FISH OUT OF WATER

“Look Dad, it’s still swimming!” Five year old Roger stared in amazement as he watched his father place the struggling fish he had just caught into a nearby bucket. But his excitement turned to horror as he saw the fish gradually go limp. “Daddy! Put it back! Make it swim again!” “I can’t son,” his dad responded. “It’s been out of the water for too long. It’s dead now.”
 

A fish, when it is first taken out of water, continues to move in a swimming motion for a while. It is doing the right actions, but because it is in the wrong environment eventually it dies.

God spoke to the earth and commanded it to bring forth herbs, grasses and trees. Likewise He brought forth fish from the waters. If you uproot a plant from the earth it will die, unless you replant it into the ground which sustains its life. If you remove a marine animal from the sea it will die, unless you place it back into a body of water to keep it alive. 

The same principle applies to us, both physically and spiritually. Deprive a man of air for too long and he will eventually go limp and die.

At the beginning of creation God, who is Spirit, said, “Let’s US make man in Our own image.” – Genesis 1:26

Jesus said, “I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me, and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me (cut off from vital union with Me) you can do nothing. If a person does not dwell in Me, he is thrown off like a (broken off) branch and withers; such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire and they are burned.” – John 15: 5-6 (Amplified Bible).

You may do the right things – give to charitable causes, volunteer in your community and live a good moral life. You may even attend church and be part of a ministry. But without a Divine connection and intimate spiritual relationship with the True Vine, Jesus the Christ, you eventually will suffer the same fate as an uprooted plant or a fish out of water.

THE MULTIFACETED GOD

Thanks again to 

Allison Sylvester-Conliffe 

for allowing me to post another one of her powerful articles.

God’s aim and purpose is always for restoration of men to Himself.  When he does a miracle or a deliverance for example, it is not solely for the benefit of the person being delivered, but for the greater good of ALL the masses, with the purpose of glorifying Himself and His Kingdom.

The book of Acts records that the apostles were thrown into prison by the high priest of the Sadducees, and God allowed it.   

Miraculously released from prison

Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. – Acts 5:17-20

They came out of the prison, miraculously! The doors remained locked on their exit and they were not seen of the guards.  Surely in the early morning they were seen preaching the gospel to those in the temple.  Their miraculous escape was not only a marvel to the apostles themselves, but to the Sadducees and also the multitude in the temple who heard of the testimony.  This act was done for the greater benefit of all.

Further in the Book of Acts we read that Aeneas was laid up sick of the palsy for eight years.  

Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda.  There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed.  And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately.  So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. – Acts 9:32-35

His sickness prevailed until Peter came to him and healed him of his condition.  Again, the greater miracle was that all the people of Lydda and Saron who saw him healed got saved.  With one deliverance we see the Lord bringing a multitude to Himself.

Peter raises Dorcas from the dead

Another example was when Dorcas was raised from the dead in Acts 9:36-42. 

At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord.

The greater miracle was that many in the region of Joppa believed on the Lord after hearing Dorcas’ testimony.

The Lord Jesus came to the earth and ministered for three years.  His death and resurrection was for the benefit of the whole of mankind.  His crucifixion and resurrection was purposed for the salvation of whosoever believed on the name of Jesus. 

Look at the woman at the well, when she met with Jesus in John chapter 4.  Her deliverance was not for her benefit only.  

She left her waterpot and told the whole city about Jesus

And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.” So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. And many more believed because of His own word. Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.” – John 4:39-42

As a result of this singular event God managed to bring almost the entire city of Samaria to Jesus. Again, the occurrence of one event, tailor made for the greater benefit of the multitude.

We can even see this in the Old Testament when God was dealing with the rebellious Jews in the Book of Numbers 16.  Even though the Israelites did not get it, the death of Korah and all those who died with him, served as a testimony to those who were witnesses, so as to bring the fear of God to them and to propel their obedience to God’s Word.  We may view the incident as tragic, but it was an event to bring the greater good.

Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dream and is promoted

Joseph’s brothers ill treated him, and he spent time in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. However, the Book of Genesis records that he eventually was promoted to second in command to Pharaoh so that his family, the twelve tribes, could be fed in the time of the grievous famine.  This also served to bring restoration of himself and his family.

