Powerful messages that encourage, inspire, and convict “People of the Way” to enter into the presence of the Living God and to mirror the image of the precious Lord Jesus, bringing his life to this hurt and broken world. The messages are written by Richard E. Bieber. A pastor whose prolific writings spanned six decades.
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Short Messages/Tracts
HOLY OBSCURITY
Facebook and You Tube offer the limelight to everybody.
Who can resist?
Here’s our chance to be seen and heard.
But once we choose to live our life before the eye of God…
….the limelight is a distraction.
The Spirit of the Lord moves in us with greatest freedom when we choose to walk in holy obscurity.
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on things on the earth. For you have died, your life is hid with Christ in God so that when Christ who is our life appears, you also will appear with him in glory.
Colossians 3:1-4
Settle for holy obscurity in this age.
So that God’s glory may glow through you with redemptive power.
Glory belongs to God alone.
When that glory is revealed, you will be vindicated.
Prayer: Lord may we be more than satisfied with not seeking glory for ourselves but in choosing to draw close to you, knowing that you see us, you love us, you hold us … no matter our standing in the eyes of men. And help us to see our obscurity as a holy, precious life hidden in you, filled with wonder and gratefulness that we belong to you the King of Glory. Amen. Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber 2019 Printable/Shareable Copy
Featured Artist: Permission and courtesy of Gary Bunt Website: garybuntart.com
GOD’S EYES
“I know your works”
….said the Lord to the seven churches of Revelation….
….because he sees.
Nor is it incidental that the Four Living Creatures surrounding the throne in Heaven are covered with eyes.
Eyes which see.
We are observed by the Eye of Holy Love.
Once we have abandoned ourselves to him, we are guided by the Eye of God.
….Provided we walk in the light.
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go.I will guide thee with mine eye.”
Psalm 32
Our job is to walk in the light as he is in the light, leaving the future to him.
We do not know what the future holds.
But he does.
His presence, His Word,
Will see us through.
Prayer: Lord help us to stop trying to see with our own eyes. May we deeply know that you see all things, that your eyes of holy love are on us and guiding us into your light, into the future that only you know, and that, yes, your eyes will see us through. Amen.
Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber 2015 Printable/Shareable copy
Featured Artist: Stephanie Yan Website: Stephanie Yan Art on Facebook
I’M SCARED
Don’t tell anybody, but deep down, I’m scared about the future.
So many uncertainties.
So many people who cannot be trusted.
Sleazy politicians who could take us all down the tube.
Even my fellow believers seem distant and aloof.
So where do I turn?
Where else, but to God?
Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62:5-8
There is no other rock on which to stand.
There is no other rock on which to build my life.
Whoever hears these words of mine and keeps them, is like a wise man who built his house upon a rock. (Matthew 7:24)
Prayer: Dear Lord, we admit we are scared about so many things, our health, the future, the country, our churches, our families. So many uncertainties assault our hearts and minds. Oh Lord, you are the sweet refuge from our fears, from chaos and from our disappointments. Help us to still our hearts before you and pour out the uncertainties and the fears that overwhelm us. Because, Lord, you are our certainty, our hope, our rock, our refuge…. and we trust you with our future, our journey, our destiny. We know that in you, our rock, we will not be shaken and we will find victory. Amen. Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber 2019 Printable/Shareable Copy
Featured Artist: Permission and courtesy of Jedida Sark Website: Jedida-theartofsark
IT’S RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU
Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path. (Psalm 27:11a)
“Lord, show me the way!”
Who of us has not cried out to God with such a prayer!
We’re like Mary Magdalene at the tomb, looking for the corpse, when the living Lord is standing before her eyes.
He’s right there!
The path is right in front of us.
Just one step.
Some simple thing.
A phone call.
A helping hand.
A listening ear.
As we take that step, a path opens.
We can’t see the end.
We can barely see ten feet in front of us.
But this path is bathed in light from the world beyond.
Here is where we serve God.
And if we’re faithful with this little stuff, he’ll send us the big stuff, when we’re ready for it.
