We’re in a good place whenever we honestly ask, “Is the Jesus of history the Christ of Faith?” Let’s look at both today. Study the links and decide for yourself. Holy Spirit will help you. He is drawing you here already.
Whenever we reach the point Thomas did when he saw Jesus on the cross but refused to believe He rose again until he saw the nail prints in His hands and the spear wound in His side, we're in a good place. Thomas was saying, “Unless the Jesus of history is the Christ of faith, I won’t believe”. And Jesus met him and showed him His hands and side.
Who was the Jesus of history?
He only did what he saw the Father do (John 6:38) and he only said what he heard the Father speak (John 12:49-50). Jesus was led by compassion (Matthew 14:14). He healed the sick (Mark 1:41) and honoured His mother (John 2:1-11, John 19:25-27) Forgiving Sinners (Luke 7:36-50), Jesus demonstrates compassion by forgiving a sinful woman who anoints his feet with oil, emphasizing mercy and grace over judgment.
Jesus is considered the most remarkable figure in history, central to our civilization. The timeline divides into 'BC' before him and 'AD' after him. He forgave sins, spoke of judging the world, and emphasized the importance of one's response to him in this life. C. S. Lewis argued that based on Jesus' claims, he couldn't be just a great moral teacher but must be either the Son of God, insane, or evil.
Regarding his character, even non-Christians often see Jesus as the epitome of selflessness. Dostoevsky described him as incomparable and perfect, with teachings considered the purest and best ever spoken. C. S. Lewis concluded that Jesus couldn't have been insane or evil, leading him to accept Jesus as God.
The evidence for Jesus' physical resurrection is strong, with over 500 eyewitnesses seeing him after his supposed death. The transformation of the disciples and the rapid growth of the Christian church are attributed to this event. The resurrection is seen as the living truth by many, with Lord Darling highlighting the overwhelming evidence supporting it.
Who is the Christ of Faith?
Jesus' purpose in coming was to sacrifice himself for humanity, described as giving his life as a ransom for many. His death on the cross, one of the cruelest forms of execution, is depicted vividly. Jesus' sacrifice is believed to be an act of love to free humanity from sin, with the word 'ransom' symbolizing his payment to set us free from bondage.
Jesus' death is seen as an act of love, where he bore the sins of humanity out of compassion. This act of sacrifice is described as a ransom paid by his blood on the cross to liberate all who believe in him.
Jesus lived (Flavius Josephus "Antiquities of the Jews," Book 18, Chapter 3, Paragraph 3). And He died (Tacitus "Annals," Book 15, Chapter 44). He rose again ( Pliny the Younger's Epistles, Book 10, Letter 96). His first followers all died because of what they said happen - that they saw the risen Lord. Who dies for a good person? Link to Why do we know Jesus Rose From the Dead
Did Jesus really die and rise again? Paul tells us if He didn’t, our faith is worthless and we are still in our sins (1 Corinthians 15:14-17) so it is an important question to settle in our for our faith.
Here are 7 Reasons Why I Know that Jesus Rose From the Dead
1. Eyewitness Accounts
Emphasizing the significance of eyewitness testimonies, various individuals and groups claimed to have seen Jesus alive after his crucifixion. These accounts are documented in the New Testament, with appearances to Mary Magdalene, the disciples, and over 500 people at once. See John 20:11-18, Matthew 28:9-10, Luke 24:13-35, John 20:19-23, John 20:24-29, John 21:1-14, Matthew 28:16-20, 1 Corinthians 15:6-7
2. Empty Tomb
The discovery of Jesus' empty tomb is another critical point. The tomb was found empty by women, whose testimonies were not highly regarded at that time. This detail adds credibility to the story, as it would be unlikely to fabricate such information. See Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12 , John 20:1-10
3. Transformation of the Disciples
Initially fearful and in hiding after Jesus' death, his disciples became bold proclaimers of his resurrection after claiming to have seen him alive. This transformation from fear to courage, even in the face of persecution and martyrdom, supports the truth of their claims. See: John 20:19 vs Acts 4:13 and see below.
