What does God with us mean for our everyday ordinary lives?

Explore the meaning of "God with us" and how it transforms our daily lives. Discover practical insights for faith and everyday living.

Trevor H. Lund is the founder of Live LIGHT Academy at https://livelight.ca/ and the Creative Storyteller at https://revtrev.com He helps you give thanks with your whole heart https://revtrev.link/heart Check out https://revtrev.com/tv for past videos and live casts and https://revtrev.com/radio to subscribe to his podcast wherever you listen.

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Let’s read the Christmas story from Mathew:

Matthew 1:18-25 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.

As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:

“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”

When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.

“and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.

God with us

I don’t think we realize how offensive that is to some people. - How can the holy be so profaned?

I know we don’t always grasp how significant that is for us. GOD - the creator of all the universes, outside of time and space, the author of all things, the first and the last. GOD is with us.

Today I want to to know GOD is with us...

and I want to to be brave enough to ask yourself - “am I with him?”

God is with us…am I with him?

Can I pray?

What does “GOD is with us” mean for us in our everyday ordinary lives?

How often do you take the time to be in Awe of God?

• It could be in worship.
• Maybe when you’re in nature?
• Perhaps it’ when a new born grasped your finger.
• It can happen when your deep in study of anything in the created world.
• OR when the song plays on the radio or when you read a passage you’ve read hundreds of times before.
• It can sneak up on you when you’re in conversation. It should come to your mind when you’re in prayer.

When was the last time you were in awe of God?

I’ve found

The more I stay curious, the more I’m impressed with God.

The more I am thankful,

the more sense His presence.

the more I expect to meet God,

the more I experience Him.

the more I’m in the moment,

the more I’m in awe of God.

• Curious people are never bored. Bored people are rarely curious.
• Thankful people have hope, peace and joy. It’s because they trust in the God of hope.
• Stories happen in experience.
• Miracles happen in the moments.

Let’s take some time to be in Awe of God. I’ve created a tool to help us VALUE His Presence

God is with Us…am I with Him?

Marvel at the mystery

The mystery you need to marvel at is God himself.

The one who spoke the universes into being, the creator of all. The one who thought up sub atomic particles and is outside of space and time. Who thinks in ways that we can’t ever imagine. Paul reminds us…

Romans 11:33-36 (NLT) Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! For who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice? And who has given him so much that he needs to pay it back? For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.

We need to see him as our father, as our friend, as as the one who sticks closer than a brother, and we’ll talk about that in a moment. All these things that we can relate to, because that's how he expresses himself to us and scripture.

But also, remember, writer of Hebrews says

Hebrews 12:28-29 (NIVUK) Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire.’

That's the otherness of God that we need to keep in balance. That’s the otherness of God we need to embrace. The unknowable God who has made Himself known. Don’t not let that hurt your brain.

That is the GOD who is with you.

The GOD who is with you is also seen in the person of Jesus Christ. The unknowable One who has made Himself known.

Jesus says,

“Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” John 14:9 (NLT)

That’s because Jesus was the exact representation of the Father.

He only did what He saw the Father do

For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. John 6:38 New Living Translation (NLT)

He only said what He heard the Father say

I don’t speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it. And I know his commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say.” John 12:49-50 New Living Translation (NLT)

So let’s spend some time looking at Jesus so we can see the unknowable God who has made himself known more clearly.

How are Jesus and the Father Alike?

Jesus – Liked to Party

The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’ But wisdom is shown to be right by its results.” Matthew 11:19 (New Living Translation)

The Father – Rejoices Over You with Singing

For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17 (New Living Translation)

Jesus – Loved His Friends

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. John 15:13-14 (New Living Translation)

The Father – Calls You The Apple of His Eye

Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings Psalm 17:7-8 (New International Version)

Jesus – Didn’t Come to Condemn

God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:17 (New Living Translation)

The Father – Is Not Angry with You

“Just as I swore in the time of Noah that I would never again let a flood cover the earth, so now I swear that I will never again be angry and punish you. For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the Lord, who has mercy on you. Isaiah 54:9-10 (New Living Translation)

Jesus – Healed All Who Were Oppressed by The Devil

And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. Acts 10:38 (New Living Translation)

The Father – Forgives ALL Your Sins and Heals All Your Diseases

Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. Psalm 103:2-3 (New Living Translation)

Jesus is the exact representation of the Father. He is perfect theology. If you want to know the Father, you need to know His Son.

This is the GOD who is with us.

The unknowable One who has made himself known.

He’s revealed Himself with Love and Joy and Peace and Patience and Kindness and Goodness and Faithfulness and Gentleness and Self-Control.

