Terrific Stories & Articles – Life in the Spirit

Many Live Lives of Quiet Desperation

“Most men [and women] lead lives of quiet desperation.” This quote by Henry David Thoreau still resonates because we often mask our emptiness with busyness, career achievements, material possessions, or fleeting pleasures, yet our soul still whispers: Is this all there is?

What this might look like:

You have just been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer,
You are a single parent with three children and a full-time job, and are just overwhelmed,
You just learned your son took his own life,
Trapped in a dead-end job, your bills are piling up, and you wonder if this is all there is to life.
Your marriage has become toxic; your selfish decisions have broken down trust, and you wonder how you could be so selfish,
You started drinking to cope with unemployment, and now alcohol is your best friend and worse enemy,
Your spouse has dementia, you mourn the loss of the person you once knew, and struggle to care for him/her,
When the pressures of unemployment and illness in your family became too great, you started drinking, and now alcohol is your best friend and worst enemy,
Approaching retirement age, you have no savings due to bad decisions and wonder how you will live in the coming years, and
Recently retired, you realize your identity and relationships were tied to your job, leaving an emptiness in your soul.

Do any of these scenarios resonate with you? (They do with me). If so, you are probably finding that life is hard, perhaps really hard. Your pain and suffering are real, and you wonder how (and why) you can continue.

Is there any hope in these terrible situations? Yes, there is. These are GOD-SIZED PROBLEMS, so we must turn to the Lord – the sovereign, living God of the universe for remedy.

First, God does not always deliver us from troubles, but he will strengthen us and be with us through them. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29

Second, we were created in His image with the capacity and desire for RELATIONSHIP – with Him and with other persons. Blaise Pascal declared: “There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every man [and woman] which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator, made known through Jesus Christ.”

Third, we were also created for a purpose – a calling to each of us which provides meaning and significance. “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 God invites us to take a great spiritual journey with Him, a journey in which the Holy Spirit calls, equips, and sends us out as His ambassadors to a lost world.

Fourth, we will never realize our purpose and calling without first repenting of our sins, surrendering to the Lord, and receiving Christ as our Savior, thus becoming citizens of the Kingdom of God. But if we reject His invitation, we will be in rebellion against God and bear the consequences of our rebellion now and into eternity, ending in the Lake of Fire.

Fifth, He calls us to be Holy (set apart), rather than Happy, which depends on circumstances. Whether in simple daily tasks or profound life callings, we are invited to live in such a way that reflects the glory of our Lord. ”Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14

Sixth, He promises to guide us day by day if we will seek Him with all our heart, mind, and soul: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

In summary, the greatest poverty is the poverty of the soul – a soul devoid of meaning and purpose. Without Jesus Christ, life is often dark, unfulfilling, and empty, absent the peace and joy of the Lord. But with Christ, our restless souls find rest not in possessions or power, but in the presence of the living God. In Him, every breath matters, every act counts, and every moment is filled with divine purpose.

We were made to know God, to walk with Him, and to reflect His love to the world. Far from ending in silence, our lives can become a song of praise that echoes into eternity. So let us go forth with boldness, compassion, and courage to reach the lost, for time is short and we are not guaranteed tomorrow.

To God be the glory

LifeintheSpirit.net

Source of Image: Pixabay

Take the 7 Churches of Revelation Quiz

The compelling messages from Jesus Christ to the seven churches in the book of Revelation are below. To take the quiz, review the description of the seven churches below, then choose two of them that best describe your church. Better yet, share this quiz with the leaders of your church, then ask them what does this mean for their church and its future?