“You did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit…”
Prayer: Yes Lord, show us the way that’s right in front of us. Help us to take the steps into the mercy you call us to. And as we go forward into your leading may we bear the fruit you promise us. Amen.
Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber 2019 Printable/Shareable copy
Featured Artist: Gertrud Deppe Website: gertrud-deppe-art.de
THOSE OF HIGH ESTATE ARE A DELUSION
Every day we put our faith in men and women of “high estate”.
Religious leaders, politicians, media talking heads.
“Big mistake!” says Psalm 62.
The greatest among us are flawed souls.
God alone is the one to trust.
Those of low estate are but a breath, those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath.
So we trust God alone.
Sounds great, but who can do it?
Who actually trusts God alone?
Walks with God by faith?
Stays on that narrow road all the way to the end?
Only one person in all history has done this.
Jesus of Nazareth.
Jesus trusted himself to no man, for he knew what was in man.
He trusted only his Father.
And where did he end up?
On a cross.
Three days later, he was alive, never to die again.
Now it’s our turn.
The risen Lord calls us to walk with him through the rest of our days, trusting God alone.
And where will we end up?
On a cross.
Yet all along the way we are alive with his resurrection life.
Crucified with Christ.
Alive with his risen life, never to die again!
Put no confidence in extortion, and set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them. Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God, and steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord. For you repay to all according to their work.
Psalm 62:10-12
Prayer: Lord open our eyes to see that putting our faith in our money, in our position, in our skill, in our wit, in our opinions, or in any leader, celebrity, scholar, broadcaster, author, teacher or preacher is futile. Trusting anything or anyone besides you is like clinging to vapor. It’s a lie, a delusion. Keep us clinging to you, the rock, the only solid truth, precious Lord. And even as turning away from the power of this world and walking with you, working with you, places us on a cross again and again… may we find ourselves fully alive, filled with resurrection power… because instead of embracing vapor, we have embraced you, our refuge, our fortress, our loving, living eternal God. Amen Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber June 2021 Printable/Shareable Copy
Featured Artist: Permission, grace and kindness of Suzy Schultz Website: Suzyschultz.net
ABOVE THE STRIFE
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
Psalm 46:1-3
Even though;
The nations are in turmoil….
The forces of nature are battering the cities of earth….
The atmosphere itself is charged with hatred….
Nevertheless,
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.
Psalm 46:4-5
In a mystery, the River of God’s Spirit….
will lift you above the strife.
will empower you to walk through the chaos and not lose your way.
Redemption begins when you lay your burden of “self” at the cross.
And step into the Light of the Risen Lord.
His name, “Jesus” (God is Salvation) Is above every name.
Call on that Name, and he will answer you.
He will lift you above the strife into something far better.
“Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12
Prayer: Yes Lord, lift us above this strife. Lift us from the darkness of this world; the turmoil, the chaos, the tragedies, the rage and hatred. We need hope, we need life, we need you. We need to know you are still in control. We need to see light in this darkness. Bring us to this river where you live, where we are lifted into your presence and find joy and can have the true light of life. Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber 2013 Printable/Shareable copy
Featured Artist: Courtesy of Ramone Romero Website: Weeping Jeremiah blogspot
SHOW ME THE WAY!
God is the last thought in our minds as long as we bounce along, solving our problems as they arise.
But when we come to that dark valley,
where nothing makes sense,
where dangers lurk,
where death seems near.
That’s when we discover how frail we are.
We begin to pray….even if we never prayed before.
To whom are we praying?
We’re not sure.
The cry rises from our hearts:
“Show me the way!”
“Help me!”
Suddenly two things happen simultaneously:
—Our soul is flooded with peace.
—Our circumstances enter a sea change.
“Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”
Matthew 7
You meet the living God, not through the power of your reasoning….
….but at the point of your desperation.
In truth we are living on the edge of desperation all the time.
Once we make this discovery, we have arrived at our “burning bush.”
We begin to hear the voice of God.
