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

 

FINDING FLAWS

They’re easy to see.

Especially in other people.

Especially in “religious” people.

But once we begin seeking God, our skill at finding flaws becomes a hindrance.

It blinds us.

It becomes a log in our eye.

So we turn away from the distraction of flaw-finding…

…and lift our eyes to the heavens, looking for help.

Seeking Truth that heals the mind.

If God held our flaws and sins against us, where would we be?

He does not deal with us according to our sins, 

nor repay us according to our iniquities. 

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, 

so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; 

as far as the east is from the west, 

so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

Psalm 103

The way is opened.

The barrier of our guilt has been removed.

All we need to do is draw near and receive new life.

For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.  (John 3:17)

Behold the Lamb of God,  Who takes away the sin of the world.(John 1:29) 

Behold him.

Draw near to him.

Follow his light.

Prayer: Yes Lord, help us to truly behold you as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, who came not to condemn, but to save, who removes transgressions. Convict us for finding flaws in others, for dwelling on their faults instead of seeing them covered by your mercy. Help us to rejoice that you remove transgressions as far as the east is from the west in those we find fault in. Help us to see our hard hearts as a hindrance to drawing near to you, as a hindrance to beholding you and dwelling in your presence. Help us to let go of our own guilt, as well as the judgment we place on others so that we may draw near and receive the light you have for us. Amen.
Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber  2012  Printable/Shareable Copy
Featured Artist: Courtesy and kindness of Gertrud Deppe  
Website: gertrud-deppe-art.de/
#Don’tJudge #BeholdHim #FindingFlaws #Getheplankoutofyoureyes #john317 #nottojudgetheworldbuttosave

MANIFESTING MY POWER 

OR MANIFESTING MY LOVE?

“Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”

His amazing grace comes with an unnerving judgment.

Amazing Grace

His arms are held wide open by the nails as he welcomes you into the Kingdom of Divine Mercy.

But keep in mind that the minute you step through the door of that Kingdom,

Jesus’ mercy not only welcomes you… 

It claims you as it’s servant.

 You, who have been received by Amazing Grace, are called upon to live in that Grace.

 The Lamb who laid down his life for you—

—for you as if you were the only one on earth— because he loves you with unspeakable love, 

….now calls you to walk in love in your dealings with people—all people.

 Jesus’ question to each of us…

    is not… 

“Are you manifesting my power?”  

But…    

“Are you manifesting my love?”

By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.  But if any one has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?  Little children, let us not love in word or speech but in deed and in truth.

I John 3:16-18

 “On that day, many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’  And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you….'”  

Matthew 7: 22-23

Unnerving Judgment.

Prayer: Lord, sweet Lord, Oh how grateful we are for your amazing grace, for your mercy towards us. Such love, such mercy. Help us to live in your grace…to remember it when dealing with others, especially difficult people. Help us to be a servant to your divine mercy, to keep our hearts ever open…ready to pour out the same love you poured into us. Help us to reject any theology, belief, state of mind, even so called words of faith… that sees our relationship with you as a means to manifest power and yet excuses us from manifesting your mercy. Yes, convict us with an unnerving judgment when we claim your power, do mighty works in your name ….when you truly don’t know us because our hearts are closed and dark and we choose to not live in mercy. Amen.
Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber 2003…Originally titled Amazing Grace, Unnerving Judgment  Printable/Shareable Copy
Featured Artist: Courtesy of Ramone Romero
Website: Ramone Romero blogsot…also on Facebook and Instagram
#DivineMercy #FightingDevils #Power #ManifestMercy #AmazingGrace #Judgment #Judgement #DidWeNotCastOutDevilsInYourName #INeverKnewYou

WAS THAT GOD?

It wasn’t an audible voice.

It wasn’t a feeling.

   A thought?

   An urge to do something good?

   An inspiration to take a step into kindness I never took before?

 Now the word of God came to me saying,

“Before I formed you in the womb,

I knew you.

And before you were born

I consecrated you.”

                     Jeremiah 1:4-5

The difference between a hallucination and a word from God:

A hallucination lures you into an unreal world.

A word from God guides you out of your illusions…

     ….into the real world.

When a word visits your heart that calls you to take the high road…

….follow its lead!

 Before long you will recognize the voice of God.

“My sheep hear my voice,

And I know them,

And they follow me,

And I give them eternal live,

And they shall never perish,

And no one shall snatch them out of my hand.”

