Pursuing More

I was reading from Acts 19:1-7 NIV, last evening and was reminded of the importance of the baptism and the Holy Spirit:

[1] "While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples [2] and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”
They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
[3] So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”
“John’s baptism,” they replied.
[4] Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” [5] On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. [6] When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. [7] There were about twelve men in all.

So here is an interesting verse, where people were actually baptized three times, if I can take a little license with the term used for the infilling of the Holy Spirit. They we're originally baptized for repentance from their sins. Then after receiving additional teaching by Paul, they were baptized in the name of Jesus, and in so doing were united with His crucifixion and resurrection (Romans 6:1-14). Finally, they were baptized in the Holy Spirit when Paul laid hands on them.

I know there are some that don't believe in baptizing more than once, and there are some who don't believe in the in-filling of the Holy Spirit, and here we have Paul showing the importance of both. There is clearly a significance to baptism into Christ. Paul wrote extensively about this in his letter to the Romans. Paul wasn't satisfied that the disciples he met believed in God, but he pressed on so that they might experience the fullness of faith. That they might know Jesus and believe fully in Him, and they might be filled with the Holy Spirit, which Jesus spoke of in John's Gospel - chapters 14-16. This is the Lord's desire for us all, to walk in the fullness of what we can receive and experience in Him.

Let us examine ourselves, our lives and let us press into the Lord for all that He has for us. There is so much in Christ that we can never attain a full understanding, or all fullness of experience. There is always more! Let us continually press forward. I am reminded of one of the phrases that C.S. Lewis used in his final book of the Chronicles of Narnia, where all the people are called to come "further in and higher up". Let us pursue the higher calling in Christ.

Come Follow Me

This morning I am being focused on having a relationship with the Lord. The verse that popped into my mind is Matthew 4:19 NIV: “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” I think that often we think this invitation was special for the apostles, the invitation to follow Jesus and learn from Him and be in relationship with Him. As I have been reading the Gospels I have noticed that Jesus gave this same invitation to many other people, sometimes to whole groups, other times to individuals, like here where He is addressing Peter and Andrew.

The reality is that this is the same invitation we are all given, to be in relationship with Jesus. The original Greek could be translated "come away to me" and I think this is the piece that most of us miss. The invitation that was extended by Jesus was to daily personal interaction, and learning to think and look at things differently. That same invitation is extended to all of us. If we will allow ourselves the time and attention to the Lord, He will interact with us daily.

Last night I was talking with two good friends about the many people that we know who have lost interest in church. As I reflect in that conversation, I think the issue is really lack of relationship to the Lord. So many of us attend church but never really get to the point of having anything more than a casual Sunday relationship with Jesus, and even that is often times third-person, as we relate to the Lord through our priest or pastor. The invitation that Jesus extended and still extends is to personal, daily relationship. Like all relationships, this relationship requires regular communication and interaction.

The Gospels also talk of the many people that followed Jesus for a season (Matt 14:13-21) but then either lost interest, didn't like something they heard (John 6:66), or were too focused on other things to enter into that deeper relationship (Matt 19:16-23). At the end of it all, after He was crucified, and rose and ascended, there remained 120 who gathered in the upper room (Acts 1:15), these represent those whose faith and belief ran deep, and, I think, those that had a deep personal relationship with the Lord.

So, the big question is how to establish a real relationship with Jesus? If we look at any in depth relationship, they all have the same components, time and interaction and communication, one on one. It is the same with Jesus. Call it what you want - prayer, quiet time, meditation - but having a relationship with Jesus requires that we spend time with Him. Many struggle with finding time in their days to talk with their spouse or significant other, so how to find time to spend with the Lord?

I started about 40 years ago, taking a few minutes every day to read my Bible. Over time I learned to hear His voice, speaking through scripture, and directly to my spirit, but it all started by committing to a few minutes every day. Now days its more like 2 1/2 hours, but that is not because I had tons of time were I was doing nothing, but because I continued to desire more and more time in relationship with Him, and made it a priority. For me, mornings work best, before my family gets up for the day and I am distracted by work, etc.

