The Lord is my Shepherd.

Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

(Yes, we can really come to the place in our experience that we can say, “I shall not want anything that is not My Lord’s Will.”)

I have always loved the picture of Jesus as my Shepherd.

He is holding a small lamb (and I was one of those once—yes it was a long time ago).

Beside Him is a sheep, looking up and following Him. (Now I am one of those.)

As Shepherd, He leads us out;

which is to say, He wakes up with us in the morning and leads us to work, school, or whatever chore or duty we have.

John 10:3 “To Him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear His voice: and He calleth His own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.”

As Shepherd, He guides us.

It is into circumstances where we may grow and get stronger in faith.

And it is into rest, whether it is a quiet time, or peace amid our busy day. He is there, giving it to us.

Psalm 23:2-3 “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

And when there are dangers (and there are many in this life, from from others, from temptations); He will guide us away from them, or protect us through them. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

He correct us when we are following a wrong way, but always in love, to bring us back to Him.

John 10:10 “The thief cometh not, but for to steel, and to kill, and to destroy: (So do not look to them, but to Me…): I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly.”

Psalm 23:5 “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.”

And when illness and the “shadow of death” come….

(for it is a shadow for every born again one. In death we close our eyes here, and open them in heaven with Him, forever).

Then He is there (yes, I know His presence, by experience in illness, and operation).

Psalm 23:4 “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

He speaks of fear, here….because let’s face it…..it is fear: nagging fear, panicking fear, or sudden fear…that causes us damage to our belief.

He is always there.

(Sometimes I have felt Him closer than any other; sometimes I have felt Him inside, strengthening me; other times, as though He was holding on to me, bearing me up.)

Yes, as His born again ones, we are blessed, and can say:

Psalm 23:6 “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

With Him before me, and goodness and mercy behind me; I am covered with His care…..eternally.

Perfection for a Christian

Hebrews 13: 20-21. “Now the God of Peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant.

Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”

Only God is Divine, and Sinless.

But He calls us to be “perfect”, which in the Bible means that we are to attain to that which you were brought into being for.

We are to fulfill the Purpose of God for our lives; we are to be complete.

How can this be done?

The True Vine, and the Husbandman

John 15:1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.”

Here is a beautiful picture of the care of our Heavenly Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, for us.

He is the fruitful vine nurturing the branches; while His Father prunes and cares for these branches, that they might bring forth fruit…and more fruit….and much fruit.

John 15:2 “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.”

How does the branch bear fruit?

First, we are part of the vine….He has made us so. Therefore the same life-giving sap which is in the Vine, runs through the branches.

Second, the branch rests in the place the Husbandman has put it.

More sun, less sun; higher on the fence, or lower; it does not matter.

It rests in the place it is put, and yields.

Our Heavenly Father may come along and purge us. This simply means “to cleanse”.

It is the pruning of excess from us….so that all the flow from the Vine will go into fruit bearing, not merely leaves, which are of no value in the harvest to come.

And how does He “clean” us?

John 15:3 “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.”

Jesus had said a lot to His disciples…some they “heard” with hearing ears. Others would be brought back to them by the Holy Spirit.

But now He is telling them of the importance of His Words.

John 15:7 “If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”

Are you born again….then you abide in Jesus.

Is obedience to His Will the motive of our life….then His words abide in us.

(His Words “dwell in you richly” Colossians 3:16)

Then….and this is an amazing promise….we can ask what we will, and it will be done…….unto us.

This is not unto others….but unto us.

This is the Lord’s personal promise to each of us.

Isn’t this wonderful?

His Word is there for us…..to encourage, strengthen, and correct us.

When we read it, the Holy Spirit teaches us, and as with His disciples, He will bring it back to mind when we need it.

Again, it is a matter of yielding to this life giving flow, which comes from Christ, through His Word, and is applied by the Holy Spirit.

John 15:4 “Abide in me, and I in you, as the branch can not bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.”

We abide in Him, when we do not resist His Will in anything in our lives.

This is not sinless perfection, but rather our wills, willing after His Will; and bringing ourselves in subjection (with His help) to all His Will.

You may say: “I want His will, but not that way”

Let me explain about resisting His Will:

Resisting is:

Putting it off because you don’t want to do it.

Arguing that you have a better plan.

Complaining because of the people you are forced to work with or around.

Silently giving place to the resentment of: Why me, and not them?

If you do any of these, you are resisting the Lord’s Will for you.

These are natural reactions. But we are not to be “natural” or under the charge of our “old man” any more.

