First, I thank my Lord Jesus Christ and our heavenly Father for the opportunity to travel half way around the world to witness for our precious Savior.
Second, thank you to all who contributed to this mission trip. Because of YOU many, many lives were affected and changed. Because of YOU the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ touched thousands and only heaven knows the results of our labors. Because of YOU many who were hungry, thirsty and unclothed have felt the love of Jesus through the rice, wheat, clothing and shelter. Because of YOU, I praise God for our partnership in taking the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to other countries as well as here in the U.S.A. via the radio program, "Your Bible Boost" on mykkim.com.
Here's the stats as to where the funds were used on India Mission 2012:
* Funded meals for over 500 orphans and staff at the Tribal Childrens Home for 1 year.
* Provided rice, wheat, blankets and sari's (clothes) for over 100 widows in a village near Damoh. These widows were to receive $5.00 per month (YES, per month) but by the time the local officials had skimmed the top, the widows only received @ $2.00.
* Provided funds to buy 55 children out of slavery. Each child bought AND their family are placed under the care of a local congregation so that the slavery will not be repeated. Also, the congregation and evangelist are able to witness and disciple these families for our Lord Jesus Christ.
* Provided rice, wheat, candy, cookies, pencils and vitamins to over 200 children of the Children's Food Project.
* Provided funding for food, lodging and expenses for over 300 evangelist who attended the two day Leadership Conference.
Those are just the "hard" facts. But, there are many stories that go along with these facts. I hope to be writing about these stories on the blog, www.yourbibleboost.blogspot.com. So from time to time check it out for those personal stories that show the full extent of YOUR partnership with us.
Again, thank you so much for partnering with us to reach others for our Lord Jesus Christ.
I am praying for you and your families!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Overcoming "stinkin' thinkin'"!!
OVERCOMING "STINKIN' THINKIN'
Do these names "ring a bell"? Sethur? Palti? How about Guel? Or maybe Nahbi? Don't remember them? Well, most folks don't. They are part of a group of 10 men who had an attitude that infected the children of Israel as they approached the Promised Land. These 10 men, uniting with the majority brought a curse upon these Israelites and halted their progress, "dead in their tracks". These 10 men along with 2 others were sent to spy out the land of Promise. Now, you probably remember the 2 others. Joshua and Caleb. But the ten? We don't remember them because they brought back the negative report as some would say the attitude of "stinkin' thinkin'". They brought back the disease of a "negative" report.
These 10 along with Joshua and Caleb were sent to spy out the land and to bring a report back to Moses, Aaron and the entire congregation. After returning these 10 men said, "NO WAY". There is no way that we can move in and conquer the land. Numbers 13 and 14 records the events. In Numbers 13:31 these 10 reported, "we are not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we." Virtually, every adult concurred with the majority of the spies...EXCEPT, 2 men...Joshua and Caleb. These 2 said, by God's strength WE CAN DO IT...they implore the people (Nu 14:9) "only do not rebel against the Lord..." Only Joshua and Caleb of these 12 dared to trust and believe God. This disease of "negative thinking" or as the Bible calls it, "murmurring", or "grumbling" (Numbers 14:2), was the very reason this generation of Israelites perished in the wilderness instead of inheriting the land that flowed with milk and honey. (Numbers 14:26-38)
Usually great achievements by both nations and individuals are results of both perserverance and faith. It is a little known fact that there was a colony from the Old World that came to America and failed BEFORE the Pilgrims sailed and succeeded.
Long ago there were those who insisted that it was impossible for a man to break the 4 minute mile in track. We once laughed and scoffed those who spoke of putting men in space and to even send them to the moon.
Progress and success is always attributed to those who look beyond the frustration and failure and move forward regardless. It is said that Edison experimented over 2000 times before he came up with the incandescent light bulb.
Negative thinking devours the seed in winter before the warmth of spring can give it root in fertile soil. Negative thinking chains us to the past and denies us the success of future challenges. Negative thinking becomes a habit that destroys our dreams and holds us hostage to our freedoms of success which are just over the horizon.
My friends, the same is true in our "spiritual journey". The devil is a master at originating devious tricks and strategies that discourage and disappoint us. The evil one has come to divide and destroy. He dosen't want you to find success in your spiritual walk. He doesn't want you to be victorious in your spiritual journey. Obstacles, barriers, and pot holes are placed in front of us to discourage so that we will throw up our hands and quit. The Bible calls them "trials". (James 1)
The apostle Paul experienced more than his fair share of trials, frustrations, disappointments and disasters. Listen to I Corinthians 11 beginning at verse 24..."five times I received from the Jews 40 lashes minus one, 3 times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, 3 times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea" and Paul adds much more.