So, I guess my encouragement today is to continue to pursue relationship with Jesus. I am encouraged in my relationship by people like Graham Cooke, who has the most amazing personal relationship with the Lord. He can tell when the Lord is speaking to him about himself, by how the Lord addresses him. When its just about himself, the Lord calls him Gray. When the Lord is talking to him about others, or the church He calls him Graham. That level of intimacy is what I want. I want to know how the Lord speaks to me when He is addressing me affectionately. I want to know the difference in His voice, in how He addresses me, just like I know these things as they relate to my sweetheart, so also can I know them about the Lord.

My prayer for you is that you also will choose to follow Jesus, by taking time to "come away to Him", and that You will discover the treasure that is your relationship to Jesus.

Born Anew

This morning I have been looking at John 3, where Jesus has his famous discussion with Nicodemus. I am particularly interested in verses 3 and 5:

John 3:3, 5-6 NIV
[3] Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. ”
[5] Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. [6] Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit."

It's interesting looking at these statements in parallel, and understanding that Jesus was speaking to one who knew the Word of God, as Nicodemus was a one of the Jewish council leaders and a Pharisee. He was asking if Jesus was from the Father, for they had observed all the signs and wonders Jesus was doing. Rather than answer his question directly, Jesus replies with these two statements.

In the first, Jesus talks about ones ability to even perceive the Kingdom, or rule of God. He says the person must be born anew, or from above, really both. This ability to see and perceive the Kingdom, is so critical in our daily lives. We often can be so focused on the world and business surrounding us, that we miss what God is doing right in front of us. The very ability to start to see comes from the Father, and requires an internal renewing, even birth of a whole new way of viewing things. When our sight starts to change, our perspective changes too.

I remember when I strongly encountered God's touch, it was like I could all of a sudden see His purpose in everything, and my understanding of the Word, and His ways became clear. It was as if I had been given a new set of glasses, and I could see clearly the first time in my life. I remember thinking that every thing made sense suddenly.

In the second statement, Jesus says that for us to enter into the Kingdom of God it must be through water and the Spirit. The Spirit is clearly referring to the Holy Spirit, and must be understood that the Holy Spirit is the initiator, and the one who makes this entrance into the Kingdom possible. The reference to the water, although it would seem to be referring to baptism is not as simple as that. David Guzick makes the following statements concerning that phrase:

b. What does it mean to be born of water? We know from John 3:10 that whatever being born of water is, it should have been familiar to Nicodemus from the Old Testament.

i. Some have thought born of water means to be baptized. Water here may represent baptism, but there is no real Old Testament foundation for this. ( I think this is likely the case as we know Nicodemus and others were recently observing Jesus' ministry, and might have either seen or heard about Jesus interaction with John.)

ii. Some have thought that born of water refers to our physical birth, since we come forth from a sack of water. This approach is more attractive, but doesn't it simply state the obvious? However, it does make a good parallel with the idea of that which is born of the flesh in John 3:6.

iii. Some have thought that born of water means to be born again by the Word of God. In other passages of Scripture, water represents the Word, as we are washed by the water of the word (Ephesians 5:26).

iv. Some have thought that born of water means to be regenerated by the Holy Spirit, the living water of John 7:38-39.

v. Some have thought that born of water means to receive the water of cleansing prophesied in Ezekiel 36:25-28 as part of the New Covenant. This is the approach has the most weight (though it is a tough call), because of its firm connections to Old Testament prophecy - which Jesus says Nicodemus should have known to understand these things.

Regardless of the exact meaning Jesus had in mind, one thing is clear, there is an invitation being given by Jesus. He came proclaiming the Kingdom of God, and we are invited to come into this experience. Jesus came to bring salvation to all, so this invitation is available to us all. Holy Spirit we pray that You will birth in us this ability to see and enter fully into Your Kingdom.

