August 4, 2013

 Unrestrained Joy! 

Luke 19: 28 - 40

Luke

After telling this story, Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples.  As they came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany, on the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples ahead.  Go into that village over there," he told them, "and as you enter it, you will see a colt tied there that has never been ridden.  Untie it and bring it here.  If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, "The Lord needs it.'"

So they went and found the colt, just as Jesus had said.  And sure enough, as they were untying it, the owners asked them, "Why are you untying our colt?" 

And the disciples simply replied, "The Lord needs it."  So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for him to ride on.

Then the crowds spread out their coats on the road ahead of Jesus.  As they reached the place where the road started down from the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen.

"Bless the King who comes in the name of the Lord!  Peace in heaven and glory in highest heaven!"

But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, "Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!"

He replied, "If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!"     

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Thoughts.....

How often have you read a verse that after maybe the 'kazillionth' time something 'jumps out at you'?  I was reading along and verse 31 jumped out at me, "'If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, 'The Lord needs it.'"  Now, I know, and you know, that the Lord made reference to himself previously in Luke....throughout the Scriptures in fact.  But this time, I was like 'Whoa, he just called himself Lord....he let them know....he confirmed it.'  And then I did research, as if a snowflake in a snow flurry rushing about.  What was I thinking?!

Daily, I am reminded that Jesus is MY Lord, not just THE Lord, but this time it was different.  There was an awe present....and an ahhhh.  A passion and a rapture almost.  I could hear my spirit saying in a depth of emotion, 'My Lord'.  It's like at this point in scripture it all became real to me.  I came home in my heart....again....to him....Jesus....my Savior and Lord.  Not like he wasn't before, but this moment carried a different element, a different chord in the song of life....eternal life....higher.  Even though I felt I crossed a threshhold of height before.  I was lifted into real arms....again....like we'd been missing each other somehow, embraced with a knowingness, looked into real eyes.  Like the dancer who leaps from across space into the arms of their beloved partner in a pressed body embrace, titled heads locked into embrace with shoulders, where the cares of the world are released....erased, and love is infused heart to heart. 

No, I'm not writing a new novel.  This story has already been written, and it's documented history.  This is the Jesus I know.  This is the man I love.  This is how he loves.  This is who he is to me.  I wish the same for you.  Unrestrained joy.  Unrestrained love and passion.  It is how the believers along the road felt.  Let's look at todays lesson and see if Jesus will triumphantly enter your heart, too.

Jesus had just told the story about the servants and money given them.  A parable which included a message of planting seed and harvesting in the Kingdom.....for the Kingdom.  He was progressing toward Jerusalem knowing what was about to occur...recall he predicted his death....see Luke 18:31-34.  How heavy his heart must have been.  He was to give his life as ransom for many....including those who were his closest friends....knowing he would be betrayed by them....the ones he walked near to at that moment, the ones with whom he had confided inner secrets about himself and of the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Has it been this way for you?  Have people you trusted betrayed you, hurt you? 

Michael and Suzanne Salman experienced this recently.  He is the Pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Phoenix, Arizona USA.  He built a garage, if you will, as a game room, large enough to enable him to hold Bible studies, to worship the Lord as a house church, if you will.  And the government descended upon them.  Not only did the fire department harass a barbecue outing of 20 folks having a good time per the news, but the local authorities sent the essence of a swat team to cite him for zoning and code violations.  They have not only fined him over $12,000, but have incarcerated him for 60 days.  The Apostle Paul counted his attacks and imprisonment as a time of joy for it proved his allegiance to the Lord Almighty.  The upside of Michael's imprisonment is that he will be 'accepted as one of them' in prison, having breeched the walls, and, he will be able to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all who will listen!  Hearts may be opened.  Souls may be saved!  And God's church will grow!   Please pray for Michael and Suzanne and their 6 children.  What they went through is nothing short of what the early disciples experienced.  What all disciples experience on one level or another.  Also lift up his congregation.  Life up his legal team for victory in Jesus!

