by Kevin Tillman | Feb 13, 2025 | Bible Study, Thoughts
The word “word” has two words in the Bible. Confused yet? Read it again … in the Bible we see the word “word”, but that word has two different words in the original Greek language. Those two words are “Logos” and “Rhema”. Stick with me this is so important.
Most Christians are familiar with the “Logos” translation. This is a written word. This is God’s Word to us. This is the Bible. The word “logos” is used 330 times in the New Testament.
Less familiar is the “Rhema” translation. This is a spoken word. It is a present word. It is an immediate call to action. The word “rhema” is used 68 times in the New Testament.
I know, this isn’t making a ton of sense yet, but hang on, this is so important. Let me give. a few examples ….
John 1:1
“In the beginning was the Word (Logos), and the Word (Logos) was with God, and the Word (Logos) was God.”
This verse is speaking of the person of Jesus Christ. It is referencing the eternal nature of Jesus. It also shows the unity of the Father and Son and the eternal word (logos) of God.
Here’s another …
John 1:14
“The Word (Logos) became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
A reference to Jesus becoming a human, but still retaining the eternal nature of the Logos.
So what about “Rhema”? This is where it gets interesting …
John 15:7
“If you remain in me and my words (Rhema) remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
Once again “Rhema” is a spoken word, a present word. It’s a call to action. Here Jesus is saying, that “Logos word” needs to be a “Rhema word” inside of you. In other “words” (ha) … it’s not enough to just know the scriptures, it must be dwelling in us. It has to be active. It must be a present tense message. That’s a “Rhema”, and that’s what produces the power. The verse isn’t saying if the Bible is in you, ask whatever you wish. The verse is pointing to a “Rhema” word. This is a word for that moment. It is a combination of a written word (Logos), and a current reality in your life. The Holy Spirit then delivers a “Rhema” word.
Still confused? Here’s another one …
Ephesians 6:17
“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word (Rhema) of God.”
This one is a slight mind shift for us. Growing up I’ve always pictured this verse by using the Bible as the sword. My mind’s eye even imagines beating the devil over the head with a big ole fat KJV family Bible, but I digress. Growing up we even had Bible drill competitions that were dubbed “Sword Drill”. This isn’t a bad interpretation at all. The Bible is after all, a weapon that we have in our arsenal. It is something we use when fighting Satan. However, the “Logos” can only take us so far. The power is in the “Rhema”. The “Logos” word of God is a stored up knowledge we possess. It is information based on our years of experience in studying the Bible and being in relationship with God. But, a “Rhema” word is a current word. It is given to us in the right now for the situation right in front of us. It’s practical and it’s applicable in the present tense.
Before I’m labeled a heretic … read Jesus’ own words…
Matthew 4:4
“Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word (Rhema) that comes from the mouth of God.”
When Jesus was tempted by the Devil, his response was a “Rhema” not a “Logos” word. In other words, He answered with a specific word for that particular situation. It wasn’t a general proclamation of the entire Bible, it was a direct answer to the direct temptation. It was a word for that moment and that issue.
So, with that foundation what do we make of all of this? First, notice that Jesus did respond with “Rhema”, but that “Rhema” was from the “Logos”. In other words, both are vital, and neither should ever contradict the other. They are in cooperation. The “Logos” is the foundation. For our purposes, the Bible, the Word of God, the Scripture is the basis for everything. God will never give us a word (Rhema), that contradicts the Word (Logos). Therefore, we must be students of the Bible. We need to know the Scriptures.
But, just knowing the Word (Logos) isn’t enough. God can then speak to us, and give us a fresh word (Rhema) for our situation. The Bible is indeed a weapon for us to use, but it’s not a knife we just hurl in the air at the evil that comes at us. We aren’t just blindly swatting the devil with our Bible. No, it’s the Rhema that holds the power. We yield this specific word.
Have you ever had a situation where you read a passage of Scripture that you may have read 100’s of times, and suddenly a new insight hit you? That’s the Logos becoming the Rhema. As a reminder, they will never contradict. If they do, that Rhema isn’t a Rhema, it’s a “made up in your head”.
A Rhema word is life changing. It is a direct, fresh experience with God Himself. While the Logos is something for us to study and know, the Rhema is something we should yearn for. A Rhema is a present tense answer and encounter with God Himself. The prayer could be “God speak to me, give me a “Rhema” today.” It’s a word for right here and right now.