A Mystery Revealed

This morning I am reading from Paul's letter to the Ephesians 3:4-6 NIV:

[4] "In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, [5] which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. [6] This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus."

I was thinking about the reality of the gentiles being joined to the people of Israel, and how amazing that is. Israel was a people group, all who were members through birth, as drawing their ancestry from Abraham. It was blood-line based, and of all the people on the earth, God chose them to be His people! You couldn't just become a member of Israel, of your own choosing.

I can imagine how foreign the whole concept of salvation through faith, and grace was to them, as previously their understanding of God's selection was rooted in their ancestry. Paul is correct in calling this a mystery, for it had been hidden, even though alluded to throughout scripture. It was hidden in the fact that their experience was the opposite. Israel was God's chosen people, they were in His favor because He chose them, through Abraham.

Now, through Paul and Peter's revelations, the Gospel is open to the gentiles, and they have the same opportunity to know God and His blessings the people of Israel. In fact, they are joined together as one Body of Christ, in Him. Paul writes in his letter to the Galatians 3:28 "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Now we can all be joined to the Body of Christ, through our faith and belief in Him. People from every walk of life, every nation on earth, every occupation, every type of character are called by God to join themselves to the Body of Christ. Their is both great freedom and responsibility in this new paradigm. For the doors are open to all, but it is now our choice whether to acknowledge Christ's sacrifice, and seek forgiveness for our sins. This is no longer a birthright, but rather the result of our own choosing.

As I was writing that I was aware of how the people of Israel bore within them the Truth about God for so may years. In Jesus, we find that this truth is now available to us all. It's like the purpose of God suddenly explodes out of Israel's and now the whole world is covered by the grace of God, with people joining themselves to the Body of Christ in every nation and people group.

Today, I am thankful that this mystery was revealed and for the chance I had to join myself to the Body of Christ. Lord, we pray that this Good is spread to the whole world! That every nation would be Your Body!

Our Awesome God

This morning I am continuing a meditation on Psalm 89:1-2, 5-8, 11, 13-18 NIV:

[1] "I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. [2] I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.

[5] The heavens praise your wonders, Lord, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones. [6] For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord? Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings? [7] In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him. [8] Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.

[11] The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth; you founded the world and all that is in it.

[13] Your arm is endowed with power; your hand is strong, your right hand exalted. [14] Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. [15] Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. [16] They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness. [17] For you are their glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt our horn. [18] Indeed, our shield belongs to the Lord, our king to the Holy One of Israel.

What a great meditation on the Lord!

1. His love is eternal, never ending, it goes on and on, never decreasing only increasing!
2. His faithfulness is established in Heaven which is eternal, never ending, always established. His faithfulness is not based in this world which is ever changing and ultimately passing away.
3. There is no one, anywhere, that even comes close to comparing to God. Even if you took the combined power and majesty of all the heavenly creatures that surround Him, all the angels included, this wouldn't even compare to God's awesomeness.
4. Heaven AND earth are His! He rules over all, He has supreme authority and power.
5. He is a God who acts with awesome power. Righteousness and justice are the foundations of His rule - and love and faithfulness are the banners He flies in front of Himself, and that is what people experience first, His love and faithfulness.
6. Those that are in His company, that rely on Him are blessed with His favor, His protection, and His righteousness!

Lord, we do well to put our trust in You! You desire to reveal Yourself to us as you are described in PS 89. We long to gaze on Your Glory, experience Your righteousness and justice, and see You move in love and faithfulness.

Judgment and Favoritism

Recently I have been doing quite a bit if thinking about judgement and mercy, and James has a nice section discussing this topic. Here are the verses - James 2:8-13 NIV:

[8] "If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. [9] But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. [10] For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. [11] For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. [12] Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, [13] because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

These verses are actually pretty amazing. James is basically saying that if we have a judgemental attitude, which is really what favoritism is, towards others, we are sinning. We are breaking the law just as much as if we murderers and adulterers. It is a very good thing that Jesus met all the requirements of the law, and paid for all our sins.

