Category: Christian Blog

How to Become a Hero When You Really Want To Run

How to Become a Hero When You Really Want To Run

Throughout His ministry on earth, Jesus was preparing the apostles to be the men who would be the leaders of the church. They would be tasked with spreading the good news of the gospel. He was preparing a group of men and women who would be the first followers of Christ—the earliest Church. They would face opposition, trials, and great distress as they went about the task of spreading the good news of the resurrection of Christ. Indeed, they would lose their lives for their commitment to bringing the truth of salvation to the world. Often, we look at the early church and see all these people as “larger than life” heroes who must have been supermen and women to start with. Yet, the truth is—they weren’t any different than you or I. They were simple people. Many were uneducated laborers. They were fearful, full of doubts, and slow to learn faith. Jesus had three years to transform this bunch of misfits into the heroes they would become. How did He do that? What can you and I learn from their journey?

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Can God really make me a hero?  How?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

picture used by permission of Ronald Barba,  all copyrights are his.


In chapter 11 of John we are shown a glimpse of Jesus teaching His apostles about faith and revealing to them a glimpse of God’s Glory. There is no hope for salvation without first seeing a glimpse of God’s glory and desiring it above all else. Jesus needed for these followers to see the Father’s Glory as revealed in the Son. Only then, could their own lives

 

be transformed to display God’s Glory to the world. Even though God’s Glory surrounds us every day in the beauty of the creation, in the miracles of life, in the moments of grace that pass through our lives and the random acts of kindness we face; yet, we too often close our eyes to their display. We need to have our eyes open to see His Glory. We need to understand the greatness of His power toward us. My desire for me and for you is “17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead” (Ephesians 1). This is what Jesus needed these followers to also understand before He went to the cross. He needed to prepare them for what was to come.

JESUS PURPOSEFULLY TARRIED IN HIS ARRIVAL

So, when Jesus heard of Lazarus’ illness; he waited. We looked at the reasons He waited in Monday’s post. We know that He waited because He loved Mary, Martha and Lazarus so much that He wanted to display God’s Glory with such power that they would not ever need to fear again. He wanted to show them what real joy could be found through faith. He wanted them to know the truth in their heart of hearts, not merely in their mind. He wanted the same for His apostles and many who would believe as a result of the miracle He was about to perform.

A GRUMBLING GROUP OF COWARDLY FOLLOWERS

When Jesus then turned to the apostles and said, “Let us go into Judaea again” (John 11:7). Of course, we expect the apostles quickly said, “Yes, Lord where ever you want us to go we are willing to follow.” Right? No, that wasn’t what happened. Instead much like you and I do too often, they presented an argument against the idea. Listen to their response in John 11:8. “His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?” In other words, “Really Jesus? Don’t you remember they tried to stone you? You want to go there?” They were not wanting to face those “stone throwers” again. After all they might get hit with stones as well.

JESUS RESPONDS

So, Jesus responds with, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. 10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him” (John 11:9-10). That would clear everything up, right? Or do you think they stood there scratching their heads much like we do to that response? Jesus had already told them that He was the light of the world. As long as they are with Him, they have the light and cannot stumble. He is all they need where ever they might go. The same is true for us. So the first step to becoming a hero when we want to run is to recognize that He is with us every step of this journey. He will light our path. In Him, we will never walk in darkness.

COWARD’S OBJECTION #2:

So, then Jesus tells them that Lazarus is sleeping and He must go to awaken Him from the sleep. To this they responded, “Well, if he is sleeping; he must be doing well; so why should we go? Shouldn’t we just let him sleep?” They were rationalizing why not to go—still being frightened by the “stones” they might meet. Don’t we do the same in reference to those who are “sleeping their unbelief?” We rationalize that we shouldn’t try to reach those whom we meet along the street. After all shouldn’t we only witness to those who come to the church? Shouldn’t we reserve our testimony for those who want to hear? Let them stay in their state of spiritual sleep!! It is safer that way. Jesus reply, “Lazarus is dead.” Here the truth comes forth, “those who are asleep spiritually are actually dead spiritually.” Unless we go to awaken them, they will remain eternally dead. So, step 2 to becoming a hero when we want to run: Recognize the cost of our running may be the eternity of a soul. What is the value of one person’s eternal soul? Of everything else that we think is valuable to us on earth, isn’t the salvation of one person’s eternity of greater value? This entire life is but a blink of an eye compared to eternity.

