ISSUE: #29

MEM

Message

"Growing more and more unto Jesus’ likeness is our core purpose in life. It has to be central to all our activities, our life-style, our relationships. Indeed, all our gifts and callings – our work, ministry and witness – must flow out of this core purpose." "… God’s purpose is fulfilled in me only by what I am becoming in Him. Christ-likeness isn’t about what I do for the Lord, but about how I’m being transformed into His likeness." (Quotes form David Wilkerson’s article; Called to be Christ-Like.)

This and future MEM’s will focus on being like our Messiah. The very purpose of our life is to be in His image:

Genesis 1: 26 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; …

Romans 8:29 …also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, …

Colossians 1:27 …this mystery … which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

We need to study what our Savior is like, that we might be like Him. This can only happen when our mind is transformed to be as the very mind of Messiah.

Romans 8:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. 3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.

It is my goal to stress the root virtue of Messiah, which is Humility. (Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.)

There will be a new section called, ‘Humility’. It will carry quotes, scripture and comments about the humble attitude we need to become more like Yeshua. Much of it will be based on a book written by Andrew Murray (Humility: the journey toward holiness – Bethany House Publishers). This book can be used as a guide to understanding our need for the humility of Messiah in our life - for His glory.

I welcome any comments in regard to this topic.

Proverb

Proverbs 11:2 Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Proverbs 15:33 Fear of the LORD teaches a person to be wise; humility precedes honor.

Proverbs 22:4 True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life.

Proverbs 29:23 Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor. (all from NLT)

Saying

" Should you ask me: What is the first thing in religion? I should reply: the first, second, and third thing therein is humility." Augustine

"When nothing seems to help, I go and look at a stone cutter hammering away at his rock perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the hundred and first blow it will split in two, I know it was not that blow that did it - but all that had gone before. Jacob Ris

Bible Quiz

1. Whom did Yeshua ask three times if he loved Him?
2. Who was the first person mentioned in the Bible to pay tithes, and to whom did he pay them?
3. Where was Apollos born?
4. Who stopped Paul from coming to the Thessalonians?
5. Who called down fire from heaven to consume his enemies?
6. Who said, "Get her for me. She’s the right one for me"?

Hebraic Lesson

Did the Apostles follow the instructions given to Moses from the Almighty or were these instructions all changed with the coming of Messiah?

Acts 24:14 "But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets.

Paul and Barnabas taught the people on the Sabbath:

Acts 13:42 As Paul and Barnabas were going out, the people kept begging that these things might be spoken to them the next Sabbath.

Acts 13:44 The next Sabbath nearly the whole city assembled to hear the word of the Lord.

The counsel at Jerusalem issued a decree to the new gentile converts indicating they could learn more about Torah every Sabbath in the synagogues.

Acts 15:21 "For Moses from ancient generations has in every city those who preach him, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath."

Acts 18:4 And he (Paul) was reasoning in the synagogue every sabbath and trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.

Paul wanted to be in Jerusalem for Pentecost.

Acts 20:16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so that he would not have to spend time in Asia, for he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.

Book Spotlight

"The words in this book changed my life forever." Donna Partow

You too can be helped by these clear, simple teachings written by Andrew Murray. He can help wipe away the mist that clouds our understanding about the true meaning of Godly humility. Showing that the greatest example of humility is our Creator. In that He took on the form of man, showed us how to live, died to redeem us, was resurrected and exalted to the right hand of the Father. He still serves us today by interceding for us. Learn how we too can have this same humility today.

Did you know:

Oak trees do not produce acorns until they are fifty years or older.

Lighter Side

ATTEND CHURCH WITH CAUTION

One Sunday morning, the pastor noticed little Alex standing in the foyer of the church staring up at a large plaque. It was covered with names with small American flags mounted on either side of it. The seven year old had been staring at the plaque for some time, so the pastor walked up, stood beside the little boy, and said quietly, "Good morning Alex." "Good morning Pastor," he replied, still focused on the plaque. "Pastor, what is this?" The pastor replied, "Well son, it's a memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service." Soberly, they just stood together, staring at the large plaque. Finally, little Alexis’s voice, barely audible and trembling with fear, asked, "Which Service, the 9:45 or the 11:15?"

Humility

"There are three great motivations to humility: it becomes us as creatures; it becomes us as sinners; and it becomes us as saints." (Andrew Murray)

Typical Christianity focuses on the aspect of being sinners. Andrew Murray’s intent is to focus on the humility that becomes us as His creatures. His comment is "…it is not sin that humbles but grace." So we too will focus on this grace that is available - that transforms us into the very likeness of Messiah. Andrew Murray reminds us we are but creatures - that, in itself, should be humbling.

Children’s Story

The Story of Pierre

In search of Mom

Pierre wondered why his mother had not left some indication she was going to be gone so long. He had to decide where to search for her. He had just come from the high trail leading over the mountain in the center of the island. Normally no one ventured very far into the dense vegetation surrounding their home and if they did it was usually within calling distance. So Pierre again called out in all directions - "Mom where are you?" each time he called he had to wait until the startled monkeys and birds settled down to listen for a response. When he heard nothing he called in another direction.

Being convinced she was not within calling distance he headed toward the beach. Taking a handful of nuts and dried fruit from his pouch to eat for energy, he began to run toward the cove by the ocean. The half-mile passed quickly. Looking East along the shore trail he saw nothing, then he looked up the small stream that fed the cove calling out to his mother again. No response. Now he began to worry. He found a sandy spot, kneeling by a fallen coconut palm tree he called out to his Father in Heaven as his parents trained him. "Oh Father in heaven - You are most holy and you care for all your creatures of which I am one. Please hear my cry for direction and for my mother’s safety. Where should I look? What shall I do?" As Pierre was taught he waited for some indication or response. His mind began to flood with doubts, fears, and questions; but he brushed them aside as interference from the evil, spiritual accuser.

The sun was getting low on the western ocean horizon. He could feel the warm rays on his bare back and a cooler northern breeze surrounding him. It was a difficult wait. As Psalms 25:5 came to mind - "Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day". Comfort and peace began to fill his mind with the assurance of the Father’s care for him. "I praise you Holy One of Israel, who cares for all your creation. I need your presence at all times to help me from going astray." Pierre spoke out loud.

Pierre could feel the last of the sun’s rays as his body began to cool, he knew it would be dark in a matter of minutes. The animals and birds of the jungle became silent, the only thing he could hear were the waves crashing on the shore and rugged lava coral some short distance away. Then a voice - a sweet voice calling his name - "Pierre!" Jumping to his feet he ran toward the path that led around the eastern side of the island. "Mom - Mom" Pierre called. In the fading light he caught a glimpse of her brightly colored blouse. They ran together - embracing. Both exclaimed, "Where have you been?"

Of course Pierre’s mother explained how she was worried about his late return from the Hatta’s village, she went to look for him. Hoping to meet up with him on his return. She went around the island instead of going over the mountain. Realizing it was time to return before dark, she too began to pray as she hurried back.

It was a great relief for both of them. Knowing how much they needed and loved each other, they took time to kneel and thank the Almighty God for their safe reunion. As they returned home, the moonlight was sufficient to see most of the path. On their way they sang Psalms of praise together, Pierre sharing his pouch of treats with his mother.

Quiz Answers

1 Simon Peter - John 21:15-17

2 Abram gave a tenth of every thing to Melchizedek - Genesis 14:18-20

3 Alexandria - Acts 18:24

4 Satan - 1 Thessalonians 2:18

5 Elijah - 1 Kings 1:9-15

6 Samson - Judges 14:3