Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary Life
What's it all about?
Progress ... I looked out the window this morning, saw fresh snow on
the car and didn't whine. I even remembered to say a little prayer of
thanksgiving. Another small step made in the process of a faith walk.
Our Christian faith walk is a process and completed at the same time.
Ultimately, it has very little to do with us.
How can I say that? If it isn't about us, then what's it all about?
After all, we're the ones who have to live with the process. We're the ones
who struggle with making the choice to obey or not hundreds of times a day.
We're the ones who face being estranged from family and friends because of
our faith. Surely it has everything to do with us.
The reality is that once we've accepted Christ, we're made righteous in
the eyes of Christ. We've been prepared to be in the presence of a Holy God
for all eternity.
But whatever was to my profit I now
consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a
loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord,
for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may
gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that
comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the
righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.
Philippians 3:7-9 NIV
Christ died to make us His family.
In bringing many sons to glory, it was
fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make
the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. Both the one who
makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus
is not ashamed to call them brothers. He says, "I will declare your name to
my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises."
Hebrews 2:10-12 NIV
If that's the case, why doesn't He simply take all the believers home
once they accept Him? Why leave us behind to fall on our faces and struggle?
We've got a guaranteed gate pass to the afterlife with Him so why not simply
redeem it for us?
Our faith walk is to show others about Christ. As people see us change,
some will be drawn to a relationship with Him and He will be brought glory. I
think the Westminster Larger Catechism captures it well when it says:
Question 1: What is the chief and highest end of man?
Answer: Man's chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy
him forever.
Catechisms aren't the same as Scripture; they are simply man's attempt
to explain the workings of God in a concise way, to define what it is that we
believe. So what does the Bible say? Scripture echoes the thought that our
purpose is to glorify God.
We're the salt and light so that other people "may see your good deeds
and praise your Father in heaven."
"You are the salt of the earth. But if
the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no
longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. "You
are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do
people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its
stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let
your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise
your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16 NIV
Jesus commission to the disciples was to go tell others about Him.
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All
authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and
make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I
have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the
age. Matthew 28:18-20 NIV
Jesus told us to love so that others would know we were His.
"A new command I give you: Love one
another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men
will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
John 13:34-35 NIV
Everything we do and everything we face is an opportunity to share with
Jesus with others through our attitudes, our actions or our words. The world
is hungry for hope, healing, love and forgiveness. They are watching even
when they say they are not.
When you're struggling with life's ups and downs, take heart. Remember,
you're part of a much larger picture, a piece of a giant puzzle. The way you
react can draw others to be safe in the Father's arms forever.
Until next time, rejoice in whatever comes your way. You have the
privilege of bringing glory to the Creator of All Things, to the Most High
God. You are part of an eternal plan to bring many sons [and daughters] to
glory. Whatever you face pales in comparison to the things you are a part of.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)!
Kevin
YOU ARE
Once you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are
Christ's brother [or sister]
In bringing many sons to glory, it was
fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make
the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. Both the one who
makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus
is not ashamed to call them brothers. He says, "I will declare your name to
my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises."
Hebrews 2:10-12 NIV
Never let the enemy tell you that you are worthless or insignificant.
You have value in the eyes of God so great that it was worth dying for. You
are a blessing to the world.
Are you looking for purpose and meaning in life? Having a personal
relationship with Christ makes you part of the most incredible plan of all
time, the redemption of people and their eternal salvation.
If you
haven't made the decision to accept Christ as Lord
(CLICK
HERE NOW)
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