buildingbodies4christ

building on the foundation of Jesus Christ

Archive for the tag “Jesus”

07 Nov 2012

Foundations and Buildings

I have recently heard two messages on both the foundations of God and Jesus building the church. I don’t believe in consequences. I believe God is giving us a word. Jesus said over two thousand years ago that He is building His church. He is still doing it today. The church has grown from 120 people when Jesus started to millions today. The foundation was laid through Jesus’ ministry. His words came from God. He spoke the truth of God. Then He laid down on a cross. He is building on the foundation that cannot be shaken. It is the Truth spoken by Jesus and through Jesus.

I listen to several sermons a week through different ministries. God is building a firm foundation in me. I am hearing the truth through scripture, the spoken word and the written word. God is building a church through each person that is willing to listen, learn and put the Word into practice. God is not a god of duplication but multiplication. His church is not dying but thriving. There are multiple churches out there in the world that are bringing the Truth to light and people are responding. God is at work.

I am in the process of becoming ready to join the movement in whatever role I am to play. God is preparing my heart. He is preparing my mind. He is preparing my body. He is at work. He is not preparing me for a ministry that is duplicated but is unique to what He is calling me to. Beth Moore recently spoke about rebuilding the temple in Ezra 3. She spoke about the same foundation was used to rebuild temple, the same materials, same architectural plans, but the temple came out different. God didn’t dwell the same in the second temple as He did the first. We are in the temple age where He now dwells in us. He doesn’t dwell the same with everyone. Whoever is ready, let him receive the Holy Spirit for the greater work God is doing. Join the movement – build the church. Others are waiting to be introduced to Jesus.

For those that have ears, let them hear.

Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. Revelation 3:5,7

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24 Oct 2012

Fence Posts

I don’t like this political season we’re in. I will be glad when it’s over in a couple of weeks. I also don’t like commenting on the political agendas of either side. However, there are issues that keep coming up that one day, I will have to get off the fence and stand my ground. God tells us in scripture that He doesn’t like us to be lukewarm. He would rather us be either hot or cold (Revelation 3:15-16). He tells the church at Laodicea, “I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Based on the Greek text, spit should be translated as vomit. Those are some pretty strong words.

I have been pretty lukewarm on several topics, understanding in a way of both sides of the issues. Does it make it right that I can sit on a fence post instead of agreeing with God? God has some pretty strong words when it comes to some of the political topics we’re fighting over. And the country is pretty divided right now on those topics. We are a divided nation. Race used to divide us and maybe in some cases still does. God doesn’t care about race, color of the skin, or anything on the outside. He looks at the heart. He also cares about sin. We don’t talk about sin anymore. We have justified our sins now. We’ve allowed many sins to infiltrate our morals without giving them a second thought. God’s book is pretty clear what happens to those who do not repent of their sins.

Jesus said in Mark 3:24 “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.” Jesus also said in Luke 12:51 “Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.” It’s not about how we feel about the Bible. It is the truth of God, and it will stand on its own merit. It is meant to divide. It is the sword of truth. Since I am a follower of Christ, I am to believe what I read. I have to quit setting on the fence. At some point, I have to stand by God’s Word or I will have to deny I know Him.

It’s tough to stand up alone. Peter couldn’t do it. But God wants His people to remember who He is. The Sovereign King, the Holy One, the Lord God Almighty. It’s time to take a stand for what is right in His sight and not in man’s even if that means I lose family, friends or respect from the community. I cannot deny my Savior any longer. He has done too much for me. I am forgiven, and I live because of Him.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

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10 Oct 2012

Jesus Wept

I hate to cry. It makes my eyes all puffy, my nose run forever, my sinuses get all messed up, etc. But there is a benefit to crying. They say that tears of grief are different from tears of joy. I know in my heart, it feels different. I was reminded on this particular morning how different my heart feels when I cry. I was experiencing a good morning of joy in my heart. I had a good devotional time rejoicing in my freedom from death due to my sin. I picked up one of the many books I am currently reading and read another chapter from the Magnificent Obsession by Anne Graham Lotz. The book follows the life of Abraham. This particular chapter was on Sarah’s death. Anne writes about the death of her beloved Mother. It brought the memories of my Mom’s death to the forefront of my mind. And I wept.

My Mom’s death was three years ago this month. I don’t have many spells of grief anymore, but on days like today, it comes back like a wave. Thankfully, the wave doesn’t last long not like when the grief was still fresh. My grief doesn’t come without hope. I have the hope that one day I will see her again. I mourn on this day because I miss my Mom’s presence. I miss her calls. I miss the opportunity to have a hug, a kiss or just sit with her talking about the ordinary stuff.