COWARD’S OBJECTION #3

Then Thomas says to the other apostles, “Let us also go, that we may die with him” (John 11:16). Ok, Jesus, we will go and face our death because you say go; but, why should we just go and die when he is dead already. Have you ever sounded that way? “Ok, God. I am doing what you said; but I really think this is a bad idea!” I would expect that all of us have at some time. I know I have at times pouted as I faced whatever God had asked of me. Only, afterward was I able to see the magnificent Glorious Miracle of God in the midst of what I had thought was hopeless. That is exactly what happened here. Jesus called forth Lazarus from the dead—He displayed God’s Glory to all who were present. Even those who had reluctantly followed were a part of this magnificent display of God’s splendor and glory. Step #3: Recognize that God will display His Glory in us, through us, and surrounding us in the midst of our most difficult circumstances; because of His love for us. This is true even when we reluctantly follow like the apostles did in this case.  When we run we only run away from realizing His joy and hence we head straight into miserable.  

So how do we become heroes when we want to run? We rely on the only one who is our light, our hope and our truth. He will accomplish His work in us and through us. He will display for us His Glory with such magnitude step by step until we too will one day stand like heroes instead of running away with excuses.

The song I chose for you today is:  We have seen God’s Glory by Steve Green.  As you listen closely, realize that as we see His Glory we will display that Glory—step by step we too are transformed into the image of Christ.  “we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

The artist that drew the picture “A Broken and Contrite Heart” featured on my header, the picture used today and  who designed my logo is Ronald Barba.   Feel free to email me at Artedabarba@gmail.com or purchase his art at http://fineartamerica.com/art/all/ronald+barba/all

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post.  I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

5 Reasons Why Jesus Waits and Your Unshakeable Joy

5 Reasons Why Jesus Waits and Your Unshakeable Joy

This journey of life sometimes is tough. Our hearts are ripped in pieces when we watch a child suffering or a loved one battling cancer. Divorce, death, illness, suffering, financial ruin, tragedies are all a real part of our lives. We look into heaven too often with hearts that just don’t understand why. We plead for answers and God says, “Wait” or worse, we hear silence as we wait.

In His Waiting

 

Jesus had left Bethany and was teaching “across the Jordan” where many came to believe in Him. While there, Jesus was sent word that Lazarus was sick. “5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.6 When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was” (John 11). Mary, Martha and Lazarus were dear friends of Jesus. They believed that He was the Messiah and could perform miracles. They loved Him, trusted Him, and believed He would come. I can imagine they watched the road, waiting for Him to arrive. It was with great anticipation, they watched for Him and they watched Lazarus. They knew that Jesus could heal Him and believed that He would; yet, Lazarus did not show any signs of getting better and Jesus didn’t arrive. In fact, Lazarus died; while Mary and Martha waited for a miracle. Their sorrow made heavier because they knew that if Jesus had merely spoken, Lazarus would have lived. It was in deepest of despair that they buried their brother. Didn’t Jesus care? Why didn’t Jesus come?

 

Isn’t that what we ask when our hearts are breaking and no miracle comes? Some would say it is a lack of faith that blocks the miracle. Is it? Or isn’t it our faith that makes the silence more agonizing? We know that God is ABLE; but, has chosen not to respond. What are we to do with that? Too often, we allow Satan to tell us that it is our sin, our failure of faith, and our guilt that causes God not to love us enough to answer our prayer. But that is just a lie of Satan. The answer is given us here in John 11. If we understand the reasons why Jesus waits; then we can trust Him even when He waits.  There are 5 reasons why Jesus waits revealed in John 11 and each of the 5 are loving reasons that will lead to your finding abounding joy, hope, and faith.  Let’s take a look at all five.