So, if there was a person who should have developed a negative complex, a "grumbling" vitamin it was Paul. Probably if I had been beaten, maligned, misunderstood, had my life threatened, a price put on my head, I would have opted for retirement. Not Paul. Not Joshua and Caleb. Listen to the Apostle Paul, who gives each one of us this encouragement as we journey on in our spiritual life..."I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Hear that? Where you listening? Was I paying attention?
The Apostle Paul gives us the answer to what Zig Zigler calls "stinkin' thinkin'" in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through HIM who strengthens me" (Emphasis mine). Overcoming negative thinking, gripping, complaining, murmurring and grumbling comes with putting our trust in the King of kings and Lord of lords and receiving our strength to move forward, to carry on, from HIM.
"Don't give up. Don't give in. AND NO COMPROMISE.
I am praying for you and your families,
Leonard
Do these names "ring a bell"? Sethur? Palti? How about Guel? Or maybe Nahbi? Don't remember them? Well, most folks don't. They are part of a group of 10 men who had an attitude that infected the children of Israel as they approached the Promised Land. These 10 men, uniting with the majority brought a curse upon these Israelites and halted their progress, "dead in their tracks". These 10 men along with 2 others were sent to spy out the land of Promise. Now, you probably remember the 2 others. Joshua and Caleb. But the ten? We don't remember them because they brought back the negative report as some would say the attitude of "stinkin' thinkin'". They brought back the disease of a "negative" report.
These 10 along with Joshua and Caleb were sent to spy out the land and to bring a report back to Moses, Aaron and the entire congregation. After returning these 10 men said, "NO WAY". There is no way that we can move in and conquer the land. Numbers 13 and 14 records the events. In Numbers 13:31 these 10 reported, "we are not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we." Virtually, every adult concurred with the majority of the spies...EXCEPT, 2 men...Joshua and Caleb. These 2 said, by God's strength WE CAN DO IT...they implore the people (Nu 14:9) "only do not rebel against the Lord..." Only Joshua and Caleb of these 12 dared to trust and believe God. This disease of "negative thinking" or as the Bible calls it, "murmurring", or "grumbling" (Numbers 14:2), was the very reason this generation of Israelites perished in the wilderness instead of inheriting the land that flowed with milk and honey. (Numbers 14:26-38)
Usually great achievements by both nations and individuals are results of both perserverance and faith. It is a little known fact that there was a colony from the Old World that came to America and failed BEFORE the Pilgrims sailed and succeeded.
Long ago there were those who insisted that it was impossible for a man to break the 4 minute mile in track. We once laughed and scoffed those who spoke of putting men in space and to even send them to the moon.
Progress and success is always attributed to those who look beyond the frustration and failure and move forward regardless. It is said that Edison experimented over 2000 times before he came up with the incandescent light bulb.
Negative thinking devours the seed in winter before the warmth of spring can give it root in fertile soil. Negative thinking chains us to the past and denies us the success of future challenges. Negative thinking becomes a habit that destroys our dreams and holds us hostage to our freedoms of success which are just over the horizon.
My friends, the same is true in our "spiritual journey". The devil is a master at originating devious tricks and strategies that discourage and disappoint us. The evil one has come to divide and destroy. He dosen't want you to find success in your spiritual walk. He doesn't want you to be victorious in your spiritual journey. Obstacles, barriers, and pot holes are placed in front of us to discourage so that we will throw up our hands and quit. The Bible calls them "trials". (James 1)
The apostle Paul experienced more than his fair share of trials, frustrations, disappointments and disasters. Listen to I Corinthians 11 beginning at verse 24..."five times I received from the Jews 40 lashes minus one, 3 times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, 3 times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea" and Paul adds much more.
So, if there was a person who should have developed a negative complex, a "grumbling" vitamin it was Paul. Probably if I had been beaten, maligned, misunderstood, had my life threatened, a price put on my head, I would have opted for retirement. Not Paul. Not Joshua and Caleb. Listen to the Apostle Paul, who gives each one of us this encouragement as we journey on in our spiritual life..."I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Hear that? Where you listening? Was I paying attention?
The Apostle Paul gives us the answer to what Zig Zigler calls "stinkin' thinkin'" in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through HIM who strengthens me" (Emphasis mine). Overcoming negative thinking, gripping, complaining, murmurring and grumbling comes with putting our trust in the King of kings and Lord of lords and receiving our strength to move forward, to carry on, from HIM.
