In John 13:34, Jesus says, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." God is demanding that we love others like He loves us. He wants to empower us by His Spirit to love as He loves.
Today, we want to look at five ways Jesus demonstrated Agape love.
Quality Time
“And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.” (John 6:3) In the midst of a hectic ministry schedule ministering to thousands, Jesus took time out to be with His disciples. Love is not convenient.
Words of Affirmation
“Jesus saw Nathaniel coming toward Him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!" (John 1:47) These were life changing words for Nathaniel. Love constantly discovers and affirms what is good in others.
Physical Touch
“Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray.” (Matthew 19:13) A friend of mine who ministers in prisons, ministered to some inmates on death row. One man was there for brutally killing several children. He was an angry and bitter man. God spoke to my friend to go over and hug this man. When he did the man broke down and wept because he had never been hugged. Love is touchable. Love breaks down barriers.
Acts of Service
Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45) After Jesus’ resurrection He appears to the disciples on the shore of Galilee as they return from fishing. John 21:9 says, “When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread… Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Here is the resurrected Lord, in His glorified body, serving his disciples some grilled fish. Love always serves others.
Acts of Giving
“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” (I John 3:16-18) Love keeps on giving. It never fails.
Lord, help us to love those around us as you have loved us.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
God's Provision in the Desert
As I was reading God's word, I came across the following scripture that showed me God's provision in difficult times.
Nehemiah 9:21 - " For forty years you sustained them in the desert; they lacked nothing, their clothes did not wear out nor did their feet become swollen.
Let us reflect on the magnitude of the verse. According to Exodus 12:37, there were about six hundred thousand men who left Egypt, not including women and children. These were men 20 years or older. In those times, most men of twenty were already married. Counting women and children, it was probably a minimum of 1,800,000 people. How would you like to take even 1,000 people out into the desert, not knowing how you would provide for them? I wouldn't want to sign up for the job. Is it even possible in those times or even now for that many people to live together in one place in a desert enviroment. I would tend to say, No! Therefore, we see that God miraculously supplied there every need for forty years in a parched land where you can't produce food and water is scarce. Wow!
What does this mean for us? It means that God can provide all our needs even in the worse situations. We don't have to ba a product of our enviroment. So you may live in a depressed economy and may even live in the poorest country in the world, but we serve a God who is limitless and loves us very much. Our financial well being or status does not depend on others or the economy. It depends on a God who lacks nothing.
Yet we have our part in our own provision which is stepping out in faith believing that God will provide all our needs and even give us above and beyond all that we could imagine or think. ( Ephesians 3:20) James in chapter 1:5-7, says we must ask God and he will generously give you what you ask of Him. Yet, it must be done in faith. James says, if you lack faith don't expect anything from God. Also, he says faith without action is dead in 2:17. It is not enough to pray and ask God, but we must taken action on the prayer of faith.
Praise the Lord! We do not need to be a victim of our circumstances but are able to overcome them through Christ Jesus.
Nehemiah 9:21 - " For forty years you sustained them in the desert; they lacked nothing, their clothes did not wear out nor did their feet become swollen.
Let us reflect on the magnitude of the verse. According to Exodus 12:37, there were about six hundred thousand men who left Egypt, not including women and children. These were men 20 years or older. In those times, most men of twenty were already married. Counting women and children, it was probably a minimum of 1,800,000 people. How would you like to take even 1,000 people out into the desert, not knowing how you would provide for them? I wouldn't want to sign up for the job. Is it even possible in those times or even now for that many people to live together in one place in a desert enviroment. I would tend to say, No! Therefore, we see that God miraculously supplied there every need for forty years in a parched land where you can't produce food and water is scarce. Wow!
What does this mean for us? It means that God can provide all our needs even in the worse situations. We don't have to ba a product of our enviroment. So you may live in a depressed economy and may even live in the poorest country in the world, but we serve a God who is limitless and loves us very much. Our financial well being or status does not depend on others or the economy. It depends on a God who lacks nothing.
Yet we have our part in our own provision which is stepping out in faith believing that God will provide all our needs and even give us above and beyond all that we could imagine or think. ( Ephesians 3:20) James in chapter 1:5-7, says we must ask God and he will generously give you what you ask of Him. Yet, it must be done in faith. James says, if you lack faith don't expect anything from God. Also, he says faith without action is dead in 2:17. It is not enough to pray and ask God, but we must taken action on the prayer of faith.
