My Mavin

I learned a new word recently, "maven". Here is the definition:

"In network and social theory, a maven is someone who has a disproportionate influence on other members of the network"

The church, the Body of Christ is certainly a "network". And to be functioning properly in this "network", I need to be sure my Maven is Jesus Christ. When we make someone else more influential than Him, even if it is a good mentor, leader or pastor, we will not walk in His paths like we should.

I know about that verse in Hebrews that says, "obey those that have the rule over you". That verse sure seems like it is giving someone else permission to exert an awesome amount of power over another. That could not be further from the Truth!! Really, that verse is saying, "allow yourself to be influenced by those who have earned your trust." This verse was never meant to imply that anyone should have more influence on us than Jesus Christ, our Elder Brother. And this is especially true when "leaders" are walking in a way that disrupts the peace of God that is to rule our hearts (that is to be the true ruler)

Jesus has reserved for Himself to be the ultimate Mavin in our life. Here are some wonderful statements that establish this fact:

WHO IS HE?

The Lord is......

In Genesis, He’s the breath of life, Exodus the Passover Lamb
In Leviticus, He’s our High Priest
In Numbers, fire by night, Deuteronomy He’s Moses’ voice
In Joshua, He is salvation’s choice
In Judges, law giver, in Ruth, the kinsman Redeemer

In First and Second Samuel, our trusted prophet
In Kings and Chronicles He’s sovereign
In Ezra, a true and faithful scribe
In Nehemiah he’s the rebuilder of broken walls and lives
In Esther He is Mordecai’s courage, in Job the timeless redeemer

In Psalms He is our Morning Song
In Proverbs wisdom’s cry, Ecclesiastes the Time and Season
In The Song of Solomon, He is the lover’s dream
In Isaiah He’s the Prince of Peace, Jeremiah the weeping prophet
In Lamentations, the cry for Israel

In Ezekiel, He’s the call from sin, in Daniel the stranger in the fire
In Hosea, He is for ever faith-ful
In Job, He’s the Spirit’s power, in Amos the arms that carry us
In Obadiah He’s the Lord our Saviour
In Jonah, He’s the great missionary, in Micah the promise of peace

In Nahum, He is our strength and our shield
In Habakkuk and Zephaniah, He is pleading for revival
In Haggai he restores the lost heritage
In Zechariah our fountain, in Malachi He is the Son of Righteousness
Rising with healing in His wings

In Matthew Mark, Luke and John He is God, man and Messiah
In the Book of Acts He is the Fire from Heaven
In Romans He’s the grace of God , in Corinthians the power of love
In Galatians He is freedom, from the curse of sin
In Ephesians, our glorious treasure, Philippians the servant’s heart

In Colossians, He’s the Godhead
In Thessalonians our coming King, in Timothy, Titus, & Philemon
He’s our Mediator and our faithful Pastor
In Hebrews, the everlasting covenant,
In James the One who heals the sick

In First and Second Peter, He’s our Shepherd
In John and Jude He’s the Lover, coming for His bride
In the Revelation He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords
The Prince of Peace, the Son of Man, the Lamb of God
The Great I Am. He’s the Alpha and Omega, our God and our Saviour

He is Jesus Christ the Lord
And when there is no night ..........He is!

And to me He is....

Almighty ... Omnipotent King ... Lion of Judah ... Rock of Ages ... Prince of Peace ... King of Kings ... Lord of Lords ... Provider ... Protector ... Paternal Leader ... Ruling Lord ... and Reigning King of all the universe.

He is Father ... He is Helper ... He is Guardian ... and He is God. He is the First and Last ... the Beginning and the End.

He is the Keeper of creation and the Creator of all He keeps.

He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times/ages. He is the Savior of the World. He always was, He always is, and He always will be! Unmoved, unchanged, & undefeated!

He was bruised and brought healing. He was pierced and eased pain. He was persecuted and bought freedom. He was dead and bought life. He is risen and brings power. He reigns and brings peace.

The world can't understand Him, the armies can't defeat Him, the schools can't explain Him, and the leaders can't ignore Him.

Herod couldn't kill Him, the Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, the people couldn't hold Him. Nero couldn't crush Him, No one can silence Him, man's religion can't replace Him, orators & professors can't explain Him away.

He is Light, Love, and Lord. He is Goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God. He is Holy, Righteous, Mighty, Powerful, and Pure.

His ways are right, His ways are perfect, His word is eternal, His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me.

He is my Redeemer, He is my Savior, He is my guide, and He is my peace. He is my joy, He is my comfort, He is my Lord and He rules my life. I serve Him because His bond is love, His burden is light, and His goal for me is abundant life.

I follow Him because He is the Wisdom of the Wise, the Power of the Powerful, the Ancient of Days, the Ruler of Rulers, the Leader of Leaders, the Overseer of the overcomers and the Sovereign Lord of all that was and is and is to come.

And, if that seems impressive, how about this?

His goal is a relationship with ME!!!

He will never leave me, never forsake me, never mislead me, never forget me, never overlook me, and never cancel my appointment.

When I fall, He lifts me up.
When I fail, He forgives.
When I am weak, He is strong.
When I am lost, He is the way.
When I am afraid, He is my courage.

When I stumble, He steadies me.
When I am hurt, He heals me.
When I am broken, He mends me.
When I am blind, He leads me.
When I am hungry, He feeds me.

When I face trials, He is with me.
When I face persecution, He strenghtens me.
When I face problems, He comforts me.
When I face loss, He provides for me.
When I face death, He carries me.

He is with me always!! Nothing I can do can ever separate me from his love. Nothing is too big for Him. Nowhere can I go that He is not there .

He is everything for everybody, everywhere, every time and in every way. He is God!! He is faithful, I am His and He is mine. And, here is the reason I feel so secure: God said it and that settles it. God is in control, I am on His side, and that means all is well with my soul!!

"Glory to God in the Highest,

Peace of earth, and good will toward men." Luke 2:14

"...that God may be all in all." 1 Cor. 15:28

..."the God of the whole earth shall He be called." Is. 54:5