“I Have Overcome” John 16:33

Hey Friends,

Sometimes the greatest trials in our lives bring the most inner prosperity. When things are going good, we tend to rest in the conveniences of good times. We can forget how delicate and fragile life is and our reliance on the Holy Spirit can become deadened. We begin to rely on the earthly support of things and relationships. We can begin to build our house on this world again.

Then, a subtle or strong wind blows the house of cards (the earthly circumstances) down, and we become devastated.

Philippians 4- Renew your concern

Paul wrote that he was content through “good” or “bad” times because of his connection to God through The Holy Spirit- (verse 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength).

When things in this world are going “well”, we can also become insensitive to other saints earthly conditions.
We don’t want their tough times to darken our good mood.

Perhaps if we use those blessings that God has given us which created our “good mood” to improve someone else’s situation, we would be revived ourselves. Perhaps as we give away that which was lent to us, we will grow wealthy in so many more important ways.

When you are feeling joyful, share that joy with someone who needs it. That joy can prove to be prophecy to someone who only sees bad days ahead.

When you are excited about success, share that success with someone who has been struggling to sustain themselves.

When you are friend heavy, share some of those friends with someone who needs one.

When you are blessed, bless others. Then you will have plenty of help when you need it.

It will come from the Lord. Those people you blessed may or may not have anything to do with the help.

Verse 19 My God will meet all your needs, according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

The good thing about bad times, is experiencing the inner peace with God.

The voice that whispers “I will never leave you”.

Sometimes, God wants to come to our rescue when there’s nothing else we can hold on to.

He may send the friends you’ve blessed over the years. Or maybe a new friend.

Let’s be renewed in our concern for one another.

I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? Luke 16:9

We hope you come out tonight.

Have a great weekend.

Peace, Chris Bonner

Last night at the Journey was another powerful night. There were more connections made with the some of you in the streets. We have had some video difficulties, and are behind in the production of our movies. However, we hope to be up to date soon.

Philippians 3 verse 2
Who are today’s mutilators of your flesh?
Back then, it was Pharisees who were trying to assimilate into “The Way” (the early church), but were stuck in tradition and the law. They hated the fact that God was being worshipped in a new way, free from all the rituals and traditions that they and their ancestors were yoked with. They wanted Gentiles to be circumcized and follow some other customs of Judaism.

Perhaps today, young and old people are having difficulty coming to Jesus because of authority figures who are also twisted in there “religion”. Young people are told to do things “my way” instead of “the right way” or “God’s Way”. When hypocrasy in authority is exposed, then authority is ignored. All the good intentions that traditional religion had for humanity is resented by young people who may have experienced the “holyer than thou”, surfacey righteousness; and the finger pointing of judgement. And yet, where was the Love of Christ?
And also, let’s face it, usually the ones throwing the stones have the most to hide.

Paul says in verses 7 to 8, that whatever he did according to the rules of religion was rubbish compared to knowing Jesus. Everyone wants to be loved. Everyone wants to be loved. I’ll say it again, everyone wants to be loved. If people only knew who Jesus is, they would want Him too. He is the true manifestation of Love.

Let’s drop the religion, and lift up Christ!
Let’s stop showing off our nice, clean shiny religion, while on the inside we are filthy.
Some of the most beautiful church buildings are empty most of the time.
Not ours, by the way.
The Journey meets at a church that is not where most of us serve on Sundays.
It is a beautiful old building.
But the Pastor of Main Street Baptist is kind enough to encourage other ministries to use the building as well.
He wants the building used by God and His representatives.
Because the Pastor knows that it is not the beautiful building that changes peoples’ lives, but the love of Christ that gives new life.

Perhaps if we allowed God to strip us of our pious facade, we would be more transparent. Perhaps the Love of Christ would more easily ooze out of us, if we didn’t have all this religious make-up on.

Well brethren and sistren, (sounds so religious, doesn’t it?) you are beautiful saints. It is a joy getting to know you. I am humbled to even be saved. And then, to be a friend of Jesus? I don’t deserve it. I am glad He isn’t picky. He wants ALL MEN AND WOMEN TO BE SAVED. That means you.

Are you a friend of Jesus? Ask Him over. In fact, He’s outside your door right now, knocking.

Open it…. Don’t be afraid…. He chose you…. He knows you, and loves you just the way you are.

Have a good time. Things will never be the same again. And that’s a good thing.

Peace and joy to you friends of Christ.

Love, Chris Bonner

Hey Fam,

I was charged by verses 14 to 16 where Paul tells his readers to shine like stars in this crooked and depraved generation.
What makes stars so beautiful is the darkness around them.
As this world becomes darker and sin is on the increase, those called by God will gaze upon the beauty of Christ radiating from you. The light of truth and hope and perfection of Christ will draw them to you.
You will cause their eyes to look up to the Savior who is calling them to salvation.

The only thing that prevents the stars from being seen in the night is clouds and fog.
In the same way, our sin becomes a filter or vale over the brilliance of Christ in us and makes seeing His beauty in us more difficult.
Those being called by God may not see the light in you if you allow the fog to remain.

Repent from the fog of bitterness, resentment, sadness, anger, envy, and lust.
Allow the Holy Spirit to blow it away, so the light that is in you will be seen.

I sometimes forget who lives in me is greater than anyone else on this planet, including myself.

He will complete the good work in you.

Your life is hidden in Christ.

Don’t let Him be hidden in you.

Praise God those loved by Him.

Shine baby shine!!!

Peace and prosperity in the Spirit,

Chris Bonner

Dear Sojourners,

Philippians 1
Verse 6 – He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

This is always a wonderful truth about God. When His Spirit comes to dwell in you, you are His forever.
And He never gives up on you, even when you give up on yourself.
Even when everyone else thinks you are a loser, He is trying to restore you to victory.
He does whatever it takes to bring you back.
It hurts sometimes getting brought back.
Especially when we’re kicking and screaming. We bang into things on the way.
Or we refuse to let go of the world so that God can continue to transform us into what He knows we really are and what He wants us to become.
It hurts letting go of what we know, sometimes.
But it hurts even more holding on.
My grandfather laid Rail Road tracks for a time in his life.
He lost a finger when he held on too long as the others dropped the track.
I don’t want to miss out or lose anything by refusing to let go.
Especially a finger. Sorry grandpa!

We need to let go of this world to receive what is best for our lives.
His plans are perfect.
Paul says later in this letter:
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Let go of this world and grab on to Jesus!

Let Him take you to the limit.

Love, Chris Bonner