Finally, take the quiz or your own spiritual life, and ask if you are comfortable with the results?
___1) The Loveless Church (Ephesus) – “I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.” Revelation 2:4-5

___2) The Persecuted Church (Symyrna) – “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:9-10

___3) The Compromising Church (Pergamos) – “But I have a few things against you, because you have those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. Repent, or I will come to you and fight against them with the sword of My mouth.” Revelation 2:14-16

___4) The Corrupt Church (Thyatira) – “Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. I will give to each one of you according to your works.” Revelation 2:20-22

___5) The Dead Church (Sardis) – “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent.” Revelation 3:1-3

___6) The Faithful Church (Philadelphia) – “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.” Revelation 3:10-11

___7) The Lukewarm Church (Laodicea) – “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich…” Revelation 3:14-18

To God be the glory LifeintheSpirit.net
Source of image: Pexels

We Are Not Here by Chance, and He Is Sending Us Out

We are not here by chance, but for such a time as this (Esther 4:13-14). We are called, equipped, and sent forth into battle – spiritual battle, to reach the lost with His Truth, Love, and Compassion. We need to start the day on our knees before God, praying and feasting on His Word. Then we are to put on our spiritual armor (Ephesians 6), and go forth to reach those He brings across our path. When we surrender to Christ and seek His guidance, we will see the Holy Spirit work through us, bearing much spiritual fruit and even miracles.

We will only experience His Joy – the joy of the Lord, when we discern His will for our lives and carry it out with gladness in our hearts. So we need to stand strong, be bold, and be courageous. We are to be the man or woman He has called us to be, and speak His Word and His Truth with love and compassion.

He brings people into our lives for a reason and a season. We are to discern the reason (from the Holy Spirit), but typically we will not know the length of the season, for things are happening fast in the world, and we are not guaranteed tomorrow.

Time is short, and He is leading us on a great spiritual adventure. It is truly exciting, it is the most important thing we have ever done in our lives, and we will never be the same.

It is time for us to buckle up, go forth, and enjoy the ride. And then He will bring us home. God loves us more than we can imagine, and He can’t wait to welcome us home through the gates of heaven.

So let us go out with GODFIDENCE, walking and speaking as if God sent us, because He has!

To God be the glory

LifeintheSpirit.net

GREAT QUESTIONS ARE WINDOWS INTO THE SOUL, PART II

This is PART II of Great Questions Are Windows Into the Soul – how we can take “nice” conversations to a deeper level that touches the other person’s soul, and provide an opportunity to share the love and truth of Christ. Always remember that a true conversation is an interchange, so any question should be followed by listening and responding. PART I started with these questions: I. How Are You? II. Who Are You? And III. What Were the Defining Moments in Your Life? This PART II continues with the questions that follow.

IV. What Do You Think About God?

When you die and pass through the veil of death into eternity, what do

you think you will see and experience? How does that make you feel?

If you visited heaven, what do you think you would find?

If you visited hell, what do you think you would find?

What do you think about God? Is He your friend?

What do you think He wants from you?

What do you want from Him?

How do you see Jesus? What do you think it would have been like to

be around Him when He walked on the earth?

Why do you think Jesus died on the cross?

Do you spend time with the Lord in His Word and prayer every day?

Do you realize that reading the Bible and participating in worship are

divine encounters with the sovereign, living God of the universe?

Do you pray daily? Constantly? What do you think it means to pray

constantly?

Why do you think the Word of God says it is a narrow gate and

difficult path which leads to eternal life in heaven, and there are few that find it?

How can we stay on the narrow path?

V. How is the Lord Working in Your Life?

Have you ever seen the hand of the Lord in your life or sensed His

presence? What was it like?

How is the Lord working in your life? What is He teaching you?

Do you realize that, as a Christian, the Holy Spirit dwells within you,

and seeks a personal relationship with you?

How does that make you feel?

Do you believe we can discern the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit

and be nurtured, taught, and guided by Him each day?

Do you look for the divine appointments God has for you each day?

Do you understand why God, who is a God of love, allows pain and

suffering?

Which do you think is most likely to draw people to the Lord: worldly

success or great trials and tribulation?

VI. What is Your Life Purpose and Calling?

Do you know the Lord’s calling on your life – the unique and special

purpose for which you were created?

