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Thoughts Archived > Heaven Will Rejoice!


21 Apr 2013

                                   

 

April 21, 2013

  Heaven Will Rejoice!

Luke 15: 1 - 10

 

Luke

Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach.  This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such despicable people - even eating with them!

So Jesus used this illustration:  "If you had one hundred sheep, and one of them strayed away, and was lost in the wilderness, wouldn't you leave the ninety-nine others to go and search for the lost one until you found it?  And then you would joyfully carry it home on your shoulders.  When you arrived, you would call together your friends and neighbors to rejoice with you because your lost sheep was found.  In the same way, heaven will be happier over one lost sinner who returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven't strayed away!

Or suppose a woman has ten valuable silver coins and loses one.  Won't she light a lamp and look in every nook and cranny until she finds it?  And when she finds it, she will call in her friends and neighbors to rejoice with her because she has found her lost coin.  In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God's angels when even one sinner repents."   

 

 

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Thoughts.....

 

Folks, this is all about love.  God's love for you.  He so wants you in his arms....to catch you when you fall, to teach you how to keep from falling.  To enjoin with him at the last trumpet sound. 

Jesus was sent to save the lost.  Jesus said in Luke 5:32, "I have come to call sinners to turn from their sins, not to spend my time with those who think they are already good enough."  The NIV reads this way, "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."  I'm getting ahead of myself.  Let's go back to the beginning.

The Pharisees were ultra religious and kept strict adherence to the Old Testament law of ceremonial cleaning.  Even going beyond the law to insure they remained clean, to the point of avoiding those they believed were not clean....physically or spiritually.  Jesus, on the other hand, jumped right into their midst.  The wealthy were accepted and able to learn the Religious Law of the times, the poor were cast aside.  The poor had a tendency toward uncleanliness due to their economic situation, perhaps even due to the way they were raised culturally.  Being seen as different, or poor, or having a cultural difference, does not infer spiritual indifference.  However, in this situation, it seemed to scream to the Pharisees that because the others Jesus associated with were not wealthy, or were of a different cultural upbringing, meant they were not clean according to the Law therefore, Jesus was defiling himself by association.  Interesting to note that they had to have been there, too, to have noticed.  'Go figure.'

Jesus scoffed at the Pharisees further by touching those with Leprosy, neglecting to wash in the Pharisees prescribed manner per 'the' ceremonial cleaning, and he showed complete disregard for their sanctions against associating with certain 'classes' of people.  [Notes from Life Application Bible, NIV, Tyndale Press]

Jesus was sent by God to offer salvation to the sinners, the lost....to show them that God loves them.  He did not come to please the local religious hierarchy.  [Note to all women called of God to preach who are attacked by other Christian churches because of your gender....answer God, not the religious 'good old boys'.  ALL are called by God to go forth to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, if you've accepted Jesus as Savior and made him LORD of your life, and have been identified as his own by placement of the Holy Spirit.  ALL are called to be ministers for Christ.  See 2 Cor. 1:21-22 and 4:13 for starters to help you.]  

Jesus had an agenda, he had God's plan.  He was not in the least concerned about what religious authority on earth thought about him.  He did care what God thought about him and he was intent on obeying God and thanking him.  He did this by doing what GOD called him to do....seek out the lost and let them know they could be forgiven of their sins and receive eternal life.  Per LAB/NIV 'Jesus didn't worry about the accusations.  Instead he continued going to those who needed him, regardless of the effect these rejected people might have on is reputation.'  Tyndale then posits the question:  What keeps you away from people who need Christ? 

Folks, please do not assume that only poor, culturally different people, or those not going to church, are bereft of knowing who God is or Jesus, or that they have not accepted Jesus as Savior and made him Lord of their life.  Or that they don't know who Holy Spirit is.  A large majority of people I meet in churches are lost.  The people I've had the blessing to meet on the street, in the fields, on the by-ways of life, are many times much more obedient to God, have accepted Jesus as Savior, and have more fully embraced Holy Spirit than many in the larger churches.  As a matter of fact, I find the smaller churches, 'garage grown' churches, and home-based churches are the most filled with the love of God, know the Word more, are more filled with THE Holy Ghost/Spirit than many of the larger churches I've been in. 

I need to say something here that's been on my heart and the Lord's for quite some time.  Satan has folks believing that they should not be in a church because of one problem or another, including hypocrisy.  How hypocritical is it for folks to walk THAT path?!  What does that show to God?  To the world seeking God?!   "Well, they aren't filled with the Holy Spirit."  "That church, everyone is sick in it."  "They don't play the kind of music I like."  "They teach milk, I want meat."  "They are not on my level.  I'm way more advanced."  Good gravy!  Do 'you' not see, if 'you' are one of these folks, that Satan has 'you' by the tail and is whipping 'you' around and wrapping 'you' around his finger?!