The apostle Peter had this encounter …
After fishing all night and catching nothing, the professional fisherman Peter was instructed by Jesus.
Luke 5:4-6
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so (Rhema), I will let down the nets.”When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.
Did you see it? Peter knew who Jesus was. Peter was also a professional fisherman that knew his trade well. But Jesus gives a “Rhema” word. A word for right then and right there. He tells Peter to try the other side of the boat. This story has always struck me as funny. I could see Peter almost flippantly carrying this out. It’s as if Peter would be saying, “oh yeah, the other side of this little boat, yeah didn’t think of that one”. But he did it! Peter, because he received this “Rhema” word did it. And, of course, they caught so many fish the nets began to break.
Hallelujah, don’t miss that one. When we receive a “Rhema” word from God, we need to follow through. Even if it sounds crazy, it’s go time. A fresh “Rhema” word can lead to breakthrough. We can be full of all of the knowledge, but that one new message can change everything.
So, what do we do? First we make ourselves students of the “Logos”. The Logos is eternal, and it never changes. Jesus gave Satan a “Rhema” word, because He knew the “Logos”. Actually He WAS the “Logos”, but the point still stands. Peter received a “Rhema” word, because he knew the “Logos”.
I’ll wrap up this blog with one more verse. It’s yet another reminder of the power of the here and now, and the “Rhema” word.
John 6:63
“The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words (Rhema) I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.”
God’s Word (Logos) will give us God’s Word (Rhema). Get grounded in the Logos, and passionately seek the Rhema. The (Logos) word is foundational, but the (Rhema) word brings life!
by Kevin Tillman | Jan 2, 2025 | Thoughts
“New Years and such things are extraordinarily valuable. They are arbitrary divisions of time; they are a sudden and ceaseless cutting in two of time.”
“Death is a time limit; but differs in many ways from New Year’s Day. The divisions of time which men have adopted are in a sort of way a mild mortality. When we see the Old Year out, we do what many eminent men have done, and what all men desire to do; we die temporarily.”
– G.K. Chesterton
I can’t be the only one … Every year as the final few minutes click down I sense a bit of anxiety. I mean, it is mixed with an anticipation of new things, but there is also a small bit of apprehension that this past year is gone forever. In reality, it’s just a number. January 1st is basically the same as December 31st. But, there’s still this sense of leaving something behind that’s never going to return. I like how Chesterton referred to this passage as a “mild mortality”. In so many ways I believe this to be true. We are laying to rest a past, and we’re doing it with intentions. As Chesterton stated this can be “extraordinarily valuable.”
There are many different views on New Year’s resolutions. Many scoff at the whole concept. I totally get where they are coming from. Anyone who has been a member at a gym before January 1st is well familiar with the influx of new people that suddenly show up in January. The vast majority of those new comers are long gone before February. But, not all of them. Some actually do make a new commitment and stick it out. The scoffers point of view, however, is understood.
Another camp of people claim that a new year is not needed. A resolution can be made any time of the year. This is true. As a matter of fact, that’s a good thing to keep in mind when those New Year’s resolutions start to fail in a few days or weeks. There is always the ability to recommit. This view is also understood.
A third grouping are those that make resolutions every single year. Some of the goals are kept, and some aren’t. But, despite failure or success, a new resolve is sought every year. I believe most people fall into this third grouping. There is just something within us that longs for positive change. It’s rooted in hope. Hope that there is something better in the future. I see nothing wrong with this outlook.
I do, however, like Chesterton’s further explanation…
“The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul and a new nose; new feet, a new backbone, new ears, and new eyes. Unless a particular man made New Year resolutions, he would make no resolutions. Unless a man starts afresh about things, he will certainly do nothing effective.”
– G.K. Chesterton
Why do some people keep resolutions while others don’t? Why do we keep some resolutions but not others? I guess we could start with the resolution itself. I mean I could commit to eating more chicken wings and burgers this year, and I’m confident I’d meet that goal. But, that’s not the way we typically plan. Instead we give ourselves lofty goals, maybe too lofty.
