Suiting up

Today, I went to see the film ‘Puss in Boots’. In my opinion, it is waaaaaay better than the shrek movies. But, that might be just because i’m a cat lover. (but I don’t sing songs about cats like this lady…  )

I do love cats. I’m thankful to God for cats. They are a wonderful creation. (see here.) Puss in boots follows the story of the animated cat outlaw/hero. The cat has a sword and a hat, and of course, boots. And those things work for that cat!

(I once tried to put a mini santa hat on my cat, but she ran away.)

If you like cats and/or shrek, then go see puss in boots. BUT THIS POST IS NOT ABOUT THE MOVIE ‘PUSS IN BOOTS’. No no no. I just used it as  a tenuous link to talk about preparedness. Y’see, in the film, that cat is prepared. He has the moves and the style, and he’s good at sword fighting. He has the wits and skills to get out of tough situations.

Sometimes as a christian, our day to day life seems hard. And, to be honest, that is to be expected:

2 Corinthians 4

New International Version (NIV)

⁷ But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. ⁸ We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. ¹⁰ We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. ¹¹ For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. ¹² So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

New International Version (NIV)

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

No one said that living for Jesus would be the easiest thing ever. But, lemme tell ya, it is the best decision you’ll ever make. And it is worth it. Trust me on that one.

So, as we live for Jesus, spreading the gospel and leading people to Him, we may feel that we need a hand; we may feel that the world is closing in on us. We may even sometimes feel that our darkest hour is upon us.  But, good news! We have the Holy Spirit living within us! And also we have the armour of God!!! And through God, we can be prepared for these times; God can get us through anything:

Ephesians 6

New International Version (NIV)

The Armor of God

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. ¹⁹ Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel

New International Version (NIV)

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

We may be hard pressed on each side, but we can stand our ground and stand firm in the faith! We have the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness!  Our feet are fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace! In our hands, we have the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit. Upon our heads, we don the helmet of salvation. We are prepared for whatever life throws at us through the power of God.

Whenever I read this passage, it stirs me up inside! This shows that no matter how bad our day might seem, or how bad we feel, God is always there by our side! Even when we are hard pressed on every side, God gives us armour to help us keep going on. When we feel defenceless, we can always come to God for help! No matter how awful things seem, God is always with us and there for us. AINT THAT SUMMIN? Wonderful!

But you may be thinking ‘breastplate of righteousness? what is this, medieval times?’ No, its not. Its actually 2011. In the AD.  But, if you’d prefer, i’ll show you the passage again in the message version (more up-to-date language).

Ephesians 6

The Message (MSG)

A Fight to the Finish

^10-12And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

^13-18Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

¹⁹And don’t forget to pray for me. Pray that I’ll know what to say and have the courage to say it at the right time, telling the mystery to one and all

The Message (MSG)

Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

 

As we live for God, He wants the best for us. So He gives us things to keep us strong and to help us keep going on. God knows that there are things in life that we won’t be able to handle in our own strength, so He lends us His. And He calls us to read His word and pray. We must pray for each other and love one another; we must help each other to keep going! And as we keep going, we must continue with the mission; we must spread the good news of Jesus to the world! We must spread His love and lead people to salvation in Him. But, not in our own strength;  We do all this  in His! WOOHOO!

 

A great Co[mission]

Today I was looking at the bible app on my phone. (I felt that today I should attempt a real proper blog post as i’ve copped out the past few days- i’ve been really tired and still am!) From time to time, I find a piece of scripture and virtually highlight it for future reading. Today, I scrolled through these bookmarks and came across the great commission.

Whats the great commission you say? Well, why not read for yourself:

Matthew 28

New International Version (NIV)

The Great Commission

¹⁶ Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. ¹⁷ When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. ¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

New International Version (NIV)

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

So, basically, the great commission is the mission in life for christians; wherever you go, tell them about Jesus’ love and point them towards salvation. Teach them what Jesus taught (and still teaches) us! And the final verse is particularly lovely. Lets write it like a script in a movie, or something:

(ELEVEN DISCIPLES STOOD ON MOUNTAIN. SOME WORSHIP. SOME ARE DOUBTFUL. JESUS IS WITH THEM AND STARTS TO TALK TO THEM)

JESUS: ALL AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND EARTH HAS BEEN GIVEN TO ME. THEREFORE GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS, BAPTISING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, AND TEACHING THEM TO OBEY EVERYTHING I HAVE COMMANDED YOU.

(PAUSE FOR EFFECT)

JESUS: AND SURELY, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, TO THE VERY END OF THE AGE!

END OF CHAPTER.

 

I think that this is wonderful. Jesus tells us exactly what needs doing. And even though its a scary prospect, He assures us that we do not do it alone – He is with us. ALWAYS. Even to the very end of the age! SIGN ME UP FOR SOMMA THAT! Oh wait, already did!

………

However, this is not the version of the great commission that I had bookmarked. No no no!