Your test will bring about your testimony

Similarly, you may be imprisoned at this present time by sin, sickness, poverty, low self esteem, addictions, trouble with children etc. This does not mark the end for you.  The Lord has a greater purpose for you even in your condition.  

If, when you go through your wildernesses, you would persevere with the Lord, you will see the greater good of the testimony when you overcome the very situations.  God does not allow bad events in your life because He wants to punish you or because He is evil.  He has a greater purpose for your testimony.  

 During your trying state keep your focus on the Lord, knowing that His thoughts toward you are always good so as to bring you to an expected end – Jeremiah 29:11.  Remember that God’s intent is always to draw men to Himself.  That is why He sent His Son Jesus.

God’s purpose for your life goes beyond what you can see at present.  When He delivers you, your testimony is designed to deliver others, but you must first be an overcomer. You cannot free anyone if you are bound yourself, and to be an overcomer you must have some things to overcome.  This is God’s method and He will not change.  The key is to stay in love with Jesus and keep your focus on Him in worship with the knowledge that He is always right.  In that place you will keep your peace and your joy, and thus gain the strength to go the distance while the problems exist.  In this way you will ultimately bring glory to the God of the heavens and the earth as He continues to work in and through you.  

 Glory to His Holy Name!

ARE YOU READY?

 Thanks to Allison Sylvester-Conliffe

for another powerful article

Many of us who have been born again can testify of the excitement at the onset.  We go through what we term the “mountain top” experience.  Everything looks new and fresh to us.  We are happy beings at that time, and nothing and no-one can interfere with that joy that we feel.  We are excited to go to the House of God to worship Him, to learn of Him and of His Kingdom, and come into true relationship with God.  Is all this learning and experience to be kept to ourselves?  Are we to bask in this knowledge of God and in the relationship that stems from it all by ourselves?

The great call on our lives after Salvation and as we follow Christ, is to share the Good News of the Gospel with others in our sphere of influence.  We are disciples as we follow Christ and we are called to make disciples.  Jesus told that to His first disciples.

But…I’m not ready!

And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. Mark 1:17

However, there is something in us, which causes us to believe that we are not ready!  We get convinced that this call is for the elders of the church and for the Pastors themselves to pursue – that’s not for me!  What qualifies a believer as being “ready” to share the Gospel with another?  When Jesus sent out the first Twelve, were they “ready”?  As I examine the Word of God, I see those disciples as “green”, afraid and faithless men, but interestingly Jesus called them to go out.  Even in their apparent disabilities, Jesus used them to heal the sick and deliver the oppressed. 

Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece. And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart. And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them. And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where. Luke 9:1-6

When we look at Luke 9:12-17 we see Jesus teaching his first disciples, and us by extension, a great lesson.

 

And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place. But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people. For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company. And they did so, and made them all sit down. Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude. And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.

He taught that the very thing that we possess, when shared, has the ability to multiply itself to reach great proportions more than our minds have the capacity to understand.  If we look at the five loaves and the two fishes that were available, against the multitude who were waiting to be fed, it would seem impossible in the natural scheme of things to feed so many with so little.  Jesus, however, did it and had twelve basketsful in excess. 

Similarly, as our spirits connect with the Holy Spirit of God as He downloads into us, truths and revelation of His Word even as shared from the pulpit, we are expected to share, one on one with others in our sphere of influence.  The sharing of that Word may be to a small audience, but with the Spirit of God in it, if each one tells one, that Word has the capacity to feed many by just our one sharing!

In Luke chapter nine, we see the disciples admonishing Jesus to send the multitude away so that they could get some food since they were all in a desert place.  No food!  Yet Jesus told the disciples to feed them.  But Jesus, there is no food here!  Jesus was obviously talking to the disciples from a spiritual standpoint, but the disciples were listening to Him with the natural ear so they sought out the loaves and the fish.  “Feed them” in this instance may have meant – “teach them”! 

