It'll cure what ail's you!

Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)  And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision.  These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.

Collossians 4:10-11

In Colossians 4:10-11, Paul names three dear, Christian friends who were a comfort to him: Aristarchus, Mark and Justus.

The word comfort (paregoria) is where we get our English word paregoric, or medicine that soothes an upset stomach or irritated nerves!!  While Paul was in a Roman prison - no air conditioning, no room-service, no spa- was chained day and night, perhaps he was a bit irritated...a little upset.  Even discouraged?!?  But these friends came to settle his spirit and soothe his soul!

Remember:

1. •We can either Hurt or Heal...
2. •We can be a part of the Problem or part of the Solution
3. •We can either dispense Misery or Medicine

Only by being indwelled by the Divine Comforter himself, the Holy Spirit can we bring needed comfort to others.

        Blessed be the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our adverse circumstances-so that we can comfort others in their time of adversity with the same comfort which we have been comforted! 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Until next week, 

Pastor Jody

To make ready a people prepared for The Lord

He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, “to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

Luke 1:17 NKJ

   Even though the two phrases, make ready and prepared are seemingly synonymous - in reality they have opposite meanings!

    Make Ready describes the internal work fo Grace by the Holy Spirit developing in us:

1. •        Honesty
2. •        Integrity
3. •        Humility
4. •        Holiness
5. •        Obedience

He is also helping us maintain a positive attitude, even while we’re surrounded by negativity!  The same Holy Spirit helps us overcome our emotional explosions that come about from bitterness, unforgiveness, hurts and wounds by someone we love.

    Prepared describes the external work of Grace by the Holy Spirit:

1. •        The Body of Christ coming together in unity, harmony and agreement
2. •        Learning to “play well with others” is a crucial part in our success as a Church!

    The great news is God is at work in our lives developing us, maturing us - giving us an “Extreme Makeover” by the work of the Holy Spirit. (Phillipians 2:13)

As the Bride of Christ, we are becoming more beautiful and graceful each and every day!

Pastor Jody

"Do you feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?"

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

2 Corinthians 4:7

It’s said that a bird and a fish can fall in love, but where would they live?  That same paradox can be found in our scripture for today;

        “...we have this treasure in earthen vessels...” 2 Corinthians 4:7

For some reason only known to God himself, He has chosen the human heart to become His place of “residence” and “rest” - and by His own design, He has created us with an emptiness, a void... a hollow space deep-down inside our heart that only He can fill and satisfy.

Earthen (ostrakinos) describes something made from clay

1. ➡Very fragile
2. ➡Very delicate
3. ➡Easily broken

Treasure (thesauros) 

1. ➡Wealth
2. ➡Fortune
3. ➡Inexhaustible resources

So, why would God deposit such a treasure into our fragile clay containers - containers that can so easily be fractured and broken or broken into?  I’m glad you asked!

God loves to demonstrate His Power and His Protection in our lives - even in front of our opposition!  It’s as if God is saying to our enemies, “Go ahead, give ‘em your best shot.”  or, “Come on just try to make your move!” or even, “ Go ahead, punk.  Make my day!” (that’s my translation, anyways)

God is proving not only to us, but to all of our opponents that His Strength is made perfect in our weakness.  (2 Corinthians 12:9)

We house His Wealth, His Word, His Wisdom and His Worth!  That’s why He has given His Angels charge over us... (Psalms 91:12)

Pastor Jody