The plot thickens! Dun Dun DUUUUUUUUUUN!

Mark 16

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁴ Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.

¹⁵ He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.¹⁶ Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.¹⁷And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons;they will speak in new tongues;¹⁸ they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands onsick people, and they will get well.”

¹⁹ After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heavenand he sat at the right hand of God.²⁰ Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signsthat accompanied it.

New International Version (NIV)

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

This version of the great commission is slightly different. It is more subjective fact based than the account in Matthew. We get the mission. Then we get the recipe for salvation:

RECIPE FOR SALVATION

1X belief in Jesus

1X repentance

1X baptism

Mix well. Enjoy.

(enjoy salvation responsibly. hahaha y’know, like the small print on those tv adverts? no? never mind then.)

After this, we get the signs of people who do believe in Jesus. AND HERE IS THE SCOOP! If you’re a christian too, then this stuff applies to us! Jesus says that in His name we will drive out demons! We will speak in new tongues! We will heal people with the laying on of hands! But my personal favourite is this: they will pick up snakes with their bare hands and when they drink deadly poison and it will not hurt them!

OH MY WORD THATS SUPER-AWESOME! KA-POW!

And then, after saying this, Jesus ascends to heaven. The disciples wait for the Holy Spirit.

Lets write this one out like a move script too!

(ELEVEN DISCIPLES EATING. SOME OF THEM HAVE BEEN REBUKED BY JESUS FOR LACK OF FAITH.)

JESUS: GO INTO THE WORLD AND PREACH THE GOSPEL TO ALL CREATION. WHOEVER BELIEVES AND IS BAPTISED WILL BE SAVED, BUT WHOEVER DOES NOT BELIEVE WILL BE CONDEMNED.

(PAUSE FOR EFFECT)

JESUS: AND THESE SIGNS WILL ACCOMPANY THOSE WHO BELIEVE: IN MY NAME THEY WILL DRIVE OUT DEMONS; THEY WILL SPEAK IN NEW TONGUES; THEY WILL PICK UP SNAKES WITH THEIR HANDS; AND WHEN THEY DRINK DEADLY POISON, IT WILL NOT HURT THEM AT ALL; THEY WILL PLACE THEIR HABDS ON SICK PEOPLE, AND THEY WILL GET WELL.

(ATMOSPHERE BUILDS SIGNIFICANTLY. ITS A SHIVER-DOWN-THE-SPINE MOMENT)

(JESUS ASCENDS TO HEAVEN.)

(THE DISCIPLES GET TO WORK PREACHING EVERYWHERE, AND AS PROMISED, GOD IS WITH THEM THE WHOLE TIME.)

END OF CHAPTER.

So yeah, that was the great commission. Wait, no. What am I saying???? IT STILL IS the great commission. It still applies today. As a christian, it is my duty to spread the gospel to people and to share God’s unfathomable love. Through Jesus, I have the capacity to perform miracles. And even when I get scared, its ok. Y’know why? Because Jesus is with me. And God is with me. And the Holy Spirit is with me. WOOOP!

Cry out // wait it out // see results

This order was for a jacket potato. If it had another 6, it could have been a sign of things yet to come! :S

I was just reading my Bible in one year. I came across this psalm:

Psalm 27

New International Version (NIV)

Psalm 27

Of David.¹ The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?

² When the wicked advance against me
to devour^[a] me,
it is my enemies and my foes
who will stumble and fall.
³ Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.

⁴ One thing I ask from the LORD,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.
⁵ For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
and set me high upon a rock.

⁶ Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.

⁷ Hear my voice when I call, LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.
⁸ My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
Your face, LORD, I will seek.
⁹ Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
God my Savior.
¹⁰ Though my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will receive me.
¹¹ Teach me your way, LORD;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.
¹² Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
spouting malicious accusations.

¹³ I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
¹⁴ Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.

New International Version (NIV)

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

I like this psalm because it shows how great God is! He is faithful and true, He is strong and mighty – He rescues us from our enemies! He never gives up on us! WOOOP!

Although the psalm shows all these things, I thought one bit in particular sounded like the psalmist was ordering something, or like was making reservations with the Lord or something:

⁴ One thing I ask from the LORD,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.

That isn’t a bad thing to want! Its a pretty sweet deal! I wouldn’t mind that myself! It beats a mixed grill and a refillable soft drink of your choice any day!

In this psalm, the psalmist is in rather a predicament. You see, his enemies are troubling him. To paraphrase 30 ROCK, Its getting raw in there like sushi, so haters to the left! The psalmist is crying out to God, requesting His help and guidance; requesting His holy presence. The psalmist knows that even when it seems like everything is going wrong (even his parents aren’t too pleased with him), he can call on God, who never gives up on us, never turns His back on us and will always be there for us! The psalmist knows God can help him so he cries out to Him. He needs rescuing, and he knows that only God can do this for him! So he asks God for rescue! If you’re in need of help with whatever circumstance, I recommend this tactic. For one, it works! Also, this is the God who created everything we’re talking about here – nothing is impossible for Him!

