Jehovah Shalom: Think On These Things

07 Thursday Jan 2021

Posted by holylight4u in Bible Study, Christian Living, End Times, Uncategorized

Tags

End Times, Ephesians 5, Jesus is the word, Keep looking up, Last Days, Looking up, Our redemption is drawing near, Philippians 4, Philippians 4:6-9, Renewing of our minds, Romans 12:2, Setting our minds on things above, the washing of the word, Think on these things

When it comes to Philippians 4:6-9, there are four puzzle pieces that need to be connected in order to make a picture. Puzzle piece number one is “Do Not Worry.” Puzzle piece number two is “Thankful Prayer.” Puzzle piece number three is “Think on These Things.” And puzzle piece number four is “Habitual Practice.”

What I have wondered is this, once you have presented your request to God with thanksgiving, what’s next? So, you come away from the prayer, but the prayer still appears unanswered. Now what? How does one not worry? How does one not lie awake at night wondering about how things will work out or how things might have been different or how if only I had done such-and-such or why is this still happening to me?

Puzzle Piece #3

This is where puzzle piece number three comes into play, and this piece is VITAL for it is all about what we are thinking about from second to second. This vital piece of information is found in Philippians 4:8.

So Then, What Are We To Think About?

Philippians 4:8,9 tells us exactly what we are to think about when it says, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Now for the sake of gaining a better understanding of these terms that we are to think on, let us briefly look at the words in Greek. We could go in depth about each word, but we will not be doing so today. But, we are going to go one word at a time beginning with the first word of the sentence, “finally.”

The Meaning Behind the Words

“Finally” in the Greek means, “from this time on,” the time “remaining.”

“Whatsoever” means, “how great, how much, as great as,” and thus, however often we think, and we think a multitude of thoughts, we are to think on these things. Plus, it means that there is a “great amount of truth,” there is a “large amount of that which is just,” etc. And we are not to forget all of God’s many benefits bestowed upon us!! Psalm 103

“True” means that which is void of a lie and cannot tell a lie. It is sincere not just as an outward show, but true in conduct, upright, honest, the real or genuine, that which is unhidden, that which is not a secret, true in itself.The Bible says, God’s Word is truth, the Spirit is Truth, and Jesus is both the Word and Truth.

“Honest” also means “noble” and is that which is “dignified.” That which is “derived from a higher citizenship.” That which is awe-inspiring. That which leads one to worship.

“Just” also means “righteous,” and is the “…Conformity to the will and nature of God Himself.” Thus the righteous are “those who have conditioned their lives by the standard which is not theirs, but God’s.” It comes from inside but is seen on the outside, and has much to do with doing good for others.

“Pure” means pure, and is that which is innocent and blameless, modest, perfect and holy.

To be “lovely” means to be “Dear to someone, beloved.” And comes from two words, one meaning face to face and the other meaning friend or someone dear or with whom you have things in common.

“Good report” means to be “well-spoken of, of good report, praiseworthy, laudable.”

“If there be any…” is a special kind of clause called an “if…then” clause. Thus, it could read, “if there be any virtue…then think on it.”

“Virtue” means that which is “pleasing to God, or the superiority of God revealed in the work of salvation…denotes in a moral sense what gives man his worth, his efficiency…moral excellency, perfection, goodness of action.”

“Praise” means just that, “That which is praiseworthy.”

“Think on” means “to occupy oneself with reckonings or calculations.” “To value or esteem.” “Take an inventory” of such things, “mediate” on them. Feel free to go over them and over them and over them and over them, because they are counted worthy of your thoughts, your time, your mind.

“Finally [from this time on], brethren, whatsoever things are true [innately true, like God’s Word], whatsoever things are honest [inspires us to worship], whatsoever things are just [God’s standard of good and doing good], whatsoever things are pure [innocent and holy], whatsoever things are lovely [dearly beloved with whom you have things in common], whatsoever things are of good report [well-spoken of]; if there be any virtue [that which is pleasing to God], and if there be any praise [praiseworthy], [then] think [reckon these thoughts as worthy to occupy your mind with and meditate upon over and over again] on these things.”

What we think about is important, because Jesus said, “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks,” Matthew 12:34. In our modern English we think of heart and mind as separate entities, but in Hebrew the mind and heart are inseparably the same, and in Greek the word here in Matthew 12 for heart, Kardia, actually means “the heart, the mind…,” “thoughts and feelings,” “the affective center of our being…our desire-decisions that establish who we really are” (https://biblehub.com/greek/2588.htm). Even physically the mind and heart are interconnected, and our physical heart “is not just a pump; it also acts like a mini brain. [For,] Science demonstrates that your heart has its own independent nervous system…Science is discovering that your heart’s brain is a real “intelligent force” behind the intuitive thoughts and feelings you experience.” (Who Switched Off My Brain, book by Caroline Leaf, pg 71).

The Washing of the Word

Now, since what we think about is so important, and God has listed 8 things we are to think about, how do we know what is true or worshipful or holy or good news or what pleases God? How can we know what to think about unless we know what those things really are?

Ephesians 5:25b-27 helps us to better know the source of this information. “…as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;26 That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word,27 That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” We are cleansed and made holy as the Spirit of God leads us into all truth (John 16:13), and God’s word is the truth (John 17:17, 20:31), Jesus is the word (John 1) and the truth (John 14:6). According to 1 Thessalonians 2:13,“…when ye [the Thessalonians] received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”

Not only is God’s Word Truth itself, but if we are in the Word it “effectually worketh” in us. “Effectually worketh” is the same term used of Elijah’s prayers in James 5:16, when it says that the effectual, fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much. The term “effectual” means not merely to work, but pictures an electrical current that “energizes” a wire, which in turn, causes a lightbulb to switch on (https://biblehub.com/greek/1754.htm). It is via God’s Word of Truth that He sanctifies us, makes us holy.