Let us not look at the things of God with the natural eye – nor listen to Him with the natural ear.  We are called to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those who are lost.  We are also called to love them into the Kingdom of God. Let us therefore go forth in the boldness of the Holy Ghost and make disciples with the resources that we have already attained.  The Word is in you!

MOSES’ TABERNACLE – A PATTERN FOR INTIMACY: PART 7

THE GOLDEN LAMPSTAND

You shall also make a lampstand of pure gold; 

the lampstand shall be of hammered work. 

Its shaft, its branches, its bowls, its ornamental knobs, and flowers shall be of one piece. 

Exodus 25:31

You are now in the Holy Place in the Tent of Meeting. There are three pieces of furniture here – The Golden Lampstand, The Table of Showbread and the Altar of Incense. Walk with me to the left side of the Holy Place where the Lampstand is.

This is an awesome structure made of one piece of solid gold and weighing one talent – about 75 pounds! This gold had been beaten and hammered over and over again before passing through intense fire in order to be purified and shaped. This is a picture of our Beloved Christ who endured severe beatings and fiery persecution for our sake.

Notice that the Lampstand has a central shaft with six branches attached to it – three branches on one side and three on the other. Jesus said, “I AM The Vine, you are the branches.” John 15:5.  The Lampstand depicts the intimate relationship between the Lord and the Body of Christ – His Bride. We are joined to Him as one.

God, being the ultimate Strategist, chose to have six branches on the Lampstand, not five or eight. Six is His number for man. Without the main shaft of the Lampstand we, the branches, would be inoperable and ineffective. Jesus Himself emphasized that point when He said, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” John 15:4

On the Lampstand were ornamentations of almonds, knobs and flowers. The word “almond” means to wake, watch or be alert. Almonds are symbolic of resurrection. What a beautiful depiction of the risen Christ, and of us coming alive again in Him!

At the top of the shaft and on each of the six branches was a bowl which held oil and a wick. The oil came from olives, and was extracted from the fruit by crushing. Again we are reminded of our Lord’s suffering. Oil is symbolic of the presence of the Holy Spirit. Here it shows you that when you are “crushed” and allow the Holy Spirit to fill and use you, that brings out the best in you.

The Lampstand was the only source of light in the Holy Place. The Lord had commanded Moses to make it so that the lamps would point toward the Table of Showbread.

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

He also said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12

In making these two statements Jesus was confirming that when you abide in Him and you have the empowering and anointing oil of the Holy Spirit filling you, then you yourself become a light in this dark world, leading men and women to Jesus who is The Bread of Life – Our Showbread.

In Moses’ day the priests were to tend to the Lampstand twice daily, morning and evening, to make sure that the lamps remained lit and never went out. Here too, you are reminded that sweet intimate communion with the Lord daily is vital if you are to effectively reveal the true light of Christ in this world.

As you go through the Lampstand experience keep these Scriptures in mind:

Job 23:10 – But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.

1 Peter 4: 12, 13 – Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

Matthew 25:1-4 – Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

John 1:4,5 (Amplified Version) – In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men. And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it].

To be continued…

THE CROWD, THE CALLED AND THE CHOSEN – PART 3

The Chosen

Out of the crowd that stood on the seashore Jesus called many, and from that group He chose a few.

There are some commonalities between those who are called and those who are chosen.

• They were both separated from the masses. See Mark 3:13-15

• They were both given the same authority and the same instructions. See Luke 9:1-3 and Luke 10: 1-2, 4, 9

• They all heard His teachings about the Kingdom of God. See Matthew 5:1,2 and Luke 8: 9. 10

What, then, is the difference between the called and the chosen? The answer, I believe, resides in part in John’s gospel.

His disciples had just witnessed the miracle of Jesus feeding 5000 people with five loaves and two fishes. Now they were about to hear Him make an astounding statement about Himself.

“I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.” The Jews therefore quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this Man give us His flesh to eat?” Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed.” John 6: 51-55

Continue reading and you will see the distinction between the called and the chosen…..

Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?” When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, “Does this offend you? It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” John 6: 60-61; 63-64

Jesus had just made the first of seven “I AM” declarations. The called were unwilling to accept it, so they didn’t stick around to hear the other six. They knew his acts, and they learned His teachings, but they never really got to know Him. This decision separated them from the chosen.

