We’re Not Our Hearts Burning?

 “Were not our hearts burning inside us?” Luke 24:32

The story of Cleopas and another follower of Jesus walking to Emmaus is fascinating. We can be like them, busy going somewhere, discussing events happening around us. Then a stranger comes along and joins in the conversation.

God likes to break into our world sometimes but we do not recognize Him. We are too busy with “important” things. Jesus tells Cleopas and his companion, “You are such foolish people!” Then Jesus quoted passages from the writing of Moses and all the prophets, explaining what the Scriptures said about Himself. Cleopas and his companion felt their hearts burn while Jesus spoke to them. 

Are we foolish people too? Do we spend more time with the things of this world that pass away, than with the things of God? If we spend time with Jesus our hearts will burn too! Any time spent with Him is never wasted. And there is so much to learn and discover. Especially today when we don’t have to go borrow a book in the library if we want to delve more deeply into a Bible story. I listen on Youtube to many Bible scholars, theologians, missionaries and pastors, and read their writings. Yes, our hearts can be on fire and filled with joy if we walk with Jesus! 

If you know someone who is sick, or if you yourself need healing, you can listen to healing verses from the Bible. I made a compilation years ago. Sorry, the audio is not very good but one can read along. In Proverbs 4:20-22 says:

“My son, pay attention to what I say;

    turn your ear to my words.

Do not let them out of your sight,

    keep them within your heart;

for they are life to those who find them

    and health to one’s whole body.”

Indeed the Word of God is medicine to our body! Listen here:

https://youtu.be/iovWasy_bOw?feature=shared

It is I!

 “It is I; be not afraid...” John 6:20

After the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, Jesus went off on His own while the disciples took a boat to go across to Capernaum. It was dark, the waves were rough and rising high with the strong wind. When they had rowed three or four miles out, they saw but did not recognize Jesus, approaching the boat, walking on the water. They were terrified. I would be terrified as well! But Jesus said, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 

Most times, we do not recognize God when He visits us. God comes while we are living out our ordinary every day lives. He does not disrupt our days, MOST of the time. But sometimes He does, and if we take God at His Word, we will see it as a blessing, a gift, even if it is terrifying in some way. The apostles were experienced fishermen, well used to going out to sea in the dark, in fair weather and foul. This time they see something unusual and it terrified them. When they recognized it was Jesus, they calmed down and were happy to have Jesus join them. 

When my brother Robert received the diagnosis that he had colon cancer, his attitude was very surprising to most people. He saw cancer as a gift and blessing. Robert said “I am so incredibly grateful for this life now. I used to hate myself. I used to think about taking my life all the time. That has completely changed now. I realize that life is short—I don’t have to rush things. Before you know it, life is over. I am now living the best life I’ve ever lived. I am so incredibly thankful for this cancer. It is indeed a gift.” 

God comes into our lives bearing gifts. These gifts do not always take the form we like. Sometimes it terrifies us, dismays us, depresses us, makes us cringe. But sometimes, if we open our eyes and our heart, we can receive God’s gifts with joy.

If you know someone who is sick, or if you yourself need healing, you can listen to healing verses from the Bible. I made a compilation years ago. Sorry, the audio is not very good but one can read along. In Proverbs 4:20-22 says:

“My son, pay attention to what I say;

    turn your ear to my words.

Do not let them out of your sight,

    keep them within your heart;

for they are life to those who find them

    and health to one’s whole body.”

Indeed the Word of God is medicine to our body! Listen here:

https://youtu.be/iovWasy_bOw?feature=shared

If It Comes From God

 "If this endeavor or activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourself fighting against God." Acts 5:38-39

What Jesus started in 30 AD is still going strong today. There are approximately 2.4 billion Christians worldwide. That’s about 31.6% of the global population. It is the largest religion globally, with the three largest groups being the Catholic Church, Protestantism, and the Eastern Orthodox Church. 

Just this Easter, the world witnessed a significant surge of adolescents and adults baptized into the Catholic Church. We saw substantial growth in several countries like the US with some dioceses reporting 139% more converts compared to previous years. 

Believers who have long been silenced are holding rallies to declare UK a Christian nation. Justin Brierley, a popular podcaster wrote a book, “The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God: Why New Atheism Grew Old and Secular Thinkers Are Considering Christianity Again”.  There seems to be a new wave of faith and relevance of Christianity. 

However, just as in Jesus' time, there are forces trying to destroy Christians and Christianity in the world today. Churches even in the West are being burned, priests imprisoned, believers beheaded. In Nigeria over Easter, Christians were attacked and killed. 

We can undoubtedly say that the Church has survived persecution, abuse, scandals, even indifference. The Pope of today can look over the Coliseum in Rome where the blood of Christians were absorbed by the sand on the arena floor. Ironically, Christianity is victorious over the once mighty Roman Empire and Emperor Nero who had the followers of Christ arrested, tortured, crucified, burned alive and fed to the wild animals.