4. Early Christian Writings
Early Christian creeds and writings referencing the resurrection, some dating back to shortly after Jesus' death, suggest that belief in the resurrection was foundational to early Christian faith. This indicates that the belief was not a later development but an integral part of early Christianity. See: Justin Martyr "Dialogue with Trypho", Chapter 108. Tertullian "On the Resurrection of the Flesh", Chapter 48. Origen commentary on the Gospel of Matthew, Book 2, Chapter 24.
5. Historical Impact
The rapid growth of Christianity from a small group to a major religious movement within a few centuries is used to argue for the authenticity of the resurrection. Such a significant impact is believed to be difficult to explain without an extraordinary event like the resurrection. There are reasons that Rome made it possible, but why Christianity and not the cult of Mithras? It had even more advantages in the same time period of Roman history.
6. Disciples Zeal
All (but maybe 1 - who was tortured and persecuted*) died because they told people Jesus rose from the dead.
Peter: Crucified upside down in Rome, around AD 64-68 during the persecution under Emperor Nero.
Andrew: Crucified on an X-shaped cross in Patras, Greece, around AD 60-70.
James, son of Zebedee: Beheaded in Jerusalem around AD 44 by Herod Agrippa I.
John*: Died of natural causes in Ephesus around AD 95-100, although there are some traditions that suggest he was martyred.
Philip: Martyred in Hierapolis, Phrygia (modern-day Turkey) by hanging or crucifixion around AD 80.
Bartholomew: Flayed alive and then either crucified or beheaded in Armenia or India.
Matthew: Killed by a sword in Ethiopia or Persia.
Thomas: Speared to death in Mylapore, India, around AD 72.
James, son of Alphaeus: Stoned and clubbed to death in Egypt or Jerusalem.
Thaddaeus (Jude): Martyred with arrows in Beirut or Edessa.
Simon the Zealot: Crucified in Persia or Samaria.
Matthias: Stoned and beheaded in Jerusalem.
Who dies for a good person or to sustain a lie? But this makes sense if they saw Jesus after his death.
7. The difference it’s made in my own life.
So far I’ve stuck with historical, researchable topics, but this reason is my most personal. I’ve confessed with my mouth “Jesus the Lord” and believed in my heart that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9) and I am saved… not only that I know one day I’ll be with Him forever, in a new glorious body and enjoy Him forever, but also from and through the crap that this life can be in the meantime.
Do you have another reason you believe Jesus rose from the dead? Tell me in the comments.
It’s been a long haul. We’ve all had to cope. We had to deal with the reality we’ve been facing. Do we know how to THRIVE? Learn how you can no matter what you're facing today.
The people of Israel were in for the long haul. Jerusalem would be destroyed. They would be taken away into captivity. But God wanted them to be encouraged. His plan was to prosper them and not to harm them. His plan was to give them a hope and future. Isaiah was encouraging them they could trust their maker through the tough stuff.
It’s been a long haul. We’ve all had to cope. We had to deal with the reality we’ve been facing. We know how to hope. Do we know how to THRIVE?
Last time I spoke I reminded you how we can HOPE at all times and in every situation
HOPE at all times and in Every Situation
H - Hold on to testimony - Revelation 12:11 O - Operate in reality - Hebrews 12:7 P - Pour out your heart to God - Philippians 4:6-7 E - Engage your whole heart with hope - Isaiah 40:27-31
But the word that is resonating with me for this year isn’t HOPE, it’s THRIVE. I don’t think it’s going to be all sunshine and rainbows this year. I think it’s a challenge for me to THRIVE in spite of anything that comes my way.
What does it mean to THRIVE?
I believe it means I can have peace and joy AND hope at all times and in every situation. I figured that’s a good definition for THRIVE - peace and joy and hope - it’s all part of the Kingdom. It’s bringing the Kingdom to earth. The Kingdom is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Paul starts his letter to the Romans and Peterson transliterates verses 16-17 this way.
Romans 1:16-17 It’s news I’m most proud to proclaim, this extraordinary Message of God’s powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him, starting with Jews and then right on to everyone else! God’s way of putting people right shows up in the acts of faith, confirming what Scripture has said all along: “The person in right standing before God by trusting him really lives.”
Are you ready to really live?
Has it been a while since you felt like you’ve really lived?
Guess what? Your standing with God hasn’t changed. His grace is still sufficient. You might have moved away. You might feel like it’s been a while since you’ve really lived. I want to help your feelings line up with your spiritual reality today.
