A question that I am frequently wondering about is: “What would I do, or what would I say if I meet Jesus in person.” Wouldn’t that be something.

We see a story like this in the Bible:

Jesus had been crucified and was already risen from the dead, but not all of his disciples had seen him yet. Two of them were traveling on the road to Emmaus:

Luke 24:
13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem.
14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened.
15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them;
16 but they were kept from recognizing him.
17 He asked them, What are you discussing together as you walk along? They stood still, their faces downcast.
18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?
19 What things? He asked. About Jesus of Nazareth, they replied. He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people.
20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him;
21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.
22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning
23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive.
24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.
25 He said to them, How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!
26 Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?
27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going further.
29 But they urged him strongly, Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over. So he went in to stay with them.
30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.
31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.
32 They asked each other, Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?

The guys were disciples of Jesus but they were not among the twelve. They have heard him speak and might have seen him perform a miracle or two. So, they have been around, had a pretty good idea about who Jesus was. At least they thought so… Now they were arguing back and forth.

14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened.
15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them;
16 but they were kept from recognizing him.

In fact they had no clue about what was going on! JESUS himself came up and walked with them. We need to stop arguing! WE NEED TO RECOGNIZE JESUS…

Then He explains the scriptures to them and they understand. If we meet Jesus, all the confusion goes away.
There is so much talk, so much arguing. If we would take the time and listen to Jesus, read the word of God and spend time with the Lord in prayer, the answers would be there. Jesus is the answer to all our questions:

Now comes my favorite part:

28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going further.
29 But they urged him strongly, Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over. So he went in to stay with them.

Jesus wanted to spend time with them and he also wants to spend time with us. To him, fellowship is very important. He just pretended as if he would go further. He wanted them to invite him and he wants us to invite him into our lives as well. Maybe for the first time. Maybe time and time again.

29… So he went in to stay with them…

Jesus is never too busy for us, he has time.

Luke 24:
30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.
31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.

Jesus wants us to know who he is. He wants to reveal his true character to us. Me might have so many ideas about him and maybe people or even other Christians might have told us so much, but we need to get to know Jesus and see for ourselves.

We need to stop arguing about Him and rather listen to his word.
We have to invite him into our lives and into our hearts by saying. “Lord, Stay with us, … Stay with me…” There is a huge difference between thinking about Jesus and actually talking to him.

As I mentioned earlier, fellowship is important to Jesus. When He broke the bread they recognized him. They did not recognize him when he was explaining the scriptures, but they recognized him when He broke the bread. This is how they knew him.

Our life with the Lord is not about knowledge, it is about fellowship.

What would you do if you meet Jesus in an alley or on the street? What would you ask him, what would you tell him?

He is listening. You can tell him anything.
Anytime.

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Romans 14, 17

When I was in school, I had a teacher who once said that Christians believe this life on earth is just a “vale of tears” and the redemption and happiness is in heaven. He said this would also be the way that the church is controlling people… This is certainly not the case.

People tend to think that God wants a lot from them, hence they think that once they become believers, their lives become boring.

But God wants us to be happy.

Then God said, Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground. Genesis 1, 26 – 28

This was the first commandment given to man, enjoy life and rule over the earth.

Here is another example from the Old Testament:

Nehemiah said, Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
The Levites calmed all the people, saying, Be still, for this is a sacred day. Do not grieve. Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them. Neh 8, 10 – 12

We need the understand what that “joy of the LORD” is, for it is our strength. So what does that mean, “the joy of the Lord”?

The joy of the Lord is a constant joy. It is not like a sitcom laughter. The joy of the LORD is an attitude.

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16, 9 – 11

And the Lord Jesus said:

Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no-one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. John 16, 22 – 24

Now we are facing two problems. One is the enemy, – the devil who wants to destroy us and the other is life in general.

The enemies work:

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10, 10

There are all kinds of things that can take away our joy. Sorrow, Worries, Stress and so on. The enemy might play games with your mind and you think:
“The next problem is just around the corner…”, “This makes no sense…”, “It’s all useless…” this list could go on forever. Thoughts like this are not from the Holy Spirit.

What about troubled times? As I mentioned earlier, the joy of the Lord is an attitude. We just hang on to him no matter what happens.

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. Psalm 23

I am sure that these words were written in a time of trouble, but with a knowledge of the goodness of God.

I heard and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the sound; decay crept into my bones, and my legs trembled. Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us. Though the fig-tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakuk 3, 16 – 18

How do we rejoice in the LORD? By worshiping him and by proclaiming his truth:

The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.
Habakuk 3, 19

Even in poverty we can rejoice in the Lord:

Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything. 2. Kor. 6, 4 – 10

One last verse…

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 1 Tim 6,17

God wants us to be happy. He gives us everything we need to be happy. Even in the midst of trouble. The enemy wants to steal our joy because the joy of the LORD is our strength.

Let us listen Jesus, who is the “Shepard of our souls”, and rejoice in the LORD by praising him.

How can we be successful in life?! God gives us simple guidelines.

Joshua 1:8-9
“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua followed God wholeheartedly and wanted to be successful at the jobs God gave him. He was given huge responsibilities and probably had some fear and doubts about it. That’s why God commanded him to be strong and courageous 3 times in a row.

After each command God gave a promise:
- you will lead these people to inherit the land (verse 6)
- you will be prosperous and successful (verse 7)
- the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go (verse 9)
After each command God gave a promise. On the other side of obedience is God’s blessing!

