Not in Control-Selah39-CMAW121

From Brian Biggers, Lambs Chapel, www.tlcalive.com First Light-1/13/21   The Miracle in the Pot

 

  Jesus said to them, "fill the waterpots with water". And they filled them up to the brim. John 2:7  

 

It was the first miracle that Jesus worked when He walked on earth. Truth is that it seems such an odd thing for Him to do. Totally out of character with the other miracles He performed, such as healing, feeding multitudes, or raising the dead. It’s easy to understand why He did the things that met the pressing needs of suffering people, but to provide wine for a wedding? Didn't He know that the Baptist' would be offended? What is with this water to wine thing? Actually, one of the greatest revelations that we receive from God is hidden in this passage. I am convinced by the Spirit that it’s not at all about having adequate booze for a wedding. This miracle is a picture of how He works in the life of believers. The pots were actually religious vessels used in Jewish worship. Much like them we can be religious, empty, hard (stone) and not much use to anyone. The command of the Lord was not to try to be good or helpful. Rather it was a simple request to "fill the pots with water". Any Bible scholar knows that water in the scripture always represents the Word of God. Ephesians says that Jesus "washes us with the water of the Word". This is a call for us to fill our minds and hearts with God's good Word. To meditate on His truths and promises. Once they had done their part and filled the pots, Jesus did His part and turned the water into wine.  Wine in the Bible is always a picture of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians also says, "be not drunk with wine but be filled with the Holy Spirit". This is where the real miracle takes place. As I humbly meditate on His Word in His presence, Jesus turns what I receive in my heart into the sweet presence of His Spirit that then flows out of me and is a blessing to people around me. Many believers attempt to be a blessing to people by their own ability or personality. That is not God's way. He said, "freely you have received, freely give". His way is to receive from Him and then pour it out on others. Don't "try" to be a Christian. "Fill your empty, hard, cold vessel with the water of His Word" at His feet and watch what comes out of you! Much like the headmaster declared "this is the best wine"! Folks around you will be refreshed and begin to talk about how much they enjoy what comes out of you!

 

  Dear Jesus, this wondering, wandering world needs another empty, hard, religious vessel about like I need another cheeseburger. They need your Spirit. Fill me as I wait on you in your Word and then let people "taste the best wine"! The Search for Security   I will never leave you or forsake you. Hebrews 13:5  

 

A friend of mine confided in me about his struggle to trust God to care for him. I wondered how could you not believe He would do what He said He would do after all of the promises He has made in His Word to be a Father to us? I found the answer when my buddy told of his earthly father's irresponsibility. His parents separated when he was a baby. As does any little boy he longed to have a dad to take him fishing, biking, hiking and to enjoy spending time together. Often his dad would promise to come get him and take him to enjoy a day together, only to be a no show when the time came. Once his dad promised a trip to the coast to fish for a weekend. He told him to be packed and ready and he would pick him up after school was out and they would head off for a great time. He sat on the front porch with his little suitcase waiting for dad. The time passed for his arrival, but as usual, no dad. Finally, as the sun was setting his mom came out and told him to come on in as it appeared, he had been let down one more time. Having been programmed that he couldn't trust his earthly father to keep his promises, he had a difficult time trusting the great God we call "Father" to keep his. I assured him that although he wasn't able to depend on an earthly dad, he would always be able to count of his heavenly Dad. This earth would collapse if He were to fail in one of His promises to care for and love His children. Even when we are adults there is a child's heart inside every person that wants to have a Father that we can trust absolutely. To love unconditionally no matter what we do, to provide, to protect and to smile on us. That is why it is so important to spend time in His Word letting Him speak to our hearts as He reveals His great Father's heart toward us. Each of my three children are absolutely confident of my love for them and my willingness to care for them no matter what happens. They are that way because they have gotten to know me personally through the years. The same is true of our heavenly Father. The more you get to know Him the more you become convinced at heart level that He could never "leave you or forsake you".

 

also watch "Control Freak!" from 7 months ago All worry, stress, fear comes from wanting to control what you can't control Phil 1:12 

12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole b]">[b]palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16 c]">[c]The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I d]">[d]cannot tell. 23 e]">[e]For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 2 6 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again. Phil 4:4-8

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

5 Let your b]">[b]gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Meditate on These Things

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

1 Peter 5:7 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Luke 12:22 22 Then He said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. 29 “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. Romans 8:28 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose
stop using words like "serious, concerned" and call it what it is, "worry"

Make a list, one column "What I can control", 2nd column what I can't control Left column only has 5 items: 1. My thoughts 2. My attitude 3. My words 4. My decisions 5. My eternal destiny Right column: 1. Other people 2. My circumstances (mostly) 3. My future 4. This society - 1 John 5:19 "We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one." 5. The economy 6. My family If you will surrender everything to God = You will enjoy your life     E Cashiers (Walmart very upbeat, Lowes mustache on mask, Little Cesars (be blessed) L Psa 127:1 Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. Psa 127:2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat--for he grants sleep to those he loves. Psa 131:1 My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. A Remember "Jesus is at Work" on Audible H Use Audible - book for learning something quickly (better than free Youtube) - Ham Radio prep - $14 every 2 months Silver Plan,ask for it as a gift apply a lump sum 