Furthermore, God’s Word expounds on that which pleases God and transforms and renews us. As Romans 12:1-2 says,“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Thus, God’s word enlightens us as to what God’s will is, what God wants, what God expects, what God desires us to be thinking about. And the more we think on His Word the more our thinking changes from that of the world’s standards and to that of God’s standards. It transforms us, and the term “transforms” us is incredibly powerful. It means to metamorphis or transfigure (https://biblehub.com/greek/3339.htm). We’ve heard that word before in the story of Jesus’ transfiguration, when His body glowed with light.

What is transfiguring us? The renewing of our minds. What makes our minds new? God’s Word. We are no longer to be conformed to this world, because instead we are to be “conformed to the image of Christ” (Romans 8:29). We are to be metamorphosed, transformed from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18), via a new mind attained through the washing of the Word.

Conclusion: Jesus is the Word

On top of this, Jesus was the “word” made flesh who dwelt among us. So, even as the word is holy and worthy of our thoughts and thus transforms our minds, Jesus who is the word itself is ultimately to be the focus of our thought life — especially now as the days grow darker and His return draws near. We are called to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). Evil is working extra hard to steal, kill, and destroy, especially through deception right now. Remember, deception is the greatest Last Days’ threat. Thus, we are to all the more keep our eyes and minds on Him, even as He said in Luke 21:28, that when we begin to see these things (like we are) come to pass, we are to lift up our heads/eyes, for our redemption is drawing near! As we do so, He will indeed keep us in perfect peace.

No matter what may come, keep looking up, keep your minds on Jesus and what He said. Let’s live it. Let’s encourage others with it. Let’s love others to Jesus, and love others in Jesus. He’s is coming soon. Let’s be ready!

Part 1:

“Jehovah Shalom: What is Our Focus?” https://holylight4u.wordpress.com/2020/11/19/jehovah-shalom-what-is-our-focus/

Part 2:

“Jehovah Shalom: Peace in Spite of Our Circumstances,” https://holylight4u.wordpress.com/2020/11/23/jehovah-shalom-peace-in-spite-of-our-circumstances/

Part 3:

“Jehovah Shalom: Do Not Be Anxious,” (Puzzle Piece #1) https://holylight4u.wordpress.com/2020/11/25/jehovah-shalom-do-not-be-anxious/

Part 4:

“Jehovah Shalom: Abiding in Christ,” https://holylight4u.wordpress.com/2020/12/10/jehovah-shalom-abiding-in-christ/

Part 5:

“Jehovah Shalom: Thankful Prayer,” (puzzle piece #2), https://holylight4u.wordpress.com/2020/12/29/jehovah-shalom-thankful-prayer/

Part 6:

“Jehovah Shalom: Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus,” https://holylight4u.wordpress.com/2020/12/29/jehovah-shalom-turn-your-eyes-upon-jesus/

Part 7:

“Jehovah Shalom: Think on These Things,” (puzzle piece #3), https://holylight4u.wordpress.com/2021/01/07/jehovah-shalom-think-on-these-things/

Part 8: (Puzzle Piece #4)

https://holylight4u.wordpress.com/2021/01/12/jehovah-shalom-the-secret-ingredient/

Jehovah Shalom: Abiding “In” Christ

10 Thursday Dec 2020

Posted by holylight4u in America, Christian History, Christian Living, End Times, Uncategorized

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

abide in Christ, Abiding in Christ, Being grafted in, Betsy ten Boom, Christian vacations, Corrie ten Boom, John 15, Philippians 4, resting, sabbath rest, security in Christ, Security in Jesus, The Hiding Place, vacations for Christians

Jehovah Shalom, the LORD of peace has been our topic over the last two lessons. With the help of Gideon and Peter we found that the peace Jesus gives us does not rely on our circumstances but rather relies on God in spite of all circumstances. Gideon faced a massive army compared to locusts both in number and violence, yet with 300 men achieved victory. Peter faced a fierce wind and a thrashing sea, yet walked upon it.

Then, with the aid of the testimony of Paul and Silas we have seen that this peace is beyond our understanding and is a guard of our hearts and minds. It is a peace that boggles the mind and defends the mind and is like Roman soldiers who served as gate monitors to the city and who would let nothing and no one in that was not supposed to be there. This peace not only is otherworldly and defies our mind’s ability to understand, but it is incredibly powerful.

The Enemy

It’s odd. When I hear the word peace, I think of softness, stillness and gentleness. But, in reality, the peace of God is a force to be reckoned with that overwhelms and overcomes the wind and the waves, even the violence and intricate tactics of an enemy seeking to destroy us. God’s Word says that the enemy roams about like a lion, zealously seeking whom he may devour – which literally means to “drink down, swallow up” (1 Peter 5:8). He desires to stealthily steal us, sacrificially kill us on his altar and to violently and completely annihilate us, as if we never had existed (John 10:10). We are essentially born spiritually blind on a battlefield. We cannot see the battlefield much less the enemy waiting to pounce upon us. And how he attacks most effectively, even since our childhood, is in our minds.

This is where God’s peace comes in to play. Our Jehovah Shalom, the LORD of peace, the Prince of Peace has given us peace that is our protection against Satan’s extermination, battle plan in our minds. Satan comes against us with selfish pride, anxiety and fear based on very real circumstances, but God’s peace is greater if we “abide.”

