Suddenly
Some of you will remember this picture. It's from an email that was sent to us from one of the John supporters:
I experienced a little bit of this kind of thing happening to me last night. I was talking with two of my good friends over the phone. (The three of us were on a "party line.") We were making all kinds of small talk, and then the conversation started turning deeper. And all of us were facing one kind of dilemma or another. And we were complaining, seeing no way out of our individual dire situations when all of a sudden, one of us said, "Wait a minute. The whole point of our Christian lives is to 'seek holiness.' That's the answer for me! I'm supposed to seek holiness, and not worry about trying to do a balancing act between living as a Christian and living in the world."
This, of course, had a ripple effect on all of us, and we were suddenly seeing the "solution" to all our so-called problems. We needed to focus on the truth that the Christian life is meant to be tough, and because of that we rely on the Holy Spirit to give us grace and strength to carry on.
Yeah, the three of us realized what had just happened: God had "snuck up on us" and had made His way into our conversation. It was amazing! I thought, this excitement was what Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego must have been feeling in the fiery furnace when they saw the "fourth man"--the preincarnate Christ--in the flames, with them.
I mean, suddenly He was there in our conversation--"without previous warning."
And is it okay if I believe, that just as suddenly, He'll make provision for John, as His people respond in giving of themselves for the saving of lives...through a "little" film called, The Gospel According To John.
So, let's keep on, in bringing about greater awareness of John throughout the body of Christ, because we'll never know what someone might do with a postcard we gave them; with a web address we gave them; or a DVD we showed them; or a brochure; or a web banner. We just never know. God can do anything.
This, of course, had a ripple effect on all of us, and we were suddenly seeing the "solution" to all our so-called problems. We needed to focus on the truth that the Christian life is meant to be tough, and because of that we rely on the Holy Spirit to give us grace and strength to carry on.
Yeah, the three of us realized what had just happened: God had "snuck up on us" and had made His way into our conversation. It was amazing! I thought, this excitement was what Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego must have been feeling in the fiery furnace when they saw the "fourth man"--the preincarnate Christ--in the flames, with them.
I mean, suddenly He was there in our conversation--"without previous warning."
And is it okay if I believe, that just as suddenly, He'll make provision for John, as His people respond in giving of themselves for the saving of lives...through a "little" film called, The Gospel According To John.
So, let's keep on, in bringing about greater awareness of John throughout the body of Christ, because we'll never know what someone might do with a postcard we gave them; with a web address we gave them; or a DVD we showed them; or a brochure; or a web banner. We just never know. God can do anything.
11 comments:
Thanks for the word "...the Christian life is meant to be tough, and because of that we rely on the Holy Spirit to give us grace and strength to carry on."
I, too, was reminded of something similar just this past week: In public policy decisions, or in private matters, good choices will continually be opposed, and this is NOT a cause for dismay, because our God reigns. I am naive if I am surprised, dismayed, or even annoyed by the fact that evil keeps coming back for another round. (I'm not saying all opposition is evil, but some clearly is.)
The Lord did give us fair warning, "In this world, you will have trouble, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world." And He's also given us the Way to handle the adversary: in knowing Jesus, we have everything we need for life and godliness. (I love God's extreme statements!)
Opposition, like everything else, is used by God for our good. Troubles show me my utter need of a Savior (hallelujah!), and as He works it out, I learn and experience that my Savior is Faithful and True, that He alone deserves all the glory (double hallelujah!). I also learn that, for reasons I don't fathom, my endurance means a lot to my Heavenly Father.
So, thank you for your good cheer as you trust in Jesus. You are an encouragement to me. May the Lord continually be magnified in your lives of obedience, love, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Revelation 11:17, "We give You thanks, O Lord God, the Almighty, who are and who were, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign!"
kris_in_wa & katie,
thank you. your words encourage me so much. in fact, it's almost scary, because what you have said (by the Spirit) seems to penetrate my soul in giving me encouragement. God bless you!
Together, advancing His kingdom...
It is kind of funny, the topic for this posting because, I too, have been facing some tough times, but know the great reward I have in Jesus, and the double blessings and encouragement that I get each and every time I read postings on this blog or visit the web sites.
In fact, many of you may have noticed that I have been absent this past couple of weeks. I had my internet shut off for a time. You know, you never know how much you miss something until it isn't there anymore. Thank the Lord that I was able to use the computer lab on the college campus to keep somewhat in touch here. I kept hoping someone would see me on the John website or Marchiano Ministries website and ask me what I was looking at but it never happened, even when I prayed and then I thought you have posters and flyers bring them to campus and post them. So I am going to start keeping them with me at all times. I was somewhat disappointed when I noticed that the posters that I had given to some area pastors were not yet placed in the church but my feeling and it goes along with one of my favorite worship songs, is this, "God will make a way, when there is no other way." As Ronald mentioned, while the Christian life is tough at times and Christ never promised it would be easy, the love, grace and mercy of Jesus is there to carry us through.