As an aside, did you know that A Partridge In A Pear Tree was written code to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ?  Keep your head held high as an honor code as you go forth sharing the Gospel....by how you live....by how you speak, act....preach, teach, and grow....in the Kingdom of God.     

It's very painful to trust someone and be hurt by them.  It does not matter whether it is someone dear or an employer, a friend, an acquaintance, or a stranger.  We are taught to trust, love, care.  And when we are betrayed, it not only affects us emotionally, but it affects us spiritually, and can affect us physically as well.  When Jesus returned from hell, he was disfigured so badly that no one recognized him.  It wasn't just because of all that occurred in hell.  It was also due to all the pain we....all his disciples over time....have inflicted upon him in not trusting him, loving him, believing in him, turning to him, relying on him.  Not obeying him.  After all he did for us.  He died for us.  You....and me....and everyone else in the world.  Don't let me hear you say, "Not me, I wasn't there."  Yes....you....were.  Your seed may not have been planted yet, but it doesn't mean you weren't a seed.  Now....'Were you there when they crucified my Lord?'  Remember, Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.  He died for you even tho' you were not born yet.  Have you had enough time to consider....'Were you there when they crucified my Lord?'  And yours?  Is he your Lord?  Have you made him Lord of your life?   He's got his arms open how....welcoming you.  Re-inviting you to come to him....let him into your heart....your life.  What will your answer be?  

Scripture goes on, as we read from verse 28, Jesus walked ahead of the disciples.  'As they came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany, on the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples ahead.  "Go into that village over there," he told them, "and as you enter it, you will see a colt tied there that has never been ridden.  Untie it and bring it here."  And then he said, "If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, 'The Lord needs it.'"  Hmmmm.  'The Lord needs it.'  There is that phrase again.  This wasn't an arrogant statement.  It was a statement of knowing, resignation, authority, pain.  He knew who he was, he spoke with and in authority, he was resigned to his task to die for the needs of the lost, his heart held pain. 

So the disciples went and found the colt, just as Jesus had said.  'And sure enough, as they were untying it, the owners asked them, "why are you untying our colt?"  Think about this.  If folks came into your yard and attempted to take something that belonged to you, do you think you would just 'ask' them what they were doing?  I would not just be 'asking' them what they were doing.  I'd be freaking out!  This must have been a very trusting, giving family.  Even tho' I consider myself trusting and giving, I'd not be feeling amused, not calm, not in a state of mild wonderment.  I'd be emboldened to demand an answer! 

'And the disciples simply replied, "The Lord needs it."  Simply....replied.  Like everyone knew who the Lord was and it was a common daily occurrence to borrow a stranger's colt.   The Lord....'the Lord needs it'.  Folks, the Lord needs everything we have to give him, because realistically, it is not really ours to begin with, it came from Heavenly Father to us to use for a time.  Everything he has given us should be readily available to be returned to the Kingdom upon his call.  He calls us to return a 10th of our income in thanksgiving for the 100% he has given us.  And we know, from learning about planting seed and harvesting, that that which we have given him will be returned to us in gratitude for remembering that he has given it all to us.  And because we honor him with return gifts given in love and thanksgiving, he will give back to us unmeasured, overflowing, abundantly, also with thanksgiving.  

If you plant seeds as a farmer, give of your crops and your income.  If you are an attorney, give of your time, talents, and income to others.  If you are a parent, give time to help others learn how to 'do it right'.  If you are a friend, be there for others and show them the way to Jesus.  Everyday worker....give back to God with thanksgiving.  Don't ever forget the thanksgiving part!  Never do it grudgingly. 

Perhaps I should ask, do you know who the Lord is?  Get to know him.  Ask him in to your heart....your life.  Maybe you do know who the Lord is.  Does the person sitting next to you know who the Lord is?  On the train?  On the plane?  In your classroom?  In your bed?   Have you maybe lost sight of him?  Search for him....he has not moved away....you have.  He needs you now and all you have to give him....in thanksgiving for coming home to his arms.....being received.....yet again(?).  OR will he even receive you....again?  Have you a reprobate mind?  If you are on the wrong side of the fence.....watch out.  He could decide you are chaff rather than grain and cast you into the fire instead of inviting you home again.  See John 15.  But he really does want to receive you....love you....be there for you.  Think about it....and talk with him.  Make a choice you can live with....eternally. 