Praise the Lord! We do not need to be a victim of our circumstances but are able to overcome them through Christ Jesus.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Take Your Place
Psalms 23:5 “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.”
The table of the Lord is a place of abundance, a place of peace, and a place of communion. David draws this picture from the ancient Near East custom, where covenants were often concluded with a meal expressive of the bond of friendship. The head of the honored guest at the banquet was customarily anointed with oil. The cup running over was a sign of abundance. What an awesome picture of the relationship God wants to have with us!
Jesus reinforced this at the Last Supper with His disciples. In Luke 22:15 Jesus says, "With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you.” (NKJ) In the Message Bible it says, "You've no idea how much I have looked forward to eating this Passover meal with you.” Then just as the honored guest would have his head anointed with oil in David’s day, Jesus in the custom of his day honors his disciples by getting down and washing their feet.
Sometimes we fail to understand how much Jesus desires to fellowship and commune with us. We become so busy running here and there, trying to meet our needs and the needs of our family, when He already has a table of provision set for us. We are desperately trying to prove ourselves and to demonstrate our value or worth, when He desires to honor us. We struggle with worry and fear in an uncertain world and struggle with the attacks of the enemy, when He has already set a table for us in the presence of our enemies. We struggle in our own might to serve Him, when he wants to anoint our head with the oil of His Spirit to empower us to do what we cannot do in ourselves.
Stop struggling and running and take your place at the Lord’s table. “In His presence is fullness of joy; at His right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalms 16:11) The God of the universe “fervently desires” your presence. He has prepared a table for you and for me. He is honored to have us as a guest at his table. Even more than that, He wants to honor us. We are the apple of His eye, His joy and His desire. He wants to give us honor even before our enemies, for we are His treasured possession and he has redeemed us from every tribe, tongue, and nation by the blood of His Son. He wants to fill your cup until it runs over.
The one thing our Lord seeks above all else from his servants, ministers, and shepherds is communion with Him. His table is vast and is never lacking. This table is a place of spiritual intimacy and is spread daily with all that we need. David said in Psalms 27:4, “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.”
May you be blessed, encouraged, strengthened, and satisfied in the presence of the Lord today.
Andy Clark
The table of the Lord is a place of abundance, a place of peace, and a place of communion. David draws this picture from the ancient Near East custom, where covenants were often concluded with a meal expressive of the bond of friendship. The head of the honored guest at the banquet was customarily anointed with oil. The cup running over was a sign of abundance. What an awesome picture of the relationship God wants to have with us!
Jesus reinforced this at the Last Supper with His disciples. In Luke 22:15 Jesus says, "With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you.” (NKJ) In the Message Bible it says, "You've no idea how much I have looked forward to eating this Passover meal with you.” Then just as the honored guest would have his head anointed with oil in David’s day, Jesus in the custom of his day honors his disciples by getting down and washing their feet.
Sometimes we fail to understand how much Jesus desires to fellowship and commune with us. We become so busy running here and there, trying to meet our needs and the needs of our family, when He already has a table of provision set for us. We are desperately trying to prove ourselves and to demonstrate our value or worth, when He desires to honor us. We struggle with worry and fear in an uncertain world and struggle with the attacks of the enemy, when He has already set a table for us in the presence of our enemies. We struggle in our own might to serve Him, when he wants to anoint our head with the oil of His Spirit to empower us to do what we cannot do in ourselves.
Stop struggling and running and take your place at the Lord’s table. “In His presence is fullness of joy; at His right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalms 16:11) The God of the universe “fervently desires” your presence. He has prepared a table for you and for me. He is honored to have us as a guest at his table. Even more than that, He wants to honor us. We are the apple of His eye, His joy and His desire. He wants to give us honor even before our enemies, for we are His treasured possession and he has redeemed us from every tribe, tongue, and nation by the blood of His Son. He wants to fill your cup until it runs over.
The one thing our Lord seeks above all else from his servants, ministers, and shepherds is communion with Him. His table is vast and is never lacking. This table is a place of spiritual intimacy and is spread daily with all that we need. David said in Psalms 27:4, “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.”
May you be blessed, encouraged, strengthened, and satisfied in the presence of the Lord today.
