Arise And Go To The Street Called Straight

Acts 9:10-17

"Now there was certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, 'Ananias.' And he said, 'Here I am, Lord.' So the Lord said to him, 'Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight'. Then Ananias answered, 'Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call upon Your name'. But the Lord said to him, 'Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake'. And Ananias went................"

It started with a vision from Jesus Christ. It finished just like Jesus said- Paul received his sight and was filled with the Holy Spirit.

"So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth; it shall not return unto Me void (empty, without fruit), but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11)

Faced with the threat of imprisonment, or worse, at the hands of Paul, Ananias followed the vision and voice of Jesus Christ. The threat considered was overwhelmed by the words of Jesus upon the good ground of his heart. His blessing was the enduring fruit that came from/through Paul in Christ Jesus. If you have taken steps that have not ended as fruitfully as Ananias', don't give up! Call unto Him and He will answer you, and SHOW you great things, mighty things that you do not know! We can't do things that we don't know. Knowing in part produces error. Steadfastness toward obedience with repentance is the vehicle to knowing Him just as He already knows us!

Making Friends; Influencing Jailers Acts 16:9,10; 16:16-34

 

Please read Acts 16: 9,10; 16:16-34


We read that Paul, Silas and others made their way to Philippi in Macedonia. Paul had received a vision: a man was pleading with him to come and help them. In the midst of their journey to that man, whoever he was as far as Paul knew, the troop was intercepted cunningly by a young girl possessed by a spirit of divination. This girl was indentured to men who made "much profit from her fortune-telling". Paul understood, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that this girl was, essentially, telling their fortune. One could ask, "What did she say that was wrong?" The answer would be, "Nothing". But the spirit that was behind that divination was certainly up to no-good: those spirits never are! It would be like the feeling you get when you know that someone is telling you something they know you would like to hear; and you can just tell they don't mean it!


Paul's act, in the name of Jesus Christ, angered the masters of that girl. The proceeds they would receive from that girl's divination had dried up, at least for a time. They didn't appreciate Paul's intervention. "These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city; and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe." Ah, yes, thank you so much for your concern for your city. Anyway, the authorities were moved by their concern for their Roman city, beating and then jailing Paul and Silas. Paul and Silas responded with prayers and song to God.


Now, to that man who was crying for their help. In their worship of God, He showed up, through an earthquake, loosing everyone's chains. Instead of running from the prison, they stayed; not exactly the response expected from prisoners. The keeper of the prison saw the prison doors opened and, supposing the prisoners had fled, was about to do himself in. Paul stopped him, assuring him that they were all still there (in other acts by the apostles, they left the prison. But their work wasn't done here!) . The jailer asked, " What must I do to be saved?" Paul and Silas said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, you and your household." He and his family believed because Paul and Silas heard (or in this case, saw) and acted in accordance through difficulty.


How many of us have heard (in our spirit, or saw), have started in that direction, have run into difficulty along the way, and stopped or retreated. The jailer's life depended upon Paul's and Silas' obedience. Paul was a mature believer at this point. I think he knew God better than most. Stopping/retreat is a function of knowing in part. Paul and Silas would not stop/retreat in the adversity. As we continue to press toward the mark for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus, we will receive just what Paul received, knowing God just as we are already known (by Him); following Him wherever He goes!

Why Would Tongues Cease, Prophecies Fail?

1 Corinthians 13:8-13

"Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, THEY WILL FAIL; whether there are tongues, THEY WILL CEASE; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect (complete, as in Jesus coming to His temple in His fullness) has come, then that which is in part will be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man (completed in development), I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, DIMLY, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known."


An instructor requires that you study a particular textbook chapter with a test scheduled for the next class meeting. You arrive at the next meeting and say, "Teacher, I know the chapter in part." Do you think the teacher would commend your actions? Most assuredly you would receive the grade that corresponds to the percentage that you knew. Tongues cease because the PART that many Christians KNOW does not include a willingness for the revelation of the subject. The subject is hardly discussed and, more rarely, tongues spoken which denies the unbeliever another "sign" that God is. This new testament teaching is not a PART of their theology. During my chiropractic education, I received training in manual manipulative therapy. I received no training in the administration of pharmaceutical treatment. Therefore, my practice did not include pharmaceutical treatment. See what I mean? Pharmaceutical medications are still being dispensed, but not by me.


"Concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant," (1 Corinthians 12:1) Ignorant, from the root word ignore, can mean unaware, or, REFRAINING from noticing or recognizing.


