BEING A BENEFICIARY

BEING A BENEFICIARY

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

John 14:26-27; 16:31-33 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. … Do ye now believe? Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Philippians [ESV] 4:4-9 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

1Peter [ESV] 5:6-11 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

  Suppose you discovered you are the beneficiary of some wonderful gifts? Would you say “No thank you?”

  Being a follower of Christ has many benefits beyond “Going to heaven when I die.” I see individuals accepting. I see individuals not accepting.

  In life there are those that prey on others. For some the game summarizes their life. They are no different than an addict planning their day around the next drink or fix. These troubled souls dysfunction at levels from “He, it’s just a little fun.” to vicious hyena like behavior. They, and all in between players, can sense vulnerability like a sky high vulture senses its next meal.

  Henry (aka) was just such an inviting target for the first decades of his miserable life. He frequently wondered “Why do so many people always pick on me?”

  Then one afternoon after many conversations with Pat, an empathetic Christian that impressed Henry with his calm demeanor, Henry personally trusted Jesus as Redeemer. But Henry soon decided that even though he prayed for deliverance from his tormentors, God was not doing anything as his personal protector. Actually it had worsened as now he was being additionally harassed as a Christian.

  After several years of suffering his worsened situation, in desperation he formulated a nasty defensive manner . . . and then he remembered Pat’s calm confidence.

  Henry told Pat about his dreadful problem. In answering Pat’s initial delving, Henry assured him he was being faithful in reading his Bible, praying, and participating at a local assembly. Then Pat asked “But are you applying God’s guidance to your life, and in particular, your problem? God rarely interferes by removing problem persons. God didn’t do so in Eden and what makes you think He will do so for you?”

  Henry reacted in baffled resentment. “So this is my fault!? You’re saying it’s punishment for my sins?”

  Without being accusatory, Pat responded “Beyond reading and praying, have you truly accepted and made use of the benefits of Jesus’ peace by actually authentically casting your care upon Him?”

  Henry began to do so, and it became habit. His situation changed. He even developed the peacemakers’ skill of turning such instances into opportunities to tell of God’s love and how He provides ways of deliverance. Afterward he with friend Randy sometimes pondered how different life may be if Adam and Eve had trusted God with their anxiety (Feelings of insufficiency.) and allowed Him to continue to provide direction for them.

EBB4