THE GOSPEL OF JOHN
SOON TO BE RELEASED!
The Gospel of John is the signature book of the Bible that exclaims the unmistakable Divinity of the person of Jesus Christ. Christianity has from its very inception, proclaimed that this Jesus was more than just a man; He was God incarnate – fully God, fully man, as He walked the earth. The claims in the book of John, overtly and covertly presuppose this truth.
Christian apologists like Josh McDowell would say there are only 3 alternatives as to who this Jesus is, given His amazing claim namely that, “He is who He claims to be or He is a liar or a lunatic.” Would the disciples and a whole movement suffer injustice, persecution, ostracism, and be prepared to give their lives, for a figment of their imagination, or a lie? It would seem highly unlikely.
No other person has had such a profound impact on humanity as this solitary life. The movement named after Him – ‘Christianity’ has revolutionized the world in so many ways, due to the impact of this 1 person, upon their lives. Kennedy in his book, ‘What If Jesus Had Never Been Born,’ surprises us, by showing how far-reaching the impact of Christ has been over the centuries, since He walked the earth. Charitable agencies – a result of Jesus’ teaching on the Good Samaritan. Value of women – Jesus elevated the status of women in society. Value of human life – Jesus preached to love friends & to love enemies also. The few mentioned here are by no means the full scope of influence that Christianity has had on society throughout the ages, from its humble beginnings.
The influence of this man is so beautifully highlighted in the words of James Francis’s, One Solitary Life:
He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village, where He worked in a carpenters shop until He was thirty. Then for three years He was an itinerant preacher. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family or owned a home. He didn’t go to college. He never visited a big city. He never travelled more than 200 miles from the place where He was born. He did none of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but Himself.
He was about thirty when the tide of public opinion turned against Him. His friends ran away. One of them denied Him. He was turned over to His enemies and went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. While He was dying His executioners gambled for His garments, the only property He had on earth. When He was dead, He was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend. Nineteen centuries have come and gone, and today He is the central figure of the human race.
All the armies that have ever marched, all the naves that ever sailed, all the parliaments that have ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man on this earth as this solitary life.
His uniqueness transcends that of any man that has ever lived.
The purpose of this book is not to get embroiled in the scholarly debates that surround the authorship of the Gospel, debates on different passages, or when the book was written, eminent theologians have already written prolifically on these issues. There are however, extensive footnotes taken directly from various commentaries for each chapter, for those who wish to pursue more rigorous study, with references to key texts, which will expound on the technical aspects of the Greek language and scholarly debates. This publication can be read by any person desirous of understanding the Gospel’s content more clearly, in need of more proof for the divinity of Christ, or would like to make deeper connections within the Gospel, to the Old Testament; particularly from a Jewish perspective. The main passages are taken from the New King James Translation and other translations will be noted, where appropriate. Practical life lessons, are also given where possible; this is a publication which will meet the need of the keen Bible student, the pastor, the preacher, the casual reader, and someone who has never picked up a Bible before.
This work takes as fact, that the Gospel of John is indeed the writing of the disciple whom Jesus loved, as he identifies himself in John 21:20. It further holds, that what John wrote was under the divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God, who oversaw its very content, in all its parts, and what he recorded, was what God intended to be recorded for the generation to which John wrote, and to all future generations of which we are one.
As we walk through sections of this Gospel my hope is to share with you its inherent beauty, its elegance and its vast depth, all of which contribute to the revelation of the Great ‘I AM.’ The Gospel of John demands more than a passing superficial read; to the astute reader who is prepared to dig beneath the surface, it will reveal pearls of great beauty, which will prove to be life changing. It is a magnificent tome, penned by John, to reveal God through Jesus, to humanity; who for the most part have sadly turned their back on God. God is not presented in this Gospel as some austere, inaccessible, transcendent deity; but rather as one who desires to meet with His creation. Humanity, has always, though somewhat unsuccessfully, sought to physically reach up to touch the divine (Gen11:4) as witnessed at the Tower of Babel; yet, here the Divine is the one who stoops from on high, to dwell and connect with the pinnacle of His creation – us! It is the most elaborate rescue plan known to humanity; a love story that surpasses all love stories. It is a story that takes the reader on a journey to bring meaning and hope to their existence. Meaning must be grounded in something greater than ourselves, and for that meaning to be found, one must believe in someone greater than ourselves. Through the pages of this Gospel, meaning will be found, in the person of Jesus Christ.