                                 John 10

Prayer: Lord, help us to recognize your voice. Help us to hear you calling us, guiding us into the real world… to do the right things, the kind things, the merciful things, the healing things, the things you consecrated us to do. May we always follow your lead knowing that by acting we are bringing your life, your healing, your will into this world…so many can know you God. Amen.
Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber  2016  Printable/Shareable Copy
Featured Artist: Courtesy and kindness of Godwin Amavi from Accra Ghana 
Website: facebook.com/godwinamavi
#wasThatGod #IKnowMySheep #HearingHisVoice

GIVE ME SOME PEACE!

I’ve heard enough bad news.

I’ve seen enough strife.

I’m weary of the lies that bombard my soul.

 Lord, give me some peace!

If we’re waiting for the peace of tranquil circumstances, we may have a long wait.  

  The peace we really need is not the peace of tranquil circumstances….

…But a Peace that washes over the soul and holds it safe in the midst of the storm:

  The Peace of God.

This gift you can have even now, if you turn toward its Source and yield your will to His.

 Ask for his peace. 

 But ask for it with the joy of expectation.

Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I will say, rejoice!

Let all people know your forbearance.

The Lord is near!

 Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

 And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7

Prayer: : Lord, we do ask for your peace. We know since you are near us through all things, no matter what, that we can find and dwell in your peace. Help us continually to see how near you are and how good you are. Help us to continually choose to trust you and to rejoice in your presence, help us to continually yield to your peace instead of our fears. Yes, keep our hearts and minds in you. And knowing this we shall find joy and true peace. Amen.
Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber 2015  Printable/Shareable Copy
Featured Artist:  Christopher Marion Thomas
Website: fineartamerica.com/profiles/christophermarion-thomas

#PeaceofGod #BadNews #DwellInPeace #safeinthemidstofstorms

IF THEY’RE IMPORTANT TO GOD…. 

If they’re Important to God….

They better be important to you.

 Many believers are totally blind to certain folks that “don’t seem to count for much.”

     Big mistake!

People who “don’t seem to count for much” are high-priority with God.

They may come to your soup-kitchen

They may receive a basket  from you at Christmas.

You may even pass them a dollar or two from time to time.

     But do you see them as peers?

       Does your eye tend to look down upon them?

        When they speak, do you pay attention?

 
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.

Matthew  5 

When the King returns, he will treat them with high honor.

 Those who failed to treat them with honor will pay a terrible price.

 I dwell in the high and holy place, And also with him who is of a contrite, humble spirit.    (Isaiah 57)

Prayer: Lord, we confess our hard, arrogant hearts, our habit of looking down on the poor, the less fortunate, those who struggle and live in hard circumstances. Forgive us, help us. Help us to see them as deserving high honor. Help us to see your very heart within them, you who are high and holy …. And yet dwelling in them and loving them because of their circumstances. Help us to see and treat them as exceedingly precious and important to you and to us. Amen.
Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber  2016  Printable/Shareable Copy
Featured Artist: Corinne Vonaesch
Website: www.c-vonaesch.ch/

WHY IF THERE IS A GOD?

Why, if there is a God, does he allow evil to tear nations apart and destroy lives?

Why does he allow lies to prevail, as people deceive and are deceived?

The answer, my friend, is not “blowing in the wind.”

It’s buried in our hearts.

Where would we be without the mercy of God?

But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord, one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  The Lord is not slow about his promise as some count slowness, but is forbearing toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

II Peter 3

Forbearing toward you.

Waiting for you to see the light and turn.

Why waste time second-guessing the Eternal God, 

….when he is waiting for you to come home to the truth?

…The truth about your own spiritual state.  

…The truth about your own desperate need.

 “You hypocrites!  You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?

Luke 12

Prayer: Lord as we see the suffering in this world and our hearts question…why? Why? Help us to sense your forbearance and mercy. Help us to come to the truth of your great patience towards all mankind. Open our hearts to be filled with wonder and awe instead of questions. Amen.
Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber 2016  Printable/Shareable Copy
Featured Artist:  Ramone Romero
Website: Ramone Romero blogsotalso on Facebook and Instagram

REJOICING, YET SORROWFUL 

In our fellowships there is great rejoicing. 

Rejoicing in our worship.

Rejoicing in our prayers.

Rejoicing in the victory of the cross.

Why should we not rejoice?