You and I were made for so much more than to just survive. We were made to thrive.
How does the song go?
Joy unspeakable. Faith unsinkable. Love unstopped. Any thing is possible.
You were created to walk with God in the garden in the cool of the day. Sin came into the world and you bore the consequences. Jesus came and reversed the curse and took your place and invited you to take His yoke that is easy and burden that is light. You are a child of God creation longs to be revealed. You are a living light. Do not conform but be transformed, so you can have peace and joy and hope at all times and in every situation.
Today I’m going to share with you the
How to THRIVE Tool
THRIVE
T - Tune into Holy Spirit - Galatians 5:25 H - Honest in my reflection - Proverbs 28:18 R - Rest and to be Renewed - Psalm 127:2 I - Ignite my spiritual fervour - Romans 12:9-17 V - Victoriously live - Romans 8:31-39 E - Embrace who God says I am - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
T - Tune into Holy Spirit
Galatians 5:25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.
How do you do that? The rest of the chapter shows us.
I’ve put it in an acrostic to help you remember - HUMBLE
HUMBLE Yourself Before God and Others
Galatians 5
H - Hope in his promises v.5 (wait patiently to receive) U - Understand faith expresses itself in love v.6 M - Maintain freedom by serving others in love v.13 B - Ban what the sinful nature craves v.16 (Crucify your passions and desires) L - Let the fruit of Spirit grow v.22 (they are going to grow, don’t get in the way) E - Enjoy peace with others v.26 (Follow the Spirit’s leading in every area)
That’s what Paul tells the Galatians it means to keep in step with the Spirit.
How have you been doing with that?
What would Holy Spirit tell you if you ask him if your keeping in step with him?
To THRIVE we need to be HUMBLE
To THRIVE we need to remember to be HUMBLE so we can tune into Holy Spirit.
H - Honest in your reflection
Proverbs 28:18 “The one whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but the one whose ways are perverse will fall into the pit.”
In order to THRIVE we need to be honest in three ways.
1. Honest with ourselves - admit when we’re struggling 2. Honest with those around us - be vulnerable when we need help 3. Honest with God - practice lament and admit we need his help through
Yes, we praise him in the storm. Yes, we praise him before the battle is won. Yes, we praise him before the answer comes, and when we do that with gratitude it changes our attitude.
Psalm 103:2 Let all I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.
But we don’t put on plastic masks and say, “Thank you Jesus” when we feel everything but gratitude. We need to be honest in our reflection. We need to pour out our heart to God. We need to exchange our problems for his peace.
Are you honest in your reflection?
Do you turn from his gaze?
What would Holy Spirit impress on you if you asked him?
T - Tune into Holy Spirit - Galatians 5:25 H - Honest in my reflection - Proverbs 28:18
R - Rest and to be Renewed
Psalm 127:2 It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.
What is rest?
Isaiah 30:15-16 This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it. You said, ‘No, we will get our help from Egypt. They will give us swift horses for riding into battle.’ But the only swiftness you are going to see is the swiftness of your enemies chasing you!
Have you been trusting in horses and trusting in chariots or have you been trusting in the name of the Lord?
Rest is trust.
REST is Trust
R - Relying on God to finish what he started - Philippians 1:6 E - Engaging his Rhythm of praying and obeying - Luke 5:16, John 5:19 S - Stewarding what he’s entrusted to you - 2 Peter 1:3 T - Thanking him for what he’s done and is doing, not worrying about what’s left undone 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
It’s not sitting on your hands. It’s not waiting for God to do what he’s already told you in Scripture to do or impressed personally what you need to do.
Are you resting?
Remind yourself of what Jesus has done and promised to do for you.
Testimony and living out the prophecies over your life that allows you to grow in trust or start to trust again.
Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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.”
Rest is our part… Yes Jesus gives us rest, but we need to take up his yoke and learn from him.
Renewal is God’s part.
5 Ways God Renews Me
1) My Strength -
Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint
2) My Soul -
Psalm 23:3 He leads me by still water, he restores my soul
3) My Willing Spirit -
Psalmc 51:10-12 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
4) My Mind -
Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will
5) My Knowledge of God -
Colossians 3:10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
Your job is to rest in his love…let him give you his rest.
God’s job is to renew your strength, your soul, your willing spirit, your mind and your knowledge of Him.
