July 8, 2012

    Will You Be One?    

Luke 8: 1 - 3

Luke

Not long afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby cities and villages to announce the Good News concerning the Kingdom of God.  He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women he had healed and from whom he had cast out evil spirits.  Among them were Mary Magadalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, [who was] Herod's business manager.  Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples.   

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Thoughts.....

Good morning!  I hope you emotionally survived last weeks lesson.  I know there are times that seem more rough than others, but it is vital that we look within to find answers....it is where Jesus is supposed to be....if you have accepted him into your heart as Lord and Savior.  This weeks lesson will be much lighter.  Maybe. 

First I need to let you know that I added the bracketed info into the text.  I did this because initially I read that Joanna was the business manager, which is not accurate, and thought others may misread this as well.  Hence the clarification.  Heaven forbid as women, we should become too lofty.  Jesting, I say this.

So the first sentence begins telling us that Jesus began a tour of nearby cities and villages to announce the Good News concerning the Kingdom of God.  Since we are to do as he does, will you be one to do as he has done and he calls us to do as Christians?  Will you begin a tour traveling to share the Gospel?  If not, why not?  This doesn't have to occur as a rock concert tour of epic proportion.  It can occur as you move for employment (within the business or within the area you live), during vacations, with your employment travels state, country, or worldwide) visiting relatives or friends, over a lifetime, or as a missionary tour.  Of course, if you have the funding, which is certainly easier in this day and age, feel free to do a full production tour.  Me, well, I do not have the funding to do a full production tour, nor do I have the current following to warrant the attempt for a major production.  However, I am always open to the Lord's directives and am willing to go where he leads....for the most part (count me imperfect, therefore sinful human....clarifying....many need Christ right in this country, so I prefer to stay right here), and say what he puts in my heart (which does not always make me popular).  Jesus has 'got me' hook, line, and sinker.  I'd be happy to do a full production tour however. Give me the people to help me, and 'show me the money', Lord!  Actually, show Trinity Missions and the Church of the Holy Spirit the money, Lord! 

How did Jesus do a full production tour?  With the help of funding from those around him who believed in him.  We traditionally think of Jesus traveling the dusty hills, sleeping in caves.  But if you pay attention to text, he also ate royally  and he slept well in homes.  Much like a geyser that starts small and crescendos, Jesus' ministry followed the same.  Kenneth Copeland tells the story that he studied well.  He believed he was called of God to go preach....we are all called by the way, as a part of accepting him as Lord and Savior.  So he cleaned himself up, put on his finest outfit and sat down on his sofa and waited for a call to go.  Finally, late in the day a phone call came.  And he went and preached at an evening service and the rest is history.  Imagine what the world would be like if those of us who are Christians would get up every morning, get dressed for the Lord (as opposed to the world's view of getting dressed...I love my jeans), and sat down to wait upon the Lord's directives as to where to go, what to do, and what to say to further the Kingdom of God in preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Imagine.......  

Gosh, I guess I had better do this now!  Honestly, right now, I am thrilled to say I need to wear my jeans to do the job the Lord has currently called me.  Yea!  Not that I wouldn't dash into a suit or similar were it necessary.  I have and I do.

When Jesus went forth, he took his twelve disciples with him and some women he had healed and from whom he had cast out seven demons.  'Yo'.......I do not have 12 disciples.  But from the looks of the stats I receive weekly from my website, Jesus does, as I preach his Gospel.  You, who read these weekly 'Thoughts', follow Jesus.....even tho' I am speaking for and with him.  I do not consider that you are following me, but Christ in me.  I'm quite sure my brothers and sisters like Billy Graham, Kenneth Copeland, Jerry Saville, Michael W. Smith, Joyce Meyer, Vicki Jamison, Frances Hunter and others like them would tell you the same, or have stated such when they were alive.  Yet, though I say this, I do feel that, and we are shown and told in this scripture more importantly, if one is going to do a 'full on' production of traveling the world, one MUST have a leadership contingency to not fail.  Don't be goofy and head out without one.  And don't just show up 'looking and acting big' expecting a crowd.  One must earn the respect of others who are true Christians and have tested you to see if indeed you are a true Christian and really do preach the Gospel and not your own before you journey forth on a large scale.  Like Benny Hinn, Billy Graham, Joyce Meyer and others who have been tested and found to be very sound Christians.