But do we know how to be sorrowful along with our rejoicing?

Sorrowful for the suffering that surrounds us on all sides.

Sorrowful for the devastation of fire and flood, famine, plague and war scarring the earth.

Sorrowful for the hardness of our own hearts.

Jesus rejoiced that the Father revealed the kingdom to those babes—his disciples.

Yet he wept over Jerusalem.

Jesus knew with joy that he was about to raise Lazarus from the dead.

Yet he wept before the tomb.

Along with joy there was always an undertone of deep sorrow as our Lord walked the earth.

Surely he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.

But he was wounded for our transgressions,
he was bruised for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that made us whole,
and with his stripes we are healed.

Isaiah 53

In this world, joy in the Lord is always tempered with sorrow.


Sorrow over Jerusalem.

Sorrow over our own spiritual blindness.

Sorrow over the pain and sadness of this troubled world.

The joy of the Lord is our strength.


The sorrow of the Lord is our wisdom.

Our Lord’s joy and his sorrow are held together by his love.

So it should be with us.

Even while we rejoice in the Lord, we cry out with all who suffer; beseeching the Lord to come down and heal and restore.

How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? 

How long will you hide your face from me? 

How long must I take counsel in my soul 

and have sorrow in my heart all the day? 

How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? 

Consider and answer me, O LORD my God; 

light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death, 

lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,” 

lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken. 

But I have trusted in your steadfast love; 

my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. 

I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me.

Psalm 13

Prayer:  Yes, Lord may we rejoice, truly rejoice in who you are, in your goodness, your majesty, your mercy, your kindness, and in your masterful creation…but in the midst of our happiness, our blessings, and our rejoicing may we never forget the sorrow that this world is covered in. May we never forget that you mourn as well, that you weep, and that all suffering breaks your heart. So, we join our hearts with those who suffer, who mourn, who are broken in every way. Lord, remember them. Show your face and mercy to them. Carry them through their troubles. Be with them in their sorrow. Rescue them, heal them, restore them. Carry them into your heavenly realm when their time has come. And may this weary world rejoice together because you do carry our sorrows and you do heal us with your stripes…and your very tears bring us the glories of heaven. Amen.
Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber July 2021   Printable/Shareable Copy
Featured Artist:  All art via permission and grace of Sanctified Art…various artists featured in order. Joy Comes in the Mourning by Carmelle Beaugelin, Jesus Wept by Hannah Garrity, Tear Open the Heavens and Raise Your Heads by Lauren Wright Pittman, Make Your Face Shine (A weary World Rejoices) by Lisle Gwynn Garrity, and Rend Your Hearts by Lauren Wright Pittman. 
Website: Sanctified Art

ORGANIZED RELIGION VS. SPIRITUALITY

Who can deny it?  Organized religion is sinking, and spirituality is on the rise.

Organized religion is clergy dominated.

   Spirituality is grass-roots.

Organized religion is forever raising money.

   Spirituality is free of charge.

Organized religion is wrapped in tradition, doctrine, and numberless rules.

   Spirituality is free-floating and private.

So why wouldn’t one choose spirituality over organized religion? Yet what’s the real difference?

For most people organized religion and spirituality

 are simply two ways to avoid God.


I have a choice:

I can pick out a church that suits my needs, and find a measure of comfort and security for my daily life.

Or I can go down by the ocean, meditate and find a measure of peace in this world of conflict.

But have I found God? 

Has God found me?

God called out to Adam in the Garden, “Adam, Man, where are you?”

And Adam and Eve scurried into the bushes.

They had eaten of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

They had become their own gods.

To this day God keeps calling, and we keep running for cover.

We prefer idols, gods we can manipulate.

We turn to religion, spirituality, anything to avoid responding to the call of heaven.

But God is still calling.

The door to God’s World is wide open.

All we have to do is forsake our delusions.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Matthew 5

God may lead me to a church.  

He may direct me to a motley crew down by the river.

Once I am in God’s kingdom, I am no longer alone. 

 I belong to all who are answering the call of heaven.

“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trodden under foot by men.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid.

Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Matthew 5

God will lead us in the Way Everlasting, if we keep answering his call.