'So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for him to ride on.'  Wow.  This man was in a place of honor, yet he rode a humble colt....humbly.  He never strove to rise above the course of common man.  He wanted the world to know he was there to serve the needs of many....the majority of whom were not Kings and Queens....those in leadership positions of wealth.  Yet he was there for them, too.  His message was simple:  All are equal, all are children of God, all are able to be forgiven of their sins and granted eternal salvation, if they just choose to believe he is who he is....the Messiah, Savior of the world....and obey him, Father God and Holy Spirit.

The gift of forgiveness of sins is free.  Eternal salvation is a gift freely given.  What folks fail to realize is that it is not freely kept.  [Say NOT freely KEPT.]  By that I mean that God, Jesus, Holy Spirit clearly indicate they will know you by your fruits.  The fruits of the Spirit are outlined throughout Scripture, however, a mighty small list can be viewed in Galatians 5:22-23....go ahead and read to the end of Chapter 5.  And Jesus says in John 15 "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches.  Those who remain in me, and I in them, will [Say WILL.]produce much fruit.   For apart from me you can do nothing.  Anyone who parts from me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers.  Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.  But IF you stay joined to me and my words remain in you, you may ask any request you like, and it will be granted!  My true disciples produce much fruit.  This brings great glory to my Father."

There are many who believe they are IN Jesus.  You know them....the ones who lord over you that they go to church, must have the greatest hat, jewels, mouth off at their offspring with nasty looks, flaunt their friendship with the Pastor, show up on Sunday....or not.  Say they belong to the church, but treat it like family in a way Christ never defined family.  They don't give to it, maybe don't do for it anymore, may not even go to church anymore because Satan has them believing it's hypocritical.  Yup, as soon as they walked in the door it was hypocritical!  It is CLEAR that Jesus is NOT 'in' them. 

With Jesus IN 'you', you will have unrestrained joy....love....passion....devotion.  An increased desire to be with him, not be apart from him, worship him, adore him, do for him, do WITH him....go forth in his name telling everyone about him.  Showing them by the power of Holy Spirit in you who he is, that he is, and how wonderful he is.  By your outward positive, loving, giving actions in a state of JOY....unrestrained joy!....people will learn about Jesus, want what you have and more.  They will see the fruit and want some, too.

The people on the road to Jerusalem, near Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives counted it as everything to honor Jesus by laying down their coats for him to pass over.  And guess....what would happen when they lifted up their coats after he had passed? What do you think would be going through their minds?  'My Lord and my God....you and the humble colt you rode touched my coat.  Your presence is forever laid bare before my heart as I am now embraced by the coat your love, your humility, your life touched.  I am raised to new heights of love for you.  I will honor you forever.  I will show you my love.  I will follow your ways.  I will obey the desires of your heart, my Lord.  This day you have my commitment to be a branch on your tree.  I will follow the new commandments you set forth by God to love you with my whole heart, body, spirit, mind and soul, and love my neighbor as myself.  Oh, Jesus, come into my heart this day!  Make me whole, wash me anew."

Soon they will ask him to cleanse them with his shed blood.  But today they rejoice in his triumphal entry.  Triumphantly, he is about to overcome the ruler of the world, Satan, by his death and resurrection.  But today, with unrestrained joy, his disciples bow down before him, as they give him their garments to make clean, and clear, the path for the Lord.

'As they reached the place where the road started down from the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen.

"Bless the King who comes in the name of the Lord!  Peace in heaven and glory in highest heaven!"'  