I have not even touched the surface of the many who are out there preaching in mammoth churches and venues like Joel Olsteen.  I am not on that scale, as I sit at my lone computer reaching out to the world on a smaller scale.  Of course, I would like to find myself worthy to preach on a grander scale, but more importantly GOD must find me worthy.  Just as he must find you, as well, to do something grand scale proportion.  And oh.....I pray he will find you so!  That would mean....perhaps....that you've been listening, while I've been doing my job. Will you be one to go forth for him? 

Let's look at the rest of this sentence....the part that says Jesus healed and cast out evil spirits.  Are you there yet?  Have you done this for others....for yourself?  If not, why not?  If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior and asked Jesus to baptize you with Holy Spirit, you have every gift available to you that Jesus did.  And so you MUST use them on behalf of the Kingdom of God.  Until you receive Holy Spirit you won't have utterance, be ordained to go forth.  If you've been following 'Thoughts' for awhile, you may have learned that ordination comes from Holy Spirit's indwelling as given us by God.  2 Corinthians 1:2 reads "It is God who gives us, along with you, the ability to stand firm for Christ.  He has commissioned us, and he has identified us by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment of everything he will give us."  Paul is not speaking only for himself and Timothy Silas, but to ALL who receive the Trinity!  Read again Chapter 1 of 1 Corinthians.  Will you be one to step out in his name and do as he does?    

Now the tough part....looking at women in support of Jesus and his ministry.  I call this the tough part because in Jesus time, it was tough.  Women were not allowed to be taught by a Rabbi.  Women were not allowed to speak up or out.  But here, Jesus shows us a new way....equality.  Such as can be accomplished at that time.  He was not able to make any of them one of the 12 because of the times he lived, yet, he opened every other door to them, including forgiveness of sins and eternal life.  He blessed them by saying welcome and allowing them to support Jesus and his disciples from their own resources.  Not just financially, but with their business acumen as well.  King Lemuel's Mother in Proverbs 31 tells us what a virtuous woman is and what she does, of which she is capable.  Galatians 5: 32-25 give us info on how to be defined as a woman/man of God by way of the Holy Spirit.  And verse 18 of that same chapter reads, 'But when you are directed by the Holy Spirit, you are no longer subject to the law.'  This alone must have been a valuable relief for the women of that time.  It's a valuable relief to women of today!  Scripture refers to the law of Moses, not man's law.  We are all subject to man's law, but if we are Christians, in the truth of what that stands for, we rise above the law in our honorable ways.  Errrr....we should.  Remember, we are representing Christ....the Savior of the world; God, maker of the universe.... and us; and Holy Spirit, Truth, Comforter, and Teacher. 

Jesus was also trying to be found credible among the higher ranking officials.  To have total disregard for their laws would have discredited him.  So, in an attempt to be heard, to go about and send others out, he needed to have male leadership, but obviously did not disregard the leadership of women in other areas.  He also may have used the men as security force.  There were certainly stories involving violence, so the guys could make their strategic force moves to protect their sovereign leader.  An armament of men, if you will.  So, will you be one to contribute from your resources to support Jesus and those who preach the Gospel for him?  I could certainly use your help financially to further preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  And your prayers. 

How will you be one?  Will you be one who accepts Jesus Christ as your Savior, if you have not?  Will you be one who asks him to baptize you with Holy Spirit?  Will you be one going forth to announce the Good News concerning the Kingdom of God....share the Gospel of Jesus Christ as told in the New Testament?  Will you be one who opens the door and so God can call others to surround you to do the same and help you?  Will be you one who chooses to be an equal opportunity Christian welcoming women and men?  Will you be one who heals and casts out evil spirits and more?  Will you be one who contributes your resources to help others as they preach, perhaps as part of your regular tithe? 

I hope you will pray about what you have learned today.  Ask God what he would have you do, where you should go, how you should step out and up for him, who you should support and how.  Whatever is in your heart, he will know.  Make sure he knows you belong to Jesus.  That you are a Christian in truth.  Be one today!  

