Puzzles are easy to figure out once you have the key. We miss the main thing--many times--like sheep we get the wool pulled over our eyes far too easily. God gives us keys or what I'll call "true north" scriptures to help us find our way in this puzzle called life. He's the Good shepherd leading us back on course when we get off track. Sometimes it our attitudes, sometimes our doctrines but whatever it is, if left to ourselves we would most likely plummet off a cliff.
Rev 19:10(b) is a great "true north" scripture--one that keeps me facing the right direction when I can no longer see the sun because of sudden clouds or storms. "For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy..." Ever hear the description, 'that sounds squirrely to me'?
If Jesus is Lord of your life-then the Holy Spirit kind of nudges you in the gut when you hear something that doesn't bring the truth of God's risen Son to the forefront... Anything that doesn't bear witness to Him or His life, burial and resurrection...Anything that doesn't 'square with the Gospels' will bring an inner alert by the Holy Spirit.
Recently I responded to a blog titled, "Rats in Heaven... Rats in the Church..." which was written to challenge us as believers as we encounter other fellow believers with opinions (some strong) that differ to ours. My response pointed to Lk 9:49-50 (NIV) states, "Master said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in Your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us." "Do not stop him," Jesus said, "for whoever is not against you is for you." The paraphrase would read to me, "Kids, stop fussing over small stuff, keep the main thing, the main thing, you're on the same side...don't allow your pride, insecurities, prejudices foul you out of the game..." There are margins for errors as we follow Christ; and He does know those who belong to Him and is able to make them stand... But we sometimes elbow the weak out of the lane or the game, when the spirit of Jesus desires to change, heal, deliver and restore the weak and to bring them to a place of maturity; which takes lots of time and patience and yes, even practice. Face it-the Body of Christ is a mess, one glorious mess; yet Jesus isn't ashamed of us and throws none of us away. If someone has a heart for Christ their heart will lead them to True North even if they fall down 100 times in one day. I am so very grateful for His unfailing grace!
Chatboard (0)