 
Prayer: Lord, dear Lord help us to stop running from your call, using religion and/or spirituality to stand in for opening our hearts completely to you. Give us hearts that yearn for you, that can’t be satisfied until we are in your very presence. And Lord as we find you, as we allow ourselves to be saturated with you, bring us to others who are answering the same intense call of heaven. Lord, make us light, make us salt, help us to embrace the beatitudes, to embrace your Ways wherever you lead us, whether to a church, the streets, a hovel, a field, or in the splendor of your creation. And yes, we will know that no matter where we are, we will never be alone. Amen.
Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber 2020  Printable/Shareable Copy
Featured Artist:  Rolf Jansson via Good Salt license
Website: Good Salt

#organizedreligionvsspirituality #Callofheaven #HaveIfoundGod #Clergydominated

JESUS IS NOT OUR CHAPLAIN

HE’S OUR SHEPHERD AND OUR KING

We would like Jesus to be our chaplain.

To help us in our disputes. 

To boost our morale, make us feel good.

But Jesus is not here to be a chaplain and settle our disputes.

One of the multitude said to him, “Teacher, bid my brother divide the inheritance with me.” But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or divider over you?”   (Luke 12)

We would like Jesus to boost our morale like a faithful chaplain.

But he’s not here to make us feel good.

And behold, one came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? One there is who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” He said to him, “Which?” And Jesus said, “You shall not kill, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All these I have observed; what do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions. 
(Matthew 19)

Jesus is our Shepherd

He leads us out of darkness into light, brings us from the power of Satan to God. 

He speaks to us and guides our steps. 

“My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me.”

John 10

 Our Shepherd is kind, but he is also firm.

 Our Shepherd is unspeakable love, but he is also consuming fire.  

Jesus is our King

He is Lord of our life. 

He rules us by the power of Truth, and burns away all our deceit.

 “So you are a king?”

 “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Every one who is of the truth hears my voice.” (John 18)

 When we have a Shepherd and a King, who needs a chaplain?

Prayer:  Jesus, caring shepherd and all powerful king may we stop seeing you as a way to make our lives easier, a way to get things our way. Instead, may our hearts melt at the tender care you give us, may we trust where you lead us, may we snuggle into your loving arms. At the same time, may we be awed by your majesty, bowing before you…ever willing to carry out your holy commands. Yes our king, our shepherd may we hear and heed your voice. Amen.
Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber November 2020  Printable/Shareable Copy
Featured Artist:  Graciousness of Chris Powers 
Website: Full of Eyes

THE AUTHORITY OF HEAVEN—

   —THE HUMILITY OF CHRIST

“All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations….”

i.e. “By my authority you can do this.”

 However, we can minister with our Lord’s authority only when we are clothed in his humility.

Religious authority is robed in ecclesiastical splendor.

Legal authority is robed in the power of the state.

Corporate authority is robed in the mystery of mammon.

 Kingdom authority is clothed in the humility of the Lord Jesus.

 By a word…..

he heals the sick,

opens the eyes of the blind,

brings good news to the poor,

frees the captives from Satan’s grip.

Such authority is not given to anyone lightly.

It is safe only in the hands of those ….

….who are under the yoke,

….who are learning from the Master to be meek and lowly in heart.

“I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou has hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yea, Father for such was thy gracious will.”   (Matthew 11:25)

“Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.  You are witnesses of these things.  And behold I send the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city, until you are clothed with power from on high.”        (Luke 24: 46-49)

Prayer: Lord, how wonderful, perfect, and holy that your authority is found in humility. How beautiful. Lord give us the vision, the faith, the urge to clothe ourselves in the humility you call us to. Teach us Lord to be like you, meek and lowly of heart. Help us to remain yoked with you. Lord, we cannot truly disciple others without this beautiful gift from heaven. We cannot bring healing and living water to others without it. We will do as you command and wait…wait until we are clothed with power from on high so that in humility we may unleash your holy power into this earth. Amen.

Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber 2007  Printable/Shareable Copy
Featured Artist: Courtesy of Jane Spencer
Website: The Secret Place via Facebook

WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO?

Violence is increasing.

Chaos is spreading right up to the front door.

The Movers and Shakers are in gridlock and can’t get anything done.

Everywhere you look, things are falling apart.

So what am I supposed to do?

Read the signs and act accordingly.

“When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, `A shower is coming’; and so it happens.And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, `There will be scorching heat’; and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky; but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?

Luke 12:54-56

The signs say, “it’s getting late!”

The Spirit says, “Wake up, and listen to the Voice of the Master….and get things right—with God, and with your neighbor.  

