Archive for 23/06/2009

Everyone needs to be Refreshed

23/06/2009 by John Marsden.

Everyone needs to be refreshed.

Paul said about Onesiphorus, “He often refreshed me.” That means several things… 

Literally: to cool again. We all know what it’s like to get angry or upset and feel the heat of

rage. An Onesiphorus in our lives acts like a cooling agent. They help us see things as they are, not in the distorted heat

of emotion.

Breeze of fresh air. On a hot day it’s nice to feel a cool breeze. In our lives we need those who come and comfort

us in such a way.

Reinvigorate. A person who reinvigorates restores energy and passion. We all need to surround ourselves with

people who do this for us. We also need to become the type people who do this for others. On the other hand there are people who drain us… 

You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. 2 Tim 1:15. Two people that Paul thought he could depend on deserted him.

Have you ever been deserted by a friend? I have and I know exactly how it feels. I often ask myself these questions;

  • How is that relationship now?

  • What hurt the most?

  • Who helped me recover?

You would think that someone like the Apostle Paul would not get discouraged or disappointed, but he did. Even Jesus got discouraged and disappointed. Here’s what that’s means to us:

Everyone need to be refreshed. 

May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus. 2 Tim. 1:16-18

 

The Phillips Translation says, “Many times that man out FRESH HEART in me.”  

Onesiphorus was Paul’s refresher. He was not ashamed of Paul. He even went to great lengths to find the apostle while in Rome. He was a friend who remain by Paul’s side regardless of the circumstances.

This Saturday as I set off on holiday I intend to retreat, refresh and renew my spirit, soul and body.

Take time to be refreshed and have a great day.

John

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Extravagant Love

23/06/2009 by John Marsden.

Extravagant Love

Extravagant love is pleasing to Christ.
(John 12:7-8)  The only voice heard in favor of what Mary did that night was the only one that really mattered. Matthew 26:10, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me.”When we really give our gifts to God He knows it.
Our Lord emphasized the fact that Mary’s gift was for Him. Nothing that we give God will ever go unnoticed by Him.


Hebrews 6:10, “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.”You will never give something to God that will be forgotten, when He receives something from us that is precious to us it is pleasing to Him.

In Mark’s account of this event he adds that Christ also said, “She did what she could” (Mark 14:8).
The fragrance of that perfume has long since evaporated but the memory of that woman will survive as long as the gospel is preached. She did what she could and what she did made a difference.
Picture the scene as Phillip Keller described it: “The delicious fragrance ran down over his shining hair. It enfolded His body with its delightful aroma. Even his tunic and flowing undergarment were drenched with its enduring pungency. Wherever he moved during the ensuing days, the perfume would go with Him. Into the Passover; into the Garden of Gethsemane; into Herod’s hall; into Pilate’s patio; even into the cruel hands of those who cast lots for his clothing.”With each crack of the whip, Mary’s gift was remembered. With each nail driven in, her love was felt.

Lord may I be extravagant with Your love today.

Have a great day

John

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

|