From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” John 6: 66-69

Many of those who were the called walked away because they took Jesus’ words literally. Even after He explained that the words He spoke were Spirit – which is the language of the Kingdom of God – they were not willing to follow through and learn that new language.

By contrast, Peter recognized Jesus’ speech as being of the Kingdom and spoke on behalf of the twelve, committing to follow Jesus.

In Mark 3 we read that the twelve were chosen so that they might be with Jesus. This was not said of those who were called. It is only when you walk in close union with the Lord that you will hear and learn His language, and therefore come to know His heart.

In summary:

• The crowd today is made up of those who come primarily because of a need that needs to be met. They are not necessarily interested in having a relationship with the Lord. They just want Him to be available when they call on Him in times of crisis.

• The called often are those who have accepted Jesus as their Saviour. They may be involved in ministry and even do mighty things, but stop short of becoming fully engaged in Him. They can become intoxicated with the pride of public acclaim, power and popularity of their ministry. Jesus simply becomes a means to an end.

• The chosen are those who forsake everything for this blessed Saviour. They sacrifice their own desires for His. They learn the language of the Spirit – the language of God’s love – and they have an ear to hear what the Spirit is saying. They are willing to trust the Lord and abide in Him even when they don’t always understand His ways. They eat His flesh – enabling Him to infiltrate and change every part of their lives. And they gladly drink His life-giving Blood. This is true intimacy! It is the chosen ones who will manifest the image of God in the earth!

He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. 

John 6:56

Are you part of the crowd, the called or the chosen?

THE CROWD, THE CALLED AND THE CHOSEN – Part 2

THE CALLED – MOUNTAIN LEVEL
 
And He went up on the mountain 

and called to Him those He Himself wanted. 

And they came to Him. 

Mark 3:13

Out of the crowd who were gathered at the seaside, Jesus called (invited) many to come up higher to Him. Those who responded to the call had a mountain level experience.

I believe these were the same disciples whom Jesus spoke to when He gave the Sermon on the Mount. These were the same ones who learned the principles of the Kingdom of God.

And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven….” – Matthew 5:1-3

The “called” were the ones whom Jesus sent out, giving them power and authority they never thought they could wield.

After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. …heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ – Luke 10:1-3, 9

They returned, excitedly reporting to Jesus the results of their mission, and He in turn confirmed their authority.

Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” – Luke 10:17-20

Just like the people in that day you may have started off at ground level, so to speak, on your journey with the Lord. Maybe there was some crisis in your life – an illness, a broken relationship, a financial crisis or some other dilemma. You reached out to Jesus and He was there. Then you heard His invitation and you responded, entering into the mountain level experience. But is that all there is? Does this level guarantee you a place in heaven?

In John 3:3 Jesus told Nicodemus, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Soon afterward the Lord tells him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”

Is it possible to see the Kingdom of God and yet not enter it? I believe it is very possible, just as the children of Israel saw the Promised Land, but were denied access to it because of their disbelief and disobedience.

When you accept Jesus as your Saviour you are given the same power and authority that the seventy of that day were given, and it will work. However, note Jesus’ stern warning at the end of His Sermon on the Mount….

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ – Matthew 7:21-23

Remaining at the level of being “called” puts you in grave danger of

• Double mindedness. You are still too close to the ground level and could “fall off the mountain” if you allow your senses to control you.
• Being lukewarm. There are so many who sit in churches Sunday after Sunday and in weekly Bible studies. They hear the Word of God and are aware of the principles of the Kingdom, yet they fall into the sin of familiarity. The Word becomes so common to them that it loses its relevance, and therefore its potency. They become hearers and not doers of the Word. Jesus said that if you are like the lukewarm Laodicean church of Revelation 3 He will spit you out of His mouth!
• False assurance of your position in Christ. You can be called to be an apostle, called to be a prophet, called to evangelize, pastor or teach. You may have the gift of healing, faith, tongues or interpretation of tongues. You may give liberally or serve faithfully in your local assembly. You may have the title of Bishop, Minister or Reverend. However, as the passage in Matthew 7 indicates, none of this guarantees your entrance into heaven.
• Judgmentalism and a Pharisaical spirit. This happens if you apply the letter of the Law of the Kingdom without understanding or applying the spirit of the Law.

