Heavy-laden & Rest

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

If we recall back to the time when we first recognized the Lord's Spirit striving with our spirit. We remember the agony of heart and mind we felt as the Spirit of the Lord gently called our hearts while our will was afraid and fought for mastery. And then in a moment we yielded and came forward or knelt or while seated we surrendered our hearts and lives to Jesus Christ. Remember, those moments... remember your first love? (Revelation 2:4)

Over time what happened? "The worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter[ed] in and chock the word" (Mark 4:19). Now we find a part of ourselves, if we are honest, "wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked" (Revelation 3:17).

Have you ever "examined yourself" honestly and knew in the gut of your stomach that something was wrong or in the back of your mind there's a quiet voice wanting you to forgive, to 'let go' or to more forward?

This is the love of Jesus, your Savior who is calling you to give to him what troubles you. To open your hands, your heart, and let go through faith - the pain of the past, your mistakes of the past, and those who have wronged you. He's whispering, give me your heart (Proverbs 23:26) - 'give me today' and 'give me your tomorrows' and rest peacefully in me.

Jesus is saying... I've got this and... I've got your back. He's gentle and a gentleman and he will not force your heart - our hearts must come to him willingly. And that can be difficult because we don't like to expose our weaknesses and we can shame ourselves for bringing to the Lord our burdens. But those very burdens and our willingness to come to the Lord with the small things--with all things is part of the relationship that He desires of us. "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in
heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Matthew 11:29).

Church & darkness

While we worry about our money or fret about our job or over-indulge in the politics of our day the lives around us stagger in abject darkness. How is that we Christians can glimmer the light of Christ and yet keep silent? Is there no fire within our hearts, no compassion, and no care at all for the lost? Has comfort and self-preservation swallowed up the gentle spirit within us that yet roars to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ?

I am afraid for we are captive to the material things in this life while denying the eternal qualities of relationships. We've been hurt or we are so prideful that we build walls of material to seemingly sooth the ache in our hearts. Our hearts ache at the loss of closeness, the heart to heart sharing, the joy of laughter, the tears of shared sorry, and the comfort of embrace not only towards the Lamb of God but towards one another as well.

We are afraid to extend our hearts. We are afraid to unmask, to be honest, and be authentic. We follow along with or set up rules for living... do this... don't do that... be this way... not that way... dress so and so... while all the while our hypocrisy prevents the wounded, scarred, and weary to enter through our church doors.

Much of the darkness that prevails is our fault. For glowing inside us like a raging firestorm is the very Lion of Judah who roars, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). Yet, this compassion-heart of the Gospel is drowned out in the fermented legalistic laws of tradition.

For Church is not a building. It is not a set time. It is not a pew. For we are the church and we ought to 'be in church' (that is, in Christ)wherever we are or wherever we go. Did not Jesus say, "for where two or three have gathered together in my name, I am there in their midst"? (Matt. 18:20).

Therefore our hearts desire should be to gather more, study more, love more, and not less... and if our gathering be two or three then what of it? Why must we look at numbers instead of looking to Jesus, the author of our faith? Why must we condemn ourselves if vast numbers do not pay heed to the truth? Or feel small when the gathering is small? It is the Father who draws sinners to Christ and not a church program, a personality, or a creative invitation (John 6:44).

I testify that our focus is in error. Have we not forgotten our first priority that is, "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness..." (Matt. 6:33)

Delight in the Lord

"Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4)

You know there's a lot of ways to delight our hearts. I'm pretty fond of ice cream, the sun on my face on a cold day, and my arm around my wife. All of these warm my heart but none delight my soul like the presence of the Lord.

There is a warmth with Him that reaches deep into my soul and calms my many fears. I can be broken and bold, careful and careless, and be myself with Him for He sets me at ease. His love is eternal, gentle, and peaceful.

In times with Him I can open my heart and share the ugliness that few see and then yield these to Him. I find that I give Him my problems and He gives me grace. O how can my heart stand more of His unconditional acceptance, favor, and love. And O that I had something worthy to give to truly bless Him!

Unworthy! Unworthy! Our hearts cry out... and yet He calls us beautiful, the love of His heart, and His delight! Truly, before creation... He held this great delight in His heart - you!

All of creation, the entire universe is just a backdrop... for His heart seeks not power, not fame, not praise, but to be joined with your heart! Joining in fellowship with your heart is the central desire of Jesus - the God of Heaven and Earth! Has He not proven this desire through Moses, Abraham, the Judges, the Kings, the Temple, and His arrival - His life, death, and resurrection? He humbled Himself through the establishment of a new covenant that in essence comes down to four words, "Give me your heart" (Prov. 23:26).

"Father, turn our hearts to the sharpest degree that you become the central delight of our hearts."