Andy Clark
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Overcoming Crisis
I read the following meditation and thought it would be good for you. It is from my brother, Andy Clark.
Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 20:1-29
In this passage three nations come together as a “vast army” to make war against King Jehoshaphat and Judah. Jehoshaphat’s and God’s response to this crisis offer insight into how we can respond to crisis in our lives.
The first thing Jehoshaphat did was he “resolved to inquire of the Lord.” The New King James says “he feared” and “he set himself to seek the Lord.” Satan likes to use shock and awe. He causes unexpected things to suddenly happen in our lives that bring dismay, fear and discouragement. But like Jehoshaphat, despite the fear that may try to arise, we need to quiet our hearts and purposefully resolve to seek the Lord until we get an answer. Not just a quick prayer and then run off to try to resolve the problem, but to truly persist in prayer until we have an answer.
Secondly, Jehoshaphat “proclaimed a fast for all Judah.” This attack was not just against him but the nation. We are part of the body of Christ. When one part of the body is under attack, we are all under attack. Satan loves to isolate us with our crisis. Don’t just try to deal with the problem on your own. Reach out to those around you in the body and get them involved. When you involve others in the battle, you all share in the victory as a testimony to God and the world.
In Jehoshaphat’s prayer in verses 5-12, he declares three things. He begins by reminding God of His promises, then states the problem, and concludes by stating his full dependency upon God. “For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You." People often ask me why there are so many miracles in Africa. One of the reasons is because so often they have no other resources but God. When God becomes your source, you will begin to see God intervene on your behalf.
After they had finished fasting and praying, the prophetic word came forth from God as to what they were to do. The first thing God said was, “Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's.” God said, I can handle this, no problem! Your problem may look insurmountable to you but it is no problem to God. Secondly, God said, “Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.” Position yourself, posture yourself for victory. Your posture and attitude in the midst of a crisis has a huge influence on others and on God’s response.
Judah’s response to the prophetic word was “all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, fell down in worship before the Lord,” and the Levites “praised the Lord with a very loud voice (or shout).” They are having a shouting celebration of victory even before the battle has started because of faith in the prophetic word. Then Jehoshpahat stands up and declares, “Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.” Then “the Lord set ambushes” and completely destroyed the enemy without Judah even lifting a sword.
Just like with Jehoshaphat and Judah, God wants to give us victory over the challenges we face in life, if we position ourselves as Judah did, so that God can respond and bring us deliverance. How big is your God? May the God you serve be bigger than the problem that you face.
Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 20:1-29
In this passage three nations come together as a “vast army” to make war against King Jehoshaphat and Judah. Jehoshaphat’s and God’s response to this crisis offer insight into how we can respond to crisis in our lives.
The first thing Jehoshaphat did was he “resolved to inquire of the Lord.” The New King James says “he feared” and “he set himself to seek the Lord.” Satan likes to use shock and awe. He causes unexpected things to suddenly happen in our lives that bring dismay, fear and discouragement. But like Jehoshaphat, despite the fear that may try to arise, we need to quiet our hearts and purposefully resolve to seek the Lord until we get an answer. Not just a quick prayer and then run off to try to resolve the problem, but to truly persist in prayer until we have an answer.
Secondly, Jehoshaphat “proclaimed a fast for all Judah.” This attack was not just against him but the nation. We are part of the body of Christ. When one part of the body is under attack, we are all under attack. Satan loves to isolate us with our crisis. Don’t just try to deal with the problem on your own. Reach out to those around you in the body and get them involved. When you involve others in the battle, you all share in the victory as a testimony to God and the world.
In Jehoshaphat’s prayer in verses 5-12, he declares three things. He begins by reminding God of His promises, then states the problem, and concludes by stating his full dependency upon God. “For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You." People often ask me why there are so many miracles in Africa. One of the reasons is because so often they have no other resources but God. When God becomes your source, you will begin to see God intervene on your behalf.
After they had finished fasting and praying, the prophetic word came forth from God as to what they were to do. The first thing God said was, “Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's.” God said, I can handle this, no problem! Your problem may look insurmountable to you but it is no problem to God. Secondly, God said, “Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.” Position yourself, posture yourself for victory. Your posture and attitude in the midst of a crisis has a huge influence on others and on God’s response.