We are to place our wills, and hearts, and minds squarely at the Lord’s disposal; and deny ourselves, and yield to the power of the Holy Spirit within us.

That power is there, but we must yield to it.

Sometimes that seems harder than others, depending on how much we “want” something else; but the way of fruit bearing is the way of yielding.

Yielding, and counting on the Holy Spirit to help us.

This is abiding.

This, Jesus Christ calls His branches to do: to yield and bear fruit.

John 15:5 “I am the true vine; ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing.”

He is giving us His life, by the Holy Spirit in power:

What will we do?

John 15:6 “If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.”

Notice it is our abiding, which tells our end, because that is where the power for real life is.

We abide, and yield, and live; or we do not abide, and are gathered to be burned.

(1 Corinthians 3:15 “If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. This is speaking of the Judgement seat of Christ, when all Christians shall be judged.)

We can never fulfill the Purpose of God for which we are called, without abiding in Him…..and He has willed, that we should will with Him in this.

Jesus does not want robots, which are programmed to do…..but willing servants of God, which follow Him because they love Him.

With His life flowing through us, we bring forth fruit: in us by growing in grace; and through us as His servants.

John 15:7 “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”

Here is the fruit: Abiding brings yielding to His Word;

Which brings the prayers we should pray for;

Which brings the answers being done “unto you”.

How much the Lord Jesus would do unto us to help us, if we would simply abide in Him.

Again, what will we do?

“..through the blood of the everlasting covenant.”

Or “…through Jesus Christ;..”

You see, God made a covenant with His Son Jesus Christ, before He created the earth.

It basically was a promise on both sides, which said:

God, the Son would become the Man Christ Jesus and come to earth, live a perfect and sinless life, and then die on the cross; taking all our sins on Him.

So that whosoever would come to Him to be saved from their sin, could be saved.

God, the Father would raise up Jesus from the dead, in the tomb. He would reward His Son with a people that would love Him. God the Father would draw them to Christ, conform them to His beloved Son; and take them home to heaven when they died.

(Salvation in the Bible is: justification and sanctification and glorification.

Justification is a legal term, and means that Jesus made peace with God, by taking our punishment on Himself….and we are made not guilty before God, and more, we are made positively righteous in Him. [Romans 5:1]

Sanctification is the setting aside ourselves to God in a practical sense. We receive from Him, by the Holy Spirit, power to be free from besetting sins, habits, and the corruptions of the world….spiritual liberty and grace (ability) to be all He has for us. [2 Corinthians 3:17-18]

Glorification is the Lord taking us home and changing our corruptible bodies into incorruptible, for the life we will have with Him in Heaven. [1 Corinthians 15:52-54])

When we are saved, Jesus becomes our Shepherd. And by His guidance and strength; we are lead through this life.

He makes us “perfect” by leading us in and out of many situations where we are to help, pray, speak about Him, or lend a hand.

These situations mold us and shape us into His likeness….we are complete in Him.

As we follow Him, and are obedient to what He wants us to do……becoming and receiving through these situations all He has for us; then we have attained to the Purpose for which He created us.

This is Bible perfection for a Christian. To see all the “good works” done….in you and through you.

I have “good works” in quotes, because there are so many ideas about the words.

When the Bible speaks of good works, it means anything the Lord wants you to do. Whether that is a lot or a little, what ever His will is, those are the good works He has for you.

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained (made full provision for) that we should walk in them.”

(It is ever a “walk” with the Lord, in scripture)

And Jesus never leaves us. He has sent His Holy Spirit within each Christian to encourage them, strengthen them, and guide them into the life He has for each of them.

Let us follow on to perfection: to do God’s Purpose for our lives, everyday with Him.

Blessed

Jeremiah 17:7 “Blessed is the man (woman, boy or girl) that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.”

Blessed means twice your happiest moment!

And we are blessed the nearer we come to Christ Jesus our Lord.

But this “nearer” is of the heart and will, not just of word.

Mark 5:24-28 “And Jesus went with him, and much people followed him, and thronged him.

And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,

And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,

When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.

For she said, If I may but touch his clothes, I shall be made whole.”

Here was a woman in need. She had done all she could, and gone to others who did all they could; but she was none better, but worse.

Hearing of Jesus (all the great miracles He had done,and the many He had healed), she came after Him.

Seeing the crowd (for they all were pushing to be around Him), she thought she would come up behind him and just touch His clothes.

She came, not just to see, or hear Him, but to be near enough to touch His clothes, to be healed.

