Simple things that matter ...

Ephesians chapter 6 is known for SPIRITUAL WARFARE because of the ARMOUR OF GOD passage (vs.10-20). But early this week, I saw something which might hold a key for my life in my call to bear Christ’s name in this world.
The fact that Paul starts off in vs.10 by saying, “Finally, be strong in the Lord …”, means he has given some instructions already, prior to this. And looking at the earlier verses, we see that he talked about being subject to authorities; respecting one another; living in the light & walking in unity.

I would like to think, that if I do the above and wear the armour, then I am ok.
It would have been, if vs.19 & 20 wasn’t there!

But the problem is Paul adds this bit about soliciting prayers for himself.
And 2 things which come to my mind are:
a) Knowing my call, &
b) Inter-dependency

Paul knew, deep in his heart of hearts, that God had called him to declare the mystery of the gospel, especially to the Gentiles. And by the time he wrote this letter to the church in Ephesus, he had accomplished quite a lot; and now he is imprisoned for his action.
And secondly, a person who has accomplished as much as Paul did – what makes him dependent on new believers?

Surely, a man of his stature doesn’t need anyone’s help. After all, he is self-supported and he has a good understanding of the Lord and the Scriptures (let alone, him writing most of it - though he didn’t know about it then); and not the least, he knows what it means to wear the full armour of God to engage in warfare.

These calls for a serious scrutiny of ‘who we are’ and to check ‘where we stand’ in our walk with the Lord:

- Are we in a place where we think we are ok, if we act alone – just because of the sheer knowledge we possess and the experience we have gone through?
- Are we giving up on our call because of some difficult situations, which might have imprisoned us – even if it is for life?

* Let’s take confidence in the fact that God has not called us to fight this battle alone. We need one another and God has placed us with one another.
* Let’s not stamp on each other to get to the front or to the top (as many are in the habit of doing) – it was never intended to be that way!

Let’s do the basic things right – as that’s what matters!

Is Jesus Just an Entertainer?

This morning in our staff Devotion, we decided to take a small passage for our meditation. Luke 11:29-32
Normally, it's not the kind of passage we would choose to meditate on - but I saw some extra-ordinary thoughts in there for practical living - so, I thought I'll share it with you.

vs.29 - starts off by saying, "As the crowds increased, Jesus said ..."
2 things Jesus points out here:
vs.31 - The Queen of Sheba coming to visit King Solomon - after hearing about his wisdom and greatness, &
vs.30,31 - Jonah, being sent to the Ninevites to preach repentance.

The 2 OT stories in brief are:
a) one came to show respect, after hearing about the wondrous wisdom, &
b) the other was sent, to the people to help change their ways.

Jesus is using that to show that the people had come in great numbers, NOT to pay respect after hearing about His greatness; but were only interested in being entertained by Jesus for what He did.
Secondly, Jesus was sent to the people to help them repent of their ways, but unlike the Ninevites who obeyed the word of Jonah, these people refused to listen to one greater than Jonah.

In fact, if we read the 2 verses above this paragraph, it reads:
vs.27 - As Jesus was saying these things a woman in the crowd called out, "Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you".
vs.28 - He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the Word of God and obey it".

Jesus is clearly annoyed that people come to be entertained, but don't care to put into practice the truth they hear!

The challenge for us will remain, are we coming to Jesus, just so that we can be entertained?
Are we one in the crowd, without having that personal touch?
Do we settle for just knowing things about God / Jesus, rather than enjoying the blessings which comes from obeying His Word?
Or even worse, watching others being blessed and not wanting to experience it ourself?

For further thoughts on this, please read my Devotional Thought # 6, entitled: 'To be Touched or To Touch'

Let's come to Him with an attitude of honouring Him.
Let's seek to obey what He says to us.