It is a Jesus Thing

The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

(John 10:10, NLT)

 

This assurance from Jesus is beautiful and full of hope.  Is there anyone who does not want a rich and satisfying life?  Every person, in his or her own way, is striving to find the things which make one feel complete and fulfilled.  But, I come today to suggest we have our eyes on the wrong prize. 

 

As I talk about myself, I am sure others will begin to see.  I read the King James Bible and mistakenly thought ‘life more abundantly’ meant enjoying plentiful possessions, obtaining symbols of status, and having my desires be God’s desires.  My passionate pursuit of higher learning, prominence in my career, financial wealth, the perfect mate, the next adrenaline rush, and…and….and….created a blind spot.    

 

There is absolutely nothing wrong with these things in themselves.  God always intended for me to have a life full of achievement, pleasurable experiences, and companionship.  But, the greatest gift was meant to be knowledge so that I would not die for a lack of it.  The real tragedy would be me walking this earth spiritually dead because I failed to recognize Jesus as my Lord and Savior.

 

My free access to God through Christ is the thing to be valued most.  All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ (Ephesians 1:3, NLT).  I will have a rich and satisfying life because this bounty of love fills my heart and the overflow becomes the plenty in my hands.    

 

These spiritual blessings grow into more than what I could ask or think.  For, they are the knowledge of the goodness of God, peace in the time of storms, healing when others say death, the reward in putting God-given talent to good use, financial savvy, a multitude of loving family and friends, adventure, and…and…and….

Hello, It's Me God

God is talking always, but it may not be what you want to hear.  For example, I had just moved to a new city where I had no family.  Just like all the other times I had moved, my plan was to find a church and make its members my family.  There was joy and pain in the church I chose.  The words of wisdom coming out of the pulpit were life affirming and, excuse my gushing enthusiasm, glorious.  I felt better every time I entered that sanctuary.  However, the sanctuary was one of the infamous mega-churches.  That place was HUGE with a lot of people in it.  I had never felt so alone.  Everyone was polite enough, but the cliques were out in full force.  After two months, I had yet to find a friend let alone an extended family.  It was in this moment of frustration God spoke to me.  The person making church announcements encouraged all the unattached members to attend the next Singles Ministry event.  I am not shy, but I am bit socially difficult.  I can be a wall flower, the life of the party, or anything in between depending on my mood when I walk into a social venue.  Still, something told me I should go.  May I take a moment to point out that little voice we all talk about is just a euphemism for God?  So, I decide that the Singles Ministry event could be a good place to go on the hunt for an attractive man who was fixated on God like me.  Now, things were starting to get interesting!

On the designated night, I made my grand entrance determined to be the life of the party.  You can rest assured I was dressed for the part.  Conservative enough to let the men know I was the woman they could take home to mom but with just enough spice to make them wonder what trouble we could get into together.  It was not meant to be.  I normally can scan a room and know if a sparkling and tall man with a basketball frame will have to deal with me making googly eyes at him.  He was not there and there were not even any consolation prizes.  I know I sound harsh, but attraction is about pheromones and there were none floating in my direction.  I sat down and listened to the spiel about honoring God and enjoying life while one accepted His timing for when that handsome best friend (boyfriend) would arrive.  At the end of the event, everyone participated in an activity meant to help people get to know each other.  We all answered some questions and then looked for someone who answered similarly.  This how I met the first friend who shared the same deep faith I have.  This has more meaning when I point out I was in my thirties.  It is also relevant to point out that it was another woman who was also from the north.  I had come looking for a boyfriend.  God sent me a best friend. 

I was never alone in that huge church again.  It was like a snowball effect.  People felt we acted like bobbsey twins, but they were paying attention.  My social circle grew and I found my family slowly but surely.  My confidence grew and so did my excitement.   My eyes were opened.  There were a multitude of very interesting and nice men, reference to their looks was omitted on purpose, who would not be caught dead at a Singles Ministry event.  However, they were not averse to making the time right after church a singles mingle event.  As all women know, the best way to be seen in a cute and attractive outfit is to strike a pose and act like you are really engrossed by what your best buddies are telling you.  So, I heard ‘get a date at the Singles event’.  God was trying to say ‘build friendships first and the dates will come’.  Now, that is wisdom.