Prayer: Lord, Lord when we find ourselves in the middle of troubles that overwhelm us, that we have no answers for, that we have no power to resolve… and that bring us despair because there seems to be no hope, no way out… We cry to you in desperation, “show us the way…..help us”. We admit our frailty. We admit our desperation. We admit our need for you. We admit there is no hope but in you. Bring us to our burning bush, to the place where your Living presence floods us with peace, joy, and hope, to the place where we find the way is you. Amen. Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber 2009 Printable/Shareable Copy
Featured Artist: Permission of CMK Website: Art4prayer.co.uk
GET OUT OF THE WAY
Get out of the way….and let God work.
Wherever He walked, people were healed.
The life of the World-to-Come flowed into needy souls and bodies.
Because the Lord Jesus’ heart was perfectly yielded to His Father’s will.
The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works.
John 14:10
The scarcity of redemptive power in our service to God is easily explained:
—Our egos,
—Our divided hearts,
—Our thin skin….
….are getting in the way.
We don’t “make it happen.”
God makes it happen….
….when we get out of the way.
….when we “get over” ourselves, and become children before God’s glory.
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.
John 14:12
But how can we truly “believe in Jesus” until we have learned to die with Jesus–
—- and die to ourselves?
Prayer: Yes Lord, help us to get out of the way, to get over ourselves, to look to you with joy and expectation as you do your work, as you and only you make things happen. Oh Lord, that we may truly yield to you, die with you, and die to ourselves to the point that we can watch your redemptive power truly flow from us…. bringing healing to the needy souls and bodies around us. Amen. Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber 2013 Printable/Shareable copy
Featured Artist: Courtesy and permission of Neil Breebaart Website: Art Refined on Facebook
LISTEN TO YOUR BONES
It’s in your bones.
It’s in your DNA.
The awareness that you are known.
That you are seen by an unseen eye.
That your thoughts are not as secret as you think.
And before him no creature is hidden, but all are open and laid bare to the eyes of him with whom we have to do. (Hebrews 4:13)
Is this All-Seeing One hostile?
No, but he is HOLY
HOLY LOVE that desires your good.
HOLY LOVE that redeems you from the evil within and around you.
Of course the knowledge of these things is written in your DNA.
This HOLY LOVE is not silent.
He speaks.
Once you hear his voice, his WORD,
You will begin to live, if you pay attention.
“The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear, shall live.” (John 5:25)
Prayer: Lord, help us to hear deep within our bones…to the depths of our beings, your call of love to us, to become aware of your holiness and the power of this holy love which draws us out of death and meaninglessness into life. Amen. Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber 2015 Printable/Shareable Copy
Featured Artist: Permission, grace and kindness of Alice Arlene Briggs Website: alicearlene.com
FROM BENEATH THE RUBBLE
When the light begins to search our soul,
It’s not a pretty picture.
We see piles of rubble, from our failures and our sins.
But if we listen, we can hear a cry coming from beneath the rubble.
It’s called hope.
Hope is a gift.
Hope is a miracle.
Hope knows how to break through the rubble, clear it away, and guide us on a new path.
The root of Jesse shall come
He who rises to rule the Gentiles. In him shall the Gentiles hope.
Isaiah 11:10
As you read these words, my prayer is that the spark of hope beneath the rubble in your soul will burst into flame.
And become your guide.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that, by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 15:13
Prayer: Oh Lord, how far hope seems from us as we look back upon the rubble of our lives. Help us to hear the call of hope from beneath our failures and sins and to grasp it and let it pull us out of the rubble. We thank you that you are the God of hope…may we know this and believe this so strongly that it fill us with peace and joy. And yes, as we reach to you in the midst of the rubble, may our souls burst into flame. Amen. Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber 2012 Printable/Shareable copy
Featured Artist: Ross Boone Website: rawspoon.com
A SPIRITUAL TRANSACTION
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
“Truly I say to you, Today you will be with me in paradise.”
Luke 23
The man was dying with a load on his conscience.
