To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to
my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the
truth will set you free."John 8:31-32
Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one
comes to the Father except through me."John
14:6
"Sanctify them by the truth, your word is truth."John 17:17
What is the truth? Many today do not believe in absolute truth - everything
is relative. The Bible is not just a book, but a doorway into the spiritual
reality of God himself. Jesus is the absolute truth. God's word is the absolute
truth. God exists, loves us, wants a personal relationship with us and wants to
set us free. Free from what? Free from the penalty of our sins - free from our
past, we are new In Christ - free from guilt - free from the fear of death: we
have eternal life - free to know that there is much more than this world; this
world is only a dim shadow of the spiritual reality all around us - free to
trust in Jesus who will always be with us through all of life's trials - free to
let go of all our false assumptions, like we are in control of this life - free
from the fear of illness; we know Jesus will ultimately heal us - free to know
that in all things God works for the good of those who love him - free to know
that when this life ends we will open our eyes and be in the arms of Jesus for
eternity. The list goes on and on. Accept a life changing relationship with the
creator of all. Meditate on the freedoms you have in Christ and give Him all the
glory, honor and praise.
I will be in Sudan for the next several weeks with teams from CEF, PCC and
CMA. We would appreciate your prayers. I will resume writing when I return, as
God wills.
Mike McMahon
"Beauty is truth, truth beauty; that is all ye know on earth, and
all ye need to know." - John Keats
Prayer Power
Meditate on God's eternal truths every day. Thank Jesus for showing us the
truth. Pray for peace in Kenya, Sudan and in all the earth and that all may come
to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. Amen.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will
give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and
humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."Matthew 11:28
(Continued from last post...)
- Self - We want a perfect body in perfect health and shape. Pride always
tries to creep into the driver's seat of our lives.
- Work - Too much time and stress at work.
- Debt - Our debt load as a society if at incredible levels. How many are
living paycheck to paycheck and are on the brink of major financial trouble.
Because of the debt load we have to work longer hours to keep afloat.
- Relationship troubles - First and foremost we need a close, real, personal
relationship with Jesus and need to keep that a vital, passionate part of our
life. If that relationship is not close we will feel unrest. Next is our
relationship with other important people in our lives-wife, children, friends.
Likewise, if those are not close and nurturing we will feel the results.
My list is certainly not exhaustive, and I do not want it to be. I only
wanted to point out some of the obvious problems that I see-in myself and
others.
What is the solution?
- Pour out your soul to Jesus. Spend time in honest, soul searching prayer.
Remember the example of Hannah, mother of Samuel, in the first chapter of 1
Samuel. She was praying so hard emotionally that Eli thought she was drunk, but
she was pouring out her heart to the Lord. We need to pray like that.
- Keep your focus on Jesus. Remember the story of Peter in Matthew chapter 14
when he went to walk on the water. He actually was walking on the water until he
"saw the wind and was afraid". What did he do? He took his eyes off Jesus and
began to sink. We need to continually refocus on Jesus. We need to "fix our eyes
on Jesus" (Heb 12:2).
- Give your time to Jesus. One hour is only 4% of the day. Our pastor likes to
tell us that love is spelled T-I-M-E and is an action verb. If you love Jesus
spend time with Him.
- Quiet time alone with Jesus. Jesus often went off to be alone with His
Father and we need to follow His example. Elijah found God's voice as a "gentle
whisper", not in the wind, earth quake or fire (1 Kings 19). "Be still and know
that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).
I hope these musings on rest and sharing my thoughts will help keep you close
to Jesus this season.
Mike McMahon
"Our heart is restless until it rests in you." - St.
Augustine
Prayer Power
Lord help us to rest in your arms. We pray for peace in Sudan and other
countries where there is conflict. Thank you for the gift of your son, Jesus.
Amen.