My sources for this study are varied, along with Jewish sources to enhance our appreciation of the Jewishness of our Messiah, and the important connection that John wants to make namely; that the Jesus of the New Testament is the very same as Yahweh of the Old Testament; the God of Israel. God manifest in the flesh! John unapologetically and explicitly states, that this is indeed his intention.
The heart of this book is that the Gospel of John will come alive to you in a fresh and new way, that it will be life changing and solidify your existing faith, and if you’re not quite sure about this Jesus of Christianity, that you will see through fresh eyes, and indeed believe.
FAITH JOURNAL
‘In The Secret Place – 120 Day Faith Journal’
The Faith Journal is designed to focus you for 120 days on faith and see breakthrough as you follow the Scripture reading for 120 consecutive days. This Journal is based on the SOAP principle of hearing from God.
Break through comes from hearing God’s voice!
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THE MORNING AFTER SUICIDE & REVIEWS
Have you been affected by the loss of someone who you love through suicide? Are you looking for some answers to bring closure as to their eternal destination?
Are you plagued with suicidal thoughts? Do you want to know why, you are having these thoughts?
There are many questions that are left unanswered when such an event happens to someone we love. As part of my own journey the Lord in all His grace has given me some key insights into this field and if you fit any of the above categories l believe this book will speak to those questions.
**See side panel for overview of content.
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REVIEWS
Review by Christian Ayling – Author of “Harvesting Hope” November 2011
As I picked up The Morning After Suicide, I wondered how this was going to read. Was I about to experience 107 pages of unimaginable pain, a grieving mother’s diary of gut-wrenching prose? I looked at the book but didn’t open it straight away. I wasn’t sure how this was going to impact me. After reading the composed, thought-provoking introduction, I have to admit, I was a little surprised to find myself relax. The words, “This is a journey in the power of God’s grace”, were reassuring. With three parts to this work, chapter one was difficult to read. The haunting date, “July 7th 2010, would start out like any other day”, sets the scene of a devastating day.
A day that could be likened to a Hollywood movie script. A day where Staley’s daughter would take her own life, and that of her son. The moments before Astrid Staley’s life would never be the same. Pondering about work, losing weight for filming, maybe some new clothes… “My thoughts were interrupted as my mobile rings, it’s 7am, I look at the name on the display and it’s my son. Why would he be ringing at this hour; perhaps he’s inviting me for dinner.”
We are taken on an intimate journey of some background on Jade’s life, conversations with family, Police trying to piece together and make sense of a surreal nightmare, identifying the body and reflections on misreporting of media and there’s the reactions of others with such a controversial tragedy, let alone being a Christian and then add Pastor to the mix.
Part two changes tone and direction significantly. This is where you see Staley’s intelligent argument as we dive into the history of various civilizations starting with the evolution of Greek Mythology right through to
the modern age, and how we have arrived at the opinions and doctrines surrounding suicide and Christianity before we wind up in part three, a personal perspective.
The Morning After Suicide is not light reading, nor is it meant to be. Primarily, you could assume this book’s target audience is those who have experienced losing a loved one through suicide but, due to the plethora of
surrounding issues such as; double murder, mental health, relationships, eternal implications for suicides relating to Christianity, guilt of a parent, attitudes of others, media, when and how to move on after such a tragedy and many more, this inspirational work of Astrid Staley could reach a much wider audience.
