The Light of Christ Journey

Encouraging people on their journey with Christ

Grow Where You are Planted

Tom Graves

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March 21, 2023

Grow where you are planted. This can have a profound effect on your life. Like a flower that grows in the cracks in the road, sometimes we must make the best of our situations and bloom where the Lord has placed us.

Our family lived 2000 miles from where we grew up for almost ten years. In the community where the Lord planted us, we were involved in ministry to the community. This included prayer walks and children’s ministry. We have no idea how many lives were touched as God worked through us.

As you journey through life, every step you take prepares you for the next. As each chapter of your life unfolds, it is a foundation to begin the next chapter. For example, no excellent mystery book jumps to the end right away. Reading each chapter develops step by step until the mystery is solved. Life is not about just getting to the end but enjoying the journey where the Lord has planted you.  

Jeremiah Told the People to Grow Where God Planted Them

The Israelites were taken into captivity and would spend seventy years in Babylon. While in captivity, the Lord would refine the people and transform them into different people when they returned to Israel. Part of the transformation process for the people was growing where the Lord planted them.

Jeremiah 29:4 This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives he has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem: 5 “Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce. 6 Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! 7 And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.” [1]

Where has the Lord planted you? Where is the Lord leading you to make a difference to those around you?

Affecting Others by Your Actions

As Jeremiah encouraged the exiles in Babylon, he wanted them to change their thinking. He wanted them to think about what they could become versus their situation. They were to be model citizens who would positively affect their community. In a spiritual sense, the Lord wanted them to be a light in a dark area.

God wants to do the same for us, which is an interesting parallel. In addition, the Lord wanted them to marry, have families, and pass on their faith so that they would return to Israel one day. Again, isn’t this what the Lord wants for us no matter where we live? Remember that you can make a difference by letting the Holy Spirit lead you.

Grow where you are planted. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/journey-exiled

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Je 29:4–7). Tyndale House Publishers.

Praying for Your Enemies

Tom Graves

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March 20, 2023

Praying for your enemies makes a difference because the Lord wants to transform both you and them. When we pray for others, we begin to see them in a different light. The Lord desires that people live in peace with one another, and prayer can be a step in that process.

During the cold war, the Soviets erected the Berlin wall in the early sixties, but a powerful prayer movement caused it to come down in the eighties. Thousands gathered to pray for their enemy, and something unexpected happened. The opposing military was prepared and ready to act against the prayer warriors, but nothing happened.

Horst Sindermann, a member of the governing clique, said later, “We had planned everything. We were prepared for everything. Everything except candles and prayers.”[1] The power of prayers and seeing people gathered for prayer can affect the most hardened hearts.

Pray for Your Enemies

Because of their sin, thousands of Israelites were taken into captivity in Babylon. But the Lord had not forgotten about them. The Israelites would be in Babylon for seventy years. During this time, the Lord wanted them to be light in their dark world, so He gave them a special assignment.

Jeremiah 29:7 And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare. [2] As the Israelites prayed for Babylonians, their lives would improve as they impacted their community. The Lord wanted to bless the people of Babylon, and He would work through the prayer of the Israelites to do that. James tells how each believer’s prayer is powerful and significant. James 5:16 The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.[3]

Your Prayers Make a Difference

Sometimes we don’t realize the power of prayer by one person and how much difference it can make. The world is a better place each time someone prays for another person. As we pray for our enemies, hostile thoughts toward them vanish. It is hard to hate people that you are praying for God to bless them.

When we pray, we reach out in faith and ask the Lord to touch lives, cities, and nations. The Lord answers in fantastic ways as we exercise our authority in prayer. What is astounding is that God uses His people’s prayers to accomplish His plans. The Lord does not need our help but uses our prayers to teach us humility, dependence, and trust in Him. God uses our prayer time to build our relationship with Him. Our praises, thanks, and confessions make a difference in our spiritual journey.

To learn more about praying for your enemies, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/journey-exiled

[1][1] https://baptistbulletin.org/the-baptist-bulletin-magazine/gods-hand-in-history/

[2-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

Timely Encouragement

Tom Graves

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March 19, 2023

Timely encouragement is one of the essential experiences that we can have and sometimes can come unexpectedly. Life can have difficult seasons, and a word of encouragement can make a huge difference. I remember encouraging a young man, and when I did, he stood up straighter, and a smile came to his face.

There is something about encouragement that changes us from the inside out. The book of Acts introduces us to Barnabas, whose name means encourager. Later he would go on the first missionary with the Apostle Paul. Think how important it was to have an encourager on such a journey and how his gift of encouragement affected others.

Jeremiah Wrote a Letter of Encouragement

Jeremiah was a prophet in Jerusalem and loved the Jewish people. Most people in Jerusalem were exiled to Babylon during his difficult time as a prophet. As a conquered people, you can imagine their discouragement and depression. It was during this season that Jeremiah determined he would encourage the people.