I take comfort that Jesus knows my grief. He knows my heart grieves for my loss of fellowship with my beloved Mom. He felt the loss of Lazarus through Martha and Mary. He felt their pain, and wept with them. I believe my tears were felt as well. Jesus knows that the tears that came after the tears of joy were different. He saw my heart went from joy to sorrow. But my heart didn’t stay in sorrow. I am more joyful now because I know one day I will see her again. She is with Jesus, and she will be meeting me one day in a joyful place. My heart rejoices in the promises of Jesus. I have included one of Mom’s favorite verses below. She knew the promise and wanted her family to remember it as well. I believe it!

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14:1-3

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26 Sep 2012
2 Comments

Walking the Wire

A couple of months ago, I viewed a man on a wire walking across Niagara Falls from the US to Canada. It was exciting to see in person, I’m sure. The anticipation of it all. Can he do it? Will he fall? As I contemplated, I am reminded he took a risk. Even though he knew he trained well for it; even though he had done many stunts before; he still had to get up on the wire (cable) and take that first step, then the next step until he reached his destination.

I know I am capable of taking risks. I used to climb trees in my younger years. I don’t remember my first time. I’m sure I was scared to do it if I had thought about falling. But I know I took the first step, then the next step was right there, so I took that one until I reached the top of the tree. I didn’t stop climbing that particular tree until a few years later. I don’t know if I outgrew climbing trees or the reality that I could fall and break a leg changing my climbing endeavors. A friend had fallen out of a tree and broke her leg so I knew then it was a possibility.

I love when scripture keeps popping up for me to contemplate. I was reminded recently that Peter took that first step out of the boat. Many others could have done it as well, but he was the only one that took the chance. I have taken a few risks over the years. I have left jobs to move to other cities or just recently left a well-paid job to follow where I believe God is leading. I am reminded it takes more than one step. It takes many steps to reach a destination. I have to remember I take the next right step. I follow the course before me, just as the fellow did on the wire. What was amazing to me during that walk, he kept praising God and thanking Jesus (and they televised it!). Maybe it’s not a risk after all. Maybe it’s just the life of a follower of Jesus, take a step and praise God for it. Having the hope and assurance that no matter what, Jesus is walking with me. Let me be bold like Peter, have the faith of Abraham and the walk of Jesus.

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. Matthew 14:28-29

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05 Sep 2012

Nobody Touched Him

I was listening to one of my favorite preachers one Sunday morning speak on one of my favorite miracle stories from scripture. The passage was concerning the bleeding woman found in Mark 5:25. I identify with this woman. I had a problem similar to hers – mine didn’t last 12 years though, and I can’t imagine what I would have done if it had!

The preacher was talking about the facts surrounding this woman. She was an outcast in her community. She wouldn’t have been able to touch anyone because of her condition. She would not have been able to be in crowds such as this. She would not have been able to cook, clean, touch a thing because it too would have been unclean. The fact that she came on this day to see Jesus when the crowds had gathered around him was a big step of faith. She could have been stoned on the spot. But she came anyway – death would probably have been a welcome relief to her after what she had gone through for 12 years!

Hearing the story this time, I heard something different. Jesus had a large crowd around him. And if someone touched him in faith, they would have been healed. But she was the only one healed that day. I’m sure people had bumped into him. It was crowded. I’m sure there were many there that day that needed to be healed from something. But nobody was healed. Nobody touched him with faith as she did. She reached out with a determination to just reach him, knowing He could heal her. She had heard about Him. She thought to herself, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” And she was.

I have heard about Jesus all my life. I have heard the stories of how He heals. Have I thought to myself, if I could just reach Him, I know He will heal me? I might have bumped up against Him many times in my life, but have I actually had His power touch me? We all need to be healed from something. We all have sin that has left us broken and hurt. In faith, reach out and touch Him. His power heals.

When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. Mark 5:27-29

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22 Aug 2012
3 Comments

Nails and Pennies

A few times a week I walk my neighborhood. I like to think it is an extension of my prayer time. However, there are many times when I am thinking about the day ahead or what I need to write next. While I was walking this morning, I was looking around not really thinking about much. On the last stretch of road my attention was drawn to a nail laying there. The nail was a reminder not of a spiritual truth, but there has been quite a bit of rebuilding in my neighborhood over the last year and a half. I have picked up many nails as I have walked about. If God brings my attention to something in the road, I pick it up (within reason, of course). I don’t know if it’s impacting anyone, but maybe it’s saved a tire or two.

