WHAT? YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING? SHALL WE SMITE THEM? WHAT? FEED THEM? GIVE THEM NOURISHMENT? REFRESH THEM?
By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com
You can quickly pass and skip some points and do this as one lesson, or develop slower as two lessons?
I. ARE WE A PRODUCT OF WHAT WE EAT?
IF THIS COULD BE TRUE PHYSICALLY? COULD IT BE TRUE SPIRITUAL?
A. MANY YEARS AGO I READ SOME WORDS PENNED BY F. BUECHNER. I wrote these words in the front of my Bible. I have studied these words many times. I make an offering of these words to you.
THE SKELETON IS YOU!
F. BUECHNER:
OF THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS ANGER IS POSSIBILLY THE MOST FUN.
TO LICK YOUR WOUNDS,
TO SMACK YOUR LIPS OVER GRIEVANCES LONG PAST,
TO ROLL OVER YOUR TONGUE THE PROSPECT OF
BITTER CONFRONTATION STILL TO COME,
TO SAVOR TO THE LAST TOOTHSOME MORSEL
THE PAIN YOU ARE GIVEN.
AND THE PAIN YOU ARE GIVING BACK
IN MANY WAYS IT IS A FEAST FIT FOR THE KING.
THE CHIEF DRAW BACK IS WHAT YOU ARE WOLFING
DOWN IS YOURSELF.
THE SKELETON IS YOU!
B. Many years ago I read a story of a plane crash in a desert area. The survivors had to live a long period of time before the rescue teams found them. It appears that most survived the crash. The people found cactus in the desert. They found water in the cactus to support their life.
The people also found the succulent plant food to eat.
The people ate daily the cactus.
When they were found the autopsies revealed the people starved to death.
They starved to death with a FULL STOMACH.
The cactus had fluid and provided a source of food but there was no nutritious substance to ingest and maintain life in the cactus.
C. IS IT POSSIBLE IN OUR DAILY LIFES TO EAT AND EAT AND NEVER BE SATISFIED? Is it possible to fill our stomachs and never be mindful of the soul and spirit?
We must come to God and allow the holy Spirit to fill us, to INSPIRE us, to STIMULATE us and open DIVINE REVELATIONS to our hearts and lifes.
D. I recently read some information about DIET SODAS.
Seems some people are drinking so much DIET SODA that their health has been ADVERSELY AFFECTED.
The symptoms are so masked the doctors have trouble finding the real problem?
II. DO YOU LOVE JESUS? DO YOU LOVE JESUS? DO YOU LOVE JESUS? DON’T GET MAD FOR THE LITERATERARY TOOL OF REPETITION?
CATCH THE POINT --- FEED --- NOURISH --- SUPPORT --- ENCOURAGE --- STIMULATE --- INSPIRE ---
A. Don’t get mad at the lambs or babies, feed them. Promote growth.
John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
B. Don’t get mad at the sheep feed them.
There are green pastures and still waters somewhere.
The shepherd has to find the source at the foot of the cross.
John 21:16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.
He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
C. Part of healthy nourishment comes with patience.
PATIENT:
bearing pains and trials calmly without complaint.
Forbearce under provocation or strain.
STEADFAST DESPITE OPPOSITION, DIFFICULTY UNDER ADVERSITY.
An individual awaiting care.
John 21:17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time,
Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
D. WE HAVE A DUTY TO NURTURE GOD’S PEOPLE AND OUR BRETHREN.
E. Let’s say my wife knows I love strawberry pie.
She wants to make me feel good so she makes me a big juicy strawberry pie and she buries the strawberries with Cool Whip.
Then she comes over to me and says: Baby, I love you! I made this pie for you and then she throws the pie in my face? Now what is going to happen?
F. Love says , I made this pie for you and she places it on a plate, here is a spoon and she spoon feeds me?
Which way will the pie be best digested? Which way will demonstate love the best?
III. IF WE OR SOMEONE WE KNOW IS WEAK AND ANEMIC --- WHAT CAN WE DO?
A. ANEMIC:
BLOOD DEFICIENT, a condition in which the blood is deficient in red blood cells.
lacking force, lacking vitality
Lacking zeal or enthusiasm or energy
Col. 2:19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with
the increase of God.
B. LET US DEFINE THESE WORDS:
1. NURTURE:
A process of growth, of bringing up, TRAINING
Spiritual or sociological factors that influence, that are a determinate of personally
or being.
2. NOURISH:
Sustain with food. Enrich, feed, support, encourage, stimulate.
To provide with physical, spiritual, intellectual, emotional sustenance or enrichment.
FOSTER, CHERISH.
3. NUTRITION:
Study of diet and its relationship to health, food.
4. SUSTENANCE:
Means of support, daily bread, provisions, maintaince.
5. INSPIRATION:
Creative force or influence that stimulates creativity.
Divine influence.
A sudden idea --- revelation --- vision.
6. REVELATION:
To come in visual field, sight, or knowledge.
To know. To unveil.
C. I once asked a group of readers which were more dangerous: ---
Zeal without wisdom? Or wisdom without zeal?
