July 22, 2012

     Many Hats     

Luke 8: 19 - 21

Luke

Once when Jesus' mother and brothers came to see him, they couldn't get to him because of the crowds.  Someone told Jesus, "Your mother and your brothers are outside, and they want to see you."

Jesus replied, "My mother and my brothers are all those who hear the message of God and obey it."

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Thoughts.....

Good morning!  Often times we think when something appears simple it is.  But then there are times when what appears simple is not.  The latter would be most like todays reference and thoughts.  Sorry if you thought today would be a 'short' day for church.  It can't be very long due to storms in the area.  I'd rather not 'fry' my computer with an energy surge, protector or not.

Let's talk a moment about Jesus' mother and brothers.  There are some Christian religions/churches who do not believe that Jesus had brothers.  They will tell you that there is no translation for cousin, or 'step' brother, so they just used the term 'brother' in translation.  Hog wash.  Adelphos is the Greek word for brother.  B r o t h e r.  It has always been the Greek word for brother.  See Mark 6:3, and Matthew 13:55 & 56 which refers to Jesus having brothers, so named:  James, Joseph, Judas, Simon.  It also references his sisters....plural.  Matthew 12:48-50 is a correlation of scripture above.  The intent of the other religions/churches to have you believe Jesus stands alone, is to further deify Mary as virginal throughout her life.  Not necessary.  Mary's life status neither confirms nor negates Jesus' status as Messiah.  Jesus status as one, or one of many, has no bearing on his status of Messiah either.  Truth, and historically documented fact.

Jesus stated that his mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and obey it.  Let me restate that....OBEY IT.  I'm going to speak to the leaders of the churches, pastors, ministers, priests, as well as the regular church going....and not church going Christians.  But if you've found this site, you are now in church!  

Obeying God requires that we perform works....witness to him....give testimony you are who you say you are....a Christian.  We can't just accept Jesus as Saviour and Lord and then sit back, put our feet up, and expect when we die will go to heaven.  See John 5:36-44.  Jesus is telling folks who he is by his witness of his teaching and his miracles....that it's a stronger witness than just the word of John the Baptist.   

James 2:14 reads:  Dear brothers and sisters, what's the use of saying you have faith if you don't prove it by your actions?  That kind of faith can't save anyone.  He goes on to say in verse 17:  So you see, it isn't enough just to have faith.  Faith that doesn't show itself by good deeds is not faith at all - it is dead and useless. 

1 Timothy 4:12-16 reads:  'Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young.  Be an example to all believers in what you teach, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, your purity.'  Paul goes on to say that we should focus on reading the Scritpures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.  In verse 14 we continue to read:  'Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecies spoken to you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you.  Give your complete attention to these matters.  Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress.  Keep a close watch on yourself and on your teaching.  Stay true to what is right, and God will save you and those who hear you.' 

In John 10:37 Jesus said, "Don't believe me unless I carry out my Father's work.  But if I do his work, believe in what I have done, even if you don't believe me.  Then you will realize that the Father is in me, and I am in the Father."

Why am I telling you all this?  This is where the 'many hats' comes in.  Jesus' family may not have 'gotten' that Jesus was who he was....the Messiah....because of who they saw, how he portrayed himself....who he was....to his family.   

Who we are to those who are close to us, how they see us, what they know about us, may be different than how we are known to the world around us outside of our 'inner circle'.  Like Jesus.  I can just hear Jesus' brothers complaining "Why him and not me?"  And his mother knowing he doesn't pick up after himself, or his father knowing he gets to work late.  It doesn't mesh with THE Messiah.  But the world around Jesus believed what they saw him do spiritually....those works were GREAT works of God.  What if he cleaned his room and still got to work on time?  What if he was the epitome of 'perfect' to his brothers and they could see his serious side instead of his goof ball side?  Would it have mattered.....would they have believed in him more strongly?  Errrrr......having had brothers......probably not actually. 

