June 30, 2013

 Give It Up & Follow Jesus 

Luke 18: 18 - 30

Luke

Once a religious leader asked Jesus this question:  "Good teacher, what should I do to get eternal life?"

"Why do you call me good?"  Jesus asked him.  "Only God is truly good.  But as for your question, you know the commandments: "Do not commit adultery.  Do not murder.  Do not steal.  Do not testify falsely.  Honor your father and mother.'"

The man replied, "I've obeyed all these commandments since I was a child."

"There is still one thing you lack," Jesus said.  "Sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.  Then come, follow me."  But when the man heard this, he became sad because he was very rich.

Jesus watched him go and then said to his disciples, "How hard it is for rich people to get into the Kingdom of God!  It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!"

Those who heard this said, "Then who in the world can be saved?"

He replied, "What is impossible from a human perspective is possible with God."

Peter said, "We have left our homes and followed you."

"Yes," Jesus replied, "and I assure you, everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, will be repaid many times over in this life, as well as receiving eternal life in the world to come."

***

Thoughts.....

Hello!  I hope it is not as hot where you are as what is expected where I am today.  It's like a blast furnace outside when there is a breeze.  May we all endure the weather patterns not to our liking....and not life infusing. 

Today, Jesus touches on a few topics.  At the fore front, a religious leader calls Jesus 'good teacher' and then asks him how to obtain eternal life.  Interestingly Jesus implies in his response that he is not, or may not be good, that only God is truly good.  This rather runs along the lines of the history of Jesus as written in other texts during that time, not included in the Bible.  He was a rough and tumble little boy, a bit outside the norm in his approach of others.  He had a 'certain touch', if you will, that literally eliminated folks who upset him.  He later used that 'certain touch' for good, as he grew to learn more about his Heavenly Father, God, and to obey him. 

He was also a bit rebellious in staying behind to talk to the religious teachers as his parents moved on, finding he was not with them on their journey.  Many folks will tell you that Jesus is all love and never angered or was slow to anger.  When he overturned the money changer's tables outside the temple, he was pretty angry.  And, from looking at his life, using this day and age as a measurement, did he ever really give up his rebellious ways?  He told him Mom it wasn't time for him yet, when she alerted him there was no more wine at the wedding.  There are other instances you might consider as you read Scripture, but for the sake of time and mind, we'll move on.  Wait....let me just leave you with a couple last thoughts regarding this topic....does it matter if he was 'good' or if he was 'normal' at this point in his life?  Remember, he wasn't accepted in his own town.  Could that be because he was 'just normal'?  What does that mean for those of us trying to share him with the world?  In attempting to emulate him as we are called?  Hmmmmm.......

Then Jesus responds to his question regarding eternal life.  In Jesus stating that the man should follow what was known as the commandments, and the man responded indicating he had followed those since childhood, we can presume Jesus was talking to a religiously strict man of Jewish descent.  Jesus then tells the man to sell all he owns and give the money to the poor, that he will have treasures in heaven as a result.  The last statement he makes is to then follow him, Jesus.  Which do you think would be harder for this man?  Was he really sad because he would have to give up every possession in lieu of giving money to the poor, or could he have been sad knowing he would have to give up all he believed in and supported all his life for this new life with Jesus?  He would not have just given up his possessions, but he would have had to give up everything he'd known, been taught.  He would have lost all his friendships, associations, probably even his family, to follow Jesus.  They would have thought he had lost his mind over the selling of his possessions and walking away from his religion and all who he had known.  Not to mention any economic hardship it may have caused his family.  Which would have truly been more sorrowful? 

Jesus tells us it is very hard for the rich to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, because they do not want to give up everything.  Everything does not merely imply possessions, it encompasses the possessions, the relationships, the belief system held once dear.  Rich does not always infer monetary value. 

Jesus mentions it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God.  Do you ever wonder how he knew about the eye of a needle?  I mean, the world would have us believe that we invented such in 'this' day and age.  Jesus knowing about the eye of a needle indicates 'we' didn't.  It has been said the 'eye of a needle' refers to the pedestrian door in the huge gate of a fortress.  The huge gates would open to let the camels and their riders into the fort, or enclosed area, whereas, if you were on foot, only the pedestrian door would open to let a person on foot enter.  Obviously a camel could not fit through what we use as a pedestrian door today....the standard 6-7 foot entry.  Jesus clearly makes his case for the degree to which is would be hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God with this illustration.  

The folks who heard this were wondering and asked who, then, in the world could be saved?  Jesus responds, "What is impossible from a human perspective is possible with God".  I hear you....there is simply no way a camel could get through such a little door.  Yet, isn't that what God has to deal with everyday regarding our lives?  The impossible?  Perhaps I should speak only as regards myself.  I'm pretty impossible....as are my requests most days.  I do not live perfection, and I expect immediate responses from God.  I am great at saying I will obey him, but I am not always great at execution.  Isn't that the same for all of us?  Couldn't we all do better?  Couldn't we all give up something in lieu of spending time with God?  Couldn't we all 'follow him more nearly, love him more dearly....day by day'?  What's to guarantee eternal life?  What did Jesus say....sell all  you have, give the money to the poor, and you will have treasures in heaven...and follow him.  It's about obeying God and laying down your life to follow Jesus.   