REASONS WHY JESUS WAITS

1. He loves us, so He waits. It is right there in verse 5 to 6. Because He loved them, He waited. It wasn’t a lack of love that caused Him to wait. He knew that they were anxiously looking for Him. He knew that their hearts were in agony. But He also knew that He was going to show them something so wondrous that never again would they grow anxious. He was going to give them a joy, hope and peace greater than anything they could imagine. He wanted them to see the magnificence of God’s Glory in such a manner that they would never know fear, anxiety or agonizing sorrow again. Because He loved them so much, He waited.

2. Jesus waited so He could display God’s Glory. “4 But when Jesus heard about it he said, “The purpose of his illness is not death, but for the glory of God” (John 11 TLB). The crowds and people had many been mesmerized by the miracles of Jesus; but, still did not realize the Glory of God that had been displayed. They had not come to seek God for His beauty, His grace, and His Glory. Instead, they only sought their own pleasure in what they could gain themselves from the miracles. They wanted the miracles. Jesus waited so that the crowd of mourners would be present surrounding the tomb. He was about to display God’s Glory as the giver of life itself.

3. Jesus waited so that He could foreshadow His own resurrection and the Glory that would be His on that day. Jesus knew that Mary, Martha and the disciples would mourn when He died on the cross. He wanted to show them His power over death. He wanted to give them a glimpse of hope for the dark moment they would face as He hung on the cross. What better way to foretell of His coming resurrection from the grave than to demonstrate that His Father had power over death. “Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe” (John 11).

4. Jesus waited so that the truth of His words could be transformed into heart felt reality in their lives. As we get closer we hear Martha say that she believes that whatever Jesus asks the Father, he can do. Still, she hesitates when he requests the stone be rolled back. She says she believes that Jesus is the resurrection; yet, she continues to weep over the death of Lazarus. Words mean little until they become real to us. I can say that “All things work together for my good.” But, I don’t rejoice in trials until those words become an anchor of truth for me.

5. Jesus waited so that He could give Abounding Joy–Joy greater than anything they had ever known. Ah, the human heart. We so quickly become complacent or content. We lay aside our daily prayers, our Bible study when all seems to be going well. We quickly say, “Thank you God for all these blessings.” We are happy with little counterfeit joys. Abounding Joy in Christ—that often comes only after waiting for an answer. When the “light of the knowledge of God” shines deep into our hearts and souls. Joy, hope and love overflowing like fountains of living water. That kind of joy is often only found after a season of drought.

When God waits to provide an answer to your prayer, remember this. He is doing it because He loves you so much that He desires that you see a true glimpse of His glory so that never again will you have to face anxiety. He wants to give you a joy that cannot be taken away by any circumstance this world will bring. He is preparing you for a future filled with His Hope, His Love, His Glory and His Joy. [bctt tweet=”Yet a little while and you will see God’s Glory in the midst of your circumstances.”] [bctt tweet=”God’s Glory will rise and you will see your gift in waiting becomes unshakable faith.”]

The song I chose for you today is Glorious Unfolding

Have you ever had to wait for an answer from God and then were amazed?  I would love to here of your story.  Click here to share your comments or your story.

Living Bible (TLB) The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post.  I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

YOUR LIFE IS HANGING IN THE BALANCE! YOUR VERDICT IS?

YOUR LIFE IS HANGING IN THE BALANCE! YOUR VERDICT IS?

“The Jews took up stones again to stone him” (John 10:31). What was it that Jesus had said or done to insight such hatred?  They had asked them to tell them once and for all whether He was the Christ. He had responded with “I already have and you don’t believe me.” So, once more He proclaimed the truth clearly, “I and my Father are one” (John 10:30). Jesus had proclaimed himself to be God. He had left no room for “being merely a good prophet” or a “religious teacher.”22799295_m

Your life hangs in the balance!! What is your verdict?