Are you fulfilling His calling upon your life? If not, what is holding you

back? SO WHAT?

What are you holding on to that you need to let go of so you can be

spiritually clean and free to live life in the Spirit?

How do you perceive other people? As possible friends? Lost souls?

Potential brothers or sisters in the Lord?

What else would you like to say?

How can I pray for you?

To God be the glory

LifeintheSpirit.net

Source of image: Pixabay

GREAT QUESTIONS ARE WINDOWS INTO THE SOUL, PART I

One of the greatest challenges for Christians is how can we take “nice” conversations to a deeper level that touches the other person’s soul. We can do this by asking great questions.

I. How Are You?

How are you?

What is happening in your life?

What brings joy into your life?

What is the cry in your soul at this time?

II. Who Are You?

Who are you and how did you end up here?

What is your story? You can then tell them your story, and HIS

(Jesus’s) story.

Is there a song, book, or movie that describes your life?

What really makes you come alive?

III. What Were the Defining Moments in Your Life?

Have there been DEFINING MOMENTS – turning points in your life when you gained some new insight or experienced a radical change that changed the direction of your life? What were they?

IV. What Do You Think About God?

When you die and pass into eternity, what do you think you will experience? How does that make you feel?

What do you think about God? Is He your friend?

What do you want from Him?

What do you think He wants from you?

How do you see Jesus?

Do you spend time with the Lord in His Word and prayer every day?

V. How is the Lord Working in Your Life?

Have you ever seen the hand of the Lord in your life or sensed His

presence? What was it like?

How is the Lord working in your life? What is He teaching you?

Do you realize that, as a Christian, the Holy Spirit dwells within you,

and seeks a personal relationship with you?

How does that make you feel?

Do you believe we can discern the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit

and be nurtured, taught, and guided by Him each day?

Do you look for the divine appointments God has for you each day?

VI. What is Your Life Purpose and Calling?

Do you know the Lord’s calling on your life – the unique and special

purpose for which you were created?

Are you fulfilling His calling upon your life? If not, what is holding you

back? SO WHAT?

How can I pray for you?

To God be the glory

LifeintheSpirit.net

ONE OF THE GREATEST TRAGEDIES OF ALL TIMES

One of the greatest tragedies of all time is the many people who believe they are going to heaven when they die, but end up in the Lake of Fire:

“And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:15

Here are four warning signs that we all should watch for, described as questions the Lord may ask us when we stand before Him after we pass from this earth:

Warning Sign #1: UNIVERSALISM – EVERYONE IS GOING TO

HEAVEN

“You believe everyone is going to heaven, even those who refuse to repent of their many sins and also reject Me – God the Father, My Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. You do not know Me, and have no place in the Kingdom of Heaven:”

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:6

Warning Sign #2: UNFORGIVENESS

“You refused to forgive (this person) in your life, so why should I forgive you? My Son Jesus spoke of this in Matthew 6:14-15”:

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

Warning Sign #3: UNREPENTANCE

“You worship other gods, such as wealth, status, pleasure, lust, and power, and are unrepentant. Why should I let you bring your sin and idolatry into heaven which is holy and without sin?”

“But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8

Warning Sign #4: LUKEWARMNESS

“You belong to the Church of Laodicea, a church known for comfort, prosperity, wealth, and leisure; a lukewarm, spiritually stagnant, church in the midst of people with great physical and spiritual needs. Why should I let you in while your soul is polluted with the world and worldly desires?

“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold (invigorating, refreshing) nor hot (healing, therapeutic); I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm (spiritually useless), and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth (reject you with disgust).” Revelation 3:14-16 MSG

These warnings follow the post “Each of Us is Going to Court” (https://tinyurl.com/EachGoingtoCourt), which describes how each of us will one day pass through the veil of death and be judged by the sovereign, living God of the universe in the Great Courtroom of Heaven:

“And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.” Revelation 20:12

The warnings are particularly relevant when we reflect on this sober warning that few there are that find the narrow gate and path which leads to heaven:

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matthew 7:13-14

So let us reach out to those who come across our path with the love and truth of Christ, for life is short, eternity is a very long time, and we are not guaranteed tomorrow.

