Take Heart

“But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.’” Matthew 14:27 (ESV)

“Take heart,” Jesus says. Don’t be afraid. Don’t doubt and have faith. Have you heard Him speaking this to you like He spoke to His fearful disciples?

I’m not sure exactly why, but those particular words used by some Bible translations touches me more than others. I think the words feel personal and real. I find them encouraging and comforting, as though Jesus calmly reassures, “It’s alright.”

Other translations use “take courage”, “have courage”, “be of good cheer”, “be of good courage” or “cheer up”, which are all valid and worth meditating upon.

Many times I’ve been comforted and encouraged by the Lord when I’ve felt doubts about His love for me, fears about my interest in heaven, or sadness about sin and whether I can be of any use to Him. At times this has been clearly supernatural, such as a peace coming over me that I was to distraught to even ask for, yet often it is through the encouraging words of family and friends.

Encouraging others is something I need to work on. I thank everyone who has strengthened me with words of life, truth and hope.

Our God is the God of All Comfort (2 Cor 1:3-7). Let Him comfort you and do not refuse, just as it is unwise to refuse His discipline. If circumstances are bleak, let God’s Word of Truth that you cling to arise within to take command of your emotions (this is not easy!). “Take heart,” Jesus says.

“Jesus is Lord of the way I feel.” —Don Francisco.

Image: Public Domain

A Poem

Once a month on a Sunday morning, our church has what we call “Communion Celebration”. Instead of one speaker giving a message, it’s a special time where regular members of the congregation can share a testimony, a revelation, a song, etc.

“… When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.” 1 Corinthians 14:26 (ESV)

About eighteen months ago, I felt like writing a poem to share. The last time I had written a poem would have been back in high school! I hope this is for your edification (building up).

The King of kings—oh how I love to praise—
The Lord of lords to whom my voice is raised!
He is so good. It's plain to see.
His love, His grace extends to me.

It's God the Father Whom I wish to please.
I give my life—an off'ring He receives.
Although I sometimes do much wrong,
He yet forgives—says I belong.

Lord Jesus Christ, God's one and only Son.
He died for me which makes Him Number One!
Sometimes I look at me—so sad,
But Jesus paid for all my bad.

The Holy Spirit lives with me today
I trust in Him to lead me on The Way.
I need to open to Him more.
So I, empowered, won't be poor.

I love You Father, Son and Spirit, all.
I really want to know You so much more.
One day I'll see You face to face,
yes, only by Your love and grace.

Image: Public Domain

One Spirit

“But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.” 1 Corinthians 6:17 (ESV)

I find this verse fascinating and profound. Just as there is something of a mystery regarding a husband and wife becoming “one flesh” (Gen 2:24; 1 Cor 6:16), so too there is something very deep about becoming “one spirit” with the Lord.

Holy Spirit Inside

I think there is a special kind of intimacy here that goes way beyond what is ordinarily experienced between humans.

I believe when we’re born again (John 3:1–8), our spirit is renewed (Tit 3:5) and connected to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God, just as Jesus and the Father are God. I suppose it’s sort of like joining “the Godnet”, which becomes our source of eternal life and communion with God.

Perhaps in ages to come, as we humans (made in the image of God [Gen 1:26–27]) become more and more like Jesus (2 Cor 3:18; 1 John 3:2; Rom 8:29), we will, in a way, become harder to distinguish between Him and one another. Jesus prayed we’d be one with Him and the Father just as they are one (John 17:21–23). This spiritual unity is hard to comprehend.

Have you thought about this before? It seems like there is much to explore.

Father, please help me to daily draw closer to Your Spirit. Thank You that you continue to reveal more of Yourself to me. I pray that I can begin to grasp and understand what it means to be one spirit with You, and the privileges and blessing that follow from that. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Image: Public domain