The Faithful One Gets Results

Hebrews 11:6 (NAS)
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
 

I am standing in the valley of the shadow of death trying not to look at the mountain but at the solution.  Surprisingly, a still small voice challenges me to BE faith versus to have faith.  My cry to God: How do I become faith?  He takes me on an awesome journey through the Word.  

Faith must be defined.  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrew 11:1 KJV).  This is a very apt description of Jesus who is love incarnate.  The things we desire are the physical manifestations of this substantial affection which is full of grace.  God reigns unseen by us from His heavenly realm, but it is His actions which give each of us dominion over everything seen and experienced on this earth, including death.  Jesus is the evidence of this supremacy.  Talk about rising out of the valley and reaching the mountain top. This is a big step beyond trying to be like Jesus.  God wants me to be Jesus?!  

How can an imperfect, talking spirit wrapped in flesh reach such a lofty goal?  Limitless access to  the throne of God, like Jesus, is available to all because the Blood of the Lamb washes away all sins.  For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood…(Romans 3:25 NLT).  This remission of sin allows me to arrive on the battlefields of life as if I were Jesus himself! 

The voice grows louder as it encourages me to believe the Blood can solve any problem every time.  I take that leap of faith and embody it.  God sees His perfect and precious firstborn when I approach. I receive the free gift of deliverance from my many troubles when I fully appropriate the power to tread upon those serpents and scorpions.  Faith the size of a mustard seed can move a mountain.  God only knows what faith the size of me can overcome.  For nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37 NLT).

The Devil in Adam Lanza and Gun Control

The evil crept up from behind and struck us without warning.  It had happened again to our horror.  A troubled youth’s rage went supernova and the guns in his hands did his bidding.  At this moment, it could seem like his diabolical plan has worked.   Adam Lanza chose to sow death.  He selfishly left the families in Newtown with the burden of having to reap the pain that goes hand and hand with the culture of violence propagated in this nation.  Insult is added to injury as these families are forced to mourn the loss of innocence on the world stage under very bright lights.  The issue of gun control is the hot topic of debate.  Everyone is galvanized, but it is much too late to save “our babies” and their teachers.  America has been misled into having the wrong discussion. 

Guns do not kill people.  People kill people.  I reject everything for which the NRA stands.  I advocate background checks for everyone wishing to buy a gun.  The process should be so invasive as to cause most people to refuse exposure to that type of scrutiny, resulting in a general lack of initiative.  I believe every red-blooded Americans should make the effort to abstain from sports like hunting and target shooting; it is a worthy endeavor if it spares just one child’s life.  But, there is a sort of wisdom in this saying which seems condescending and callous at first glance.  It raises the specter of nature versus nurture.  History proves humans are the ultimate predators.  Quarry falls at our feet because of pride, greed, or outright malice.  We will use our bare hands if no weapons are available.  This sickness in our society must be destroyed at the root.  This is not about pointing fingers.  Unfortunately, mental illness can be inadequately addressed or outright missed; that is a discussion for the medical community and law makers.  I am talking about the video games, TV shows, movies, and the trending comments on social media which glorify being cruel and sadistic. 

We should be talking about one nation under God.  I begin with a prayer for the families of Newtown.  May God take them into an embrace that shields them, consoles them, and takes what was meant for evil and make it good.  The fallen at Sandy Hook Elementary School will be honored when meaningful and last changes come about because of their sacrifice.  Americans must see the most troubling fact is that Adam Lanza WANTED to tear a wide, gaping hole through the collective hearts of Newtown by striking out at young children.  For whatever reasons, he gave into the destructiveness of a vengeance shall be mine mindset and rejected the always productive love thy neighbor as thy self attitude.  Guns became his weapons of choice only because they were readily available.  But, there were many other ways a human time bomb can wreak havoc.   