"Don't give up. Don't give in. AND NO COMPROMISE.
I am praying for you and your families,
Leonard
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Life Interrupted!
Not a day goes by when our plans aren't changed by circumstances beyond our control. Natural disasters, house or car problems, unexpected illness, traffic jams, someone running a red light and ramming us, a friend or neighbor with an emergency need, unforseen time demands at work...and the list goes on and on. The question is, "can we trust that God is in those unforseen delays, diversions and distractions?"
A rarely-read single verse is in Exodus 13:17, "then it came to pass, when Pharoah had let the people go, that God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, 'lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt."
This verse tells us how God led the newly-freed Hebrew nation into the Sinai Desert instead of around the southeast "corner" of the Mediterranean Sea into the Promise Land. WHY? Well, so the Hebrews wouldn't encounter the Philistines who inhabited the region, be attacked, go to war face death and opposition AND then decide to head back to the safety of Egypt. The Hebrews, you remember, did what they were known to do quite often. They, murmurred...the grumbled and complained about the Sinai sand, the heat and the desert obstacle. Yet, they were alive. If they had met the Philistines, there, probably, would have been war and many of them slaughtered.
So, my friend, the next time your path or directioon is changed unexpectedly, TRUST GOD. Put your faith and belief in the one who not only sees tomorrow but is already there. Trust that God is in it and that the change will always work for your good. (Romans 8:28) God said it would "work for our good", He didn't say that it would be painless.
TRUST!
adapted from David Jeremiah - "Turning Points"
--
Leonard
Leonard NavarreValley View Christian Church
A rarely-read single verse is in Exodus 13:17, "then it came to pass, when Pharoah had let the people go, that God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, 'lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt."
This verse tells us how God led the newly-freed Hebrew nation into the Sinai Desert instead of around the southeast "corner" of the Mediterranean Sea into the Promise Land. WHY? Well, so the Hebrews wouldn't encounter the Philistines who inhabited the region, be attacked, go to war face death and opposition AND then decide to head back to the safety of Egypt. The Hebrews, you remember, did what they were known to do quite often. They, murmurred...the grumbled and complained about the Sinai sand, the heat and the desert obstacle. Yet, they were alive. If they had met the Philistines, there, probably, would have been war and many of them slaughtered.
So, my friend, the next time your path or directioon is changed unexpectedly, TRUST GOD. Put your faith and belief in the one who not only sees tomorrow but is already there. Trust that God is in it and that the change will always work for your good. (Romans 8:28) God said it would "work for our good", He didn't say that it would be painless.
TRUST!
adapted from David Jeremiah - "Turning Points"
--
Leonard
Leonard NavarreValley View Christian Church
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Led by God!
It happened to Mary, Joseph, the wise men, the shepherds, Simeon and Anna. In fact, all through the first Christmas story you see and learn that all the main characters were led by God and His Holy Spirit.
Many people use various means to find the way of God. Some depend on chance. “Well, that’s where the Bible fell open, that must be God’s will”, they say. One woman I read about was uncertain about whether it was God’s will for her to take an overseas flight. The next morning when she was awakened by her alarm clock, it read 7:27. That was the kind of plane she was scheduled to take. Friends could not persuade her that it was a shallow way to receive God’s will for her life.
Proverbs 3:5-6 gives direction as to God’s will in our lives. It reads, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.” One translation says, “He will direct your paths”.
So, how does God direct our paths? There may be occasionally very dramatic and vivid ways but let us consider a few others.
First, Psalm 119:105 states that our paths are directed primarily through God’s Word. God’s Word is “a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path”. Someone once said, “to seek God’s will without being in His word is asking for error. God will never contradict His Word.” Remember, what a lamp does. It does not give light to the entire journey. It only shows us where to safely place the next step.
Secondly, God shows us and directs us by opening or closing doors. Paul in I Corinthians 16:9 wrote, “a great door for effective work has opened for me”. A.W. Tozer suggested, “if God is in it, it flows. If it’s forced, it’s of the flesh”. When opportunities present themselves we move through the open doors. When circumstances become obstacles it would be best to pray and regroup and see exactly what direction God is leading.
Thirdly, God also directs by closing doors. Remember, in Acts 16 the apostle Paul was kept from preaching in Asia because the Holy Spirit had closed those doors for evangelism. So, when we meet with closed doors, stop. Let us not force our plans or desires over God’s objections.
Fourthly, the perceptive and wise counsel of mature Christians can help us navigate through God’s will for our lives. Proverbs 15:22, “plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Godly wisdom from Christ centered mentors who are faithful in prayer helps us find that direction that we seek. The combined wisdom from Christian friends is worth more than gold.