And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? As you go with your accuser before the magistrate, make an effort to settle with him on the way, lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer put you in prison.  

I tell you, you will never get out till you have paid the very last copper.”

Luke 12:57-59

Prayer:  Yes Lord, help us to wake up and listen to your voice as violence, chaos, gridlock, injustice, and sin are increasing. Instead of bemoaning and being overcome by these things, help us to know what to do. Help us to get things right with you and with all those we interact with. Lord, help us to continue dealing justly and mercifully with others, to continue doing what is right. Help us to remember to live in and to thrive in your faithful love that endures all things…forever. Amen.
Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber 2016   Printable/Shareable Copy
Featured Artist:  First two images by Lars Justinen, the last image by Darrel Tank all via a Good Salt license 
Website: Good Salt

NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS…..

….out there in the world,

No matter who gets elected,

No matter where war breaks out next,

You still have yourself to deal with.

How will I face the day opening before me?

What will I do for the people who need me?

Where will I go with this wealth of mercy I’ve been given?

There is a need to focus on the essential…which is:

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning, Great is they faithfulness.

“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore will I hope in him.

Lamentations 3

No matter how confusing and chaotic the circumstances,

Our first priority is to take care of the requirements of the day which opens before us.

 In ourselves we are inadequate.

But God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness.

“If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will and it shall be done for you.  By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”   (John 15)

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to abide in you no matter what happens. Despite the sadness and bad news in the world, we open our hearts to you today. And yes, show us what to do for the people who need us and where to go with the mercy you have poured into our lives… today… no matter what happens. Lord, you are our portion, you are our great hope… today…no matter what happens. We ask that we are worthy and faithful disciples to you today and that we glorify you… today in every way we can…no matter what happens. Amen.
 Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber 2012  Printable/Shareable Copy
Featured Artist:  Courtesy of  Rex Deloney
Website: RexDeloney.com

COMING TO LIFE

Do the dead know they’re dead?

  Not the kind Jesus talks about when he says,

“Let the dead bury their dead.”

We walk. 

We talk, 

We worry and fret….

… Unaware that we’re existing in a world of shadows.

We only realize how dead we were, 

    when we begin to emerge from the darkness.

All it takes is a Word from Him.

He calls us by name, and we awaken.

He sends us to the pool of Siloam to wash, and suddenly we see everything with new eyes.

“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)

Sometimes we drift back toward the darkness, 

unaware that we are losing touch with the Source of our life.

Again he speaks.

We hear his voice calling to us through the morning mist…

“Come and dine!”

 He feeds us, O how he feeds us with living bread!  

And then he gives us a chance to make a fresh start….

Do you love me?” …..   “Feed my sheep.”

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me,

Bless his holy name!

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

    Psalm 103

Prayer:  Lord, wake us from this death we find ourselves wallowing in. We have been starving ourselves and not taking what you offer us. We’ve been focused on the darkness around us and on the darkness simmering within us. We cannot feed your sheep when we are starving ourselves. Help us to take and dine on the living bread you have for us now…if we would only reach for it and open our mouths and hearts to it. Fill us, fill us until we are so full, so renewed, so refreshed, so satisfied that thanks for your healing, your love, your tender mercy, your sweet life… pour out of us as food for your despondent sheep. Amen.
Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber (early 2000’s)   Printable/Shareable Copy
Featured Artist:  Courtesy of  Chris Powers
Website: Full of Eyes

YOU SHALL BE MY WITNESSES

To be a witness is much more than being like a witness in a courtroom…

…Much more than talk….

  …The word “witness” and “martyr” are identical. 

A witness is a life spent….a life offered up. 

“You shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all Judea, Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Notice, Jesus is not saying, “Try to be a witness.”  Or “Learn how to be a witness.”  

“You shall receive power with the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you shall be my witnesses….” (Acts 1)

So what is a witness? 

A disciple with a gift of gab?  

A believer who can work miracles?  

A disciple with a “Type A personality”?

A witness to Jesus…. 

…. Is a person whose life is being transformed by the Spirit into a life like his ….

…. into the life Jesus describes in the Sermon on the Mount.

When you receive the Spirit and walk in the Spirit, your life becomes an incarnation of Matthew 5, 6, and 7.  If this is not happening, you either have not received, or are not obedient to the Spirit. 

