Rest

“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God;”Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Verses 1-11 speak of entering God’s rest. He is not talking about the Sabath as it was, he is talking about resting from our own efforts to earn salvation. We cannot earn salvation, it is a free gift from God.

Verse 12, the famous verse: for God’s word is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, pierces through bone and marrow revealing the thoughts and intentions of the heart (My version).

Today happens to be Saturday, the day traditionally taken as the Sabath. It also happens to be the only day’s rest in Nepal. Except today is in Dashain, the annual festival here where families go back to their homeland. It usually lasts for 10 days. The place is at rest with less busyness.

What does the Sabath mean for me? It means I do not strive to earn my salvation but accept it by faith in Jesus. He is enough! Amen! I love Sarudays, anyway, as I don’t study on Saturday and usually do fun things. Today a friend and I will go to a farmer’s market. It is where I can buy ham cut off the bone like, we have in Australia and really good bread. There is also a cute Japanese restaurant there which I enjoy. Lots of fruit and veg and exotic foods, as well as gifts and plants.

Are you at rest? It would be wise to be so! Jesus is returning for a church that knows him in rest. Amen!

Wisdom

“‘Men and women who have lived wisely and well will shine brilliantly, like the cloudless, star-strewn night skies. And those who put others on the right path to life will glow like stars forever.”Daniel‬ ‭12‬:‭3‬ ‭MSG‬‬

This scripture comes in the midst of end times prophesy. Prior, Daniel received a prophesy about the then future of the known world. It was full of wars and intrigue. Reading a study Bible helps explain all the various figures mention. However, suffice to say that the anti-Christ appears. In light of the present days it is a good read.

Living wisely refers to leading others to Christ. Jesus is the way to eternal life. There is no other way. Unfortunately, the prophesy shows that many Israelites will die at the hand of the anti-Christ. It is only when they turn to Jesus to save them are they saved. He steps in and defeats the anti-Christ.

The prophesy in Daniel shows the futility of the kings of the north and south posturing and fighting against each other. It speaks to the futility of living in the flesh. We cannot save ourselves. We are not righteous and holy enough. We were born into sin and are not pure without Jesus. He alone is good and holy. 

I am holy as I trust in His power and ability to redeem me. In myself no good thing dwells, that is my natural self. His Holy Spirit sanctifies me. Amen!

The Way

“Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”

‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We all value maps. Nowadays I use Google maps extensively. Gone of the days of swatting over heavy books filled with street maps, and gone are the many arguments between spouses.

However, we, at times, need to rely on others for directions. These directions are not just about the road ahead but the way to live in foreign countries. Last night, after Bible study I was talking to a new missionary. He was about to go out into the countryside to investigate more of Nepal. I gave him a few tips on things to take. Some things are essential, like hand sanitizer and packets of tissue, anti emetics and meds for diarrhoea.

In the road to eternal life we need directions. Fortunately we have our bibles and the words of Jesus. He said, He was the way. That is comforting. It means that if I get to know Him and follow in His footsteps I will find the way.

When the world swirls with opinions, Jesus is the truth. What does He say about a matter? Opinions will be tested by fire, will they stand?

I do not need to struggle to make a life for myself. Jesus is life! All I need to do is seek Him. My life will work out just fine as I trust Him. For the longest time I have wanted to meet and speak to a couple who live in the fields below my flat. Yesterday I made contact. The man, who I’ve since discovered is called Krishna, offered to carry my watermelon on the back of his bike. He speaks English and I tried to speak Nepali.  He told me he is a farmer. Now I want to go visit and meet his wife.

We must remember: knowing Jesus and trusting Him as saviour is knowing the way, the truth and finding the life! Amen!

Wisdom or flesh?

“If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.”James‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We have a saying: ‘the proof is in the pudding’. In days gone by the original saying was: ‘the proof is in the eating’. Basically something may look good until you taste it.

I have struggled to produced gluten free cakes with varying results. My latest attempt at a chocolate cake turned out like a mud cake. It was good if you like a thick cake. However, I could tell by those who tried it they were not fans. I had included xanthan gum. It turns flour into a rock.

I may make the right sounds but how do I behave? Yesterday I uncovered a friend’s motives to a small group on social media. I believed her motives were wrong and not disclosing the full picture. I wrote to her privately about the matter. However, she persisted in her front. I disassembled it. I thought to protect others in the group. However, I am left with a fleshly feeing. Was what I did done in pride? I didn’t think so at the time. I was in protection mode. 

I had spent the day fasting yesterday, because I want less of me and more of God. Perhaps it will take more than one day fasting, me thinks! Humility has a cost!

Lord have mercy! Show me Your heart! Show me Your ways!

All can come

“Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.”Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In this chapter Paul is talking about two groups of people: Jews and Gentiles. This, basically, encompasses all of mankind. There is no other group, although some may claim there are. Jesus came as a Jew and lived His life, preached the Kingsom of God, died and rose again in Israel. Prior to Jesus God had only made Himself known to the Jews. After the desth of Jesus, all may come.

The Muslims are Gentiles! They are not the chosen people, the Jews were and still are. All the rest are Gentiles. The door to God has been opened by Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but through Him ( John 14:6).

Now, we, Jews and Gentiles, all have access to the Father through Jesus. He paid our debt of sin, He freed us from the penalty of sin. We can now approach the Father in bold confidence because of Jesus’ sacrifice. Amen!

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=uuDI-sk2nJU&si=7iM6E4CkA9rHM6Ks

If you can

“Jesus said to him, “What do you mean ‘if’? If you are able to believe, all things are possible to the believer.” When he heard this, the boy’s father cried out with tears, saying, “I do believe, Lord; help my little faith!””

‭‭Mark‬ ‭9‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭TPT‬‬

My sympathy has always been with this man. He had lived years with an evil, tormenting spirit that sought to destroy his child. He had been conditioned to believe no one could help him, even the disciples could not help him. 

The spirit controlling the boy had grown strong, we repeated confessions of strength from those around the child. The spirit was not willing to go just like that. However, it met the master. Jesus knew His authority over demons and was not going to allow this spiteful demon to remain. He was not intimidated by evil.

Today, I am challenged to believe in the power of God. What is He saying about my belief? How do I weed out areas of unbelief?

Lord, show me Your way to deal with all unbelief I pray, in Jesus’ name! Amen!

Little and Much

““If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own?”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭16‬:‭10‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Lately, I have been harvesting moss and small ferns in brick walls as I walk and converting them into terrariums and bonsais. I’ve been a little concerned that I should ask permission, but as these walls are long and the owners do not seem to be evident I have not sought them out. However, so that I am honouring this command I will endeavour to seek them out.

I want blessing on all I do. Therefore, integrity is inportant. It would not do for me to cause others to do the same and a problem to arise.

The money I receive is the Lord’s and I am the manager. I must use it as He would want, not as I prefer. Some is seed and some is bread. I must learn to discern which is which, and use it accordingly. Bill Johnson said, “I have given my bread and watched it turn into mush!” I have to agree. When I endeavour to give to my flatmates most of what I give turns to mush, they just don’t want it. It is hidden away and probably given to others. 

Learning to discern what God wants me to give to others is important. I am learning to be wise and not emotional.