I missed the month of February with pneumonia, which is a lot more than
just a bad cold. An infection, and when related to my previous heart condition,
could have been deadly. But I am healed, but weak, and still able to sit up and
take my meals again. But in between sleeping 18-20 hours a day, I spent a lot
of time with Jesus, some of it reviewing things I knew, sometimes going where I
had not gone boldly before. I was reminded how he will never leave me nor
forsake me, and to enjoy your time on earth, for it can be “on earth as it is in
heaven,” like the Lord’s Prayer promises. But I was shown how simple life
really is, without the complication of religion, and all the man made obstacles
it provides. Although my thoughts were of heaven, he reminded me of our time on
earth, and the blessings we get when we live in the spirit. And how too many
Christians live safe lives inside four walls, never seeing all of Jesus, nor his
blessings. Only experiencing what the pastor teaches, and mostly of what he was
taught. We are taught that evangelism is sharing the gospel, but neglect Jesus
own ministry of meeting needs. Simple truths revealed...of course I was the
only one they were new to....
When you are poor, you think of being rich, when thirsty of a drink, when
hungry food, when naked clothes, and when homeless a place to spend the night.
Yet we are so often heavenly minded we are no earthly good, and do not realize
we are dying every second. Paul tells us in Ephesians that we are dead in our
transgressions and in our sins. No one wants to hear that, but yet the evidence
is there, stop and think about it. Ever walk through a graveyard, full of dead
people. Think they can hear you and your telling them about Jesus? Yet many
pray for the dead, not realizing they are spiritually dead believing that. The
dead can no longer respond....they have given that up with life. The gospel is
powerless to them at that point, and either they believed or they denied. No do
overs like in kickball. The second thing mentioned is transgressions, our
falling short. We are dead in them, they were the missteps we took, or still
take, getting close but never making it. Refer to the shortest verse in the
Bible, “Jesus wept,” and despite what theology teaches us, Jesus didn’t weep
because Lazarus was dead, he knew he would resurrect him. He saw the sin and
transgressions, they missed his point of being resurrected upon death when they
believe in him. Even the comment about “won’t he stink after four days?” is
telling. The body transgresses, it deteriorates, and the $20 dollars of
chemicals that make us up are disposed of. Jesus didn’t weep over physical
death, he knows where believers go upon that, he wept over the spiritual death,
that many Christians in too many churches are dying from. They may be in the
word, but yet the word is not in them.....
Which leads to many Maltese Christians. When asked what the Maltese Falcon
was, Bogie responded “the things that dreams are made of.” How you see Jesus
effects the things your dreams are made of. Sadly I find way too many of my own
prayers selfish, about me and things. Which lead to wild chases like the Falcon
did, always chasing, but never catching. Even Solomon in Ecclesiastes after
writing it in a fallen state has to admit that of many books there is no end.
But that we have all we need already in Jesus Christ. Yet there is no end to
books on how to pray, how to become a better Christian, how to make more money,
and the list goes on. Some even claiming “in Jesus name,” or one that is a wake
up call, “in his service.” No wonder Jesus wept! In whose name for whose
benefit? It doesn’t take four days for a body that is dead to stink! Yet too
many go from church to church looking to find one that agrees with their
beliefs, instead of one that they need to change to be like. Look at what you
invest your time and money in, your check book register may not be one you want
others to see. So what are the things that dreams are made of in God’s
eyes?
God’s will is that no one perish and that we all know Jesus as our savior.
There a six week course in one sentence. He wants us to be blessed, and wants
to bless us, but wants us to be the conduit of blessing others. Our lives are
not our own, what do you dream of about Jesus? Does his spirit fill them, or
are you like those chasing the Maltese Falcon, not sure if it is a legend or
not? Do you believe, but do you trust? Are you always a day late and a dollar
short? Is your fellowship time spent arguing over doctrines or asking God want
he wants you to do? And doing it! A two phase idea. And so Jesus wept, and
still does for the unbelief that still exists today. Among Christians.
What is in your heart will come out of your mouth. Yet opinions are like
Hondas, everyone has one. But in Christ we will know the truth, and seeking we
will find. So one word of advice, never listen to anyone who has never done
anything. They are like the books of which there is no end. Do not be
deceived, and do not be afraid to tell the truth in love. Jesus even had to ask
his disciples “have I made you my enemy by telling you the truth? And like St.
Francis of Assisi advised, “preach the word daily, using words when necessary.”
The world is full of Maltese Christians, only in Jesus Christ will you find all
you need. If you are still getting directions from a person that stutters, and
continue to stumble, remember many will come in his name but even deceive the
elect. Where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty....evangelize
that!
Don’t wait to die to experience heaven, you don’t have to. Remember you
can only resurrect something that has died. We all qualify....and Jesus wept.
For you and me. Maltese Christians, always looking for that certain something,
when it is really a somebody. That ought to make us all weep....
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com