His sad life left a trail of wreckage and pain behind.
And yet…..
Beside him, on a cross like his, was a Friend.
“Jesus, remember me….”
“Today you will be with me in Paradise.”
But what about this man’s guilt?
What about the misery he caused in countless lives?
The Friend on the other cross was taking it all upon himself.
Atoning, as only he can.
A spiritual transaction has taken place which renders the man clean and whole.
“Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
Behold him.
The deed is done, but its power enters you only when you behold him.
Look to him.
Open your soul to him.
Look to him and be saved, all the ends of the earth!
But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God.
Prayer: Jesus how wonderful is this transaction, this gift, you give us. Oh that we may continue to behold this gift….To behold you, to receive you, to believe in you, to open our very souls to you. May our hearts sing with awe and praise for atoning us of this sin that separates us from your perfect holiness and allows us to truly become your children. Amen. Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber 2011 Printable/Shareable Copy
Featured Artist: Courtesy and kindness of Suzy Schultz at suzyschultz.net
TAKE ANOTHER LOOK
The power of God on this earth is centered in a single event which took place in a single moment in the history of this planet:
Jesus, dying on the cross….suffering the desolation, the darkness, the godforsaken emptiness that we couldn’t handle in a million years.
Look at him.
Keep looking, until you begin to recognize the suffering heart of God himself.
You’re looking at holy love.
You’re looking at your own healing.
You’re looking at the one who even now brings you from death to life.
The thing that happened when Jesus died on the cross so long ago… has such power even today that when you look at him,
….heaven opens upon you, resurrection life from God comes pouring in.
Do yourself a favor.
Lay aside your preconceived thoughts about Jesus on the cross, and just come and look.
“Look to me and be saved all the ends of the earth.” (Isaiah 45:22)
“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth(on the cross) will draw all people to myself.” (John 12:32)
Prayer: Yes, Lord, help us to keep looking until we see, really see your suffering heart…. Until we see your holy love, until we see our own healing, until we see and experience heaven opening up and your life pouring into us. Amen. Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber 2019 Printable/Shareable copy
Featured Artist: Chris Powers at Full of Eyes
IN AN ABSURD WORLD
In an absurd world…
The big thing is to find the solid rock where we can preserve some sanity while the storms rage.
Some of us have tried the “rock” of political and economic stability.
But we discovered that our lives have to be tied to something more pivotal than who’s going to be President in the next election, (crucial as that issue may be). Who can guarantee that we’ll have our jobs or that there won’t be a war a year from now?
Some of us have tried the “rock” of escape.
If we had a cottage by a lake far from the city, well stocked with food, we thought we might experience a little peace.
We didn’t.
“From the end of the earth, I will call to you when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For you have been a refuge for me, a strong tower from the enemy”.
Psalm 61
The fulfillment of every promise of refuge, healing, safety and sanity is found in the One who died on the cross and rose from the dead.
In an absurd world, Jesus of Nazareth still walks among the harassed and helpless multitudes….
…. and offers himself as shepherd—offers himself to you.
If you have never known Jesus personally, or if you have lost the vision of him you once had, you can draw near. You can expect a door to open soon which will lead you into his presence.
He will draw you to himself.
Scripture reassures us, “No one who trusts God like this—heart and soul—will ever regret it.” It’s exactly the same no matter what a person’s religious background may be: the same God for all of us, acting the same incredibly generous way to everyone who calls out for help.
“Everyone who calls, ‘Help, God!’ gets help.
Romans 10:12-13 MSG
Prayer: Yes Lord, lead us to you, the rock, the strong tower, the one who protects us in the midst of raging storms, in the midst of absurdity, disappointment, and uncertainty. And yes in the midst of this absurd world, may we find sanity, refuge, healing and safety in you. Lord, kind shepherd, draw us near to you, lead us into your presence…. lift us, hold us, help us, help us. Amen. Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber 2019 Printable/Shareable Copy
Featured Artist: Mary Tacy Bazis on Facebook
MISUNDERSTOOD
I’m misunderstood.
