Sep
18
2009
Just Give Me Jesus
As I consider the last six months (and especially this upcoming Sunday) and how kind God has been to convince me that everything minus Jesus equals nothing, but Jesus plus nothing equals everything, I am reminded of my grandmother who passed away in June 2007. She knew Christ’s companionship like no one I’ve ever known. She reveled in the wrecking power of the gospel day in and day out. She lived life like she had nothing to lose because she knew that, in Christ, she had nothing to lose! This enabled her to live with great freedom, fearlessness, and unbounded courage.
For many, many years I have begged God to make me like her– to give me a sharp mind, a soft heart, and a steel spine like he gave her. I can only hope and pray that as God continues to strip me of everything but Him, I would become more like her.
As she used to always say, “Just give me Jesus.”
47 Comments
Tullian I’m glad for the update on your Dad. That’s evidence of God’s miracle-giving power. May he add this rich blessing upon your Dad’s recovery and soul like he already has. Brother you have people in my circle from my native Texas to rest of this world. You are my preacher no matter where you go in South FL. I remain true to the cause you set out for this church. God comes first of course in my life but everything he ordained I submit myself too. Please continue in your ministry and stomp out with your feet with Jesus radiating through your soul the nasty vices of the enemy that only Christ can’t topple. Blessing to you my brother!
I meant only what Christ CAN topple. Plus I meant that the people in my circle from my native Texas to the rest of the world are praying for this ministry. Typos.
Just wanted to let you know that I’m praying for special grace on you this Sunday. God bless bro…I really appreciate the encouragement watching you lead has been to me.
pastor
thank you for the beautiful song and sharing your life with us. It’s all about Him, Jesus.
We have a similar testamony, as it was my grandmother was very instrumental in my coming to know the Lord.
Back in 1979, when she had a stroke and was taken back to Providence RI from FL. It broke my heart to see her the way she was. It lead me to seek God as I never did before, thereby meeting some Christians from Brown U. who preached to me the Way. the rest is history, I can now say, It’s all about Him. Jesus
God has lead me to pray for you and yours on a daily basis, consider me a prayer partner.
God Bless you in Jesus.
Paul
Amen, Tullian. This video brings me to tears every time I watch it. Praise God for your grandmother’s godly influence, her righteous prayers, and her living witness. Although she is in Glory with our Lord and Savior, her love of Christ and of others still can be seen the work of this life.
I am reminded of the words spoken by Bob Bonham, the pastor who presided at the funeral service of the great Christian author, Catherine Marshall:
“When the sun goes down, the horizon stay bright for a long time. There is going to be a long afterglow to Catherine Marshall LeSourd’s life. The books that were written will go on to become classics in Christian literature. The articles will go on helping people. There are things she has written that will yet find their way into print to bless us. Her touches on our lives will live on, ministering to my children, and my children’s children.”
Only the things done for Christ will last.
Amen and amen.
Dear Pastor,
God is working in our church, your life and that of your family. Praise God for the healing of your father. Stay the course, stay strong, continue to do the things that make you our pastor at CRPC as we believe its God’s call. We love you and will continue to pray for guidance from our Heavenly Father. God Bless you dear brother.
Oh my goodness Tullian, I was absolutely slayed by this! I love Ortega, I sing that song to my step kids all the time. Your grandmother is radiant, I see your beautiful children in her face…and you for that matter. What a heritage you have in Christ. Please know that we are praying for you and your family in ALL areas. Thank you for doing a terrific job in the New Member’s Class. We are honored to be a part of the history making and church building that God is orchestrating. As HE leads, we shall follow…
P.S. I’m reading ‘Do I Know God’ compliments of Kim. What a great resource; thanks for spelling it all out so beautifully, and thank you for the gift Kim.
Rest easy brother; storms pass while new one’s appear, but walking on water is not impossible with our eyes fixed on Jesus.
HE is more than enough. All rubbish compared to Him.
Give me Jesus.
Praying and thinking of you, from Munday Texas.
What a beautiful tribute to your grandmother and the Lord’s faithfulness.
I never had the privilege of meeting your grandmother in person, but I feel like I know her through her writings. I’m not usually much of a poetry person, but your grandmother’s poetry never fails to move me. She was always so humbly transparent and transmits her love for the Lord and dependence on Him so clearly. I look forward to meeting her one day when we’re all together, the day “everything sad will become untrue.”