The entire discussion throughout John 10 was that. Either Jesus was the one true good shepherd promised throughout the Old Testament or He wasn’t. He stood on the truth of having fulfilled every word of the prophecies. He stood on the truth that He was yet to die for the “sheep”—all who would believe in Him. He foretold of His own resurrection; yet, these men blinded by their own pride filled arrogant religiosity wanted to stone Him. He didn’t wear the right clothes. He hadn’t come to them with words to pump up their own prideful hearts. After all, they were the scholars and certainly they thought God would have come to “pat them on the back for all their labor.” Instead, Jesus had come and pointed out their hypocrisy. His remarks were insulting to them.  He had suggested that they were the thieves and robbers!!  He had dared to say they were not even of the sheepfold of God.  Listen to the words of Jesus.

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What Is The Abundant Life? Can I Have It, Please?

What Is The Abundant Life? Can I Have It, Please?

As I stared into the mirror, there was that rounded moon shaped face. The “buffalo hump” between my shoulders was beginning to go down; but, no away. Lingering effects from the long year of steroids to just barely stay alive; until, they finally had removed the colon. The surgical scars crisscrossed my body distorting whatever shape had previously been mine. Yet, those scars were few compared to the emotional scars that were within my heart. I had grown tired and weary of this journey. All alone, I stared into the darkness. I had been a dutiful little Christian and bore all the trials as they came with a stoicism and steady face. A stoicism I had learned during the years of abuse—a stoicism that you kept it all deep within. Don’t let anyone from out there see the real you; they will only hurt you. Oh, yes; God was my refuge. The only one I could turn to and I would continue to trust Him. Yet, abundant life? What was that?

abundant life

I was alive. I had won the horrific battle against breast cancer (at least the first rounds). I had survived the steroids and meds of ulcerative colitis and the surgery to remove my colon. Financially I was in a hole so deep, I might never come out of it. Did I mention, I was also recently divorced? Perhaps trying to avoid saying, “I failed again!!” Yes, fool that I was I had remarried after having been a widow for two years; but, that ended in only heartbreak. Still, I was alive. My daughter was happily married and living in California. My sons were both off to study, Alberto at the University of Missouri and Ron in New Jersey at Joe Kubert’s School of Art. Could I say my life was abundant? Abundant with what—pain, sorrow, suffering, failure, loneliness? So, when in 2002, they found the mass on the head of the pancreas; a part of me thought this was God finally taking me home. I was tired. The journey had seemed so long. I wanted to go home to God. Little did I know that God had a very different plan!! His plan was to show me how to live life abundantly full of joy in Him. So, what is the abundant Christian life?

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Do you know the voice of the Good Shepherd?

Do you know the voice of the Good Shepherd?

With all that had happened over the months that had proceeded, I knew it had been the whispering voice of the good shepherd who had lead me to Missouri and to the job at the VA. Yet, in those early months in 2014, the job had remained only part time. Before arriving, I had believed with confidence I would find a second job. After all, God knew my finances and would provide. Month after month passed and no job presented. Indeed I felt the sting of rejection a few times along that road. Could I have heard Him wrong? Was I a fool to believe that I heard His voice prompting me to come to Missouri? Finally, a job offer came; but, I would have to leave the VA to take it. It did offer a lot more money. So I prayed a lot. Then, I knew in the very depth of my heart that I must decline the new offer and stay where I had been sent. No matter what the struggles, this was where God had lead me and this is where I was to stay. Then, a few months later, my job became a full time job. Over the last year and a half, I have seen the unfolding of God’s Grace in every aspect of my job and my life. I have been abundantly blessed in the physicians and supervisors that I now work under.

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Every detail of my life has been orchestrated by a Sovereign God who is my Good shepherd. There are the mysteries of life that God has yet to reveal—the aching heart when I realized that God’s Sovereign Hand halted the moving of my youngest son and family. Perhaps, God knew that if I had known that in the beginning I would have hesitated. He knew I would have questioned the plan. I may not fully understand the plan; but, this I know. I “know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

In John 10, Jesus presents himself as the good shepherd who will lay down His life for the sheep. His sheep will know His voice and will follow where ever the good shepherd leads them. Whenever I stumble along this path or whenever my heart aches because I don’t understand, the good shepherd is there to gather me in His arms and to hold me.

Continue reading “Do you know the voice of the Good Shepherd?”