Good Morning, Pastor John.
This was too much to text so I thought I would email to you.
I love how Jesus sends us what we need and gives us a clearer understanding if we listen closely. The past couple of weeks I keep hearing, “trust me.” It’s like a wind blowing in my heart, “trust me.”
Sometimes, what seems to be the easiest commandments, I have found myself asking, “OK, but how do I do that?” Like months ago when Jesus told me to “let go”. Seems like easy instructions. but I had no idea how. Then a few days later, he sent my explanation in a “Thought for the Day”*. I’m finding that even the simplest of tasks or instructions. I need his guidance and understanding or this carnal mind will mess up or go too far.
Last night, I watched you teach on Hebrews 12**. In it you were talking about the difference between chastisement and scourging. You said, “scourging is different from being chastised; scourging is to the bone.” You taught us the difference between righteous and profane. You said the righteous honor everything that is of God, no matter the circumstances. But the profane hold ungodly things as important as godly things (comparing Esau trading his birthright for a bowl of food).
Then you read Hebrews 12:15: “taking care, that no one comes short of the grace of God, that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble.” And you asked, “What is the root of bitterness? Unbelief is the root of bitterness.”
Sometimes I feel like I could and have opened that door to bitterness. Not knowing and having so many question marks about my future is tough. But listening to you last night felt so good to my heart. It felt like Jesus was saying, “Here’s your answer — to keep that door shut, permanently.” There is so much love in that! To say I trust Jesus is just words and easy, but I want my whole heart to trust him, no matter what my circumstances may be. I love his instructions, and I love that he has me in a place to learn. We have so much right at our fingertips! I want to take it all in.
Love you, Pastor John!
Michelle
And… I love this!
- So then, straighten up the listless hands and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet lest that which is lame be turned aside, but let it rather be healed.
This is how I feel every time Jesus comes to my rescue! It’s like, Okay, you’re through that now; let’s finish running this race together!”
* Going to Jesus.com – Audio Materials
** Going to Jesus.com – The Sabbath Is For Rest
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