A life that is:

  1. Quick to repent.  

“If you bring your gift to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift at the altar and go.  First be reconciled with your brother, then come and offer your gift.          (Matthew 5:23-24)

  1. Faithful to God in the sexual area.
  2. Faithful to God with money.
  3. Faithful to God with your mouth.  Speak the truth, and don’t back it up with oaths.
  4. By the Spirit’s power you love your enemies and pray for your persecutors.
  5. You keep your piety between you and God.
  6. By the Spirit’s power you seek the kingdom first, and trust God to provide.
  7. You do not judge and condemn.
  8. You rely on the Spirit to give you discernment so that you do not cast your pearls before swine.
  9. You match your life to your message.

We witness to the Lord Jesus first with our lives…

… and secondly with our mouths.

We soak our minds in his mind, until we begin to think like he does.

Begin to pray John 17 until it is seared into your memory….and becomes your heart and life.

You don’t learn to be a witness through training and techniques.  

You either are a witness or you are not.

It’s not how many times you say, “Lord, Lord,” but whether you are doing the Master’s will.

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.  And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”   (Matthew 7:21–27)

Walk in obedience and you are a witness. 

And when it comes time to speak, your words will have the authority of heaven. 

The issue is not, how many souls have you witnessed to today?  

But….

Have you been walking in the light today in the place where you are?

“This is where I am today.  The Spirit of the Lord in me is my light for this day.  I will be alert and act on the things I believe he is calling me to do today:  to pray for people, to connect with people, to take care of the work and chores of this day.”

 
Prayer: Oh Lord, how we long to be your witnesses. We offer our lives to you. May your Holy Spirit come upon us and empower us so our minds and hearts are so entwined with you that we can’t help but be obedient. Bring us to the point that we love you and adore so much that we choose to follow you in every area of our life. And yes, may your words be so seared into our memories that we naturally live them. And may your truth, light, hope, healing, love, and holy power fill us with the authority of heaven so our lives will be a witness to you each day. Amen.                                                                                    Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber 2011   Printable/Shareable copy 
Featured Artist:   Courtesy of  Ross Boone Website: Raw Spoon

JUST PASSING THROUGH

 Our great-grandparents have their turn.

 Our grandparents have their turn.

 Our parents have their turn.

    And we have ours.

We’re all just passing through.

 We’re here….and then we’re gone.

 Gone where?

As for us, our life is like grass.We grow and flourish like a wild flower;  then the wind blows on it, and it is gone—no one sees it again.

But for those who honor the Lord, his love lasts forever, and his goodness endures for all generations of those who are true to his covenant and who faithfully obey his commands.  (Psalm 103)

 The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting….

 … upon them that honor and revere him.

 That mercy does not end in death.

“He is not God of the dead, but of the living.” Jesus said to (the woman at the well), “Every one who drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst; the water that I shall give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”   (John 4: 11-14)

Prayer:  Oh Lord, may our hearts turn to you, and honor and revere you as we are passing through. During these short lives we have, may we find and dwell in your everlasting mercy, your goodness, your steadfast love. May we faithfully obey you and keep your commands. May we drink of the water you offer us…so we can find life now, as we pass through, so that your love and mercy will follow us for eternity. Amen.            
Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber 2007  Printable/Shareable Copy
Featured Artist:  Courtesy of Kate Austin
Website: Christart. UK

WHAT NEXT!?

 Anxiety: the fear that tomorrow will not be safe.

      And who isn’t anxious these days?

As we look at our own lives…

As we watch history unfold before our eyes…

It’s like sitting on the rim of a volcano.

The volcano is rumbling.

It’s boiling.

When will it blow?

And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep.  And they went and woke him, saying, “Save, Lord; we are perishing.”  And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O men of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.  (Matthew 8:24-26)

 Life in this world is uncertain.

We are surrounded by danger, seen and unseen.

Death waits to meet us, and the path beyond death melts in mist.

         Yet the Master has no sympathy with our anxiety.

         He says, “Why are you afraid, O people of little faith?”

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  As it is written, “For thy sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,  nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  (Romans 8:35-39)

Prayer: Lord, as we experience storms, as we see chaos and uncertainty unfolding around us, and even when we feel we are on the precipice of disaster… help us reach for and embrace a faith that will lift us from fear into completely trusting in you. And a certainty that nothing, nothing can separate us from your love, and that we have no reason to fear because we are yours. Amen.                Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber 2015    Printable/Shareable copy 
Featured Artist:  Generosity and courtesy of  Chris Powers Website: Full of Eyes

THE BIG PICTURE

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4

Many of us are so busy trying to persuade God to give us “the desires of our hearts,” that we’ve lost our ability to “delight in him.”