Are you resting in His love?
Are you allowing and inviting him to renew you?
What would Holy Spirit say if you took the time to ask him?
T - Tune into Holy Spirit - Galatians 5:25 H - Honest in my reflection - Proverbs 28:18 R - Rest and to be Renewed - Psalm 127:2
I - Ignite my spiritual fervour
Romans 12:9-17NIV Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practise hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
How do you ignite your fervour? How do you naturally do all these things? It can’t be a checklist. It can’t be overwhelming.
How do you ignite your spiritual fervour?
Repent and return to God’s presence. In his presence is fullness of joy.
Revelation 2:1-5 ‘To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: you have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.
How was your faith expressed at the most thriving part of your life?
What are the things you did at first? Were you in the Bible? Were you spending a lot of time in prayer? Were you overwhelmed a love for others? Were you praying in the Spirit?
Faith is the natural response to the revelation of God. We know when we’re not in right relationship with God his revelation can be limited in our lives.
So what do we do?
James 4:7-8 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.
Isaiah 55:6-7 Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.
Confession and Repentance are the tools God gives us to be in right relationship with him.
Can you look God in the eye?
Can you spend time alone with him in silence?
Do you need to ask Holy Spirit if you’re living offended at God?
What would Holy Spirit impress upon you if you took the time to ask?
When we go through the motions, when our goal is simply to cope, we can easily pull away from God. This is the danger in not meeting together. This is problem of not making space to connect with him. You’re prayer life will tell you if you’ve pulled away from God.
Have you withdrawn from God?
Confess and repent.
T - Tune into Holy Spirit - Galatians 5:25 H - Honest in my reflection - Proverbs 28:18 R - Rest and to be Renewed - Psalm 127:2 I - Ignite my spiritual fervour - Romans 12:9-17
V - Victoriously live - Romans 8:31-39
When we are in survival mode, we often forget that through the power and blood of Jesus Christ we have ultimate victory. Yes, we may face trials and difficulties, and even though they seem like they last forever, one day, they will be over, and we will have victory.
Romans 8:31-39 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
How do you victoriously live?
STAND In Christ’s Victory
S - Stop giving God credit for the works of the one who comes to steal, kill and destroy. - John 10:10 T - Treat all hardship as discipline knowing he will work all things together for good. - Hebrews 12:7-11 A - Agree to cast all your cares upon him, because he cares for you. - 1 Peter 5:7 N - Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer. - Romans 12:11-13 D - Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything and thank him in all things, knowing that’s his will for you. - Philippians 4:6-7
Are you living victoriously?
Are you ready to thrive and not merely survive?
What would Holy Spirit impress upon you if you took the time to ask?
T - Tune into Holy Spirit - Galatians 5:25 H - Honest in my reflection - Proverbs 28:18 R - Rest and to be Renewed - Psalm 127:2 I - Ignite my spiritual fervour - Romans 12:9-17 V - Victoriously live - Romans 8:31-39 E - Embrace Who God says I am - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.
The only opinion that really matters about me is God’s.
I need to take thoughts captive that disagree about what he says about me.
If I want to THRIVE I need to….
Erase shame. Embrace grace.
I need to erase shame.
How do I erase shame?
Believe him that when I confess my sin he is faithful and just to forgive me my sin and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.
If I don’t FEEL forgiven, I should consider repenting from the sin of unbelief. He will free me from that.
I should feel guilt from sin.
I should never feel shame for sin I’ve confessed and repented of.
Confession is agreeing with God that it’s sin. Repentance is turning around and doing the exact opposite. He has given me everything I need for life and godliness.
There is no shame in my game.
I also need to embrace grace.
What is grace?
God’s supernatural enabling to do what he tells me to do. He empowers me a accomplish every good work prompted by faith.
Do you embrace who God says you are?
Do you erase shame?
Do you embrace grace?
What would Holy Spirit impress upon you if you took the time to ask?
Conclusion
I don’t believe the year to come will be all rainbow and sunshine. I do believe he wants me to THRIVE and have peace and joy and hope at all times and in every situation.
When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. Proverbs 29:2
All creations longs for the children of God to be revealed. Will you choose to THRIVE and not merely survive?
Will you?