Judah’s response to the prophetic word was “all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, fell down in worship before the Lord,” and the Levites “praised the Lord with a very loud voice (or shout).” They are having a shouting celebration of victory even before the battle has started because of faith in the prophetic word. Then Jehoshpahat stands up and declares, “Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.” Then “the Lord set ambushes” and completely destroyed the enemy without Judah even lifting a sword.
Just like with Jehoshaphat and Judah, God wants to give us victory over the challenges we face in life, if we position ourselves as Judah did, so that God can respond and bring us deliverance. How big is your God? May the God you serve be bigger than the problem that you face.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
You Are Treasured By God
I have been reading the book of Daniel a phrase really struck me. Three times in the HCSB version of the Bible an angel says to Daniel, "you are a man treasured by God". (Daniel 9:23; 10:11,19) Wow! I thought to my self, I would sure love God to say that to me. In the NIV, it says, "highly esteemed one".
Why was Daniel treasured or highly esteemed by God? If I could understand this, then I could seek to be highly esteemed by God. I could then know if I am treasured by God.
In general, Daniel was treasured by God because he well represented God. The Bible says we are God's ambassadors. (2 Corinthians 5:20) One of Daniel's great godly qualities is he would not compromise God principles, but live a holy life. (Daniel 1:8) Even in the midst of severe persecution and possible death, Daniel and his three friends would not compromise their faith. (Daniel 3:17,18) I like to use the word quality because in my mind it denotes something that is developed while characteristic denotes something inherent. A second quality of Daniel that God defintely approved was his loyality to God. Daniel would take no credit for himself, but gave God all the glory. (Daniel 2:27-28,30) Another reason I believe that Daniel was treasured by God because God's Spirit was on him. (Daniel 4:9,18) A third quality that was pleasing to God is the courage Daniel had to speak the truth even when it might not be pleasing to others and may even mean death for him. (4:19,20) A fourth godly quality is that Daniel would call for people to repent, and give wise counsel. (Daniel 4:27) A fifth quality is that Daniel did not seek wealth or position, although he had much of both. (Daniel 5:16) Also, Daniel did not serve the Lord for wealth or postion. A sixth, and seventh quality of Daniel is that he was trustworthy and diligent. (Daniel 6:4) A eigth quality is that Daniel was a man of prayer and spent time in communion with God, and would allow nothing encroach or hinder him from spending this quality time with his Lord. (Daniel 6:10) A nineth attribute, Daniel was a man of the Word. (Daniel 9:2) A tenth attribute of Daniel is that he was a man of humility, recognized his own sinfulness, and identified with God's people. (Daniel 9:4-19)
Now many of us may lack these qualities in our lives, but we must not be discouraged. You are still treasured by God despite our lack. David had insight into this idea. (Psalms 83:3; 135:4) David understood that the people of Israel were treasured by God, and we know that it wasn't because of their godly qualities. They were soveregnly chosen by God to be his treasured possession. We to who are in Christ are God's treasured possession, but it has nothing to with us but the work of Christ on the cross. Postionally, all in Christ are treasured by Him.
Yet, let us not use this as an excuse to become lazy in our Christian character and qualities. We need to pursue God and seek to obtain the qualities that Daniel manifested. When we have these qualities, our realtionship with God has a new and greater dynamic. We will experince God in a greater way and He will be able to use us in a greater way.
Why was Daniel treasured or highly esteemed by God? If I could understand this, then I could seek to be highly esteemed by God. I could then know if I am treasured by God.
