Our Faith Walk

Where did Zoe and Phos go?

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John 1:4 states, “In Him was life and His life was the light of men.”  Life in Greek is “zoe” and it means “soul and spirit.”  The soul is where our spiritual DNA resides.  For we were made in the  image of God.  It provides  our unique (and sometimes quirky) personality.  It consists of our mind, will, and emotions.  It is from our zoe that we “live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28)  It is here that we do those “good works” for which God has created us. (Ephesians 2:10)

Light in Greek is “phos” and it means “unquenchable” light. To illustrate the power of phos, we need only look to the heavens.  The planets, circle the sun, and it is the sun that provides their light or illumination.  They have no “light bearing capacity” of their own. They are dependent on the sun for their light. The sun, however, needs no illumination, for it has a “light bearing capacity” of its own, that is unquenchable and cannot be extinguished.

As I reflect on this extraordinary word from God on life and light, I became humbled at the thought that Jesus, the God Man, came to be both “light and life” for us.  Now as partakers of His divine nature, we have His power to also be both “light and life” in a very dark world.   As I listen to the news and see the condition of our world, I became convicted and asked myself, where has the “light and life” gone?  Where are the saints during this time of great darkness?

My prayer for you today comes from Ephesians 1:17-19:

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation of the knowledge of Him; That the eyes of your understanding may be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of His calling and what are the riches of His inheritance in the saints.  And what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who have believe according the working of His mighty power.

Today make it your purpose to be both zoe and phos in your “universe.” .

Our Faith Walk

Comfort Zone

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A friend recently sent me the YouTube of Marvin Sapp singing a song entitled “Comfort Zone.” Your comfort zone is where your ability or capacity is equal to the circumstance you may be facing.  It is a place where we feel secure, safe, and in control.   However, when we are asked to do something we feel exceeds our ability, we are said to be “out of our comfort zone.”
While our comfort zone is a place of familiarity, it may also be a place where we lack opportunity to grow.  It can become a “gilded cage”, where we never reach the purpose God has ordained for us. Many times God wants to do a “new thing” in our lives. (Isaiah 43:19)
If we are resistant to the change, we miss the blessings He has planned for our lives.   The Bible has many examples of men and women who were challenged by God to move out of their comfort zones and into God’s purpose.  These included Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Ruth, Esther, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, just to name a few.
Join Marvin and I, as we comes out of our comfort zones.  “To go where we’ve never gone, we must do what we’ve not done.”
God is calling me
(to walk into my destiny)
God is challenging me
(to go where I’ve not been)
God is proving me
(and for the rest of my life, I’ll say yes)
Yes yes yes!

 

 

Knowing God

View From the End of the Rope

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Popular adage:  “When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot in it?”
My view of the adage:  “When you come to the end of your rope,
ask yourself how you got there?”
In 2010, I was determined to move our ministry forward in reaching its teaching goals.  My perception was that I needed “traction.” Traction would include better planning, more involvement in the community, and better networking with other Christian ministries.  I was needing and expecting “breakthrough.”                 
 
I decided to seek God’s face (again, I thought) but this time I would show my seriousness by fasting and serious praying.  What He revealed to me was that my view from the rope was inaccurate and distorted.  What I called “traction” was really the need for “supernatural power” which I didn’t have. (at that time)  I was trying to accomplish through my efforts what only God could do—give increase.  What was needed instead of “breakthrough” was a restored relationship with the Person Christ gave me to accomplish His ministry—that Person was the Holy Spirit.
What are you in need of?  How will you get your breakthrough?  Greater effort?  Longer hours? Better business contacts?  Learn from my view at the end of the rope.  Tap into the greatest resource in the universe.  Not the “fully actualized” part of your “spiritual” essence but he “supernatural” infilling of the Holy Spirit.  He is available to you 7×24, if you are a Christian.
In 2011, I’ve decided to trust in God and be available for the work which the Holy Spirit places in my stewardship.  I’ve decided to let go of the rope!
“I make mention of you in my prayers…that you may know…what is the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, according the working of his mighty power.”   
Ephesians 1:16-19