Scripture records that Jesus gave the same authority to the seventy that He had given to the twelve apostles (see Luke 9:1-2). Yet the end results were so different.

“….many are called, but few are chosen.” 

Matthew 20:16

To be continued….

THE CROWD, THE CALLED AND THE CHOSEN (Part 1)

There are 3 types of people who interact with Jesus, and the gospel of Mark gives an illustration of who they are. We meet them at three different levels – both physically and spiritually.

THE CROWD – GROUND LEVEL

 
But Jesus withdrew with His disciples to the sea. And a great multitude from Galilee followed Him, and from Judea and Jerusalem and Idumea and beyond the Jordan; and those from Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they heard how many things He was doing, came to Him. So He told His disciples that a small boat should be kept ready for Him because of the multitude, lest they should crush Him. For He healed many, so that as many as had afflictions pressed about Him to touch Him. Mark 3:7-10

Here are some characteristics of the crowd:-

• They often initiate the contact with Jesus because they have specific needs that they want Him to meet
• Many just want to get a “word from the Lord” or a touch from Him to relieve their discomfort
• They are not necessarily interested in committing themselves to have a relationship with Him
• Included in this group are those who will heed the call, those who are to be chosen, the curious and those are there to plot against the ministry
• People hide themselves within the crowd so they can remain unaccountable
• The crowd can be influenced by opposing voices, and can change quickly from “Hosanna” to “Crucify Him.” Therefore the number in the crowd is not an accurate measure of one’s effectiveness in ministry.

The demands and momentum of the crowd have the potential to take a minister off the focus of his/her primary calling. Jesus was always aware of what His primary mission was, and He kept His focus.

When they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.” But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.” Mark 1: 37, 38

Notice, also, Jesus’ wisdom in telling the disciples to get a boat ready for Him to get into. This was His way of making sure that:

• the crowd didn’t wear Him out
• He was able to focus on His primary purpose – preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom

If  you are a minister, don’t allow the crowd to dictate what you do, how you do it or when you do it. Be like Jesus and listen to the Voice of the Father only.


If  you are a part of the “crowd” in your congregation, please know that this ground level interaction with the Lord will not get you anything but temporary fixes, and even those will run out after a while. Hear Jesus calling you to come up higher – to elevate your relationship with Him. Will you answer His call today?


to be continued……

ABIDING IN HIS LOVE – Filled with His Joy

These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 

John 15:11

The word “joy” comes from a root word meaning to rejoice exceedingly, be well, to thrive.

Think about this…even though Jesus was “despised and rejected by men; a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” He talked about His joy more than His sorrow. It is because He knew that any sorrow He felt was short-lived compared to the everlasting joy that He had within. Moreover, His sorrow was not a self-pitying one, but rather was for those who were still lost and without a Savior.

In the world today joy and happiness are used interchangeably. The truth is that the world can only offer you happiness which is a temporary feeling of euphoria brought on by some external factor – a raise in salary or a good time out with friends, for example, or some other pleasant event that appeals to your senses.

Joy, on the other hand, is not dependent on external influences or your sense realm. It originates within. It is understandable, then, that Jesus, even though He was hated and reviled by so many, maintained His joy. Not only that……..He wants you to have His joy.

Jesus’ joy originated from the intensely intimate relationship that He shared with the Father. Because of this, He was able to maintain His joy even in the face of terrible persecution and rejection. He did not allow temporary situations to permanently affect Him. He remained focused on His mission and His continuous communion with His Father.

For Him to be moved with such compassion for those who were afflicted, Jesus had to know the joy they were missing. When He saw that they were like sheep without a shepherd, He knew they were missing the joy of having the love of the Great Shepherd to guide them. He knew the joy they were missing when their bodies were afflicted with disease or the minds were tormented. He also knows the joy you miss when you don’t abide in Him completely.

