More of the LIGHT!

Saturday, December 29th, 2012

John 12: 44-50
How will asking for more of the Light of the world impact our lives?  We can see the powerful parallel this topic has in the natural.  Homes in our neighborhood that have no inviting outdoor lights look simply drab as we drive by.  But those that have invested in motion lights or LED lamps to outline their porches and driveways are more interesting to look at.  This concept can especially be applied to the Christmas season.  Even those who claim not to want anything to do with Jesus are fascinated with the idea of lighting up their homes and yards during this time of year.  And those people that go the extra mile are rewarded with the pleasure of being the source of joy for those who slow down to enjoy their creativity.

One gentleman in particular started the tradition of putting up lights of all kinds in Bostwick many years ago for the holidays.  As time went on, it turned into an actual ministry event because he realized that people were passing on the word about how special and inspiring his lights were.  At various locations in his yard, he had taken the time to display biblical events such as Jesus walking on the water, Joseph and Mary traveling to Bethlehem, and of course the most awesome event of all -- the birth of the Christ.  Now, people in the surrounding areas look forward to including his house on their list of things to do during the holidays.  Is it a lot of work and expense for him to keep this up?  Certainly.  I'm sure his electric bill in January is five times what he pays all year round.  But there's something about spreading the joy of the good news that is simply priceless.

When Jesus gives us the invitation to ask Him to be the light in our lives, and when He promises that we will never have to walk in darkness as long as He lives in us, He's not just saying we'll illuminate our lives -- which is great.  He's saying He'll use us to do exactly what those illuminated houses and yards do for others.  Through us, He'll shine brightly His message of love, hope, peace, joy, and deliverance.  We'll be billboards that advertise His love to the world without our having to use words, which sometimes turn people AWAY from the cross rather than TO it.

So how will asking for more of Jesus, the Light of the World, impact our lives?  It will shine in the dark places that we weren't aware of before so that WE can shine more brightly for Him.  It will bring wisdom to areas that were not functioning properly so that our witness cannot be compromised in any way.  It will allow us to see the value in what we ALREADY have so that we don't waste precious time worrying about unnecessary things rather than accomplishing the will of the Father.  Today, take a moment to just ask for more of Jesus manifested as the Light in your life.  Will it require more faith and dedication on your part?  Yes.  But the rewards can't be found anywhere else.  Watch Him come and illuminate your heart, soul and spirit.  Then watch EVERYTHING change.  

Let God Create the Form!

Saturday, November 24th> 1 Corinthians 15: 36-38; Mark 4: 26-34

When we sow, what mistake must we be careful not to make about the FORM our seed will take?  In the natural, a farmer would be foolish to take a handful of various seeds and scatter them all over.  It would make for quite an uncertain and unfruitful harvest-- for the farmer, that is.  He wouldn't have enough of any one  product that could be used to yield a profit.

But oh, in the spirit realm, it's exactly the opposite!  Everywhere our feet tread,  God has given us a supernatural process that begins in one form and ends up in another.  We can't get so caught up in the form that we see, because God determines what it will be.  If this concept is hard to understand,  just take a quick trip down memory lane in your own life.

Remember what "form" your life was in before you finally let God in?  How many seeds were planted and watered along the way?  I can remember every event involving willing vessels who ministered to me about the love of Jesus.  At that point, I'm sure I looked like a plain old stump, with no hope of becoming anything more... BUT GOD!  How long did God have to put up with my rebellion and rejection of Him before finally surrendering?  How much did He have to put up with my sin BEFORE as well as DURING salvation?

If He has never given up on us, we can't afford to look down on others who look as ugly on the outside as we did.  Even as we justify our own status by reminding others that "God is not finished with me yet", we fail to extend that same grace to others, expecting them to transform in record time.  Brothers and sisters, this ought not to be. All God expects from us is the patience and long suffering to sow,  coupled with the hope that God can and will do for others through us what He did in us through others.  Sow like crazy, and let God take care of the rest.