Regarding this Sunday … I can’t but help thinking of what you told us at New City when talks of the merger began. All you wanted to do was “follow the cloud” of God’s presence wherever it led. It led us to Coral Ridge, and I don’t think it will be moving anytime soon. Know that there are the prayers of many saints going up for this weekend, and for your dad’s continued healing.
AMEN! Brandon, might I suggest this would be a wonderful song for the service on the 27th as we begin afresh to look to Him…
I think my favorite article I’ve ever written was the one I wrote about your grandmother after her passing. She is a true inspiration. I wish I could have met her personally.
I think “Tai-Tai” would be very proud of the way you’ve conducted yourself during these difficult times. You’ve been a role model for so many, teaching us how to be humble, patient, loving and forgiving when people are unkind and say untrue things.
Be encouraged. Whatever happens, we are with you … and more importantly, so is Jesus.
The Tate family in Lake Worth, FL, is praying for you and the congregation at CRPC, especially in preparation for this Sunday’s vote.
Like it says in The Valley of Vision, Pastor Tullian, “Christ became all anguish that I might be all joy.”
In the light of what happened today, thank you for being the one who is encouraging us. I am moved to tears with what you have to say. You are a shining example of one who thinks of others, even in the midst of persecution.
God must truly be doing something big to allow all this to happen. Marvin & I have been & will continue to pray for you, Kim & your children.
I am shock and bewildered about people claiming to follow Christ and being other than. It really greived me to hear about this. This is really a spiritual battle EPH 6:12. But the good news is God has something big in store for you.
So as the bible say’s Rejoice! Acts 5:40, 41, 16:23-25
Heb 12:2 ; 1 Pe 1:7 God Bless You Dr.T
Because I live a far distance from you and I am a member of a different denomination, I only became aware of your ministry because of recent news headlines. Needless to say, I would not have known or read of your inspirational words and your faith in Christ Jesus had it not been for the controversy. Although I know the burden you are bearing now must be heavy on your heart I give thanks for it because as a result your ministry has reached further and has touched more lives than it may have otherwise. May your work for Christ continue and may you understand how your desire to live “Just for Jesus” will win other hearts for him. May God bless you.
What a wonderful example your grandmother was to us all! May the Lord encourage you that he is always plotting your redemption, just like he was during all the difficult circumstances in the book of Ruth. In the midst of it all he was bringing about salvation and the glory of his Son. He is doing the same through you and the trials you face as well. Continue to live in the love of Jesus.
Read your update on your Dad’s condition. He is in our prayers every night. We used to attend the bible studies that he and your mother gave at their home in Coral Springs back in the 80′s. Was invited to it through Steve Brown. Your Dad was always so warm and loving with everyone there. We were always impressed by his Christ-likeness and you just had to love him for it. He also had his office in the same building as our real estate office in the Gasperoni building on East Commercial Blvd. That was a long time ago, but even though we lost touch with him we could never forget him. You are really blessed to have such a wonderful Dad. Rest assured that we and many others will keep him in our prayers and we are believing for a complete recovery with many more years ahead for him where he can spend much more time with you before he goes home to be with the Lord. God bless. We will be praying for the situation at the church as well. You know God is in control and the outcome will be His will — not theirs.
Love, in Christ,
Marge & John
Was reading through some of your grandmother’s poems tonight and couldn’t help but be encouraged by this one, so I wanted to share it.
“The Lord shall fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.
Look up, O you of little faith;
Let doubting cease.
The battle is the Lord’s; He works in a mysterious way.
Tis not by might, nor power, but see His spirit move today.
Unprofitable servants we;
Our duty done, we must look to Him for victory.
So … be still, and trust.”
Wes I don’t want to get off track but my outreach choir from Midland, TX called “Spirit Wind” sang in your town of Munday, TX back in the 90′s on a regular basis as we traveled West Texas. I would like your email to we can correspond. I am thrilled that Tullian’s message is reaching to all ends of the Earth, especially Munday, TX which is near a town called EARTH, TX. Radical how God’s reach expands the globe. Drop me a line sometime. Redraider200057@yahoo.com and no Tullian I don’t mind my email being published on here.
