Rest, my soul.
Let my soul be at rest again, for the Lord has been good to me. (Psalms 116:7 NLT)
The triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – created us in His image as triune beings. Each of us is a spirit who has a soul, and who lives in a body.
Therefore, true health in a person’s life is only attained when our total being is functioning properly.
My SPIRIT was made perfect when I put my faith is Jesus Christ. “Old things have passed away, and all things have become new.”
However, my SOUL and BODY are not yet perfect. I am still under construction!
In fact, as determined as I may be to have a healthy body (and I do make efforts to do so), the truth is, my BODY will only reach perfection and complete wholeness at the resurrection of the saints – the day when Jesus returns for His church and we are raised to eternal life with Him.
But, today my focus is primarily drawn to the state of my SOUL, that is, my mind, will, and emotions. If I’m being honest I would have to admit that my mind and emotions have been in overdrive for quite a while, and have become weary.
There are times I do not think clearly. There are times I am a bit overwhelmed by emotions. There are times when I’m fighting to choose the right thing to do.
Then, this morning, while meeting with some guys to journal and pray together, The Lord graciously directed me to these words:
Let my soul be at rest again, for the Lord has been good to me. (Psalms 116:7 NLT)
If you are like me, and you sometimes find yourself dealing with issues of the SOUL, let me encourage you to meditate on this word today. Allow the Holy Spirit to remind you of the goodness of God in your life. Let your faith rise up and be strengthened by God’s word of promise.
And, by all means, evaluate your life’s rhythms.
Tend to your SPIRIT.
Tend to your SOUL.
Tend to your BODY.
You may not reach perfection, but you can learn to be healthy.
Father,
Thank You for the perfected work You have done in my spirit, through Jesus Christ.
Thank You for the perfectING work You are doing in my soul.
Thank You for health in my body, and that, one day, I will be perfectly whole in every way.
You are good.
Amen.
A Father’s Influence – a tribute to my dad
My parents got married while they were both in college. Shortly thereafter they discovered they were expecting a child.
My dad was playing intramural football when he got the word that my mom was in labor. They got to the hospital, where my mom was taken care of and my dad was given a gown, hair net, and gloves in order to be allowed in the birthing room.
Coming out gowned, netted, and gloved into the waiting room to let his family and friends know that the time had come, my dad first announced: “Nobody touch me; I’m sterile!”
Obviously he wasn’t.
I had the privilege of being the first one to call him “dad.” He is the most influential man in my life – one who loved his wife, invested in his sons, served people through his ministry, and honored God with his heart. He still does those things.
A father’s influence can not be understated. Our society knows too well the ramifications of absentee or abusive fathers. I, however, know the blessing of a father who was there, and who loved me.
Being a father has made me a better son. I can now more fully appreciate the values and discipline my father instilled in me. I find that I often draw from the wisdom of my dad as I invest in my own children.
The bible says:
The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him. (Proverbs 20:7 NKJV)
This Father’s Day I count myself blessed by a righteous dad who walked (and continues to walk) in integrity.
Thanks, Pop. I love you.
The Privilege of Suffering
For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. (Philippians 1:29 NLT)
I have never been imprisoned for my faith in Jesus Christ. I have never been beaten, or had my kids taken from me, because of my Christianity.
But I have suffered.
Christians around the world know the sting of suffering for Christ. Some face daily hardship, legal risks, and potential death. Others face skepticism, scrutiny, and the slow, agonizing “pulling away” of friends who no longer want to be as close.
I have lost friends.
I have faced skepticism.
I have been ridiculed.
And I consider it a privilege.
Still, it hurts. It is painful to experience. But, when I think about what Jesus endured for me, I have nothing but gratitude toward Him and compassion for others.
When Jesus was here in a physical body He suffered these same experiences. Now that I am a part of His body, I too taste the same sufferings. My brothers and sisters around the world suffer as well.
Perhaps our greatest testimony is the grace that is seen amid suffering.
I firmly believe that I am more than a conqueror, and that God will bring me out of whatever difficulties I face; but I also count it a privilege to suffer for the name of Jesus Christ.
Father,
Please grant peace and strength to suffering saints around the world today.
Thank You for the privilege of suffering for Jesus.
Amen.
Experiencing Victory Amidst Daily Conflict
With God’s help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes. (Psalms 60:12 NLT)
Earth is the battleground of the conflict of the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of God. From the time Lucifer was cast out of heaven (to earth) for rebellion and pride, earth became “without form and void, and darkness covered the face of the earth (Genesis 1:2).”
God created Man to take authority and have dominion over the earth and satan’s cohort. However, in like fashion as Lucifer, we (Man) chose to pridefully rebel against God, resulting in the forfeiture of our authority on earth and over satan.
BUT GOD CAME! Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came as the Son of Man, lived the life we were intended to live, died to make atonement for our sin, and was raised to conquer death, hell, and the grave.
Jesus reclaimed earth as HIS kingdom, and restored us (Man) to our original place of authority and dominion over satan!
Jesus established His kingdom, then appointed us, His followers, to CONTINUE to establish His Kingdom on earth. God has already won the victory and confirmed the outcome; we simply walk in obedience and faith to experience that victory here on earth as it is in heaven.
By the way, there is coming a day when earth’s conflict will be forever and eternally settled. Jesus is coming to bring justice.
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. (Romans 16:20 NLT)
With God, you will defeat the enemy. Have faith!
Victory is yours!
What Are the Things Money Can’t Buy?
Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold. (Proverbs 22:1 NLT)
Character and integrity are rare commodities, the value of which cannot be expressed monetarily.
Money can buy a house, but character builds a home.
Money can make you popular, but character provides true friendship.
Money can buy position, but character earns respect.
Wealth of resources and depth of character are not mutually exclusive. I know poor people with and without great character. I know integrous people with and without resources.
The voice of wisdom teaches us that our priority must not be on wealth and resources, but, rather, on the true riches of integrity, character, wisdom, and honor.
There are some things that money cannot buy. But a person of deep character is content and blessed.
Father,
Continue to build character in my life, so that I reflect the Person of Jesus everyday in every situation. Then, I will truly be rich.
Pastor Dale Jenkins 