I love the little bit at the end of the psalm:

¹³ I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
¹⁴ Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.

The psalmist knows that God will always help him. But he also knows that things do not always happen right away. Everything happens in God’s timing – although we may feel we need something doing right now, we do not see the big picture that God sees. God times everything perfectly! We just have to wait on Him. If you’ve got a problem that you’ve prayed about and it hasn’t resolved yet, do not give up hope. God hears our prayers and answers them, even if it does not feel like it is done right away. We just have to be patient and put our trust in Him.

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

 

Hallelujah, chains are broken!

A piece of artwork from inside the cathedral in Berlin

I was just reading my Bible In One Year passages for today, when I came across something that I simply had to share with y’alls! Here it is:

Matthew 27

New International Version (NIV)

The Death of Jesus

⁴⁵ From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. ⁴⁶ About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli,^[c]lemasabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).^[d]

⁴⁷ When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”

⁴⁸ Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. ⁴⁹ The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”

⁵⁰ And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

⁵¹ At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split ⁵² and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. ⁵³ They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and^[e] went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

⁵⁴ When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”

New International Version (NIV)

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

We jump into history here – right at the point where Jesus is on the cross. He is being crucified here – He is taking the sins of the earth upon Himself – sin past, present and future. He put Himself in our place (because the wages of sin is death, but Christ paid the price for us so that we might be in relationship with Him). Note here, that as Jesus is being crucified, the whole place goes dark. Its like evil thinks it has won or something. Jesus cries out to His Father in heaven. But He knows that He must suffer this fate to save the world.

But of course, some people in the crowd hear this. Some silly people in the crowd. And they think Jesus is crying out to Elijah. WHAT? And so one of these guys obviously thinks at this monumental point in history ‘Perhaps Jesus could do with a drink… of vinegar”. WHAT? Perhaps that was all that was to hand, I don’t know. The other people in the crowd don’t like this, and would rather see how the whole Elijah thing turns out. They are about to be disappointed, because surprise surprise – Elijah wasn’t God.

And then it happens. Jesus is broken for the sins of the earth. Such love He shows for those who outwardly seem to hate Him! Yet He sacrifices Himself so that they might live! And with one final cry, He gives up His spirit. Evil thinks it has won. Evil needs to think again.

Because BOOM! At that moment, the curtain in the temple rips in two! And i’m not talking about some shabby drapes or anything – I’m talking about a curtain that is literally inches thick! It would take serious unhuman force to even rip into that bad boy! It is the curtain that separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple/ world. This part of the temple was reserved for only the highest priests, and even they had to wear bells on their clothing. They did this so that if the presence of God in there was too strong for them and they died, people outside would know to pull their body out. The Holy of Holies was the place where God met people. And it appeared to be only a few people. But then, suddenly, Jesus gives Himself for the people! And the massive curtain rips clean in two! And suddenly, God is not confined by the Holy of Holies anymore – He dwells among the people! Suddenly, its not just the highest priests that can come to God – ANYONE can come to God for salvation and forgiveness and relationship. And its all because of Jesus’ love for us! Awesome!

At this point, the earth literally shakes and rocks begin to break open. The immense power of God is in the place. People reading this passage often overlook this bit too! So i’ll lay it all out for you: Tombs break open and the bodies of holy people were raised to life. I’ll say it a different way – through His death, people who believed in Jesus and put their faith in God; Holy people were raised from the dead! And after His resurrection, they appeared to many people in the Holy City. People seem to overlook the fact that even in His death, Jesus had the power to raise others to life! Pretty cool, huh?

And thats when it starts to click for some people around. The centurion and his buddies who were guarding Jesus suddenly realise just who He is. They suddenly realise that He was telling the truth the whole time – He really is the son of God. And they see the earthquake, and everything else thats happened and they are terrified. Thats right, a centurion – a fighter with many men in his command is instantly terrified at the sight of a bit of God’s power. And they say “surely He was the son of God!”. They’re right to say this. Why? Because He IS the son of God. He still is! And He didn’t just die for people in the past, He died for YOU too! He died so you might have life, so you might get into relationship with God, and so you might find salvation. He died to heal the rift between God and man that started in the garden of eden at the fall of man. He loves us so much, that He died for each and every one of us.

And after 3 days… HE CONQUERED DEATH! HE ROSE TO LIFE! AND HE SHALL REIGN FOREVER! HE SENT HIS HOLY SPIRIT TO LIVE WITHIN US ALWAYS! THROUGH HIS DEATH AND RESURRECTION, WE ARE SAVED! WE JUST HAVE TO PUT OUR FAITH IN HIM!

He died for us. He rose again. Surely He IS and ALWAYS WILL BE the son of God! And guess what, He lives amongst us, and He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. Every knee will bow and tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. And HE SHALL REIGN FOREVER!