G4T Ink Magazine

The story about Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10) shows what happens when someone hangs out with Jesus. It says nothing about what Jesus said during that time but whatever Jesus said changed Zacchaeus’ life. Zach heard Jesus and responded in repentance, i.e., turned from the direction he was going and followed Jesus instead. He was money hungry and in the habit of manipulating and robbing people by overtaxing them. No one liked Zach because of his ways. However, Jesus sat and ate with Zach and that turned Zach’s world upside-down. Zach’s response, he gave 1/2 his possessions to the poor and paid back 4 times the amount to the people he ripped-off. Jesus’ response, “Today salvation has come to this house…”

What about you? What is your response when you hear from Jesus during your quiet time? There should be a change in direction, thats how we know salvation is here. Or maybe you don’t hang out with Jesus regularly, let me encourage you, if you want to see amazing results and a changed life seek Him daily. If you need help, ask me how.

As the year 2011 is ending, people have been starting to reflect on what has happened throughout this year and how it has changed them, the people, and the circumstances around them. However, far too often, we tend to focus on the negative—the wrong decisions that have been made, the chaotic problems that have risen, and the mistakes that have been committed—and this discourages us and drags us down in the dumps. Our past can direct us to feeling worthless, shameful and unlovable, but Lamentations 3:22-23 said, “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassion never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” His unfailing love renews us each and every day. We need not dwell on the negative because God still loves us regardless of what we have done. Let us not get dragged down by our past, but instead learn from it and hope towards what God has planned for us in the new year. The song by Tenth Avenue North, “You Are More” is an awesome reminder that we’re more than the choices we make. Happy New Year!

By Ken Reyes, Senior, Hawaii

When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt.
Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”Matt 2:13 (NIV)

One would think that if God asks you to do something such as bring His Son into the world that you’d be set for life. Everything would be taken cared of and you wouldn’t have to worry about a thing. NOT!

Being in and doing God’s will is far from easy. In fact it’s going to be the hardest thing you do. Since God’s ways are totally contrary to the worlds way you can best be sure that you will face persecution, confusion, opposition and frustration. However, if you persevere then you will move forward, experience God and grow in faith. Apart from perseverance through the persecution you will not grow in faith and you will not experience God.

As we get into the Christmas story and we’ve been talking about (these last few weeks) hope, love and joy, we need to remember that life is not a bowl of cherries for anyone. Yes, not even for Mary who had God living inside of her to be born into this world. Lets take a look at some of the opposition that the young couple Joseph and Mary endured.

Mary:
-Already there was the whole ordeal with being pregnant as a virgin. This was a major hardship for her (and Joseph) within the family as well as the community. She could’ve very well been stoned to death.
-The journey to Bethlehem on a donkey while 8 months pregnant. I’m sure she felt every step. Did she maintain her cool? Even after days of traveling?
-Trying to find shelter. After days of traveling I know I’d be saying, “COME ON GOD! I JUST WANT TO FIND A PLACE TO REST! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?”
-Childbirth… IN A STABLE! I’m sure thoughts were going through Mary’s mind thinking, “This is not how I foresaw this happening.”
-The aftermath, the blood, the pain and the days of healing. To top it off with strangers visiting and animals all around.

Joseph:
-Joseph still had to fight through the crowds to register for the census. Where was Mary? Was she with him or was she in the stable?
-Was Joseph worried about provisions? As the breadwinner, now he has a wife and child to take care of. Was he worried? Did he have savings? Was he uncomfortable because of all the sin and wickedness all around him? Being that he was an upright man?

Bottom line, there were hardships and I’m sure there were frustrations. They faced opposition even while they were ushering in Gods Son. I’m sure they doubted at times and at times the burdens seemed more than they could bear. But, as we all know they lived through it. They endured. God needed to use someone and they proved to be faithful.

With that in mind, know that God is not finished working here. He still looks for the faithful few that will endure until His will passes. Could God be using you for something big right now? Maybe that’s why you’re facing such opposition. Let’s remember the story of Mary and Joseph and be encouraged for we are not alone. Endure it and we will experience God all the more and grow in leaps and bounds in our faith. And like Mary and Joseph we too will go down in history as the faithful few who God used to accomplish His will.

“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.”
Hebrews 13:2