When Moses died, Joshua became the leader of murmuring, complaining and rebellious people. And he had to lead them into battle …! Joshua had big shoes to fill in. It wasn’t going to be easy.

Joshua 1:8 are instructions with a simple charge – knowing God’s Word and doing it. If we choose to follow God’s advice, He assures us of good success and prosperity. God and His word are the beginning of a life of blessing, the starting point for success in all that really matters. Let it dwell in your heart, occupy your thoughts and guide your steps. The Bible isn’t magic, but it’s powerful!

- The Bible is God’s word (2 Tim 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God…”)

- The Bible is alive (Heb 4:12 “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, … and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”)

- The Bible is a force (Jer 23:29 “Is not my word like as a fire? says the Lord; and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?”)

- The Bible is a defense against temptation (Matthew 4; Eph 6:17)

- The Bible is a guide (Ps 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”)

When you read your Bible it will have a huge impact in your life, it will influence you, bring you wisdom and power. The knowledge you have will increase. You will have courage and confidence to powerfully speak the truth. You will have the answer to every question.

Success is not wealth, a title or position, not what you own or a list of accomplishments.
Success is knowing God’s word, reading, thinking, obeying, speaking and following God’s word with all your heart.
Success comes from God, not from our own endeavor. God guided Joshua on His road of success and He’s gonna guide us too. The only thing we have to do is knowing and obeying God’s word.

How can success become reality in my life?

God’s word is to be the focus of our daily lives. Put the Bible’s truths into your mind, meditate on them, so you can apply its wisdom at all times and live according to it.

Ingredients for success:
1.) Believing God’s word – believing that the Bible is living and powerful and able to make a difference in our lives.
2.) Dwelling on God’s word – we need to meditate on it because we cannot correctly follow what we don’t understand.
3.) Obeying God’s word – observe and do according to all that is written in it.
The first two things are internals, the third one external. The latter is the harder step. Now we must do something.

What does it help if I know the Bible by heart? If I don’t act on it, it’s for nothing. Compare the Pharisees and Jesus disciples. The Pharisees knew all the Scriptures but didn’t live according to them.
Jesus disciples were uneducated, simple people. But they followed Jesus’ teachings and changed the world!
Obedience goes hand in hand with success. With obedience to God comes joy, God’s blessing and God’s type of success.

Do you do your tasks with God’s leading or alone?

Do you live your own way instead of God’s?

Do you have problems and obstacles in your life?

Then look into God’s word, find out what He says you’re to do and do it. You will surely reap success. Even situations that seem impossible to turn around, look at Joshua how he managed to lead these rebellious people into the promised land.

So, the 3 keys to a successful life are:
- knowing God’s word
- loving God’s word
- living God’s word

Don’t wait, start today!

Photos:
“Bible Study 2“ by George Bannister http://www.flickr.com/photos/29968788@N00/2227885657/
“The blue waters at Punggol Beach “ by alner_s  http://www.flickr.com/photos/alner_s/3302461097/in/photostream/

All released under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License

Faith is a big word and people of every culture, nation and race know about it. We often think that faith is especially designated for our believe in Jesus or in religion. If we have big faith we go to heaven and with bad faith we’re going to hell. But there are so many other parts in our life where we need and use faith.
It seems so special but actually everybody has it. From the beginning there was faith. Human beings are created to have faith.
A child has faith because he believes his parents care for him and the environment he is in it. I have never seen a child without hope for something good. Not even among the poorest kids of this world.
Faith is a vital part of life. Everybody believes in something.
For example: I believe that there is a place called: Australia. I’m totally convinced about it. I’ve actually never been there, but I believe what other people told me. I trust that the people who have been there tell me the truth.

The Bible has a great explanation of what faith is:
Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it. Hebrews 11:1

WE all hope for things and WE know that they are real even if we do not see them. We all use our faith. It’s like breathing. We can’t live without it.
The big question is: In what do we have faith? There are so many questions we have to answer.  In what are we’re going to put our trust? In what do we believe? Is it true or false?

If you believe you are a loser, you will become a loser sooner or later.  But if you believe that you “…are more than a conqueror through him (Jesus) who loved you…” (Romans 8:37), then you will be a winner and losers anymore.
If you believe, that “…God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19)  then you will find that he does provide for everything you need.

Jesus said that he is “…the way and the truth and the life…” (John 14:6). When we believe in him then we know that He has all the answers and that He himself is The truth. Everything he said is true. We can trust that what the Bible says is true and that it is good for us. We need to understand all the truths that the Bible teaches us.

If we know His word and trust in it, hold on to it and speak it out, then we start to live a life of faith, founded in Jesus, who is “…the author and finisher of our faith…” Hebrews 12:2
We actually don’t need a huge amount of faith, it can be small “…like a mustard seed…” Matthew 17:20 The challenge is not to doubt. Matthew 14:31
“It is with your heart that you believe and justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” Romans 10:10

In other words, You cannot just believe in your mind. You need to have faith in your heart and speak it out and then things will start to happen.
Start by getting to know the truth through his word. Fill your mind and heart with its reality and speak it out. Hold on to it. Don’t let go.
Then things are going to happen which you have longed and hoped for but never would have dreamed to see. It is an exciting and awesome journey! Come and join us and put your faith into action.

Photos:
A Garden of Climbs by Jason Miller http://www.flickr.com/photos/cptspock/2557842978/
South Coogee_NSW_4s by snappED_up http://www.flickr.com/photos/snapped_up/173533287/
Sail to the moon by gaab22 http://www.flickr.com/photos/snapped_up/173533287/
All released under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License