She thought that if she could just touched the hem of His garment (Matthew 9:21), she would be made whole.

So she came, pushed forward, and leaned down and touched the hem of His garment. (Some say, that she was crawling through the crowd to get to Him)

Mark 5:29 “And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.”

(Luke 8:44 “immediately her issue of blood stanched.”)

Finally, wellness!

She touched His garment, and she felt the fountain of blood dry up, and that she was made whole. She was halted with joy and wonder!

But then she heard Jesus say:

Mark 5:30 “And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?”

I want to take a moment here, and point out exactly what the disciples are going to say:

There are many who are “touching” Him. There is a large crowd, pushing to be around Him.

(It is an interesting point that none of them were healed.)

But the Lord knows those who really come to Him in faith…….and they will always be blessed.

Mark 5:31-32 “And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, who touched me?

And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.”

Jesus was not looking for those who follow for position, or for curiosity, or to see the next greatest thing.

He was looking for her, who had come to Him, believing that He could meet her desperate need.

That is faith. And faith in Jesus always brings us near in heart, and will.

And again, faith in Jesus will always be blessed.

Although right now she is afraid, she does not run away, or try and hide in the crowd: but came, again, in honesty, and told Him all.

Mark 5:33 ” But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.”

She did not know what He would do. He might revoke His healing. He might be angry at the way she had been healed.

She does not know; she fears and trembles: but she comes to Him, and tells Him all the truth.

She should not have feared; the One who heals, saves. The One who saves, receives us again and again, despite our weakness. And so He does here.

Mark 5:34 “And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace (always a sign from God that she is saved), and be whole of thy plague.”

The Lord always rewards faith. His first thought is, for her peace with Him (salvation); then He doubles the healing by speaking, “be whole of thy plague.”

He heals body, soul and spirit. He heals mind, heart and will.

Blessed is twice happy; and she was. Both saved and healed, because she came to Him; first in secret faith, and then in honesty.

Her faith was given the healing that she sought.

Her honesty was given blessing; To be brought near to Jesus in Salvation, and to be made whole.

(The God of peace will sanctify us wholly: body, soul and spirit: 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)

Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, and who makes their hope in the Lord.

DIt is in our coming to Jesus Christ, that we are blessed. We shall be satisfied as we abide with Him.

Time to Take Inventory of our Progress

It is tax time, when everyone takes stock of their finances for the last year.

How much did we actually make?

How much will the tax be?

How much will we get back?

So let us pause and take stock of our spiritual gains and losses; for this last year.

Let us look and see if we have walked along with Christ and gained more of the influences of the Holy Spirit;

or if we have let cares and troubles burden us down, and we have lost joy, and maybe some time.

How much of last year was spent in rejoicing in the Lord, and how much was spent in worrying?

Philippians 4:4, 6-7. “Rejoice in the Lord always: again I say rejoice.”

“Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Last year, how much time did we spend in prayer?

Colossians 4:2. “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;”

Matthew 21:22. “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.”

Have we prayed for our brothers and sisters in Christ? Those close or far away?

Has our time of prayer, increased or decreased?

Has our knowledge of what Jesus Christ will do for us personally, increased?

Have we obtained the promises we have been given us?

Do we have more of God’s grace, which He gives us by His Spirit.

(Remember, grace is the unmerited favor of power in our lives….or the ability to do what He puts in front of us, to do)

2 Peter 1:2-4 “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature (having Christ’s character), having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust (lust is: I want this, and I want this now. Whatever “this” is).”

What about our stand as Christians?

Are we standing on the Rock?

It is quite true that amid the many anxieties and troubles….we may be shake and fear….

But our Rock of Christ Jesus, never moves under us; but holds us up, still.

Matthew 7:24-25 “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken unto a wise man, which built his house upon the Rock:

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a Rock.”

Have we let troubles deprive us of God’s joy or peace?

Do we know His sufficiency? In illness? In loss? Amid anger?

Are we letting His Presence comfort and guide us?

Romans 8:32, 37-39 “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Paul wrote even after years of serving the Lord:

Philippians 3:12. “Not though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.”

And how did he do that?

Philippians 3:13 “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do,

forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,”

So, what about us…..

Whether we have learned a lot; or not gone very far with Him, this past year……we still we have a new year to gain.

To go on and get into our lives what has been given us in Christ Jesus.

Rejoice in the Lord.

Pray for ourselves, and others.

Believe, and obtain the promise of peace, everyday.