With a theme of God’s grace woven through the pages like a warm blanket, as I closed the book and reflected on the tragedy of Jade Kimberley Quilligan and her family, I remember the last words as they resinate through
me, “Out of the ashes you will arise a trophy of My Grace.” These were the words that gave a mother, wife, pastor, lecturer and most importantly, a child of our heavenly Father enough comfort and hope to endure the days, weeks, months ahead. A story of how God’s super-abundant grace and unfailing love, “…can take you through the most heart wrenching experience and restore life to you once again.”
Review by Katie Edge – November 2011
Hi Astrid…Just wanted to say I finally finished your book… once I picked it up I couldn’t put it down…I found it very enlightening… I too was a sceptic of whether a suicide person goes to heaven and struggled with that for many years… I had a friend who suicided and murdered her 20 month old son by jumping of the Westgate Bridge in 2009. I didn’t really talk to too many people about it except my psych at the time. Like yourself I found such an inability to discuss such a topic… no one knew what to say… Unfortunate it made it to the news paper and I was at work people were talking about it, this was before I realise who it was… another officer actually knew the paramedics who found them so I actually knew more detail then I cared to know once I knew who it was.I was the last person she reached out too… I received a text message hours before she jumped… at the time I was stuck down with a migraine the worst I had ever had and since… knowing what I know now I worked out very quickly that migraine was a spiritual attack. I remember the light from the phone was too bright for my eyes and barely made out what it said… but went back to sleep. I knew exactly what was happening with her and why she did it… but I was riddled with guilt for a very long time… I tried to reach out to her but I also had so much going on in my own life and I just could be there as much as she needed me. I strongly believe I will see her in eternity one day as she loved God, but just couldn’t cope with her life and all that it involved!
So thanks for sharing your story and putting a new perspective on the subject… a much needed book. I look forward to helping other through such a horrific time in there life in a more informed and knowledgeable way.
Review Anonymous - November 2011
Hi Astrid,
I have been giving this topic and feedback on your book a lot of thought. Your book gives really good insight into what people go through when faced with a suicide of a loved one, both at the time and in weeks and months following. It is helpful to learn of the attitudes of those who come into contact with grieving families.
It is a valuable contribution to discuss the history of this topic. I didn’t realise that suicide received applause and approval throughout history, however when you referred to the plays of Shakespeare it became obvious. I thought it was more a 21st century issue until reading its history. While it is not applauded today the shame factor is still present.
I agree with your position on page 101 that the devil plays a part in this and of course he is the author of
destruction and evil. The human being in their right mind possesses the instinct to survive, rather than die. Someone drowning will do everything they can to survive. Self destruction is the opposite of this.
You are right in saying that we have no right to judge as to what anyone’s position is with God at their
death and I agree that we don’t know much of a person’s final moments on earth (p102). Judgement rests with God. As I understand Scripture, the only unforgivable sin is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (Matt 12:32), which in turn results in no eternal heavenly life. Exodus does say not to kill. I would say that in the case of self harm, from God’s point of view it would come back to whether the person was in a healthy state of mind or not. Depression being a chemical imbalance in the brain, unless treated renders the sufferer unable to change their behaviour. God is a God of grace and love and I can’t see him punishing someone who is unable to function normally.
I believe the two eternal options, heaven or hell are not discussed and stressed enough both in and out
of the church. There is little understanding out there of what happens after death and where the spirit goes. Unbelievers think the dead go to heaven anyway because they did good things on earth so why wouldn’t God accept them? There is little understanding of the importance of decisions (eternal) made while one is living. There needs to be more teaching on this and more discussion of it in the secular arena by believers.
As you say there are many contributors to suicide today. The sub culture groups such as Emo promote it
and some secular music lyrics also promote, or glorify it. The many contributors should be addressed more seriously and therefore save lives. I find that the youth can be very self centred, as society relentlessly promotes. I notice that when things don’t go the way they want them to, ending it often seems the only option.There doesn’t seem to be the resilience there found in past generations, to keep going. However I know that some kids are under enormous pressure with family breakdown and violence both within and outside the family.