Chesterton stated, “Unless a man starts afresh about things, he will certainly do nothing effective.” He’s saying that the goal itself is merely an arbitrary objective. As a side note, studies have shown that simply setting a goal releases a small amount of dopamine. You don’t have to actually do anything, or achieve the goal. You just need to set it, and you’ll feel a little better. Later in time, set another goal. It’s a vicious cycle that never goes anywhere. Chesterton claims it is much deeper. A “new soul and new nose; new feet, a new backbone, new ears, and new eyes”. Basically we have to change our thinking. We have to change our outlook.
Time to get practical. How do you change your eyes, ears, nose, feet, soul and backbone? Think of this quite literally. If you desire to change your eyes you need to look at something else. Same for the ears. Who are you listening to? Where do your feet take you consistently? Maybe it’s time for a new path. What about the soul? Do you take time to refresh? I know we talk so much about spending time with God, but is it something that you actually do? Spend time in prayer, spend time in the Bible, and also spend time alone. I think we underestimate how valuable reflection and solitude are. I’d go as far as saying change the smells. This one’s actually easy to prove. If I’m struggling with my diet, I don’t need the smell of fresh baked cookies in the house.
As I’m writing this blog, I’m reminded of an old Vince Lombardi quote. Lombardi was the coach of the Green Bay Packers winning several championships, including the first two superbowls. The trophy awarded to the winning team now is name the “Lombardi” trophy in his honor. Lombardi famously began each fall camp with the statement, “Gentlemen, this is a football.” Then, the team began preparations starting with page one of the playbook and working on the basic fundamentals of the game. Was the goal to win the championship? Yes. Was that the starting point? No.
It’s a basic concept, but so important. We accomplish great things not so much when we set out to accomplish great things. We accomplish great things when we work on the basics of our lives. “I’m going to lose weight” can release some dopamine, and we might even believe ourself for a while. But, a better resolve might be, “I’m going to change the way I think about food.” Here’s a another one: “I’m going to read my Bible every day.” That’s obviously a good habit. But, what if we tweak that slightly to, “I’m going to grow closer in my relationship to God.” Do you see the subtle difference there?
As we enter into this new year, I encourage New Year’s resolutions. Chesterton is correct, there is a natural division we place on this time of year. Something has gone, and something else is here. It’s a new day, a new year. It’s an opportunity to make changes. But, sheer will power will only carry us so far. A lofty goal, while sounding good and making us feel better, will likely fall flat at some point. Instead focus on the basics. Focus on those aspects of you that will make drastic shifts. Change your eyes, ears, nose, feet, and soul and you’ll change your life! Start small if you need to. Ask yourself, what is one thing I could quit listening to and something else I could start listening to? What am I looking at regularly that could be replaced by something else? Pick one or two things to replace. Over time that small thing becomes a habit, and that habit will start making a significant difference in your life.
Happy New Year everyone!
by Kevin Tillman | Dec 12, 2024 | Bible Study
He’s one of the most important characters in the Bible, yet there is not one quote from him any where in Scripture. Joseph, the father of Jesus, had the privilege and responsibility of raising the child Jesus in his home. Not just any man could do this job. This was an assignment of someone with faithfulness. I believe Joseph serves as an example for men today. Once again, not one quote from him in the Bible, yet we have several instances of obedience. Joseph was humble and faithful.
I believe everything we need to know about Joseph is seen clearly in one verse:
Matthew 1:24
“When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.”
There it is … “he did what the angel of the Lord commanded him”. Joseph was obedient. he didn’t mull it over. He heard a message, and he responded in faithfulness.
On four occasions we see Joseph had a dream and a message from an angel. In each dream, the same outcome. He woke up, and he obeyed.
The first dream was the angel telling Joseph that Mary had conceived by the Holy Spirit, and that he was to still take her as his wife. Talk about a big ask! Joseph had already been planning on divorcing Mary quietly, which was a way to protect her. Even when he felt he had been betrayed, his love for Mary was strong. But now, the command is to Mary her anyway. The baby is not from another man, this baby is from God. Joseph knew this to be true, but Joseph had to know that not everyone would believe such a story. I’m sure he had to be aware of the gossip that would come. Yet, here he is a humble and faithful man that “did what the angel of the Lord commanded him.”
The second dream was when Joseph was told to leave for Egypt.
Matthew 2:13-15
“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.” So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
There’s a warning, but the warning is only valid if it’s heard.