Here James says the opposite of favoritism and judgementalism, as alluded to in verses 12 and 13, is being merciful. I think James' point of reference for this, is that his focus is not on the one being shown favoritism, but the one who is not! Webster's has this as one of the definitions of mercy: compassionate treatment of those in distress. In other words looking on the less fortunate, the undesirable, the hurting, the sick, the poor, the broken, the handicapped and seeing them through the eyes of compassion. Those who are in such straits, who are treated poorly, experience a judgement about their situation that is sin, according to James. Often in the eyes of religious judgement, they are assumed to have brought their situation on themselves, through their sin or bad behaviour.

James makes it very clear, judgement without mercy will be shown to those who have not been merciful, so let us pray for eyes of compassion, and hearts for the hurting. Let us recognize that sin and sickness, poverty and all things not of God are the result of a fallen world, and the vast majority of time, having little to nothing to do with the person's actions. Even if we know for sure that a persons actions caused their situations, we should treat them with mercy and compassion, not judge them. I am reminded of Jesus treatment for the women caught in adultery, and His unwillingness to judge her. Let us, as a church extend mercy to those we meet, and show no favoritism in our dealings with people.

A Testimony of Experience and the Word

This morning I opened up my Bible to Peter's second letter.

2 Peter 1:16-21 NIV:
[16] "For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. [17] He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” [18] We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain."

[19]" We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. [20] Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. [21] For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."

As I read these verse a few things stand out to me. First, the experience Peter had on the Mount of Transfiguration was an absolute truth that was an anchor for Peter later in life. This experience was one of the unshakable rocks of Peter's faith. It is good for us to have experiences with God that are art of our unshakable testimony in our life of who God is.

Second Peter uses a strange description of God the Father speaking, he says the voice came from the Majestic Glory. In the gospels this is described as a cloud, but it was clearly something much more than just a cloud. The Greek Words Peter used are Megaloprepes Doxa which can be translated Majestic Glory, or more simply - full of power, authority, dignity and awesome presence that stood out beyond every other thing he had ever experienced. It's clear it was an overwhelming experience and one that words cannot properly describe. Even after years of meditating and being guided and taught by the Holy Spirit, Peter was still unsure how to describe it except that it was more majestic than anything he had ever encountered.

Finally, after describing this fantastic experience, Peter shift gears and starts speaking about the sure foundation we have in the words of the Prophets - namely the old testament prophesies concerning Jesus. Peter says that these are completely reliable, and clearly had life experience to back this up. Christian commentator David Guzick comments on this verse 19-21 - in the section titled "The evidence of fulfilled prophecy"'

a. And so we have the prophetic word confirmed: Peter's experience at the transfiguration was amazing. But even more sure than Peter's personal experience is the testimony of God's word about who Jesus is. The fulfillment of the prophetic word confirmed is a certain, reliable testimony of the truth of the Scriptures.

b. Which you do well to heed: When we consider the prophetic testimony to Jesus, we do well to heed it. There are at least 332 distinct Old Testament predictions regarding the Messiah that Jesus fulfilled perfectly. The combination of this evidence together, from a simple statistical perspective, is absolutely overwhelming.

c. Professor Peter Stoner has calculated that the probability of any one man fulfilling eight of these prophesies is one in 100,000,000,000,000,000 (10 to the 17th power). That number of silver dollars would cover the state of Texas two feet deep. Stoner says that if you consider 48 of the prophecies, the odds become one in 10 to the 157th power.

Peter's faith and witness was based on two unshakable foundations, his own experience, and the unerringly accurate testimony of prophecy concerning Jesus. It would be good to follow Peter's encouragements and remember those times we have experienced the presence of God, and come to know the written Word as it pertains to Jesus.