This is the GOD is with us…

That’s amazing and humbling and empowering

And He’s given you His Spirit…

Romans 8:15-17 "The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ."

GOD is with us…

We don’t only Marvel at the mystery and be in Awe…we need to embrace the mystery of what being in relationship with him means.

This is what I mean by wanting us to ask ourselves …AM I WITH HIM?

God is with us…am I with him?

TO be with Him I need to allow the marveling at the mystery lead to embracing the mystery.

What do I mean by that?

Isaiah prophecies Isaiah 60:1-3 (NIVUK) ‘Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

If there is one thing I’ve learned during this season that we are in, it’s that we need peace and joy and hope at all times and every situation. The world needs the peace and joy and hope that’s only available to us.

God’s Peace is only available to us

When the angels announced Jesus’ birth Luke tells us:

Luke 2:13-14 (NIVUK) Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.’

It isn’t “peace on earth” like we so often abbreviate. It’s peace on earth to those on whom his favour rests.

It’s peace for you. It’s peace for me. In the darkness Peace is the light that shines. It’s us having peace at all times and in every situation that is the brightness of our dawn that nations come to.

To have that peace, we marvel at the mystery and then embrace the mystery that is God himself. We recognize God is with us… and we do what we can to be with Him at all times and in every situation.

How do we do this? We…

Trust in the God of all Hope…

You and I are in a divine dance with the creator of all. That dance takes us to places we’re not comfortable with and entrust us with gifts we’re not able to steward without Holy Spirit’s help.

In order to trust God, we need to embrace the mystery. Three tips I have for you are:

Three tips to trust God

1. We need to give up our right to understand so that we can have the peace that passes understanding.

2. We need to Live Unoffended at God

3. We need to look to what He’s doing and not to what’s left undone.

Let me unpack this

1. We need to give up our right to understand so that we can have the peace that passes understanding.

When we're faced with situations we don’t want to be in, we often ask God why.

Far too often it's the why of accusation, not the why of searching it out.

“Why did my prayers not get answered” vs “What do you want me to learn?”

We’re promised peace that passes understanding, but we want to demand understanding.

We need to give up our right to understand so that we can have the peace that passes understanding.

What does scripture say? (Phillipians 4:6-7) Worry about nothing. Pray about everything and be thankful.

Phillipians 4:6-7 (NIVUK) Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

- Worry about nothing. Pray about everything and be thankful.

2. Live Unoffended at God

God has never promised us that we won’t have trouble. He never said things wouldn’t go our own way. Instead Jesus said we have trouble… and in that trouble we could have peace.

John 16:33 (NIVUK) ‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’

We will all have seasons that don’t seem to make sense. John was in jail when Jesus was saying he came to set prisoners free. Jesus didn’t say why John was in prison, only that he’d be blessed if he didn’t get offended his life didn’t make sense to his theology.

All of us will have multiple seasons when our life doesn’t make sense to our theology. If we don’t, our understanding of God and his will is really bad. We need to embrace the mystery of God himself live unoffended with him.

3. We need to look to what He’s doing and not to what’s left undone.

Phillipians 4:8-9 (NIVUK) Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

It our choice and - Holy Spirit enable us to do this - to think about the good things of God when we find ourselves in trouble. And the benefit of thinking this way and living this way is the peace God has for us.

Paul and Silas started to worship while they were in prison.

Will you praise him in the storm?

GOD is with us…am I with Him?

Do I insist on understanding and not have the peace that passes understanding?

Do I live offended at him?

Am I looking to what’s left undone?

The good news is, you can start afresh today.

You can have peace at all times and in every situation.

Marvel at the unknowable One who has made himself known.

Embrace the mystery of God when life doesn’t make sense.

Seek peace and pursue it.

May you have peace at all times and in every situation.

Conclusion…

I came across one writer who suggested that we can replace “believe in” with “embrace the mystery” in the Nicene creed. I want to read this before I close in prayer.

We Embrace the Mystery

We embrace the mystery of one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We embrace the mystery of one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We embrace the mystery of the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father. With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the prophets.

We embrace the mystery of one holy universal and apostolic Church.

We embrace the mystery of one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We embrace the mystery of the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen

Will you marvel at the mystery?

Will you embrace the mystery?

God is will you…will you be with him?

Can I pray?

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. Ephesians 1:17-21 (NIVUK)

What I’ve taught on Holy Spirit

Check out my messages and blog posts on Holy Spirit. I’ll keep this updated. Let me know if there is a specific topic you want covered in the comments.

