Page 8 - Good News February 2006 paper

BLADSY 8 GOEIE NUUS/GOOD NEWS TEL. (018) 293 1996 FAKS (018) 297 2308 FEBRUARIE 2004

ASSESSING YOUR SPIRITUAL white garments from Him. money, security, material
TEMPERATURE Laodicea prided itself on its possessions - can be dangerous,
Continued from p. 5 precious eye salve that healed b e c a u s e t h e i r t e m p o r a r y
possessions are a sign of God's many eye problems - but Christ satisfaction makes us indifferent
spiritual blessing. told them to get medicine from to God's offer of lasting
Laodicea was a wealthy city, and Him to heal their eyes so they satisfaction.
the church was wealthy too. But could see the truth! If you find yourself feeling
what the Laodiceans could see C h r i s t w a s s h o w i n g t h e indifferent to church, to God, or to
and buy had become more Laodiceans that true value was the Bible, you have begun to shut
valuable to them than what is not in material possessions, but God out of your life!
unseen and eternal. Wealth, in a right and holy relationship Jesus is knocking on the door of poor church in God's estimation!
luxury, and ease can make with God. Their (our) possessions our hearts every time we sense No virtues are recorded, only sins
people feel confident, satisfied, and achievements were (are) we should turn to Him. He wants and weaknesses (lukewarmness,
and complacent. But no matter valueless compared with the to have fellowship with us, and He spiritual conceit, no conscious
how much you possess or how everlasting future of Christ's wants us to open up to Him. He is need of God, spiritual poverty
much money you make, you Kingdom! patient and persistent in trying to and spiritual blindness). The
have nothing if you don't have a Because the Laodicean church get through to us - not breaking church of Laodicea typifies the
vital, living relationship with was complacent and rich, they felt and entering, but knocking. He last days' churches - popular,
Christ! fulfilled, but they didn't have allows us to decide whether or not self-satisfied, worldly churches!
Laodicea was known for its great Christ's Presence among them! to open our lives to Him. Do you {The Thompson Chain-Reference
wealth - but Christ told the He knocked at the door of their intentionally keep His life- Bible, NIV} "Search me, O God,
Laodiceans to buy their gold hearts, but they were so busy changing Presence and power on and know my heart; test me and
from Him. The city was proud of enjoying worldly pleasures that the other side of the door? know my anxious thoughts. See if
its cloth and dyeing industries - they didn't notice He was trying to {Life Application Bible}. there is any offensive way in me,
but Christ told them that they enter. Although very wealthy, this rich and lead me in the way
were naked and should purchase The pleasures of this world - church was in actual fact a very everlasting" (Ps. 139:23, 24 NIV).

ETERNAL SURGEON OF WISDOM KEEPING

Lying naked before You THE BALANCE
on Life's operating-table…
Little of the Word with little
Waiting for You prayer is death to the

to perform spiritual life.
your exploratory surgery Much of the Word with little
prayer gives a sickly life.
on the sins and weaknesses in my life Much prayer with little of the
my very being… Word gives emotional life.
But a full measure of both
the Word and prayer each
I am beginning to understand
day gives a healthy and
that You are even searching for powerful life!
and testing to the utmost - Andrew Murray

my most private and intimate thoughts.

You know everything about me
I can never hide myself from You.

So, I give in
I give up
I give myself over
into your merciful Hands…

Huegene Venter ©