Atmosphere

"We are filled with the same presence of God and should look, sound, and feel like Him when people approach us."

SALT IS NOT MEANT to be gathered in the corner of the plate but to be sprinkled evenly across the food. It is seasoning for all that is on the plate. It is also a preservative, commonly used to keep meat from spoiling where there is no refrigeration. Light is meant to eliminate darkness. The greater the light, the less darkness exists. To light a candle then put it underneath anything is counterintuitive. When you remove the light, the darkness returns. And yet, we are told in Psalm 139:12 that God sees clearly in the dark. Nothing hides from Him.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16)

Both of these are pictures of the presence of God (the Holy Spirit) in us and the atmosphere we are meant to bring wherever we go. When Jesus entered the house or spoke on the hillsides, people were amazed by the authority in His words and sought Him out for healing because something was different about Him, although they didn’t know what that was. We, the church, are His hands and feet. We are filled with the same presence of God and should look, sound, and feel like Him when people approach us. We don’t have to hold up a sign or wear a t-shirt (although I have many). We simply live, and Christ in us is evident to those we pass by. One minister told the story of someone healed in the grocery store when they bumped up against Him. How much I long for that to be me. Let the Spirit in me be that strong and the atmosphere of heaven continually surround me to such an extent.

“But, Suzanne, I thought healing took faith.” Healing takes the love of God for people, and there is love in abundance in me. From Jesus’ compassion worked the love of God as the mercy of God. Many … I dare say, Most … did not have faith. They didn’t understand who He was, just that this one was blind, and now, he wasn’t. That man couldn’t walk, and now he was. They saw the miracles which came from His touch and sought even to take hold of the hem of His garment. Jesus preached trust in God because of the love of God. He showed gentleness and kindness. I can assure you that He still does. He is truly the most gentlehearted Savior. But where people did not understand how to believe or know what to believe, where they weren’t connected to Israel and its covenant with God, He healed them anyway. The Syro-Phoenician women even took His commonly spoken insult and responded with assurance. “You can do this for me,” and so He did. Why did He speak an insult? Well, He is the Word and through the Spirit, knew her heart. He is a happy, fun-loving Savior, as well. Don’t let the words “happy” and “joy” trip you up. There isn’t a difference between them besides spelling. It is the joy of the Lord which gives us strength. He cannot give what He doesn’t have.

And we can’t give what we don’t determine to display. If we choose hate and bitterness, criticism and offense, then that’s what people will see. But I want them to see Jesus and, even greater, for the peace of God in me to take hold of them. There are those who will never darken a church’s doors but will take hold of God’s salvation and live, full healthy lives, changing all those around them. There are many in Muslim countries who live for Christ and, I last heard, some 5 million Christians in China where it is forbidden. God can change that. We can change that through our prayers and giving. We are to be generous people, another evidence of the Light of God in us. We are to be as cheerful to share of our resources as He is to give from His. Jesus gave His all, His life and His victory. Now, He gives the blessings of heaven to all who will believe.

And all who our lives have touched, when they didn’t expect it at all.

“And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.” (Matthew 9:33)

“And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.” (Mark 1:27)

“And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.” (Mark 7:37)

“And all the people saw him walking and praising God: And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.” (Acts 3:9-10)

Photo by Samuel Castro on Unsplash


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Suzanne D. Williams, Author
www.suzannedwilliams.com
www.feelgoodromance.com