What about failed prophecies? Another spiritual gift that "edifies". As tongues edify (or build up) the individual believer, prophecy "edifies the church". Prophecy can fail if it is born out of unfruitful understanding or a "puffed up or parading" mindset but also if the individual receiving the prophetic is willing to ignore what God has actually said. Working out this kingdom in PART makes us PARTLY fruitful. COMPLETE in Him is His desire for us!

So. How do we escape the childish, partly informed, dimly lit testimony that produces the ceasing and failing of edifying spiritual gifts? We allow the Lord to continue on in the completion of His temple in which to dwell. We read His word and meditate on the that word He has "spoken" to us. In those things are life to those who find them! God's love in us causes us to keep His word, not change or ignore it. God's love in us would not dare say something to a brother that could mislead him/her. His love NEVER fails!

Distressed By Trials, If Need Be

1 Peter 1: 3-7

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy, has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you (like a table at a great restaurant, you must show up to obtain this), who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now, for a little while, IF NEED BE, YOU HAVE BEEN GRIEVED BY VARIOUS TRIALS, so that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested (or proved) by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ".


We know that "all become partakers of His holiness by His chastening" (Hebrews 12), so what about this "if need be" stuff? If Paul tells us that we must be chastened, why would Peter say "if"? Again, it is written in Hebrews, that "chastening yields the peaceable fruits of righteousness to those who have been trained by it". Why does Peter say "if" when "must" seems to be correct regarding trials?


I am asking you to consider that the "if need be" trials are corrective; probably secondary to a willing disregard of His direction. As we grow up into all things in Christ, we all have experienced periods where perseverance is necessary. Seemingly waiting as He builds us up in Him revelation by revelation, precept upon precept. Yet I also have experienced distressing trials, seemingly punitive and accompanied by physical pain or soulish grief, when I should know better and be established in His Truth. Paul gives an example of this in 2 Corinthians 12:1-10. He tells us that he was "exalted above measure" by the visions and revelations of the Lord. "A thorn in the flesh was given me", Paul said. The Lord responds, "My grace is sufficient for you". If I may, "What I have given you is sufficient in and of itself. Stay with Me and in Me for Satan lies at the door to destroy, tempting your pride". Paul had become "puffed up" in/with the Truth that Jesus had graced him with. We will inevitably do the same and have to be corrected. The distressing trial that Paul endured worked out for good because He was willing to repent. Others, called to minister His Word have not fared as well and, as a result, have not finished the race set before them.


As the wise Masterbuilder, He knows what we need to become a dwelling place for Him in His fullness. As that which is perfect/complete comes, childish things must be put away.

Like The Wet In Water, Hope Is Found In Faith

About two months ago, I started to realize decreased range of motion and pain in my left knee; then in my right knee; then after recovering 90% or so, I slipped and the right knee condition was exacerbated. I was recovering from the slip and bothered by the lack of ability I was having. I was unable to do most activities (ride bike, play golf, work in the yard). Autumn was coming to an end and the weather conditions that lend to outdoor activities were diminishing. Quite honestly, I had never experienced such a period of impairment and was a bit concerned. Prayer and the laying on of hands by myself; with my wife; with the elders and pastor of the church we attend were not availing results, at least the way I wanted it or thought it should.


Then I received a partner CD from Messenger International (John and Lisa Bevere). As he discussed his topic, he mentioned that he had injured his knee some time back. The symptomatology was bad enough that he sought medical advise: surgery was recommended. He considered his path and decided to go the bible way- trusting God for his recovery/restoration. Nine months later, he noticed one day that the pain was gone and now, his knee is able. At that moment, my six-week experience and concern was blessed by hope through the faith he explained and acted on. The hope that faith brought strengthened me to press on and, most importantly, fear not.


A person begins to feel sick and the symptoms cannot be explained through any previous experience. The person feels bad enough that they seek attention with a physician. The physician examines, orders tests if necessary. The physician reports the findings to the person. "Based upon the findings, I think what you are experiencing is caused by this/that. The treatment is this and the expected success is this."  If the physician can, they say, "I think the treatment will help; that you will be ok." The information provided from doctor to patient GAVE THEM HOPE. Do you see how, spiritually speaking, the administration of faith, which is a revelation in the knowledge of Him/a revelation from Him, will inject hope into the circumstance?


Fundamentally, every person has been given a measure of faith(Romans 12:3). From that measure comes a measure of hope. As faith increases (as our understanding of Him, His ways, His will) so does hope for all things that are of His salvation. When the revelation came to Peter from the Father that Jesus is the Christ, Jesus said He was blessed to have that revelation. That revelation produced the hope Peter would need to navigate the demonic assault of condemnation he would experience after denying Jesus as he did.