Practical Tips for Godliness Training

Sunday, December 16th> 1 Corinthians 9: 24-27; Hebrews 12: 1-17

What PRACTICAL advice would you give to believers on how to CONSISTENTLY participate in godliness training (Scripture reading, prayer ,fasting, Bible study, worship, evangelism, etc.)?  In a Bible study session at Abundant Life Ministries, some of the students were asked this question, and here were a few of the answers they gave.  

1.  Fit your schedule around GOD, not the other way around.  There will never be convenient times to train -- so take advantage of "God-moments", and be faithful no matter how uncomfortable it gets.

2.  Set your gaze on the LONG HAUL, not just on right now.  This race is not for the ones who jump out and start running without pacing themselves.  Realize that this race is for eternity, and everyday choices are a reflection of that attitude.

3.  Practice healthy habits that set us up for success in our quest for godliness.  Pray as often as you can -- not out of obligation, but from the mindset that it is our LIFELINE to God Himself.  Incorporate worship and praise into this time, so that there is always an anticipation of what God is going to do.

4.  Read God's Word.  Do not make substitutions for this time, but prioritize and set aside time to hear from the God of the Word.  It's the time to receive instructions for life.  Who knows what He wants to prepare you for?

5.  Have a MADE-UP MIND to keep training-- not as an afterthought, but without giving it a second thought.  There are some things that are non-negotiable, and godliness training is the first on that list.

In this passage, God has given us even more "tips" for godliness training:

6.  Keep your eyes on Jesus, our perfect Example of how to run and not grow weary.  He's finished the course already, being completely man even while completely God.  We must study His life and emulate that.  He removed all excuses that the Christian life is impossible to live SUCCESSFULLY.

7.  Receive God's discipline with gratitude, realizing that He chastens those whom He loves.  God will require us to go without certain things and people so that we can learn the essential lesson that we must NEVER value anything or anyone above Him.

8.  Surrender to God's methods of training.  Don't rebel against the hardships.  He's preparing us for growth and maturity, and we can't get there without relying on the Master Trainer, Who knows exactly what we need to be successful.

9.  Stay connected with each other!  Help each other along the way.   Like-minded believers MUST maintain a desire to see each other succeed, and not be content with being the only one staying on track.  Pray not just for yourself, but for whomever God puts on your heart-- FRIEND OR FOE.  

10.  Pay attention to the emotions that threaten to derail our quest for godliness.  Guard against ingratitude and discontentment.  Remember-- there are rewards in maintaining godliness AND contentment.

Ready, set, BEGIN TRAINING!!!!!

Choose Wisely!

Thursday, December 6th> Job chapter 28

In what way do we sell ourselves short by only seeking temporary earthly treasures?  We've all made the comment at one point or another, "If only I had riches... Added to my faith, that would be the BEST of both worlds!" and it probably would.  What an awesome thing it would be to be able to have all-expense-paid trips to the mission field! And what about all the opportunities to be a blessing to people everywhere?  It would  truly be "the answer to all things" that the Bible talks about.  But many times, we ONLY want those earthly things and not God.  We seek Him only to the point where we're able to accomplish our financial goals.  We seem to have the misguided notion that  those things can provide true fulfillment in and of themselves.

Except when it comes to the REAL issues of life.  What good would it do to have all the money in the world if the most important relationships  -- those with your family -- don't work?  Even the best psychiatrists and psychologists couldn't help fix a broken heart or a wounded spirit.  Where in the world do you go, even with lots of money, to escape the tormenting thoughts inflicted by the enemy of our souls?  These are the questions to consider when the temptation to pursue earthly treasures becomes stronger than the passion to pursue God.

There simply is no better way to say it, folks: seek the God Who buried the earthly treasures deep inside the earth.  In Him are treasures that cannot be compared to anything earthly.  He alone holds the key to unlocking the mysteries that cause love to flow between two people who couldn't get along; He alone releases the peace that passes all understanding, even in the midst of the most violent storm.  WITH Him, you can have both the spiritual AND physical treasures.  WITHOUT Him, you may experience the latter for a brief moment in time without the rich fulfillment that comes with knowing the One Who holds it all together.  CHOOSE WISELY.