|
|
|
Youth Devotionals: Archive 2
It is my prayer that you find something of vaule in these devotionals. All of these thougths have steemed from my journey with the Savior.
Scripture of the day: Friday, July 11, 2003
================================================
"1 I lift up my eyes to you,
to you whose throne is in heaven.
2 As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the LORD our God,
till he shows us his mercy."
--Psalm 123:1-2
A word from the Word: Read Mark 4
"He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" --Mark 4:40
Food for Thought: I Could Have Been Mistaken...
I believe I could have been mistaken for one of the disciples on the boat. You remember the night with the rough water, powerful winds, and high blood pressures? Fear, doubt, and panic replaced faith and awe. We have a lot in common with the disciples who were storm tossed on the sea of doubt. It seems when the going gets tough, we the followers of Christ say, "ENOUGH"! But why?
Why do we doubt the promises of God? Why do we doubt the faithfulness of God, and even the love of God? After Jesus calmed the storm, He told His disciples that they had little faith. When the wind is fierce, and the waves surge over us we have a tendency to run for cover. When the storms of life come, and they will let us not forget who the Master of the Sea is. He may not deliver us from the storm, but He will deliver us through the storm.
Unfortunately for Thomas, he has a nickname that has withstood the test of time. He has a nickname that many of us could share, Doubting (put your name here). Thomas saw Jesus in action. He felt His loving touch. Saw the dead come back to life. Saw lepers cleansed. Witnessed the dancing feet of those who had been lame. He heard the mute speak. Thomas had encountered the power of God, and yet we remember him as the the disciple of doubt. Fortunately for Thomas, his doubt was defeated when he touched the nail scarred hands of the Messiah, and traced the hole in His side. For Thomas, seeing was believing. The storm clouds of doubt were pushed back by the glory of the Son.
Doubt can be a stepping stone for faith. Have you stood where Thomas stood, on the doorstep of doubt and faith? If you are there, if you are storm tossed, and wind whipped, the One who hung the stars, and gave the leopard his spots is the same One who rides the storm with us. The captain of Thomas' boat is waiting to captain yours. Amen.
07/11/03 -- Friday
Jason M. Retherford
Scripture of the day: Monday, July 14, 2003
================================================
"Our help is in the name of the LORD ,
the Maker of heaven and earth."
--Psalm 124:8
A word from the Word: Read Colossians 4
"And say to Archippus, "Be sure to carry out the work the Lord gave you." Colossians 4:17 (NLT)
Food for Thought: Carry Out The Work The Lord Gave You...
His name is Archippus. He is mentioned twice in Scripture. Once in Colossians 4:17, and in Philemon 1:2. His name means, "master of the horse" (NIV Bible Dictionary, 84). Other than the meaning of his name, we aren't told much about him. No conversion story. No bright lights or a booming voice from heaven. When we are introduced to him, Paul is closing his letter to the church in Colosse, and at the end of the letter, Paul penned these words, "And say to Archippus, 'Be sure to carry out the work the Lord gave you.' " We aren't told what this work was, but Paul thought it worthy to mention. The other place you find mention of Archippus is in Philemon 1:2, and Paul calls him a "fellow soldier of the cross."
I wonder if the reason for these words to Archippus was to encourage a young man who doubted his call into ministry? You can almost here here is prayer, "But Lord, I don't have a degree in Bible. I've only been a Christian for five years. I am to young. I am not an eloquent speaker like some of the other ministers I've heard . Lord, I am a sinner. Lord, I am, well...I am afraid."
These may not have been Archippus' words, but haven't we raised similar objections when it comes to our call into doing the Lord's work? Imagine the look on young Archippus' face the Sunday morning when the preacher read Paul's letter to the Colossians. I wonder if his heart sank as the minister got near the end of the letter, and said, "Archippus, carry out the work the Lord gave you." His Jonah approach to the Lord's call was about to end. If Archippus was a student of the Word, I wonder if these familiar Scriptures reminded him of the faithfulness of God."...Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. 3 For I am the LORD , your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;..." Isaiah 43:1-3. Or if Archippus knew Paul well, and had heard his stories of his conversion and his struggles maybe these words from 2 Corinthians 12:9 served as a wake up call, "..."My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
We may never know the full story of our brother Archippus, but Paul did call him a fellow soldier. I know, when I get to heaven, I would like to spend some time with Archippus to find what it was the prompted Paul to offer encouragement to one of the Lord's fellow soldiers.
Are you running from responsibility? Are you neglecting to the Lord's work? Let the story of Archippus serve to encourage you "to carry out the work the Lord gave you." Remember, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10). Amen.
07/14/03 -- Monday
Jason M. Retherford
Scripture of the day: Tuesday, July 22, 2003
===========================================================
"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Matthew 16:15-16
A word from the Word: Read Isaiah 53
"Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."
-- Isaiah 53:4-5
Food for Thought: My daughter...
Yesterday my daughter was placed in a soft harness to treat acetubular hip displasia. It looks like suspenders only these suspenders also keep her legs up and rotated out. The doctor informed my wife and I, that this harness was not uncomfortable for the baby. Somehow, I am not so sure. In the 24 years that the doctor has used these harnesses he has had virtually a 100 percent success rate in the treatment of this condition. Jennifer and I breathed a sigh of relief.
