There are some times when I am drained of all my dreams
and all my wisdom and all my strength and even all of myself. I feel like that
tonight. It is sometimes unpleasant but these times are sacred to Him. I have nothing
and I am nothing but an unprofitable servant of the Redeemer. And there is
where I am everything.
To live is Christ…
Very good reminder Pastor Rick. Jesus did tell us that without Him we are nothing, and how true that is. Human beings, including Christians are so self absorbed and self congratulating that we don't realize that much of our works are just wood, hay and stubble. Much of our education and career is laboured over - only to serve Satan's agenda. Our personal presentation and efforts to look good are just like dressing up a rotting corpse. Our money, property, investments that make us feel secure will not buy us a place in heaven. I'm not suggesting that we give up on everything, but we do need to think what our efforts are for, and realize that our focus is on the wrong thing.
ReplyDeleteDear Pastor Rick,
ReplyDeleteAs you have ministered to many throughout the years, there is no doubt you have impacted the Kingdom of God through your servanthood. I, personally, have experienced growth in a closer relationship with Jesus Christ through the sheer transparency of your blogs, written from a heart who longs for Him. The reader responses have blessed me beyond measure as I run to the Word of God to test for myself what He says to us. And the iron presented on this website has been a true joy in my earthly life as it sharpens the pitted surface of my faith, cutting to the core of who I am through Christ alone. The true Body of Jesus Christ can never be separated by walls built of brick or mortar, boundary lines of earthly nations, nor the interference of man's meddling ways.
I hope you find comfort in these Scriptures as you Sabbath in Christ any earthly day of the week;
Matthew 11:25-30
"At that time Jesus answered and said, "I thank-you Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. All things have been delivered to Me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father, except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. "Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Colossians 3:15
"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called one body, and be thankful."
Pastor Rick, by the mercy and grace of and through our LORD Jesus Christ, as you have shown His love to others throughout your life, please know that you are loved as well as a precious brother of the faith.
Please hang on, Bro. Rick.
ReplyDeleteOddly, I'm feeling the same way.....dreams squashed, church members from past who gave me 'words from the Lord' that promised work in the Body of Christ....even myself believing I could help in ministries, etc.....and life, chronic bad health, discouragement, rumors of wars, the negative voices, and the church in denial and ineffective, the loneliness, and the lack of fellowship, unconditional love, and 'true' love from brothers and sisters in this angry society. I suppose many readers here can relate. Disillusion and broken promises.
But, if the Lord gave us a calling, that only we know in our hearts was truly there, I know it will come to pass. With the news out there, it is time to gird our loins and just believe He'll strengthen us in the way we all need His strength.
Things sure don't look good. But, when I close my eyes and pray and think on Him, I know He is in control, and there's a very good reason we're feeling this, a reason only He knows, and I believe it's a temporary season, preparing us to be strong for whatever comes with the possible turmoil, so, we being equipped with the experiences and lessons learned from our past failure, can minister to those who feel insecure and fearful, and feel the same sense of failure.
I used to ask the Lord, how can an unsuccessful failure, without a career, depressed housewife can serve the Lord and fellow christians. They've arrived, they'd always felt the need to minister to me, and I of course, depended immensely on them. I was always the tail. But, after being unchurched and in cave-man mode, I can truly say, I am being strengthened in some way..........my faith has increased, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Not something I would have been able to do, always trying to rely on church sisters. I had to be ALONE and seek Him, without the worship, music, distractions.
But God has a plan. And we don't know if we're going through trials now to prepare us for a rough time ahead for our world, where people will be in that valley of despondency and decision.
When we are weak, He is strong. I pray we get stronger and stronger every day, and I still believe He can and would take those thorns out of our flesh, especially in these last days.
J.
Dear Rick,
ReplyDeleteThis past Sunday was also a day for me that I did not have the energy to go where I was needed. But I went anyway. One person from the group we were ministering to had been moved to another home. When we got there I could not walk up to the door, so I went back to the car sat down took my medicine and after a few minutes went inside. As this person spoke she reminded me why we were there. She said "because no one else wants us around them, that is why God brought you to me". That statement made Satan run. That statement gave me strength. That statement was from the Lord. Yes I know we need time alone with the Lord God. And during those times He works His work in us. But also God allows for a time of trial. I have failed some of those trials. But I am working on that to, just like last Sunday. The people my wife and I minister to need us to show up when we say we will. Even though this body is breaking down faster than a sand castle at the beach, it is the Lord that keeps me going. God's strength is made perfect in our weakness.
I do not find it odd that some here are going through the same thing at the same time. Satan and his minions are working overtime to try and stop us from spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Joel
Amen, and Amen. To God Be the Glory, Forever and Ever.
ReplyDeleteEven so come, Lord Jesus.
I feel blank at times too Pastor Rick. I also feel bad at times that I tend to lean on Brothers like you to a point that may make you weary. But God has strengthened you. That even through your worst moment, He is with you pushing you forward.
Your heart and soul, mind and strength of a devotion to the Lord is very evident in your writing. May God always keep you in His Will. May you always walk humbly, and may the Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ keep you in strength and with exceeding joy.
And may God keep those who are His in peace and joy and humility as we lift up each other more as the Day draws near.
your sister in Christ Jesus,
Cherie c.
Dear readers no matter where you find yourself there is a person, a living person, that you can trust.
ReplyDeleteDo you know this person who is love? Do you know this person who is the author of life?
Have you left all to follow Him? Have you allowed Him to truly shepherd you and lead you in the paths of righteousness?
Is your witness that in His love you shall not want? Do you know that His word for you is to be still and know that He is LORD?
Do you give Him daily glory for restoring your soul? O come, dear readers, with willingness of heart, soul and mind to the loving Shepherd. Come to the comfortor of comfortors and be comforted, for He is truly good and merciful.
Do you know that He who is selfless love gave Himself as an atoning sacrifice to offer new life in Him for sinners like you and me?
Praise Him, praise the risen Lord Jesus for His perfect work of reconciliation. Praise Him for being a compassionate Creator.
Praise the pure One who graciously offers to purify the impure who place their trust in Him. Praise the Prince of Peace in whose presence is peace that is beautiful beyond description.
Praise the Lord of the Sabbath and Our treasured Shalom, for truly Lord Jesus is worthy of our thankfulness, praise and worship!
Reine Gnade
There are Movers and Shakers in this life, Pastor Rick, you are one of them. I am deeply grateful for your service to the Lord. You continue to bless many in different ways that you will probably find out about later down the spiritual road... You inspire me to take these messages to others I know and some I don't know. Peace my friend. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteNothing new under the sun until Jesus was born into the creation He is one third responsible for bringing into existence, us included:
ReplyDeleteAt that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:25-30 ESV)
And so:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13 ESV)
Then see:
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. (Revelation 22:1-5 ESV)
ReplyDeleteI love the words Michael quoted. They are incredibly precious to me.
Jesus said in Mathew 11:
..."Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
I can certainly relate to being physically and emotionally drained. I've also felt mentally worn out and felt my will to do certain jobs shut down.
I'm not clear what Rick means about being drained of wisdom, for Christ is our wisdom. In Him our cup runneth over.
I've also had some very painful and debilitating experiences in my walk as a Christian but praise God He has always protected me from feeling as if I was nothing.
Even when I've been in the midst of seering pain that lasted far beyond what a man in my opinion should endure I knew deep down that I was accepted, valued and treasured by the Lord of Lords.
If possible, subject to work commitments, when someone becomes drained they should seek refuge above all else in God's words.
May the God of hope fill Rick with all joy and peace, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit he may abound in hope.
Reine Gnade