“In” Christ

There is an often overlooked word in the passage of Philippians 4:7. Actually, it is an overlooked word throughout the New Testament. It is a word that I just read over time and time and time again. It’s a simple, two lettered word. A preposition actually. Do any of you remember what a preposition is? Well, in Greek “The original or core meaning of…prepositions often indicates DIRECTION.” (“Prepositions and Prefixes,” https://ancientgreek.pressbooks.com/chapter/13/) In other words, is the person moving away from something, into something, under something?

In Philippians 4:7, the overlooked preposition is the word “in”. In some translations the word is translated as “through.” Although, when I studied the Greek this past weekend I cannot figure out where the translators got the word “through.” For, the Greek word does not mean to go “through” something, but rather that you are “in” something. After all, the Greek word means “in”. It carries with it “…the primary idea of rest…[of] remaining in place.” (pg 579). This preposition “in” is also found in the well-known passage of Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things [in] Christ who strengthens me.”

This little word is vitally important, for without it, we would not have this peace. It is only when we are “in” Christ that we are empowered to do “all”. It is only when we are “in” Christ that we are powerfully protected by the peace of God that boggles the mind. For it is only when we are “in” that we are at rest, that we are at home.

“I Want To Go Home”

As an former employee of a health care center, I had to watch certain training videos online every month. They are called Relias training. In one of those training videos, the narrator asked a question concerning what the phrase “I want to go home” means to different people. When someone says “I want to go home” it can mean a variety of different things.

What does it mean to you? When you think about going home, what does it look like to you? What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “home”?

Some who say this may be referring to feelings like security or safety or acceptance, others may think of home as a certain place, like where they grew up or where they raised their children, others may think of it as a place where their things are, like their favorite chair or a fireplace, and still others may think of it as a person.

Grafting

John 15:1-11

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”

To “abide” means just that, “to abide, to dwell, to remain, or live.” When in relation to a person, it means to remain with that person, to be united with them, to be “one with him in heart, mind, and will,” (pg 959).

Jesus in this passage uses an agricultural word picture when He states that He is the vine, and God the Father is the husbandman/gardener. In Israel a lot of pruning, cutting and grafting was done to olive trees, but also other fruit trees. There were branches that were not producing, so they would be cut away. Others simply needed pruning to encourage production. Still others required grafting. In the book of Romans, Paul even talks about how the Gentiles were “grafted in” to the vine of Christ. Since this word picture is so important, I did a little reading on the grafting of trees.

It is amazing how one can take a small twig of one fruit tree and make it part of another tree. Basically, one whittles down the end of the twig into a point, and a cut is made in the bark of the trunk of another fruit tree. It is into this cut that the little sharpened twig is wedged and then wrapped up tight with plastic tape. Within a short period of time the little twig becomes an actual part of the fruit tree. It’s incredible how through grafting, there can even be three different types of apples growing from one tree. So long as the fruit is from the same family, grafting can be accomplished. One can even have apricots, peaches and almonds grafted together into one tree because they are all a part of the same family. And thus, the one tree becomes the “abiding” place or the abode of the different fruits. It is now their home.

Whether the original branches or the grafted branches, they are to abide in the tree, to find their strength in its life, their sustenance in its sap, their stability in its roots, their home in its soil. Even so, we are to find our home “in” Christ. So that no matter where we are, who we are with, what financial status we are in, or what location in which we reside, whether a five-star hotel, a straw hut, a mansion, a cockroach infested hovel, a war torn landscape, a prison, the Poor House, the White House, or a care center, we will be secure, we will be at home, because our home is in Christ.

Conclusion

We conclude today with a quote from the book Tramp for the Lord by Corrie ten Boom. Corrie ten Boom was a Dutch woman of God, who, along with her family helped many Jews to escape from Holland after the Nazis invaded during WWII. She and her family were imprisoned in a concentration camp, and all of her family died in concentration camps except for Corrie who went on to become a traveling evangelist and author of The Hiding Place. In the sequel to The Hiding Place called Tramp for the Lord, Corrie ten Boom drives home the point that Christ is our home no matter where we are, when she writes,

“Betsie and I walked to the square where roll call was being held in the concentration camp. It was still early, before dawn. The head of our barracks was so cruel that she had sent us out into the very cold outdoors a full hour too early. Betsie’s hand was in mine. We went to the square by a different way from the rest of our barracks-mates. We were three as we walked with the Lord and talked with Him. Betsie spoke. Then I talked. Then the Lord spoke. How? I do not know. But both of us understood…The brilliant early morning stars were our only light. The cold winter air was so clear. We could faintly see the outlines of the barracks, the crematorium, the gas chamber, and the towers where the guards were standing with loaded machine guns.“Isn’t this a bit of heaven!” Betsie had said. “And, Lord, this is a small foretaste. One day we will see You face-to-face, but thank You that even now You are giving us the joy of walking and talking with You.”Heaven in the midst of hell. Light in the midst of darkness. What security!” (Tramp for the Lord, pg 30)

No matter what we in America or the world or the Church may be facing right now at the end of days, no matter what personal or familial or physical problem or issue we may be enduring, not one thing of it compares to Christ. If we think the issue too big, then we’ve made our God too small. If we’ve got our eyes on the problem, then we are not seeing God’s handiwork. If we are focused on the storm, the unknown, the insanity of it all, then how can we possibly be focused on God as well? Truly, the more we focus on anything other than Christ, the more we will fear, worry, fret, get angry and make bad decision and do stupid things, and on top of it all, we will always want a vacation. We will want to get away.

After years of studying Scripture, I have come to notice something. No one took vacations. Well, once someone did (David) and it led to adultery and then murder and then lying and then the death of a child. In other words, God did not create us to go on vacations. But, He did create us with a need for a Sabbath rest (once a week), and most importantly, to learn the vital nature of learning to rest completely and totally in Him at all times. When He is our abode, our dwelling place, our hiding place at all times then we will find that He is all the vacation we need…and oh! what security we’ll have when Christ is our home!

