Tag Archives: knowing

Bamboo in a Storm.

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I look at a tree sway in the wind.  It is winter, so there are no leaves on the trees.  The tree is 100 ft high and swaying about 15 ft back and forth.  I consider the power placed on the roots as this tree sways back and forth.  What tremendous pressure is placed on the roots.  No man has to climb such a tree very far before he realizes the danger posed to him from the weight added to this pressure on the roots.

I remember that the Church, and even the individual people of God, are considered as branches in a tree.  How the world and sin place pressure on the people of God.   They buffet God’s people as the wind buffets this tree I see.  How the pressure on the roots, Jesus, grows as sin around us increases.  And I am given pause to consider how mighty must Jesus’ promises and strength be for the sake of His Church.

“Lord, what kind of tree must You have created here.  That we should be able to climb to the top of Your promises and remain in safety.  No sins or plots by men can come against You and Your people that would tear at the roots You have created.  What kind of tree might You be?”

He replies, “I am a mighty oak.  All who are of me can ride the storms with perfect safety.”   But does the Church, the people of the Sovereign God, realize who they are?   Do we see them living as though they are grown from the roots of a Mighty Oak?  No, sadly, we see our brothers and sisters living as though they are simply tiny branches of an over grown bamboo tree.  They live as though they are transplanted into a spindly tree and grown in a storm.  The fear of breaking is about them like a mist. 

Take heart, O’ people of God!  You are of the One who cannot lie!  He has promised to bring you home.  So why do you doubt?  Praise Him and accept His Holy will in your life!  Rest as did our Lord in the boat!  Sleep with comfort in the midst of death and carnage.  You belong to the Holy One of Israel, the Mighty Oak of Heaven!  Raise up with the strength of those who BELIEVE!

By His Grace.

The Next “New”

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The whole world strains after a brand of peace and joy.  It’s as though they peer over the edge of a railing.  Wide eyed and full of anticipation, they look forward to the next “new”.  Yet when it comes is their heart satisfied?  Let’s say the next new gadget comes out on the market, or the next sequel of their favorite movie.  Is there a deep satisfaction when they get to spend time with their next “new”? 

Let’s be clear here, I was once part of that straining.  I too sought for that peace and joy in the things I could experience.  I too complained about the laws of God.  It seemed to me that the only thing God wanted was to destroy my straining for peace and joy.  And that “seeming” proved to be right.  God did, and still does, want to destroy that temporary peace and joy I so longed for.  And in it’s place He gave me a peace and joy that lasts.  This peace He gives is the very essence of joy.

How I long to share that joyful peace with those who still strain over the railing.  I know they won’t understand what I’m talking about.  Just as I hated even the mention of God and Jesus, they hate Them too.  How do I plead that they will respond?  What words or actions can I say or do that they will consider the lasting peace of God?

Billy Graham has spoken millions of words about that peace.  The whole world has heard of his name.  But where is the great throng which turned from sin to embrace God’s ways?  Sadly, there are few who truly embraced his message.  So words won’t change the world.  Those beautiful words did change thousands of lives.  But there remains millions who still strain.

Mother Teresa did many things in the name of her God, my God.  And her name is known by the world in a powerful way.  But I’ve heard my fellow drunks speak of her name with reverence and contempt.  She worked tirelessly to provide for the poor.  She did what she could to show the message of peace and joy which comes from God.   But where it the great throng which turned from sin to embrace God’s ways?  Sadly, there are few who truly embrace her message.  So actions won’t change the world.  Those beautiful deeds did change thousands of lives.  But there remains millions who still strain.

All God’s children hunger for you.  They have something precious to share.  Please give the message of the Cross a serious consideration.  I testify as one who has been transformed from worldly to godly by the power of that Cross.  You can too.  And I tell you a truth; the peace I found in Jesus is absolutely marvelous!

 By His Grace.

Fake It Till You Make It.

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Years ago I was told that we should pray.  As a duty, I prayed.  And in my innocence that was good enough.  But as the years have passed and the Lord has shown me a better way, I’ve learned to turn to prayer often, deeply, and with joy. 

What this shows me is something interesting.  You might have heard the phrase, “Fake it till you make it”.  There is some truth in that saying that can not be denied.  We struggle as babes in Christ to do what the mature tell us is best for us to do.  Then, one wonderful day, we find that we are doing with joy what seemed like a chore.  Isn’t this so with all the maturing in life?

So if you’re having troubles learning to turn to God, relax.  God knows your heart.  And there are times when He moves in to help you stand regardless your weakness or lack of understanding.  Just summon all the strength you have to obey what you know is right.  God will do the rest.  In fact it must be said that even the “faking” is supported by your God.  You never stand alone if you call on the name of Jesus.  Though it is possible to stand better, He has you in His Holy Hand.

By His Grace.

WWJD. WijtutdN!

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Considering WWJD: Does that mean we are guessing about what Jesus would do in our certain circumstance?  Why do we approach the will of the Living God by guessing?  Havn’t we been given the gift of the Holy Spirit?  And hasn’t He promised that this gift should be sufficient for All our needs? 

I propose another saying: What is Jesus telling us to do NOW.  Don’t you hear Him?  If not there are at least two possible reasons:

1. You’re not a Christian.  Though you might say you’re one, where’s the proof of the Living God living in you?

2. You’re a Christian in rebellion.  For wasn’t the great accusation made against those who stopped their ears from hearing God’s will?

By His Grace.

Come! Let us reason together.

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Tossed to and frow, we wander this world as blind men.  Each day brings another buffet from without and within, yet we do not walk alone.  Though you are most wicked, there is a promise from He who is Most Pure.  “Come.  Let us reason together.  Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall become white as wool.”

I tell you as one who knows His beautiful power to transform.  He is Able and does not lie.  For now you fear Him and His lovely law which kills.  But if you will allow, He will turn your fear into a raging torrent of love and power. 

Come!  Let us reason together.

By His Grace.

The Cycle of Life in Christ Jesus

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One gets wrinkly and prepares to go home.  Even while another is born with a skin of rubber preparing to run the race.

By His Grace.