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Let Us Pray

God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, you've given me a lot to think and pray about today.  First, though, please forgive me of any sins I've committed, known and unknown.  I've not ventured forth as much as I think I maybe should have, but sometimes I go where Angels fear to tread.  Please give me more discernment, and, help me be sure that you are talking and that I am not talking to myself in venturing forth.  Then, I am not sure that I am giving you enough of my resources.  Some days I feel like I give so much, but am I giving to you and the people you assign to preach the Gospel?  I don't think so.  So I need to step up my game....so to speak.  I do know this is not a game.  So I pledge to listen better to you as to where every penny I receive goes.  I do realize that as I give you what you need AND want, you will give me what I need and want.  Help me do this well for you.  Failing on my part is not an option, if I want my dreams to come true.  Failing on my part is not an option if I want YOUR dreams to come true!  Forgive me, Lord, I'm one of those humans who acts like it sometimes, as opposed to putting you first in my life, as a Christian of truth should.  And, Lord, I'm certainly ready to be open to Holy Spirit as he uses me as a vessel to heal and cast out evil spirits.  You know I've been reliable in the past for this, as I've honored and worshiped you.  Thank you for trusting me to help you.  I know I am about to embark on a new journey for and with you soon....and I'm excited to know you love me so much and trust me as much so to know you can count on me.  Thank you.  May all those to whom I preach and teach come to this level of love and trust in their relationship with you.  Together may we all be fruitful and multiply many, increasing the numbers in the Kingdom of God.  It matters not what church they go to, or if they have not gone yet, but that we are together as Christians furthering your ministry.  In heaven, there will not be one church religious faction/name, rather there will be a large group comprised of Christians....those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior....Messiah for the world.  Thanks for forgiving those humans believing that 'their' or 'our' way of having church laws, doctrines, etc. is the 'only' way.  May we all realize there is only one way....one law.....the New Testament....the NEW LAW.....yours.  Loving the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul and strength, and loving your neighbor as yourself.  Thank you.  I love you.  Amen.          

Lord,LordJesJeJeJJjEJJJ     JJThe LORD is king!  Let the nations tremble!  T***

More love.... 

  Benediction....Blessing

Let us hear from Paul as he prays:  

When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.  I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit.  And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him.  May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love.  And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is.  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it.  Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Now glory be to God!  By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.  May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages.  Amen.  Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT         

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Scroll down to read Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving...'The Unforced Rhythms of Grace'.

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Definition of a Christian:  Anyone who believes in God, Jesus and Holy Spirit, and accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior.  Regardless of church name or religious affiliation. 

It is not how we worship, but that we worship....the Trinity!   

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If you feel that the Church of the Holy Spirit has inspired or helped you, we'd like you to prayerfully consider tithing regularly to us or gifting us, so that we can further the work and carry out the will of the Father as proclaimed in Matthew 28:19-20 NLT

 to

 "Go and make disciples out of all the nations

baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.  And be sure of this:

I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

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  Our Current Cause

It is time to reach into the community and the world around you to see wherein lies the greatest need.  As you choose to focus on these areas, do so with a servant's heart.  Whether the need is for children, adults, or animals, or any cause in between that will help those in need, ask God how you can best serve his needs, what path you must take, and how long you should persevere.  Sometimes we are to be in the lives of others merely as stepping stones.  Sometimes we are to touch those lives forever.  Whatever journey you are called to take, whatever team you will be a member, know this:  God is with you always...even til the end of time.  He loves you, is grateful for you, and will help you along life's way, especially if you are helping others along theirs, persevering with a servant's heart. 

Please accept my sincerest thanks....and God's....and may God richly bless you! 

BesidesBesid  

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In the meantime, we hope you will trust us to direct them to where the need is the greatest.

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    One last thing....

 Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving

'The Unforced Rhythms of Grace'

"Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer:  "Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth.  You've concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people.  Yes, Father, that's the way you like to work."

Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly.  "The Father has given me all these things to do and say.  This is a unique Father - Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge.  No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does.  But I'm not keeping it to myself; I'm ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen."

"Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn how to live freely and lightly.

   Matthew 11:  25-30

  The Message

And the people said,

"Amen."

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I now write most prayers in the position of ' I ' (first person) because most people are sitting at their computer alone, not in groups, and it allows those reading and praying to personalize the prayer as coming from them going to God.  Variations may appear on holidays when families may wish to use the prayer provided. 

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  Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996.  Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189.  All rights reserved.

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