Fifthly, God will also work through the inner promptings of the Holy Spirit. Everyone in the Christmas story was led by the Holy Spirit and MOVED when the Holy Spirit led.
Simeon: Luke 2:25 "...and the Holy Spirit was upon him."
Anna: Luke 2:36ff..."she did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer"
Mary: 1:25 ..."the Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the most high will overshadow you;"
Joseph: Matt. 1:24 "when Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded"
Shepherds: Luke 2:15 "let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened"
Wise Men: Matt. 2:10 "when they saw the star that they rejoiced exceeding with great joy"
These not only were in prayer seeking God’s will but when they had the inner promptings of the Holy Spirit they acted, they moved.
God uses many ways to direct our paths, but He does lead. Someone once said, “do not ask God to guide our footsteps if we are not willing to move our feet”.
“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Jeremiah 6:16
Praying that we all will seek God’s Word and Will and be LED BY GOD!
Many people use various means to find the way of God. Some depend on chance. “Well, that’s where the Bible fell open, that must be God’s will”, they say. One woman I read about was uncertain about whether it was God’s will for her to take an overseas flight. The next morning when she was awakened by her alarm clock, it read 7:27. That was the kind of plane she was scheduled to take. Friends could not persuade her that it was a shallow way to receive God’s will for her life.
Proverbs 3:5-6 gives direction as to God’s will in our lives. It reads, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.” One translation says, “He will direct your paths”.
So, how does God direct our paths? There may be occasionally very dramatic and vivid ways but let us consider a few others.
First, Psalm 119:105 states that our paths are directed primarily through God’s Word. God’s Word is “a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path”. Someone once said, “to seek God’s will without being in His word is asking for error. God will never contradict His Word.” Remember, what a lamp does. It does not give light to the entire journey. It only shows us where to safely place the next step.
Secondly, God shows us and directs us by opening or closing doors. Paul in I Corinthians 16:9 wrote, “a great door for effective work has opened for me”. A.W. Tozer suggested, “if God is in it, it flows. If it’s forced, it’s of the flesh”. When opportunities present themselves we move through the open doors. When circumstances become obstacles it would be best to pray and regroup and see exactly what direction God is leading.
Thirdly, God also directs by closing doors. Remember, in Acts 16 the apostle Paul was kept from preaching in Asia because the Holy Spirit had closed those doors for evangelism. So, when we meet with closed doors, stop. Let us not force our plans or desires over God’s objections.
Fourthly, the perceptive and wise counsel of mature Christians can help us navigate through God’s will for our lives. Proverbs 15:22, “plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Godly wisdom from Christ centered mentors who are faithful in prayer helps us find that direction that we seek. The combined wisdom from Christian friends is worth more than gold.
Fifthly, God will also work through the inner promptings of the Holy Spirit. Everyone in the Christmas story was led by the Holy Spirit and MOVED when the Holy Spirit led.
Simeon: Luke 2:25 "...and the Holy Spirit was upon him."
Anna: Luke 2:36ff..."she did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer"
Mary: 1:25 ..."the Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the most high will overshadow you;"
Joseph: Matt. 1:24 "when Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded"
Shepherds: Luke 2:15 "let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened"
Wise Men: Matt. 2:10 "when they saw the star that they rejoiced exceeding with great joy"
These not only were in prayer seeking God’s will but when they had the inner promptings of the Holy Spirit they acted, they moved.
God uses many ways to direct our paths, but He does lead. Someone once said, “do not ask God to guide our footsteps if we are not willing to move our feet”.
“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Jeremiah 6:16
Praying that we all will seek God’s Word and Will and be LED BY GOD!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Don't ignore the Holy Spirit!
The Holy SpiritThis article is but a brief overview of the work and identity of the One that was promised to every believer by our Lord Jesus Christ in John 14:16-17, “and I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.”(ESV)
The key to knowing and understanding the Holy Spirit is to be open with our minds, sensitive with our hearts and have a strong desire to seek the truth revealed within God’s Word.
Before we begin, let us pray. Dear Father God, we come before you acknowledging your greatness and your awesome power. We are asking that you give us a commitment to know the truth and a desire for your Holy Spirit to give us clarity and understanding as we seek the truth. In Jesus name, Amen.
In John 16:7 ESV Jesus said, “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.”