When Jesus says 'what is impossible from a human perspective but possible with God', I am reminded that God forgives.  I remember that when Jesus died and was resurrected, it allowed me the opportunity to receive eternal life, too.  I say 'opportunity', because it is clear in Scripture that we have to show him how we are living our lives to prove to him we have indeed turned from our sins.  In following Jesus, it is clear to him, God, and Holy Spirit, that we are indeed doing our best to obey God, so as to prove we are worthy of eternal life.  All are offered eternal life freely.  All must obey God to receive it securely.  All those of you who believe you can just say, 'ya, I accepted Jesus' and then have go back to your merry ol' way of life are in serious trouble regarding the security of receiving eternal life.  You probably have not been reading the New Testament all this time, you probably have not been caring about gratitude for forgiveness of your sins.  You most certainly have not been eating 'meat'....reading, searching, learning, the depths and truths of God's word, but have been stuck on only the 'milk' words you wanted to hear at one time, that time being when you accepted Jesus as your Savior.....period.  It would seem, if that was all you did was to say, 'ya, I accept him,' and didn't change, you never made him LORD of your life, and you NEED to eat the 'meat' offered in Scripture that tells you how to live your new life.  The one you will have when you, yet again, ask forgiveness for your sins....only this time you will need to start reading the 'meat' to learn how to live your new life WITH Jesus, God and Holy Spirit....and DO it....it's called obeying God. 

Lest you think I am preaching AT you, listen up....ALL fall short of the glory of God....including me.  Remember hearing the phrase 'whatever you can get through you, you can get to you'?  I am quite certain that God has me on a path to learn right along with you.  He is most assuredly 'woopin' me with a switch' as we speak.  For the record, I have never been 'wooped with a switch'.  When I grew up, the 'ye ol' hand of discipline' found it's mark on my 'caboose' as needed.  Fortunately I only recall once, and I cannot tell you what it was for, but it made enough of an impression that I did not need another one.  Well, I may have needed another one, but I did not receive one from my Dad or Mom.  However, God 'woops' me now and then.  And, out of love, he'll do the same for you.  WE must be pruned and put through fires to learn how to best obey him, serve him, to insure our freedom into eternal life. 

WE may not understand the impossible, but God does.  WE may see things as impossible, but God does NOT.  WE may ask for things that appear impossible, but God sees all things, knows whether we are worthy of that for which we ask, and will grant them  accordingly.  You may be wondering then why some people win the lottery who don't appear worthy.  This I KNOW....Satan can cause folks to win the lottery, too, IF indeed God is involved in games of chance at all.  Satan rules the earth, God rules the heavens.  It is for this reason we MUST do all we can to insure we obey God to the best of our ability, not using our lack of ability or slovenness as an excuse, to insure we are indeed living in the Kingdom of God RIGHT NOW to be fully protected from Satan, his assigns, and the things and people of his world.                            

Peter, including the others who followed Jesus, said they had left their homes to follow Jesus.  Jesus knew that and said, "I assure you, everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, will be repaid many times over in this life, as well as receiving eternal life in the world to come."

Please note it did not say that when you donate to the poor you should give your torn, dirty clothes you are too embarrassed to sell in a yard sale.  It does not say to give the food you don't want to eat that you've already opened and has sat on your shelf 'forever'.  It does not say, sell all the broken stuff only.  It does not say keep all the quality stuff and get rid of the junk.  In this day and age, we require a few more things than did Jesus and his gang.  Due to years of provision or illness, it would be difficult for us to live in some areas without air conditioning and survive.  Due to ordinances set forth, we need to use bathrooms.  Due to laws set forth, it is imperative we pay bills for utilities that provide temperature control, water, cook.  We must have a phone to communicate.  I need a computer to share the Gospel message with you in the world....you need access to one to read what I write....hopefully from God, Jesus and Holy Spirit.  It is safer to have shelter....an apartment around you, or a house to enter, or a home to live in.  And we need clothing, for the majority in the world feel it necessary to clothe our bodies.  The list goes on.

But do we need all our fingers overflowing with rings?  I went to a poor little church in Texas once or twice.  The wife of the Pastor indicated it important to tithe....to supply her habit of jewelry excess....all fingers overflowing with diamonds in gold.  I was so offended.  And hurt for her husband as well.  He gave a heartfelt sermon, powerful and sanctified.  The music was straight soul to soul.  And she popped off at the mouth.  How sad.  Everyone laughed but me.  I had to call it for what it was....greed. 