Suicide is trivialised to a point as well. I head up the Children’s Ministry in my church and had one of
the Grade 3 boys suggest during a discussion that suicide was an option and he was serious. As you say Astrid there is a long way to go in teaching and training leaders and Christians and in the secular in dealing with those left behind. I would really like to see Harvest address this. This problem will not go away and is increasing. Often at these times people will turn to the church and hope that Pastors and believers will have all the answers. It is true that if this problem is not addressed adequately, the families may blame God or turn away from Him (p45). I have one more semester to go in my course and haven’t come across this topic yet, although haven’t done the Youth Ministry subjects.
Definitely attitudes to suicide out there in the church and community need to change. We can’t just leave families to deal with it on their own in the best way they can. I think the example Jesus set and taught of loving one another is a place to start. Those around grieving families may not know what to say or do but I doubt that they would be criticised for showing love.
It’s a huge problem and there are many families dealing with it. Is the book for sale in the secular book
shops? People could use Christian input on this topic. I pray for you and your family and we know that God is a God of grace, love and peace that passes our human understanding. We will know the answers when we stand before Him face to face.
Review by Margriet Givord – November 2011
Hi Astrid,
I read part of the book. I actually had to put it away for a while as it was too hard to continue reading it.I picked up on God speaking through you in the enormous strength He gave you to deal with the death of Jade and her little son. But I also looked at my own children and realised I cannot even start to understand the pain you and your husband have gone through.
I am not sure where to place it at the moment but it certainly has made an impact, I will pick it up again and finish it. Even when people’s grace is not always there, God’s grace and power is amazing. I think this book has helped and will help a lot of other people going through a similar ordeal.The taboo on depression, suicide and mental health needs to be lifted and I am convinced your book is a step in the right direction!
Review by Kerrie Stevens – November 2011
This study of suicide through the author’s own very personal and emotional story is thought-provoking and eye-opening. The story offers encouragement and hope to those who have been touched by suicide. The tracing of the history of attitudes towards suicide is something not often discussed when talking about suicide and its effects on those remaining behind. I found your book very interesting, but also very personal and emotional.
Review by Carmel Holden – November 2011
Hi Astrid,
I finished reading your book on the weekend and was just trying to put my thoughts together.
My Dad and brother suicided and my sister has had several attempts. It’s comforting to know that there is a possibility of them being saved. I don’t know where they were at with God. I have seen what you were talking about with the demonic influence. After a few of my sisters attempts, my husband felt God was saying that demons were involved and that she should seek deliverance. At the time we attended a Baptist Church and knew nothing about this. I found an Anglican counsellor who worked in deliverance and went with her to the appointments as he liturgically led her through a process of renouncing various things and casting out demons.Since then she has only had one attempt but it has been many years since that, so she seems healed of this.
I am very thankful to have been able to learn from your study and insights seeing as this has been neglected in Christian teaching. I think your book contains essential knowledge for Christians. I hope that people will take the time to understand this theology for the sake of supporting and ministering to those in need in this area. It would be great if all Christians could get some teaching on this. Perhaps a non-academic version of the book would be useful. It would be good to have some advice based on your findings for those experiencing suicidal thoughts as well as practical advice for supporting others, including adults and children, Christians and non-Christians, those contemplating suicide, or surviving an attempt and those left behind after suicide.
Review by Alphonsa – November 2011
Dear Astrid,
Yes I have finished reading your book “The Morning After Suicide”.To be honest I had to force myself to put it down each time I had to go to work and leave the book half read.I was eager to get to the end and read every word because it meant so much to me.Since my brother’s suicide I bore alot of guilt,doubt,fear and grief because I thought his soul was lost forever and he will never be in heaven with me and our family when Jesus takes us home to Him.But your book gave me hope and consolation to know that our Heavenly Father is so gracious that even in the act of taking our own lives in the midst of total despair and desparation that He is merciful and will forgive us all our iniquities just because He gave His only begotten Son to die on the cross for us. When Jesus hung on that cross He took on Himself our sins and bore the wrath and fury of an Almighty God once and for all and paid the price once and for all so that even God cannot by double jeopardy charge us for our sins.Jesus paid the price “It Was Finished” on that cross on calvary.What an awesome God we serve!!! No words are enough to explain or express what I feel in my heart for a God so great as this who is a Father,Saviour,Redeemer and Friend.
