Do I spend an inordinate amount of time studying and trying to be like Jesus and too little time just living like Him? Am I wrapped up in searching for some hidden treasure or meaning in His words at the expense of just living out the obvious things He teaches us? Our goal should be to follow Jesus and learn at His feet, but we can't do that unless we are walking with Him and making camp where He makes camp.
Following Jesus into Transfiguration and on to Ascension is my thought this morning, but beyond that I also look forward towards Pentecost. Will I, can I, understand what Jesus felt and became during His transfiguration, at Gethsemane, and His Ascension into heaven? Perhaps not, perhaps not yet, but I can feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. The promise of "another", a comforter that is very real to us.
To consider yourself consecrated requires a complete dedication of yourself to God. He does not give a measure of Himself to us; He gives us Himself totally. This morning I am contemplating the path to consecration and what that actually means.
Troubles are a part of our lives. In daily life we face many trials, but as Christians and believers in God the Father, we face them from a point of great advantage and strength. We find confidence in God's ability to bring us through them, and they strengthen our faith, but what of the good times?
We share in the death and resurrection of Jesus to obtain salvation, but we also share in the life of Christ, and that gives us great joy, peace, and holiness in our everyday lives. How can we be Christian and not manifest the essence of His living?
We will all be resurrected into judgement, so, is our conscience clear as we live out our lives in faith? This morning I am concerned with allowing my own conscience to help guide me in following God's commandments, and preparing me for judgement. Is every believer equally concerned with his salvation? Paul spoke these words to Felix regarding the prophets, resurrection, and conscience...
Are there places that we don't feel at home in… even when we are with God? This is my morning thought. My goal in faith is to be comfortable with God wherever I am and in whatever circumstance I find myself... So how do I get there? God is at home everywhere, so no matter where we are, the discomfort we might feel is ours... not his. There is a wonderful passage of scripture in Psalms 139 that speaks to this subject, and we should keep it in the forefront of our minds…
Do we know what love is, and do we understand the depth to which it should be applied to those around us? This is my contemplation this morning, and that I truly show the love of Jesus Christ. Our ability to love is a gift to us, but it is one that we must work at perfecting. The basic attributes of love are felt the minute it erupts within us, but then comes the process of adding depth to it.
Do you practice your faith? Do you add to it each day and make what you had from the day before a reflex? Becoming ingrained in our faith and deepening it over time requires us to practice what we hear preached, and what we have learned.
Does God reveal Himself to you each day? If you are anticipating a revelation of God, you are more than likely going to receive it. Looking for Him implies that He is central to your life, and has replaced yourself as the driving force in your life.
Hold your spiritual ground. Do you have the patience to wait as God prepares you to be used by Him to complete His will? Do you exhibit the endurance of Sardis in keeping God's commandments and Word? Are you holding fast to your faith so that your crown remains secure against any who would seize it from you?
We can be students of theology, and study the bible as if it were literature but still not find our way to Jesus through the scriptures, yet when we are called to Him the scripture brings Him alive in us. Have you found yourself stuck in studying the scripture to the point that you have never truly known the living Christ? Something amazing happens once you have met Him, He brings the Word of God to life in you, and will set you free to enter into a deep and binding relationship with Him.
Placing our relationship with Jesus above all others in our life; is this something that we are willing, or able, to do? Could you walk away from home and family if Jesus asked you to follow Him, and said “I will make you fishers of men."? You might do so if you had nothing there to live for, but what if you had a wonderful family, a life filled with happiness and wealth? What if you were living in complete contentment… would you still leave it all behind and go?
Salvation... living our lives as God expects... this is just too hard and no one can possibly accomplish such a thing. I can never be saved! Is this the way you think about God’s judgement and what will become of you? Well, rejoice, because there is hope, and redemption lies just ahead.
Do you command the promises of God be fulfilled? Is your assurance in God's word more than humble faith in His Word? Is your expectation that He honor His contract with you by the terms as you understand them? Well, perhaps you should take a step back.