SAILING - Part one
Sailing needs water and wind.
We need the wind of the Holy Spirit to sail on the waters of this world.
Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Revelation 21:1
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:7-11
WIND - HOLY SPIRIT
It is necessary to determine the direction of the wind all the while you are sailing. That is the reference point from which everything else is determined.
The spirit of an individual is revived by the Holy Spirit of GOD, when he/she is born again by receiving the forgiveness offered by the LORD JESUS. Such a person has the direction and the power of the Holy Spirit to live a victorious life on earth.
The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."
John 3:8
SAIL - SOUL
We have no control of the wind, but we have control of the sail. The sail can compare to our soul that comprises of the intellect, emotion and will of our mind.
If you want to make use of the power of the wind for your journey, you must learn the skill of getting the main sail up quickly and safely! As Christians who are connected to GOD through the Holy Spirit in us, we must learn to quieten our soul and bring it under submission to the Holy Spirit. This is spiritual 'Trim'. Only then can we live a victorious Christian life.
However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. John 16:13
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Romans 8:5-6
MAST - MASTER JESUS
Vertical pole on which the sail is hoisted.
This can be likened to the cross on which our LORD was crucified.
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20
SHEET - FAITH
Habakkuk 2:4
For we walk by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7
BOOM - HUMILITY
A horizontal pole that extends from the base of the mast, to which the base of the mainsail is attached.
The boom swings from side to side and is used to control the trim of the mainsail while sailing. This also helps to adjust the speed of the boat.
Boom injuries are the most common injuries in sailing. When you turn the boat suddenly while sailing, you must make sure to duck your head, to prevent being hit by the boom! The swinging boom with the full force of the wind can hit a head that is in the way, so hard, that it can cause great injury and bleeding and even death! It is necessary to be aware of such a danger from a boom!
The boom teaches about humility. Especially when we are enjoying a free sail with the wind, if we are not careful to be humble, pride can hit us hard on the head, causing great spiritual injury and spiritual fall!
Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
Romans 12:16
Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:5-7
BOW - HEAD
The front of the boat.
We must constantly renew our mind according to the word of GOD so that we may head in the path of righteousness in humility. We must surrender our will to the LORD in worship so that we may live a victorious spiritual life.
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.
2 Corinthians 10:3-6
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
LUFFING - RESISTING THE HOLY SPIRIT
Heading the front of the boat, which is called the bow, into the wind so the sail flutters and the boat slows.
This way of sailing can be compared to the arrogant attitude of standing against and resisting the Holy Spirit. Such a person's soul flutters and is restless.
The wicked plots against the just, And gnashes at him with his teeth. The Lord laughs at him, For He sees that his day is coming. The wicked have drawn the sword And have bent their bow, To cast down the poor and needy, To slay those who are of upright conduct. Their sword shall enter their own heart, And their bows shall be broken. Psalm 37:12-15
NO-GO ZONE - CONTRARY TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
This direction of sailing is also referred to as 'In Irons'.
Sailing directly against the direction of the wind is impossible.
None can fight against GOD and win. It is wise therefore not to resist the voice of the Holy Spirit when he speaks from within us or speaks through others.
As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" Then the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads." So he, trembling and astonished, said, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" Then the Lord said to him, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."
Acts 9:3-6
"Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation"-- because they said, "He has an unclean spirit." Mark 3:28-30
HULL - BODY
Floating part of the boat. The body.
As long as we have life in this body, we must use it to glorify GOD and fulfil His purpose for our life. We must offer ourselves to GOD, spirit, soul and body so that He might live and work through us. Then our lives will be profitable for the Kingdom of GOD.
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2
KEEL & BALLAST - TRUTH
The keel is a flat blade that protrudes from the bottom of the boat into the water. it also holds the ballast - the weight. These give stability to the boat and prevent it from swaying side to side and from tipping over while sailing.
We must understand that although we are spiritually minded, yet we live in the flesh, with all its weaknesses and limitations. This truth enables us to be understanding towards the physical and emotional weaknesses and needs of others. Without this understanding, we cannot live our Christian life, effectively reaching out to others. Interestingly, the role of the keel is very important, especially while sailing 'Reach'! The LORD JESUS is our example.
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
Philippians 2:5-8
I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. John 17:15-17
James 2:15-17
Remember the prisoners as if chained with them--those who are mistreated--since you yourselves are in the body also.
Hebrews 13:3
It is the truth of GOD's word that keeps us stable while progressing in this world towards our eternal destination. The girdle of truth which is a part of the soldier's armor gives us the balance and stability while taking our stand and while marching.
STERN - SUBMISSION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
It is the rear of the boat. The shape of it influences the hydrodynamic force that propels the boat forward in the desired direction.
When we live in obedience to the LORD JESUS by submitting to the Holy Spirit, we progress in the path of righteousness with peace and rest.
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30
RUN - MOVED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
When you are sailing downwind in the direction of the wind, the energy and power you need to move is released by the wind. You need to only turn the boom so that the sail is in the right direction and to trim the sail. Then it is a RUN!
When we submit our mind to move in the direction of the Holy Spirit, we will progress towards the LORD JESUS. Then we also experience the strength and power to live victoriously and find peace and rest to our soul. We will pray, speak, work and walk as led by the Spirit of GOD.
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Acts 1:8
for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:21
REACHING - REACHING OTHERS
Reaching is when you are sailing at right angles to the direction of the wind. The wind blows over the side of the boat.
Just as the LORD JESUS lived for others and died to save mankind, we also must live to reach others with the love of GOD.
Then Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men." Mark 1:17
To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily. Colossians 1:27-29
RUDDER - TONGUE
A blade or fin that is mounted to the base of the stern on a hinge. The rudder is controlled by a tiller and is used to steer the boat in the right direction. you must understand the reactions of the boat on the water to the tiller, so that you can handle the tiller correctly.
The words our tongues speak that come out of our mouth, are an indication of what is in the heart and hence show the direction we are progressing in our spiritual life. Even the truth should be spoken in love.
Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!
James 3:4-5
Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man."
Matthew 15:17-20James 1:26
Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit.
Psalm 34:13
And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness And of Your praise all the day long.
Psalm 35:28
TRUE WIND - GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT
The speed and movement of the real wind that is not affected by the motion of the observer.
It is very important for us to be very sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, especially when operating in the gifts of the Spirit. Any soulish motive or wrong attitude should not alter, take away or add to anything the Spirit says. The prophetic words, words of knowledge or wisdom should be accurate, like the 'True Wind'
However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.
John 16:13-15
Do not quench the Spirit.
Do not despise prophecies.
Test all things; hold fast what is good.
1 Thessalonians 5:19-21
DYNAMICS
The two external forces operating on the boat are caused by the water (hydrodynamics) and wind (aerodynamics).
Similarly, while living on this earth, we face the pressures of the world and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
While sailing, the boat is subject to four different forces.
1) The weight of the boat pushes it downward.
2) The buoyant force of the water pushes it upward.
3) The drag which is the backward pull of the water.
4) The wind that pushes it forward.
Galatians 5:17
Ephesians 4:1-4
Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.
1 John 4:17
1 Corinthians 8:11-13
"But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Matthew 18:6
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