I thank you for all the effort you have put into writing this book and I sincerly hope and pray that the words of your book will bring comfort, hope and healing to everyone who reads it.May our God and Father richly bless you,lead you and guide you all the days of your life and as He uses you may your journey in the world bring Him all the glory, honour and praise in Jesus matchless name I pray. Elizabeth(Alphonsa).
Review by Jodie Safaric – November 2011
Hi Astrid
‘The Morning After Suicide’ broke my heart. It is a testimony of how all things are possible with God.
I never questioned my thinking about suicide before and yes I must admit that for some reason I thought all suicides did go to hell. I don’t anymore. Who am I to think such a thing. This book opened my eyes to the necessity of the deliberate renewing of the mind, there is a very real spiritual warfare to battle and God’s love and grace is bigger than the brokenness and darkness of the world.
Thank you for sharing Astrid you are a mighty warrior.
Review by Bianca Talevska – November 2011
As I picked up to read ‘The Morning After Suicide’ I immediatly knew that God would speak powerfully to me through this book. As I read of Ps Astrid’s journey with losing her daughter to sucide and the way in which she drew upon the Lord for strength during time of such great despair and heartbreak, I could only use this as inspiration and encouragement for the trials I’m faced with in my own life, which seem so small in comparison. The way in which she depicts her story, in such a raw way, left me only imaging of what it would be like to be in such a position and more importantly how powerful the love and grace of God is. The explanation of suicide, through biblical and historical principles gave me a deep understanding of the topic, which I can now use in my own walk with the Lord and in my ministry with young people.
Thanks to Ps Astrid I now have a clearer picture of what suicide is and I know that it will enable me to now look at suicide with a completely different perspective.
In Memory Of Jade Kimberley Quilligan
In loving memory of Jade Kimberley Quilligan, June 22, 1988 – July 7, 2010
Jade Kimberley Quilligan, beloved and only daughter of Astrid Staley, wife of Leonard Comollatti, mother of Anthony Comollatti, on the night of July 6th 2010, ended her life and that of her young son.
A beautiful young mother, my precious daughter, found herself after 8 months of post-natal depression in a very dark place and the tragic events that followed were the result of her thought processes being so crippled by a disease that went unchecked by the health system and those closest to her.
Jade experienced increased anxiety in the months leading up to the birth and when Anthony arrived found it difficult to bond with him. However, before she was discharged, hospital staff felt that she had progressed to an acceptable level of bonding for her to be discharged. She was unfortunately never followed up by health care staff after she left the hospital. Things did not progress well and before long she developed deep depression, left her husband took the baby and lived as a recluse in the second home they owned.
As Jade spiraled deeper into depression they agreed amicably between them that Leonard would have custody of Anthony. He strongly encouraged Jade to get assistance but she refused and became increasingly agitated when he would visit. When the time came for handing Anthony over, her living environment had deteriorated significantly which was clearly an outward manifestation of her inner turmoil; Jade was suffering from severe post-natal depression. Despite the turmoil in her mind and living conditions, numerous photos on Jade’s phone taken recently show that Anthony was well cared for and a happy, chubby baby.
It is in the fire of life’s tragedies that one looks to one’s creator to seek answers to the hard questions. And it is the fire that He answers. On the morning of July 7th when I received the call that would forever change my life, my daily devotional was from the book of Psalm Chapters 18-20. It seemed that God had personally written a letter to me that day, a letter that let me know that He was with me in the depth of despair and that He was and is a faithful God. And in the days that followed I would put Him to the test.
