We all come from various backgrounds and experiences in life which often have a direct effect on how we understand God. If you have read any of my writings, you would know that I believe a relationship with God is the key ingredient required to have true purpose in life. As in any relationship, it is a process. As well, you will get what you put into it. God’s desire is that you know Him intimately. Far too many people go through life knowing about God, without truly knowing Him. Many religious teachers have narrowed down the Christian life to kneeling at the cross or continual dying to self. However, the Christian life was never meant to be about dying; it was meant to be about living. The cross was not the goal; it was the method or means to the goal. Jesus didn’t die on the cross, so we too could die; He died so that we could live! We do not glorify God in our dying; but in our living!
Jesus says in John 10:10, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” Here Jesus is not only referring to eternal life, but life in the here and now on planet earth.
Somewhere along the line many Christians have succumb to the idea that the Christian life is more about abstaining rather than stepping into all that God has for them. Their eyes are focused more on what they can’t or shouldn’t do in this world rather than what they might have the opportunity to do. They end-up being in a posture of defense rather than offensively partnering their gifts and talents with the Holy Spirit. The later of which I believe Jesus referenced as “life abundantly” in John 10:10.
While Jesus walked this earth, He very adamantly came against all those who based their religion upon following a set of religious rules. You know…those things that they proudly kept themselves from rather than enjoying the freedom of walking in relationship. Jesus referred to them as “Hypocrites, dead men, and white washed tombs.” (See Matt 23:27)
Still, the temptation to be “religious” is one many struggle with today. It is a tool that satan continues to pull out of his toolbelt time and time again. Why? Because it pulls us away from relationship, and thereby renders us ineffective as true messengers of the love of Christ.
All too often within Christian circles talk infers about the culture pressing in against them. Sin abounds and the ungodly seem to be taking over. Thoughts turn to fear (although many would not admit it). Inevitably, someone speaks-up and says, “I just hope Jesus comes back very soon.”
Friends, this is not a constructive statement. Why? Because it is reactive and is said within the context of fear—fear of the darkness of the world coming against the church. In effect one could just as well say, “The world is going to hell in a hand-basket, and I want Jesus to come now before it gets any worse.” This reactive thinking is totally contrary to the teachings of Jesus. Jesus after-all taught us that our purpose in this world is to be salt and light (see Matthew 5:13-16). As a reminder, salt is meant to not only enhance flavor, but is a preservative. As well, light displaces darkness. We are also reminded in Romans 5:20, “Where sin abounds, grace much more abounds.” Fellow brothers and sisters, we need to toughen-up, be more resilient, and fight the good fight. As long as Jesus tarries, we’re still in the game and we need to stay optimistic about the days ahead. God has promised to pour-out His Spirit upon the whole earth in magnificent, supernatural ways (see Joel 2:28, Acts 2:17). Let’s be on-board with His sustaining and empowering plans for His church to continue to do great exploits in the face of darkness. It’s a win-win attitude!
But doesn’t the Bible say that we should be praying that Jesus would come back now? Not exactly. In Revelation 22 Jesus is encouraging us that He is coming quickly. We should be looking very forward to that day. Why, because we look forward to receiving all that is promised to us. The context, however, is not about us encouraging ourselves or others to pray for the rapture to come in reaction to our encounters with sin and darkness. Once again, this would be in direct conflict of Jesus’ teaching.
As well, Paul sent an encouraging letter to the Ephesians in which he encouraged them to look forward to the return of Christ. The context yet again is to encourage one another about our future inheritance; not about hoping that he comes back when we are disgusted with all the sin around us. Jesus died for all people, we should be grateful for another day, another opportunity to be salt and light—until that day occurs. Do I look forward to that day? Are you kidding me? Absolutely! But until that day, I want everyone who is in darkness to have another chance, another day, another minute. And I as well want to accomplish all that my life was created for on this earth. How about you?
There was a time in my life when as a new Christian, I had to concentrate on making some major lifestyle changes. After all, prior to that, I was not only in the world, but of the world. I walked, talked, and thought in ways that did not truly honor God. But there came a time in my Christian walk where I matured in my relationship with Christ. I began to understand that my life was more about honoring Him. More specifically, I was learning about the ways that he created me as an individual; rather than by merely abstaining from the things that I thought Christians should not do. Sure, today I still need to make some changes from time to time, but my focus is on staying dialed-in to Him in order to hear His voice. Consequently, I can live-out my faith in Christ rather than living in fear of the world. After all I am more than a conqueror in Christ who gives me strength—strength to overcome all forms of darkness (Romans 8:37). Am I blind to sin? No, actually I am very aware of sin; I’m just more confident in my son-ship relationship with my Father.
If God has called us all to merely follow a list of do’s and don’ts and keep the world at a fearful distance, then let’s just all move into a commune and just hold-on until Jesus comes. But no, of course not! This would be totally against what Jesus has taught and commissioned us to do. Similarly, what effect do you think the church would have upon society if we merely abstain from certain activities and simply attend church services on Sunday? I wonder how effective Jesus would have been had that been His mode of operation?
God has called us all to be people of influence. We ought to be carriers of His presence wherever we go. As long as we are hear on this earth, we are to assume that we are the hands and feet of Christ. Each and every time we wake-up into a new day our attitude ought to be, “Lord, I’m excited to partner with you today.” Every day is another opportunity for the gospel to go forth and The Great Commission to continue. This is God’s heart for people, and our attitude ought to line-up with His. If we take on the attitude of wishing or hoping we can just be raptured out of this world because the world is getting so worldly, we are in effect empowering the adversary rather than standing in agreement with the Lord and His plans. We must remember we are His ambassadors. God’s plan has always been to use His people to do His work. How can we effectively do that with an attitude that in effect, wants Him to take us out of this world?
God has given us so much more to live for, other than just holding-on to the promise of eternal life in heaven. God has created each one of us with unique personalities and desires which are to be celebrated and fulfilling in life. Do you have peace? If so, do your words and thought-life line-up with peace—trusting daily in the Lord? Do your neighbors, co-workers, and families see peace in you? Jesus said “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) Confidently living in this peace, and proclaiming GOOD news, is the most effective form of witnessing Christs love to others. Why? Because it is genuine and very appealing. After all, who in this world does not want true peace?
Friends, in a vision (see the book The River) God showed me the most amazing river one could ever imagine. I met Jesus in this river, and He told me that the water represented the anointing of the Fathers love. The river was intended to flow down and be poured-out into the community. However, the flow of this river was being held back by a huge boulder dam. One of the boulders had the word RELEGION on it. This is why I am so adamant on this message.
God not only saves us so that we can enjoy eternal life in heaven, but he continually offers us His grace and love to be effective witnesses for Him while here on earth. That’s His plan! Grace is a wonderful gift which reaches far more than just salvation. It’s the religion that is inside us that battles with proper understanding of God’s wonderful grace. Live it, share it, and apply it to every area of your life. When you truly appreciate this grace, you will never abuse it.
Also, in this vision, I saw the most massive lake I have ever seen. The lake was constantly growing larger and larger due to the boulders damming-up it’s intended flow into the community below. Friends, can you get a mind picture of this with me? This enormous lake is filled with the anointing of the Fathers love. The force behind the boulder dam is intensifying. Furthermore, it is waiting for each and every one of us to identify and remove boulders from the dam. The outpouring of the Fathers love and blessing upon your life, your family, your church, and your community, is waiting for you to do your part in releasing the greatest move of God that one could ever imagine.
Blessings to you today as you are encouraged by these words. 😊
Blessed by the Best,
Mark
See You in the River 