As a side note from the Joseph narrative, isn’t that a word for us today? God can put warnings and roadblocks in front of us. He can try and sway us in the right direction. The Holy Spirit can prompt us to do (or not do) something. But, if we aren’t willing to obey, it’s just a warning.
Back to Joseph … he does heed the warning. Once again, look at Joseph’s response, “So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt”. I actually love the “during the night” part. This was a dream, meaning presumably this was at night. Joseph didn’t waste any time obeying. This was a simple, “God said it, let’s go” type of thing. Wow, if that isn’t a lesson for us today!
The third dream occurred when it was now safe to go back to Israel.
Matthew 2:19-21
“After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.” So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.”
Joseph’s response should be fairly easy to decipher at this point. Once again, “So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.” I just love these immediate responses. There wasn’t a wait a few days to get things in place. Nope, it was immediate, “he got up”. I think it’s clear why Joseph was the right man for this responsiblity.
The fourth dream was another warning dream. This time Joseph was given a different route.
Matthew 2:22
“But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, “
Once again Joseph was listening. he was warned in a dream, and then he “withdrew to the district of Galilee”. The implication of this dream is significant I believe. Joseph had previously been told to head back to Israel, so he started the journey. Now, while on that journey, a new word. This time, take a detour. God says, go another way. What a lesson for us. God may send us in a direction, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a straight line. There will be twists and turns and detours on the path. Our job, much like Joseph, is to humbly obey.
Joseph was a man that only got a small portion of time in the Scriptures. At some point he died before the crucifixion of Jesus. We have no recorded words by Joseph, but we do see a humble and faithful man.
I don’t have hard evidence for this, but I do believe Joesph is what we might call a “man’s man” today. We do know he was a carpenter. He built things with his hands. He was a tradesman. I picture him as being a man of few words. What we do know are these four dreams that provided Joseph four opportunities to obey, and he did! I picture Joseph as a quiet man of humility. No where do we see any indication that Joseph complained about what he had lost. Undoubtedly he was talked about. His name was drug through the mud by many. Yet, this faithful man was concerned about obedience and protecting his wife and his new son, who just happened to be the promised Messiah.
So, what’s our takeaway? First and foremost, God chooses people of humble character for great assignments. Secondly, obedience is the key. Joseph could have chosen to not respond to the angel’s dreams. But, he did. He obeyed, and God continued to take care of him. It’s the same for us today. God blesses obedience. When we take a step of faith, God blesses it. Stay humble, listen, and then obey. That’s the lesson from the life of Joseph.
by Kevin Tillman | Nov 14, 2024 | Bible Study
Have you ever started something with full intentions only to fall short the next day? Yeah, we all have. I’ve started a new diet numerous times on a full stomach full of burgers and fries with a thought of “I’ve got to do better.” Similarly, we have those sins that just keep recurring. We say things like, “that’s it, that’s the last time .. never again.”
The Bible uses sports metaphors quite a bit, particularly we see life being compared to a race. We can sprint out of the gate with all the gusto and intentions in the world, but we must remember, it’s a long race. Life is a marathon. There will be times where we mess up, there will be times where it hurts, and yes, there will be times when we want to quit. Let’s turn our attention to the author of Hebrews…
Hebrews 12:1c-2a
“let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith.
Endurance. That’s the goal. But there’s a key bit of instruction that precedes these verses.