So, as we see in Acts 1, Jesus went away, i.e. ascended into heaven. Therefore, when do we receive the Holy Spirit? In Acts 2, a great crowd had gathered in Jerusalem on day of Pentecost. Peter along with the other apostles stood up and proclaimed the first gospel message about Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The crowd were overwhelmed with emotions as to their guilt in crucifying the Lord Jesus Christ. In Acts 2:37-38, they asked, “brothers, what shall we do? Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’
This passage is very clear in the answer as to the “when do we receive the Holy Spirit?” In faith, these people in Acts 2 responded to the Word spoken by the apostles and over 3000 were baptized that very day. We may feel that we have to discuss, debate, and give greater study to the text. But, I suggest we need to simply respond, by faith, to the truth we have read and heard and welcome the promise of the Holy Spirit into our lives through our obedience to the Word of God.
Well, now that we see the “when” of the Holy Spirit, briefly, let’s ask a few more questions. First, who is the Holy Spirit? In John 16:7, as quoted above, we see that Jesus calls the “Spirit of truth”, HIM. Therefore, we learn that the Holy Spirit of God is not an “it”. John 14:17 states, “he dwells with you and will be in you”. This definitely indicates the Holy Spirit, being a person, can have a relationship with believers and with the Father and the Son. We see in Matthew 28:19 and 2 Corinthians 13:14 that the Holy Spirit works with the Father and the Son. Also, we see in Acts 13:2 that the Holy Spirit spoke also giving evidence of his personhood. The Holy Spirit can also be hurt or grieved (Ephesians 4:20)
Secondly, we ask, is the Holy Spirit a different or lesser “god”? Throughout the Holy Scriptures the words “Spirit” and “God” are used interchangeably, i.e. Acts 5:3-4. Maybe, if you can picture deity or the Godhead as One but expressed in different functions or missions we can understand him a little better. For example, H2O. We all know that H20 is the chemical identity for water. However, we can freeze H2O and it becomes a solid. Then we can boil H2O and it becomes steam. Check on the H2O in the river and it is a liquid. Now, H2O hasn’t loss it’s chemical identity but it has just been expressed in 3 different forms as a liquid, solid and gas. In that very simplified way, diety, God, is the same, just expressed in 3 different avenues as to mission and purpose.
Thirdly, if the Holy Spirit is given to every believer, what is his purpose in our lives? The Holy Word of God, the Bible, gives many functions of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life. Here are a few of those purposes:
1) Helps us know what to say to witness for our Lord Jesus. Mark 13:11 and Luke 12:12
2) He is our guide and brings God’s Word to our remembrance. Psalm 143:10; John 14-17; I John 5:6-8. Have you ever awoken at night and a thought comes to you, “I shouldn’t have said that or shouldn’t have done that”? The world would say, that’s your conscience. Believers would say that’s the Holy Spirit nudging us to make right a wrong.
3) The Holy Spirit helps us overcome the evil desires and deeds of our fleshly, earthly body. Romans 8:2, 9.
4) Helps point out sin in our lives. John 16:7-11
5) Provides us with attitudes and actions that demonstrate that we are new creations in Christ Jesus our Lord. Galatians 5:22-23
6) He confirms that we are children of our heavenly Father. Romans 8:15-16
The Holy Spirit is not a gimmick, a magic trick, a “Houdini”, or a “genie in a bottle”. He, the Holy Spirit, is the very presence of almighty God in the life of the believer. In the Old Testament, God's presence was revealed in the tabernacle and temple in the Holy of Holies. It was called the "shekinah" of God, God's presence. In the New Testament through our obedience to Jesus Christ, God comes to live in a temple not made with human hands. I Corinthians 3:19, "do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the spirit of God dwells in you?"
He wants us not just to know “about” him, but to “know” him. The world will not understand about the Holy Spirit. But, those who come to Jesus Christ through obedience will be given this precious gift, the Holy Spirit. Jesus states in John 14:7, “even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor know him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” The path and avenue to know and understand the Holy Spirit only comes to those who are obedient by accepting and believing in the Holy One, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Francis Chan in his book, “The Forgotten God” states, “our scriptures teach that if you know what you are supposed to do and you don’t do it, then you sin (James 4:17). In other words, when we stock up on knowledge without applying it to our lives, we are actually sinning. You would think that learning about God would be a good thing…and it can be. But when we gain knowledge about God without responding to Him or assimilating His truth into our lives, then it is not a good thing. According to the Bible, it’s sin. May we not merely gain knowledge. Instead, as we learn, may we grow and confess and change more into people we’ve been created to be by the power of the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us, “for the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17)”
Matthew 6:33, “but seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Acts 5:32, “and we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
It is my prayer that we not only seek to know truth about the Holy Spirit, but that we seek the Holy Spirit, himself, to guide and lead us to be more and more like Jesus Christ our Lord, daily.
