Jesus holds many titles: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Savior, Lord of Lords, King of Kings, Prince of Peace, Bright and Morningstar, Alpha and Omega. He has also been described as “despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.” Our Savior bears each title with dignity, honor, and much love. From the princely realm of heaven to the depths of humanity, Jesus carries these titles like jewels in a crown. They represents the essence of his character, and his divinity. Because of them [the titles], we understand Him a little. He is approachable. We relate to Him, because He is acquainted with every facet of life. He knows our pain, our sadness, as well as our joys and triumphs. C.H. Spurgeon described Christ as the Lamb that was slain…”who wears the glory of an Intercessor who can never fail, of a Prince who can never be defeated, of a Conqueror who has vanquished every foe, of a Lord who has the hearts’ allegiance of every subject.”
My husband taught a class entitled, “The Power in God’s Word“. He used the first five chapters of Genesis to get the class to understand how important it is to read the Bible, not just for the sake of reading, but also for understanding. He used the illustration of Seth (Cain and Abel’s brother) to show how easy it is to miss connections and relationships between events, timeframes, and biblical figures. So how should one read the Bible? Pray first and ask the Holy Spirit for understanding, read slowly, and do asecond read.
Let’s face it. We won’t truly understand who we are and our purpose with a cursory read of God’s Holy Word. The average 21st Century Christianis woefully lacking in their knowledge, and understanding of God’s Word. They pick up some bits and pieces, but not enough to produce the Power they should have.
The Bible said “my people perish from a lack of knowledge.” That lack of knowledge is evident in our daily walk, and in our homes, schools, communities, businesses, and even in the church. The body of Christ does not reflect the Power of God. Just take a look around you. Do you see evidence of the awesome power of God?
Taking time to study is part of our responsibility as servants, and inheritors of the Eternal blessing. Study helps us to rightly divide the word of truth. As a consequence, we regain power that was lost, when our fore-parents sinned in the Garden of Eden. We re-gain lineage [family line, ancestry, roots] and heritage [legacy, birthright, inheritance] from the power in God’s Word.
Do a second read for understanding, and for the power in God’s Word.
“Happiness resides not in possessions and not in gold; the feeling of happiness dwells in the soul”. Democritus
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:9-11 The abundant life has nothing to do with possessions and everything to do with what possesses our soul. On long walks I often marvel at God’s creations, because in nature, and in our lives there are lots of opportunity to discover and maintain real lasting happiness. It begins and ends with our relationship with God, which points us to those things that makes us happy, such as family, friends, compassionate service to others, and being with precious Jesus. Think of it, God formed us to worship and be with Him. He created a way to have an eternal relationship through His Son. There is nothing quite like deep abiding sacred place of happiness formed by God. Satisfaction in knowing that if you had a Job experience, it would still result in happiness because you have God. To know nothing can separate you from the love of God, from Christ our Savior is a wonderment, and a blessing. We have happiness. We have abundant life. We have all we will ever need for our soul. So take a moment to slow down, breathe and say Amen for being abundantly happy in God.
My husband and I made an 11 hour road trip yesterday to see our granddaughter perform in a dance recital. Watching her and others dance, I thought, at what moment do we recognize our special gift or talent? What triggers the thought this is what I want to do, this is who I am, this is what I came to do? I’ve read that some can recall in vivid detail the moment they realized their gift or purpose. They called it a “deep knowing” which they stated made them realized this is why God made them. With this knowing they move into the flow of their giftedness.
There are plenty of distractions, lost opportunities which delay, or prevent this discovery. Lots of people go through life feeling there is nothing special about them. That they are not valued, and have nothing to contribute. Some abused, and discarded souls fail to launch sensing their only purpose is to experience pain, and not to experience the feeling of being in their destiny.
What I witnessed yesterday was the beginning stages of recognition. It was evident on some dancer’s faces, in their movements and in their eyes. There was a yes, this is what I am supposed to do.
Why is this important? God wants us to recognize who and what we are. He wants us to express our gifts and talents. Expressing our gifts shows our gratitude to Him, and give the world a chance to experience more of God. The Bible tells us, “Every good and perfect gift comes down from Him”. Our source and connection to the Creator and Source of All Things is the creative lifeline. We were made in his likeness and image, and because of it, there is a longing to express beauty, love, peace. [Genesis 1:25-27]
The moment you begin the journey of discovery you change. Life flows differently. Just as some of those young people yesterday began discovering their gifts, it can happen to you.
It has been a joy and privilege to watch the flower of discovery unfold in our grandchildren. I believe their journey of learning who they are, and what God made them for will culminate in pure joy. As they move forward, and they will come closer to God, and their purpose. Ecclesiastes 8:6 states, “to every purpose there is a time”, and there is an eternal plan for us. While we are here, we are called to demonstrate to the world who we truly are [Ephesians 3:11].
Everyone was given something unique in which to express their connectedness to the Holy One. It’s quite remarkable. Just as Jesus’ purpose was to reveal His deity, and destiny to mankind, so to are we. Do you know your purpose? Are you expressing your true gifts and talents? Do you know what they are? If not, take the journey of discovery. The world needs to experience those precious gifts. Don’t hide them under a bushel.
Liturgical Dance performed by Elder Cassandra Henry. All rights reserved. Oshkosh, Wisconsin. 2008.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus in chapter 4 about walking in unity. Verse 3 states…”endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Unity by definition is to join; to become united in oneness. When you look at the Greek and Hebrew definitions, there is an emphasis not only on becoming one, but doing so one by one for the purpose of abundance. Abundance is an outgrowth of our oneness in unity with the Spirit. It is a reward or benefit of abiding in unity. Our definition of unity is expanded. The sum of our parts is greater because of our oneness with Christ. Further in chapter 4 of Ephesians, we are told there is one body and one Spirit, and we as believers are called into one hope through our Lord, our faith, our baptism, our God and Father. How do we become one body demonstrating unity? By equipping the saints til “we come into unity of the faith” and in the knowledge of Jesus. With the combined gifts and works of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, the church becomes a mature, stronger and fully prepared entity ready to carry out His plans. We become more powerful, more loving, more compassionate, more cunning about the ways of the enemy…all parts working together in sync [harmony] with the divine plan of salvation. We become one. Not all at once, but individually, one by one until every part of the body is in place and fully operational.
The word unity appears three times in the Scriptures, just three. In Psalm 133:1, and in the verses 3 and 13 of Chapter 4 in Ephesians. And yet despite its absence in other scriptures, the theme of unity in the house of God can be seen throughout the Bible. Even before Adam and Eve sinned, God had devised a unifying plan to restored us to “glorious abundant oneness” with Him. May you grow up in all things [one body] into Him who is the Head-Christ our Lord.
Loving God with Excellence 
You must be logged in to post a comment.