Tag: Church

“Even though you may not see it now, there is real value in what I am teaching you through your present trials. You are gaining spiritual wealth and insights that those who scorn you will need from you someday. If that sounds foolish, you need to understand that it is the way of Jesus. He was ridiculed, scorned, and crucified by those who were in need of the salvation that He was providing for them. His heart was for the one who spit on Him.

“You are called to do the same. There are those in your life who are clueless to what you are going through. They have separated themselves from you because they don’t understand. Some have even come against you. You are to keep on loving them. You are to dig in with Me so that you can become all that I plan for you. I am doing the work in you for their good and for others who need to see Jesus. They will call upon you when they are out of answers. You be ready. You love them when they need you. I will be glorified.”

Psalm 3:1-6 AMP

1) Lord, How they are increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me.

2) Many are saying of me, There is no help for him in God. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

3) But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.

4) With my voice I cry to the Lord and He hears and answers me out of His holy hill. Selah [pause and calmly think of that]!

5) I lay down and slept; I wakened again, for the Lord sustains me.

6) I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me round about.

Psalm 51:10 AMP

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me.

Luke 23:34 NIV

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

 

Although the Word of God is very personal and our relationship with Jesus is one of intimacy, our lives are to be spent for the good of others just as His was. Otherwise, the whole work of the cross is a sham. God is duplicating Jesus in each of us. Jesus did nothing of Himself, held nothing back when called upon to give His life; and continually intercedes for each of us every moment. Those are some pretty big sandals to fill!

The United States gospel of guaranteed prosperity and utopian goals is for the immature believer at best, and apostate thinking when brought to its final conclusion. It does not mirror the crucified life of Jesus; therefore, it must be flawed. Jesus went through all that you and I are going through and then some, all for the best interests of others. We are to do the same. It really is that simple.

Teach me Your ways, Lord,

Jim Corbett

“It is My desire that you fully appreciate who you are in Jesus. The most magnificent thing happened to you when you made Him Lord over your life. You were changed completely. You were made to exist with Me for eternity. You are under Our new covenant. You and I can share intimate moments because We have been reconciled. There is so much more. Study My Word. Spend time with Me. I will show you all that you have become. I will also show you all that I desire you to be. This is a wondrous time for you. Enjoy it!”

1 Cor. 1:2 NIV

To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ - their Lord and ours.

2 Cor. 5:17 AMP

Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ, (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!

 

Fully understood, what God has done for mankind is the most wonderful action ever taken for the sake of another. We were helpless and without hope. Instead of leaving us in our misery, mercy is extended to any one of us who chooses to accept it. By accepting the extended hand of God, we enter into a relationship unparalleled since the Garden of Eden.

I praise You for what You have done for me, Lord,

Jim Corbett

“Look around! What have I brought into your world today that is important to Me? Make it important to you. I may want you to pay a little more attention to your mate. You might be called to go the extra mile for someone who needs to see the love of Jesus. Maybe I will call you to give a simple smile in a place where they are rare. Just open your heart to what I might have in mind for someone today. Live My heart.  Bring the heart of Jesus to barren places. You will be amazed at what will grow beautiful.”

Matthew 11:12 NIV

“From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.”

Mark 1:40-41a NIV

40) A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”

41a) Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man.

Luke 6:36 NIV

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

 

Over the years, Merry and I have really attempted to define the life of Jesus in simple terms and then focus our lives in that direction. This has sometimes been a conscious effort and other times the Lord has forced us to desperately find His heart because of intense situations or extreme circumstances.

I have found that seeking the heart of God becomes relatively easy when I consider the Lord’s desires or the best interests of others before my own in any given situation. That may seem oversimplified, but it has taken quite a while to really go there.

I have also found that functioning in His kind of love usually is not the first reaction that presents itself. My old nature rears its ugly head and has to be quieted before I can see or hear clearly enough for truth to come to me.

God is love. Jesus lived His love as our example. Isn’t it about time that we allowed others to see that love, and subsequently see Him because of our bringing it to every situation to which we are called?

Show me who to love today, Lord,

Jim Corbett