• How to know and experience more of our triune God today https://revtrev.com/living-light/trinity-essential/
• Is Spiritual Growth is on your vision board? https://revtrev.com/living-light/is-spiritual-growth-on-your-vision-board/
• How to be confident you’re being led from Holy Spirit https://revtrev.com/living-light/be-confident-led-holy-spirit/
• God is with us will I be with Him? https://revtrev.com/living-light/god-is-always-with-us-will-i-be-with-him/
• How to understand and and enjoy the Gifts God has for you Today https://revtrev.com/message/how-to-understand-and-enjoy-the-gifts-god-has-for-you-today/
• Buying the Holy Spirit https://revtrev.com/live-intentional/buying-holy-spirit/
• How to Release the gift of words of wisdom https://revtrev.com/livecasts/how-to-release-the-gift-of-words-of-wisdom/
• 70 Functions of the Holy Spirit https://revtrev.com/live-light/70-functions-of-the-holy-spirit/
• How can I Receive the Holy Spirit https://revtrev.com/live-today/how-can-i-receive-the-holy-spirit/
• 3 ways to know it’s the Holy Spirit Speaking https://revtrev.com/live-hopeful/3-ways-to-know-its-the-spirit-speaking/
• How to let the Fruit of Holy Spirit Transform you https://revtrev.com/living-light/how-to-let-the-fruit-of-holy-spirit-transform-you/
• 5 things to know about Spiritual Growth https://revtrev.com/livecasts/5-things-to-never-forget-about-spiritual-growth/
• 11 ways the Holy Spirit Speaks to you https://revtrev.com/live-today/11-ways-the-spirit-speaks-to-you/
• Do Spirit-Filled Believers Leak the Spirit? https://revtrev.com/live-today/do-spirit-filled-believers-leak-the-spirit/
• How to use God’s Gifts for Another https://revtrev.com/living-light/how-to-use-gods-gifts-for-one-another/
• I build myself up reflection https://revtrev.com/livecasts/day-42-i-build-myself-up-reflection-livecast/
• 4 Tips I’ve learned To Hear the Spirit Speak https://revtrev.com/live-intentional/4-tips-ive-learned-to-hear-the-spirit-speak/
• As you go – how to use the gifts of Holy Spirit in the day-to-day of everyday http://revtrev.com/livecasts/as-you-go-how-to-use-the-gifts-of-holy-spirit-in-the-day-to-day-of-everyday/

Learn and Experience All You Can About Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit is very God. And there is always more to learn and experience about God. Learn more and check out the links of all the discussion on Holy Spirit on RevTrev.com.

Trevor H. Lund is the founder of Live LIGHT Academy at https://livelight.ca and the Chief Storyteller at https://revtrev.com. Subscribe and set notifications on YouTube at https://revtrev.com/tv and visit https://revtrev.com/radio to subscribe to his podcast wherever you listen.

Weekend discussion

"Last weekend someone asked me, 'Why don’t pastors seem to do sermons on the Holy Spirit anymore?'” I was a little shocked. My response was “You haven’t been listening to my podcast?” I felt I’ve always talking about Holy Spirit and His work in my life.

So as we talked, every question that came up I looked for teaching I had on it. I’m not saying it’s all complete-after all, we’re talking about God-but I think this is a good start on it.

I also realized I’ve never created a resource with everything I’ve taught on Holy Spirit, so I decided I should do this up. I will update this post over time. For now let’s start with an understanding with How Holy Spirit works in the Bible. This is from the Bible Project on YouTube.

Understand How Holy Spirit Works in the Bible

Transcript of video

The transcript is a discussion about the Holy Spirit, starting with the term's introduction and its significance in the Bible. It begins by explaining that to understand the Holy Spirit, one must start from the very beginning of the Bible. God's spirit hovers over the chaotic, uncreated world, ready to bring life, order, and beauty.

The video introduces and explains "ruach," the Hebrew word for spirit. It can mean wind, breath, or spirit, emphasizing the concept of invisible energy that is powerful and life-sustaining. This term, used in the Bible, describes God's personal presence, which, like wind and breath, is invisible yet vital and powerful.

The narrative continues by showing how God's ruach empowers individuals throughout the Bible. For instance, Joseph has the ability to interpret dreams, and Bezalel has artistic wisdom and skills. God's spirit empowers the prophets to perceive and communicate God's perspective on historical events.

The prophets also foresee a future where God's spirit will transform human hearts, enabling people to love God and others genuinely. This transformation links to Jesus arriving, as the Holy Spirit descends upon him at his baptism, marking the start of a new creation.