God whispered to me constantly – He talked to me about how to keep my mind clear, how to safeguard it and keep it strong through this time. He also showed me how to protect my heart. The greatest danger in the fire is that our hearts become cold and hardened. When face to face with people who had the power to take control but failed to do so, He showed me how to be gracious and minister His heart of forgiveness to them.
It is through the fire that we learn not only about the faithfulness of our God but also about ourselves. In life we have very little power to control the events that come our way, but we do have power through Him as to how we respond. Though I am so terribly wounded, I am not defeated; I have tried my God in the fire and found Him faithful.
Jade gave her heart to the Lord when she was a teenager. Although the decisions Jade made later in her life were incompatible with biblical values, I look forward to being reunited with my little girl and grandson in glory. I know Father God’s heart and believe and rest in the knowledge that God’s mercy can cover his child who was not in her right mind at the time of these tragic events.
Blessings & Peace
Astrid Staley
Jade my beautiful, gentle girl who loved animals, people and life.
Jade’s laugh and presence would light up a room, people were drawn to her because she was easy to get along with, friendly and real. When she was little she had eyes as blue as the ocean and they would just melt you. She was sensitive and you only needed to give her a stern look and that was enough to stop her from getting into mischief. Animals loved her and she loved them and she always surrounded herself with cats and dogs. Jade had hopes and dreams like all girls do, of marrying a good man having children and enjoying life.
Jade was bright, intelligent and real and that is how she will be remembered.
The power of the prophetic word given in due season brings hope, confirms, infuses joy, and reveals the Fathers caring heart to the recipient and also to the deliverer of that word.
On the 6th & 7th of August my women’s leadership team and l went away o’nite and attended the Planet Shakers ‘Beautiful Women’ conference…and true to the name the venue shook and then our lives were shaken up as well. It was an awesome conference, a conference where the spirit of excellence for the Master was evident, the worship was anointed and the atmosphere of joy permeated the conference.
Though l was excited about attending the conference it would also mark the 1 month anniversary of Jade’s death. On the week leading up to the conference God was talking to me about ‘mourning.’ My husband (Marty), and l had been discussing how long does one mourn, what would we consider is the appropriate length of time for mourning? We saw hints in scripture, and l want to emphasise hint, l am not attempting to be put forward a theology or dogma here; 30 days can be seen in the Old Testament to be the time alloted where the mourner is absolved of responsibility to mourn their loved ones. In Numbers 20:29 they mourned Aaron for 30 days, in Deuteronomy 34:8 they mourned Moses 30 days.
However, this resonated with me and l felt that the Lord had given me the grace to take hold of that. As l was travelling to the conference on the morning of the anniversary of Jade’s death, all of a sudden this incredible guilt swept over me – ‘how dare l only offer my precious daughter 30 days of mourning’ and l started to feel extremely weak inside, and began to wonder how l would get through the conference and make this a happy experience for my leaders.
Again we need to know that God is in control and when He gives us the grace He provides the means to get us across the line. On Saturday Ps. Jackie Hall preached a message on healing. But as she was about to give her altar call she told us of how God had woken her up that morning at 4am, and told her that the ‘the time for mourning was over’ and to tell that to the women, as there will be those that need to mourn no longer. A strange word no doubt, but obediently Ps. Jackie brought the word of the Lord.
Within moments the altar was full of women as they came from their seats to respond to this word, much to her surprise. Then Ps. Jackie said that ‘those who’s loved ones had suicided that they needed to know they are with the Lord, that they were not in their right mind, and now rest with Him and they could have that assurance.’
Well, l sat frozen in my seat as the words she spoke echoed in my ears and travelled to my heart, which now was racing. You see, l knew the word that the Lord had spoken to me days earlier and the assurance that He had given me at the time when l first learned of Jade’s death was true, but now He was giving me the nudge that l needed to move forward, to remind me that He is so totally in control of all things and watching over all. A joy has again filled my heart, my strength has returned, God’s grace again has proved sufficient. For the first time my evening meal that nite tasted great and was enjoyable, for a month l had merely ate the bare minimum to keep functioning, food had no flavor, there was a deep void that was always there, but that has lifted through His grace.