To God be the Glory

LifeintheSpirit.net

Each of Us is Going to Court

SCENARIO:

The day started out like every other day, but little did I know that a tragic event would transpire that would change my life forever. I just had breakfast and was about to head out to work, when there was a knock on the door.

I opened it and a sharply-dressed, tall, dark gentleman asked me my name. After I responded, he replied: “This is a subpoena for you to appear in court. The date and place are in the document. See you in court.” He then departed and closed the door. I was surprised and more than a little nervous. Uncertainty and fear gripped my heart as I wondered – what is this all about? Am I in trouble? What have I done? After gathering my thoughts, I opened the door to ask him a few questions, but he was not there, and I did not see him even after I looked up and down the street.

As I was on my way out the door to head for work, I glanced at the summons, and noticed that it was for TOMORROW, at some location I was not familiar with. But as I was late for work, I decided to check out the location later.

It was a very busy day at work, and I even had to work late. A strong thunderstorm came up, and as I was driving home, a drunk driver swerved and hit my car head-on at high speed, causing a HUGE CRASH. In an instant, my life flashed before me, and I lost consciousness.

THE GREAT COURTROOM OF HEAVEN

When I woke up, I realized something had profoundly changed. I was standing in a huge, majestic courtroom, and it felt like I had somehow passed into another dimension. It then dawned on me that I had passed through the veil of death and into eternity, and was now standing in THE GREAT COURTROOM OF HEAVEN!

When I looked toward the rear of the courtroom, behind a rail were visitors. I saw my parents! And my Uncle Bob and Aunt Mary, my neighbor David, a co-worker who died from cancer, and three high school classmates who had died from a car accident many years ago. They were all excited to see me, and were there to support me and cheer me on.

When I returned my gaze to the front of the courtroom, it dawned on me that I was the one who was on trial!

I then recognized the tall dark gentleman who gave me the summons, standing to the right of the judge’s bench and wearing a white flowing robe. I realized he was an angel and he declared: “All rise in reverence for the Judge, the sovereign, living God of the universe.”

When God the Father came in, His holy presence filled the courtroom, and everyone present bowed to the floor, the only thing a person could do in the presence of absolute holiness.

The angel then told everyone to be seated, but for me (the accused) to remain standing. He then asked the Accuser (Satan) to read the charges against me. Satan had a very long list, as I had committed many sins throughout my life. My heart was broken and grieved as he read them, realizing all the harm I had done to so many people.

Then God the Judge asked “Before I pass sentence, what do you have to say for yourself?” I was so overcome with grief, I had nothing to say.

GUILTY OR NOT GUILTY

God then asked me: “How do you plead – guilty or not guilty? “Guilty” I sobbed, and I knew my fate was sealed if justice was to prevail.

He asked one final question before pronouncing my sentence: “Is there anyone present who would like to speak on behalf of the accused?”

At this point, Jesus stepped forward from the back of the courtroom where He was watching the proceedings. He told the judge and all in the courtroom that He paid the price for my sins with his death on the cross, and thus took the penalty that was rightfully mine. My heart leaped with great anticipation at the possibility of a reprieve for my many sins.

The Judge, God the Father, then slammed the gavel down, announced that all charges against me were dropped, and welcomed me into the Kingdom of Heaven. Immediately I heard a loud chorus of angels rejoicing that another soul had been snatched from eternity in the Lake of Fire.

While Satan stomped out of the courtroom, furious at losing another soul to Christ and the Kingdom of Heaven, my friends and family in the visitors’ section cheered loudly, for my life had just been saved by the blood of Christ. I then experienced a joy and bliss that is beyond my ability to describe – a feeling of peace and of finally coming home to be with the Lord for eternity.

