Mid-Week Text

 "Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him.

So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: 'For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.'”

Genesis 32:24‭-‬25‭, ‬30 NKJV

What strikes me is this wrestling match went on all night.  Surely, God could have defeated  Jacob (Israel) in a moment yet He chose to struggle with Him all night.

The goal was not victory over a foe. It was to shape him through the struggle. Likely, for Jacob at the outset it was the opposite.  He sought the defeat of that which challenged him.

The same is true for us.  We seek defeat, not the righteous shaping that results from the struggle. Like Jacob, the turning point for us is to see past the struggle to behold the face of God.

How well are you seeing God right now? Take a few moments to pray and be in God's Word to bring clarity and focus to your vision.

Pastor Russ

Ministry Catalyst

Real Love Ministries International

https://reallovehaiti.org

Mid-Week Text

 

. . . conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things. . . but with the precious blood of Christ. . .1 Peter 1:17‭-‬19 NKJV

I am highlighting key phrases from a portion of Scripture the New King James titles "Living Before God Our Father". 

There's much that could be said here about our conduct and the source of our redemption but, what struck me when I read this was the phrase "throughout the time of your stay here".

The older I get, the less comfortable I feel in this world. Fortunately, I don't live in a place where I fear for my safety. My life is more comfortable than most especially, my friends in Haiti.  But I do have a greater awareness that this world is not my home. It truly is a place where I am staying for now.

So here's my big takeaway from this passage to encourage you today: "We are being moved from slavery in a spiritual desert to freedom in the Promised Land of Heavenly Eternity!" 

Pastor Russ

Ministry Catalyst

Real Love Ministries International

https://reallovehaiti.org

Mid-Week Text

 A few days ago was the day that many of us complain about because of the lost hour of sleep. As we have adjusted biologically to the new schedule, we debate with ourselves and others the merits of making this change in time twice a year.

As I was waking up at what used to be 5:40am EST, my mind drifted to a time when there will be no time and to a place that will be forever different from what we know and experience now. Here's the opening passage of my favorite depiction of eternity in Heaven:

Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.

Revelation 21:1‭-‬7 NKJV

At your leisure, finish the rest of the chapter. Then continue on to the final chapter of God's Word in Revelation 22.  What a glorious day that will be!  A day that really won't be a "day" because there will be no end and no need to change the clock! The things of this world will pass away and only that which glorifies God will exist and The Redeemed will be part of it all!!

Looking forward to being there with you!

Pastor Russ

Ministry Catalyst

Real Love Ministries International

https://reallovehaiti.org

Mid-Week Text

 "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” 

Matthew 18:20 NKJV

I've joked that Jesus did not set the bar high for churches in terms of attendance. 😃 The reality is Jesus is talking about more than Sunday morning worship numbers.

Jesus is speaking about all of our relationships that are the result of obedience to Christ. Marriage, family, church, friendships, casual acquaintances, mission teams, Bible study groups; the list goes on, even the stranger.

What makes these relationships special and unique is the presence of Christ.  Even the momentary meeting with a stranger can find Jesus right there with them.  Lori and I had such a meeting recently with the Nurse Manager at my doctor's appointment. Each of us sharing our common faith. The office quickly became Holy Ground. All of us were blessed.

The next time you attend a worship service, focus upward but also take notice of who's in the room with you. Brothers and sisters in Christ (maybe potentially?) and Jesus Christ Himself.  He's "up there" but he's also right here!

Be blessed and be a blessing!

Pastor Russ

Ministry Catalyst

Real Love Ministries International

https://reallovehaiti.org

Mid-Week Text

 

"looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Hebrews 12:2 NKJV

"....who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross...."

I find these words almost incomprehensible. Jesus endured so much on our behalf and He never lost focus. Included among the amazing things that Jesus did while on earth has to be His ability to stay focused.  On what? 

THE JOY.

The joy of redeeming His people. The joy of mission accomplished.  The joy of returning to His rightful place in the heavenly realm. The joy of a new heaven and earth to come.  Jesus endured it all for THE JOY!

My eyes are too often focused on me and what surrounds me. I need constant reminders of THE JOY that I have and THE JOY that is to come.  I imagine you do, too.

Jesus, "the author and finisher of our faith" has  given us His joy!  Let us worship our Savior and Joy-giver for all that He has done, is doing and will do!

Stay focused.

Pastor Russ

Ministry Catalyst

Real Love Ministries International

https://reallovehaiti.org