Stand on the Rock. (Hang on to Him, As He holds on to us)

Forget those things which are past.

Reach forth for those things Christ Jesus has for us ahead.

Let us gain more of Christ, Who is our life, this year.

Joy is the Presence of God in my Life

Ephesians 5:18-20 “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;”

We all know that being filled with the Spirit of God is to be under the influence of Him in our lives; as being drunk makes you under the influence of wine in the things you are doing.

But if you notice, the Holy Spirit and our praise, often go hand in hand.

1 Thessalonians 5:18-19 “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Quench not the Spirit.”

Galatians 5:22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,”

Romans 14:17-18 “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.”

[When Christ’s kingdom comes within our hearts, then Jesus Christ reigns there, and there is joy.

His kingdom is not automatically set up, when you become born again. It is the privilege of each Christian to “gain” more of Christ Jesus in our lives: by knowledge, by love, and by obedience.

We get the life of Christ, all at once….but we do not learn to obey all at once; we learn to obey, by the discipline of life.

Matthew 6:10 “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”

Though the Bible says “in” earth, we often read it “on” earth.

His kingdom will absolutely come to the earth, one day. But now, His kingdom is manifested in the lives of His people.

They show forth His praise. (Psalm 22:3)

The Heavenly Father’s will being done in me, and by me, is the Spirit-filled walk.

This is the reason of the Spirit’s empowering us….that we might live to Jesus, do His Will; having joy and peace; being in the world, but not of it.]

John 15:10-11 “If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love.

These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”

And what does He mean: “be full”?

It means crammed in….”good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over,….” (Luke 6:38)

That is the joy the Lord wants to give, by the Holy Spirit….for we were made for fellowship with Him.

2 Corinthians 4:7 “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”

This “treasure” is the Holy Spirit. And He calls us to shine forth His life in our everyday lives.

Is this without troubles? No.

Paul wrote: (2 Corinthians 4:8)

“We are troubled on every side,……..yet not distressed;”

“We are perplexed (confused by what to do);……but not in despair (knowing God would show the way)”

To be being filled with the Holy Spirit, is to be being emptied of our self-life.

For only one will rule, in each situation.

And as we deny ourselves, pick up our cross and follow the Lord, He gives us direction for this situation, and the grace to do.

Romans 8:14, 17 “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

If children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ, if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be glorified together.”

The Holy Spirit is called the Comforter, by Jesus, because He is always with us, comforting us through this world, we walk in.

John 14:26-27 “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Joy is the Presence of God in my life.

Happiness is over the good things to us or to others we love…this is good, and it is from the Lord; but joy springs up in any circumstance, because we know His presence in our life.

The Holy Spirit’s fullness is not without troubles, they are common to all men, and sometimes to us, even more….for we stand with Jesus our Lord; but it comes out all different than most would think:

He gives us joy, in the middle of every trial.

There He is: in us…with grace for the trial;

and beside us…holding us up and waving the banner of love and joy!

“Come on, I will guide. Just follow on. Step out with Me to the next step….I am here. Fear not”

How many have said (and yes, often it is after the trial) that they have seen more of Jesus; and yes, (amazingly) had joy in it, because of His Presence being so close.

We get the Spirit’s fullness as we yield to Him in our everyday lives, not in lukewarmness….but in the zealous desire to know Him more, and have Him in control, in all things in my life.

To Stand

All of God’s People have been called to stand. To “stand” is to hold our position before the Lord. Whether we stand against sin or the wiles of the devil, our position is to stand, holding onto the Lord and His Word, there.

Israel was called to “Stand still, and see the salvation of God.”

Exodus 14:13 “And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will show you today: for the Egyptians that ye have seen today, you shall see them no more forever.”

If they had tried to effect their own salvation: they would have been utterly destroyed or brought back to slavery, for Egypt was still one of the greatest powers on earth at that time.

The priests were told to stand in the Jordan River till all the people of Israel had crossed over. And the river was at flood time. All it’s banks were overflowed. They had to get wet, and trust in the Lord, before the miracle of the dry ground crossing was done.

Joshua 3:8 “And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant, saying, When ye are come to the brink of the water of Jordan, ye shall stand still in Jordan.”

Elijah came into the kings’s presence, to announce that there would be no rain or dew, because the people had turned to idols.

As he stood there unafraid (and certainly there were soldiers to guard the king); he said “the God before he stood” sent him.

1 Kings 17:1 “And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Arab, as the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew or rain these years, but according to my word.”

Because Elijah stood before God, he was not afraid to stand before this wicked king.