EVERYONE HAS A DATE TO APPEAR IN COURT

Well guess what – this is going to happen to you as well as to me. Each of us has a particular day in the future when we will pass through the veil of death and into eternity. We will then stand before the sovereign, living God of the universe in the Great Court of Heaven, where ultimate justice is dispensed for each of us.

Satan, the accuser, will describe all the sins we have committed in our life, and then we will be asked to respond to his accusations. Finally, God the Father will ask if there is anyone who would like to speak on our behalf. Although we may have friends and family watching the trial, their testimony will not be allowed, as they have no standing regarding matters of eternal justice (and God already knows what they would say on our behalf anyway).

Only Christ can advocate for individual persons, and then only for those of us who have received Him as our Savior BEFORE WE DIED. Once we pass through the veil of death into eternity, our course is set.

So let us reach out to those who come across our path with the love and truth of Christ, for life is short, eternity is a very long time, and we are not guaranteed tomorrow. Source of image: shutterstock.com

To God be the Glory

LifeintheSpirit.net

A Homeless Guy, a Recovering Christian, and a Christian Met One Night in a Bar

Wouldn’t you like to hear what the homeless guy said to the recovering Christian? Stay with me and I will tell you, for it is a compelling story.

Actually, it was on an afternoon, not in a bar, and on the steps of a house owned by the recovering Christian, a young man in his 40s. When asked what his religious background was, he said he was raised in the church, but he is now “a recovering Christian” (like a recovering alcoholic).

He cited two experiences that impacted him in particular. The first was when he was enrolled as a student at a Christian university and playing baseball. When the coach caught him and several other players smoking pot, he confessed and even said he had a joint in his dorm room. The next day, security officers searched his room, where they found the marijuana joint.

The other players were reprimanded, but stayed on the team and in school, while he was expelled. He pleaded for mercy from the college administrators, but they refused and expelled him.

Secondly, he mentioned seeing homeless people sleeping in the alcoves or on porches of churches who kept their buildings locked. He then referred to Jesus who said inasmuch as you did not give food, water, or shelter to the least of these, you did not give to Me. So he is a recovering Christian because of the traumatic ending of his college and baseball career, and the gap between what Jesus said and what he has seen in churches.

It is at this juncture that a homeless man chimed in. He told the homeowner that there is a big difference between true Christians who are members of the Body of Christ, and church organizations that place a higher priority on holding events for their members and maintaining their buildings than going out to win souls for Christ. He declared that the true church is not an organization with buildings and a sign that says church, but an organism with members from all countries who believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior. His final admonition was to not confuse the two, but focus on Christ who alone can set us free from sin and the fear of death.

The True Church in Communist Romania

This conversation brings to mind insights from Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, author of “Tortured for Christ”. Wurmbrand experienced months of solitary confinement, years of periodic physical torture, and the anguish of brainwashing by Romanian communist officials, all for the crime of public witnessing about Jesus Christ.

Wurmbrand described how believers would not build houses, because officials would then arrest them and take their properties. They could not gather in public or they would be arrested, so they would gather in basements or out in the forest at night – anyplace where they would not be detected.

So what if (or when) Christianity is outlawed in America, and we had to meet under a tree in the forest at night? There would be no buildings to maintain, lock, or worry about vandalism. If someone was sleeping under our tree, fine – we might sleep there as well. If someone came to worship with us, terrific, for they too are seeking the love and truth of Jesus, the only truth that can set us free. If we are sharing food and someone comes, fine, we share food with them JUST LIKE JESUS DID.

