Jesus Will Give You Oil

I trust a person who left the planet over 2,000 years ago and hasn't returned. Younger me would have thought that was crazy. That young guy didn't trust many people to begin with but to trust someone who had disappeared was just out of the question.

Trusting Jesus isn't just part of my life now it is a BIG part of my life. It is what often restores me. I don't trust Him to do what only someone who is here to do. Those things must be done by us but I trust Him to supply me and others what they need like someone who can send me peace, power and provision wherever I am because He knows me and is there at the source of all blessing.

I trust that He will give me oil for my lamp if I ask and that I can send others to Him to get the oil they need.

'Go get oil from the One who left 2,000 years ago.' ...I know it sounds far fetched but Jesus sent His Spirit (The Holy Spirit) to indwell us and bridge the divide. John 16:24 ESV — Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

"But at midnight there was a cry, 'Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise answered, saying, 'Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.' And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut." - Matthew 25:6-10 ESV

I can't give you my oil and you can't give me your oil but we can get oil today and plan to have it as needed. Where do you get it? Your Bible... by talking to God and asking Him.

"And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit," - Ephesians 5:18 ESV

Instead of looking for a way out with pleasure we give God a way in with worship and true biblical confessions... be in the word so you can speak the word to yourself and others.

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The Non-Violent Christus Victor

Jesus' 'victory' is unique in that it is a non-violent victory. He wins but He never uses the methods of those who are against Him. Jesus 'won' by giving His life not by conquering Rome or by wrestling each Pharisee to the ground one by one.

Our victory is a non-violent one also.

"He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one." - 1 John 2:10-14 KJV

Love wins.

Television shows us violent people who can only be overcome by violence but Jesus shows us a different victory. It is one that transforms. It isn't a purely moral change. An eye for an eye is moral. Turning the other cheek sows a seed that can win a soul and that is forever.

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Divine Possibilities

Today I was thinking about being a person who 'knows what is possible'. Some folks have unrealistic expectations based on fiction or an idea in their mind that just doesn't match up with reality but then there are others that aim too low because they just don't see a path that leads to the result they want. There is a third category... the person with 'know how'. They have experience of some kind that helps them spot the possibilities.

I went out and got a sandwich at lunch and started talking to an older man who ordered before me. It turns out we were both from NYC and he is a Jewish person who accepted Christ at 30 years old. He is now 75 and just had a hip replacement. We began to talk about the Bible.

Another man broke into our conversation who was kind of mocking what we said. He had been a Catholic most of his life but was now an atheist. A truth seeker but discounting everything but what his senses could tell him.

There were three of us talking but only two of us saw what was spiritually possible for that third man. At one point the older believer said to me, 'Don't bother with him. He has a mocking spirit. It isn't His time.' he then said to the man, 'You are angry at God because of something someone in your family did. You need to get over that.' The atheist man reacted. It was an interesting exchange.

At one point I said, 'You are interested in the truth but I know for a fact that the truth is interested in you.'

I had to leave but I fist bumped the atheist man after getting his name and he gave me a warm grin. Then I did the same with that older believer. Walking away knowing something great was possible for both of those men. One I knew I'd see again. The other one I hoped I'd see again.

A person who is actively believing God 'brings' Him into things. He is there already of course but the believer has had experience with the miraculous and they see it as possible anytime and anywhere. In every illness there is the possibility of health. Every loose end can end up with a redemptive conclusion. Every rift can be mended and replaced by a stronger bond.

"But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." - Matthew 19:26 KJV

"Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." - Mark 9:23 KJV

The year isn't over yet... there are still amazing things that can happen as we bring God with us into situations.

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The Third Dimension Of Time

"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." - Ephesians 5:15-16 NKJV

What is time? It seems like an easy question because we live in it but we need to know what time is to function properly in this verse.

Time is an ingredient in relationships

There are no goals if there is no time. At the end we are not planning because it makes no sense anymore.

Last night we were talking about time being 'a measurement of our movement through space' and in a way that is the third dimension of time. 60 minutes make one hour. 60 miles per hour is that same hour but we have gone from here to there. The planet is spinning and moving around the sun. The solar system is moving also at maddening speeds. Speed actually seems to affect the experience of time but that is a slippery slope better explained by physics and mathematics.

Now I'll quote more of the passage to give us some broader context...

"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says: 'Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.' See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit," - Ephesians 5:11-18 NKJV

I must be awake to redeem time. I must understand the days are bringing me to a ending and there is something to do before that happens. Jesus. He Is needed. He isn't optional. Darkness has 'works' but if we walk in the light the 'work' is finished. Jesus has finished the work that pertains to us. It is possible that 'drunkenness' will hinder us. If we are wise we will not get intoxicated in ways that distract our focus because our mind being filled with light is also an ingredient in this 'time redeeming' venture.

So we continue in Ephesians chapter 5 and see what this 'time redemption' looks like...

"Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God." - Ephesians 5:17-21 NKJV

It is relationships! Not doing things! Not pleasing God. God Is pleased with Jesus and no one who believes in Christ needs to do anything to please God. Believers are hidden in Christ but we are also moving through the world. A solitary person is going to be continually vexed by what they see around them. They need someone to sing with. They need someone who thanks God as they thank God. That worship redeems the time. That life has a third dimension.

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The Good News Is Just Good News

Attacking someone's identity, or core beliefs connected to their identity, is a terrible tactic to try and get someone to change their mind. All it does is trigger a fight or flight mechanism.

The word 'gospel' means 'good news' and the New Testament Gospel is just that.

This is the Apostle Paul speaking...

"And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." - Acts 20:22-24 KJV

I've heard many people add things to the Gospel of grace but in truth it is 'news' that God sent His Son to Earth to die on a cross in our place as individuals so that we could be reconciled to God if we believe. The fact that Jesus rose from the grave is proof that He accomplished His mission and that His sacrifice was accepted. Our sins are paid for whether we believe it or not but when we believe we are made alive and a large list of things happen (adoption, rebirth, justification, sanctification, open access, etc...).

This message does not attack anyone or demean anyone. A person might say, 'I don't need that.' and they might get offended but it is not at it's heart an offensive message. On the contrary. It is very good news for the lost, broken and needy. It is great news.

It is very natural to 'mud sling'. People don't just want to be right they want to show how wrong the people on the 'other side' are and grind the opposition into powder. Not God. He isn't insecure. All injustice is going to be dealt with in the end. He Just wants people to come to Him.

"At that time Jesus declared, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."" - Matthew 11:25-30 ESV

Yes!

"The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price." - Revelation 22:17 ESV

So please... don't add anything to the Gospel. People don't have to 'change' to be accepted. Change will happen later... it will be organic.

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Go Out And Collect It

You know what... no matter how you feel right now there are new mercies available for you today...
- If you miss someone... there are new mercies
- If you feel like you won't be ready for the holidays... there are new mercies
- If you have failed... the mercies are new
- If you feel cut off... go out the door of self and get the mercy that has collected like manna on the ground

This mercy is out there under God's sky not inside... it is outside... God sent it to Earth from Heaven because He wants you to have it.

"Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day." - John 6:35-39 ESV

Eat this food. Drink the blood of the new covenant.

You and i are not limited by what we can and can not do. God sent someone to us and He sends new mercy to us today.

"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 'The LORD is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in him.' The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him." - Lamentations 3:22-25 ESV

Leave that dark room of self, go out into the sunshine of His love and collect as much as you can carry.

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Ask And Ye Shall Receive

Perhaps we have all heard the phrase...

'There are no stupid questions.'

That may be true in some settings, like a classroom, but that isn't true in life. Asking a 'good' question may become the start of a long friendship. It can make the difference that gets you the job at an interview. I think it is a key ingredient in giving the Gospel to people.

Do you know how to ask a 'good' question? I mean a question that has care and empathy... one that shows a person you are listening to them and truly see them.

Jesus asked great questions.

"so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it." - Isaiah 55:11 ESV

I do believe this is true.

If you machine gun scripture at people God may just use that scripture in spite of you but we are called to make disciples. Disciples ask questions and appreciate good questions. Friends do also.

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Spirit Leading In The Book of Acts

I was supposed to travel this weekend to minister in a different state but i 'didn't have peace' about it... that is a difficult thing to explain to people but it has biblical precedent for this in the book of Acts.

"After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not." - Acts 16:7 KJV

"And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:" - Acts 20:22 KJV

"And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem." - Acts 21:4 KJV

The Spirit directed people to connect with other people on several occasions (see Acts 8:29-31, 9:10-12, 21:4) and He also gave 'stop' and 'keep going' types of directions but it was always in the context of 'pre-existing movement' the person was moving by faith already and the Spirit steered them. I see this as important. I want to keep moving by faith... not striving (trying to make something happen) but moving towards a redemptive goal and in that we can be led by God.

"And the LORD said to Moses, "I have seen this people, and behold, it is a stiff-necked people." - Exodus 32:9 ESV

They could not be easily directed. They wanted to move in a straight line.

"For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God," - Romans 8:13-16 ESV

If someone we love and respect directs us to turn we are much more likely to do so. God is that person. We have things to do today but are we available to stop and talk to a person who isn't on the 'agenda'? Can we stop our movement or change our destination? Are we asking for that direction and leading as we get moving by faith?

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Black Sheep and/or Prodigal

Thinking today a lot about the 'black sheep of the family' and the prodigal son. The prodigal leaves their roots. The black sheep is rejected for some reason... usually linked to pre-existing dysfunction in the core family unit.

It is possible for one person to be both. The leaver who is also rejected.

Perhaps that has been us... we have been rejected... life is full of leaving and sometimes returning.

I want to be like the 'Father' in the prodigal story. God is like that Father. He isn't rejecting either son. He is planning for the child's return not blocking the way. He runs to greet the returning one.

Thank you God.

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