Because of their sin, and turning away from God, Israel was led away captive into other lands; even the Temple and Jerusalem was destroyed.

But at the appointed time, God again brought them out; and those who would, returned to the land: to the place of the Name.

Those Israelites which returned after the captivity, and who helped rebuild the temple, stood at the reading of the law.

Nehemiah 8:5-7 “And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:

And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.

….and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place.”

Paul wrote that we, as Christians, should:

1 Corinthians 16:13 “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.”

For he said (2 Cor. 1:24) “by faith ye stand”.

Someone has pictured faith as the arms we hold on to Jesus with. As we hold fast to Him, we can stand and be strong.

He wrote that we should: Galatians 5:1. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

Liberty is freedom from sin. We are free from the penalty of sin, when we are born again. We are free from sin and it’s power as we yield to the Holy Spirit within. For He gives us the power to choose not to sin, and to be obedient.

We are to “ stand against the wiles or tricks of the devil.”

Ephesians. 6:11, 13. “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

We stand where He has placed us, as we hold on to God and His Word, using every grace that He has given us.

Not running.

Not charging ahead, but standing.

We are to “stand fast in one spirit”.

Philippians 1:27 “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ:….that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.”

As Christians, we are to encourage others to stand with Christ Jesus, and His Word. To strengthen their faith, by prayer and help.

To stand is to hold onto what Christ Jesus has given us.

And how much He has given us; and gives us each day, by His presence with us!

We should hold on to Him, in faith. He saved us: He will sanctify us, and bring us home to Him.

We should hold on to the Word of God, His revelation of Himself and works, to us.

We should hold on to His personal fellowship with each of us…for He calls each of us to:

Luke 9:23 “And he (Jesus) said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”

And we should hold on to fellowship with other Christians:

John 13:35 “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

A Storm, a Shipwreck and a Snake.

Acts 27:1 “And when it was determined that we should sail unto Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus’ band.”

Several years earlier, Paul had gone to Jerusalem to reconcile his people with the gospel; but instead, had been arrested for causing a riot.

After a plot to murder him was discovered, he was taken to the governor, Felix. (Acts 22-24)

There, he preached to Felix, “who hoped that money would be given him of Paul, that he might loose him”.

Paul was kept for two years there.

When Felix was relieved of duty and Porcius Festus came as governor, Paul showed his case again, several times.

Finally, appealing unto Caesar.

Festus, and king Agrippa both agreed that there was nothing Paul had done, that required his being judged.

So now, Paul is going to Caesar.

He is given into the charge of a centurion named Julius; where he is loaded onto a ship to sail to Italy.

All the way along they are moving slowly, “because the winds were contrary.”

Acts 27:7-8 “And when we had sailed slowly many day, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us,….

And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called the Fair Havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.”

The time for good sailing was past, so Paul warns the centurion not to listen to the ship’s captain (he wants the pay from Rome for transporting the prisoners, and goods).

Paul warns him to stay put in this port; for there was going to be loss if they continued.

Acts 27:10 “And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.”

But the port was not a very good place to winter, so the centurion chose to believe the captain, and they began a very dangerous part of their journey.

Acts 27:14-15 “But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.

And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.”

The Lord had told Paul that He would “bear witness also at Rome”(Acts 23:11); but the weather, and sea are blasting against them!

Everything seems as though what God said would not happen!

(Isn’t it the same with us….we have been given promises, and claimed them.

But circumstances are not going as we think they should….Should we continue to believe God? Even when the “storm” comes?)

The sailors do what they know, and “struck sail”. Even so they were driven.

Acts 27:18-20. “And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship;

And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.

And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.”

With such a storm, who could survive? (How many times doubt and despair knock us down, trying to convince us to give up on God’s Word.)

So for days they fast: no one can eat…the storm sends them up and down and here and there, without their control….they just do the best to stay a float…and hope that the storm stops.

Then Paul steps forward….reminding them that he warned them of this very thing….and then speaking again, God’s Word that was told him, to encourage.

Acts 27:22-25 “And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for their shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship.

For their stood by me this night the angel of God, Whose I am, and Whom I serve,

Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.”

Here is faith. Paul prays and gets an answer from the Lord, about himself and those who were with him.

He tells them what the Lord said….great news!

But he also testifies that he is a servant of God,…and that he believes God!

This is a powerful testimony, especially in the situation they were in….for it was several more nights before what the Lord told him, was brought before their eyes.

Acts 27:27,29 “But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country;

Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon the rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.”