Do 'you' honestly believe that God would keep 'you' out of a church established to bring him honor through worship, which is set apart to teach ALL the Word....the Gospel of Jesus Christ?!  Have you even considered that perhaps....just maybe.....he sent 'you' to that church to raise it to a new level of glory for him?!   Or to obviously learn something?!  Have 'you' even asked him?!   Or are you running from something you do not want to learn?!  ['You' is in parenthesis to denote generality, not specifically you, however, if the shoe FITS.....listen!]

Ladies and gentlemen, kids, and everyone in between, we are commanded to have fellowship, to worship the Living God, to come together in community with other believers, to learn together.  WHAT ARE 'YOU' THINKING?!!!!!!!!!  GO to church!  I fully understand some are house bound.  Call a church and seek a ride.  If they can't take you, find the one that will.  If you are bed bound, I'm honored you are a part of our family.  I'm honored no matter what your situation that brings you to this church.  But folks, there can be more of a relationship with God, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit when you are encountering him in others...I pray you will indeed encounter him in others in the church....and outside.  And if he is NOT in others, then you've been called to help him get there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  You can even call, or write me by email, or by regular mail, to establish a relationship with another person in the name of and Kingdom of God.  Don't tell me you are 'not alone because God is in your life'.  I hope and pray he is....I know and get that part.  Step to the beat of the Kingdom of God.  Step UP to the heartbeat of God himself!   

If you think you are not 'crippled' with hypocrisy in some form, believe you are 'worth more', or are 'so perfect' as to believe yourself 'above others', look in the mirror WITH God.  Without the make up for women and mousse in your hair for men.  Wipe off the grin and just stand there for a few minutes....God is in you, if you have accepted him and Jesus into your life.  So when you look in the mirror, you need to be seeing God and Jesus there.  Look a long time.  If you feel the need to look away, look longer.    

If the church you enter is not 'feeding your soul', get out your Bible and teach them how.  Suggest different music.  Pray over them.  Fire up Holy Spirit.  Or try a different one until you are happy.  But remember, God is the one who needs to be happy.  Heaven, and GOD, wants to rejoice over you....coming home to his arms, in the church, in fellowship, in community, in heaven one day.  Answering the question that was posited 'What keeps you from people who need Christ?', it sounds like 'you' might be the one who needs him most.  Could your family or friends be keeping you away?  Who is really more important?  Economic difficulties like gas money.  Pray.  Hard.  He will answer and provide.  Trust me on this one.  I've learned all about mercy and grace lately.  God is forever loving and giving and he wants all of us to be the recipients.  

Moving on.   

Regarding the sheep.  If 99 are safe, and one is lost, the lost one is in danger.  God sees us as sheep.  He values everyone of us equally.  He relies on those of us who know the Gospel, the Word, to share it with others who may not, or do not.  He created us, he loves us, he is concerned about all of us.  He wants us to be part of his family always.  Like the sheepherder who goes to find the lost sheep to save him, God sent us Jesus.  Jesus now expects us, to go forth with Holy Spirit to help find God's lost sheep....all the creatures he gave life to....and save them.  Just as a sheepherder rejoices over the lost sheep returning to the fold, so will God and Jesus rejoice with all of heaven as one of his lost returns to him because his love is so great for us.

You might ask how they can return, if they have never known him.  Ah.  But all have been created by him, so, intrinsically they/we have known him.  'He knit us in our mother's womb.'  Psalm 139

Recently I saw a picture of a baby with a feather coming out of her (?) neck.  The doctors said she must have swallowed it and it worked itself out through the neck from the throat.  Your basic 'scientific' explanation.  Impossible.  Not even plausible.  Me....I believe in God.  I kinda have a tendency to think....believe....that family needed an angel....and got one.

Try to imagine how much God loves you.  Regardless of perhaps a current life situation that may not be great by your standards, God loves you so much that he sent you his Son, Jesus Christ, even in advance of your birth, to save you.  That you might be forgiven of your sins, if you but ask.  Jesus died for you, he loves you that much.  God resurrected his Son....he raised him from the grave, he then raised him from hell where he went to suffer for the sins of the world.  Those sins disfigured him....he wasn't even recognized....when he returned to earth.  Yes, he returned to earth from the bowels of hell.  And he went to heaven.  Remember, he told Mary Magdalene not to touch him because he had not ascended to the Father.  He then returned to earth to show folks that he lived....again....like Thomas, who was now able to touch him because he had ascended....and descended to ALL the disciples....instructing Thomas to put his hands in his [Jesus'] torn side from a sword, and into his hands where nails held him to a cross.  He told everyone before he died that he would go and why.  His return was to prove who he was, what he had told them was true, and prove God's love for his people.  His final ascent to heaven was to reign with his Father, our Father, God.  It was also to prove we, too, can have eternal life.  Because he reigns, we CAN squash Satan and be victorious!   

