All in Eternal Life
In Nashville we had a total eclipse of the sun this year (2017), and although it took a while to reach the totality, or period the of time in which the moon totally covers the sun, the totality itself lasted for two minutes or less. Quite often the period of time God shines His light of opportunity in our lives is short as well. If we miss the chance to see or to act upon the calling which God presents us, we may never experience that opportunity again.
What do we do when our memories fail us? Are there repercussions to forgetting? What are the certain things that Jesus asked us to remember? Are there particular things that God asks to be remember as well? Does He ever forget? Should we?
Has God called you to Himself, or is He calling you this morning? By virtue of the fact that you have chosen to read this devotional lesson I would say He has. Maybe you thought you were choosing Him, but in fact He has chosen you. Does this thought surprise you, or even frighten you?
Where do we look for wisdom? How about righteousness, sanctification, and redemption? Do we find them in church or bible study? Do we seek them out while plodding along a pilgrimage path in some far off country? The answer is that we find them in one place only... Jesus Christ.
The gift of salvation through God's grace is totally of God, and has nothing to do with our earning it... but does that relieve us of all responsibility?
I am thinking back to the moment I confessed Jesus as my savior, and the events that brought me to that place. I am considering the strength of the gospel that I heard and comparing it to all the preaching I have heard since then. What made the message strike home with me? What have I heard since?
This morning I read of God's provision and gifts to us. I am strengthening myself in the understanding that He is always there, always good, and always hears and answers my prayers. My confidence in these facts forms the basis for my expectation in Him and relieves me of worry.
Am I working hard for the kingdom? Are my efforts encouraging others in their faith? Do I merely work in a physical sense and neglect the spiritual? These are the questions I encourage each of us to consider this morning as we prepare for the second coming of Jesus Christ. The coming of our Lord is imminent, are we preparing ourselves, and those around us, for that moment?
This morning is Independence Day in the United States and as a citizen of such, I think about the significance of this celebration to me as an American. But what this leads me to is a deeper consideration of that day when I announced my personal independence from all but Jesus Christ... seeking to become a citizen of a heavenly realm... a Christian.
Being true to the Word of God while dealing gently with those who I come into contact with, as I spread the news of Christ's love and sacrifice. This is my concentration this morning; how to turn the heart of a failing individual without losing the patient in the process.
Am I placing my focus on the eternal, or concentrating my efforts on those things that are fleeting, and that will fall away? Is my pride in the possessions of this world, at the demise of my very soul that lives forever? This is my thought today as I seek to redirect my attention towards the single most important attribute of my life.
Am I reluctant to claim the grace of God in all aspects of my Christian life? Do I attempt to walk the Christian way and only call on the grace of God when I stumble or face hardship? If so, then I am not trusting in Him, and my prayers are not without ceasing.
How many times have I experienced sorrow in my life? I would be unable to count them. Sorrow is a fact and the result of caring, loving, and regret. God uses sorrow for His purposes, and we should see His hand there. In our sorrow God teaches us of Himself.
Am I a sinner? Am I leading a life of innocence, or seeking to be pure? Will God forgive me when I sin against Him? These are the questions I am asking myself as I contemplate sin in my life, and the world around me.
I fail in a certain regard almost every day. It is so hard for me not to judge the actions of those around me, and in this, if it were not for the Atonement of Christ, I would be lost. Seeing, and turning our noses up at sinners is just too natural for us.