Take a minute.....after you read this paragraph....close your eyes and place yourself on the road with the others.  Can you smell the dirt, can you smell the fresh bunches of grain held out for the colt to eat?  Can you feel the breeze of Holy Spirit in the air, making your hair blow, as Holy Spirit circulates among the believers?  The breath of air on your cheek, as if just kissed by Jesus, as he rides by?  The warmth enveloping your heart, as you view his depth of humility?  Do you feel honor in knowing he is your Lord, your beloved, the King of Heaven....the King of the Jews....of all who say come?  Do you see the respect surrounding him, the adoration, the worship, as you look around at all the other believers?  Do you hear the colt speak in tongues of praise?  Will you praise him, too?  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!  Praise him all creatures here below!  Praise him all of ye heavenly hosts!  Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

'But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, "Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!"'

He replied, "If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!"

Even the stones have Life!  Life's name is Jesus! 

The stones were restrained....then.  You do not have to be restrained....now. 

Burst with Unrestrained Joy!  Your Lord Reigns!

***

Let Us Pray   

My Lord and my God, I have not loved you with my whole heart.  I have not loved my neighbor as myself.  I humbly repent and beg your forgiveness.  Thank you for forgiving me.  You love me with your whole heart.  I am eternally grateful.  And I love you NOW...in this moment....as I have....but even more so....for all eternity!  With unrestrained joy I PRAISE YOU and THANK YOU with all glory and honor!  You are not only my Savior, I am committing to you today....again....asking you to be Lord of my life....forever.  I do not always hear you, and sometimes when I do, I am rebellious.  I am not saying I will never be rebellious.  I am saying that I will make every attempt at asking you first before I jump to learn how high and where my steps are to go when I land.  Help me to not misuse the time on earth that you have given me.  Help me to better respect you and the choices you set before me.  I love to read.  I need to find a better balance between reading Scripture and reading mysteries.  The greatest mystery is set before me in Scripture.  I mean really, Lord, how did you get into that room with the door closed?  How did you appear on the road to Damascus and aphantos...vanish?  How do I fully open myself up to Holy Spirit, that I may know more and heal more readily and completely?  I don't want to just love you with my whole heart, and my neighbors as myself, I want to raise them to new heights of glory, I want to raise them from the dead.  I want to heal the sick, help the lame walk, the blind see and more.  You tell us we can, we should, and I have, but I want to do more for you.  It's not enough to dissipate tornadoes.  It's not enough to just preach and teach for you....so others can hear the Word....about you.  I want to do all you need me to do for you.  I want to harvest, not just plant.  I need to tell others....I want to be heard....when I tell them Holy Spirit is just aching to have everyone do as you have done....if folks would only let Holy Spirit in.....and you, Jesus....and you, God.  Oh, God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, there is so much I have left to do for you.  I am so ready to move forward in the Kingdom of God.  Open the doors, Lord.  Please take care of my daily needs, and help me help you do the same.  Show me the steps I need to take and the direction I need to go.  Thank you for healing me in all the ways you have.  From this day forward, I will continue to pray 'the shed blood of Jesus' all over Satan to keep him away....he hates those words.  I am thrilled to know how to better battle him....and yet not just battle him, but also have command over him to eliminate him, his demons, his assigns to cast them back into hell.  He may try to huff and puff and blow, but you and I know, as does everyone else in the Kingdom of God, that he can't win....because VICTORY is YOURS, LORD JESUS!  Alleluia!  Thank you, my Father God, my Creator who gave/gives me life, and Jesus, my Savior, Lord, Redeemer, and Holy Spirit, my Comforter, Teacher, Guide for staying by my side throughout my life, and not just staying by my side, but being IN me.  Thank you for surrounding me....marching in front of me, soaring above me, lifting me from beneath.  I praise you and thank you, giving you all glory and honor, in Jesus' name I pray, to dear Heavenly Father God, by and with the power of the Holy Spirit....as all believers can pray....and say Amen!   By your Holy name, God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, I live and breathe and have my being.  Thank you.  I love you.  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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    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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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 and sharing what God puts on your heart, please feel free to share any or all of what I've written, if it will help you, 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!   

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