Hebrews 12:1b
“…let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us,”
Before running with endurance, we must “rid ourselves” of the obstacles and the sin. I love how the Living Bible states this,
Hebrews 12:1b
“let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up;”
I picture a runner starting a race with their legs tied together. I’m having elementary school day flash backs of that sack race … remember those? In order for us to even start this marathon, we must get rid of the sin. But, not just the sin, also the things that “so easily entangle us” or those things that “wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up.” What are these things? It could be a bad relationship. It could be hanging with the wrong crowd. It could be the places we frequently go to. It can be anything that is setting itself up as a hindrance in our lives. I heard a pastor say many years ago, “if you’re struggling with alcohol, don’t go to the bar to eat the peanuts.” Honestly, I don’t know that they serve peanuts at bars, but he made the point. Don’t put yourself in the situation that will cause you to fall. Just avoid it … “Rid ourselves” and “strip it off”
But what if you’ve already started the race? What if you’ve been a Christian for years, and yet you’re still struggling with some of the same weights? To use another sports metaphor, this is a good time to take a time-out. Picture yourself running a marathon, like literally running a marathon. You’re in the race, and you’re exhausted. You have weights strapped around both legs. You are carrying a 50 pound backpack. You'[re fighting with everything in you to keep going, but you’re struggling to just take the next step. Though you may not be able to relate in a literal sense, I think most of us have felt like that at times in our spiritual journey. So, take the timeout, and stop! Yes, quit running. Regroup, take a breath, access the situation, and then make necessary changes. You’re still in the race, but you are taking a breath. It’s going to be much easier to finish once you unload all of that extra weight. As a matter of fact, you’ll find it way easier! A warning though, many people won’t understand you. You’ll even get advice such as “keep running, don’t stop, don’t quit”. These people mean well. They see you as giving up, but in reality you’re actually figuring it out. This isn’t a passive time. You aren’t just standing still. You are actually being more active than before. You are deliberately removing the weights. Here’s the somewhat scary part. As you start taking stuff off, you are publicly revealing your flaws. As you stop, you are telling everyone basically, “I got issues” and “I’ve got to work on this”. This is likely why many people just continue to run with the weights, sins, and burdens of life. They’d rather have these issues forever, than to risk humiliation. Pride is a crazy thing, that makes us do crazy things!
So, what can keep us motivated during this process?
Hebrews 12:2b
“…who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Jesus focused on the “joy set before Him”, while he “endured the cross”. Make no mistake, stopping during the race to remove weights will not be easy. Some will laugh and mock. You will sacrifice reputation to some extent. Your pride will be hurt. Did I mention pride is a crazy thing? You will be embarrassed. But, if we can look to the “joy set before us” this will give us a long term perspective. If we live in the “now” we will likely never deal with our issues. But, if we can focus on the joy ahead and the reward, we can start living the life we were created to live.
The writer of Hebrews furthers this point …
Hebrews 12:3
“Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
As we are in our timeout and actively dealing with our stuff, we are to keep our minds focused on what Jesus endured. Remembering all that he went through will give us motivation to “not grow weary and lose heart.”
On this marathon race of life, there are basically two ways we can be stopped. One is we are led by the Spirit for the purpose of removing the sin and entanglements. The other way is we are led by self with thoughts of “this is too hard”, so we get tired and we give up. Either way can lead to the timeout. And, honestly, God can use either way. You can either hear the Spirit of God, listen, obey, and do the hard work. Or, you can wear yourself out to the point of exhaustion, and then maybe God can work with you. Sounds a little harsh right? Well, yeah, it is … but I think we can all relate to some extent. Here’s the good news, God loves us too much to just let us keep running with all of the weight. He can first speak to us with a gentle “let’s work on this together”, or we can just run ourselves to the point of defeat, and then listen.
Hebrews 12:5b-6
“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”
Correction is a great thing, but we don’t like it. If we’re corrected it means we have to admit we were wrong. Have I mentioned pride is a crazy thing? By the way, we aren’t being corrected here by another fallible human being. Sometimes corrections from others are justified, and sometimes it’s just another opinion (another blog for another day). But here, this is the creator of the universe. The Creator always knows the creation better than the creation knows itself. Meaning, God understands you better than you understand yourself. Because He loves you so much, He’s going to correct your course. He’s going to call for that timeout, or He’ll allow you to wear yourself out to the point of the timeout.
As you start your healing, it will be challenging. Even though these things are weighting you down, they will seem like a part of you is being lost. Getting rid of sin and baggage is always the right thing to do, but it’s never the easy thing to do. I love the way the Living Bible phrases this …
Hebrews 12:11-12
“Being punished isn’t enjoyable while it is happening—it hurts! But afterwards we can see the result, a quiet growth in grace and character. So take a new grip with your tired hands, stand firm on your shaky legs,”
The Bible straight up tells us, this is going to hurt! You are going to go through some stuff to get to the other side. This is likely why many Christians are content to stay in their defeated lives (ouch, that was strong). It’s true. Many don’t want to put in the effort and the hard work of overcoming. They don’t want to be faced with their sins and baggage. It brings shame and guilt and regret to the surface. It expose them as being something they haven’t portrayed to others. As a side note, the Christian that stands up and says, “I have issues and I’m going to work on them” is not the hypocrite. The hypocrite is the one that continues on like there isn’t an issue. Harsh words, but pride is crazy right? Look at the results though “a quiet growth in grace and character”. Isn’t that a beautiful phrasing? I love that last part of Hebrews 12:12, “take a new grip with your tired hands, stand firm on your shaky legs”. When you start the healing, it’s going to feel different. Your balance might be off because all of that weight is being removed. But, “stand firm”, use those “shaky legs” and learn to walk in a whole new way!