If that's not love, I don't know what is. 

We don't have to die for others, Jesus has already done everything necessary for us to be saved.  But we do have to learn who he is, now that we know that he is, so we can understand how wonderful he is, to tell others about him and his saving grace.  We also need to learn more about who God is, and why Jesus' life and resurrection is important.  Beyond that, Jesus sent us his Holy Spirit, so that we might learn more about God and Jesus, and, be able to live a life as that of someone representing them.  Holy Spirit can direct our steps on the path intended for us which will allow us to perfectly love and worthily magnify their Holy names.  And ultimately, we then learn more about Holy Spirit.  Our 'other job' is to then teach this to others....God still seeks his lost....and he needs us to help him 'while we are down here'.

Reach out to those God leads you, those who are lost, suffering, alone without him.  Go to the sinners....in and out of church.  Go to those 'considered beyond hope' and share the 'Gospel of God's Kingdom', as the LAB/NIV puts it.  And more, 'Before you were a believer, God sought you, and his love is still seeking those who are yet [still] lost.'   

The LAB/NIV offers another compelling statement pertinent for todays lesson.  This is profound:  'We may be able to understand a God who would forgive sinners who come to him for mercy.  But a God who tenderly searches for sinners and then joyfully forgives them must possess an extraordinary love!  This is the kind of love that prompted Jesus to come to earth to search for lost people and save them.  This is the kind of extraordinary love that God has for you.  If you feel far from God, don't despair.  He is searching for you.'  Wow.  Nice, huh? 

As the story goes, Palestinian women receive ten silver coins as a wedding gift per the LAB/NIV.  Apparently there is not only monetary value, but they would hold sentimental value as well.  Much like a wedding ring might be to most.  The LAB/NIV indicates this 'would be extremely distressing', and, 'just as a woman would rejoice at finding her coin or ring, so the angels would rejoice over a repentant sinner.'  It goes on to read, 'Each individual is precious to God.  He grieves over every loss and rejoices whenever one of his children is found and brought into the Kingdom.  Perhaps we would have more joy in our churches, if we shared Jesus' love and concern for the lost.'  That needs to start inside the churches, folks.  There is a mess on God's hands in many of the churches today.  Hence the reason many have walked away.  Although it can start with one bad apple, who may be the Minister, Pastor, Priest or one of the congregants, parishioners, it bleeds into the streets, the homes, the bi-ways of life.  Many is the story of an agnostic who was beat by their parent or spouse, who was the elder in the church, and who, I might add, was smiley faced in front of, or with, the congregation and a bear at home.  But don't think it ends in the churches.  We need to be 'on the streets, in the fields, in the homes, and with the masses', as I say.  Individuals or crowds....just 'talk Jesus up'. 

Folks, it's time to own up, 'fess up (confess your sins), turn a new leaf, get right with God.  As you can see, Satan is in the churches using everyone who will let him in.  Forcing out all those who SHOULD 'own the power' to boot him out.  I've said this before, but it bears repeating again, "You can't be in authority unless you are under authority."  If you are not aligned with God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, do not attempt to go forth in their names, don't even mention their names, until you get right with them.  If you do, you will bring shame to yourself, your God, those you associate with, and others will be harmed by association, if not directly.  Of course, if you have lost THE way, the truth and the light, 'go on with you now'....'get (further) lost', OR seek the counsel and help of those you know to be TRUE Christians as defined by Galatians 5, among many other references.  As Paul said to the Corinthians in 2 Corinthians 5: 20-21, I say to you now, 'We are [I am] Christ's Ambassadors, and God is using us [me] to speak to you.  We [I] urge you, as though Christ himself were here pleading with you.  "Be reconciled to God!"  For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ."

Please note:  Being in crisis or undergoing crises should not be perceived to mean that you or others are sinning and being punished.  It could very well mean you (or they) are under attack by Satan because of being a powerhouse for the Lord.  Do not mistake this, but prayer over it, around it, above it, and if necessary, get underneath it.  I had a car once with a leak....oh well....that story can be kept for another day.    

