“Make your tents larger! Spread out the tent pegs; fasten them firmly” (Isaiah 54:2 CEV). “Clear lots of ground for your tents! Make your tents large. Spread out! Think big! Use plenty of rope, drive the tent pegs deep” (Message Bible).
God laid this powerful, positive verse on my heart to encourage you as another calendar year looms ahead. This is not the time to hold on for dear life. It is the time to grow, to expand, to think bigger than you have ever conceived before. This is a time to “forget those things which are behind… and stretch forth…” (Philippians 3:13).
Everything in nature teaches us that God’s plan is growth — acorns grow into oak trees, watermelons are loaded with seeds so the species can keep expanding, human body cells divide and grow about fifty times before they cease growing. All around us in the material world is growth.
Yet what about within us? Jesus encouraged his disciples to “go into all the world and make learners” (Matthew 28:19) — not converts but disciples, people who are teachable, learners. The first and last verses in the Book of Acts are: “… all that Jesus began to do and teach” and “… teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ.” So the apostles fulfilled the command by teaching. A person who is teachable is not only a knowing person but a growing person.
“We are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). “
Did you write a line or a poem that includes “Two prisoners looked out through the bars, one saw the mud, one saw the stars”? This was a line or part of an example in a book by John Powell, S.J., CALLED FULLY HUMAN, FULLY ALIVE. A friends said they thought it was your statement and it seemed a wonderful approach to life once you met Jesus.
Often quoted, Nancy, but in my book “God’s Principles and Your Potential” I have attributed it to Oscar Wilde. Its a great statement!
Great word Bro. Wade! enjoyed your anointed word from the Lord! Keep up the great teaching! You’re a great blessing.
Praise the Lord! This is a word from the Lord confirming that which He has laid upon our heart for the year 2011. Praise God for your obedience. Many blessings. As we say here: ENLARGE!
Peter, you are so cool, thanks for the encouragement. Happy New Year to you and your family and congregation. Bless you big,
Karen in KS (PFAL grad 1974)
Thanks, Karen, from white Kansas! We love you and thank God for you. May your 2011 be BIG!
Thank you for sharing that I needed that this morning. I have been looking at the pain of this past year and feel uncertainty about 2011. God Bless and keep you Regards
Derwyn
Thanks, Derwyn. You are off to a good start for 2011.