Everything seems to be working out! Hurrah!

But the sailors are thinking of self-preservation…..

Acts 27:30 “And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under color as though they would have cast anchors out of the fore ship,”

We get one problem solved, and a lot of times, another appears.

Selfish men were going to take the life boat and escape. Leaving the others to see to themselves.

But no, God saw to them….all of them.

Acts 27:31 “Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.”

So they cut away the boat, believing Paul.

Then Paul encourages them to eat, for “there shall not a hair fall from the head of any of you.”

Then he prays (Again testifying of the Lord)

Acts 27:35-36 “And when he (Paul) had spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it, he began to eat.

Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.”

Soon as it was light, they saw a creek with a shore, which they might point the ship into and get out of the sea, and storm.

So they loosed the rudder, and put up the mainsail; and went toward the shore in this creek.

The front of the ship ran aground on the sand, but the back swayed violently and broke off.

The soldiers, seeing the ship break apart, wanted to kill all the prisoners.

Even though Paul had told them that all would be saved, still some are looking out for themselves, still. (Had the prisoners been missing, the soldiers would have been punished…even unto death, for it)

Was God going to fulfill His Word and get Paul to Rome? Of course….He had the centurion save Paul….

Acts 27:43-44 “But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:

And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.”

“All safe”. Just as the Lord said…it happened.

That was the end of the troubles, right? Paul was taken on his way to Rome…end of story?

No.

As Paul testified before, that he was a servant of God, “Whose I am, and Who I serve”…..that is everywhere he was, at any time.

It should be the same with us….what ever the circumstances we are placed in; we are the Lord’s, and His servants, we will do what He wants, here.

The people who were on the island welcomed them, and started a fire. Paul (and probably the other prisoners) went out to gather sticks….

Acts 28:3-5 “And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.

And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.

And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.”

Now why did this happen? Surely Paul had been through enough. (That is the way I would look at it.)

It happened to open doors of service for Paul, there on that island, while they were there (three months Acts 28:11).

This was a poisonous snake, recognized by the locals….and they were looking waiting for Paul to fall over, dead.

But when that did not happen, they thought he was a god….

When this was told around, the chief of the island, lodged them.

The Lord repaid their kindness, by Paul praying for the chief’s father who was sick of a fever; who was healed.

After that, many who had diseases were also healed by the Lord through Paul’s prayers.

What a witness of Christ Jesus…and all because of a snake.

Paul has believed the Lord, and by faith come through a storm, shipwreck and the bite of a venomous snake; all, on the way to Rome, where God promised He would take him. “…so must thou bear witness also at Rome.”

Yes, Paul, as we know got to Rome. He was kept two years in his own house, receiving all who would come to him and hear:

Acts 28:31 “Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.”

He was tried…released…and arrested again…and kept in a dungeon (it was cold, for he asks for his cloak. 2 Timothy 4:13)

All the while, preaching and testifying of Christ…his greatest love, even among Caesar’s household. (Philippians 4:22)

Till at last he died: “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.”

It wasn’t in the storm, shipwreck, or snake bite…for God promised He would take him to Rome; but now it was time.

2 Timothy 4:7-8 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day:…….”

We would say, “Of course Paul deserves a crown!” But notice what he promises next:

(2 Timothy 4:8) “….and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.”

Yes, we too are promised a crown, if we love Christ’s appearing!

Our “way” to where we are going next, and next, and next with Christ Jesus is full of many “storms”, or “wrecks”, or “poisonous things”.

If we are going because He is guiding us….then, He will get us there….and give us opportunity to share our faith and testimony of Him along the way.

Do we love Christ Jesus? Then we must follow Him wherever He leads.

God’s Purpose for Us

Ephesians 2:8-10 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Not of works, lest any man should boast.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

The Book of Ephesians is written to describe Who saved us; How we are saved; and the Purpose for which we are saved.

It is a book of great mysteries, made known, so that we can experience in our day to day life, the Inheritance we have in Christ Jesus.

To briefly explain (Yes, there could be a lengthy exposition on these verses, they are so full of promise!):

Ephesians 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:”

Here we meet our Father God, Who through the work of Christ Jesus, blesses us with “all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ”

These blessings are, but not limited to: Forgiveness, Joy, Peace, Hope, Love, Patience, Power over sin, and Fellowship with Him.

If you have a spiritual need; He has a blessing for it.

They are in Christ Jesus who is now in heavenly places.

So how do we get these blessings down here to us, today, where we need them?