By whom?
By almost every one.
How do you know?
It’s obvious. I can read it in their eyes. I can feel it in the way they answer me. When I speak, they aren’t really listening. They think that what I have to say isn’t worth hearing.
You can waste years of your life trying to win the respect of people who misunderstand you.
Or you can turn to the One who knows you better than you know yourself.
He will listen.
Talk to him.
It’s called prayer.
O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer!
From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings!
Psalm 61:1-4
Once you begin to “trust in the cover of his wings” you will spend less time trying to be understood…..
…..and more time listening to, and caring about, all those misunderstood souls around you.
And as you do, your spirit will overflow with the peace of God.
Prayer: Lord, release us from spending so much time nursing our wounds over being misunderstood. Help us to look to you instead…to bring the hurts, the misunderstandings, the need to be heard and truly understood to you. Cover us with your wings of protection and love as we reach to you. And yes, as we find the love, acceptance, and understanding we seek may it flow from us to the misunderstood souls you bring into our lives. And may this bring us your peace. Amen. Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber 2005 Printable/Shareable copy
Featured Artist: Courtesy of Beau Ettestad at fineartamerica. com/profiles/beau-ettestad
ENCOUNTERING THE HOLY
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
The universe is ruled…
…not by a machine.
…not by a “principle.”
But by a Holy Presence, whose glory would blind our eyes.
Angels worship.
Demons tremble with fear.
But humans are unaware.
They see nothing, hear nothing, know nothing, until they stumble into their personal burning bush.
One glimpse of his glory,
One hint of the sound of his voice,
And you are on your face.
One day soon the whole world will behold that glory, And fall on its face.
The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord. At the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. The heavens declare his righteousness, And all the people see his glory. (Psalm 97)
But the time to take off our shoes and acknowledge his Holiness…
Is Now
Prayer: Oh Lord, help us to find your holy presence. Help us to see it, feel it, know it and to be taken to our knees by the beauty and wonder of who you are. Amen. Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber 2015
Featured Artist: Jonathan Farrell (Saskatchewan) at etsy/jonathan farrell art, Instagram, and Facebook
NO ACCIDENT
It’s no accident that you are reading these words.
They are offered as the doorway to a Living Word.
A Word that once said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
A Word that still says to the blind, “Receive your sight.”
…to the lame, “Rise and walk.”
…to the sinner, “Your sins are forgiven.”
…to the dead, “Arise.”
Amid all the clamor of this noisy world, this Word still speaks.
It draws to itself those whose hearts are famished for truth, who have known sorrow, it raises them from the dead.
If you are tired of the trivial, weary of the empty promises of the hucksters of deceit,
… come and listen to words that are pure,words that are true, words that impart life,
… from the one Man who never sought His own glory.
“It is the Spirit that gives life, the flesh is of no avail. The words that I have spoken to you. They are Spirit and they are Life.”
Draw near to those words,
listen to them,
and you will be healed.
Prayer: Lord, we truly need a Living Word. Help us to draw near, to listen and to be healed. Amen. Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber 2015
Featured Artist: Jonathan Farrell (Saskatchewan) at etsy/jonathan farrell art, Instagram, and Facebook
GOD WILL PROVIDE?
At a time like this?
When the foundations are crumbling?
“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What what shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.” (Matthew 6:31-33)
What better time to turn from our trivial pursuits and seek the face of God!
There is no other anchor that will hold in this present storm.
No other rock that will not be washed away.
As we begin to taste the leanness that millions have known from the day of their birth, may we also learn what the poor of this earth have always known:
There is no security in this world but the security of knowing and loving God.
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Philippians 4:19-20)
Prayer: Lord, help us to keep our eyes on you, to trust you as our provider, no matter what circumstances we are facing. We know your provision is good, just, perfect, and altogether trustworthy. May we take our anxieties and concerns and turn them into a pursuit of knowing you know more, trusting you more, and loving you more. Amen. Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber 2015
Featured Artist: Sinead Kell (United Kingdom) on facebook.com/sinead.kell.1
MY TWO DISTRACTIONS
Two distractions cloud my vision of God’s Kingdom and weaken my resolve:
- My predisposition to pass judgment on people.