Part 1:

“Jehovah Shalom: What is Our Focus?” https://holylight4u.wordpress.com/2020/11/19/jehovah-shalom-what-is-our-focus/

Part 2:

“Jehovah Shalom: Peace in Spite of Our Circumstances,” https://holylight4u.wordpress.com/2020/11/23/jehovah-shalom-peace-in-spite-of-our-circumstances/

Part 3:

“Jehovah Shalom: Do Not Be Anxious,” (Puzzle Piece #1) https://holylight4u.wordpress.com/2020/11/25/jehovah-shalom-do-not-be-anxious/

Part 4:

“Jehovah Shalom: Abiding in Christ,” https://holylight4u.wordpress.com/2020/12/10/jehovah-shalom-abiding-in-christ/

Part 5:

“Jehovah Shalom: Thankful Prayer,” (puzzle piece #2), https://holylight4u.wordpress.com/2020/12/29/jehovah-shalom-thankful-prayer/

Part 6:

“Jehovah Shalom: Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus,” https://holylight4u.wordpress.com/2020/12/29/jehovah-shalom-turn-your-eyes-upon-jesus/

Part 7:

“Jehovah Shalom: Think on These Things,” (puzzle piece #3), https://holylight4u.wordpress.com/2021/01/07/jehovah-shalom-think-on-these-things/

Part 8: (puzzle piece #4)

https://holylight4u.wordpress.com/2021/01/12/jehovah-shalom-the-secret-ingredient/

God-Sufficiency: Have You Learned the Secret?

12 Monday Oct 2020

Posted by holylight4u in Bible Study, Christian History, Christian Living, End Times, Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

being conformed to Christ, Being conformed to the likeness of Jesus, christ our prince of peace, Christian persecution, Christian persecution in America, christian suffering, In Christ alone, Isaiah 9:6, peace in economic collapse, peace in troubling times, Philippians 3:8, Philippians 4, Philippians 4:4, Philippians 4:6-7, Philippians 4:9, real peace, rejoicing in God always, the prince of peace, the sufferings of the apostle paul, true peace

With all that is transpiring in our world today and the swift approach of economic collapse, the already manifesting food shortages, violent riots, political unrest, and the arrival of Christian persecution, this is the prescription of Dr. Jesus. The passage of Philippians 4:6-9 covers incredibly powerful, life-altering topics that we cannot afford to miss! Have you read this passage recently? Here are some of it’s topics: “Do Not Worry,” “Thankful Prayer,” “Think on These Things,” and “Habitual Practice of Peace.”

We are going to begin at the tail end of things, the “Habitual Practice of Peace” as found in Philippians 4:9 which says, “9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”

Now, what were the Philippians to practice exactly? That which they had learned, received, heard, and seen of course! So, what was it that they had learned, received, heard and seen? Before we get to some of those specifics, let’s take a look at the Greek behind those four important words: Learn, Receive, Hear, See, and Do.

A Little Greek Lesson

Before proceeding to this passage’s application, it is essential that we take a quick look at what these words mean in the Greek. This will enable us to reach a better, more Biblically sound application.

The Greek word for Learn is not the type of learning that can be attained overnight, but rather, is acquired from experience through a great deal of reflection and discipline. The Greek word for Received comes from the combination of two Greek words which when combined mean, “to aggressively take alongside,” or “to receive with the mind.” In other words, you really want it and readily receive it. The Greek for Hear, literally means “to hear (listen)” and figuratively means, “to hear God’s voice” which leads to inner faith. After all, “Faith come by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” The Greek meaning of to See can mean to physically see, but can also mean to perceive with the mind “with inward spiritual perception” all through experience. And To Do in the Greek means to practice regularly, to “perform repeatedly or habitually” and is not just a one time thing. In other words, what one was discipled in, exuberantly received, heard with their inner ears, and saw with their spiritual eyes, was to be lived out over and over again.

Paul’s Example: “I Have Learned the Secret”

Along with this important knowledge of the Greek definitions, yet another step in coming to the best application is that of knowing what the Philippians had learned, received, heard and seen in Paul. To better understand this, let’s go back into Philippians 3 beginning in verse 8.

“Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ…10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death… forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you….17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.”

And then Paul goes on to say in Philippians 4:4, 11-13, “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice...11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

According to this passage, Paul had learned through experience, reflection and discipline to be content, to be satisfied, to have an “inward sufficiency” that comes from the empowerment of Christ. A God-Sufficiency. Paul also knew how to be “abased”, that is, to be completely humble, even humiliated and God-reliant instead of self-reliant or others-reliant, as well as to “superabound” and to have excess. Furthermore, he had been instructed. The word used here should not merely say “I am instructed,” but rather should be translated, “I have learned the secret,” or “I have been initiated,” for it does include a message of powerful importance. And The Secret appears to have to do with the art of being famished or full, the art of superabounding in goods or suffering in great need.

In every secret society or brotherhood or fraternity there is always what is called an initiation for the newcomer, and nearly if not always, the new initiate has to go through some sort of pain or humiliation or bloodshed of some kind in order to be initiated into the group. The word used for the mystery religions of Paul’s day for doing such an initiation was the word used here for “I have been instructed” or “I have learned the secret,” and meant quite literally “to be initiated into the mysteries.” It is not just a mere instruction that anyone would learn in the classroom, but rather pictures the initiate closing their eyes and mouth in order to “experience [the] mystery” and thus be “initiated into the wonderful “mystery revelation” of learning.”