Jeremiah 29:1 Jeremiah wrote a letter from Jerusalem to the elders, priests, prophets, and all the people who had been exiled to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. [1] As God spoke just the right words to Jeremiah to encourage the people. Jeremiah listened to the Lord and wrote the message to make a significant difference in their lives. The Lord told the people to settle into their communities and raise families through Jeremiah. They were to remember that God had a plan for their lives, so they should be obedient and refuse to listen to false prophets. Jeremiah’s words of encouragement and guidance would have been life-changing if taken seriously and integrated into the exiles’ lives. 

You Can Encourage Others

What if you became an encourager like Barnabas or Jeremiah? How would that change you and those around you? 1 Thessalonians 5:11So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” [2] Paul knows when we encourage others we build them up. The world we live in tears people down, but as followers of Jesus, we are to be builders of the body.

Also, remember the Lord is always with us to encourage us. Deuteronomy 31:8 Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.[3] When we remember the Lord is always with us, it strengthens us to be that encourager to another person. Think of who you could encourage today and what a difference that could make in their lives.

To learn more about timely encouragement, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/journey-exiled

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

There is Always a Remnant

Tom Graves

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March 18, 2023

There is always a remnant that is faithful to God. I remember visiting a large Greek Orthodox church in Russia in 2004 called the Green Church. As we entered the church, I saw several older women gathered for prayer. What had these ladies endured in their lifetime to remain faithful to the Lord? How had the Lord molded them and shaped them through their faithfulness? I don’t know, but the Lord does.

In a spiritual sense, they were like giant oak trees of faith. No matter what the communist regime had done in Russia, they could never put an end to the Christian Church. No matter how the government persecuted people for their faith, there was always a faithful remnant. Being a faithful remnant speaks to a person’s faith and ability to endure hardship no matter what the culture is doing. 

There Would be a Remnant in Israel

As Isaiah preached God’s word, most people would not listen and hardened their hearts. In a figurative sense, their nation would be cut down with only a stump remaining because of their sin. Isaiah 6:13 If even a tenth—a remnant—survive, it will be invaded again and burned. But as a terebinth or oak tree leaves a stump when it is cut down, so Israel’s stump will be a holy seed. [1]

A once powerful nation would be reduced to a stump, but from this, the Lord would breathe new life into Israel. The stump may have seemed lifeless, but in the stump had life, although dormant for a time. Only the Lord could breathe faith into a nation that appeared lifeless and lost. The Holy seed of the Messiah would come from this stump, who would change the world with His life, death, and resurrection. 

A Remnant Can Make a Difference

A remnant of faithful believers can change a congregation, a community, and a nation. Never underestimate the significance of one person’s prayers and their influence. There have been many revivals in church history; most began with just a handful of praying people.

When you feel insignificant, remember that the Lord placed you on this earth to build His Kingdom. If you seem small, remember God is with you. When you feel overwhelmed, let the Holy Spirit lead you. When you feel tired, let God’s word refresh you.

Joshua was a great leader of Israel, yet he needed to be encouraged by the Lord. Joshua 1:9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go. [2]  Take the Lord’s hand and let Him encourage you today.

To learn how there is always a remnant, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/journey-prophets

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Is 6:13). Tyndale House Publishers.

[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Jos 1:9). Tyndale House Publishers.

Proclaim God, No Matter the Response

Tom Graves

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March 17, 2023

God called the prophets and believers today to proclaim God no matter the response. I remember preaching a funeral message many years ago where a relative of the deceased was an atheist. After the service, he confronted me because I had proclaimed the good news of Jesus. The comforting words of Jesus touched many who attended because they were true believers. Although this man did not want to hear the message of Jesus, the words of God are powerful even when planted in hardened soil. We can’t change a person’s heart, but we can plant God’s word in the hope that it grows.

Isaiah Proclaimed God’s Word

As Isaiah took up the call of God to proclaim the word, the Lord gave him insight into the people’s hearts. Isaiah 6:9 And he said, “Yes, go, and say to this people, ‘Listen carefully, but do not understand. Watch closely, but learn nothing.’ 10 Harden the hearts of these people. Plug their ears and shut their eyes. That way, they will not see with their eyes, nor hear with their ears, nor understand with their hearts and turn to me for healing.” [1]

This would be difficult as the people would not respond to Isaiah’s preaching. Isaiah asked God how long he would have to do this. Isaiah 6:11And the Lord replied, “Until their towns are empty, their houses are deserted, and the whole country is a wasteland; 12 until the Lord has sent everyone away, and the entire land of Israel lies deserted.[2]

God told Isaiah to be faithful in proclaiming the word to the people. We can’t make other people believe or soften their hearts, but we can bring God’s word to them in a loving way. Paul gives us insight into the planting of God’s word. 1 Corinthians 1:6 I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.[3] As humans, we can plant and water, but only God can make the word grow in someone’s heart.