Get hold of the big picture (delight yourself  in the Lord), and the little picture (and he shall give you the desires of your heart) will take care of itself. 

   The Big Picture:

       Our Father who art in heaven.

       Hallowed be thy name.

       Thy kingdom come.

The Little Picture:

       Give us this day our daily bread.

The Little Picture:

What shall we eat?

What shall we drink?

What shall  we wear?

How will I pay the bills?

How am I doing?

The Big Picture:

         Seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness.

         Stop taking your spiritual pulse.

         Lift your eyes beyond your own spiritual victories and defeats.

Look to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world

         …. and he will bring you into the Big Picture.

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead.  But he laid his right hand upon me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one; I died, and behold I am alive for evermore.”                               

Revelation 1:17-18

Prayer: Oh Lord, help us turn our hearts away from the little picture, our focus on our needs, our desires and things we need and want. . Oh Lord, bring us to see the big picture. Help us to get to the point that the greatest desire in our lives is to delight in you. That beholding your glory, your goodness, your mercy, your beauty, your creation is our desire, our thirst, our delight. That standing in awe of you, hallowing you, honoring you, revering you is the breath we breathe. That choosing righteousness, following your way, listening to your direction, seeking you in every aspect of our lives is our act of worship for all you are. Thank you, thank you for being so worthy. Amen.             Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber September 2019   Printable/Shareable Copy
Featured Artist:  Kind permission of Melani Pyke
Website: melpyke.com

THE FIRST STEP TOWARD PEACE OF SOUL….

God has already done the heavy work.

         He has taken your guilt upon himself and drained it

But you won’t know peace until you draw near.

And to draw near to God, you have to forsake your present location:

The Judgment Seat.

The Judgment Seat belongs to God.

He alone is the Lord of Justice and Mercy.

Trust him to deal perfectly with all wrong, all evil, including your own.

Forsake the Judgment Seat and draw near to the Mercy Seat.

Cast down your life at the feet of Holy Love. 

To walk through this world ruled by the Peace of God, here are three words of counsel from heaven itself:

Judge not, that you be not judged.

 Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.

Come to me all you who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.

Why should we waste our years playing the role of Judge, when the true Judge is able to deal with all wrongs without our help?

Why should we carry the burden of other people’s wrongs, when we haven’t taken our own guilt to the healing cross?

Thou dost keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee,

Isaiah 26:3

Prayer: Lord, Lord…oh how we forsake the peace you have for us by choosing to fill our hearts with judging those around us. Forgive us Lord. Help us to forsake the judgment seat, release us from the burden of our judgments. We cast the sin of our hardened- judgmental hearts before you. Take this burden from us, so we can truly draw near and find rest in your merciful hands. Keep our hearts so focused on you that all we have room for is to be saturated with your holy love and the perfect peace you have for our souls. Amen.   Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber 2009    Printable/Shareable copy
Featured Artist:  Kindness and courtesy of  Ramone Romero Website: ramone-romero.blogspot

CHANCE

 Chance?

It happened by chance?

 Or was there an Unseen Hand behind this event?

Was that Hand vindictive?

Or was it redemptive?

Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.  Before the mountains were brought forth or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.   (Psalm 90)

How long will it take us to learn that there is no such thing as chance?

For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die;

A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted….  (Ecclesiastes 3)

 God intends for us nothing but good.

His heart is unspeakable love.

Holy love.

If you want to look into his face and hear his voice….

….Seek to know Jesus….

First-hand, Directly, Alive from the dead.

He is closer to you than your breath….

….waiting for you to call on his name. 

Prayer: Lord, when you move in our lives, when you intervene, when you speak to us…may we not see it as chance but see it as divine mercy and compassion. May we look up from these “chance” encounters and see your face, hear your tender voice in them. May all the chance encounters in our lives open our hearts to your loving presence and your personal concern so we can call on your name and fall on our knees in awe. Amen.             Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber September 2011  Printable/Shareable Copy
Featured Artist:  Kindness and courtesy of  Ramone Romero
Website: ramone-romero.blogspot

WHY SHOULD I CHANGE?

Why should I change?

I Like myself the way I am.