The Initiation Ceremony of Suffering

What is the mystery in which Paul had been instructed? Remaining in perfect peace while suffering. After all, Paul had gone through and would continue to go through extensive persecution, physical and emotional pain, poverty, severe opposition, and deep disappointments. As it says in 2 Corinthians 11, “in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one [195 lashes].25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.” And yet in all of it Paul goes on to say, “29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.” In chapter 4 states, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh….14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

Application: Have You Been Initiated?

Indeed, Paul had learned the secret, and been initiated into “Christ’s sufferings” and that secret was resting in Christ and remaining in God’s peace through it and in spite of it all.

Now, how about us? Have we been initiated? Let us learn this secret of how to be unshakably peaceful, this mystery of being content in Christ no matter where we are located, no matter what is in our tummies, no matter what people are with us or not with us, no matter how much or how little money we have in our pockets. Taking up our cross and dying to ourselves daily takes on a whole new meaning with this in mind (Matthew 16:24-26; Galatians 2:20).

Through Paul, the Philippians had learned, received, heard, and seen what to do in the midst of good times and bad times, times of great overflowing abundance and times of little-to-nothing, days of great discomfort and days of a multitude of benefits. The Gospel is not just about the good days, but about the bad. The Gospel, as exemplified through Christ, does not promise us smooth sailing, great wealth, or only good times. Really, it guarantees us the opposite. It says we are blessed when we are persecuted, that we are to take up our shameful cross daily and follow Christ, that we are to rejoice anyway in all situations, and that when we are generous here (whether we have a little with which to be generous or a lot) then we have riches in heaven. The Gospel promises us something more amazing, more mind blowing and more incredible than what this superficial world will ever experience. It promises us rest, whether we are rich or destitute, when we are starving or fat and sassy. It promises us a sufficiency in Christ that nothing can touch! It promises us unshakable peace that nothing can defeat! It promises us that we are more than conquerors through Christ (Romans 8).

We along with Paul are called to count all accomplishments and gains and all that this world looks up to as “dung”. We too are called to fellowship with Christ in His suffering. We are not to be conformed to this world’s standards, but instead are called with Paul to conform to Christ in His death. We are called to follow Paul in his example of following Christ, and are to thus learn the art of suffering well. We are to habitually practice peace in both prosperity and poverty, in humiliation and happiness.

If the stock market crashes, rest in Christ. If you’re favorite coffee is no longer found on the shelves of the grocery store or turkeys are unavailable for Thanksgiving or a pile of presents is not an option for Christmas this year or you lose your job, habitually practice peace. For true peace is not found in things. True peace is not found in money. True peace is not found in vacations or large parties or full refrigerators or brand new cars or any material, fleshly thing. True peace is found in Christ alone! Why? Because Christ is the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

When we habitually practice what we have learned, received, heard and seen, then “the God of peace will be with you,” and Him being with us, changes us, conforms us into the likeness of Jesus, from glory to glory (Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18). As it says in Romans 8:16-18,“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

Sources:

Biblehub, https://biblehub.com/interlinear/philippians/4.htm

Strong’s Concordance

The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament

Interlinear Bible

Notes from word study

“Learned” =3129 manthánō (akin to 3101 /mathētḗs, “a disciple”) – properly, learning key facts; gaining “fact-knowledge as someone learns from experience, often with the implication of reflection – ‘come to realize’ “Also in Vs 11“I have Learned…”

“Received” =“3880 paralambánō (from 3844 /pará, “from close-alongside” and 2983 /lambánō, “aggressively take”) – to take (receive) by showing strong personal initiative…. to join to oneself… to receive with the mind”

“Heard” =191 akoúō – properly, to hear (listen); (figuratively) to hear God’s voice which prompts Him to birth faith within (cf. Ro 10:17). See 189 (akoē).[191 (akoúō) is the root of the English term, “acoustics.”]“Faith come by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”

“Have Seen” =“3708 horáō – properly, see, often with metaphorical meaning: “to see with the mind” (i.e. spiritually see), i.e. perceive (with inward spiritual perception).”A third meaning is “to see i. e. to become acquainted with by experience, to experience…”The first meaning is merely “to see.”

“Do” =“4238 prássō – properly, the active process in performing (accomplishing) a deed, and implying what is done as a regular practice – i.e. a routine or habit (cf. R. Trench)… A primary verb; to “practise”, i.e. Perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from poieo, which properly refers to a single act); by implication, to execute, accomplish, etc.; specially, to collect (dues), fare (personally) — commit, deeds, do, exact, keep, require, use arts.”

“To be content” Cognate: 842 autárkēs (the adjectival form of 841 /autárkeia, “contentment”) – properly, self-sufficient, content in the sense of being satisfied because living in God’s content (fulness). This inward sufficiency is as valid in “low times” (suffering) as in “high times” (temporal prosperity). See 841 (autarkeia). 842 /autárkēs (“sufficiency within”) occurs only in Phil 4:11 where it refers to positive self-sufficiency (inward adequacy) – i.e. that comes through the indwelling power of Christ. [842 (autárkēs) comes from autos (“self”) and arkein (“sufficient”) meaning “self”-sufficiency, which is entirely God-produced.]”

“Be Abased,”Cognate: 5013 tapeinóō – make (become) low, to humble. See 5011 (tapeinos).With the believer, 5013 /tapeinóō (“show humility, true lowliness”) happens by being fully dependent on the Lord – dismissing reliance upon self (self-government) and emptying carnal ego. This exalts the Lord as our all-in-all and prompts the gift of His fullness in us.”

“To Abound” 4052 perisseúō (from 4012 /perí, “all-around” which indicates abundance or surplus) – properly, exceed, go beyond the expected measure, i.e. above and beyond (“more than . . . “); “what goes further (more), surpasses” (J. Thayer).