From Brian Biggers, Lambs Chapel, www.tlcalive.com First Light-1/13/21   The Miracle in the Pot

 

  Jesus said to them, "fill the waterpots with water". And they filled them up to the brim. John 2:7  

 

It was the first miracle that Jesus worked when He walked on earth. Truth is that it seems such an odd thing for Him to do. Totally out of character with the other miracles He performed, such as healing, feeding multitudes, or raising the dead. It’s easy to understand why He did the things that met the pressing needs of suffering people, but to provide wine for a wedding? Didn't He know that the Baptist' would be offended? What is with this water to wine thing? Actually, one of the greatest revelations that we receive from God is hidden in this passage. I am convinced by the Spirit that it’s not at all about having adequate booze for a wedding. This miracle is a picture of how He works in the life of believers. The pots were actually religious vessels used in Jewish worship. Much like them we can be religious, empty, hard (stone) and not much use to anyone. The command of the Lord was not to try to be good or helpful. Rather it was a simple request to "fill the pots with water". Any Bible scholar knows that water in the scripture always represents the Word of God. Ephesians says that Jesus "washes us with the water of the Word". This is a call for us to fill our minds and hearts with God's good Word. To meditate on His truths and promises. Once they had done their part and filled the pots, Jesus did His part and turned the water into wine.  Wine in the Bible is always a picture of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians also says, "be not drunk with wine but be filled with the Holy Spirit". This is where the real miracle takes place. As I humbly meditate on His Word in His presence, Jesus turns what I receive in my heart into the sweet presence of His Spirit that then flows out of me and is a blessing to people around me. Many believers attempt to be a blessing to people by their own ability or personality. That is not God's way. He said, "freely you have received, freely give". His way is to receive from Him and then pour it out on others. Don't "try" to be a Christian. "Fill your empty, hard, cold vessel with the water of His Word" at His feet and watch what comes out of you! Much like the headmaster declared "this is the best wine"! Folks around you will be refreshed and begin to talk about how much they enjoy what comes out of you!

 

  Dear Jesus, this wondering, wandering world needs another empty, hard, religious vessel about like I need another cheeseburger. They need your Spirit. Fill me as I wait on you in your Word and then let people "taste the best wine"! The Search for Security   I will never leave you or forsake you. Hebrews 13:5  

 

A friend of mine confided in me about his struggle to trust God to care for him. I wondered how could you not believe He would do what He said He would do after all of the promises He has made in His Word to be a Father to us? I found the answer when my buddy told of his earthly father's irresponsibility. His parents separated when he was a baby. As does any little boy he longed to have a dad to take him fishing, biking, hiking and to enjoy spending time together. Often his dad would promise to come get him and take him to enjoy a day together, only to be a no show when the time came. Once his dad promised a trip to the coast to fish for a weekend. He told him to be packed and ready and he would pick him up after school was out and they would head off for a great time. He sat on the front porch with his little suitcase waiting for dad. The time passed for his arrival, but as usual, no dad. Finally, as the sun was setting his mom came out and told him to come on in as it appeared, he had been let down one more time. Having been programmed that he couldn't trust his earthly father to keep his promises, he had a difficult time trusting the great God we call "Father" to keep his. I assured him that although he wasn't able to depend on an earthly dad, he would always be able to count of his heavenly Dad. This earth would collapse if He were to fail in one of His promises to care for and love His children. Even when we are adults there is a child's heart inside every person that wants to have a Father that we can trust absolutely. To love unconditionally no matter what we do, to provide, to protect and to smile on us. That is why it is so important to spend time in His Word letting Him speak to our hearts as He reveals His great Father's heart toward us. Each of my three children are absolutely confident of my love for them and my willingness to care for them no matter what happens. They are that way because they have gotten to know me personally through the years. The same is true of our heavenly Father. The more you get to know Him the more you become convinced at heart level that He could never "leave you or forsake you".

 

also watch "Control Freak!" from 7 months ago All worry, stress, fear comes from wanting to control what you can't control Phil 1:12 

12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole [b]palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16 [c]The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I [d]cannot tell. 23 [e]For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 2 6 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again. Phil 4:4-8

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

5 Let your [b]gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Meditate on These Things

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

1 Peter 5:7 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Luke 12:22 22 Then He said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. 29 “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. Romans 8:28 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose stop using words like "serious, concerned" and call it what it is, "worry" Make a list, one column "What I can control", 2nd column what I can't control Left column only has 5 items: 1. My thoughts 2. My attitude 3. My words 4. My decisions 5. My eternal destiny Right column: 1. Other people 2. My circumstances (mostly) 3. My future 4. This society - 1 John 5:19 "We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one." 5. The economy 6. My family If you will surrender everything to God = You will enjoy your life     E Cashiers (Walmart very upbeat, Lowes mustache on mask, Little Cesars (be blessed) L Psa 127:1 Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. Psa 127:2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat--for he grants sleep to those he loves. Psa 131:1 My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. A Remember "Jesus is at Work" on Audible H Use Audible - book for learning something quickly (better than free Youtube) - Ham Radio prep - $14 every 2 months Silver Plan,ask for it as a gift apply a lump sum