Grief

-
Sometimes the news comes quick. Sometimes the news comes slow. No matter how or when it comes, grief travels in the wake of the news. Grief is heavy, weighty, a burden, especially when it involves someone deeply loved. Grief is not meant to be carried alone. It’s too heavy and may last a while—and that’s ok. That’s what family and friends are for, to share the load. Jesus stood outside the tomb of his friend and wept but He did not weep alone. It was a deep, human moment. “ Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted ” (Matt 5:4). If anyone knows how we feel in grief, it’s Him. But His grief did not linger long, as at the mention of his name, Lazarus came forth. We are not meant to dwell in grief, but should leave room enough for it. Let it run its course. Like the song says, “ Every Storm Runs Out Of Rain .” Another song says, “ The storm We will dance as it breaks The storm It will give as it takes And all of our pain is washed away Don't cry or be afraid Some things...

The Forgiveness Factor (part 8): The Faithful Messenger of Forgiveness

-
A recent article of interest is “How To Spot The Charlatans In The Personal Training Business” providing helpful instruction on how to discern a fitness trainer from one who only says they are a fitness trainer. When folks tell me, “I want to train with you,” I make very clear from the outset that I am not a trainer, but they are welcome to join me at their own risk.

The con-men and grifters on TV and in movies have become anti-heroes--but the reality remains: we must be careful. There are people out there who seem to be successful in ministry but they are actually charlatans.

The Bible is filled with warnings against false teacher, starting with the 2nd commandment where taking the Lord’s name in vain means much more than a warning against dropping God’s name as a curse word. This foundational warning is against those who take God’s name on themselves then misrepresent Him to the world. The apostle Paul makes a clear distinction between a true minister and those who Satan uses to deceive the flock of God.

Paul writes “For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God” (2 Corinthians 2:17). Paul does not preach the gospel for profit but in the power of God. He has no hidden no hidden agenda. He does not polish up his ministry into an appealing product that sits on the mantle of every household. The gospel is not for sale, so opponents of the gospel should not be able to place him in that category. The gospel is free for the giving, free for the asking!

Notice that Paul is clear concerning his sincerity "For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ." (2:17). The gospel Paul brings is unmixed, pure. Back in 1 Corinthians 5, Paul described his ministry in the three words that also apply here: “ministry of reconciliation.” The goal of the gospel is to bring two opposing parties face-to-face once more and this starts with forgiveness.

The faithful messenger of forgiveness speaks "as commissioned by God." When one receives truth and the love that delivers it, one is able to repent and receive the forgiveness God offers. We cannot truly forgive until we first receive God's forgiveness. What Paul says stands as truth before God and His Christ, the judge who knows the minds and hearts of all men.

Popular posts from this blog

Rock Me, Epictetus!

-
Image
“Keep constant guard over your perceptions, for it is no small thing you are protecting, but your respect, trustworthiness and steadiness, peace of mind, freedom from pain and fear, in a word your freedom. For what would you sell these things?” EPICTETUS, DISCOURSES, 4.3.6 b –8 
Read more

The Smooth-flowing Life

-
Image
Legend has it that the astronomer Ptolemy (1st century A.D.) suggested that falling stars were caused by the gods moving in the heavens, thus knocking stars out of their places. Somehow people reasoned that that if the gods were moving, they must be getting close to earth so they would lift their "prayers" or "wishes" (literally, "desires") whenever they saw the stars falling in hopes the gods would notice and grant a favorable answer. But how does one wish on falling star? Once you see it, it's gone before the wish or prayer can be made! The answer is simple: meteor shower. That's how to get your wish. Mrs. Ann Hodges had a wish fall right into her lap. Sort of. In 1954 Mrs. Hodges was sleeping on the couch when a 8 1/2 pound meteorite fell through her house and into her living room where it bounced off the radio and struck her left hip leaving her with a bruise. Not sure what she was wishing, but that's not how to do it. Epictetus hel...
Read more