I must ask you... have you completely surrendered it?
This is why the teachings from Gods' Word, concerning love are so important. You have got to understand how much God loves you... How much He has already done for us because of His love for us... and how much He is going to do because of this LOVE. Focus on His love for you... on your love for Him. Stay as close to that feeling of His loving presence as you can and Trust in Him. He wants to do a mighty work in you and if you have surrendered yourself to Him, He WILL. But YOU have got to take you hands OFF the steering wheel! Let go and let God.
One more time now, with love… If you [really] love Me, you will keep (obey) My commands. You see?
I love you.
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