What is right for one person is not necessarily right for the next person, but there is one truth that stands eternal - if God asks you to do something He will give you the grace to do it, and wherever necessary will bring the prophetic word to seal His words to you.
The power of the prophetic word cannot be diminished and it is imperative that if God puts a word on your heart to bring, even though it may seem strange to you, that you obediently give it, because you never know who is sitting in the audience or in the room that God wants to touch by confirming His already spoken word to them. Your one word can be the blessing that gets them across the line.
The prophetic word reveals the Fathers heart, and it is powerful!
Emulate The Master
Time and time again when the Gospels speak of Jesus we read in the same sentence that He was a man of compassion and that He felt pity for those who presented themselves to Him with a need. It was those qualities that drew people to Him; it made Him attractive to people. Those qualities not only attracted the crowds but also attracted the Holy Spirit and we see the Holy Spirit draw near and heal their sickness and deliver them from oppression.
May we emulate the Master so that we will be attractive not only to humanity but to the Holy Spirit and people will be healed and set free.
What Do You See?
What do you see when you look at someone? Do you see the issues you have had with that person to date? Do you see a person loaded down with problems a person who is too much hard work? Do you see all the past and present failings of that person?
As potent as the Apostle Paul was for the Kingdom of God, he struggled at times to see people’s potential over their failings. When the early Church heard that Paul had become a Christian they struggled to welcome him with open arms because of his past.
But one man stood out his name was Barnabas – ‘Son of encouragement.’ A name affectionately given him because he saw the potential in people even though they had failed, he had a heart that was willing to take people under his wing when others had grown weary of them, because they were too much hard work – like Mark. He chose to look at people differently and in time Mark matured and today we read his gospel. Barnabas knew of Paul’s checkered past but he saw what could be and stood by Paul and 13 of his letters have had a profound influence on many generations.
What do you see when you look at someone? You can never really know what people will become, but you can be a Barnabas in their journey.
Ordinary vse Extraordinary
We weren’t called to live ordinary lives. We are called to live extraordinary lives.
Extraordinary means: strange, odd, unusual, unexpected, astonishing, surprising, amazing, bizarre,
Strange- because we are aliens, pilgrims living for a heavenly reality – Heb. 11:13-16
Odd – because the world says ‘me first’ and we say ‘God first’ – Matt. 6:25-34
Unusual – because the world says ‘I am the greatest’ and we say ‘I am a servant’ – Phil. 2: 6-11
Unexpected – because we find ourselves in places we never dreamed of – Gen. 12:1-4
Astonishing – because we accomplish things that we know in the natural are beyond us – Phil. 4:10-13
Surprising – every day the enormity of our God becomes more and more real to us – Eph. 4:16-20
Amazing – we are amazed at the scale of God’s love and forgiveness – Heb. 4:14-16
Bizarre – we walk by faith when everything in the natural tells us it is impossible – Heb. 11
Enjoy your extraordinary life!
Never Give Up!
To be a rabbi’s disciple in the 1st century often meant that they had to leave everything behind and travel full time with the rabbi wherever he went. This kind of discipleship was a unique feature of Jewish society of the day. The rich man who was invited to join Jesus felt the cost would be too high and chose his present life and comforts over following the greatest Rabbi ever to walk the earth. Jesus never hid the fact that following Him would mean sacrifice and at times hardships; it was a road He would walk and any who followed would have to share the same journey.
“So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.” 2Cor. 4:16-18 MSG
I Am Not Ashamed!
Paul had a fire that burned within him for the lost; it didn’t matter if they were Jew or Gentile he knew that the very same savior that saved him, died for them also. He could confidently say that “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation…” Rom.1:16.