Absolutely beautiful! We are with you brother … back to back & side to side!
With love,
Sam & Laura K.
Tullian,
That may be the most moving thing I have ever witnessed via the internet. Thank you for sharing your heart, your heritage, your faith and your family with us. We love you.
P.S.
In regards to Sunday another song comes to mind by Ron Kennolly. It goes “it is fun to see, so fun to see, satan lose. Jesus is the winner, mon. . .(it has sort of a Caribbean tone).
Tullian,
What a wonderful tribute to your grandmother! you have people around the world praying for you! Keep looking to Jesus. The battle is HIS and He knows how to deliver the righteous and protect HIS church.
Keep preaching the WORD and watch what God will do!
Thank you, Tullian.
Everything minus Jesus IS nothing; it’s a privation.
Tullian,
Remembering you in prayer, especially for tomorrow, Sunday. Do not be afraid. The greater thing for you to do, my friend, is to place your heart and mind and spirit in the hands of God today. Pray for those who disagree with you. God’s will has some difficult stretching involved. He is in control, though. “The horse prepares for battle, but victory belongs to the Lord”, says Proverb 21:31. Be of humble confidence in our sovereign and grace-filled Lord Jesus.
Yours in the prayers,
Matt
As my own mother and grandmother have often said, “Time is on the side of all truth and all good things.”
I know what it is to lead a church through great controversy and crisis. God is with you!
I will be praying for you and for your family and for the church you serve!
Acts 14:21-22 ESV When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch (…and to Ft. Lauderdale!), (22) strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.
May the sweet Presence and peace of Jesus be yours…overflowing!
your new england friends…
Thanks for the beautiful remembrance of your grandmother, Tullian. I’d love to see more footage of her life.
You and your immediate family – and CRPC, your “extended” family – have been in my prayers all week, and will continue to be through the meeting tomorrow.
Isn’t it great to know Who’s in charge, and that He’s sovereign & knows what’s best for us?
Chuck
As I sit here begging God to help me keep a firm grip on what I know to be true, I listened to the foundational truth in this song – and I wept.
I wept tears of confession for my weak faith, tears of desperation for precious family members who are losing focus on His sovereign goodness, tears of weariness in the battle that rages (not just here, but wherever our dear ones are found), tears of grief over the far reaching injuries that come from sin;
and then He gave me tears of relief at the security to be found in the eternal scope of His unchangeable plan, tears of thankfulness for the sufficiency of His person and work, tears of anticipation for His redemptive work to continue to unfold.
If there are any tears left, I’m asking Him to make them tears of joy – Joy that He included us as He called out a people for His very own and joy that His purposes for us cannot be thwarted.
You have taught us well that as He empties us of everything else, we have a greater capacity to enjoy Him. That is enough. Give me Jesus.
(PS – I would really appreciate another box of Kleenex.)
Dear Kim and Tullian,
My prayer for you is that the faith that you both have, coupled with the grace that we know is sufficient, would render you a most peaceful Saturday!
We will ALL be there tomorrow with major love in our hearts for you, understanding the great sacrifice you have made over the last year from the inception of this merge. When it comes right down to it, all that matters is that we remain the family of God He has called us to be…not where we do it!
Your Friend,
Robin Revier
Tullian, greetings from Canada. We don’t know each other, but I saw you interviewed on the Canadian television program 100 Huntley Street and on Life Today, and I’ve interviewed or worked with several of your extended family members. I just learned about the issues at CRPC through some Internet research, then I subsequently learned about your father’s grave illness when reading this blog.
Let me say how very sorry I am to hear about all of this news, and the incredible stress you have been under. I am praying for you and your family, and that you will be given wisdom, grace and strength.
Sadly, most of us who have a lifetime of involvement in churches, in Christian ministry and in Christian leadership have similar stories to tell about “church troubles.” The details of the individual stories are always different, but the effects are always the same: pain, stress, disappointment, frustration, anger, disillusionment… and confusion about what God’s will possibly can be in all of this mess.
Our energies — which should be spent in positive ways and united efforts to further the Kingdom and bring glory to God — are instead used up in trying to put out fires, damage control, rebutting untruths, trying to rebuild what has been torn down.