“To Suffer Need” 5302 hysteréō (from 5306 /hýsteros, “last”) – properly, at “the end,” i.e. coming behind (to “be posterior, late”); (figuratively) coming behind and therefore left out; left wanting (falling short). 5302 /hysteréō (“failing to fulfill a goal”) means to be in lack and hence, unable to meet the need at hand because depleted (“all run out“). This state of lack (insufficiency, privation) naturally results when a person misses out on what is vital.

Vs 11, “I have learned the secret…” “mueó: to initiate into the mysteries, hence to instruct”3453 myéō (akin to 3466 /mystḗrion, “mystery”) – properly, shutting the eyes and mouth to experience mystery; (figuratively) initiated into the wonderful “mystery revelation” of learning to be content in Christ in every scene of life – no exceptions! See also 3804 /páthēma (“suffering”).

[The metaphor was also used of “the initiatory rites of the pagan mysteries. ‘I have been initiated’ ” (WS, 893).]”

“With” 3326metá(a preposition) – properly, with (“after with”), implying “change afterward” (i.e. what results after the activity). As an active “with,” 3326 (metá) looks towards the after-effect (change, result) which is only defined by the context… denoting association, union, accompaniment…”

Kingdom Currency

18 Friday Sep 2020

Posted by holylight4u in America, Christian Living, Uncategorized

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Building Bigger Barns, Christian investments, Christians and money, Give us this day our daily bread, Laying up treasure in heaven, Luke 12, Luke 16, Matthew 6, Philippians 4, seeking first the Kingdom, the foolish rich man, the shrewd steward

There is a lot of talk these days about the dollar collapsing, the economies of the world collapsing, and in what we are to invest. There are those who invest in “bugging” out bags full of survival gear. There are those who invest in special water purification systems, rooms full of freeze-dried food, fuel of some kind and a multiplicity of necessities. There are those who invest in silver and gold. There are those who invest in Bitcoin. There are those who invest in Omani Currency. There are those who invest in Faraday bags, generators, and the like. And really, if you feel led by the Lord to do this, like you had a dream and He spoke to you, then by all means, do it. Perhaps you just think it is good stewardship to do so. And really, it is not a bad thing to be prepared for a disaster. After all, there are enough happening these days.

But, I want to remind you of something not being talked about at all. And I mean, not at all. Unless of course it is talked about in a negative way and by those who are just trying to take your money like a dishonest used car salesman or an ambulance chasing lawyer. To what am I referring? God’s Kingdom.

Jesus in Matthew 6 says, “19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light [speaking of generosity]. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness [speaking of a miser]. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Now there are a lot of people who would beg to differ with this statement. But, since Jesus is God, I think it’s wiser to believe Him than what some man has taught or what our own preconceptions might be. So, let’s take off our “worldly-wise” glasses and take a look at this through “Kingdom” eyes.

In Luke 12 and Luke 16 Jesus explains this important topic via a rich man and a sly steward. The rich man of Luke 12 decides to build bigger barns and take his ease, but has no idea that death is about to overtake him. This is akin to having billions saved away and/or invested, and you feel safe and secure in that. And though we have lawyers and trust funds and wills, they had wills back in Jesus’ day too. The point was not that no one would get his vast wealth or that strangers would. More than likely his children would inherit it. The point was that the rich man would not get to enjoy it for himself, for his life would be required of him. Indeed, the attitude of this rich man is not the attitude that God wants of believers, for God calls him a fool (Luke 12:20). The attitude He wants in us is as follows in Luke 12:22-32.

“22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? 27 “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. 32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.”

We are not pagans, and should not be worrying about anything, necessity or otherwise, disaster or no disaster, economic collapse or no collapse. Instead, Jesus wants us pursuing the Kingdom.

The sly steward of Luke 16 busied himself with dishonesty and embezzlement until he was suspected by his master. It was then that he decided to make friends with his master’s debtors by having the debtors readjust the books so that they owed less. In this selfish act of kindness, he slyly made friends of all those who owed his master so that when his master eventually audited him and fired him, he would have friends who would take him in. In other words, the money we make here on earth is not for our benefit, but we are to use it for the benefit of others. Ephesians 4:28 says regarding this very thing, “Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.” Think about that statement. We, as Christians, are to make money not to save it nor simply to spend it on ourselves for our own pleasure or security, but rather, are to make money in order to share with those in need. After all Luke 17 says, “33 Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it.” So why are we so concerned about living? Why are we selfishly consumed with our own needs and pleasures?

When we look at the early church of Acts in chapter after chapter, they were selling things they owned in order to give to other Christians who needed things more than they did. They were living by faith in a God who taught them to pray, “Give us this day our DAILY bread.” And God provided for their every need according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19), and Paul attested to God’s generous provision through His people (Philippians 4:15-19). Thus, because they knew that God would supply, they invested in each other not bigger barns. They are our examples, living testaments of this truth.

I just want to encourage you today. No matter what your reason is for prepping, investing in gold or some other type of currency, building bomb shelters, selling your home and moving etc., please consider the words of Jesus. We are Kingdom people, not pagans. We are Christians whose treasure is laid up in heaven, and that treasure is in heaven because of our monetary investment in others. Remember, I’m not talking about the shysters on t.v. who just want your money. I’m talking real ministries and real needs.