I've spoken before about who we are within.  From a psychological perspective, we have within us an inner child, and adult and a parent.  All of those egos have positive and negative sides to them.  With our family, we may show our inner child.  To the world, inner our adult.  Interestingly, our inner child holds our spirituality, yet our inner adult is the ego that needs to present it to the world to be believed.  And our positive inner parent nurtures spiritually.  From a strictly spiritual perspective, we are simply children of God.  But is that so simple?  Not hardly. 

We still must carry ourselves as adults.  We cannot let the 'world' know our truths, our silly side, our fun side.  Oh my.....what we could be labeled then!  There are Christians who would burn in hell by other Christians were they not to accept that all have been forgiven of sins....trust me....those folks are out there....the ones pointing fingers.  They just forget that there are more fingers coming back at them.  These Christians refuse to listen about God from the others because they know the 'real' you...the one who is laughs a lot, is silly, vulnerable, hurts, is in crisis, has 'issues'....oh my.  By any other term it is still called 'normal'.  But many do not want Christians, particularly those in leadership to have 'problems'.  They expect they should be 'above' everything.  Some don't even want you to laugh from the pulpit.  Folks, this happens to be the real world, and in the real world, people are 'normal'.  Like Jesus was 'normal', yet the Messiah.  Lord and Savior for the world. 

Let me give you a personal example.  I've been doing this website at the end of this month for 4 years. I had a 'friend' who has sent out a happy newsletter for more years than that.  Out of respect for her and our friendship, I read every one she sent during the week (6), although I did ask for a more brief format, and every very lengthy one on Sunday.  And yet, in the total of nearly 4 years, she had not ever read one of my 'thoughts', and had never briefed the website at all.  She said, "I don't study like that."  'Like that.'   What does that mean?  How can someone call themselves a Christian and not study the Word? 

Well, time showed that it did have to do with the fact that she doesn't study, which she truly does not do.  Marginal Christian, if there can be such a thing.  She goes with her husband to their church on Sundays and they are done.  But it also had to do with the fact that she saw the inner me, the one that told her what was happening in my life, the one that saw how I had to deal with Satan's attempts to 'take me out'.  She also saw the person I was spiritually.  She got to see the inner child, the adult, and the parent, as well as the child of God, the minister, pastor, leader.  But she chose to allow the vulnerable inner child, the adult, the parent living 'real life' to rise above the child of God, the minister, pastor, leader.  She chose to question my integrity and credibility, just like those of Jesus' family did to him.  As did others.....and many still do today.  Perhaps, if she did study, she would come to respect herself and others more....and find herself on hallowed ground instead of lower ground of thoughts.

We wear many hats.  Who we are to ourselves may differ from who we are to those around us, in and out of the home.  Who we are to parishioners, congregants, other Christians, may differ from who we are to parents, spouses, brothers, sisters, kids, coworkers, employers.  How often have we been aghast at learning things in the news about a pastor, minister or priest?  Could we be holding them too high, so as to not let them be themselves, find answers when Satan knocks, be there for them one human to another in Christ?  Are we abiding by what we expect of others?  Too often not.

We are called to be Christians in season and out.  Does that mean we have to be perfect?  No.  But we should strive.  And we will always wear many hats.  But Christ calls us to be consistent in our walk.  We can be that inner child, the adult, and the parent within the confines of Christianity.  Loving one another.  Believing in one another.  Expecting the best from one another.  Being there to reach out, when the other can't be 'normal' or falls for some reason.  Uplifting them instead of labeling or negating them. 

Should we take everything everyone says as Gospel?  No.  Weigh it.  Measure it against scripture, if you are being taught the Word.  But in everyday living with others, be that light of Christ.  Believe in your brothers and sisters.  Know if they ARE your brothers and sisters in Christ.  If not, attempt to bring them into the fold.  But as I've learned recently, don't waste a lot of time trying.  Go on to the next one....brush the dust off your feet, when not being believed, and move on.  If you are not found credible and with integrity, make sure it is not due to your actions.  If it is, correct it.  If not, move on, it's their spirituality in trouble.  Pray for them, but go.  Do NOT let them bring you down. 