The end result, for whichever “side” we’ve been on, means that no one “wins” any of these battles. Both sides are always left limping and carrying the scars.
The only thing we can do is cling to Christ, and examine our own hearts to keep ensuring that our will is to do God’s will. I pray that some resolution results, so that one way or another, you can move forward in a positive direction to serve the Lord. May it be some comfort to you to know that even in Canada, people you don’t know are praying for you.
In regards to your situation at church, I just learned about it today and my heart goes out to you in what you are facing. Last year I also faced a vote of confidence on my leadership because I did not preach about our need to “take America back for God” and other political manners as did my predecessor. I lost my job over it and I’ve been searching for a new position since then. It is hard to suffer for doing the right thing, for following the voice of God rather than the opinions of men. I just want to encourage you to stay strong to your convictions from God’s Word and stay close to Jesus through it all. I will be praying for you as you go through this trial tomorrow. Be strong and courage in the Lord my brother!
Dear Tully, I didn’t know anything about you until I happened to be doing a search for a bible phrase that was in my mind when I awoke this morning: “Consider my afflictions…” My background is Armenian Orthodox Christian… I’ve been blogging the daily readings for my Episcopal church in NYC (see website). But we (you and I) seem to agree with the idea that our focus is on Christ. From all sides of a political divide. I want to send you my prayers today. I hope you will take a look at my blog and tell me what you think. I’d like to learn more about you and your ministry; I’ll look for your books. With best wishes, Janine
Tullian’s grandmother knew better than most that a higher plan was always in progress. And knowing these plans to be far above the thoughts of men, she purposed to fix her eyes on the one closest to her soul. It is here she wisely found her most peaceful refuge, away from the bewilderment that comes from the surmising of strategies and outcomes. Surely many great saints of old must have been mystified at the paths they faced that appeared inequitable and unreasonable. Yet every unstable step was, in fact, secure, planned, and ordained long beforehand in the depths of the sacred workings of the Holy Trinity. Have we no other recourse at times but to lay our heads on the bosom of our most faithful Jesus? Ruth Graham epitomized this pursuit to a watching world. And now that her beloved grandson is facing the monumental waves of uncertainty in the next few days, let us be reassured that his steps are indeed certain, fixed, and predetermined in Jesus. No matter what the way, there is no surer place to be…
PGM, Becky, Wendy from Canada . . .I am thankful for your insightful comments which apply to so many areas of life as well as this current situation. You have ministered to me today and I am praising my Father in heaven.
Thank you for the updates on your Dad’s condition, and the precious video from your grandmother’s service.
We are grateful to Jesus for the honor and privilege of calling you our Pastor. We continue to “Pray without ceasing”, on behalf of you and your family…
Blessings,
Rick and Sandra Cahill
The Lord bless you and keep you
The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
Number 6:24
PS You can count on my vote!
Jesus shall reign where’er the sun
Does his successive journeys run;
His kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
Till moons shall wax and wane no more.
To Him shall endless prayer be made,
And praises throng to crown His head;
His Name like sweet perfume shall rise
With every morning sacrifice.
Blessings abound wherever He reigns;
The prisoner leaps to lose his chains;
The weary find eternal rest,
And all the sons of want are blessed.
Let every creature rise and bring
Peculiar honors to our King;
Angels descend with songs again,
And earth repeat the loud amen!
Grace from Memphis,
jb
Tullian…
Hey brother…its been since RTS days since I’ve seen you. Want you to know that I am praying for you. After reading JT’s post on your situation, you’ve been on my heart in a major way. Please give Laurie & I’s best to Kim and your fam. I’ll be praying tomorrow.
Grace to you my brother,
Jim Black
Tullian
All over the world Christians are praying for you and your family and for a stronger than ever before church going forward. Love your service to Jesus – keep preaching, keep trusting, and keep rejoicing.
Blessings
James
1 Corinthians 3:6
I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.
Excellent job today Pastor! -Reviers
Greetings from the Volunteer State! Twenty years ago today, my own beloved grandmother went Home. During my morning prayer time, I read her favorite Bible verses and reflected on her life. She left a wonderful legacy, just as your grandmother did.