"Now faith is the realization (understanding) of things hoped for, the confidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)


"Where there is no revelation (faith in it's purest from), the people cast off restraint." (Proverbs 29:18)


"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6)


Most have experienced ideas that bring excitement for apparently good things. But that excitement wanes when difficulty arises. Faith that comes according to the word of God has along with it the hope that strengthens to keep us in the saddle, bailing out from the vision/revelation/faith is not considered or, if it is considered, the Holy Spirit reminds what Jesus Christ has said to us, refreshing it in us. Hope isn't without the revelation of God behind it, and it strengthens us so that we may receive the end of our faith, the salvation of our souls. (1 Peter 1:9)

You Will Surely Understand, when you KNOW

 

The Gospel According To John, chapters 20 & 21

Please read chapter 20 with special attention to verses 4-9; 11-16; chapter 21 with verses 4-7.

John 20 begins with Mary Magdalene finding the tomb empty where the body of Jesus Christ had been laid by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. Without question, this finding was unsettling to those closest to Him, but only because they did not understand what Jesus had told them: that He would arise after three days. He was talking but they did not understand. This happened also while He was alive when He admonished the disciples for their "little faith" when they could not deliver the demon-possessed. He was teaching them while with them and seemed to be concerned about their inability to perceive. Jesus said in that portion of scripture, "How long shall I be with you?" Did He know that, while He was with them, they would be too reliant upon His abilities? He said to Thomas, famous for doubting His resurrection, "blessed are those who, having not seen, believe".


V.4-9 "So they ran together, and the other disciple (John) outran Peter and came to the tomb first. And he (John), stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linens lying there, and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. Then the other disciple (John), who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and BELIEVED. For as yet they did not KNOW the Scripture that He must rise again from the dead."  John believed; not yet sure about Peter; and Mary, standing just outside the door had yet to receive.


V.11-16 "But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. Then they (the angels) said to her, 'Woman, why are you weeping?' She said to them, 'Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.' Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not KNOW that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, 'Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?' She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, 'Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.' Jesus said to her, 'Mary!' She turned and said to Him, 'Rabboni!' " And then she KNEW!


21 V.4-7 "But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not KNOW that it was Jesus (Peter and John are again the principals in this portion of scripture). Even after John's enlightenment, he did not recognize Jesus. He was learning to Know Him in a different way now. Jesus was transitioning His disciples and followers to hear Him as He reveals Himself; soon by the voice of the Holy Spirit who speaks to us only what He hears from our Lord. Soon, they would not have Him to be with in physical presence. Then He said to them, 'Children, have you any food?' They answered Him, 'No'. And He said to them, 'Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.' So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. Therefore (or as a result), that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, 'It is the Lord' ".  (He previously did not know but after Jesus spoke and it was so (regarding the fish), John KNEW!)

Notableness: It Will Be Well With You (2 Kings 4:8-37)

Please read 2 Kings 4:8-37.

V.8 "Now it happened one day that Elisha went to Shunem, where there was a NOTABLE WOMAN, and she persuaded him to eat some food. So it was, as often as he passed by, he would turn in there to eat some food."

Why was she notable? I would think she was considered notable because of her hunger to hear and respond accordingly to who God is and what He was doing. 

V.9 "...I know this is a holy man of God, who passes by us regularly. Let us make room for him."

She and her husband provided sustenance for Elisha. I don't question her motivation in this for she asked nothing of him. I think she wanted just to have fellowship with Elisha as they both wanted the same thing - intimacy with God. Elisha thought to help her in conventional ways - to speak on her behalf to the king or the commander of the army (interesting here that holy men/women of God held sway with kings and all who were in authority). She was not interested. She wanted higher things - that is what made her notable!  

Elisha, having heard from Gehazi that she had no son and it appeared, conventionally, that she would not be able as her husband was old, informed her that she would give birth to a son in about one year. She was startled and apparently blessed by the spoken word of the prophet. God had given her something she dearly desired.

Now, here is where her notableness served again: the son died of a head ailment. What did she do? She ran to the man of God! What did she say? "It is well."  (Verse 23 and 26), which is translated "it WILL BE well", and, it was!  Although the boy had died, the prophet of God breathed life back into him!

So it shows that the NOTABLENESS of the Shunemite woman served her well! What she was after was more of God. She humbled herself under His mighty hand through her engagement of His prophet. The result: God gave her something He knew would bless her outside her ability to do for herself, and, even though the weapon formed and a significant one at that, the weapon did not prosper in the end. No sorrow added.