May 2013 - TRAIL MIX, Enjoy!

As we traverse the Narrow Path, we often like to refer to ourselves as Christians, born-again believers, Baptist, Catholics, Methodists, non-denominational, Assemblies of God, Charismatic, spirit-filled, or simply believers in God [if I omitted your particular denomination, I am sorry, I only have so much room to write].

However, if I am interpreting Jesus correctly in John 20:21-23 (RSV), where Jesus said, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so, I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit" he was deputizing* each of us to go forth into the world and be his proxies with the full spiritual power of authority of heaven to do his work, in His name, to a lost and hungry world.

This is an amazing directive, and it places upon the shoulders of all believers the spiritual mantle of authority to carry things out, here on earth, in His name for His glory.

Think about this....when you say, I am calling the local Sheriff's Department to report a crime, who shows up? The elected Sheriff himself, or a sworn deputy? The elected official is not going to be available for a large area of people, so that official deputizes as many men and women as needed to represent them and do the work of enforcing the law of that particular county. Try telling the deputy that stops you for breaking a traffic law, or when they have a warrant for your arrest that you will only surrender to, or accept the ticket from the "Man" himself?

You will be in handcuffs before you finish your statement, and the sad thing is, you may never see the Sheriff himself, because the deputy was sworn to uphold the laws and do the work of that person, giving them full power to act in the Sheriff's name, no matter what the circumstances may be.

That brings me to this month's Trail Mix. Jesus told you and I, that while we sojourn this Narrow Path, we are to traverse it as if he were himself traveling across it. Meaning that you and I have ALL His power to do his bidding to enforce his divine will in His stead. And that bidding is accomplished through prayer. Prayer is the main job of the church. And in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLV), Paul reminds the church that they are to," Be full of joy all the time. Never stop praying. In everything give thanks. This is what God wants you to do because of Christ Jesus."

And we are being entrusted with this ultimate power of prayer because as Paul says in 1 Corinthians 6:3 (NLV), in heaven, God will trust us to take charge over, and judge the angels [who, by the way, have no need to pray, because prayer is a gift given only to mankind]. I consider the fact that we are deputized t do the bidding of the church while here on earth, to be a form of on-the-job-training!" We are learning with each step we take on the Narrow Path, so why are you standing around complaining or wringing our hands over the difficulties that beset you?

Do you not realize that he promised to not only be with you on the path, but as He said, we have the very presence of His spirit within us while he is in heaven building and preparing our condominiums? Child of God, you were deputized for a reason, and that was to grow in your authority to take full control over these things you come personally with along the path, in Jesus's name. And by taking full control in His name, we are enforcing the heavenly principles here on earth, as they are in heaven [like in the Lord's prayer - pray: that our Father in Heaven shall permit his will do be done here on earth as it is done in heaven]!

Does this mean that we can have anything our heart desires? No! However, it does mean that we will always have what is allowable within his perfect, and sometimes permissible will, for our life and the life of those we pray for! Now, that is one awesome truth and a promise for the ages! Selah!!!

Shalom,

Pastor Paul

*Credit for the teaching of "deputizing" the church goes to Dr. Paul E. Billheimer and his best-selling book, "Destine for the Throne!"

This months trail mix for your journey on the Narrow Path is titled "The Pain behind my Smile...is still comforted by His hand in mine" was prayerfully and meticulously prepared His help, for you....Enjoy!

The smile on my face doesn't mean my life is perfect! It does mean that I do appreciate what I have and what Jehovah Jireh has blessed me with! (author unknown) Selah~Shalom!

I can testify that this is a fact. My life has been QUITE far from perfect; however, through His eyes and love, I appreciate the good as well as the bad moments in my life; the valleys as well as the mountaintop experiences; the joyful expressions of "Hallelujah's" intermixed with "God, where are you, I'm hurting, and only you can relieve the pain?"

It goes without saying that the path I walk has had its difficulties and moments of complete and utter despair, but also there have been those times where I was led to drink from the springs and rivers so timely placed to refresh, revive and lift me up!

There have been moments of complete respite in your arms; and because of this peace and comfort, I can most assuredly say, "I would have it no other way."

This is exactly where I want to be, in both the good and bad times, because I know that it is my Savior and Shepherd who holds me by my hands through it all!

I have no doubt, whatsoever, that Romans 8:28 (We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose - RSV) is meant for each of us as we traverse the Narrow, yet difficult Path through life that leads to heaven...Shalom!

Now, always be hopeful....and go, and sin no more!

Pastor Paul