JESUS LOVES YOU
And we love you too
Tullian,
I am not an official member of Coral Ridge but have been attending since Easter Sunday service. I first heard you on the radio and I got so excited to hear the truth of God’s word being proclaimed from a church right here in South Florida rather than Illinois or some other long distance place that I cannot get to. I said to my self, where is this church? (I have been looking for a church that proclaimed Christ’s fame for a long time). I got so exicited I called my brother in New England and said, Danny, I heard this awesome message and I found the pastor at New City Church. He said to me, I was just surfing the web and found a church for you to check out and the name of the church is New City. Well, needless to say with a witness like that, I ran to the service the following Sunday, only to find the church was in the midst of a merger. I followed you to Coral Ridge. But when I followed you to Coral Ridge, it was not the man I was following, but the Christ that the man knew. I have sat at Coral Ridge each week since Easter feasting on the Word of God. Having been wandering in brown pastures for some time now, desperate to find my way back to green pastures of days gone by, God’s word coming from the pulpit at Coral Ridge has brought me cleansing, healing and renewed hope that He is able, Him who redeems our lives from the pit and crowns us with lovingkindness and compassion is the Christ that I hear about at Coral Ridge. I thank God for your teaching. I cannot vote today as a member of Coral Ridge, but as a member of the Body of Christ, my vote is a yes Lord yes Lord yes Lord yes!!!! Stand strong, be courageous. Having read 2 Chronicles 15, 1 – 7 after I left church this morning, I thought of the many disturbances afflicting the inhabitants of the Church and verse 7 ended with “But you (Pastor Tullian) be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work.” I have no doubts that your reward will be the witnessing the weak becoming strong again, the prisoner set free, the lost saved and name and fame of Jesus Christ exalted!!! Thank you for leading and pressing on in the midst of much trial and difficulty.
Abundant blessings,
Josephine
Amen! This song along with the story about your grandmother brings me to tears. Thank you for being “so real” and sharing.
I know this is late but today I just heard of your struggles and came upon your blog. I had a wonderful “granny” who had an amazing gift of love – the ability to love the unlovable. At her casket I told our pastor, “I want a double portion of her love.” He smiled really big and said, “If you follow on to the Lord, you will receive.” When you wrote, “For many, many years I have begged God to make me like her– to give me a sharp mind, a soft heart, and a steel spine like he gave her. ” I feel led to share the same wisdom with you, “If you follow on to know the Lord, you will receive!” But be careful what you pray for! I prayed that prayer at age 35, I am now 50, little did I know what would transpire in my life to bring that love about but by HIS grace alone I can see that HE is indeed blessing me with that my heart’s desire.
He has given me a jail ministry and I am loving the unlovable by HIS mercy and there are many other ways HE is working in me! As a woman in the Bible belt of East TN, they don’t take too kindly to women who minister, even the women! So HE has given me a love for the unlovable children of God because as you know, they can say some pretty hurtful & mean things. That’s ok, I’m sure Jesus smiled back when they spit on HIM, we are here for the ones we can’t help and for the ones we can – to be an example of Christ. Christ IN US – the Hope of Glory!
If you know that you know you are called BY HIM, follow on to know HIM more and more brother – WHERE EVER IT TAKES YOU or I should say, “where ever you are willing to LET it take you!” Don’t ever forget Romans 8.28, “Now we know that for those who love God all things are working together for good—for those, I mean, whom with deliberate purpose He has called” (WEY). He is awesome and oh so worthy to be praised!
All glory, honor, power and might be unto our God forever and ever!
Lisa
Dear Tullian, I have been praying for you up here in Pa. I have always loved Ruth and Billy and I even have some older book thet your Mom wrote on serenity. I have your book on Worldliness that Sovereign Grace ministry has encouaged us to read. Billy’s grandaughter Windsor goes to our church at Covenant Fellowship of which I am a member. I loved your tribute to your Grandmom and her encouragement..just give me Jesus. Thank you so much for that tribute and song that was posted. I also just found your blog and will return.I especially appreciated your Christlike response to all that has been going on in your life and how your grandfather gave you such sound advice. When all is passed,you will be left standing and I see that you are still preaching !Read Is54;10-17 andIs51:12-16 and thank you for your example. It is encouraging to me to help me respond to a very painful situation within my own family in Christlikeness. Under His Mercy,Colleen Isabell