Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Embrace the Chaos


In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.
 Genesis 1:1-5
Sometimes, I start off with a conversation that’s entitled, “Embrace the Chaos” People respond," say what do you mean"? They usualIy say, I will not embrace the chaos. I have children who have to live in this world. I will work to make a better, more civilized, more loving world. I will do so with my actions and my votes. This to me is ok but a little like material and physical comfort. For me, I would like a little more Fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and faithfulness).

They often say, “What’s the point?” they continue with It’s such an uncertain world out there.  meaning, “It all looks so bleak. Why should we even bother to try to move forward in life or with a career? Why should we try to improve my/our circumstances when we don’t think it will lead to anywhere? Why should we try anything in this crazy, uncertain, unpredictable and difficult environment?” I would often reply,” understand we live in an evil world. That is why we are not of this world full of brokenness, an absence of shalom in all its meaning. Like most things, we tend to treat the symptoms instead of treating the underlying illness and make things worse. Evil dealings that results in a Nihilistic thinking society”; We must understand our authority comes from the bible.

In reflection, I often ask, “where does evil come from”. The easy answer is from sin but when we look to scripture the bible tells us to spends more time on what we can do about sin and not to translate scripture by ourselves but together by faith, not adding too scripture or deleting from scripture and using it with a God-fearing experience we a practical heart together in order to serve and to save human kind. Martin Luther said, “OH Jesus I’m your sin, you are my Righteousness”.

When you embrace the chaos, and move forward in life with the help of the Holy Spirit a relationship with God, gets crystal clear as to what makes you more fulfilled, more satisfied and ultimately, happier. 
When you engage in Jesus behaviors or try to change yourself for Christ, you begin to understand, punch fear in the face, embrace the chaos of a worldly system, live on the edge for God, for this is really the healthiest way to live. How we behave with one another matters also because we are in this together, intricately linked in a web of relationships where - how one person behaves affects the whole body.
Paul says this, “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it…. for just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.” 1Corinthians 12:27
It may appear that we are just one of the passengers, but we aren’t – we are part of a system of relationships centered on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Two explorers were on a jungle safari when suddenly a ferocious lion jumped in front of them. "Keep calm," the first explorer whispered. "Remember what we read in that book on wild animals? If you stand perfectly still and look the lion in the eye, he will turn and run."
"Sure," replied his companion. "You've read the book, and I've read the book. But has the lion read the book?"
Fear is something that is common to all of us. We're generally afraid when we're not sure how things are going to turn out. Through the events in this passage, we see how we can better face our fears and overcome through Jesus, the Messiah.
How wicked was the world in the days of Noah, or how despicable were the people of Sodom and Gomorrah? Are we close today, how close? GOD is in control of all this chaos. He originally created the world out of chaos, re-created it after Noah, and will do so again if need be. Are we going to be able to avoid the calamities of the coming times? No! What are our options? The key word is preparation, that is why I say, “Embrace the chaos” "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and they will deceive many."

The tornado alert sirens are screaming, the TV news forecasters are calling out flood, Hurricane warnings, political noise, wars, race problems and the like; are we listening, "If I had only had more warning..." But by the love of GOD we are given that warning and can be ready for the impending disaster. "The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted. Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Our warning system is, "Go, therefore, and make disciples." GOD’s creation design was perfect, what have we done with it? If we are in need of more warning, if for some reason we are unsure, then remember these words of Jesus, "I am with you always, to the end of the age." That is sufficient warning to avert us from any disaster. The storm clouds are building and Jesus Christ IS coming; maybe on the next cloud that passes by.

Having a reliable guide, one who knows the way and knows how to avoid danger, is a very important thing, especially in this world of chaos and confusion! We often wonder what to do, which way to turn, what decisions to make, etc., and the advice of our fellow human beings often leave us wanting.
There is a Guide who is infallible. Not only this, but He's also available at all times! You can entrust your very life to His hands, with the assurance that you couldn't be in better hands (not even your own!)!
Jesus is our Guide in the midst of chaos

We are generally a bundle of chaos and confusion by
a. Disease
b. Addictions
c. Job Stress
d. Families in turmoil
e. Fears
f. The Church seems to changing
g. If we’re not aware of how the world around us is changing, we’ll miss out on an opportunity to share the gospel with that world. In spite of this, God invites us to be part of his mission That is, to bring Shalom (peace; wholeness) to people -- John 14.27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. That is what I mean embrace the Chaos. Not by yourself but with the help of the holy spirit. What makes the difference? For me during those worldly storms that rages outside helps me know that God through our relationship, is with us and calms my/our fears.I would like you to be Motivated by a deep love and concern even for those out of our comfort zones. Have you had those highly chaotic times when all seems distorted? 

I am reminded of this story about a woman who was in the checkout line in a grocery store. When it was her turn to pay, she had trouble finding her wallet in her enormous purse. She finally began dumping things out onto the counter. One of the things she dropped was a TV remote. The man behind her could not contain himself and approached her. The woman thought he was angry for the delay, but he calmed her and asked about the remote. She replied that she and her husband had a giant fight just before she left to come to the store. She took the remote because that was the worst thing she could think of to do to him. Her way of embracing the CHAOS! 

When we are Surrounded by illegalities and judicial chaos, Jesus stands calmly in the midst of the storms. He has already accepted God’s plan for Him, so there was no fear, no panic.

God, Bless you and this Ministry!