Violent behavior is in our nature, but our limitless capacity for love and kindness can be nurtured.  Submission to a vision greater than ours will be the first step.  God’s nature must be adopted by us wholeheartedly.  Prayer in our homes, in our schools, and in our hearts is the answer to bringing us into fellowship with each other and God.  Americans begin to reach for a higher standard of living when they become committed to seeking God’s face in moments of prayer.  The bar is raised when each one of us, young or old, fights to maintain serenity and an open heart when conflict arises; this resolve becomes even more important, in the darkest moments, when the battle is an internal one.  We all can become better women and men by spending more time in His presence. 

The children of this great nation deserve to have a future full of promise.  A changed society is what we adults must offer them.  It is foolhardy and dangerous to think stronger gun control laws, increased awareness of mental health issues, or even good intentions will be enough to usher in our salvation.  I am not naïve.  There always will be someone who is too far outside the bell curve and unable to conform to the accepted rules of society.  Violence will erupt even in the most prayerful of societies.  Monstrous and excessively brutal event like the massacre in Newtown get our attention, rightly so.  Yet, the little foxes ruin the vine as well.  Every day people all over America die at the hands of another.  The majority of the perpetrators are not mentally ill.  Some use guns and some do not.  There are children and adults who are standing at a crossroads, right now, desperate and enraged but not completely lost.  They are listening to the voices around them and inside them.  Can we even begin to hope a majority of them are hearing words of peace?  No.  That gift only will come with prayer and fasting. 

WEAPON OF MASS DESTRUCTION

Psalm 34:17 NIV
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.

We can call upon the Lord at any time.  God hears us and provides relief every time because He is a kind and merciful.  However, should we be calling out in desperation or with the expectation of tapping into God's power?  We are promised dominion over everything on this earth; this is a free and loving gift offered to all of the faithful.  For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith (1 John 5:4 NLT).  So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most (Hebrews 4:16 NLT).  We must approach the throne of God knowing that He has already provided the resolution to our problems.

The trust we have in God is reflected in the words we use to convey our requests.  The Word must be our battle cry.  The people called by His name must not send cries full of feared defeat up to Heaven.  It is best for God and His most precious creations to share a moment of being on one accord; we must be like our heavenly Father and speak those things that be not into existence.  As the faithful, we are carried through the storm by faith.  We will not be discouraged by the mountain of trouble that stands before us.  And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19 NIV).  Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desires (Psalm 37:4 NLT).  For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right (Psalm 84:11 NLT).  These are words that speak of impending victory.
 
God wants us to cry out for help at our darkest moments.  But, let those cries be a sweet aroma to the Lord.  God should hear honor and praise in our cries to Him.   I would like to think that He finds pleasure in hearing the words He sent to save and heal us take flight and return to Him full of hope and confidence.  So is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:11).  The people called by His name should incorporate the Word into our cries for help.  We shed the feelings of being victimized.  We acknowledge the privilege that comes with being victors.  We become warriors because all trials and tribulations are overcome by using the Word as a weapon of mass destruction against anything that would distract us from walking in our God-given peace and joy.

PRAYER WARRIORS

Revelation 12:11 NIV

They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. 


The children of God overcome the world and any problem that arises, every time.  The source of this assured victory lies in the absolute power of the Word of God.  Yet, the Bible also states that.....The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much (James 5:16 ASV).  One must begin to explore what makes a prayer effective.  Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours (Mark 11:24).  Every child of God has prayed without doubt in her heart, only to see that specific prayer go answered. God never fails to meet a need.  So, prayers can go unanswered because the desired thing does not fit into God's plans for the believer's life.  Other times, the believer has not realized fully the explosive combination of supplication and speaking the Word. 

Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word (Psalm 103:20 NIV).  These heavenly hosts are the servants of God who do His will and obey His Word.  These soldiers in heaven's armies are standing at attention, waiting. The act of speaking the Word sets these agents of God into motion so that they can fulfill their marching orders.  The body of Christ can declare war on every life issue.  The cancer diagnosis is reversed because.....with his stripes we are healed (Isaiah 53:5 ESV).  We find success at work despite the backbiting co-workers because of the promise: "The LORD will conquer your enemies when they attack you. They will attack you from one direction, but they will scatter from you in seven! (Deuteronomy 28:7)  The infertile married couple knows that the child is coming because He makes a woman who is in a childless home a joyful mother. Hallelujah! (Psalm 113:9 GWT)  The battle is not ours, but the Lord's.  We can be at peace because He will not fail us or abandon us.  We win every time.

Those called by His name must plant the Word in our hearts by reading and studying the Bible daily.  God promises: so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:11).  We must be like our Father in heaven.  When the Word is known "by heart", it can pour out of us anytime a prayer is needed.  Even if a Bible is not readily available, the Word goes forth from our mouths in our prayers.  It achieves the purpose for which it was sent.  We advance the kingdom of God by always walking in this power.  We are triumphant when our prayers are full faith and the Word.

Living Large: Preaching Prosperity

I Corinthians 2:9 NLT
That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him."

The children of God have become deaf, dumb and blind.  Jesus testified that the thief (Satan) came only to steal and kill and destroy and that he came that we may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10 NIV).  It is true.  The bounteous love, grace, and mercy that God showers upon us every day cannot be experienced adequately with our five senses.  It is only through our spirits that these blessings can be appreciated truly.  We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us (I Corinthians 2:12 NIV).  Our spirits fellowship with the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, so that we can have good spiritual sight and hearing; this allows us to speak the Word of God that brings life more abundantly. 

Those called by His name have willingly given up this right to live in the overflow.  We have become resigned to living hand to mouth.  Let's not be fooled into thinking that this is a discussion about financial well being, only.  A millionaire living in the lap of luxury is living in lack if he is ill or does not have someone with whom he can share love.  The Bible is full of the specific promises from God.  Each gift offered is more wonderful than the next.  God has made sure He inspired the writers of the Bible so that the Bible is full of stories, parables, and words that guarantee the same thing over and over again.  Jesus came so that everyone could have life and have it more abundantly.  This means that each and every one of has been given the power to get wealth.  One must look inside and outside of the box of material possessions.  Prosperity can be but is not limited to the ability to give and receive love, having the joy of the Lord that overcomes the sorrows of this world, and knowing the peace that comes with laboring to advance the kingdom of God.  Riches is any good thing that grows out of the grace and mercy of God.
  
Jesus clearly states, "Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you."  ( Matthew 7:7 NIV)  The ball is in our court.  The body of Christ that is called to action.  God has laid down the ground rules.  This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us (I John 5:14).   What is God's will for each of us?  Life on this earth can be seen as a drama filled with laughter and joy.  God is the director of actors who must willingly and obediently fulfill their respective roles.  God is in the wings feeding us the best lines and stage directions.  We are expected to follow God's commandments.  But, are we spending time in our prayer closets listening to His advice on how to conduct our day to day affairs?  A majority of the time the answer is no.  We disconnect from our rightful power source: Jehovah.  We lean on the arm of the flesh and to our own understanding.  The cares of the world become a heavy burden.  We lose flight and crash to earth.  The people called by His name become spiritually deaf, dumb, and blind.

We are destroyed because we allow ourselves to forget.  No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind as imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.  But, there is no mentioned of a tongue that has never spoken.  The power is in our words.  "You don't have enough faith," Jesus told them. "I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible." (Matthew 17:20 NLT)  We are made in the image of God.  We can be like our heavenly Father.  He speaks so that the dead can be raised and something new can be made out of nothing.  True believers are blessed to be a blessing.  Prosperity will overflow into a needy world.  The lives we save will not just be our own.  Now, that is living large.