Jesus' ministry, his healing, and forgiveness acts demonstrate God's spirit bringing life where there was once death. Even after Jesus' death, the spirit raises him from the dead, marking the beginning of a new creation that continues as Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit onto his disciples.

In conclusion, the Holy Spirit continues to be active today, guiding people towards Jesus, transforming, and empowering them to love God and others. The Christian hope is that the spirit will complete the work, culminating in a new humanity living in a world filled with God's love and life-giving spirit. The Bible Project aims to explore such biblical themes through their videos, available for free on YouTube.

What I’ve Taught on Holy Spirit

Check out my messages and blog posts on Holy Spirit. I’ll keep this updated. Let me know if there is a specific topic you want covered in the comments.

• How to know and experience more of our triune God today https://revtrev.com/living-light/trinity-essential/
• Is Spiritual Growth is on your vision board? https://revtrev.com/living-light/is-spiritual-growth-on-your-vision-board/
• How to be confident you’re being led from Holy Spirit https://revtrev.com/living-light/be-confident-led-holy-spirit/
• God is with us will I be with Him? https://revtrev.com/living-light/god-is-always-with-us-will-i-be-with-him/
• How to understand and and enjoy the Gifts God has for you Today https://revtrev.com/message/how-to-understand-and-enjoy-the-gifts-god-has-for-you-today/
• Buying the Holy Spirit https://revtrev.com/live-intentional/buying-holy-spirit/
• How to Release the gift of words of wisdom https://revtrev.com/livecasts/how-to-release-the-gift-of-words-of-wisdom/
• 70 Functions of the Holy Spirit https://revtrev.com/live-light/70-functions-of-the-holy-spirit/
• How can I Receive the Holy Spirit https://revtrev.com/live-today/how-can-i-receive-the-holy-spirit/
• 3 ways to know it’s the Holy Spirit Speaking https://revtrev.com/live-hopeful/3-ways-to-know-its-the-spirit-speaking/
• How to let the Fruit of Holy Spirit Transform you https://revtrev.com/living-light/how-to-let-the-fruit-of-holy-spirit-transform-you/
• 5 things to know about Spiritual Growth https://revtrev.com/livecasts/5-things-to-never-forget-about-spiritual-growth/
• 11 ways the Holy Spirit Speaks to you https://revtrev.com/live-today/11-ways-the-spirit-speaks-to-you/
• Do Spirit-Filled Believers Leak the Spirit? https://revtrev.com/live-today/do-spirit-filled-believers-leak-the-spirit/
• How to use God’s Gifts for Another https://revtrev.com/living-light/how-to-use-gods-gifts-for-one-another/
• I build myself up reflection https://revtrev.com/livecasts/day-42-i-build-myself-up-reflection-livecast/
• 4 Tips I’ve learned To Hear the Spirit Speak https://revtrev.com/live-intentional/4-tips-ive-learned-to-hear-the-spirit-speak/

As I’ve stated above, this list will keep on growing. If you have a topic about the Holy Spirit you’d like covered, tell me in the comments or contact me.

Why Good Works Matter EVEN MORE Today

Why do good works matter even more today? Jesus said,  "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." What does good works look like in the day-to-day of every day? Why is so critical we get it right NOW? Let's see if we can have God's input on these questions and more.

This is a message spoken in 2021 as we were tentatively coming out of the pandemic.

Trevor H Lund is the founder of Live LIGHT Academy at https://livelight.ca and the Chief Storyteller at https://revtrev.com Subscribe and set notifications on https://revtrev.com/tv for past videos and live casts and https://revtrev.com/radio to subscribe to his podcast wherever you listen.

Listen to Why Good Works Matter EVEN MORE Today

Listen to more episodes and subscribe where you listen to podcasts https://revtrev.com/radio

What a replay of the live cast Why Good Works Matter EVEN MORE Today

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Get the notes and follow the research for Why Good Works Matter EVEN MORE Today

Why GOOD WORKS Matter EVEN More Today Notes

All of us in life emphasize different things at different times.

I want to show you that emphasis matters. Here’s a sentence where each word emphasized makes a different meaning of the sentence.

I didn’t say we should kill him.

I didn’t say we should kill him.

I didn’t say we should kill him.

I didn’t say we should kill him.

I didn’t say we should kill him.

I didn’t say we should kill him.

I didn’t say we should kill him.

Problem

Emphasis matters and in the church in the pandemic, we’ve emphasized the obvious.

But we’ve de-emphasized the significant.

We’ve emphasized meeting together and how to do that safely.

We’ve de-emphasized the reason we shouldn’t stop meeting together.

Pastor Shawn did a wonderful job a few weeks ago know now to remind us about WHY it’s important we still do community. But did we really catch it?