—to “evaluate” them.
—to “discern” their motives.
—to condemn them in my heart.
- My relentless efforts to justify myself.
—I have a “Christian rationale” for everything I do.
—I come up with “sound reasons” for my unsound attitudes.
Hence, while I busy myself judging others and justifying myself…
I lay waste my powers.
I dissipate the gifts God has entrusted to me.
Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written,“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.”
So each of us shall give account of himself to God. Romans 14:10-12
If my only claim on God is his mercy at the cross, why am I wasting time trying to justify myself?
If my Lord is “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world,” What am I doing on the Judgment Seat, which belongs to him alone?
“Lord Jesus, have mercy on me!
Lead me once more out of myself and into your merciful will!”
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
Prayer: Yes Lord, have mercy on us. Rescue us from being separated from your Kingdom and your heart of mercy by our own judgments of others and by our own delusional self-justifications. Help us to stop using Christian rationales for our cold hearts. Lead us back to you, soften our hearts, make us so thankful for your covering of mercy on us… so that we can take this wonderful gift of mercy and redemption you have poured into our lives…and pour it into the lives of those we would condemn. Amen. Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber 2009
Featured Artist: Kindness of Ramone Romero
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE JESUS FREAKS?
Once they seemed to be everywhere.
Street corners.
Bars.
Campuses.
They were bold.
“Jesus is Lord!”
“His return is near!”
These Jesus freaks were not a fad.
They were a God-sent sign of things to come.
A brief flash of future light.
A call to repentance.
But where are these bold souls now?
Their voices are no longer heard.
Have they lost their fire?
Are you one of them?
If you are, it’s not too late to return to your first love.
I remind you to rekindle the gift that is within you through the laying-on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but a Spirit of power, and love and self-discipline. (II Timothy 1)
Prayer: Lord, stir us from our stagnation. May our love for you once again erupt into a boldness that we can’t hold back. And Lord we pray for a new generation of “Jesus Freaks”…young people who are totally committed to you, no matter what the world says…who are so connected to you, so burning with love for you that they set the world on fire …. bringing a new hope, tender mercy, and life to those in this dark world. Amen. Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber February 2013 .
Featured Artist: Rik Berry at rikberry.com
“I’VE MATURED!”
“Thank God, I’m no longer a fanatic! I look back on those days when I was a super-charged disciple, and cringe.
No wonder people were turned off!
I guess I was one of those Jesus freaks.
Nobody can call me a fanatic today!”
Matured?
“I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing; not knowing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind and naked.” (Revelation 3:15-17)
The difference between maturity and stagnation:
Maturity is zeal enhanced by the wisdom of the Spirit.
Stagnation is zeal depleted.
A bumbling fanatic with a heart for God is far more pleasing to God than a “mature” Christian who is doctrinally sound and spiritually idle.
“Not every one who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21)
Prayer: Lord, help us never to forget the fervent, passionate love we had for you before we “matured” and got caught up into the rhythm of making ends meet, raising families, and living day to day. Stir us from our stagnation. Help us to look to you instead of our doctrines, and our sense of being right. Help us all to rekindle our devotion to you, our burning passion for you and to carry out your will of mercy and redemption. Amen. Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber 2003
Featured Artist: Portrait by Gertrude Deppe (Netherlands) gertrud-deppe-art.de …. and The Sick Child by Godwin Amavi
UNDISTRACTED
At that very hour some Pharisees came, and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” And he said to them, “Go and tell that fox, `Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course.’” (Luke 13)
Distract him?
Go ahead and threaten him.
Tempt him. Accuse him. Condemn him.
He remains focused.
He will preach, teach, heal, cast out demons, and then lay down his life at Jerusalem….
…like the prophets of old.…
…as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
When Jesus says, “Follow me”, he expects us to do as he did.