At first all the response was how dangerous zeal is teamed with ignorance.
The students all told about some damage an individual had created when they moved with great zeal and had little knowledge or wisdom. This ignorance teamed with great zeal caused individuals to move with invalid conclusions and thus hurt other people.
There was little reply to the DANGER OF WISDOM WITHOUT ZEAL?
After some discussion I pointed out the danger areas around people that have great wisdom and the tendency to sit around and do little.
D. IT IS MY OPINION AND CONCLUSION AFTER DISCUSSION AND THOUGHT THAT ZEAL WITHOUT WISDOM IS DANGEROUS!
WE MUST ALSO REALIZE IN THE CHURCH THAT WISDOM WITHOUT ZEAL HAS TOSSED OUT MANY BABIES WITH THE DIRTY BATH WATER.
E. I do not believe ABORTION is an acceptable means of birth control. NOR CAN I ACCEPT THAT SPIRITUAL ABORTION IS ACCEPTABLE WITHIN THE BODY OF CHRIST.
IV. SOMETIMES ALL WE NEED IS A SMALL ADJUSTMENT. MAYBE WE NEED AN ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT? MAYBE A CHANGE IN THE WORDS WE SPEAK?
MAYBE JUST A SMALL CHANGE IN OUR BEHAVIOR PATTERNS? MAYBE JUST BREAK A FEW OLD HABITS? MAYBE SEE HOW TEMPORARY LIFE REALLY IS?
A. We just pass this way once, at best life is a temporary arrangement.
The history of mankind is recorded simply:
THEY LIVED ---- THEY DIED... THE DASH ON YOUR TOMBSTONE WILL BE THE REAL STORY --- WERE YOU A FEEDER?
B. PERHAPS THERE WAS A DANGER LOOMING AS PETER RETURNED TO FISHING?
Maybe there was a good lesson hidden for the fisherman turned disciple?
Could going fishing be calling Peter?
We have put forth our best effort, and we have TAKEN NOTHING?
How frustrating is fishing and catching no fish?
How frustrating is ministry and church work and not see your dreams bear fruit?
Luke 5:5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
C. THE GREAT LESSON TO STIMULATE AND ENCOURAGE THE BOYS WAS VERY EASY? JUST THROW THE NET ON THE RIGHT SIDE...
Boy’s just listen, a little change is all you need for a great miracle.
John 21:6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw
it for the multitude of fishes.
V. THERE IS DIVINE NOURISHMENT BEYOND THE GRASP OF HUMAN REASONING... TEN TIMES HIGHER?
DANIEL HAS A GREAT LESSON: PROPER NUTRITION IS FROM GOD!
A LITTLE WITH GOD’S BLESSINGS WILL BRING MORE NOURISHMENT THAN ANYTHING THE WORLD HAS TO OFFER.
A. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were young boys captured as slaves and a long way from home. These 4 boys could have accepted
the NOURISHMENT and THE LIFE STYLES of the world around them. They knew they were never far from God.
B. These 4 Hebrew boys had several options:
LOOK LIKE THE WORLD, SMELL LIKE THE WORLD, ACT LIKE THE WORLD... and BE THE WORLD --- a little of that red wine could help us forget home?
or TAKE A STAND ...
Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank:
therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
C. THE CHOICES THE BOYS MADE WOULD BE PUT TO THE TEST.
God’s nourishment will always come out on top.
Daniel 1:12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
D. The nourishment test would last 10 days.
The 4 young men had to resist the temptation and stand true.
Daniel 1:18 Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.
E. BECAUSE THE FOUR BOYS HONORED GOD AND WERE A LIVING TESTIMONY TO MELZAR AND THOSE AROUND THEM ... GOD HONORED THE 4 MEN BEYOND JUST A DIET SYSTEM, TO THEIR MENTAL AND SPIRITUAL VISION.
Daniel 1:17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and
dreams.
F. SELF-DISCIPLINE AND STAYING TRUE TO GOD HAD IT’S REWARDS AND FRUIT, THEIR TEST SCORES WERE 10 TIMES HIGHER!
Daniel 1:20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians
and astrologers that were in all his realm.
G. DANIEL AND HIS THREE FRIENDS WILL KNOW PROMOTION AND ADVANCEMENT BECAUSE THE LORD GOD WAS THEIR NOURISHMENT!
This raised a great testimony of God for many years to come.
VI. WHAT A SAD STORY MARK 10 RECORDS: A POOR RICH MAN? JESUS MEETS A YOUNG MAN AND JESUS REALLY LOVES HIM. ONE THING THOU LACKEST... ARE WE WILLING TO PURCHASE WHAT WE NEED?
A. Jesus meets this very nice young man.
Jesus sees the potential in this young man’s life.
The young man not only KNEW THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, BUT HE KEPT THEM.
Mark 10:20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
B. YO, VERY SPECIAL YOUNG MAN JESUS HAS AN INVITATION:
YOUNG MAN YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES, YOU CAN COME IN AT THE GROUND LEVEL.