The WHY we meet together is so that we can motivate one another towards love and good works.

Hebrews 10:23-24 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.

Why is this so important?

Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Does this really matter?

I made a statement in an online meeting in the past couple of weeks. It was kind of in the middle of rant. I was lamenting how NO ONE is lamenting the loss of our ability to serve one another in love.

I heard myself saying, “If a church can’t learn how to DO service during the pandemic, if all they are concerned about is HAVING a service during the pandemic, then I don’t think they should open their doors AFTER the pandemic.”

“If a church can’t learn how to DO service during the pandemic, if all they are concerned about is HAVING a service during the pandemic, then I don’t think they should open their doors AFTER the pandemic.”

Does this matter? We can’t miss this.

We can’t put off doing acts of love and good works until all this is past. We can’t put off being Christian until we can once again be comfortable being Christian.

I know this from history. This isn’t the first pandemic the church has faced. There was one that happened in even more trying times.

The Story

There was civil unrest in Alexandria in 248 and the mob took out their frustration with a brutal anti-Christian rampage. Dionysius had just been named the Bishop in Alexandria less than a year before. Emperor Decius began a formal persecution of Christians and in 250 and Dionysius had to leave the city. He returned after the formal persecution ended but in 252 an outbreak of plague ravaged Alexandria.

Dionysius 190 - 265 AD Alexandria

During plague time, the pagans “Pushed the sufferers away and fled from their dearest, throwing them into the roads before they were dead and treating unburied corpses as dirt.” Dionysius’s flock, however, heeded his call to take the opposite approach. “Most our brother Christians showed unbounded love and loyalty, never sparing themselves and thinking only of one another. Heedless of danger, they took charge of the sick, attending to their every need and ministering to them in Christ, and with them departed this life serenely happy; for they were infected by others with the disease, drawing on themselves the sickness of their neighbours and accepting their pains.” It is noteworthy that Dionysius’ policy towards the stricken had results he could hardly have guessed. Historian Rodney Stark believes that the care offered by Christians may have cut the mortality rate by two-thirds or more and eventually led to a large number of conversions to this merciful creed. That, in turn, further secured Christianity’s place in society and history. Thus his church, under his direction, prospered in the face of an almost unspeakable calamity. By This Sign pp 33 - 34

We don’t live in a time or place where people are thrown into the streets.

We do live in a time where people are ignored and suffer in silence.

We live in a time where families who don’t have the tools to cope are imploding.

We live in a time when people who like to be alone have REALLY alone and I’m hearing it’s TOO MUCH.

We live in a time where businesses are failing and unemployment is not getting better and credit card debt is out of control.

We live in a time where health care workers can’t get away from the sickness and people making minimum wage are on the front lines serving whatever customers they have.

We can’t sit back and wait for it end.

Christ did not call us to hang on until the rapture.

People need the peace that we’ve been promised.

And we’ve been stuck on the questions:

• How can we safely gather together?
• How can we lay hands on the sick when we have to keep social distance?
• When will our rights be respected?

And Holy Spirit wants us to ask:

• How do I show to acts of love and good works?
• How do I let my light shine before people so they glorify God?

Listen…

You need to know the benefit we get as we serve others. We don’t serve others to get this benefit. We serve others because it pleases God when we serve one another in love. But you know, when you bless others you are blessed, when you refresh others you are refreshed. If you’re limited in your thinking because you don’t think you can bless and refresh others now, you need to watch this video clip from Simon Sinek on Service

{Show video - see above}

We don’t know the blessing we miss out on because we don’t extend ourselves to bless others.

We need to stop looking at the problems and start realizing God-in-us is the solution.

What if?

What if we got focused on the things that matter to God? Yes, we need to gather together - however we can gather together - BUT WE GATHER to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.

What if it’s not about US as the church having an event, but it’s about you and me BEING the church in the day-to-day of our everyday?

What if people we connect with see us as the light of the world, that city on a hill, those people of peace who know how to really love?

A church that motivates one another to acts of love and good works is a bride who has made herself ready.

Imagine

Are you motivated to acts of love and good works?

Do you motivate others to acts of love and good works?

What would it be like to do acts of love and good works even in a pandemic?