To push all distractions aside and get on with it.
“Follow me” means….
Follow the way he thinks.
Follow the way he prays.
Follow the way he speaks.
Do what he does—the way he does it.
Follow the way he thinks.
Have this mind in you, which is also in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2)
The mind of Christ is the mind of a servant—a mind focused on serving the Master the way he served his Father.
Unless I think with the mind of Christ there is no way I can follow him.
Jesus has the mind of a servant. Do I?
Follow the way he prays.
When Jesus had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form, as a dove, and a voice came from heaven, “Thou art my beloved Son; with thee I am well pleased.” (Luke 3)
In these days he went out to the mountain to pray; and all night he continued in prayer to God.
And when it was day, he called his disciples, and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles. (Luke 6)
And as he was praying, the appearance of his countenance was altered, and his raiment became dazzling white. (Luke 9)
And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, “Father, if thou art willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” (Luke 22)
The foundation of everything Jesus did was prayer.
Early in the morning, late at night, and after feeding the five thousand, he would get alone so he could pray.
It is impossible to follow Jesus without walking in those footsteps of prayer.
Jesus said to his disciples, “pray like this”…..and gave them the Lord’s Prayer. He promised that the Holy Spirit would help them, if they would only ask. (see Luke 11)
Follow the way he speaks.
When Jesus speaks, there is no flattery, no froth, no wasted word, and no deceit.
Always and only he speaks living Truth.
Jesus had no patience with the Pharisees who for a pretense, made long prayers, who scoured the world looking for converts, and led them far from God, with their empty words. (see Matthew 23)
Idle words are not innocent. They are evil.
“You brood of vipers! how can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
The good man out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.
I tell you, on the day of judgment men will render account for every careless word they utter; for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew12)
Do what he does—the way he does it.
In obedience to his Father’s will, he went to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, and gave them hope.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” (Luke 4)
If we are following Jesus, he continues to fulfill this calling through us….
.…as the Father sends people across our path…
.…and as the Spirit leads us to the forgotten ones waiting for an invitation to the Kingdom Banquet.
The seed that fell by the wayside is picked up by the birds.
The seed on the rocky soil withers in the heat.
The seed sown among the thorns is choked out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life.
But the seed on good soil produces abundantly,
because it is undistracted.
Prayer: Lord how we need your help to be undistracted and get on with what you call us to. Give us your mind…help us to think the way you think. Give us longing hearts for the presence of the Father, so we can pray as we need to pray. And Lord may your truth, your goodness, your healing and mercy spring out of our hearts unto our lips. Send us to the lost sheep, to the ones who are waiting to hear a good word, to grasp hope, to be freed from oppression and to see your beauty so they may flower into life in you. Amen. Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber February 2021 . Shareable/printable copy
Featured Artist: Ain Vares (Estonia) at ainvaresart.com
FINDING THE SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1
In a world of growing chaos there is only one place of true sanity:
The shadow of the Almighty.
Covered and protected by God.
Guided by his wisdom.
Sustained by his power.
Apart from the shadow of the Almighty,
everything is ephemeral, fragile, uncertain, melting away in the mist.
The shadow of the Almighty is not easy to find.
It’s like the narrow gate, the narrow road.
“Few there be that find it.”
Yet it’s available to all and worth the search.
We need something more than a temporary refuge.
Something beyond reassuring words.
We need a dwelling place blazing with God’s constant presence.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
The door to this dwelling place is wide open.
All are welcome.
No one is excluded.
When we find it and enter it,
We begin to lose our preoccupation with self.
We become God-conscious 24/7.
We live our days under the eye of our heavenly Father.
We know that he knows our every thought.
We deal with our friends, our neighbors, our enemies, and Lazarus at our gate, aware that the Father’s mercy to us must now flow out to them.
But where is it?
Where is “the secret place of the Most High”?
It has been here since the beginning of time, but now that the Messiah has come, all who seek the Truth are drawn to one place.
The Master’s yoke.
At that time Jesus declared, “I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yea, Father, for such was thy gracious will.