The Invitation to Know Him

Last evening I was reading some Pete, as Graham Cooke would say:

2 Peter 1:3 NIV
'His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness."

Lord, that is such an awesome promise - that you have given us everything we need for a Godly life. This is found in our knowledge of Him, which is gained through relationship wth Him, not head knowledge, but heart knowledge. The Greek word is Epignosis, which means thoroughly acquainted with someone or something, a deep knowing. The only way to become thoroughly acquainted with the Lord is to spend time together - or as most people would would say - in prayer. The invitation to prayer is an awesome invitation into eternal life, where we become like Him.

Increasing Glory

This morning I felt I should read from the minor prophet Haggai. I have always enjoyed reading the old testament prophets, and besides Amos, Haggai would be my favorite of the minor prophets.

Haggai 2:6-9 NIV:
[6] “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. [7] I will shake all nations, and what is desired by all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory, ’ says the Lord Almighty. [8] ‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the Lord Almighty. [9] ‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace, ’ declares the Lord Almighty.”

I like the verses because they remind me of who is really in power, namely God. He has all authority, in every nation and every people. He has the ability to shake everything that can be shaken. All money, everything having to do with wealth is His. He is in control.

We often times live like this is not the case, wondering, worrying, striving on our own. Not that had work, and such, is wrong, but we tend to think of ourselves as our provider, and this is just not true. It is the Lord who is our provider, and He has proved His ability in this throughout the Bible, and throughout history. There are many people who have been invited by the Lord to depend solely on Him for their daily provision, and its amazing the stories they have of God's miraculous provision, every single day. People like George Mueller, David DuPlessis, Rees Howells, Graham Cooke, Smith Wigglesworth, are just some examples. God is fully capable of being our provider.

I also like these verses because they speak of one of the spiritual principles of God's plan, that His Kingdom is ever increasing. It is simply not possible for His Glory to decrease over time. Here Haggai is speaking about the Temple, but this is also prophetic, looking to the future when the Church, the Body of Christ, becomes the resting place for the Presence of God. It is also looking prophetically forward to the Church as the end-times approach. The Church will shine brighter and brighter and God's Kingdom will continue to advance.

Sometimes those of us in the U.S. think that because in America we seem to be moving away from God and our Godly foundations, that God's Kingdom is in some sort of decline. But that is simply not true! Worldwide there is a major increase in the Body of Christ, and revival is rampant. If we look at global ministries, we can understand the breadth of the move of God upon the earth. Ministries like Global Awakening - founded by Randy Clark is a great example. He is connected to many of the Apostolic moves of God on the earth, and its amazing to hear all the things that God is doing. The glory of this present house is certainly greater than any former time, and in the future the glory will be even greater! We have much to look forward to in the Body of Christ, and His Kingdom will ever be increasing!

Amen Lord! We look forward with eager anticipation to Your continued increase and greater glory. We look forward to the day, seen by John in his vision recorded in the Book of Revelation: "Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” Revelation 5:13

A Fount of Life, Healing and Salvation

This morning I felt I should read from Jeremiah 17:12-14 NIV:

[12] "A glorious throne, exalted from the beginning, is the place of our sanctuary. [13] Lord, you are the hope of Israel; all who forsake you will be put to shame. Those who turn away from you will be written in the dust because they have forsaken the Lord, the spring of living water. [14] Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise."

There are a couple of significant things in these three verses. First the description of God as the spring of living water - Jesus used this same description when talking to the Samaritan women at the well in John 4:10, 13-14 NIV:

[10] "Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” [13] Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, [14] but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

The Lord desires to be our source for refreshment, cleansing and life. Earlier in this chapter of Jeremiah, the prophet is talking about those that rely on man rather than God. It is so easy for us to turn away, rather than turn towards the Lord. Especially when things are going well, we can forget who our provider really is, namely the Lord. He desires to dwell within us, as the Holy Spirit, taking up residence in us, and becoming for us, and those around us, our source of life.

Secondly, of equal importance, we find in the verse 14 where healing AND salvation are described as being available in the Lord. This has been a consistent theme for me over the last few months - healing and salvation are both found in the Lord, are both available to us, and were both paid for through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. The original words in Hebrew for healing and saving, mean exactly that, healing and saving. There is no ambiguous language in this sentence, and there can be no misunderstanding. God wants us to understand that both are available from Him.