T - Tune into Holy Spirit - Galatians 5:25 H - Honest in your reflection - Proverbs 28:18 R - Rest and to be Renewed - Psalm 127:2 I - Ignite your spiritual fervour - Romans 12:9-17 V - Victoriously live - Romans 8:31-39 E - Embrace Who God says you are - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Challenge
Will you take time to listen to what Holy Spirit is telling you today? I’m going to give time for you to hear from God. He’ll likely speak directly to your heart. Don’t think you’re not hearing him if it’s not an audible voice. If you have a pen and paper you can write a question and write down his response. If you’re able to quite yourself and sense what He’s saying, do whatever your comfortable with. I’ll pray a prayer inviting Holy Spirit to speak and we’ll play some music quietly to help you hear what he says. We won’t spend a long time, but we will create a moment. His words are life. We need to hear what he’s saying. Take time to connect with him. After a moment, I’ll close us in prayer and there will be a few announcements before we go. But if you’re watching now or watching later…take the time to hear from God, knowing it’s his will for you to THRIVE.
I expect in this moment you will…
T - Tune into Holy Spirit - Galatians 5:25
Can I be still and know He is God?
H - Honest in your reflection - Proverbs 28:18
What does God think of me?
R - Rest and to be Renewed - Psalm 127:2
Can I rest in His presence?
I - Ignite your spiritual fervour - Romans 12:9-17
Will I be joyful in hope and patient in affliction?
V - Victoriously live - Romans 8:31-39
Will I choose to thrive and not just survive?
E - Embrace Who God says you are - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
What does it look like when I live out of who He says I am?
Let’s give him space right now to do that in our hearts.
The Live LIGHT LOOP for Friday, June 7, 2024 celebrates all things Live LIGHT - including the books, and courses, and resources, and community and coaching that can be found on https://livelight.ca/ and https://revtrev.com
You were created to walk with God in the garden in the cool of the day. Sin came into the world and you bore the consequences. Jesus came and reversed the curse and took your place and invited you to take His yoke that is easy and burden that is light. You are a child of God creation longs to be revealed. You are a living light. Don’t conform but be transformed, so you can have peace and joy and hope at all times and in every situation.
Live LIGHT Academy has books and courses and resources and community and coaching to help you not conform but be transformed so you can have peace and hope and joy at all times and in every situation. What I create always needs to HELP - Honour, Empower, be Life-giving and Pleasing to God Learn more at https://www.livelight.ca/about
How do I self-identify?
I am a wisdom loving, knowledge sharing, God marvelling, life celebrating, kingdom living, soul healing, Lord seeking, gift imparting, Spirit flowing, grace knowing, irenic follower of the Way. I hold you capable and Holy Spirit trustable to finish the good work He's started in you.
What Am I working on?
Working on connecting topic I’ve focussed on over time on RevTrev.com Check out
Move from being easily regularly frustrated, usually feeling busy, often afraid or easily angered TO having peace at all times and in every situation. https://revtrev.link/bless
Live LIGHT Above the Negativity Reflections and Devotional
Get the Live LIGHT Negativity Fast in Book form today. 47 days of reflections and devotionals to help you take thoughts captive and align with God's will for your life. https://revtrev.link/books
Live LIGHT with your Whole Heart Presale
Move from giving your problems a place of too much influence to having no fear of bad news even when it comes. This teaching is a game-changer if you want to avoid cognitive avoidance, cognitive dissonance and toxic behaviour. Learn why and how you can live with your whole heart today! Sign up for this pre-launch while it's available. https://revtrev.link/heart
The key to overcoming fear is love. Perfect love casts out all fear. But what is perfect love and how can you have it today? Learn all about in the Live LIGHT Above the Negativity Course http://revtrev.link/bless
Because perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:20) and anything not done in love is useless (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)
Source
It comes from God 1 John 4:7-9 NLT
Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
Purpose
Received by me 1 John 4:10 NLT
This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.
Returns to God 1 John 2:5-6 NLT
But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.
Awareness
AND is shared to Others 1 John 4:20 NLT
If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer,that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?
What is Perfect Love?
It is a Decision Agapeo - Have I decided to love always? Can I decide to love in this moment?
It is an Emotion Phileo - Do I feel love in this situation? Can I still choose to love when I don’t feel it?