All things have been delivered to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Mathew 11:25-30
If the door to “the secret place of the Most High” is open to all, why is it found by so few?
Only God knows.
But that door is open to us and to all.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Prayer: Oh loving Lord, how beautiful that you the Almighty God, the Most High God, call us to live under your shadow. Help us to seek and find this place…where we are covered, protected, guided, and sustained. May we continue to search until we are there. May we let all go and melt into you, let go of all our anxieties, fears, concerns and finally rest in you, so we may dwell in your presence at all times…lovingly carrying your yoke, because it is your yoke that keeps us in your tender shadow. Amen. Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber June 2020 Shareable/printable copy
Featured Artist: Signe Flink (Sweden) Website: artstation.com/signeflinkart
GET ME OUT OF HERE!
“O that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest!” (Psalm 55)
If only I could fly away.
I’m stuck here in this misery and there is no way out!
Prisoners and refugees know all about it.
So do growing numbers of ordinary folks in a world that gets crazier by the day.
“Lord, get me out of here!”
It’s a legitimate prayer. And it is answered in a thousand ways.
Sometimes the Lord actually takes us into the next world.
Sometimes he strengthens us in our suffering.
Sometimes he sends us straight into the smoke and flames with a burning word.
Sometimes he simply says,
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
But always, the Lord lets us know that we are not alone in this tragic place.
When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. (Isaiah 43)
One thing the Lord Jesus always does when we cry to him for a way out:
He visits us with the power of his cross.
He helps us to die again to ourselves and rise in him with power.
When we die with him afresh he raises us above the confusion into God’s World.
“I am crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2)
Our Lord never promised us a rose garden.
He made clear that we will share in his rejection and suffering.
Suffering
Much suffering in this world is meaningless and absurd.
Much suffering is self-inflicted.
Much suffering comes from the cruelty of those on top of the pile.
But the suffering we experience as we carry our cross is wrapped in the fire of heaven.
It redeems the lost.
It delivers the oppressed.
It judges the powers of darkness.
It prepares the earth for the coming kingdom.
It is perfectly legitimate to cry, “Lord, get me out of here!”
One way or another, God will answer that prayer, and set us free.
Prayer: Lord, as we face the misery, the suffering, the injustice, the darkness, and oppression around us we feel helpless and overwhelmed, we do cry out “get me out of here”. Be with us Lord, help us to slow down and find you in the midst of the waves. Help us not to be consumed by the troubles in us and around us. May somehow, someway we be set free from this suffering as we draw close to you and your peace, your healing, your redemption is released into us and those we touch. Amen. Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber May 2021 . Shareable/printable copy
Featured Artist: Melani Pyke…Niagara Falls Ontario Website: Melpyke.com
GRACE IS A LIFE WE LIVE
“Lord, Lord, did I not prophesy in your name and cast out demons in your name and do many might works in your name”?
“Not only that. I can tell you the exact day I got saved.
I never missed a Sunday in church.
I always voted like a Christian, if you know what I mean.
So why am I out here in the dark”?
We are saved by grace—God’s grace.
But grace is not a ticket we keep in our pocket to get us through the pearly gates.
Grace is a life we live.
Grace is forgiveness.
Grace is God’s mercy flowing not only into us; but out of us.
Grace is Jesus reminding us….
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 7
“Lord, Lord!” makes sense only if we, for all our stumbling and bumbling, are serious about doing what our Lord commands.
Otherwise “Lord, Lord!” might be answered by,
“I never knew you.”
Prayer: Thank you, thank you Lord for your precious grace to us, for your mercy constantly flowing into us. Lord, make our lives ones of us grace, in which your mercy is pouring out of us as well. Keep us from claiming your name and not truly living a life of grace. Oh Lord, continue to call us and guide us… so that when our days are over… we can hear the precious words that you “know us and we are yours”. Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber July 2020 Shareable/printable copy
Featured Artist: Elani Lubbe (South Africa) Website: fineartamerica/elanilubbe
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