Everyone has a story – a story of their life, with successes, failures, hopes and fears. Everyone we see or meet is going through some struggle unknown to us, even if they say everything is “fine”. So let us reach out to them with the love and truth of Christ, for time is short, eternity is a very long time, and we are not guaranteed tomorrow. Source of image: Shutterstock.com

To God be the glory

Mark Peterson

LifeintheSpirit.net

MEMORIAL DAY SALUTE TO OUR FALLEN VETERANS

As you know, this is the day for us to pause from our daily lives to
reflect on and remember those who died for our country. And thank you to all of you who served our country in the military, and your spouses, for the service you have rendered to our country. We enjoy freedoms today because of your willingness and that of your colleagues to put your life on the life to protect
our nation.“Mansions of the Lord” is a majestic and compelling hymn that honors those who lost their lives in service to our country. You can see it performed by the West Point Band and West Point Glee Club here (https://tinyurl.com/MansionsoftheLord)
You can follow along with the lyrics:

Mansions of the Lord

To fallen soldiers let us sing
Where no rockets fly nor bullets wing
Our broken brothers let us bring
To the Mansions of the Lord

No more bleeding, no more fight
No prayers pleading through the night
Just divine embrace, Eternal light
In the Mansions of the Lord

Where no mothers cry and no children weep
We will stand and guard though the angels sleep
All through the ages safely keep
The Mansions of the Lord

Our nation faces many grave challenges, so let us pray that our leaders
will make wise decisions, to keep us safe and from harm.

Blessings on your day,

Mark Peterson

LifeintheSpirit.net

Education is Not THE ANSWER –

Two Incredible Stories

Source of image: unknown

Is education important? Of course. While we may expect a better educated public to address complex and serious issues more effectively than an uneducated public, in my many years as an educator, I concluded that it is not THE ANSWER to the many critical challenges facing our nation, such as drugs, poverty, homelessness, corruption, and crime. Ironically, it may even provide greater capability to promulgate evil. Here are two incredible stories that shed light on this matter:

Story #1: The Einsatzgruppen in Nazi Germany – Educated Murderers

Prior to the invasion of Poland in 1939, Heinrich Himmler, Chief of the German Police, created the Einsatzgruppen to identify, combat, and eliminate suspected enemies of the German Nazi government in areas taken over by the Nazi army. They were paramilitary death squads that engaged in mass murder, primarily by shooting many of the cultural, religious, and intellectual elite of Poland, including Catholic priests, Freemasons, Jews, local political leaders, communists, partisans, and Romani people.

These units, supported by SS units, killed over 50,000 Poles, including 7,000 Polish Jews by the end of 1939. Himmler recruited highly educated Germans to lead the Einsatzgruppen, with OVER HALF OF THE EINSATZGRUPPEN LEADERS HAVING PH.D.S. Their advanced education did not provide them with a moral compass to forbid mass murder.

Story #2: Craig Marlatt – From Prison to Street Ministry

Craig Marlatt’s life started out rough, then took a radical turn for the Lord. Sent to prison THREE TIMES for drug offenses, the third time he was in prison, Marlatt volunteered to assist with a prison ministry as the chaplain’s clerk because it was easier than working out in the hot cotton fields. There he met a homely preacher who preached the Word of God. The Holy Spirit convicted Craig, and he came to the Lord. When he left prison, he started a coffee house in the toughest part of downtown Orlando. Here is an ex-con with a high school education, ministering to drug addicts, prostitutes, and street people, as well as writing books and recording Christian songs that inspire people to live lives of honesty, virtue, and service.

These stories demonstrate that education, while important, can be used for good or evil, and that our Lord can and does use ANYONE who is yielded to His Holy Spirit and is willing to carry out the work of the Lord. God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called.

Jesus said: “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 The word “life” in Greek is “zoe” which means a life expressing the highest and best, a life of service to God and to mankind. As just one example, the early Christians were known for rescuing unwanted babies off the trash heaps of the Roman empire. In contrast, communist regimes that explicitly rejected God have killed over 100 million of their own people. Christ brings life; communism – rejecting God – brings death.

So let us seek the Lord with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strength, that we may discover God’s calling upon our lives and experience the abundant life – the life of joy that He promises to all who follow Him.

To God be the glory

LifeintheSpirit.net