What was said by a Pharisee in the Sanhedrin holds true today: “If this endeavor or activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourself fighting against God." (Acts 5:38-39)

If you know someone who is sick, or if you yourself need healing, you can listen to healing verses from the Bible. I made a compilation years ago. Sorry, the audio is not very good but one can read along. In Proverbs 4:20-22 says:

“My son, pay attention to what I say;

    turn your ear to my words.

Do not let them out of your sight,

    keep them within your heart;

for they are life to those who find them

    and health to one’s whole body.”

Indeed the Word of God is medicine to our body! Listen here:

https://youtu.be/iovWasy_bOw?feature=shared

Obey God Rather Than Men!

 

“We must obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29

Many people today obey man rather than God for different reasons- power, quick results, political correctness in the name of tolerance, money, popularity, convenience, selfishness, etc. The apostles were different. Even in the face of death, arrest, or jail, they stood their ground.  “We must obey God rather than men!” Where did they get their courage and strength?

They knew Jesus, they were witnesses, and they had the helper Jesus sent, the Holy Spirit. Sometimes people think it is easier to follow the ways of the world. An unwanted child in the womb? Get rid of it. A tax problem? Give grease money. Caught in a dilemma? Lie. Lie. Lie. Follow the path of least resistance. It is not easy to obey God’s laws. But that is only when God is out of the equation. 

God is bigger than our problems, our struggles, any trial facing us. Jesus promises us in John 16:33, “In the world you will have trouble, but take courage. I have conquered the world.”

I confess that I can get anxious about even the most absurd things. Then I stop short and go back to God’s promises and I can relax when I obey Him. “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess. 5:18) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Phil. 4:6) “With God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26). 

Like the Apostles, we can know Jesus by delving into the Bible, talking to Him, listening to Him, and following His wise ways. And with the Holy Spirit, we can be victorious and obey Him rather than men.

If you know someone who is sick, or if you yourself need healing, you can listen to healing verses from the Bible. I made a compilation years ago. Sorry, the audio is not very good but one can read along. In Proverbs 4:20-22 says:

“My son, pay attention to what I say;

    turn your ear to my words.

Do not let them out of your sight,

    keep them within your heart;

for they are life to those who find them

    and health to one’s whole body.”

Indeed the Word of God is medicine to our body! Listen here:

https://youtu.be/iovWasy_bOw?feature=shared

Oh How He Loves Us!

 “God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life.” John 3:16

The story of the prophet Hosea is amazing. The Talmud, the central text of Rabbinic Judaism, of which the Torah is part, calls Hosea the greatest prophet of his generation. And he is the only Jewish prophet who left any written prophecy.

What is amazing is God told him, this shy bachelor, to marry this beautiful woman Gomer. But God also told him that she would be unfaithful. In spite of that, Hosea, like any obedient prophet, went and wooed Gomer, loved her, and had three children with her. It went downhill after that because she left him for a succession of men. He had to rescue her from slavery and bought her at an auction for fifteen pcs. of silver and a bushel of barley!

This story of a love so great and forgiving foreshadows the story of God's love for us. God is always asking us to return to Him. In spite of our sins and unfaithfulness, God says to us, "Return to me, your sins have been your downfall. But only return and ask me to forgive your sins, and I will heal your waywardness and love you freely. I will turn away my wrath and be like dew to you. You will blossom and bear fruit." (Hosea 14:2-10)

"That is the story of the Bible isn't it? At Bethlehem God entered the slave market  where the whole human race was putting itself up for auction, prostituting itself and its humanity to a cheapened life. But on the cross the Lord Jesus paid the price, the full price for our freedom, and bought us back. This is the story of God's love and God's heart -- His loving desire to make of His people the full persons He intended them to be." (Ray Stedman) 

“I took you in my arms; I drew you with cords of kindness, love and compassion...my heart is overwhelmed..." (Hosea 11:3,8)

This is God saying He loves us, He loves us, He loves us!!! It's a crazy love, an unimaginable love! Imagine a billionaire saying he would exchange his magnificent mansion for our hovel, his unlimited bank account for our meager savings. The Great Exchange! And it has already been offered to us!

Jesus says to us, "I'll take your poverty and give you My riches. I'll take your sin and trade it for My righteousness. I came into your decaying world to give you eternity!"

If you know someone who is sick, or if you yourself need healing, you can listen to healing verses from the Bible. I made a compilation years ago. Sorry, the audio is not very good but one can read along. In Proverbs 4:20-22 says:

“My son, pay attention to what I say;

    turn your ear to my words.

Do not let them out of your sight,

    keep them within your heart;

for they are life to those who find them

    and health to one’s whole body.”