I need to make a note here about abuse.  Men can be abused inside of a marriage the same as women.  Friends can abuse friends.  Be careful all of you.  Your body is the temple of God and God does not want the doors being beaten down mentally, physically, emotionally or spiritually.  Your relationship with Christ is more important than your marriage and any relationship.  More important than what your employers think of you.  You may be ministering to a congregation who is fed by you and uplifted by you.  But the leadership or your spouse may not see that and be 'bringing you down'.  Don't let them!  You are not there....preaching and called for them, you are there for and called by GOD.  Onward Christian soldier!     

Let me close with Matthew 23 1-12.  It's ironic that Jesus tells the disciples to practice and obey whatever the teachers and Pharisees teach, but not to follow their example because they don't practice what they teach.  He says they crush you with impossible religious demands and never left a finger to help ease the burden.  This can be very true for some folks in leadership.  There are some churches that are truly fire and brimstone in their methods. 

Then he talks about how those leaders do everything for show.  They enjoy the attention.  He indicates no one should be called Rabbi.  That we have only one teacher (Holy Spirit), and, all of us are on the same level as brothers and sisters.  (That's supposed to be a reflection of kindness, respect, acceptance, unlike perhaps the example of Jesus' brothers and perhaps others' in the world.) 

Jesus further tells us that no one should be addressed as 'Father', for only God in heaven is your spiritual Father.  Nor 'Master', for there is only one master, the Messiah.  The greatest among you must be a servant, Jesus says.  But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. 

We wear many hats during each and everyday.  Wear the hat of Christian consistently.  Be discerning with whom you share your inner self....Jesus wants to hear the inner 'real' you always.  The rest of the world....maybe it's not such a good idea to share everything with them but be 'real' always.  Christians have a responsibility to present a unified front....unified with Jesus.  That's the consistency factor.  Leaders in Christ need to stop placing themselves above everyone else....we are equal in Christ.  He calls us all brothers and sisters....on the same level.  Stop lording over others.  Find balance and common ground....in and with Jesus.  Wear the hat and do the work that signifies who you are as a Christian, so that when Jesus comes, he'll recognize you.  What hat and what work will you be wearing when Jesus comes?     

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Let Us Pray

Lord, I've learned a lot today.  I've seen myself and I've seen others.  More importantly, I now see you more clearly.  And the leaders around me.  It seems I and the world have a lot to do to please you, God.  I want to be a 'real' Christian.  A person considered credible with integrity.  Most others see me as this.  For that I am grateful, because it means I am being true to you.  For those that don't, well, since I can align myself clearly with your Word as to who I am as a Christian, apparently it is the others who need to do more work.  Not that I don't have to always work at being a better Christian, but you know what I mean.  I need to brush the dust off my feet and keep going away from some.  Anyone who is not a discerning Christian who puts me down, just raises me closer to you, since they are not in the way on the ladder up.  Anyone who is a discerning Christian, well, by their fruits I shall know them, and, I better listen to become more fruitful and show myself approved.  Thank you for this lesson, Lord.  I clearly do your work, clearly answer to you, and it matters most that you believe me and believe in me, as I believe in you.  I know you, Father, are in me, and I am in you.  Bowing down to you, God, and thanking you from the depths of my being and the height of my love for you.  Your Word is a blessing to me teaching me all right things.  Thank you.  I will cherish what I've learned, that you are in me, that you believe in me.  As I reach out to others in your name, keep me humble and right.  May I someday be holy just as you are Holy.  May I be a strong witness for you, God, Jesus, Holy Spirit.  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. 

Now and always, the Church of the Holy Spirit needs your support.  I pray you will find it in your heart to give today.

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

BesidesBesid   

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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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