Jesus is Our Anchor

Scriptural Foundation:

Luke 15:11-32 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

¹¹ And He said, there was a certain man who had two sons;

¹² And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the part of the property that falls [to me]. And he divided the estate between them.

¹³ And not many days after that, the younger son gathered up all that he had and journeyed into a distant country, and there he wasted his fortune in reckless and loose [from restraint] living.

¹⁴ And when he had spent all he had, a mighty famine came upon that country, and he began to fall behind and be in want.

¹⁵ So he went and forced (glued) himself upon one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed hogs.

¹⁶ And he would gladly have fed on and filled his belly with the carob pods that the hogs were eating, but [they could not satisfy his hunger and] nobody gave him anything [better].

¹⁷ Then when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father have enough food, and [even food] to spare, but I am perishing (dying) here of hunger!

¹⁸ I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight.

¹⁹ I am no longer worthy to be called your son; [just] make me like one of your hired servants.

²⁰ So he got up and came to his [own] father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity and tenderness [for him]; and he ran and embraced him and kissed him [fervently].

²¹ And the son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son [I no longer deserve to be recognized as a son of yours]!

²² But the father said to his bond servants, bring quickly the best robe (the festive robe of honor) and put it on him; and give him a ring for his hand and sandals for his feet.

²³ And bring out that [wheat-] fattened calf and kill it; and let us revel and feast and be happy and make merry,

²⁴ Because this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found! And they began to revel and feast and make merry.

²⁵ But his older son was in the field; and as he returned and came near the house, he heard music and dancing.

²⁶ And having called one of the servant [boys] to him, he began to ask what this meant.

²⁷ And he said to him, Your brother has come, and your father has killed that [wheat-] fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and well.

²⁸ But [the elder brother] was angry [with deep-seated wrath] and resolved not to go in. Then his father came out and began to plead with him,

²⁹ But he answered his father, Look! These many years I have served you, and I have never disobeyed your command. Yet you never gave me [so much as] a [little] kid, that I might revel and feast and be happy and make merry with my friends;

³⁰ But when this son of yours arrived, who has devoured your estate with immoral women, you have killed for him that [wheat-] fattened calf!

³¹ And the father said to him, Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.

³² But it was fitting to make merry, to revel and feast and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and is alive again! He was lost and is found!

Reflection:

We all know the story of the prodigal son, but have you ever stopped to meditate on the other son. The prodigal son thought that the world had more to offer than his father, whereas the son that stayed with the father had it all and took it for granted.  Let’s call the other son, the martyr son.  This son stayed by his father’s side, worked tirelessly in his fields, and never caused his father any grief; but, instead of being happy with his position in life this son felt betrayed when reward was given to the “bad” behavior.  Some would even call it “treasonous” behavior.  Despite the truth, with rightful access to everything his father had at any time the martyr son chose to look at his position in life as a job rather than a birthright.   Sound familiar?

We see this story played out in churches around the world. Individuals at different stages of their sanctification walk with the Lord becoming stagnant due to the lack of recognition given to them by fellow believers and/or their pastors.  Saints, this should not be!  Mature believers in Christ must become careful of becoming a martyr son.  It is my observation, that some mature believers adamantly believe their faith walk rest with their efforts rather than God’s favor and forgiveness.  Whereas, baby Christians recognize and truly reverence our Lord and constantly look for nourishment from the one true Source.  If you are walking with the Lord on a daily basis, laying your plans aside for His will, then you must be extra vigilant that you don’t take that access, that fellowship for granted.  The Bible says… Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:2-4 ESV). So, we should be jumping for joy when a prodigal comes back to the family. We all at one time were prodigals, never forget your story and never take for granted the life you now lead for the Kingdom.   Remember saints there are no living martyrs. 

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

• Outside the Lord none of us are perfect. In the following Bible excerpt which son are you more like when the Lord asks you to do something for Him?

 “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?”

They said to Him, “The first.”

Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him. ~Matthew 21:28-32

 

 

Scriptural Foundation:

John 14:12 New King James Version (NKJV)

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.  

Reflection:

It doesn’t happen often, but while in the car by myself, I start thinking about things and I start crying. This past week was one of those times.  I had just gotten a gift box from my mother for the kids for Christmas, my mother is so prepared and on-time for things.  I was out and about running errands and I started reminiscing…that’s how it always starts.

My mother has always sent the best love-o-grams. It didn’t matter the size of the box, but they are always filled with thoughtful little items.  It started when I left for college, when a box came it was a big warm hug from her.  These days not only does she send one for me on my birthday, but for each of the kids on their birthdays and don’t forget the holidays.  It is always a box full of surprise with the most thoughtful things in it.  It is truly a gift that she has.  My mother cares about my total wellbeing, she sends me teas to help with weight loss, books to read and expand my mind, and clothes because she knows that I put myself last when it comes to purchasing anything for myself.  Her unconditional love is staggering and it shows in her actions.  She is truly the heartbeat of heaven on earth.  I started thinking to myself, how will I ever be that awesome for my kids?  I do my best, but remembering my childhood, I wish I could do more for my family.