Being Faithful

There is something about faithful servants of God who minister to people no matter how receptive the people are. Jeremiah had very few converts, yet he was a great prophet of God. The Lord calls us to do only what we can, which is to be faithful. Every pastor wants to see the church packed and people eagerly growing in faith, but that is not the reality.

The Lord reminds us to be faithful when we are tempted to be discouraged. 2 Chronicles 16:9 The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. [4]

Proclaim God no matter the response. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/journey-prophets

[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

Resisting God Hardens Our Hearts

Tom Graves

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March 16, 2023

Resisting God hardens our hearts. You may not be aware of this as you make subtle decisions that resist the Holy Spirit. Like soil erosion, having a hardened heart does not happen overnight.

The word “heart” is an important word used in the Bible and is crucial regarding our spiritual condition.

When I have a hardened heart toward God, I am distant and cold toward the Lord and am not in a relationship with Him. A hardened heart is stubborn, does not want to be molded by God, and resists the good things the Lord wants to do in our lives.

The Lord Sends Isaiah to Minister to Hardened Hearts

When Isaiah heard the call of God, something happened in his heart. He eagerly responded to the Lord. When the Lord pronounced forgiveness, Isaiah believed and no longer felt unworthy to serve in the Kingdom. Isaiah was so eager he quickly responded to the Lord and said, “Here I am. Send me.” [1]

While Isaiah’s heart was eager to seek the Lord and follow him, the people Isaiah would minister to had hardened hearts. Isaiah 6:9 And he said, “Yes, go, and say to this people, ‘Listen carefully, but do not understand. Watch closely, but learn nothing.’ 10 Harden the hearts of these people. Plug their ears and shut their eyes. That way, they will not see with their eyes, nor hear with their ears, nor understand with their hearts and turn to me for healing.” [2]

The Lord does not make people’s hearts hard, but the more they resist the truth of His word, the less they receive. As we push the Lord away, His voice becomes softer and softer until we are deaf to His calling. Drifting away from the Lord is gradual, which is why it is so dangerous.

Lord, Soften My Heart 

The people Isaiah ministered to had hardened hearts, but they could have chosen a different path. It is the same for us today. What do we say when we realize we are on an empty path in life? Lord, soften my heart. Remember, it is never too late to cry to the Lord to soften your heart. Good things begin to happen when our hearts begin to soften toward God.

God may be calling you to repent of your sins. Repentance is when we turn away from our sins and turn toward God. Two thieves were crucified with Jesus, and both began the day with hardened hearts. Then something happened and one of the thief’s hearts. It began to change. Luke 23:42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” 43 And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [3]

God has such beautiful things ahead for everyone who turns away from their hardened heart and toward Him. Cry out to God today in prayer and ask Him to soften your heart. Ask the Lord to help you better to hear His voice and obey. God blesses that request.

To learn how resisting God hardens our hearts, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/journey-prophets

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

Send Me

Tom Graves

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March 15, 2023

Send me! Nothing changes a person more than responding to God’s call to go forward to build His Kingdom. Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” Isaiah said, “Here I am. Send me.” 9 And he said, “Yes, go. [1]

We often misunderstand the call God has for us. Not all calls from God are like Moses at a burning bush or an angel visiting Gideon, who was threshing wheat in the bottom of a wine press. Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jonah, Esther, John the Baptist, and Paul had unique calls from the Lord. Jesus calls many, but few respond to God’s invitation and, thus, miss what He has for them. Matthew 22:14For many are called, but few are chosen.[2]  

Isaiah Responds to God’s Call

If we are honest with ourselves, most of us are not a modern-day Noah or Apostle Paul. We may be ordinary people, but that does not mean God does not have a unique call on our life. In the vision, the Lord asked who would go. But God did not directly address Isaiah with the question. God did not say, “Isaiah, will you go? The Lord gave space to Isaiah to respond to God’s call.

After being cleansed of his sin and forgiven, Isaiah answered the Lord and said, “here I am, send me.” Here I am is an interesting response that reminds me of a student raising their hand to get the teacher’s attention among many students.

Will You Respond to God’s Call?

The call of God is not for a select few people while the rest wait for an opportunity. The call of the Lord is for everyone. Those who respond to the Lord’s call are the sheep of His pasture who recognize the sound of His voice. These are people who have given their hearts to Jesus and have a relationship with Him through faith. Once we are in a relationship with Jesus, our hearts and ears are attentive to His voice, responding to His call.

When Jesus called Peter and John to follow him, it was a simple call to “follow me.” In Matthew 19:22, a rich young man was given the simple call to follow Jesus but could not leave his money behind. Many people all over the world are hearing the simple call to follow Jesus. What will they do? Matthew 9:37 Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” [3] When we respond to God’s call, He sends us out in His perfect timing to build His Kingdom.