Lord, thank You that You are our source of living water, of life, of healing, of salvation. Lord, you truly are our hope in all things!

God's Counsel and Protecton.

I was reading from Psalms this morning and came across these verses, which I have always enjoyed:

Psalm 32:6-9 NIV
[6] "Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. [7] You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. [8] I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. [9] Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you."

I love these verses particularly because they offer hope to those who don't know what to do, or where to turn. The Lord speaks the promise of meeting us in our need, protecting us and guiding us. When unsettled or anxious, confused or lacking direction, that. Is what we need - someone to meet with us, someone to make sure we will be fine, and someone who will direct us in our next steps.

God will give us understanding, if we seek Him. He will give us His protection, if we turn to Him. He will direct us, if we listen! He does all this because He loves us! I am so grateful for the Lord's counsel and protection!

Those are good promises to start any day!

Power Flowed Out of Him

This morning I felt like I should read out of Luke. I opened my Bible to Luke 6:17-19 NIV:

[17] "He (Jesus) went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coastal region around Tyre and Sidon, [18] who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by impure spirits were cured, [19] and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all."

Verse 19, is what I am focused on this morning. I don't have any idea how to actually imagine what the healing ministry of Jesus actually looked like, because its so different, as described here, than anything I have ever seen. For the people to know that healing power was flowing out of Jesus, they must have been able to see some physical manifestations on the people who had touched Him previously. It is like healing was available to all, they just needed to touch Him. Interestingly, there is no mention of getting right with God, forgiveness for sins, faith (although there was clearly faith in their actions that was based on observed results) or anything else. These were just sick people desperate for healing, reaching out to touch Him and being healed. Granted, they had traveled to find Jesus, in response to the marvelous stories that were flooding the countryside, but we are not told of anything else that was required.

I also find it interesting to note that other times, we see Jesus walking through crowds and no mention is made of all the people touching Him and being healed, so apparently there were times of great healing anointing, where power was flowing out like a river, and other times where it wasn't. There is not single time mentioned where Jesus didn't heal a sick person who came to Him, so we know He was always willing to heal, but it is also clear that the manifestation of the healing gift on Jesus ebbed and flowed. I would imagine that in this case there were people who had traveled for days, who were around Jesus, but who hadn't been healed yet, but when healing power started flowing out of Him, they pressed forward and were healed. That is just my conjecture, but logistically it makes sense.

Anyway, my take away this morning is this, Jesus demonstrated a healing ministry unlike anything I have ever seen, but in demonstrating it was showing us what is possible by the power of the Holy Spirit, so this is possible to see in our day. Secondly, there are seasons or times when the healing anointing is more present and powerful to heal, and those are times to press into God for healing. In between those times, its important to persevere, and still press in, for its always the Lord's will to heal. Finally, there is no religious requirement to receive healing, just need.

Lord, I desire to see healing like this breakout, to see everyone who is sick or oppressed healed and set free. Thank You for showing us what is possible, and inviting us into that group that follows You waiting for the anointing to flow again like a river, but knowing that healing is always available.

Salvation, Forgiveness AND Healing

This morning I was reading the following verses where Peter references Isaiah 53 in 1 Peter 2:23-25 NIV:

[23] "When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. [24] “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” [25] For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."

I had forgotten that Peter quoted these verses. They are so essential in our faith walk, for they are three solid realities. First, we have all sinned, we are all sheep going astray. Jesus bore our sins on the cross, each and everyone of us, and all our sins. He did this that we might be set free of the penalty and made able to live for righteousness sake. Finally, by His wounds we have been healed. The Greek word here means literally that - healed, cured, made whole. So often we miss the point that Jesus died for our salvation AND our healing.

Lord, we pray that we will experience the fullness of what you purchased for us!

Unconcerned Worship

This morning I am reading from Luke 7:36-38, 44-48, 50 NIV:

[36] "When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. [37] A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. [38] As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.