So, please, when thinking about how best to invest your money, consider investing in other believers today. Find a ministry that is preaching the unadulterated Gospel of Jesus Christ, providing for and defending the widow and the orphan, and standing firm and steadfast in the faith in these dark times. Or perhaps that need is closer to home. And don’t give expecting anything in return (Luke 6:35). Just give. “38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Like Jesus said in Matthew 6, “19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also…19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also…33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Please, let Jesus’ timeless truth sink in. Reflect on it. Meditate upon it. Remember, there is a Kingdom currency in the world to come, with an eternal value that will not fade with time. Now is when we accrue that currency, and we do so by investing our money in the lives of others. Invest in others now and you invest in eternity. Let’s not be fools like the rich man with bigger barns, but instead let us be rich toward God (Luke 12:20-21) and make friends with others for eternity.

At Home “In” Christ

09 Wednesday Sep 2020

Posted by holylight4u in America, Christian History, Christian Living, End Times, Uncategorized

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1 Peter 5:8, abide, abide in Christ, Betsy ten Boom, Civilla D. Martin, Corrie ten Boom, grafted in, His Eye Is On The Sparrow, In Christ, Jesus is the vine, John 15, peace of God, Philippians 4, Philippians 4:6-7, Satan is a roaring lion, Seeking whom he may devour, that our joy might be full, The Hiding Place, Tramp for the Lord, true peace, Under His Wings, We are the branches, What does it mean to abide, William Cushing

When you hear the word peace, of what do you think? When I hear the word peace, I think of softness, stillness and gentleness, like a warm summer breeze that tousles the branches in the trees and spreads the fragrance of freshly cut hay. When you hear the word home, what do you picture in your mind? Is it the place where you grew up? Is it a person? Is it your comfy chair, a crackling fire and a warm drink? Is is ocean surf at your feet, warm sandy beaches, and a frosty glass with something yummy in it?

In reality, both peace and home are something a bit different. To begin with, the peace of God is not all that soft, but rather, is a force to be reckoned with, that overwhelms and overcomes the wind and the waves, even the violence and intricate tactics of an enemy seeking to destroy us. God’s Word says that the enemy roams about like a lion, zealously seeking whom he may devour – which literally means to “drink down, swallow up” (1 Peter 5:8). He desires to stealthily steal us, sacrificially kill us on his altar and to violently and completely annihilate us, as if we never had existed (John 10:10). We are essentially born spiritually blind on a battlefield, and babies on battlefields don’t mix so well. We cannot see the battlefield much less the enemy waiting to pounce upon us. And how he attacks most effectively, even since our childhood, is in our minds.

This is where God’s peace comes in to play. Our Jehovah Shalom, the LORD of peace, the Prince of Peace has given us peace that is our protection against Satan’s battle plan of extermination in our minds. Satan comes against us with selfish pride, anxiety and fear based on very real circumstances, but God’s peace is greater if we “abide.” And where we abide is our safe place, our secure place, our soft place to fall….our home.

“In” Christ

There is an often overlooked word in the passage of Philippians 4:7. Actually, it is an overlooked word throughout the New Testament. It is a word that I just read over time and time and time again. It’s a simple, two lettered word. A preposition actually. Do any of you remember what a preposition is? Well, in Greek “The original or core meaning of…prepositions often indicates DIRECTION.” (“Prepositions and Prefixes,” https://ancientgreek.pressbooks.com/chapter/13/) In other words, a preposition determines if a person is moving away from something, toward something, into something, on top of something or under something.

In Philippians 4:7, the overlooked preposition is the word “in”. In some translations the word is translated as “through.” Although, when I studied the Greek this past weekend I cannot figure out where the translators got the word “through.” For, the Greek word does not mean to go “through” something, but rather that you are “in” something. After all, the Greek word means “in”. It carries with it “…the primary idea of rest…[of] remaining in place.” (The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament, 579). This preposition “in” is also found in the well-known passage of Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things [in] Christ who strengthens me.”

“I Want To Go Home”

As an former employee of a health care facility, I had to watch certain training videos online every month called Relias training. In one of those training videos, the topic of residents being homesick was addressed. Often in nursing care facilities, residents will miss home and become depressed and sometimes even angry and desperate, especially those with dementia. But going home doesn’t necessarily mean what one might think it means. Sometimes, the resident with dementia thinks they are 17 years old again, and home to them is the large old house they grew up in on the farm. Other times, they are still 32 years old and married with small children living in a certain house in a little town. At other times, home to them is not a place but is a person like their husband or wife or their mother or children or even their pets or cows if they were a dairy farmer.

It was then that the narrator of the Relias video asked a question concerning what the phrase “I want to go home” means. When someone says “I want to go home” it can mean a variety of different things to different people as seen above.

What does home mean to you? When you think about going home, what does it look like to you? What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “home”?

Grafting

Regarding a place to call home, John 15:1-11 gives us a beautiful picture of a vine and branches.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”

Pictures of grafting fruit trees from Ladyleeshome.com

Conclusion

We conclude today with a quote from the book Tramp for the Lord by Corrie ten Boom. Corrie ten Boom was a Dutch woman, who, along with her family helped many Jews to escape from Holland after the Nazis invaded during WWII. She and her family were imprisoned in a concentration camp because of this, and all of her family died in concentration camps except for Corrie who went on to become a traveling evangelist and author of The Hiding Place. In the sequel to The Hiding Place called Tramp for the Lord, Corrie ten Boom drives home the point that Christ is our home no matter where we are, when she writes,

“Betsie and I walked to the square where roll call was being held in the concentration camp. It was still early, before dawn. The head of our barracks was so cruel that she had sent us out into the very cold outdoors a full hour too early.
Betsie’s hand was in mine. We went to the square by a different way from the rest of our barracks-mates. We were three as we walked with the Lord and talked with Him. Betsie spoke. Then I talked. Then the Lord spoke. How? I do not know. But both of us understood…
The brilliant early morning stars were our only light. The cold winter air was so clear. We could faintly see the outlines of the barracks, the crematorium, the gas chamber, and the towers where the guards were standing with loaded machine guns.
“Isn’t this a bit of heaven!” Betsie had said. “And, Lord, this is a small foretaste. One day we will see You face-to-face, but thank You that even now You are giving us the joy of walking and talking with You.”
Heaven in the midst of hell. Light in the midst of darkness. What security!”
(Tramp for the Lord, pg 30)

Ah, what security we have in Christ when He is our home.