   Well of course, if you’re content, stay as you are, and make the best of it. 

But those of us who are dissatisfied with “the way we are” keep looking for the missing link, the “thing” to fill a vacuum within.

  We’re spiritual discontents, on a search for Reality.

  We’re willing to pay any price to get closer to God.

To hear his voice.

To live in his presence.

To know his peace.

     Jesus claims to be the way to all this.

“Follow me, and you won’t be walking in darkness any more.  You will have the light of life.”

“But Master, how can I be sure that this is true?”

 “You will never know until you follow.”

Prayer: Lord, may we be dissatisfied with living without You. Give us the hearts to want to change, to reject darkness, to want to walk in Your light, to follow You….dear, Lord. Help us to see change as part of drawing close to you, knowing you, living in the presence of your eternal goodness and mercy, and finding life like we’ve never had before.  Amen.   Maranatha Mirror

 

 

Message: Richard E. Bieber 2005    Printable/Shareable copy
Featured Artist:  Kindness and courtesy of  Ramone Romero Website: ramone-romero.blogspot

SPIRIT  LED…..OR MARKET  DRIVEN?

When our Lord Jesus warned us to beware of false prophets, he put the responsibility on us to discern the difference between a false prophet and a true one. 

         We will not be able to excuse ourselves by bleating, “But I didn’t realize!”

 False prophets are clever. 

They are inspired by the Prince of this World, who knows how to “get results.”

They take the truth of God and, with an imperceptible twist, exploit it for their own ends.

They harness the Kingdom of God for the creation of a personal kingdom, always designated as “The Lord’s Work.”

The test:  Is this “Ministry” Spirit led or Market Driven?

Does it revolve around Jesus Christ and him crucified?

Are its leaders nailed to the cross?

Does it inspire you to deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Jesus all the way?

Are the misfits of the world found at its banquet table?

Or are we looking at another “Christian Enterprise?”

 —driven by the market.

—utilizing the latest marketing techniques.

—with plenty of money changing hands.

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.  You will know them by their fruits.”

Matthew 7:15-16

For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word; but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.   

II Corinthians 2:17

Prayer: Dear Lord, give us the discernment to know when a ministry is being led by greed and a drive for fame and growth. Make us wary of such enterprises. Keep us from becoming captured into their snares and free those you love who are tangled in their traps and being manipulated by these ravenous wolves. Nurture ministries and leaders that are truly doing your work, carrying your cross, rescuing the lost, and bringing your living water to the world.  Amen.     Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber September 2005  Printable/Shareable Copy
Featured Artist:  Kindness and courtesy of O Yemi Tubi
Website: o-yemi-tubi.pixels.com

LIKE THE DAYS OF NOAH 

One thing’s for sure:  It won’t be the talk of the town. 

In Noah’s day they thought he was mad and went on with their lives.

In our day those ominous predictions are simply boring.

We’re bored when the children keep shouting, 

 “The planet is starting to fry!” “Things are out of control!”

Who cares? 

We’re bored by the doomsday prophets who see nuclear disaster up ahead. 

 “Madmen control nuclear stockpiles!”  “It’s only a matter of time before some fool presses the red button!”

Who cares?

 Crackpots keep shouting, “The End is near!” And we roll our eyes.

“For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they did not know until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of man.” (Matthew 24)

 Jesus keeps it simple.

 He just says, “Pay attention”.

 “See that no one leads you astray.”

He gives no time frame. Jesus simply stands at the door of the Kingdom and keeps saying, “Come on in!”

 Once we enter the Kingdom, we’re ready for the final hour, no matter when it comes.

Meanwhile

We keep our eyes on the kingdom and our hearts on the King.

We walk in his light.

We practice his mercy.

We speak the truth.

We love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves.

 And let the fire fall when it will!

Prayer: Lord, may we not be like those in the days of Noah…having a “who cares” attitude or blinded to the troubles in around us and ahead of us, blinded to the sin and the raging of the world. May we heed your call and pay attention and not be led astray by anyone. May we be ready for this time by continually residing in your presence. And yes, keep our eyes and hearts on you, loving you and others with all that we have, constantly ready to pour your mercy into those around us….knowing that when and as the fire comes we are under your loving care.  Amen.   Maranatha Mirror
Message: Richard E. Bieber 2021 Printable/Shareable copy
Featured Artist: Courtesy and kindness of Ain Vares Website: ainvaresart.com

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