[44] Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. [45] You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. [46] You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. [47] Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven---as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” [48] Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

[50] Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

As I was reading these verses this morning, I found myself wondering what it was about Jesus that gave this woman the courage to enter the Pharisee's house and express such humility and devotion to Jesus? If Jesus was the guest of honor, than this whole exchange would have been noticed by everyone in that place. I can imagine that everyone was embarrassed by this display of humility, yet the woman seemed oblivious to them all and was focused solely on Jesus. This is such a great picture of worship, offering all of oneself unashamedly to bestow honor on the Lord.

At times when I read stories like this, I have difficulty remembering that this all occurred before Jesus died and was glorified. We see things like this and they make sense, because we know who Jesus is, and would expect this type of honor to be given Him. However, this was not the perspective of all the people in the room, except for Jesus. The rest of them knew He had done great works, signs and wonders, but were still unconvinced about whether He was the Messiah.

My personal meditation this morning, is three-fold. First, am I convinced of Jesus as my Lord and savior? Secondly, do I act on my beliefs? Finally, am I willing to lay aside my own pride, unconcerned about how I might be perceived, and give glory and honor to Jesus, worshipping Him with everything that is in me?

"And All Were Healed..."

Last night I was reading in Acts 5:12-16 NIV:

[12] "The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. [13] No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. [14] Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. [15] As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. [16] Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed."

I love these verses because they show a couple of things. First, they show the increase of ministerial effectiveness and increasing faith. There was never a time where it was recorded that people were healed by Jesus' shadow, yet that is the clear implication of verse 15, so we see the Church expanding beyond what Jesus did, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This would be a fulfillment of John 14:12, where Jesus promises those that believe will do even greater things.

In addition to this verse, the were an abundance of signs and wonders and miracles, and because of them the Church was held in high regard. Its funny, now days if a Church was experiencing a abundance of signs and wonders, they would likely be under suspicion and attack. Regardless, it shows the power of God working to increase the Body of Christ, as I believe He continues to want to do in our day.

Finally, my main focus was on the final phrase of verse 16 - "and all of them were healed.". This phrase has not been associated with any of the great healing ministries that I am aware of from the past 100 years. All of them saw effectiveness to a degree, but none could say that everyone who was brought to them was healed. This phrase gives me great hope that we will see this level of effectiveness again, for the Church will shine brightly with the Glory of God in dark days (Is 60:1-3), and we will see even greater things (Jn 14:12) than what Jesus demonstrated. I look forward to the day when miracles, signs and wonders and healing break forth in abundance in the whole Church.

Amen, come Holy Spirit!

Testifying To The Gospel

A couple evenings ago, I was reading from Hebrews 2:1-4 NIV:

[1] "We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. [2] For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, [3] how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. [4] God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will."

I specifically was drawn to the first and fourth verses. The author of Hebrews is talking about the basic Gospel message here, the gift of salvation available to us through Jesus Christ. He says that we must pay careful attention to what we have heard so that we don't drift away. I think this is so important for us all. We can get caught up in the newest teaching, different ideas or streams, or so many other things, and actually lose sight of the message of the Gospel of grace and salvation. (For a good summary see Eph 2:1-10). Let us examine our lives and see if we are paying careful attention to the truth of the Gospel. Is this what we believe, is this what we share, is this truth the foundation of our thinking about ourselves and others?

In the fourth verse, the author describes how God testified to the truth and reality of this message of salvation through signs, wonders, various miracles and gifts from the Holy Spirit. The message of the Gospel is meant be accompanied by works of the power of God manifested through His church. How else are we to know the Truth? There are many different theories and teaching about how to find fulfillment, self awareness, enlightenment, etc. The difference between all these and the Gospel is meant to visible to all through the signs and wonders and miracles. Self improvement can be a good thing. Positive thinking and self fulfillment teachings can have some benefits. However, in terms of both our eternal life and ability to deal with the underlying spiritual realities these all have no answer. It is only through Christ Jesus that we have access to eternal life (1 John 5:11-12) . It is only through Christ Jesus that the power of satan is defeated and broken for He has been given all authority in Heaven and on earth (Matt 28:18). It is through the demonstration of these realities, and the love of God for all, that people will recognize the truth of the gospel.