It is an Action - Splagchnon (root) - lit. Compassion . Have I turned off my compassion? Am I led by compassion like Jesus?
Love aligns your whole heart with God’s heart
1 John 4:8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
You cannot align your heart with God unless you love others. Perfect love is complete love. I get love from God and share that love with others. It’s that love that drives out all fear. We have to stop being impressed with the size of our problem and find someone to bless so we can be blessed and find someone to refresh so we can be refreshed.
Imagine
What would it be like if fear - outside the moment - had no bearing on you? What would it feel like to love perfectly like God loves us?
Knowing God as Father can be simple, or very complicated. It often depends on how we knew our own fathers. Learn to have well-healed wounds and respond to the revelation we have with Father God.
I was asked if I had further study on god as Father. The good news I do-just look below. The problem that many have is that we’ve all had imperfect fathers, so to understand God as Father, we can have difficulties. When we come from homes with silent or absent or abusive fathers, we may not naturally be able to relate to God as Father. But that’s a profound way He has revealed himself to us, and how Jesus taught us to address Him.
Here’s some of the ways I’ve cover emphasized God as Father.
We’ve been learning what waiting is all about. We know that when Jesus comes, everything changes. We know the best is yet to come, but what do we do as we wait for him? Is the thrill of hope even possible when we have a weary soul? Learn how to keep hope alive while confronting the most brutal facts of your current reality with this message of hope.
Watch the replay of Can My Weary Soul Rejoice Again?
Read the Notes From Can My Weary Soul Rejoice Again?
O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining It is the night of the dear Savior's birth! Long lay the world in sin and error pining Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
Two thousand years ago, when the world seemed still and life was going on in it’s normal frustration, there was a flurry of activity in the heavenly realm. To us, it appeared that nothing would ever change. But soon heaven would burst into life right in front of our eyes.
That night, long ago, when most people were fast asleep, a group of shepherds were watching their sheep. They probably had a fire going, quietly chatting among themselves. There was not a sound but the soft night noises of sheep in the pasture. And in that quiet, hidden place a burst of light appeared and angels from heaven sang to shepherds. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace on whom his favour rests.”
Can you imagine yourself sitting there by the fire with the warm glow lighting your face, a soft blanket around your shoulders, a hot drink between your hands.
It might feel like nothing will ever change. It may feel like heaven is silent for you. It might feel that God has no interest in your life. It may feel that all around is darkness… nothing…. silence.
But God… God bursts heaven into our world and gives us the the thrill of hope.
God is always working behind the scenes for your good. His angels announced peace on those on whom his favour rests. That’s you! He is called wonderful, counsellor, almighty God, everlasting father, prince of peace. He is Immanuel, God with us.
Our God is God of the suddenlies. You can once again know the thrill of hope.
You can know that regardless of what your feelings say…
At the right moment heaven will burst into light with singing over your life. He rejoices over you with singing.
A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Do you have the thrill of hope? Does your weary soul rejoice?
You and I can have weary souls. We need real hope to keep us rejoicing.
The problem is hope deferred makes the heart sick.
Has your hope been disappointing you?
Let’s think of others players in this story. What about the wise men who traveled so far?
Can you imagine yourself walking under a star lit sky?
Can you see the the twinkling lights so vast in the darkness, as far as you can see?
The night sky can make us feel so insignificant, so lost.
One of my favourite Calvin and Hobbes comic strip has Calvin looking up into the night sky and yelling to the cosmos “I am significant!” followed two panes later with the thought…“screamed the speck of dust”
We can feel so insignificant, so lost.
But sometimes lost is OK.
Sometimes lost takes us places we would have never got to otherwise.
The magi might have felt lost… like they didn’t know where they were or where they were going.
But they knew they had to follow the star.
Sometimes we can be so determined not to get lost.
But this year we all find ourselves lost.
Our five year goals and life plans are out the window.
There has never been a better year to know…to really know… to live with the hope that will not disappoint.
We have been waiting. We have been floundering.
We have had the goal post moved again and again and again.
We thought there were answers. We’ve been disappointed.
We’ve been told to wait. We’ve been told be patient.
We’ve been told to wait more. We’ve been told to be more patience.
Hope can take us to places we could have never have imagined.
We might not even know what we’re looking for,
but we may find God himself in a way we didn’t expect.