I have also found that when I am concerned about financial matters, God will place a penny on my path that day. I also scoop it up as well. One penny isn’t very valuable. However, I look at the inscription on that penny, and it reminds me “In God We Trust.” This impacts no one really but me. It gives me encouragement.

The truth of the matter is: what am I doing for my neighbors as I walk the neighborhood? How am I impacting them? The nail really is a spiritual truth. Jesus died, nailed to a cross for the ones I am passing by. The Holy Spirit helped me to remember the reason I am in this neighborhood is to make an impact for Jesus. That’s the truth of the nail. That’s the reason I really should be stopping to pick up a nail. Maybe I found the nail in front of a house that needs prayer. God has a purpose for everything in our paths. But we have to be paying attention in order to be obedient to our call. He cares more for the condition of the neighbors rather than the condition of the path.

Thank you God for nails and pennies. Let me consider thoughtfully the things you put in my path today. Amen.

What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:27-31

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15 Aug 2012

Mirror Mirror

Last week I wrote about “do something.” God pointed out another issue about doing something through a sermon from Andy Stanley (Senior Pastor, North Point Community Church). Don’t you just love how God works? Pastor Andy spoke on Matthew 7:24-27 and James 1:22-25. Basically, the same principle: one spoken by Jesus and the other by James, Jesus’ half-brother. James had the analogy of a mirror. Jesus had the analogy of a wise man building a house. I listen to several teachers every week on spiritual matters as well as health matters. It doesn’t do me any good if I just listen and do nothing else. Jesus says we are to “put these things into practice.” James says it is like us looking in a mirror and seeing ourselves but doing nothing with what we see. I know there are many people who spend at least an hour getting ready to face the world every morning. We are grateful that they have taken the time to do so. But what if our spirits were showing in the mirror instead? What would we do with what we see? We are to be a reflection of Christ. Is our spirit reflecting Him or do we need to spend more time working on it before we leave to face the world?

After looking at the Olympics for the last two weeks, I am aware of the practice it took for the athletes to be able to do the things they can do. As a child, I took piano and guitar lessons. I liked the theory of playing, but I hated to practice. As a health coach, my goal is to help others become healthier. I can talk to them and give them advice. It does no good unless they actually put the suggestions into practice. I can purchase the treadmill, but it is no good as a clothing rack. I have to do something with it. What we hear is nothing until we actually put it into practice. As the athlete practices to become better able to compete, I have to practice what I hear so that I can become better as well. I have found the best part of hearing the Word, is the freedom found from doing what I hear. This has made the difference in my life.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:22-25

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01 Aug 2012

The Other Side

I have a monthly newsletter that I write and send out.  This month (August), I wrote about swimming and my fear of it. The gist of that particular newsletter was about different water heights. The passage was on Ezekiel 47:5. The water that is over our heads is the water that can be crossed only by swimming. Only God can help us cross this water height. In the last paragraph of this article, I wrote: “There is something on the other side I now want to reach. God is waiting for me to wade in until it’s too deep for me alone. He is waiting to see if I have the faith to get my ankles wet, if I have the power and strength to wade further in than I have ever been before. I may be afraid of getting in over my head, but God will not let me drown. Just as a father takes the hand of his child, my God will take my hand and help me across.”

As I was finishing up with the last tweaks of the newsletter, I heard a sermon about the other side. This is the rest of the story. Jesus is on the bank of the Sea of Galilee, and he asks his disciples to cross over to the other side (Mark 4:35-5:20). Jesus had a reason to cross over to the other side. He went to help a man who was demon-possessed. Jesus crosses for one person who is lost. When the man with the legions of demons was healed, he wanted to go back with Jesus, but Jesus told him to “go home and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” In the parables of the lost sheep and coin found in Luke 15, Jesus says there is great rejoicing in heaven when one who is lost has been found.

There is a reason to get to the other side. Jesus pursues us individually. The other side has one person who is lost and needs Jesus. He wants us to cross over with Him. He didn’t go alone. The disciples were with Him. He uses our story of our crossing to bring others to Him. There is great rejoicing to be done. Praise the Lord for finishing the story.

The Lord had mercy on me. He found me and restored me. Someone crossed over to the other side for me. Now, I have a story to tell. How about you?

We give thanks to You, O God. We give thanks that Your name is near. Men tell about the great things You have done. Psalm 75:1 (NLV)

To read the newsletter, see my Facebook page at Denise4Health.

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