I am praying for you and your family!
The key to knowing and understanding the Holy Spirit is to be open with our minds, sensitive with our hearts and have a strong desire to seek the truth revealed within God’s Word.
Before we begin, let us pray. Dear Father God, we come before you acknowledging your greatness and your awesome power. We are asking that you give us a commitment to know the truth and a desire for your Holy Spirit to give us clarity and understanding as we seek the truth. In Jesus name, Amen.
In John 16:7 ESV Jesus said, “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.”
So, as we see in Acts 1, Jesus went away, i.e. ascended into heaven. Therefore, when do we receive the Holy Spirit? In Acts 2, a great crowd had gathered in Jerusalem on day of Pentecost. Peter along with the other apostles stood up and proclaimed the first gospel message about Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The crowd were overwhelmed with emotions as to their guilt in crucifying the Lord Jesus Christ. In Acts 2:37-38, they asked, “brothers, what shall we do? Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’
This passage is very clear in the answer as to the “when do we receive the Holy Spirit?” In faith, these people in Acts 2 responded to the Word spoken by the apostles and over 3000 were baptized that very day. We may feel that we have to discuss, debate, and give greater study to the text. But, I suggest we need to simply respond, by faith, to the truth we have read and heard and welcome the promise of the Holy Spirit into our lives through our obedience to the Word of God.
Well, now that we see the “when” of the Holy Spirit, briefly, let’s ask a few more questions. First, who is the Holy Spirit? In John 16:7, as quoted above, we see that Jesus calls the “Spirit of truth”, HIM. Therefore, we learn that the Holy Spirit of God is not an “it”. John 14:17 states, “he dwells with you and will be in you”. This definitely indicates the Holy Spirit, being a person, can have a relationship with believers and with the Father and the Son. We see in Matthew 28:19 and 2 Corinthians 13:14 that the Holy Spirit works with the Father and the Son. Also, we see in Acts 13:2 that the Holy Spirit spoke also giving evidence of his personhood. The Holy Spirit can also be hurt or grieved (Ephesians 4:20)
Secondly, we ask, is the Holy Spirit a different or lesser “god”? Throughout the Holy Scriptures the words “Spirit” and “God” are used interchangeably, i.e. Acts 5:3-4. Maybe, if you can picture deity or the Godhead as One but expressed in different functions or missions we can understand him a little better. For example, H2O. We all know that H20 is the chemical identity for water. However, we can freeze H2O and it becomes a solid. Then we can boil H2O and it becomes steam. Check on the H2O in the river and it is a liquid. Now, H2O hasn’t loss it’s chemical identity but it has just been expressed in 3 different forms as a liquid, solid and gas. In that very simplified way, diety, God, is the same, just expressed in 3 different avenues as to mission and purpose.
Thirdly, if the Holy Spirit is given to every believer, what is his purpose in our lives? The Holy Word of God, the Bible, gives many functions of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life. Here are a few of those purposes:
1) Helps us know what to say to witness for our Lord Jesus. Mark 13:11 and Luke 12:12
2) He is our guide and brings God’s Word to our remembrance. Psalm 143:10; John 14-17; I John 5:6-8. Have you ever awoken at night and a thought comes to you, “I shouldn’t have said that or shouldn’t have done that”? The world would say, that’s your conscience. Believers would say that’s the Holy Spirit nudging us to make right a wrong.
3) The Holy Spirit helps us overcome the evil desires and deeds of our fleshly, earthly body. Romans 8:2, 9.
4) Helps point out sin in our lives. John 16:7-11
5) Provides us with attitudes and actions that demonstrate that we are new creations in Christ Jesus our Lord. Galatians 5:22-23
6) He confirms that we are children of our heavenly Father. Romans 8:15-16
The Holy Spirit is not a gimmick, a magic trick, a “Houdini”, or a “genie in a bottle”. He, the Holy Spirit, is the very presence of almighty God in the life of the believer. In the Old Testament, God's presence was revealed in the tabernacle and temple in the Holy of Holies. It was called the "shekinah" of God, God's presence. In the New Testament through our obedience to Jesus Christ, God comes to live in a temple not made with human hands. I Corinthians 3:19, "do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the spirit of God dwells in you?"