John chapter 15 details Jesus’ final commands to His disciples before His crucifixion. The last words that are spoken are usually the ones that you remember most vividly. This is why I believe He took the time to expound clearly in this chapter on His two commandments – love God by abiding in Him (verses 1-8); love your neighbor as Jesus loves you (verses 9-17).

Jesus described the joy that awaits a good servant. When you are a faithful steward over the things that the Father has assigned to you, you can be assured of the right to enter into the joy of the Lord.

• His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ Matthew 25:21

Joy and peace go hand in hand. You cannot have one without the other.

• These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
• “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11

Everything on this earth – interpersonal relationships, challenges, triumphs – comes to pass. The only thing that is permanent in your life is your relationship (or lack of it) with the Lord, which determines where you will spend eternity. Therefore…

• …lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrew 12:1,2

The following Scripture summarizes what you do to maintain your joy…

• Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Finally, (insert your name here), whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:4-8

Friends will disappoint you; family will fail you, but the joy of your intimate relationship the Lord will always continue to be your strength. Abide in Him and enter into the joy of the Lord!

ABIDING IN HIS LOVE – All Things

As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.
John 15:9

Before you can abide fully in the love of Jesus Christ you first have to understand

1. how the Father loves Jesus and
2. how Jesus, in like manner, loves you.

THE FATHER LOVES THE SON

Perfect, intimate love is a love that shares everything. This is the kind of love that is demonstrated between the Father and His Son, Jesus the Christ. Everything that the Father is, and everything that the Father has, is also the Son’s. The Father, in His love, gave all things to His Son with nothing lacking.

In the beginning of time God had said, “Let Us make man in Our own image, and let them have dominion over….all the earth” Genesis 1:26. The first Adam had all things on earth, just as the Father had all things in heaven. The only exception was the tree of knowledge of good and evil. When Adam disobeyed God’s command, the consequences were loss of intimate communion with the Father, and dispossession of all things that the Father had so freely given to him. However, Jesus, the Last Adam, came to earth and regained for us all that was destroyed and lost when the first Adam sinned.

• The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. John 3:35
• The Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does… John 5: 20a
• All things have been delivered to Me by My Father… Matthew 11:27a
• And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church…Ephesians 1:22

THE SON LOVES YOU

1. Everything that is in a vine flows freely into its abiding branch so that the branch has the same DNA – and therefore the same attributes – as the vine. The vine gives the branch everything that it needs to sustain its life. In the same way Jesus, the True Vine, gives you all things when you abide in Him…

• He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Romans 8:32
• If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. John 15:7

2. Jesus has made provision to take care of all your essential daily needs.

• Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:25, 33

3. The Father, through Jesus, gives you everything you need for your spiritual, emotional and material success throughout your entire life.

• Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue… 2 Peter 1:2-3

4. Before Jesus left the earth He made sure that you would have access to everything that you need to know.

• But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. John 14:26
• When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. John 16:13
• All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He (the Holy Spirit) will take of Mine and declare it to you. John 16:15

Pause for a few moments and take inventory of your life. Are there areas in which you are not experiencing the “all things” that Jesus promises? Could it be that you have not yet fully accepted the love of Jesus in those areas? For example, is there dis-ease that has been plaguing your body for some time? Are there ongoing problems with interpersonal relationships? Are you experiencing continued lack in a particular area?

If a branch is not completely embedded in its vine source it won’t receive all things. Similarly, if there is a crimp or a disconnect in your soul caused by fear, unbelief, indifference or disobedience, then you will not receive all things that Jesus wants to give you out of His overwhelming love! There can be nothing blocking the flow of the Lord’s love to you – a love which comes in myriads of ways….healing, protection, reconciliation, provision….the list goes on and on. 

Receive all things the Lord desires to give you. Abide in His love!

ABIDING IN HIS LOVE – Continuous Communion

As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; 

abide in My love. 

John 15:9

Before you can abide fully in the love of Jesus Christ you first have to understand

1. how the Father loves Jesus and
2. how Jesus, in like manner, loves you.

THE FATHER LOVES THE SON

The Father was in constant communication with Jesus. He showed His beloved Son all the things that He, the Father, was doing in heaven, so that Jesus could manifest those things in the earth.

