Real Think Inc.

     In whole, the problem of victorious living has to do with the fact of the battle. Spiritual warfare comes often to us as a surprise: did not Jesus teach us that He came to give us “abundant life?” (John 10:10)

     Early in my Christian life I listened daily on the radio to “Unshackled,” which comes from Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago, and to “Stories of Great Christians,” which was produced by Moody Press. That was before I began reading nearly every book I heard was a good one.

      How my heart swelled and tears fell each day as I cried out to the LORD that I would follow Him! Somehow the connection that life would have times similar to heroes of the past seemed to evade me; but life did not; nor did many struggles. Even then, their struggles, it seems to me, were lives of the greater difficulties–– difficulties overcome.

     Now, after decades of living, not only have the financial struggles normal in life come again to challenge me; aging has posed new challenges.

     Were not the latter days of Job greater than his former? (Job 42:10). Is this not a thing a man after God’s heart should expect as well?

     With the reminder of Jesus enduring His cross and of His call to me to take up my cross and follow Him I must take thought not only of the ugliness of struggle, and the fact of spiritual battle; but of the victory over it. (Hebrews 12:2)

     “In this life you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer” (in it, during it, and over it), “for I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

     My life, and yours, is in the process of becoming “A story of a great Christian.” The certainty of success is the Guarantor, Jesus Christ, the Savior of any who will ever be saved. His was the victory: for me, and the necessary encouragement for the fact of the battle.

      When I as a young Christian wept over the heroism of ‘Great Christians,’ even resolving to live like them, I had not yet learned “From whence my strength cometh” (Psalm 121:1).

     Now, a half century later, having toughed it out most of my life, and much in my own strength, I realize that it is not the idea of courage which strengthens me – though it still does, it is that “In my weakness is His strength made known” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

     We’re not home yet, but Christ through the Holy Spirit has already taken residence in me. It is His strength, “Him,” in me. We were “bought with a price, the temple of the Holy Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) Think of it. Bought, paid for, occupied, and not home yet.

     Here, on earth I am an Ambassador of Jesus Christ, light on a hill, salt in the earth. Yet, only through Christ am I able. I could fail. He can not. (Matthew 5: 13-16). (2 Corinthians 5:20).

     So, today, I will take up my cross, not grudgingly or reluctantly but “with the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

     We’re not there yet; but already Christ has made my heart His home. Glory! Such Love, such wondrous love – that is my message – every day.

Buddy

Linda and I just want you to know that we read every single one of the comments we receive .

It is so encouraging and helpful  for us to hear from you, because you show us where the need is in your lives and how we can minister better.

Buddy

“God gave this baby,” she spouted, “I know He did.”

We were sharing with her that God loves us, and that He wants us to know that He does.

I asked her who God is. “I don’t know,” she answered, “but I begged Him to give me a baby – I couldn’t get pregnant – and I know He answered me.”

This lady was from a country where the gospel is seldom heard – not simply on the streets – not anywhere. Buddhism and Hinduism, yes; but she had never heard that God loves each human being.

When I share with people that God loves them, He takes over in my thoughts giving me good ideas – the truth. Jesus taught, and I’ve found it true, that the Holy Spirit brings scripture to memory to us.

“God put a face on Himself so we can know who He is,” I told this spirited lady.

“I don’t know,” she replied, “but He gave me this baby.”

“Wouldn’t you like to know Him – personally for yourself,” I asked?

“Yes, of course I would,” she answered, and that answer obviously stemmed from the heart.

I told her that God sent His Son so that we could see Him. “Like Father, like Son,” I said. Jesus’ disciples asked Him to show them the Father, and He answered, “Whoever has seen me, has seen the Father” (John 14:9).

I also added that God does not want us to be in the dark concerning Him; that He will come to us and make Himself known to us.

This lovely and vivacious lady had slowly dropped from her defensive front, and became very open to what I was saying to her. That is the work of the Holy Spirit. We see this with sincere people often, but with insincere people never.

I asked her, as I often ask others, “You would not resist God, would you?”

“No,” she answered with fervency.

“Will you open your heart, now to Him?” I asked.

“Now?” she asked in amazement.

“Well, yes, now,” I answered.

She timidly put her hand into mine. Linda, my darling wife told her, “It’s ok, you can trust him.”  Then we prayed, and it was then she felt the power of God’s love.

God desires to come into our hearts. When that Gospel which tells of His coming to those who seek Him ceases to be heard on earth, life here will have lost its purpose.

It is true that in heaven we will see the LORD face – to face, but here on earth is where we first meet Him, and here He promises that “If we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us ” (James 4:8).

It is not that the initiation of our meeting Him is from us: when we had not been born yet, Christ came to earth: before we ever believed. He sent His Holy Spirit to woo us to Himself. God, who came to wayward Adam in the cool of the day asking Adam, “Where are you,” asks us – in our spirit consciousness – ‘Where are you, man?’ (Genesis 3:9)

Being close to Him is a simple matter for those who have come to know Him – like the pregnant lady in California whose life was forever changed that day. She was not sure how she would tell her husband what had happened; but she assured us she was going to.

Their Asian background posed many barriers to the Gospel that we in America are now only beginning to experience. But the faithful Holy Spirit is mighty to save as is the Father. Did you know, reader, that Jesus taught that the Father is Holy, and that He is Spirit? (John 4:24)

When I told this lady that God had put a face on Himself for us to see Him in Jesus I had really shared the mystery of the God who is three in one: God is the Holy Spirit. It is God that moves on our heart and who first draws us to Himself: we merely respond, and then we meet Him in the special inner place of all human knowing.

Maybe you need a fresh outpouring of Him; a reminder, a cleansing presence. Run to Him like a small child – that is kingdom policy. (Matthew 18:3)

“Return to your first love,” stated Jesus. (Revelations 2:4) The scripture teaches.

“As you have, therefore, received the Lord, so walk you in Him” (Colossians 2:6).

We will always be the receivers, and He has promised to always be the Giver of all good things. (James 1:17)

Any person who will open His heart to the wooing of the LORD, and will abide in fellowship with the LORD: Oh the joy that floods such souls.

The words in this hymn say it all:

“Come, Every One Who is Thirsty”

 Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters. ~ Isaiah 55:1

Come, every one who is thirsty in spirit,

Come, everyone who is weary and sad.

Come to the fountain; there’s fullness in Jesus–

All that you’re longing for. Come and be glad.

Refrain:

“I will pour water on him that is thirsty;

 I will pour floods upon the dry ground.

Open your heart for the gift I am bringing.

While you are seeking me I will be found.” Lucy J. Rider, 1884

Do it, share it.

Buddy

I need washing.  Jesus, I receive the ransom you made for me. Father, I wandered too much in a path that YOU would not have led me; yet, you invite me home again: I come. Spirit of God, I have not fully heeded your persuasion; not fully. You are there again, drawing me home; may I come home to Thee? I have sinned. I do not deserve such love. Your love, I receive, Father: thank you, thank you – LORD, I come to you and receive you; just as I am. Let me be ‘Your workmanship.’