There is nothing more sobering than street work. Coming face to face with a stranger and offering to pray for them or giving them a tract. Today Marty and I hit the streets with the gospel, listening intently for the Holy Spirit leading. We left some tracts and although we didn’t lead anyone to the Lord or get to see any miracles – we knew that we had scattered some seeds and now God had the opportunity to make that grow.
There are millions of people out there going to hell who won’t walk into our churches; there is only one thing left to do – go to them! Take the ministry gifts that God has given us through his Holy Spirit and meet them on their own turf. Give them a word of knowledge that will change their lives, pray for their healing so that they will be receptive to the gospel. People are more open to God than the devil makes us believe.
Come to Me!
Looking for refreshment? Looking for rest? Looking for a way to off load those things that are weighing heavy on your mind? Well one can go to a resort or go out for a nice meal with good company or one can just chill out in our own home for the weekend and feel refreshed and rested. No doubt you can think of a variety of ways to feel refreshed and rested. All these things are good and helpful but long term refreshment that surpasses all things is that which Jesus invites us to do:
“Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke on you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest to your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Mat 11:28 -30
Yes, Jesus was talking about people who were caught up in religiosity and works, but in all things we are invited to cast whatever concerns, whatever causes us stress, whatever disappointments, whatever anxieties we have, in fact everything that would rob us of peace, upon Him, and He promises that He will take that load and exchange it for His peace!
It won’t matter how long we have been Christians it is something we need to remind ourselves of daily and it is something that we must do intentionally.
What Moves You?
What moves you? Does failure of people to recognize your gifting move you? Does ridicule from non Christians or loved ones move you? Does a lack of promotion move you? Does sickness move you? Does lack of finances move you? Does unanswered prayer move you?
Without doubt there are many more things that one could add to this list of things that have the potential to move us. This week in lecturing Acts I was inspired by Paul and how nothing moved him in his walk with God. It didn’t matter whether people loved him, hated him, recognized his authority or honored him in his ministry call, whether he was sick or thrown in a prison with the barest of necessities or beaten. He wasn’t moved by the fact that he had prayers that went unanswered he knew the grace of God would sustain him, he knew what it was to be content in all circumstances in plenty and in lack.
May we be a people who can say as did Paul: “But none of these things move me, neither do I count my life dear to myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus Christ, to testify fully the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:22-24
Not By Might!
How does one respond when something insurmountable is placed in one’s path, when everyone around us has little if any confidence that we can achieve or overcome what is before us? There is only one response, “Not by might nor by power but by God’s Spirit.” Zechariah knew only too well the need for the Spirit of the Lord to enable him to achieve the incredible feat of rebuilding Jerusalem. Military might and human energy would only take him so far, but the Spirit of the Lord upon him and guiding him would get him across the line and silence all the critics that said it couldn’t be done and they would know that he was a man sent by God (Zechariah 4).
It was true 3,000 years ago and is just as true for us today. Never look down on the day of small beginnings!
A Sweet Fragrance
John 12:35 “Mary came in with a jar of very expensive aromatic oils, anointed and massaged Jesus’ feet, and then wiped them with her hair. The fragrance of the oils filled the house. Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, even then getting ready to betray him, said, “Why wasn’t this oil sold and the money given to the poor? It would have easily brought three hundred silver pieces.” MSG
Two polar opposites – one says ‘I will give all that I have to the Savior’ the other says ‘I want to see what I can gain from my association with the Savior.’ One is remembered with admiration the other with disappointment. The fragrance of her generosity filled the house so that it blessed all that were sitting in the room. The deeds of the other ended up being a torment to him to where he could no longer hold onto his ill gotten gain. What Mary did was radical. In the day women of reputation didn’t let down their hair and start wiping a man’s feet in public, but she wasn’t constrained by opinion, Mary knew who it was seated before her.
In our Christian walk we can approach our relationship with God as- ‘I want to give you all that I have because you gave me all that you had’ and in so doing be a blessing to everyone in our path, or we can be in it for what we can get out of God – and settle for a ‘bless me club.’ It’s always our choice!