This next step is so important. Let’s return to our analogy of a literal marathon. You’re at the point now of getting back up. You’ve taken the timeout. You’ve figured some stuff out. You’ve dropped all of that weight and all of the ropes tying you together. You’re getting back up, but you’re wobbly. It’s a whole new race now. Here’s what the author of Hebrews says to do next (also from the Living Bible)…
Hebrews 12:13
“and mark out a straight, smooth path for your feet so that those who follow you, though weak and lame, will not fall and hurt themselves but become strong.”
Don’t just start running. Before you get back on the course, set out a plan. What does that look like? If you’ve identified the problems and the entanglements, avoid the situations that would make you fall back into the same patterns. Yes, that may mean more hard steps. Some people may need to go bye-bye. Some things and places may need to hear an adios. The point is to have a plan. Know what you are going to do and how you are going to do it. As a side note, it’s not just leaving stuff out, it’s adding stuff in. You are replacing the toxic people with people that will help you. You are replacing the bad habits with new ones that will guide you. Some stuff out, some stuff in. Have a plan! By the way, don’t miss the “those who follow you” part of this verse. There are others watching you. There are others following you. Your steps, your plan are crucial to them, and not just you.
Though it’s not confirmed, many scholars believe that the apostle Paul wrote the book of Hebrews. Here are some of Paul’s last words of his life, in a letter he wrote to Timothy…
II Timothy 4:7
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
He finished the race. That’s our goal, to finish, and to finish strong. I love how Paul said he “fought the good fight”. Don’t miss that, Paul likened life to a fight. It’s not all rainbows and unicorns right? It’s hard. We are screwups that get it wrong quite often. Remember, pride is crazy! it’s a fight. My mind is just now drifting to Rocky III. Rocky is fighting Clubber Lane (Mr. T). Rocky is getting killed in the ring. He’s taking shot after shot after shot. But then, somewhere in those middle rounds, Rocky starts taunting Clubber Lane … “you ain’t so bad, you ain’t so bad”. Rocky then starts dodging the incoming shots. Rocky is being rejuvenated. He realized that the worst he opponent had wasn’t enough to knock him out. He regains his stamina and he goes on to get the knockout .. By the way, sorry for the spoiler alert, but I think a 40 year old movie is past that point. It’s a fight for sure, but a fight we can and will win if we keep our eyes in the right direction, get rid of all the junk, accept correction, and have a plan.
My final encouragement is to do one of two things. Either take a timeout and fix the stuff, or get back up and get in the race. Either way, remember … Life’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon.
by Kevin Tillman | Oct 17, 2024 | Thoughts
“God never hurries. There are no deadlines against which He must work. Only to know this is to quiet our spirits and relax our nerves.” – A.W. Tozer
We live in a world that is in a hurry. It’s just about impossible to not be affected by the busyness. Everything is fast. Anyone remember the old days of dial-up internet? Remember waiting and waiting and waiting for an image to finally appear on the screen? We didn’t think too much of it, because it was all we knew. You could go back further in history. We whine about a package taking more than two days to get to us. Have you ever really processed how quick that really is? I mean you can order something from the other side of the country and it be sitting on your front doorstep in 48 hours. That’s actually pretty remarkable. As I’m sitting here typing this blog entry I could take a break and order a ticket on an airline. I could be on the other side of the world in less than two days. And on top of that, I could sit in a seat that is magically suspended in the air. I mean, come on, it’s really amazing what we can do now.
Against that backdrop is a God that works on His timetable. The things of the heart take longer. Our nerves and our spirit need solitude. They need rest. They need time off from the fast-paced world. God wants us whole. He isn’t rushed in the process. We’re in a hurry, but He’s not.
The old saying goes, “take time to smell the roses”. It’s good advice. Slow down, rest, listen, and refresh. God does His best in us when we finally, yes finally, settle in and listen. It’s then that we are ready to receive. Make solitude and reflection a part of your life. It’s not just good advice, it’s the way God designed us.
