Some say they are unworthy of God's consideration, and they convince themselves that they are not acceptable vessels for God's grace or to do the Lord's will. My response to them is this... who are we to judge... even to judge ourselves? By what authority do we determine our worth? You see, we are saved because God loves us, not because we loved Him. Grace is a one-sided covenant that is given by God. We don't earn it, and yet we receive it. How wonderful is this gift of grace.
How loyal are we to our Lord Jesus Christ? Are we inclined to say "absolutely!” but then catch ourselves pausing the television on some terrible show filled with foul language as we are browsing through the channels. Are we really serving God faithfully when such things as this happen, or are we walking a fine line between righteousness and the basic human desires and instincts of the old fallen person we once were?
Am I working hard enough and practicing my faith with enough diligence and dedication so that I will, at last, be called a mature son of God? Is my faith increasing, and my everyday life reflecting that increase, by exhibiting the true character of Jesus? Everyday life doesn't grow easier for the Christian, but it does grow more certain spiritually, and robust in belief and faith.
I went to sleep at my normal early hour last night, but I was awakened in a sweat, having been unsettled by a dream. I was worried about my teenage grandson who is at a crossroads in his life and is having a particularly rough time determining which way he should go. Through the Spirit, I knew I had been given this dream to comfort me and to teach and guide one of my grandsons. God often speaks to me through dreams it seems, and I felt that this was yet another of those occasions.
Do we include the Lord in all of our plans? Do we consider him in the minutest details of our lives? Is He not only our God in the grand plans of life, but the friend who walks beside us throughout the day, and sits with us in the evenings to talk over the smallest details that have transpired? This is our contemplation today.
This morning we are celebrating Independence Day in the United States and as a natural born resident, I think about the significance of this celebration to me as an American citizen. But what this leads me to is an even deeper consideration of the meaning this day, the fourth of July, has for me and how it compares to the day that I announced my personal independence from all kings and rulers with the exception Jesus Christ to whom I pledged my belief and loyalty... on that day I became a naturalized citizen, not of an earthly country or anything of this world, but of God’s heavenly realm, I became a Christian.
I am more than just a sinner in the general sense; I am a person who commits very specific sins. It is easy to make the open-ended statement "I am a sinner", but God wants to deal with each of us regarding our specific sins. We are led to understand what our sins are when we stand in the presence of God.
This morning let’s ask ourselves the same question that the resurrected Jesus asked Peter repeatedly... “Do I love Jesus?” And, as we hear those words ringing in our ears, let’s think about what love truly is. Then, knowing love, let’s measure the depths of our ability to love and ask yet again, “Do I love Jesus?” Finally, as we continue our exploration into what Jesus truly wants from us let’s ask for a third time... “Do I love Jesus?” Do we know the answer? Are we worshiping, obeying, and following what Jesus expects of us out of love? Is our love the same one that He asked Peter if he had?
My devotional reading this morning was titled "Let Us Keep To The Point", and built on Pastor Oswald Chambers' personal challenge of giving "My Utmost for His Highest". It presses the argument that we should yield to God's will always, and in every instance... without question. The apostle Paul instructed the Philippians on how to live in the will of God as we live our lives. He spoke to them about living a life with Jesus and aligning ourselves with God's will... without fear of death.
Carrying anger or hatred in us for long periods of time, that is my concentration this morning. Do we resolve issues quickly and move to forgiveness in a timely manner or are we suffering as we carry that unforgiven baggage day after day. What does God's Word tell us about this?
I am looking at my life this morning in such a way as to identify those things that are stumbling blocks to my faith. I am asking myself a few simple questions such as... Am I separating myself from the thoughts and temptations that stand between God and me, and is my life focused sufficiently on Jesus such that it is cleansed of those encumbrances to my faith in God?
Being true to the Word of God involves dealing gently with those who we come in contact with, especially as we spread the good news of Christ's love and sacrifice. This will be our concentration this morning; how we are to turn the heart of a fallen or failing soul without losing the patient in the process.
Are we placing our focus on the eternal, or concentrating our efforts on those things that are fleeting, and that will fall away? Is our pride in the possessions we have in this world, at the demise of our spiritual faith and soul which live forever? This is my thought today as I seek to redirect my attention more completely towards the most important treasure of my life… my belief and faith in God and His Son Jesus Christ. Will you join me?
Are we reluctant to claim the grace of God in all aspects of our Christian life? Do we attempt to walk the Christian way while only calling on the grace of God when we stumble or face insurmountable hardship? If so, are we really trusting in Him, and are we praying without ceasing? Is He actually first and foremost in our lives when we allow our will and desire to supersede His in our everyday activities? Is this the relationship we are attempting to establish with Him?
How many times have we experienced sorrow in our lives? We are probably unable to count them. Sorrow is a fact of life and the result of caring, loving, and regret. However, God takes our sorrow and uses it for His own purposes, and if we are observant, we should see His hand there. In our sorrow God teaches us a great deal about Himself and elevates our faith.