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“AND THEY REMEMBERED HIS WORDS…” (LUKE 24:8) - APRIL 2009 NEWSLETTER
by Barnabas
April 2009
“And they remembered His words…” (Luke 24:8)
Dear Brethren,
The global economy is in deep trouble. The world is changing and not just because politicians are using this crisis to advance their own agenda. In nation after nation many have already lost everything and others are trying to figure out a way to hang on to what they have left. Men, women and children worldwide are wondering what will happen next. Even the mega-rich are groaning as their wealth melts away in the day of uncertainty (James 5:1-3). As Jesus said of the rich and poor alike, they are distressed and dispirited, wandering in spiritual darkness “like sheep without a shepherd” (Matt 9:36). These poor souls are doing the best they can without any understanding of “the Truth” (John 18:38). Jesus said “I am…the Truth” (John 14:6) and without a relationship with Jesus through the Holy Spirit and the Word of God they are doomed. We, the Body of Christ, need to continue to pray to the Lord of the harvest (Matt 9:38) that somehow, before the wrath of God the Father is poured out (Rev 6:15-17), the Word of the Lord will be preached so that these blind human beings can be saved.
These are strange days, but not to the Lord. Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel lived during times like these, times of economic turmoil and growing national crisis. Because of their faithfulness to the Lord, these men were severely persecuted; yet no matter how bad their personal circumstances became, they never wavered in their commitment to the Word of the Lord. They heard the voice of the Lord and they obeyed him in every way. When facing death, they were found faithful. We all struggle day by day against our flesh and the devil. It is the flesh and the devil that work to hinder us from being “Holy unto the Lord” as was written on Aaron's turban when he served before the Lord (Ex 28:35-37). The Word of God says that we who believe should “be holy as I AM holy” (1Pet 1:14-16). If we are to live a holy life before the Lord, it must be a life of obedience to His commands (Luke 17:10). If I confess that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13), then I must “take up [my] cross” (Luke 9:23) and follow the Lord.
There is a spiritual war on this planet – the battle is here – the battle is now (Eph 6:12). This battle is for the souls of men, women and children whose souls will either be reconciled to God through His Son, or they will be lost forever (2Cor 5:18-20). The devil has a plan for them – those who are planning a “New World Order” have a plan – but what about the desire of our Father’s Heart? He desires that “all…come to the knowledge of “the Truth” (1Tim 2:1-4). Our Father in Heaven wants a house full of men, women and children who have come to faith in Jesus Christ. God longs for us to do all that we can to sow the seed of His Word so that those who are still lost can “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved” (Is 45:22). In this day of spreading darkness, it is important to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2). It is through Christ that we have been created (Col 1:16); He is the all seeing, all knowing and all powerful God, who with His Father and the Holy Spirit, delivered the Gospel to us so that we could be called the “children of God” (John 1:12).
Everywhere you look there are books and seminars about leadership. The authors and speakers are promoting the idea of what a leader is and how we can become one. Jesus doesn't want us to lead…He wants us to follow. The disciples and the Old Testament saints have shown us by their lives and witness what it means to follow Christ – it is a life of suffering for His Name’ sake (Rom 8:17-18). We need to follow Jesus and it is only by the Holy Spirit dwelling is us that we are able (John 14:26).
God our Father wants to “have His good will and good pleasure” (Phil 2:13) in us for His glory and our eternal good. Our best day begins when we wake up dead to ourselves (Rom 6:11-13). This is an encouraging Word for this hour (1Thess 10-11).
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