If you are a Christian who has sinned or is sinning, or have never known the Savior's loving mercy and grace through lack of introduction, all of heaven is waiting to rejoice over your return.  To embrace you again. To help you in your new life.  Go to God and ask him to forgive you.  Ask Jesus into your heart, your life.  Ask Jesus to baptize you with his Holy Spirit, so that you may have all that he wants to give you to help you live your new life, and help others along life's way.  If you choose this path, and for those who do know Jesus and have made him LORD over their life, all of heaven is rejoicing right now.  Choirs of angels are singing over the shining glory for God.  God rules triumphant.  Jesus reigns with joy.  Holy Spirit is enraptured with the victory.  And everyone is very happy for you and with you.  Praise God!  Thank God!

For those not choosing the path toward eternal life, I pray you will find the Trinity soon.  Remember, please, your end time will most likely come before THE end times. 

To Satan I say, "You will NOT win. There is victory ONLY in Jesus Christ!  Begone, Satan!  I cast you into the fires of hell forever!   In the name of Jesus!"  Amen. 

 

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Let Us Pray

 

Dearest God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, please forgive me of my sins.  Thank you.  And thank you for offering me eternal life.  May 'I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God.'  Phil 3:14  I pray others choose to do the same.  You've chosen to send folks like myself out as lambs amongst the wolves.  Please protect all of us from the 'snare of the fowler'....Satan and his assigns.  Everyone is only a breath away, a moment in time, when we could be attacked by Satan and his assigns, or called home to your loving arms to be with you in heaven.  May everyone be mindful of that with alarm.  I get what it means when it says in Scripture that we should fear you, God.  It is not a negative trembling fear or terror, but a respectful, honoring fear whereby we are called to love you mightily and obey you without question, lest we stumble and fall.....'dash our foot against a stone', and lose our eternal home in heaven.  I am guilty of not being perfect in that regard, which is why I asked to be forgiven....one of the many reasons.   Father God, I pray earnestly, right now, that all those ensnared will choose to break the ties that bind them, that they be let loose from Satan.  That those who may be enveloped by Satan in their life, will begin to live a victorious life in and with you, as Satan leaves in rebuke and reprimand.  Father God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, I just praise you and thank you.  Thank you for calling me as yours to the fold, helping me to find your fold, and remain in the fold.  I could not walk this life without you.  I don't understand how others can.  Please know that I love you, I am grateful for you and all you've done, are doing, and will continue to do in my life.  The victory is ours!  Satan is banished from my life!  He may huff and puff and blow at my house where you live with me, but he will not blow it down.  I claim protection for myself and my family, our home, and our possessions.  I pray for all others who are yours, Father God.  Send your guardian angels to surround all of us.  There needs to be an epiphany in the churches with a newer, sharper, clearer focus on you, and a stronger CHRISTIAN movement in the way folks preach, walk, talk, love YOU, and go forth.  Holy Spirit, please fully release your fruits and gifts upon me and all others who are yours.  Empower me, and all others anew, Holy Spirit, so that I, and ALL, may learn, or re-learn, and fully embrace, all you have to give me, and those who are yours, so that I, and they, may better love you, bring you glory, and worthily magnify your Holy name.  I praise you and thank you again, and again, and again, and again.  Thank you so much for who you are, that you are, and how wonderful you are.  May I prove worthy of your love.  I feel your enveloping embrace.  Thank you.  I love you.  Amen.

 

On Eagles Wings

You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord / Who abide in His shadow for life

Say to the Lord:  "My refuge, my Rock in whom I trust."

And He will raise you up on Eagle's Wings / Bear you on the breath of dawn                                  

Make you to shine like the sun, / And hold you in the palm of His hand.

The snare of the fowler will never capture you / And famine will bring you no fear 

Under his wings your refuge / His faithfulness your shield.

And He will.....

You need not fear the terror of the night / Nor the arrow that flies by day

Though thousands fall about you, / Near you it shall not come.

And He will....

For to His angels He's given a command / To guard you in all of your ways

Upon their hands they will bear you up / Lest you dash your foot against a stone.

And He will....

 

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NOTE:  I said it long ago, but let me say it again.  If you are wanting to lead a group, start a church, or are confined in an institution, or live in a country where the Gospel is not preached, and you don't know what to say or how to say it, and yet feel led to share, teach, or preach, please feel free to share any or all of what I've written, as long as you include where it comes from, due to copyright laws.  Jesus gave God's love and healing freely, as well as his message.  Our responsibility is to get the Word out to those who need to hear it.  If what I've written....by the power and direction of the Holy Spirit....or what he has said through me....has helped you, it may help others that you know, and you are welcome to share it.  God calls all of us to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.  Please share it with the fullness of love that God, Jesus, Holy Spirit....and I....have given it.  Amen! 

 

 

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

 

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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! 

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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.  I encourage you to pray your own prayers as well.

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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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