They are brought down to us, as we yield to Him, making Him, King of our lives:

Matthew 6:10. “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven.”

God will not bless one who refuses His Presence, for they are in Christ Jesus.

If you just want the blessings He has, and not Him, then your faith is flawed; for it is faith in things He will give, and not Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2:6 “And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:”

We are “raised up”, when we are born again; and made to sit…in Christ Jesus.

He is there, representing us; and we are in Him.

We are here, representing Him, and He is in us.

And how is He in us?

Ephesians 1:13-14 “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also, after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise,

Which is the earnest (down payment) of our inheritance until the redemption of the the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory.”

The Holy Spirit is given to abide with us. By Him we are sealed. (His Presence identifies us as His. Romans 8:15-16)

When we have the Holy Spirit within, we are given a portion of our inheritance: that is Him.

He is an Almighty Helper, and we are given grace (the unmerited power to do) by Him, for our lives. He works within us both to will and to do God’s Will.

(Philippians 2:13. Yes, He really does this. If you are hesitant, He will encourage. If you are wanting something else, and you get honest with Him, He will nudge you toward Christ Jesus, and make you want to please Him.)

Now that we know God’s Provision in Christ Jesus, and how God is always with us, and how His power is given unto us; what is the purpose for our salvation?

Ephesians 2:8-10 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Not of works, lest any man should boast:

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

We are created in Christ Jesus. The idea suggested here in the Greek is: to mold into the likeness of Christ Jesus.

The Purpose of God for each individual believer, is: To be molded into Christ’s image and to walk in those good works which God hath prepared for us.

“Ordained” means that God has made all the provision for.

He has seen beforehand what we will need, and sets aside exactly what we need.

So when God gives us a “good work” to do, He prepares the ability, strength, courage, whatever we need then, to be given to us, so we can do it.

What is the Purpose of God for us?

To walk along with Him, conscious of the Presence of the Holy Spirit within us.

Walking along, receiving Him, and the blessings He gives; doing the good works He places before us. (Whether in word or deed)

Walking along with Him, yielding to His kingdom come with in us.

Confident that our King has provided for us, and obtaining them in our everyday life…..for this is what the walk signifies.

Keep yourselves in the Love of God

Jude 21 “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”

In other words: Walk in the sunlight of His love.

He upholds us by His Word (Psalm 119:116), and “builds us up” by His Holy Spirit (Jude 20); and we are to cooperate with Jesus, and hang on to Him…..Keep ourselves in His love.

There is a lot of talk about God’s love today, which is just not so.

Some say, “If God loved us, why does He correct us?”

Would a loving parent let his child do something which would hurt them, just because he “loved” them?

Sin is the ultimate hurt. Through sin, Adam fell; which means that he left the state of innocency he was in, to know evil. (Good he knew, for he knew God; after he rebelled, he knew evil. Genesis 3:6-7)

So when it says that God loves us; you need to look beyond the sentimental affection we think is love; to the Will of God.

There is nothing more powerful in the universe than God’s Will; therefore if He wills to love us: He will provide for us, hold us up, protect us, and correct us; that we might stay in the bright and warm light of His love.

To measure His love is impossible; for the measuring line would have to stretch across the immense expanse of when God sent His Beloved Son to die on the cross. And this was because He willed to love us. (John 3:16)

When we are born again, we are receivers of His Love. (It was always there, we just had our backs to it.)

The only thing we are told to do, is walk in it.

This walk signifies that you are obeying His Word to you.

1 John 5:3 “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.”

If they are “grievous” or burdensome, then you are not walking in His love. You might be walking in anger to His Will, as Jonah. (Jonah 4:1-4)

Or you might be walking in fear, as when the disciples were at sea. (Mark 4:37-38)

But when you walk in love; His commandments are the lightest things. To sin or turn away from Him, at this time, would be the hardest thing. For love gives songs in the darkest night, and makes His work, joyful.

This walk in the love of God is also shared:

1 John 4:7, 11 “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.”

This tells us that the love of God is to be shed abroad through us to other Christians, and to those in the world.

(Remember, God’s love is willed love. There is nothing in us that would draw out God’s love to us; but He willed to love us.

So we should love others. Often there is nothing in them that merits our love.

No, love is never merited; either in God’s love to us, or our love to others.

That is called respect and honor)

But God commands us to love others, so we will to do so; and walk in His love.

John 14:23 “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”

The precious presence of God within us, comes with His love.

This Presence is felt.

