Saturday we had some friends over for dinner and we decided on a whim to make an apple crisp for dessert. We dove in wholeheartedly peeling and slicing apples, melting butter and mixing it all up. All was going well until we discovered we were missing baking powder. Who knew you needed baking powder in an apple crisp? I knew we had some in an unpacked box SOMEWHERE! As I looked at the mountain of boxes in the garage, I decided I didn't have the courage to face that task so Shanda decided to call the neighbors and borrow some. She called and they had just left for the evening but told us to go on in and get what we needed. They said that if the door was locked just go around back and go in one of the two there, surely one was bound to be open. Shanda sent me off and reminded me to hurry it up! Well, you guessed it, every door, window and crack was locked tight. (Paranoid I guess!) I peeked in the kitchen window and there were all the supplies I needed but to my dismay I could not gain access to them. This makes me think of how different it is when we are sent on a mission by Jesus. Here's what Jesus said: "Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I am sending you." Then He breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit." (John 20:21-22 NLT) When the Father sent Jesus, He had everything necessary to accomplish His mission. 1. He knew exactly what He was supposed to do and why. (Luke 19:10, 1Jn. 3:8) 2. He had access (authority) from the Father to do what needed to be done. (Matt. 28:18) 3. He was thoroughly equipped to accomplish His mission. (Matt. 3:15-17) 4. He was passionate about His mission. (John 2:16-17,Luke 19:41) 5. He accomplished His mission. (John 19:30) When Shanda sent me to get baking powder, my mission was clear, I knew exactly what I needed; I had lots of passion because I love apple crisp; the problem was I was not equipped properly with the authority to access the place where the provision was. I had permission but no authority (the keys) to do what needed to be done. When the Father sent Jesus here to do the work of Redemption, he not only provided everything Jesus needed, He was given authority and access to the provision in order to get the job done (Matt. 16:19). Jesus does the same for us. He has given us His Holy Spirit, we have the same power and authority He had. We now have access to all that we need to accomplish His mission. "For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father." (Ephesians 2:18 NKJV) So, let's be determined about out our mission since Jesus died to fulfill it. Let's be thankful because God has provided all we need to accomplish our mission. Let's be bold because Jesus gave us His authority when He filled us with His Holy Spirit. This is kingdom living. As for the apple crisp, we skipped the baking powder. It turned out just fine, tasted great but just a little watery. (I ate most of it myself!)
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Hi to the Harris family. I have been following you on facebook and loving the photos, especially of the whole family. I have been listening to sermons on a mp3 player and would love some of your sermons!
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Roni,
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AuthorPastors Phil Harris of Epikos Church in Bend, Oregon. Archives
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