This what I want to say this morning…
But as I wrote, I kept getting interrupted with Scripture! So wonderful!
I know God is speaking to me, when he backs up what he is saying through his well established written word, being brought to my mind.
Today’s message came to me as I was meditating on the message and scriptures quoted in a little book published by Pastor H H Barber, “Comfort”
In the text commentaries available in the Blue Letter Bible App, there is one fellow I’ve come to really appreciate, his name is David Guzik. The following is part of his commentary on 1 Corinthians 15.
Most of us are so concerned about living comfortable lives here on earth that our lives give no evidence of the resurrection.
David Guzik
This word about seeking comfortable lives caught my attention because of a word my wife received during our virtual home group Bible study. About not being satisfied with being comfortable.
God, I pray that you will help me to tie all of these scriptures (quoted below) into one coherent message.
The underlying bedrock fact is that God’s word is The Authority. The not so obvious is that hearing the word not only puts me in a position to be saved from the blindness that comes from complacency, but it also stands on its own as a witness of God’s faithfulness to each and everyone of us who hear it.
“I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.”
John 12:46-48
Think of the scenario where I awaken in a dark cave, seeking to escape. I need light! God’s word is that light, given through obedient, loving brothers and sisters in Christ! The light being turned on, I now have the choice to consider my steps. I can ignore this message, and stay in the cave, or I can submit to this message, allowing God lead me out!
One day I will be standing in God’s presence, and held accountable. God’s faithfulness is absolute to us all! None of us can say, “nobody told me?!?”
How can that be? The Message of the gospel is alive! Jesus is alive, The Holy Spirit is our teacher and reminder!
Let’s break out of the imagery of poetry into the open air of the real world! Our response to God’s word to us is always, prayer. The opposite of hardening my heart, is to listen, and obey it,
[words of Jesus] “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
John 14:26
“So, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the wilderness,”
Hebrews 3:7-8
“God I hear you, I know your word is true, I know that since I hear this message, it’s to save me! Oh, Father God, forgive me, Lord, heal me, open my eyes, in Jesus name I pray, Amen”
To walk away from this message I receive today, I will be like the dog returning I his vomit, like the fool who returns to his folly.
“Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly. Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.”
Proverbs 26:11-12
Is ours a society of narcissists? Are we not in love with ourselves. Surely the best way to “sell” anything is to appeal to how it will benefit the buyer.
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”
Proverbs 14:12 ESV
In Revelation 12 we read about the Dragon, the poetic image is of Satan, and the scenario is that he is seeking to destroy, but “they” triumphed over him! Who are THEY do you think?
“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”
Revelation 12:11 NIV
They defeated him through the blood of the Lamb and the bold word of their witness. They weren’t in love with themselves; they were willing to die for Christ.
Revelation 12:11 The Message
Are you complacent? Are you comfortable? Or is there a gnawing anxiety inside of you? Could that anxiety be nothing less than God’s Holy Spirit calling out to you?
What is complacency?
What do you have to lose? Call out to God!
“Oh, God, I need your clarity! I need you to teach me in a way that I can understand! I need you Lord to shred these ropes that have me bound, and helpless. Save me, in the name of Jesus Christ, your son, Amen
Running Down Vimy 