Romans 8:15-16 “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:”

(This “Abba, Father” is like “Daddy, Daddy”.)

To walk in the love of God, is to appropriate for ourselves the joy found in the statement:

1 John 4:19 “We love him, because he first loved us.”

This knowledge reaches down into the depth of our being!

(You will notice I have quoted a lot from John’s books. John and Paul were the authors that spoke most of the love of God, either for their own selves, or for the Church.

1 John 4:10 “Herein is love, not that we love God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

Galatians 2:20 “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life that I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

Ephesians 3:17-19 “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

May be able to comprehend with all saints what is that breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.”

2 John 3 “Grace be with you, mercy and peace, form God the Father , and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.”

Though Peter was restored with the famous question, “lovest thou me?”, which the Lord Jesus asked him, yet it is not Peter, but John and Paul that bring forward again and again the Love of God to His own.)

Let us walk in the love of God.

Keep yourself in the love of God.

Psalm 119:103-105 “How sweet are Thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Through Thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

“..If any man will..; or Whosoever will…”

Let us talk of Jesus’ invitation: “If any man will…”

Have you ever come to the submitting of your will, to God’s revealed will?

It is stated by our Lord Jesus to His disciples: If any man will.

He says there is a choice involved. It is not something that is forced upon us. No, Jesus said, If any man will; therefore you can say “no” to the act of bringing your will into conformity to God’s will.

And those who are born again, are the ones who can make that choice in reality; for they are the only ones who are enabled to know and do God’s will.

Philippians 2:13 “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”

Jesus said:

Matthew 16:24-25 “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, if any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.

For whosoever will save his life will lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it.”

Here, in Matthew, Jesus is talking to his disciples. He states the requirements for discipleship.

“If” they were going to be His disciples, then they must choose (for it is always a choice) to deny their self-lives, and follow Him into every circumstance (some very unpleasant) that He leads them in.

The cross is the individual’s choice to give up to Christ, in that moment (this can not be done once for all), his “rights”, or plans, or attitudes, etc.(You get the idea).

You see Jesus was telling them that to be His disciples in this world, was not an easy path leading to accolades, and position.

(Remember, that is why the Chief Priests and Pharisees plotted to kill Jesus, they did not want to give up their “place”.

John 11: 47-48 “Then gathered the chief priests and Pharisees a counsel, and said, What do we? For this man doeth many miracles.

If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him; and the Romans shall come and take away our place and nation.”)

No, to be His disciple, was a path which would lead to greater knowledge and communion with Him.

If that was what they wanted, (plainly to walk a little way with Christ, is to want to know Him more), then they would be blessed in that knowledge, with joy, peace, love, etc.

It would be an exciting and blessed path, but only if you love Jesus Christ.

If you want the world and Heaven, too. You will never be a true disciple of Christ.

If you want to follow Christ wherever that leads, you are choosing discipleship.

A disciple is one who has voluntarily placed himself under the discipline of his Master.

For us, our Master is Jesus Christ, who not only commands, but takes us by the hand and leads, helps, strengthens, encourages, and empowers for what He leads us into.

The same is stated in Mark. (only here He is talking to all the people that were following Him, as well)

Mark 8:34-35 “And when He had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever will lose his life for My sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.”

Luke 9:23-24 “And He said to them all, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever will lose his life for My sake, the same shall save it.”

The life we lose is our life in ourselves.

You know that the life inside of you is often VERY different than the one you show to everyone.

You may look happy and carefree to people; while there are depressing thoughts, or anger and resentment inside.

Your desires may rule your heart and mind, but you continue to try and show everyone that you are in control.

If you are in these situations, and you are a Christian; Christ has made provision for you for true liberty….If any man will.

Revelation 22:17 “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will let him take the water of life freely.”

There are a lot of “And”s here. That is because Christ is stressing that He has not left them without a means of everything they need.

First, it is to “Come”.

No problem can be solved if you stay away from Christ.

Second, it is to hear Christ words, or the Bible. If you are not reading, because you say you can not understand it; then say “come, and explain it to me”. And He will.

Third, it is to recognize your “thirst”. In what is your desire? Just get honest here, He knows anyway.

But if you can, say it out loud, alone with God, you will be amazed how much you “see”, when you willingly come and admit your need.

Fourth, it is to take, freely. But it is to take of the water of life. That is the refreshing communion of the Holy Spirit within, bubbling up into true life; Christ’s life within you, and the power for you, that He brings.

This happens, when you come to Christ. The invitation is “if any man will”, or “whosoever will”