Are you willing to say, send me? Listen here:   

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/journey-prophets

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

Redeemed for a Purpose

Tom Graves

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March 14, 2023

Paul speaks about how we are redeemed for a purpose. Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. [1] Many people may think life is about following their dreams, but that is not what the Bible teaches. Purpose and fulfillment in life are about following the plans for our life that the Lord planned for us before we were born.

Jesus also tells us that we must put our dreams aside as followers. Luke 9:23 Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.[2] To follow Jesus is to let Him lead you in the direction He wants to take you. We can be thankful that Jesus is our Good Shepherd and knows the best place for us to be.

The Lord Cleansed Isaiah

God gave Isaiah a vision of heaven where the angels called each other. Isaiah 6:3“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!” [3] In this vision of heaven, he received a heightened awareness of his sin and the holiness of God. Isaiah 6:5 Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” [4]

While Isaiah contemplated the vision, something miraculous happened as he experienced the Lord’s mercy. Isaiah 6:6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. 7 He touched my lips with it and said, “See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.”[5] Relief must have flooded Isaiah as God removed his guilt.

God Had Plans for Isaiah

God called Isaiah and redeemed him to fulfill the Lord’s plan for His life to be a prophet. He was redeemed for a purpose! Think of Isaiah’s impact on the Kingdom of God by following the Lord’s plans and purpose.

What about you? How can you give Your life over to the Lord to make a difference? Think of God’s plans for your life as a fantastic privilege that the Lord developed just for you to make a difference in your life and others.  

To learn how you are redeemed for a purpose, listen here:   

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/journey-prophets

[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Lk 9:23). Tyndale House Publishers.

Compared to God’s Holiness

Tom Graves

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March 13, 2023

Seeing ourselves compared to God’s holiness makes us suddenly aware of our sinfulness. In life, we compare ourselves to others and think we are not too bad and better than most. The problem in comparing ourselves is that we can develop a false image of ourselves as we try to elevate ourselves.

As God gave Isaiah a vision of His majesty, he immediately began to see himself in a different light. When we see ourselves in the light of God’s holiness, we become aware of how far we have fallen into sin. Seeing his depravity, Isaiah cries, I am a man of unclean lips. God’s word, in many places, uses lips, the tongue, or the mouth to reveal what is in our hearts.

Isaiah Examined Himself

Isaiah 6:5 Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” [1] Isaiah does not say that he is worthless, for he prophesied of the Messiah who would redeem us from our sins. Isaiah saw himself as lost, ruined, and defiled compared to a Holy God and could never measure up. He realized he was at God’s mercy.

In the same way, we also do not measure up to God’s standard. Romans 3:23For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.[2] As we realize the depth of our sinfulness, we also recognize our need for a Savior.

Jesus Makes a Way for Us to be Made Clean

If you feel like Isaiah, you are in good company. God always makes us aware of our sinfulness and weaknesses before He can use us. Paul clarifies that as sinners, our only hope is Jesus, who paid the price for sins on the cross. Only through faith in Jesus can our sins be wiped away so God can accept us

Romans 6:24 Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood.[3] When we are dirty, we need to be cleaned and washed up. When we place our faith in Jesus, He washes our sins away. What an amazing God we have!

To learn more about seeing ourselves compared to God’s holiness, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/journey-prophets

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

Heaven

Tom Graves

no comments

March 12, 2023

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to be in heaven? As we go about our daily lives, thoughts of heaven may not be something we spend much time on. Yet, for every believer, heaven is just a heartbeat away.

1 Corinthians 2:9No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. [1] The Bible gives us brief visions or descriptions of heaven, but Paul tells us that even the best explanations are only shadows. Paul tells us our imaginations can’t begin to grasp the depth or beauty of heaven.

Jesus tells us that heaven is where our heavenly Father dwells and is preparing a home for us there. It reminds me of parents preparing a room for their expectant baby. John 14:13 Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.[2]

God Gave Isaiah a Vision of Heaven

When Isaiah was called a prophet, the Lord gave him a vision of heaven. Think how this vision inspired and made him aware of God’s holiness and his sinfulness.

Isaiah 6:1 It was in the year King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple. 2 Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings, they covered their faces, with two, they covered their feet, and with two they flew. 3 They were calling out to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!” 4 Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire building was filled with smoke. [3]

Is Heaven free?

Can something so fantastic as heaven be free? Heaven is free to us, but it cost Jesus His life to pay for our sins. Ephesians 2:8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.[4]

In God’s grace, He forgives us and calls us to faith, accepting us into His family. Salvation is the most important issue we never want to take for granted in our lifetime. It is also the most beautiful gift we can share with others as we tell them about the Good News of Jesus.

Want to learn more about heaven? Listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/journey-prophets

[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

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