Solution

HOW TO ALWAYS DO GOOD WORKS TOOL

A - Accept Holy Spirit’s Role - Philippians 1:6
L - Love Always - 1 Corinthians 16:14
W - Walk in the Light - John 16:13
A - Act like Jesus - Colossians 3:17
Y - Yearn to Flow - Ephesians 5:2
S - Surrender - 1 Peter 3:15

Let’s unpack this

A - Accept Holy Spirit’s Role

Philippians 1:6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

Am I doing good works in my own strength? Holy Spirit leads you Romans 8:14 , teaches you John 16:13, enables you Philippians 2:13 and empowers you accomplish every good work prompted by faith 2 Thessalonians 1:11

Hint - Don’t do acts of love and good works in your own strength and ability

L - Love Always

1 Corinthians 16:14 And do everything with love.

Am I really doing this out of love? Are you trying to compete or doing this because you deserve the attention?

Hint: If you’re doing it for any other reason than love, rethink your motivation before proceeding.

W - Walk in the Light

John 16:13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.

Where is Holy Spirit leading me to serve? Coffee in cars, conversations over the fence, other…

Hint - As long as it depends on you, live at peace with all people. Don’t make others uncomfortable - ask.

A - Act like Jesus

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

How do I show Jesus and His love in…my phone calls, text messages, video calls, social media posts and in every interaction with everyone I meet, however I meet them?

Hint - Be authentic. This is not plastic Christianity. You cannot fake acts of love and good works.

Y - Yearn to Flow

Ephesians 5:2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ.

Do I leave everyone a little more…happy, joyful, at peace, interested in Jesus?

Hint - Be so filled with Jesus He leaks out. Get so in love with Jesus people see Him when they see you.

S - Surrender

1 Peter 3:15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.

What if I’m not ready to ALWAYS do Good Works? Confession is agreeing with God not obeying Him is sin. Repentance is changing your mind and behaviour to start obeying Him. Grace is Holy Spirit empowering you to do the things you can’t do on your own.

Hint - Ask for Holy Spirit’s help to start doing acts of love and good works today.

Challenge

1 Chronicles 12:32 (CEB) from Issachar, those who understood the times and what Israel should do

Will you be a person of Issachar? Will you understand the times and know what to do? Will you do acts of love and good works today? Will people see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven?

Jesus did not give us power and authority so we could sit in a pew and wait for the rapture - Bill Johnson

Good works matter Even more today

How will do acts of love and good works this week?

Can I pray for you?

How to Release the Gift of Words of Wisdom

Learn how to access the valuable gift of words of wisdom Λόγος Σοφία by aligning spiritually and building trust in God. Allow Holy Spirit to guide you towards better judgment and understanding. Embrace this life-changing opportunity by watching now and welcoming the wisdom of God that is ready to be revealed. Learn more with How to Release the Gift of Words of Wisdom

Trevor H Lund is the founder of Live LIGHT Academy at https://livelight.ca and the Chief Storyteller at https://revtrev.com Subscribe and set notifications on https://revtrev.com/tv for past videos and live casts and https://revtrev.com/radio to subscribe to his podcast wherever you listen.

Listen to How to Release the Gift of Words of Wisdom

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TL/DL/DW How to Release the Gift of Words of Wisdom

All the gifts are for the benefit of all of us - not just me

1 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NLT) A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said.

Over the years I’ve found it easy to teach all the gifts with how they are for the common good of all of us. I can even show that with the gift of tongues- that is the only gift for the individual. The stronger you are, the more it helps me. The stronger I am, the more it helps you. So even that gift - which is the least of all the gifts when we gather together- still ultimately is for the betterment of us all.

But as I’ve reflected on this message I realized every time I’ve taught on Wisdom it’s for me, how I can get the wisdom I need. I find that strange, because it’s easy to see how words of wisdom are for all us together. I’ll get back to that in a bit.

Wisdom is for us - Not just for me. Together we need the gift of the words of wisdom.

Wisdom is a gift that grows when it’s given.

Can I Pray?

What is Wisdom?

7 Ways the Bible Describes Wisdom

1. The beginning of Wisdom is the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 9:10
2. Wisdom is the practical application of knowledge Proverbs 3:13-17
3. Wisdom is moral integrity. Proverbs 2:6-9
4. Wisdom is foundational to Creation. Proverbs 8:22-31
5. Wisdom is with God. Job 12:13
6. Wisdom comes from God James 1:5
7. Wisdom that is perfect and complete only comes from God Romans 16:27

And I need to remember wisdom is what we need, not just what I need, not just what you need. It’s something we together need.

The Problem

We live in a world is drowning in information but starving for wisdom.

Does this really matter?

It is only going to matter more and more and more. With AI being able to produce images and videos that look more and more like people we trust, lack of trust will only increase. It will only be when we’re face-to-face that we’ll be more sure we know who we’re talking to. And that’s when the gift of Λόγος Σοφία - Words of Wisdom - will be more and more powerful for all of us.