Praise Jesus!
I know that the only answer as Bruce has pointed out more than once. is to just draw closer to Jesus and to take that "on your knees" approach, with complete focus on Him.
May God Bless each and every one of you and see you through whatever tough times you might be facing. May His face shine upon you. Father, touch each one and lighten their loads that they carry. Bring about miracles and wonders in their lives and for this film, Lord. We call upon Jehova for the provision that is needed to bring about this film and to carry your Word to all nations. Thank-you Jesus for the people on this blog and around the world who are adopting this vision and working to bring it to fruition. Help, me to do more to see it realized and encourage everyone in their daily walks. And Father as the deer panteth for the water, help each one to draw closer to you as well.
In the most awesome name of Jesus,
Amen
Hello
As intercessors, we also need to hold each other up in prayer. Yes we will all face difficult times and it is such a comfort to know, that we are being prayed for as we
continue to live and serve the Lord. Be encouraged and know that, you are a child of a loving God, and that He will carry us through
everything. "Consider it all Joy!"
and we will be strengthened in Him!
His Love Endures forever!
Kris -
That was one great message and hit home here as well. The funny thing is, I just bought facial cleaning cloths at Wal-Mart. So I am going to go and wash my face, and grab that joy. Thanks for sharing! God Bless!
Hi Kris
Thankyou for that and yes, sometimes the battles we face are huge! For me the most difficult thing to do, is to be patient, and
wait on the Lord. Remember back a few weeks when someone mentioned
P.U.S.H.-pray until something happens! As with "Matthew", God will touch lives through "John".
It is so exciting knowing that God
will use this film and His Gospel,
to do what He has done and continues to do through "Matthew",
I have heard testimonies from people and it is such a blessing!
"The Lord will fulfill His purpose
for me; You love, O Lord, endures forever. Psalm 138:8
Kris and Canada -
Thank-you for sharing and being so open, I could completely relate to what you were saying and the same thing has been happening around here.
I really liked the acronym of PUSH, pray until something happens.
Amen!! Along with the prayer team know that I am praying too.
I am happy to report that I had posted flyers up in the building that I have my doctorate classes in about the Gospel According to John, I put up two flyers showing both sides. One of them was taken down but one was left and I can only hope and think that is because someone was interested in the project and wanted to catcth the vision, as the other flyer was still there. In addition, I recently sent in what support that I could at this time.
I know that God is going to do great things, exceedingly above or beyond what we could ask or think. Not just for the film or the ministry but for each one of his children. The transference of wealth is going to happen and soon because Jesus wants us to be ready and wants us to gather the harvest for HE will be returning soon, Amen!!
Remember that whatever you are going through that it is only for a time and that joy will come. The fact is as Kris said is that we have to trust in God and remain close to him. God has his eye on the sparrow and I know He is watching each and everyone of us. Let us keep in prayer Marchiano Ministries as they are in Africa this week.
May God Bless each and everyone!
Marlena :-)
Hello everyone -
I am just asking everyone to pray as I meet over lunch with the campus ministry director of a local church about The Gospel According to John and Marchiano Ministries. One of my goals, besides gaining support, is to have Bruce come and speak on campus or at the church which is practically on campus anyway and well within walking distance. College students, as I am still one of them - currently working on my Phd - want something or someone real, and they are not going to accept Jesus in any other way, and as most of you know, Jesus is real, and Bruce is real in his approach in ministry. I think that they would definitely accept the message of Jessu coming from him. I believe God opened this door and will work things out to His good. Thanks everyone, God Bless!!
Marlena
Hi Marlena - I will pray about this for you - it will be wonderful if Bruce could speak to the students and to others at your church. You can count on me to be praying. Lots of love - Esme' in South Africa
Marlena,
I'll be praying too.
In His Grace... Karen
Just to update everyone -
I met with Karen and she is very excited about this and others at the church are as well. It looks like this, in God's grace, is going to happen. We need prayer that the students involved in the ministry will want this as well, that we will be able to get a room on campus when we need it, and that everything will work out on the end of Marchiano Ministries.
In addition to my meeting with Karen, I just left some posters and flyers with a new Christian book store that opened up in our area, and no one there has ever heard of Bruce Marchiano, so I am hoping they will check things out. My father always says that God gave you a mouth, so use it, and that is what I am doing. :-)
God Bless everyone,
Marlena
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