Always in His sweet way, the Holy Spirit laid John 14:12 on my heart. Just like in the natural I don’t feel like I could ever be as good of a mom as my mother, as Believers we feel the same way when the Lord has identified your calling and your walking it out. In the beginning you don’t know what you are doing and you will feel inadequate, however over the process of time you will get to a point where someone else is looking to you for guidance.  The thing is everyone’s path is tailor made for them and for the people they have been ordained to touch for Christ.  That is why Jesus says earlier in John 14:6 – Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Jesus left the Holy Spirit here on Earth to help guide us during our journey in life. To help us show more love, more mercy, more grace, and do greater works than Jesus did during His time here.  Our assignment as Believers are to perform better than our predecessors. Not a jab at our parents, pastors or mentors, but the Holy Spirit is the only person that is going to get you through this life. Jesus left the blueprint and you must build up your piece of God’s Kingdom here on Earth.

I have accepted that following in my mother’s foots steps won’t be exactly the same as my mother, but I pray that the soul touched warmth is passed down to my children’s children times seven generations. The same is true for my walk with the Lord. My intent is not to be perfect, but to hear when I get to Heaven….well done my good and faithful servant.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

• List the things that you don’t think you are doing well.
• Present your list to the Lord ask the Holy Spirit to help you get better in these areas for the glory of the Kingdom.
• Review your list periodically and watch the Lord move on those things for you.

 

 

Scriptural Foundation:

Hebrews 13:7-9 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

Remember your leaders and superiors in authority [for it was they] who brought to you the Word of God. Observe attentively and consider their manner of living (the outcome of their well-spent lives) and imitate their faith (heir conviction that God exists and is the Creator and Ruler of all things, the Provider and Bestower of eternal salvation through Christ, and their leaning of the entire human personality on God in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness).

Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is [always] the same, yesterday, today, [yes] and forever (to the ages).

Do not be carried about by different and varied and alien teachings; for it is good for the heart to be established and enabled and strengthened by means of grace (God’s favor and spiritual blessing) and not [to be devoted to] foods [rules of diet and ritualistic meals], which bring no [spiritual] benefit or profit to those who observe them.

Reflection:

My Pastor preached some years ago about why Believers continue to experience failure in their prayer lives. It was a simple acronym that has been burned into my heart.  The enemy forces use the D.O.C. technique – disciplined, organized, and consistent.  We live in the space of time, if we lose track of how every action in time has a ramification positive or negative in the spirit realm.  In our key scripture today, God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The Lord has been and always will be the one true measure that everything in eternity is compared to.  In order to counter that and to create doubt wherever possible, the devil has his demons torment you in disciplined, organized, and consistent manner. It is not until, you catch on to the things that distract you, annoy you, or discourage you and compare the situation or feeling to what the Word of God says that you start to catch the long-distance game that the devil is trying to play.  He is out for your soul and the seed of faith that is ignited in your heart.  If he can get you to forget about who you are in Christ then he can start causing disruption in your life and the lives of those around you.

You’re an heir to the Kingdom of God, you have to have an eternal mind frame daily. You have to look for opportunities to encourage and love on other people.  This world lacks genuine self-less love.  Everyone is looking to see how they are going to make out or come out on top.  Your calling as a Believer is to put your assignment in Christ first before your needs and trust God at His Word that He will provided from here into eternity.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

• How can you apply the D.O.C technique to your prayer life?
• Does your current confessions match your actions?
• Determine in your heart to focus on the long-term game then the temporary.

Scriptural Foundation:

Matthew 26:36-45 New King James Version (NKJV)

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” ³⁷ And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.”

He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”

Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour?  Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy.

So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then He came to His disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Reflection:

The loneliest place to be is on the brink of your destiny. If you are there today saints, my heart goes out to you.  Not that I am saddened but my heart is overwhelmed with joy that on the other side of this feeling and/or situation, God is faithful to fulfill the vision He put in your heart that you have been walking out through obedience to His Word.  Jesus answered the call to ministry after His isolation in the desert.  He fulfilled His assignment in the garden of Gethsemane. At both points in time His actions preceded His victory. If you feel abandoned by family members or friends due to the actions you have taken for the Lord, you are in good company.

1 Peter 3:13-17 New King James Version (NKJV)   

And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.”  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook.

• Describe your precious victories and your most disappointed/crushing moments.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s finger prints over those circumstances.
• Look back at this list often.

Remembering these memories will refresh you on your spiritually parch days and sustain you on your dark days.