He wants us not just to know “about” him, but to “know” him. The world will not understand about the Holy Spirit. But, those who come to Jesus Christ through obedience will be given this precious gift, the Holy Spirit. Jesus states in John 14:7, “even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor know him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” The path and avenue to know and understand the Holy Spirit only comes to those who are obedient by accepting and believing in the Holy One, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Francis Chan in his book, “The Forgotten God” states, “our scriptures teach that if you know what you are supposed to do and you don’t do it, then you sin (James 4:17). In other words, when we stock up on knowledge without applying it to our lives, we are actually sinning. You would think that learning about God would be a good thing…and it can be. But when we gain knowledge about God without responding to Him or assimilating His truth into our lives, then it is not a good thing. According to the Bible, it’s sin. May we not merely gain knowledge. Instead, as we learn, may we grow and confess and change more into people we’ve been created to be by the power of the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us, “for the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17)”
Matthew 6:33, “but seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Acts 5:32, “and we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
It is my prayer that we not only seek to know truth about the Holy Spirit, but that we seek the Holy Spirit, himself, to guide and lead us to be more and more like Jesus Christ our Lord, daily.
I am praying for you and your family!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Suggestion or Commandment???
Suggestion or commandment? Do we know the difference between suggestion and commandment. John 13:34 and 35, which is our Bible Boost for today, Jesus says, “A new command I give to you…LOVE ONE ANOTHER. As I have loved you so must you love one another. By this will all men know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”
So is that merely a suggestion or a commandment? If Jesus’ statement is a suggestion that merely means he is hinting, or bringing up an option for our spiritual life and spiritual ministry. You know, kind of like, if you want to you can but if it’s not convenient then you don’t have to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Now, remember friends, Jesus is talking to a group of guys that has disappointed him in the past and will probably disappoint Him in the future. In this setting it is the last supper. Gathered around the table is a liar, a cheater, a betrayer, a denier, and all of them, when Jesus needs them the most, will flee and reject Him when He is arrested.
So, is Jesus saying to these men, "if you have time, if no one disappoints, if you get around to it, love each other as I have loved you". Well, friends, that is a big resounding NO NO NO!
Here’s the definition of commandment…"it is not optional…it is a mandate". There is no hint, none, zilch, nana, zero, of opting out. Since Jesus said, this is a commandment, there is no opportunity to say, ‘well, let’s talk about it’, "let’s form a committee and discuss it", "if I feel like it", or "if they act like me, dress like me, talk like me", "or go to my church". NO. NO. NO. IT IS A MANDATE. It is not a suggestion but a commandment.
Jesus is telling, all of us Christians, that no matter who offends us, disappoints us, betrays us, cheats us, or even rejects us…the commandment from the King of Kings and Lord of lords is still there in red in the red letter edition of the Bible…Love One Another, the commandment.
Do you remember where He was and what He did before He said these words…even with all those guys around Him: denier, betrayer, rejectors…remember? Yep, HE WASHED THEIR FEET. The King of kings and Lord of lords placed Himself in position to SERVE to show them His love for them.
Let’s look at John 13:1, “…having loved his own who were in the world he showed them the full extent of his love”. Loving others is not just saying it or talking about loving others but it is demonstrating it.
So friends our Bible Boost for today, is for us to look around. There are golden opportunites all around for us to follow this command, not suggestion, of our Lord Jesus. The command is, ‘love one another as I have loved you.” John 13:34-35.
Praying that God will give you and me the courage to risk and reach out to love others.
I am praying for you and your family,
Leonard
So is that merely a suggestion or a commandment? If Jesus’ statement is a suggestion that merely means he is hinting, or bringing up an option for our spiritual life and spiritual ministry. You know, kind of like, if you want to you can but if it’s not convenient then you don’t have to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Now, remember friends, Jesus is talking to a group of guys that has disappointed him in the past and will probably disappoint Him in the future. In this setting it is the last supper. Gathered around the table is a liar, a cheater, a betrayer, a denier, and all of them, when Jesus needs them the most, will flee and reject Him when He is arrested.
So, is Jesus saying to these men, "if you have time, if no one disappoints, if you get around to it, love each other as I have loved you". Well, friends, that is a big resounding NO NO NO!
Here’s the definition of commandment…"it is not optional…it is a mandate". There is no hint, none, zilch, nana, zero, of opting out. Since Jesus said, this is a commandment, there is no opportunity to say, ‘well, let’s talk about it’, "let’s form a committee and discuss it", "if I feel like it", or "if they act like me, dress like me, talk like me", "or go to my church". NO. NO. NO. IT IS A MANDATE. It is not a suggestion but a commandment.
Jesus is telling, all of us Christians, that no matter who offends us, disappoints us, betrays us, cheats us, or even rejects us…the commandment from the King of Kings and Lord of lords is still there in red in the red letter edition of the Bible…Love One Another, the commandment.