The Story

2 Chronicles 1:1-13 Solomon asking for Wisdom Solomon son of David took firm control of his kingdom, for the Lord his God was with him and made him very powerful. Solomon called together all the leaders of Israel—the generals and captains of the army, the judges, and all the political and clan leaders. Then he led the entire assembly to the place of worship in Gibeon, for God’s Tabernacle was located there. (This was the Tabernacle that Moses, the Lord’s servant, had made in the wilderness.) David had already moved the Ark of God from Kiriath-jearim to the tent he had prepared for it in Jerusalem. But the bronze altar made by Bezalel son of Uri and grandson of Hur was there at Gibeon in front of the Tabernacle of the Lord. So Solomon and the people gathered in front of it to consult the Lord. There in front of the Tabernacle, Solomon went up to the bronze altar in the Lord’s presence and sacrificed 1,000 burnt offerings on it. That night God appeared to Solomon and said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” Solomon replied to God, “You showed great and faithful love to David, my father, and now you have made me king in his place. O Lord God, please continue to keep your promise to David my father, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth! Give me the wisdom and knowledge to lead them properly, for who could possibly govern this great people of yours?” God said to Solomon, “Because your greatest desire is to help your people, and you did not ask for wealth, riches, fame, or even the death of your enemies or a long life, but rather you asked for wisdom and knowledge to properly govern my people— I will certainly give you the wisdom and knowledge you requested. But I will also give you wealth, riches, and fame such as no other king has had before you or will ever have in the future!” Then Solomon returned to Jerusalem from the Tabernacle at the place of worship in Gibeon, and he reigned over Israel.

You see wisdom and the gift of the word of wisdom Λόγος Σοφία is for all of us.

Wisdom is a gift that grows when it’s given.

What if?

What if the we in the church cared more about God’s wisdom than we do about our own opinions? That would be good. What if people in the world saw us as people of wisdom and not people to be avoided or ignored? That would be great.

I was hearing stories from my Father-in-law’s past and something caught my attention. He’s Armenian and grew up in Iran. And I pay attention when he tells his stories. When he did his military service, he seemed to be favoured and was given his choice of assignments. It wasn’t until one day—when there was trouble in the camp—his commander brought his commander brought him into a room full of officers and sergeants that he understood why. His commander pointed to him and said “He will tell you what is going on. He will not tell any lies.” Iranian Muslims believe Armenian Christians can be trusted because they won’t tell any lies.

This is what I want us to think about. What would it be like if Canadians of all other faiths or no faith were so convinced they could access real wisdom from us?

Isaiah 60:1-3 (GW) Arise! Shine! Your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has dawned. Darkness now covers the earth, and thick darkness covers the nations. But the Lord dawns, and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings will come to the brightness of your dawn.

These verses are part of a passage where the prophet Isaiah describes the future glory of Zion, envisioned as a beacon to which nations will be drawn.

But darkness covers our land and politicians who messed it up are not the ones who will fix. The darker the night, the brighter your light.

It is the wisdom of God’s that lights the darkness of dark places.

Imagine

Imagine if people looked to us for God’s wisdom? We know they don’t care about our opinions, and that’s fine. They shouldn’t care about our opinions and neither should we.

We need to know God’s ways. We want His wisdom. Anyone can know about the deeds of God, but Moses knew His ways (Psalm 103:7). We should know His ways too.

There were a people from a tribe in ancient Israel that there where 200 men of Issachar who understood the times and knew what to do (1 Chronicles 12:32)

Imagine if we in the church were known by people in world as those who understood the times and knew what to do?

Our light would be shining in the darkness and they would be coming to the brightness of our dawn.

How do we make this happen?

That’s a great question, I’m so glad you asked. Let’s start with how to activate any and all of the gifts. When you get this, you’ll understand why I share the framework I’ll give you after.

How to Activate the Gifts of the Spirit Tool

SEEK

S - Seriously Desire

E - Embrace Activating by Faith

E - Experiment Inside the Church

K - Keep in Step with Holy Spirit

Let’s unpack this...

S - Seriously Desire

(1 Corinthians 12:31(be eager), 14:1(be eager), 14:12 (since you are eager), 14:39 (be eager))

Holy Spirit responds to our desires Psalm 37:4, Mark 11:24

Am I eagerly desiring the gifts of the Spirit?

E - Enjoy activating by faith

(Luke 11:5-13, Romans 14:23)

Faith is understanding what the Word of God says and applying it to our lives in the spirit in which it was said. It’s my response to His revelation.

Am I using the faith God provides?