Mark 10:21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
C. THE YOUNG MAN WAS IN LOVE WITH THIS WORLD AND THE THINGS OF THIS WORLD. He could not see HIS GAIN, all he could count was HIS
LOSS.
Mark 10:22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
D. THIS TALENTED YOUNG MAN COULD HAVE BEEN A DISCIPLE?
HE COULD HAVE WROTE A BOOK IN THE NEW TESTAMENT?
We could have known his name? He could have made a difference?
He could have known Jesus?
E. He spent the rest of his life with many regrets.
WHAT IF HE WOULD HAVE ALLOWED JESUS, GOD’S SON TO NURTURE AND TEACH HIM?
F. ONE THING THOU LACKEST? FEEDING OTHERS?
He didn’t lack any thing? He had it all?
He had a spiritual deficiency? He was in "WANT?"
He was AWOL, ABSENT WITHOUT LEAVE?
A 3 word testimony: "I MISSED IT!"
VII. GOD HAS A KEY IN THE FAMILY.
THERE WAS A MEAN --- CRUEL DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY.
10 BROTHERS WERE AGAINST 2. BECOMES THE LIVING NOURISHER.
A. WHERE DOES STRIFE COME?
Genesis 37:4 And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.
B. IN THE MIDST OF TERRIBLE STRIFE THERE IS STILL A GREAT PROMISE FROM GOD TO AN INDIVIDUAL... FROM THE INDIVIDUAL TO HIS FAMILY.
C. The brothers could not speak PEACABLY to their 11 brother. Some of the dysfunction had nothing to do with the brothers, but rather the family situation of two sisters, Leah and Rachel and the strife between them.
D. Some of the problem was a Dad that winked at wrong attitudes and accepted family dysfunction as a norm!
E. Someone in this dysfunctional family had to ARISE ABOVE THE SELFISH BIG MOUTH AND FORGIVE AND GIVE NOURISHMENT.
Genesis 47:12 And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father’s household, with bread, according to their families.
F. THE HEART IN JOSEPH WAS FOREVER CHANGED.
WHEN HIS DAD JACOB WAS DEAD, JOSEPH STILL SAW HIS ROLE IN
HIS FAMILY AS A NOURISHER!
Genesis 50:19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?
20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
21 Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.
G. JOSEPH BURIED THE PAST AND NOURISHED HIS FAMILY.
JOSEPH IS NOT LIKE HIS FATHER, HE REFUSES TO RETURN TO THE PROMISE LAND UNTIL HE IS A FREE MAN.
As they prepared for the Exodus, someone went to the GRAVEYARD and dug up Joseph’s bones. The PROMISE IS CLAIMED.
VIII. NO ROOTS, NO FRUITS!
SELF-EXAMINATION FOR A HEALTHY ROOT SYSTEM TO BEAR THE NUTRITIONAL NEEDS. FELL ON HARD GROUND... NO ROOTS...
A. A HARD HEART AND DULL EARS BASED ON FEELINGS AND EMOTIONS DEVELOPS NO ROOT SYSTEM TO NOURISH. Be a God planted fruit bearer.
Mark 4:16 And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they
are offended.
B. No inward growth and the lack of nourishment and moisture will always bring spiritual death. Good healthy growth not only grows up but it also
grows down.
C. Tap into the energy and endurance of a good deep root system.
When the dry times come, when the hot scorching sun beats, I shall be sustained by the Father’s system.
D. THIS TRIAL SHALL FIND ME CLOSER TO THE FOUNTAIN.
When the mental pressures and the nerves are stressed, when my emotions are playing games within my heart, there SPRINGS UP A MIGHTY WELL OF LIVING WATER!
IX. WE HAVE A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY BEFORE US. SHALL WE SMITE THEM? SHALL WE SMITE THEM? ASKED TWICE?
Matthew 18:21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy
times seven.
A. Here is our enemy right in the middle of this mess?
YOU CAN NOT FIGHT YOUR ENEMY AND MAKE HIM YOUR FRIEND.
If you kill the enemy his sons will come and kill your sons.
2 Kings 6:21 And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?
22 And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.
23 And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.
B. What are you kidding me?
FEED THEM! FIX A GREAT MEAL!
C. There are two real issues of the heart:
1. LOVE
2. GIVE
You show me what you find time to do and where you spend your money, and I will show you what you really love.
D. NOW LISTEN AND LET THE WORD OF GOD MINISTER TO YOU!
1 Samuel 24:19 For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away? wherefore the Lord reward thee good for that thou hast done unto me this day.
Proverbs 24:17 Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
Proverbs 25:21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
Proverbs 25:22 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee.
Matthew 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Luke 6:27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
CONCLUSION:
BE A FEEDER! BE AN ENCOURAGER! STIMULATE GROWTH!
MAKE WHATEVER ADJUSTMENT YOU NEED TO YOUR ATTITUDES AND
HEART TO NOURISH THOSE THAT NEED IT.
The one that needs your love the most, probably deserves it the least.
Invest love anyway!
May it never be said: ONE THING THOU LACKEST!
His servant, Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com
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Pass it on?