Do you remember where He was and what He did before He said these words…even with all those guys around Him: denier, betrayer, rejectors…remember? Yep, HE WASHED THEIR FEET. The King of kings and Lord of lords placed Himself in position to SERVE to show them His love for them.
Let’s look at John 13:1, “…having loved his own who were in the world he showed them the full extent of his love”. Loving others is not just saying it or talking about loving others but it is demonstrating it.
So friends our Bible Boost for today, is for us to look around. There are golden opportunites all around for us to follow this command, not suggestion, of our Lord Jesus. The command is, ‘love one another as I have loved you.” John 13:34-35.
Praying that God will give you and me the courage to risk and reach out to love others.
I am praying for you and your family,
Leonard
Monday, September 13, 2010
Eyes of Jesus
Eyes of Jesus
The story of Jesus washing the disciple’s feet has always spurred my thinking. It has especially since we have entered into the time of year of giving and receiving.
I was wondering, as I read the story, what were the disciples thinking. The towel and basin of water were undoubtedly at the door. It was the custom of every house and every guest room to place these items by the door. So, I believe, it is a logical assumption to say that the disciples saw these items as they entered the upper room. But, equally obvious is that the thought of any one of them using them personally did not enter their minds.
However, when Jesus saw these items, He apparently saw them from a totally different perspective than His companions.
Perhaps Peter spoke for all of them when he said, 'thou shall never wash my feet.' Such a task was too utterly debasing for him to even consider, and he wrongly assumed that Jesus would never use them. He saw the same things Jesus saw, but Peter saw them differently.
Virtually everything Jesus saw, He saw as a means of ministry. Remember, He said He came not to be ministered unto, but to minister. He came not to be served but to serve. When He saw a boat He thought of how to use it to help others. When He saw a small lunch of fish and bread...yep! Your right. He thought of others. All that He saw, He used as a vehicle to meet needs or teach a spiritual truth.
How differently most of us think. When we see these items (think shopping) we have an inclination to think first of ourselves (we say, boy, I wish I could have that) rather than how it could meet the needs of others. I'm guilty.
So, maybe this should be our morning prayer, every morning, "Father, give me the eyes of Jesus". Look around. What do you see? How can those things help others?
Jesus even saw people in the same purposeful and constructive way. Think of the woman at the well. When He met her He didn't see her as a vehicle to satisfy some manly selfish urge, rather as someone who could bring an entire town to salvation.
II Corinthians 5:17 says, "therefore, if any one be in Christ, they are a new creature; old things are passed away; behold all things are become new."
All things? Yes even our eyes.
Let us make this our prayer, "Father, help us to see through the eyes of Jesus".
I am praying for you and your family,
Leonard
The story of Jesus washing the disciple’s feet has always spurred my thinking. It has especially since we have entered into the time of year of giving and receiving.
I was wondering, as I read the story, what were the disciples thinking. The towel and basin of water were undoubtedly at the door. It was the custom of every house and every guest room to place these items by the door. So, I believe, it is a logical assumption to say that the disciples saw these items as they entered the upper room. But, equally obvious is that the thought of any one of them using them personally did not enter their minds.
However, when Jesus saw these items, He apparently saw them from a totally different perspective than His companions.
Perhaps Peter spoke for all of them when he said, 'thou shall never wash my feet.' Such a task was too utterly debasing for him to even consider, and he wrongly assumed that Jesus would never use them. He saw the same things Jesus saw, but Peter saw them differently.
Virtually everything Jesus saw, He saw as a means of ministry. Remember, He said He came not to be ministered unto, but to minister. He came not to be served but to serve. When He saw a boat He thought of how to use it to help others. When He saw a small lunch of fish and bread...yep! Your right. He thought of others. All that He saw, He used as a vehicle to meet needs or teach a spiritual truth.
How differently most of us think. When we see these items (think shopping) we have an inclination to think first of ourselves (we say, boy, I wish I could have that) rather than how it could meet the needs of others. I'm guilty.
So, maybe this should be our morning prayer, every morning, "Father, give me the eyes of Jesus". Look around. What do you see? How can those things help others?
Jesus even saw people in the same purposeful and constructive way. Think of the woman at the well. When He met her He didn't see her as a vehicle to satisfy some manly selfish urge, rather as someone who could bring an entire town to salvation.
II Corinthians 5:17 says, "therefore, if any one be in Christ, they are a new creature; old things are passed away; behold all things are become new."
All things? Yes even our eyes.
Let us make this our prayer, "Father, help us to see through the eyes of Jesus".
I am praying for you and your family,
Leonard
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