Remember that Jesus had to learn how to live as a human being. He grew in wisdom, and He learned obedience through the things that He suffered. The earth life was completely different from what He knew in heaven.

As such, Jesus dared not start His day without first seeking the Father’s will concerning it. He would not go out on a mission unless it was directed by the Father. He would only heal those whom the Father directed Him to, and He would only speak the words that the Father gave Him to speak. He didn’t do things just because He felt like it, or because He was moved by His emotions. Since He was in constant communion with the Father, Jesus manifested the Father’s will perfectly.

• Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel.” John 5: 19,20
• But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.”  John 5:17
• I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me. John 5:30
• Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” John 4:34

THE SON LOVES YOU

Jesus is in constant communication with you. He sent His Holy Spirit to show you what the Father is doing in heaven, so that you could manifest those things in the earth. That is why He taught us to pray that God’s Kingdom would come, and that His will would be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Without the Father Jesus could do nothing; without Jesus you can do nothing.

• “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. John 15:5

David knew the importance of God’s word. In Psalm 138:2 he declared, “You have magnified Your word above all Your name.” ‘Word’ here is translated as ‘utterance, speech, saying, promise or command’.

It stands to reason, then, that when satan tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread, Jesus quoted the Word of God.

It is imperative that you know what God says to you personally through the Scriptures, so that with every temptation you face you will give an appropriate response from the Word of God.

• But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4

Jesus Himself is the Word made flesh. When you abide in Him, and He in you, then He, the Living Word, gives you all that you need. Jesus Himself is your daily Bread.

• And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. John 6:35
• Give us day by day our daily bread. Luke 11:3

It is also imperative that you know how to discern the voice of God as He speaks directly to you, Spirit to spirit. He also speaks through you, spirit to Spirit.

• But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 1 Corinthians 2: 9-10
• Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26

Jesus never had a bad day and He never experienced failure. I believe it is because He remained in constant communication with the Father who was His closest Friend. The Lord, in His love, desires that you have that same kind of success each day. He sees the big picture and He also knows the intimate details, so He has a specific plan and strategy for you to follow every day. 

Learn to discern when He is prompting you to come to Him. It is different for each person. Don’t get stuck in repetitious prayer! You wouldn’t want someone saying the same thing over and over to you would you? Why, then, should Jesus accept it from you? He wants intimate relationship, not routine.
 
Observe how young children communicate. They are constantly asking questions, talking about what they observe and how they feel. Jesus wants you to come to Him with that same kind of innocence and openness. 

Too many believers commune with the Lord when they awake in the morning, but leave Him out of the rest of their day. Best friends are in constant communication, and Jesus wants to be your best friend. I believe that He also wants you to be His best friend. We’ll discuss this further in an upcoming article.

At the beginning of your day ask Him what He would have you think, say and do. I even make it a habit of asking the Lord what He wants us to wear when I’m preparing to go out. I am aware that He is in me, and I am in Him, and that everything should be a reflection of who He is, including my apparel.

During the day be sure to keep tuned in to the Spirit’s frequency so that you can discern what He is saying to you moment by moment. He will guide you into all truth, and will show you what you need to know. Talk to Him, even about seemingly unimportant things. Practice communing with Him while you are going through your day. Tell Him what you are thinking about. Tell Him when you are anxious or angry or excited. Learn to thank Him promptly. Ask for His help when you’re uncertain. (When I’m doing a sudoku puzzle and can’t find the answer, guess Who I ask!) He is interested in every aspect of your life. You aren’t required to assume a religious posture and close your eyes. You can be in a crowd and still commune with the Lord intimately. I enjoy having silent, secret conversations with the Lord when others are around. That’s what best friends do!

Before you go to bed commune with the Lord again. Thank Him for being with you, and be specific about the things that He did for you on that day. Evaluate your day with Him. Practice open, honest sharing with Him……….after all, He already knows! Talk with Him about the successes you had, the challenges you faced, and the changes that still need to be realized. He loves this kind of interaction and it will build greater intimacy between you.

Practice continuous communion with the Lord and you will abide in His love!