This brings to mind the song, “His Eye Is On The Sparrow,” written by Civilla D. Martin in 1905/6. While she and her husband were ministering in New York, they developed a close friendship with a couple by the name of Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle. Mrs. Doolittle was a bed-ridden invalid of 20 years, and Mr. Doolittle wheeled himself to and from work in his wheelchair. After observing the cheerful behavior and kindness expressed to everyone through this couple, Mr. Doolittle wondered aloud about what their secret was. To that the Doolittles responded, “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” Inspired by these words, Civilla Martin penned the words you are about to read. May the Lord greatly bless you with these timeless lyrics of contentment and security and absolute peace.

"Why should I feel discouraged? Why should the shadows come? 
Why should my heart be lonely and long for heaven and home, 
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He: 
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. 

"Let not your heart be troubled," His tender word I hear, 
and resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears; 
though by the path He leadeth but one step I may see: 
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. 

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise, 
when song gives place to sighing, when hope within me dies; 
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free: 
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me."

One more hymn of the same time period that my heart begins to sing as I think on abiding in Christ is one by the name of “Under His Wings,” written by William Cushing. William Cushing had been a pastor who permanently lost his voice when he was in his forties. In spite of this horrific set back, he continued praising the Lord and wrote over 300 hymns, which have blessed countless people, including me and now hopefully you.

Under His wings I am safely abiding;
  Though the night deepens and tempests are wild,
Still I can trust Him, I know He will keep me;
  He has redeemed me, and I am His child.

Chorus: 
Under His wings, under His wings,
  Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
    Safely abide forever.

Under His wings—what a refuge in sorrow!
  How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!
Often when earth has no balm for my healing,
  There I find comfort, and there I am blest.

Under His wings—oh, what precious enjoyment!
  There will I hide till life’s trials are o’er;
Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me;
  Resting in Jesus I’m safe evermore.

So, no matter what comes in this life, even in the next few months, please, in the words of Philippians 4:6-7, “6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds [in] Christ Jesus.”

Jesus wants us to abide in Him. Why? That His joy might remain in us, and our joy might be full. Are you lacking joy today? Are you lacking peace? It’s time to abide. And if you don’t know how, ask Him. He’ll show you! And from now on, I sincerely pray, that if you are ever asked about who or what or where home is to you, that you’ll say Jesus.

Abiding in Christ,

Holy Light Ministries

Word Study and Sources for the Article:

Studies of the word “In”

The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament

#1722 en “in”; means “In…by any place or thing, with the primary idea of rest…means remaining in place” (pg 579).

“Prepositions and Prefixes,” https://ancientgreek.pressbooks.com/chapter/13/

“Appendix 3: Prepositions,” https://www.motorera.com/greek/lessons/appendix3.html

Sources on the word “Abide”

The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament

#3306 meno, “Abide”; “To remain, abide, dwell or live” (pg 959).

“Of the relation in which one person or thing stands with another, chiefly in John’s writings; thus to remain in or with someone, i.e., to be and remain united with him, one with him in heart, mind, and will…” (pg 959).

John 15 “Abiding” and Philippians 4:7, 13 “In Christ”

“What It Means To Abide In Christ & How To Do It,” https://www.johnrothra.com/devotionalteaching/christian-living/what-it-means-to-abide-in-christ-how-to-do-it/

The grafting of the trees and the producing of fruit

“Grafting Fruit Trees,” https://ladyleeshome.com/grafting-fruit-trees/

“How Grafting Affects Olive Trees,” https://homeguides.sfgate.com/grafting-affects-olive-trees-56828.html

“Did You Know This About Olive Trees?” https://godinthebeginning.wordpress.com/2017/06/21/did-you-know-this-about-olive-trees/

Psalm 91 word study

The Complete Words Study Dictionary: Old Testament

#3885 liyn or lun, “abide”; “It describes the secure, peaceful rest of one living close to the Lord…” (pg 546).

	Sally on The Purpose of Holy Light…
	The State of the Nat… on Asbury: A Note to the Vigilant…
	The State of the Nat… on What Is Really Going On: Myste…
	The State of the Nat… on Do Not Be Deceived: Christ…
	Asbury: A Note to th… on Do Not Be Deceived: An Angel o…

Puzzle Piece #3

So Then, What Are We To Think About?

The Meaning Behind the Words

The Washing of the Word

Conclusion: Jesus is the Word

Other Jehovah Shalom Articles:

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Part 4:

Part 5:

Part 6:

Part 7:

Part 8: (Puzzle Piece #4)

Other Possible Articles of Interest:

Other Jehovah Shalom Articles:

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Part 4:

Part 5:

Part 7:

Part 8: (puzzle piece #4)

Other Possible Articles of Interest:

A Little Greek Lesson

Paul’s Example: “I Have Learned the Secret”

The Initiation Ceremony of Suffering

Application: Have You Been Initiated?

Sources:

Notes from word study

“In” Christ

“I Want To Go Home”

Grafting

Conclusion

Other Excellent Links:

Word Study and Sources for the Article:

Studies of the word “In”

Sources on the word “Abide”

John 15 “Abiding” and Philippians 4:7, 13 “In Christ”

The grafting of the trees and the producing of fruit

Psalm 91 word study