E - Experiment Inside the Church

(1 Thessalonians 5:19, 1 Corinthians 14:31-32 )

For example We’re told in the Old Testament to stone a prophet who speaks incorrectly. (Deuteronomy 18:22) But after the Spirit is given we’re told to test everything and hold to the good. (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21)

Am I willing to risk using the gifts of Holy Spirit?

K - Keep in Step with Holy Spirit

(Galatians 5:25)

We keep in step with Holy Spirit by doing what He wants us to do. Jesus sent out his disciples and said “As you go, proclaim the kingdom and prove the kingdom is here.” (Matthew 10:7-8)

As I go—in the day-to-day of everyday—do I rely on Holy Spirit?

This is how we can activate ANY Gift of Holy Spirit

SEEK

S - Seriously Desire

E - Embrace Activating by Faith

E - Experiment Inside the Church

K - Keep in Step with Holy Spirit

Got it? Great. So…

How does this tool help us with the Λόγος Σοφία - words of wisdom ?

That’s another great question, I’m so glad you asked.

Remember - Wisdom is a gift that grows when it’s given. Wisdom is for us, not just for me.

How to Activate Λόγος Σοφία Tool

S - Seriously Desire

Do you think we need to seriously desire wisdom if we want to operate in words of wisdom?

Look at what it says in Proverbs 2.

Proverbs 2:1-22 NLT My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding.Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth comes knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted. These men turn from the right way to walk down dark paths. They take pleasure in doing wrong, and they enjoy the twisted ways of evil. Their actions are crooked, and their ways are wrong. Wisdom will save you from the immoral woman, from the seductive words of the promiscuous woman. She has abandoned her husband and ignores the covenant she made before God. Entering her house leads to death; it is the road to the grave. The man who visits her is doomed. He will never reach the paths of life. So follow the steps of the good, and stay on the paths of the righteous. For only the godly will live in the land, and those with integrity will remain in it. But the wicked will be removed from the land, and the treacherous will be uprooted.

Am I seriously desiring the gifts of words of wisdom?

E - Enjoy Activating by Faith

Wisdom is activated by faith..

James 1:5-7 (HCSB) Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.

Like wisdom and like all Spiritual Gifts, Λόγος Σοφία are activated by faith. If you don’t believe God will give you the wisdom you need when you need it, you won’t get it. If you don’t doubt, but move on the wisdom He’s given you, you’ll find out it’s Wisdom.

Have I asked for wisdom and used the wisdom God has given?

E - Experiment inside the church

Acts 15:28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay no greater burden on you than these few requirements:

Wisdom takes agreement. Don’t think you have Words of Wisdom if no one you know who has wisdom doesn’t agree. You learn what wisdom is together.

What does wisdom look like?

You are full of great questions today! James tells us what God’s wisdom looks like. This is something we should all have memorized.

James 3:17 NLT But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favouritism and is always sincere.

That sounds like the template for smelling out wisdom we have together.

If someone asks you if what they’re sharing with you is wisdom - Run it through James 3:17. If it passes - Does it seem good to you and Holy Spirit?

Do I run what I think could be wisdom by people I know who have wisdom?

K - Keep in Step with Holy Spirit

Ephesians 5:15-17 NLT So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

What does God want you to do?

“As you go, proclaim the kingdom and prove the kingdom is here.” (Matthew 10:7-8)

I already know people come to you for advice. Some of you have learned that your opinion is no where near as valuable as God’s.

How do you bring God’s wisdom into the moment?

Another great question.

Bring Wisdom into The Moment - PRAY

P - Present the present need to God

Do a breath prayer “Lord, what word of wisdom do they need.”

R - Remember what wisdom from above is…

Wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favouritism and is always sincere.

A - Always be in the moment

Sometimes wisdom comes from clarifying questions. It might be a Word of knowledge or other gift activated. It might be sitting in silence and letting them share.

Y- Yield to Holy Spirit

Obey the wisdom God provides. You’ve asked for wisdom, know He’ll give you the wisdom you need. “But I didn’t say anything!” Maybe that’s wisdom today.

Will I step out with words of wisdom as opportunity arises?

Challenge

Will you SEEK the gift of Λόγος Σοφία - words of wisdom? Will you seriously desire it? Will you embrace activating it by faith? Will you experiment with it inside the church? Will you keep in step with Holy Spirit as you go?

It is not just for you, it is for us.

Wisdom is a gift that grows when it’s given.

Can I pray for you?

Ephesians 1:16-19 (NIV) I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe….

May you know

May you grow

May you give

May you live

Λόγος Σοφία (words of Wisdom)

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