In general, Daniel was treasured by God because he well represented God. The Bible says we are God's ambassadors. (2 Corinthians 5:20) One of Daniel's great godly qualities is he would not compromise God principles, but live a holy life. (Daniel 1:8) Even in the midst of severe persecution and possible death, Daniel and his three friends would not compromise their faith. (Daniel 3:17,18) I like to use the word quality because in my mind it denotes something that is developed while characteristic denotes something inherent. A second quality of Daniel that God defintely approved was his loyality to God. Daniel would take no credit for himself, but gave God all the glory. (Daniel 2:27-28,30) Another reason I believe that Daniel was treasured by God because God's Spirit was on him. (Daniel 4:9,18) A third quality that was pleasing to God is the courage Daniel had to speak the truth even when it might not be pleasing to others and may even mean death for him. (4:19,20) A fourth godly quality is that Daniel would call for people to repent, and give wise counsel. (Daniel 4:27) A fifth quality is that Daniel did not seek wealth or position, although he had much of both. (Daniel 5:16) Also, Daniel did not serve the Lord for wealth or postion. A sixth, and seventh quality of Daniel is that he was trustworthy and diligent. (Daniel 6:4) A eigth quality is that Daniel was a man of prayer and spent time in communion with God, and would allow nothing encroach or hinder him from spending this quality time with his Lord. (Daniel 6:10) A nineth attribute, Daniel was a man of the Word. (Daniel 9:2) A tenth attribute of Daniel is that he was a man of humility, recognized his own sinfulness, and identified with God's people. (Daniel 9:4-19)
Now many of us may lack these qualities in our lives, but we must not be discouraged. You are still treasured by God despite our lack. David had insight into this idea. (Psalms 83:3; 135:4) David understood that the people of Israel were treasured by God, and we know that it wasn't because of their godly qualities. They were soveregnly chosen by God to be his treasured possession. We to who are in Christ are God's treasured possession, but it has nothing to with us but the work of Christ on the cross. Postionally, all in Christ are treasured by Him.
Yet, let us not use this as an excuse to become lazy in our Christian character and qualities. We need to pursue God and seek to obtain the qualities that Daniel manifested. When we have these qualities, our realtionship with God has a new and greater dynamic. We will experince God in a greater way and He will be able to use us in a greater way.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
God's Shaking is Redemptive
Luke 21:10-11
10Then he said to them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.
Luke 21:28
28When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
God’s shakings are always redemptive in nature. When the world is shaken and our lives shaken don't be dismayed because God's salvation is near. At the worst time in the history of the world, this is when Christ will show up. This is often true in our own lives. Often the best things that happen come out of our worst situations. I know that a lot of good things have come about in my life and our ministry as result of the Haiti earthquake.
Acts 16:26
Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose.
When things are shaken, don’t be afraid, His deliverance is at hand. Paul and Silas were beaten and through into a dark prison cell chained one to another. Yet, their spirits were strong and they were not discouraged. Their hope and joy was in the Lord. They prayed and worship the Lord. Then God broke forth on their situation and delivered them from their situation. Not only did God deliver them, but Cornelius's whole family.
Next time you are in a difficult situation, don't be discouraged, but put your hope and trust in God. You will then see His glory and deliverance, not only for you but others. Therefore, be strong and very courageous. God is our deliverer.
10Then he said to them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.
Luke 21:28
28When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
God’s shakings are always redemptive in nature. When the world is shaken and our lives shaken don't be dismayed because God's salvation is near. At the worst time in the history of the world, this is when Christ will show up. This is often true in our own lives. Often the best things that happen come out of our worst situations. I know that a lot of good things have come about in my life and our ministry as result of the Haiti earthquake.
Acts 16:26
Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose.
When things are shaken, don’t be afraid, His deliverance is at hand. Paul and Silas were beaten and through into a dark prison cell chained one to another. Yet, their spirits were strong and they were not discouraged. Their hope and joy was in the Lord. They prayed and worship the Lord. Then God broke forth on their situation and delivered them from their situation. Not only did God deliver them, but Cornelius's whole family.
Next time you are in a difficult situation, don't be discouraged, but put your hope and trust in God. You will then see His glory and deliverance, not only for you but others. Therefore, be strong and very courageous. God is our deliverer.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
God is our Refuge
PSALMS 46:1-3,10-11
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
11 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
I write this article today in hopes that it will encourage and strengthen you. I know that I need these words instruction and encouragement as much as you. My wife and I have and are going through hard times, and this scripture has come alive to us.
The Psalmist said, we will not fear. How many of you know this is easier said than done. We all struggle with fears and anxieties in our lives. The opposite to fear is faith. We are able to combat fear and anxieties through faith. Faith that God will protect us. Faith that God loves us. Faith that God knows what is best for us. Faith that God is in controll.
God says, be still and know that I am God. Be still means, don't be anxious. Be still means, not worrying. Be still mean, not having all the answers, but trusting God. Be still means, not trying to do things on your own, but waiting on God.
We can be still when:
- we know God is in control.
- we trust Him, knowing He will do what is best for us.
- we know he will accomplish His purpose in us and through us.
- we have faith that the Lord almighty is with us.
THE LORD WILL BE EXALTED & HIS PURPOSES WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED
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