Indeed the Word of God is medicine to our body! Listen here:

https://youtu.be/iovWasy_bOw?feature=shared

Son of Encouragement

 “There was a certain Levite from Cyprus named Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (meaning 'son of encouragement')." Acts 4:36

What's in a name? This man Joseph must have been a real encourager to merit a change of name from the apostles! Sometimes God changes names in the Bible, but it's because of a future mission, like Simon to Peter (the Rock), or Abram to Abraham (father of many nations), Sarai to Sarah (Mother of many nations), Jacob to Israel (having power with God), etc. The name change had something to do with what God would make of that person. But in the case of Barnabas, the apostles called him Barnabas because of what Barnabas already was. He embodied the spirit of encouragement.

After Saul was converted to the Christian way, and others were still skeptical about him, and avoided him, it was Barnabas who befriended and defended him. (Luke 9:26-27) He really gave Paul a chance to grow in leadership as he asked Paul to co-pastor with him in Antioch. (Acts 11:25-26) Paul and Barnabas undertook many missionary journeys. Barnabas also sold his land and gave the money to the apostles to distribute to those in need. Barnabas liked giving people another chance, he didn't give up on them. Although Paul did not want to work with John Mark again as he had deserted them in a missionary journey, Barnabas insisted he would go with John Mark to Cyprus after a sharp disagreement with Paul. This only shows saints aren't perfect! These are real people who get disappointed, who need to work through conflicts, and fail in some way or another. And that's why we need encouragers like Barnabas!

Let's work towards a Barnabas spirit of encouragement! The Church needs more people to build others up, and bring out the best in others!

If you know someone who is sick, one way to help is to invite them to listen to healing verses from the Bible. I made a compilation years ago. Sorry, the audio is not very good but one can read along. Proverbs 4:20-22 says:

“My son, pay attention to what I say;

    turn your ear to my words.

Do not let them out of your sight,

    keep them within your heart;

for they are life to those who find them

    and health to one’s whole body.”

https://youtu.be/iovWasy_bOw?feature=shared

See the Kingdom

 "...unless a man is born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3

Born from above. Born again. Begotten from above. What did Jesus mean? Jesus told this to Nicodemus, when he visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus was a Pharisee like Paul, and he was a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin, the ruling council of the Jews. This means he was learned and with much influence. It is curious that he comes to question Jesus at night. Perhaps he doesn't want to be seen, or perhaps he just wants to get answers. He says he believes Jesus is a teacher from God. Most people then and now believe that of Jesus but Nicodemus got more than he bargained for from Jesus. He found out that we have to be born again before we can see God's Kingdom. 

In Luke 17:21, Jesus is asked by some Pharisees when the Kingdom of God was to come. Jesus' answer then and now is, "The Kingdom of God is among you. It is in your midst." Right now, I am here in my bedroom. God's Kingdom is here. You are perhaps at your desk, in your garden, in your office, in your kitchen. God's Kingdom is there as well. To see it, to experience it, we need to be born again, to be born anew with a new way of thinking and seeing. We know we are born anew when Jesus’ teachings come alive for us, and we know Him as our brother, friend and Savior. When I was new in the renewal, recently baptized in the Spirit, the words of the Bible seemed to jump out of the page, and I wanted to underline everything. I would read up to late at night, wanting to devour the Word and learn as much as I can. That will be impossible without the Holy Spirit. The third Person of the Trinity is our partner in our spiritual rebirth. 

If we spend time to listen, we will hear Him speak: “Fill every corner of your life with holy things, holy prayer. Be in my presence always, and you will see my Kingdom dwelling alongside this earth full of sorrow and pain. It is possible to see it. See through my eyes. See through the eyes of prayer, of connection with Me. Do not sever your connection with Me.”

Come Holy Spirit! I want to see and experience Your Kingdom here on earth! 

Forgiven

 

"Blessed are they who have not seen and have believed." John 20:29

Jesus is talking about us here! We have not seen Him walking, and preaching, and eating like the disciples did. We have not seen Him doing miracles and healing the sick. We did not put our finger to His side and His hands. And yet, we believe.

In his first homily as Pope, John Paul II said: “Do not be afraid to welcome Christ and accept His power...Open wide the doors for Christ...Christ knows what is in man. He alone knows it. So often today man does not know what is within him, in the depths of his mind and heart. So often he is uncertain about the meaning of his life on earth. He is assailed by doubt, a doubt which turns to despair. We ask you therefore, we beg you with humility and trust, let Christ speak to man. He alone has words of life, yes, eternal life."

Christ knows first hand what is in man. He has the wounds of the flagellation, the crucifixion, the helmet of thorns, the spear to His side. The wounds we have given Him. We have been forgiven. We are indeed blessed over and beyond what we deserve. We deserve death, Jesus offers us life. 

David Wilkerson was a Christian evangelist best known for his amazing book, The Cross and the Switchblade. The last blogpost he wrote before he died was about this same verse.

He said, "Blessed are those who believe when there is no evidence of an answer to prayer—who trust beyond hope when all means have failed. Beloved, God has never failed to act but in goodness and love. When all means fail—his love prevails. Hold fast to your faith. Stand fast in his Word. There is no other hope in this world." Yes, let us receive these amazing gifts this Easter, hope and new life and His incomprehensible love.