I was listening to one of my favorite pastors and teachers recently and he said something to like this - I am unwilling to settle for a Gospel that does not include healing, miracles, signs and wonders. If this was how God testified to the truth of the Gospel in the past, why would we expect or settle for anything else in our day? Lord, we pray that You will continue to testify to the Truth of Your gospel in our day, just as You did during the early days of the church.

Amen Lord!

Sent To The Sinners

This morning I felt lead to read from Matthew 9:9-13 NIV:

[9] "As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. [10] While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. [11] When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” [12] On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. [13] But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

I absolutely love these passages because they show the Father's heart towards sinners. There is no requirement to clean up his act put on Matthew. Jesus sees the potential in Matthew while he is still a sinner, and engaged in shameful (to a Jew) activity. The Lord is not bothered by this at all.

Sometimes I think if Jesus came again physically for a short bit, he would turn much of the church on her ear. His heart, as He clearly states in verse 13, is towards the sinners. What a radical position for Him to take, and what a radical position for the church to be challenged to take up. So often the church only welcomes those that are already cleaned up, those that are pursuing righteousness. We don't really know what to do with sinners, other than to try to get them to act like us. We are uncomfortable with sinners, and even uncomfortable interacting with them. I can imagine at the dinner at Matthew's house, all the Pharisees were probably huddled together in a corner, trying not to be defiled by the sinners around them. Jesus, however, was right in the midst of the sinners. We in the church need to open our hearts and minds to the lost, to see them as the Lord sees them. Jesus wasn't interested in Matthew's money, but rather in his apostolic gifting. Let us pray for the same heart as the Father, to see the value and purpose in everyone we meet, whether they are a sinner or saint.

A 'How Much More' Father

This morning I was reading out of 1 Samuel 1:11, 17-20 NIV:

[11]..."And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty , if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”

[17] Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him. ” [18] She said, “May your servant find favor in your eyes. ” Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast. [19] Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the Lord and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her. [20] So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.”

I was thinking about how interesting this move of God was in the course of Israel's history, and how it was initiated because of a deep personal need of Hannah. The birth of Samuel, and the resultant prophetic ministry, and leadership of Israel all came about because Hannah was being harassed by her husband's other wife, because she was barren. Hannah wasn't being all spiritual in her prayer, wasn't contemplating the coming spiritual revival her son would bring, or really anything more significant than she wanted a baby.

This encourages me, in that Hannah was just praying for her personal need. Sometimes I think we feel that prayers need to have some sort of Kingdom significance to really be heard. We think that the Lord answered her prayer, and our prayers because of what we commit to Him, in her case she offered her son to God's service. I believe that God was just as interested in meeting Hannah's need as He was in the deal she had made. He is a Father who love to bless His children. Jesus constantly revealed to us His Father's heart, and it was to bless and love and care for His children.

I may be weird, but I love it when my children come to me with requests for help. It gives me an opportunity to reveal my love for them in practical ways. I have an opportunity for outward expression of my love for them. I am reminded of a verse from Matthew: "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" Matthew 7:11

Let us learn to turn to God, as a we would our earthly father (assuming your earthly father was good). Let us not shy away from asking for personal needs as we come to Him. He is more than capable of answering our prayers, and He can work the answer of any of those prayers into great moves of God on the earth. Everything God does has significance, we just need to ask Him to move. I heard someone describe the Lord as a "how much more" God, based on the verse above. He is not a God of 'just enough', but rather a God of "how much more"! God not only answered Hannah's prayer for a son, but added on so much more than she had prayed for, her son became one of the greatest leaders of Israel.

Let God demonstrate his "how much more" ability in your life!