When you give to a church, the money should go to pay the Pastor for the work he or she has done for preaching to you and ministering to you with the Word.  It should also go to the poor....whether in the church or out in the world.  Both are scriptural commands of God and listed throughout the Old and New Testament.  I do understand that, in the previous instance, his wife should have benefited as his wife, and a child of God sharing in preaching the Gospel via marriage.   However, how she spent the money, was, outside the commandments, confines, and edicts of God's delight.  I'm not saying you should not own rings or have nice things.  But what Gospel did she preach by her words?  There are those who believe you need a fancy car, if you are making a lot of money preaching, to show how God provides in abundance.  Hogwash.  I'm guessing God would rather you drive a Dodge, than a Cadillac, if it means his children in the world will benefit from the difference.  There were people in her church who were poor....without.  How DARE she flaunt what she bought from the money God had given her husband as a paycheck from the people of God in the Kingdom of God....and her misuse of those funds!!!!!!!!!!!!!   Ok....I've stepped down from my soap box.  Word to the wise....don't follow in her footsteps.      

God and Jesus, even Holy Spirit, do not want us to do without that which we need.  But do we NEED EVERYTHING we have?  I can honestly say I do not.  I still have things that need to be sold.  When we sell things, give away things, give to the Kingdom of God, we are giving to the Kingdom in such a way as to pave our journey and secure our destination, receive 'treasures in heaven'.  Jesus said we will be "repaid many times over in this life, as well as, receive eternal life in the world to come".  It is a very small price to pay to obey him, sell what we have, give to the poor, AND follow Jesus, to secure the journey and the eternal destination in the Kingdom of God and look forward to receiving treasures in heaven. 

So 'give it up', lay down your life, and follow Jesus!       

***

Let Us Pray

Everyday, Lord, I am reminded of all those ways I need to obey and some days are harder than others....as you well know.  Please forgive me for my lack, my slovenness, my sorrow, depression, sadness, selfishness, unwillingness, etc., that keeps me from doing all I need to do to give to the Kingdom and follow you.  I am, yet again, convicted of my sins and beg your forgiveness.  Please God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, instill in me a right spirit....your Spirit....that keeps me ever focused on you and your needs, and not on my life situation, or my needs.  Life is difficult, and although that should not be used as an excuse, especially after all you have gone through and continue to go through, you do have an advantage over me.  That having been said, please, be IN me, that I may have the advantage over Satan, his assigns, and his world.  Help me better provide for my family...open doors that I may receive an income.  Show me which doors to go through.  Let me hear your voice that I may know which step to take where, how, when.  Have those within those doors receive me with open arms.  And please, Lord, may they be Christian arms!  I am so grateful for all you have given me in my life.  Help me be clear about that which you want me to sell, give away, share.  I apologize and beg your forgiveness for not listening better.  I want only the best for you, for all those who will receive from me or through me, including my family, and myself.  I know you want the best for all of us as well.  Thank you so very much for being in my life and doing all you've done for me.  I am eternally grateful.  Help me to help you be eternally grateful for my life, and all I've done for you, and given to you, and the Kingdom of God.  May today be yet another NEW day in the rest of my life.  Thank you for finding me of some worth....still.  I am grateful....I love you.  Amen.                        

*** 

Grateful for God's lesson today?

We now have Pay Pal!  See below! 

 Visit our NEW rooms in The Family Room! 

Did you know there are over 4 years of 

'Scriptures....Archived'?

For when you need The Word any time of day or night!

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         

*** 

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

***

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!

Teach tolerance....reach in acceptance....worship as one!

Embrace....Respect....Encourage!

***

***

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."

***

There is no better time than now to let God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit know how grateful you are for them being there for you, all they have done for you and will do, and, show thankfulness for being fed the Word of God, so you can know and obey him.   

Through your donations,

 people will be able to continue to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ spread throughout the world,

and lives will be changed!

Not only will people hear the Gospel preached, but healings will be manifested, food and housing provided,

water will quench thirsts, and medical care provided. 

Please consider donating your best gift possible today.

We now offer Pay Pal as a way to donate immediately and safely.  You'll find that option as you scroll down on this page.

Thank you and may God richly bless you!   

***

  Our Continual 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   ***

  Checks or money orders can be made out to

Trinity Missions

or the

Church of the Holy Spirit

and sent to

Trinity Missions

2321 S. Lazy A Place

Tucson, AZ

85713

USA

OR

You can now donate securely through Pay Pal!

No gift is too small or too large to the Lord. 

 *

If you have any questions, we can be reached at:

520-883-6604

Monday - Friday

10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

USA Mountain Time

or

TrinityMissions@msn.com

Please note Trinity Missions or CoHS in your subject line.

 *

As we grow, you will have options for allocating your gifts.

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

  ***

    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."

***

 ***  

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.

***

  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.

*** 

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, besides just reading straight out of the Bible, 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.  You are welcome to share it.  God calls all of us to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the world.  Please share it with the fullness of love that God, Jesus, Holy Spirit....and I....have given it.  Amen!   

 *