True Wholeness!!!

Three very bad things happened as a result of the Fall (in the Garden of Eden):

–Division between God and the human race.
–Division between humans and other humans.
–Division within each person.

And since the Fall, many have labored passionately to remove the divisions and brokenness between humans and within humans, and to bring wholeness for each person and for the human race. But WHOLENESS is not a method, it’s a PERSON — a person named Jesus. And until estrangement with God is dealt with, all other efforts to bring wholeness will ultimately fail.

But the glorious Gospel, via the Blood of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit, has made a way, and offered an unshakable foundation upon which all other efforts at wholeness can be built. That is why we must never, in the midst of our efforts, neglect the preaching of the Gospel: Calling lost human beings to the foot of the cross, where they can encounter a loving Savior, repent of their sins, and be saved and made whole.

“For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes:” (Romans 1:16)

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Busy or Productive?

“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit — fruit that will last…” (John 15:16)

From Heaven’s point of view, there’s a big difference between being busy and being productive. It’s good occasionally to take an inventory of how we’re spending our time, energy, and resources, so that we can avoid being overwhelmed by the trivial and mere distractions — and so that our lives will be truly, eternally fruitful.

Kingdom stuff…

Find a way to do Kingdom stuff every day (sharing the Gospel, praying with people, interceding for the lost people in your life, etc.). It will bring Joy to the heart of Jesus! Even little things are significant…

“His Master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master’s happiness!'” (Matthew 25:23)

Patrick and the power of forgiveness.

In the 5th century, Patrick was captured by Irish pirates from his English home as a youth and sold into slavery in Ireland, which at that time was a fierce land controlled by warring tribes.  After a number of years, he received a vision from God telling him about a ship that would take him back to England.  Patrick walked many miles across terrain he knew nothing about, being led by the Spirit of God, until he came to the ocean shore and he saw the ship of his vision.  And this ship did indeed return him to his home.

But God then told him that he was to go back to Ireland and spend his life preaching across the savage island.  Because Patrick forgave those who had enslaved him, he was able to go to them with the love of Jesus, with no bitterness or impediment in his heart.  As a result, he baptized over 120,000 Irishmen — and the reverb of this throughout the ages has, I imagine, led millions to a heavenly destiny. He was a Revolutionary of Love. Join the Revolution!

Shine!

“You are the LIGHT of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a LAMP and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your LIGHT SHINE before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

HAPPY NEW DAY, MY FELLOW SHINY ONES!!!

Everyday opportunities…

Are your eyes open for everyday opportunities to bless and help people?
Sometimes, all you have to do is slow down and look around…

Be prepared.

“Always be PREPARED to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15)

I believe our testimonies are one of the main ways God has chosen to shine His Light into the darkness of this world. And one useful way to be prepared is to take time to write out a 2 – 4 minute version of our testimony (the wonderful way God led you out of darkness) and to practice sharing it.  You might even take an evening at your home group to practice sharing your testimonies with each other, so that you won’t feel so awkward when you share with unbelievers. Just a thought.

Be ready.

Recycling…

Recycling materials is good, but recycling people is the very best type of recycling!

What a wonderful honor and calling it is for all lovers of God to help people find a new life in Jesus!  May we all start recycling the one thing that makes sense in eternity — the souls of people.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

 

The evolution of culture…

As cultures and nations evolve, they typically become more shame-based and less truth-based – and accepting cultural “norms” and not being rejected by your perceived peer group generally become more important than standing for truth.  And as this pressure to conform continues, Christians are much more likely to stop sharing the complete Gospel (especially the need to repent and be saved) — and are more and more likely to settle for merely improving people’s worldly situations (economically, politically, etc.), because this is less emotionally and culturally “risky”.  And at the same time, it is the greatest of tragedies.

“What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36)