 

Grief and Encouragement

"Moreover David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God." (1 Samuel 30:6)

Now, granted no one is planning on stoning me... at least not to my
knowledge... but nonetheless I find myself greatly encouraged in the Lord. This encouragement is not a happiness per say but an abiding joy - a deep comforting peace. And you know, it's funny that I'm comforted at such a time as a part of my heart grieves deeply as well... my heart hurts! For one of my mentors, my brother is in great pain and dying with cancer.

He's my older brother, the eldest of the family, and one thing everyone knows about Clyde my brother is he's a man of God! He's a man who loves and adores his children, who loves God's Word and who with every moment given preaches and teaches the Good News of Jesus Christ... who can ask for a better mentor?

Oh for sure, my tears come in waves... but you and the Lord have taught me to release this grief... to let things go... to set my heart in the acceptance of regrets and time lost with him and forgive myself and focus on now. Yet, the abiding peace and joy so much the more overrides any sadness for I know who the king of my brother's heart is!

There is something wondrous about God's Word in how it calms, sooths, strengthens, and ah! brings such peace. Oh, how I desire to communicate to my family and friends how through His Word I'm encouraged, I'm lifted up, and I'm thankful--even as tears fill my eyes.

I pray you return to His Word and know His peace that passes understanding! Phil. 4:7)

The Lord knows what you go through today. He knows and sees the tears in your eyes or those in your heart. Rest in Him! Find a place, any place, and sit down with His letters to you and read and pray and find healing. He can and will heal you just trust in Him!

Studies in 1 John (Introduction: Brief bio of Apostle John)

In addition to devotions, which I hope to write more of, I wanted to test drive a possible on-line Bible study on the book of 1 John. If these notes are helpful and you want to receive them, please let me know. If you have suggestions please let me know. Any feedback is good feedback - I enjoy any response. Thanks!

Introduction:

It is good and of good profit to always research the background of any author. A study of the author gives us insight into what shaped his thinking and life. In researching John the Apostle's life we can gain more insight when studying the book of John or the shorter letters of 1 John, 2 John, 3 John and then the book of Revelation. It is worth our time then to know the background of the Apostle John.

The first interesting item is John was possibly a disciple of John the Baptist before meeting Jesus. (John 1:35-40). John is not specifically mentioned but Andrew, Peter's brother is. John had a habit of not mentioning himself in his writing.

John the Apostle was the Lord's cousin, his mother Salome being Mary's sister (compare Matthew 27:56, Mark 16:1, and John 19:25).
John the Apostle was a faithful disciple of Jesus during His early Judean ministry (John 2:1-4:54). He and the others then returned home, and to their fishing business, where they worked as partners with John's father Zebedee until Jesus came and called them to permanent discipleship (Mark 1:19-20, Luke 5:7, 10).

John the Apostle was a subordinate disciple during Christ's ministry. Reflecting his secondary position as a disciple, John is mentioned after his brother James in each disciple listing (Mark 3:13-16). Matthew 10:2 and Luke 6:14 list Andrew before John. Knowing the brothers' dispositions, Jesus nicknamed both "Boanerges." The Sons of Thunder revealed ambitious, (Mark
10:35-37), and intolerant natures (Luke 9:51-54).

John the Apostle was a classical servant of Christ. Despite his obvious human failings and sins, John enjoyed an affinity of kindred minds with Jesus that led to him being called "the beloved disciple" by others in the group (John 13:23, 19:26, 20:2).

John the Apostle was brave as he braved danger by entering the High Priest's residence during Christ's trial (John 18:15).

Early on John had spiritual insight as he believed in Christ's resurrection when in the tomb with Peter (John 20:8-9).

John the Apostle helped preach the Pentecost sermon (Acts 2:7-8).

He accompanied Peter when they healed the lame man (Acts 3:1-10).

He was jailed with Peter (Acts 4:1-3).

John was with Peter when they reported to their brothers (Acts 4:23).

It was Peter and John who were sent by the other apostles to investigate the Samaritan revival (Acts 8:14).

Paul called John a pillar of the church (Galatians 2:9). According to tradition, John was a leader/elder/pastor at Ephesus.

The books that John wrote, John, 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John and Revelation were written by a once Jewish fisherman to predominately Gentile audience. From what I could learn, the majority of the writings of John were composed in Asia Minor. Yet, John's ministry started in Judea ministering and preaching to the Jews as evident by the above scriptures given in the book of Acts. His was a very diverse ministry between the Jews first and then to the Gentiles. John was probably the last of the Apostles and as the map shows us he was a world away from Jerusalem.

John ministered and encouraged the seven churches of Asia.

See map at http://teachinghearts.org/dr0imap7churches.gif

These believers of Christ needed encouragement as Roman persecution was at its height. In addition, these Christians needed encouragement to stand against the encroaching false doctrine from within the church. Heresy always starts from within the church. These doctrines were spreading heresy that denied the Lordship of Christ, weakened Christian witness, and lead astray countless souls.