28/8/09 THE TREE OF LIFE
Scripture – Rev 2:7 – “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will gives to eat from the tree of life which us in the midst of the Paradise of God”
Observation – Those who overcome the temptation to leave their first love get to eat from the tree of life. The tree of life is about revelation. They “eat” living bread. To live a diligent, well principled Christian life, although good, does not by itself please the Lord. Such people can become legalists who judge others by their own standards, but fail to hear what the Spirit is saying.
Application – It is easy to neglect the first works – the first love and intimacy with the Lord. A works mentality can easily replace a life lived in intimacy with God. This tree is in the midst of the Paradise of God, not on the outskirts! One need to press in and seek out the Lord. We should be people with a life-style of intimacy with God, rather than leaving such a thing for special occasions or neglecting it all together.
Prayer – Lord help me to keep my first love. Right now I cast aside everything else just to spend time with you – to hear your voice; and to keep the channels open throughout the day.
September 7th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Hi- this is a comment on Richard’s sermon Sunday evening 30/8 re: GOSSIP.
I call it THE FULL CIRCLE. Some years ago a visiting speaker taught that the early church “gossiped the gospel”. The people were gossiping about the miracles, the signs and wonders, the good news that Jesus can do amazing things.
Imagine if we were all focussed on the power of testimony and filled our mind with and spoke about the amazing things of God. It would change our focus, build our faith and create an atmosphere and expectancy for even more healings and miracles to happen!