We need to be like the wise men and follow our star.
What is the star for our weary soul?
It’s hope.
Real hope. It’s the the thrill of hope that allows the weary soul to rejoice.
Real hope comes with real faith and faith is our natural response to His revelation.
You can can have peace and joy and hope at all times an in every situation. It doesn’t come with sticking your head in the sand. It’s not guaranteed when it’s all rainbows and sunshine. It’s a walk of faith. The good news is God empowers us to accomplish every good work prompted by faith and our faith is our natural response to his revelation.
Let me give you a tool to help you hope when you have a weary soul.
The HOPE when it hurts tool
HOPE
H - Hold on to testimony O - Operate in reality P - Pour out your heart to God E - Engage your whole heart with hope
Let’s unpack this...
H - Hold on to testimony
Revelation 12:11 And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die.
What has God done for you in the past? What has he done for others? There is a power in story. Remember you own, engage with what others tell you. Testimony and journaling
Am I holding on to the testimony of what God has done?
O - Operate in reality
Hebrews 12:7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?
If you’re not feeling like you’ve been floundering, you either have the patience of Job or you’re ignoring the realities of today.
Advent waiting - Not “let go and let God” but “trust God and get going”
Stockdale paradox
“This is a very important lesson. You must never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end—which you can never afford to lose—with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.”
Am I confronting the most brutal facts of my current reality?
P - Pour out your heart to God
Philippians 4:6-7 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Psalms of lament allow us to pour out our complaint to God. Don’t worry that you’ll offend God with the truth of your emotion. He knows better than you what you feel like.
Your feelings might not make proper theological sense, but they show you want you really believe.
Take your complaint to God. Exchange your problems for his peace. You exchange your problems for his peace with thanksgiving.
Am I making use of lament?
E - Engage your whole heart with hope
Isaiah 40:27-31 Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, ‘My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God’? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Decision - speak to your soul
Psalm 42:11 TPT So I say to my soul, “Don’t be discouraged. Don’t be disturbed. For I know my God will break through for me.” Then I’ll have plenty of reasons to praise him all over again. Yes, he is my saving grace!
Instead of saying “Why me?” learn to ask Holy Spirit “What do you want me to learn?”
Action - do what helps with hope
Proverbs 3:5 NLT Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Rest - Mark 48:3 Jesus took naps. Be like Jesus. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a nap.
Exercise - (joke) I wanted to go jogging but Proverbs 28:1 says “The wicked run when no one is chasing them” so there’s that…
Life giving relationship - Proverbs 12:25 Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.
Emotion - have peace rule in your heart
Colossians 3:15 NLT And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Nothing is worth it if it costs you your peace.
Worry isn’t worth it if it costs you your peace.
Planning isn’t worth it if it costs you your peace.
Hoping isn’t worth it if it if it costs you your peace. Real hope will give you your peace not cost you your peace.
If you don’t have peace, Ask Holy Spirit what lie you are believing…Peace and Joy and Hope come from trusting God, so if you don’t have peace and joy and hope, it’s because your believing a lie more than you’re trusting God.
Use this statement to help you define what you’re feeling…
“It might not be true, but it feels like it’s true that…”
Do I hope with my whole heart?
Max Lucado describes hope this way:
“It is a zany, unpredictable dependence on a God who loves to surprise us out of our socks and be there in the flesh to see our reaction.” (Max Lucado, God Came Near page 89)
Can your weary soul rejoice again?
Yes! Don’t let it go another day for you. Embrace the hope of God taking on flesh and camping out for a while. GOD with us!
The thrill of hope can be yours again.
Remember the Hope when it Hurts Tool
HOPE
H - Hold on to testimony - Revelation 12:11 O - Operate in reality - Hebrews 12:7 P - Pour out your heart to God - Philippians 4:6-7 E - Engage your whole heart with hope - Isaiah 40:27-31
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Can I pray?
Next Steps
Check out the Live LIGHT with your Whole Heart Course
Move from giving your problems a place of too much influence to having no fear of bad news even when it comes. Learn to Live LIGHT with your Whole Heart. This training is a game-changer if you want to avoid cognitive avoidance, cognitive dissonance and toxic behaviour. Learn why and how you can live with your whole heart today! >>> https://revtrev.link/heart