Success rate put aside, it is still difficult to see my little one in contraption that restricts her movement. It is tough on a parent, when your children have a problem that mommy and daddy can't fix. I would do anything to trade her places. I wish somehow, I could take her ailments upon myself. I would gladly take her pain. Daddy's may not be able to trade places with their hurt and sick children, but there is a Father that has done just that. He heard the cries of the weary, of the hurting, of the broken hearted. He had seen how his children had hurt themselves. He had witnessed tear stained faces, and pain. Where human fathers are limited to act, God the heavenly Father is not. The Father did, what I wish I could do for Rachel. He entered into our worlds. He traded the galleries and beauty of heaven, for nails and a cross. But why? What would motivate someone to trade heaven's glory for earth's thorns?In a word, love. He couldn't stand to see his children hurt.
God's love prompted Him to act. And He did. He became a man to feel what we feel. To see what we see. And when the time was right, all the pain, all the lonely nights, all the tears, all the hurts, and all the sin were heaved on heaven's own. God had traded humanity places. Our pain became His. Our punishment for sin, became His. He took our infirmities and messy lives, and died that we might live.
Someone once said, that "no news is good news." I disagree, I believe that the good news, is the Good News. The Good News about Jesus Christ, His offer of forgiveness and life to those who have trusted Him as Savior and Lord, and have put on Christ, and have been raised to walk in the newness of life. Jennifer and I have decided to keep our eyes on our Savior. When we begin to weaken in our resolve, I pray that we will remember the nails, and be encouraged that when we feel we are powerless to act, our God is not, and the cross is a reminder of God acting in behalf of His sick children. Amen.
07/22/03 -- Tuesday
Jason M. Retherford
Scripture of the day: Thursday, July 31, 2003
================================================
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD . "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." -- Isa. 55:8-9
A word from the Word: Read Philippians 1:3-11
"God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus." -- Philippians 1:8
Food for Thought: "Go to the land I will show you..."
The day is almost here. Jennifer and I will say goodbye one final time, and then we will depart for a new home, a new church, and new ministry. It is this departure that brings me sadness. How do you tell freinds and family goodbye after many years of laughs and memories? It's not easy. Goodbyes are never easy.
I wonder what was on Abraham's mind, the day the LORD spoke to Him, and asked him to leave his home, and go to the land that He would show him. I wonder if Abraham approached his mom and dad, with a lump in his throat, and a tear in his eye, as he hugged them one final time. I wonder if they thought Abraham was crazy. Afterall, he heard the voice of God, and this voice told him to pack his bags, and go. Abraham's response to the call from God; he packed his bags and went.
Abraham had a secure position within his family. He had freinds, and wealth. Abraham was the man. He was groomed to take over his father's business, and his retirement plans were all laid in front of him. But, God had other plans. Abraham obeyed the call of God, and God made him the father of a great nation.
I have been encouraged by Abraham's story. I don't live in the desert, but I am facing a depature far away from freinds and family. But the God of Abraham is also the God whom I serve." He is the same yesterday, and today, andf forever" (Heb. 13:8). Despite the hundreds of centuries that have passed from Abraham until now, we are fellow wanderers, obeying the call of God. I believe in His promise to never leave nor forsake me. He hasn't so far. Joshua was encouraged by these words, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9).
I ask you to pray for my wife and I, and my little girl. Pray for my parents, and brother. Pray also for my wife's parents. This move to OKlahoma is step of faith on Jen and mine's part. It is no less hard. Our families need encouragement, pray that God would make us all strong and courageous.
Just a side note. I do intend on continuing this ministry once Jen and I are moved in at our new place. To those who have been recieving these e-mails for sometime, it has been an interesting journey. Thank you for taking the time to read my ramblings. To those who are reading this for the first time, thank you too. I know that I don't know all of you, but I appreciate your prayers, and your time. May God bless all you, and may we all grow closer to the One who sticks closer than a brother. Amen.
07.31.03 -- Thursday
Jason M. Retherford
Scripture of the day: Weekend Edition 08.10.03
=================================================================
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding."
Proverbs 3:5
A word from the Word: Read Matthew 14:22-33
"But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. " -- Matthew 14:27-29
Food for Thought: Lean Not On Your Own Understanding...
I have to admit, I was facing a crisis of faith. I heard the call of my Master, and though the wind and the waves were pounding the boat, I stood up, placed one foot over board, and soon the other one followed, and I was walking towards Jesus. It never occured to me that I was walking on water until, I took my eyes of Christ, and looked at the waves, then I realized that the wind was howling around me, and I was terrifed. I lost my confidence and I began to sink. Just before going under, I did the only thing I could do, I called out to Jesus. In typical Savior fashion, He reached out His hand to catch me at the right time.
The little exerpt above, could have been a journal entry in Peter's peronal journey. The story of Jesus calling Peter out of the boat, and Peter's subsequent water walking feat is recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. But isn't Peter's experience similiar to our own. It has been for me. No, I have never walked on real water, but I have been called by Christ out of the boat, and like Peter, I was walking just fine until I took my eyes off of my target, off of my Jesus. I was drowning, the waves of doubt and wind of fear were all around me, and I felt alone. Like Peter, the Hand that reached to rescue the sinking apostle, is the same Hand that reached down to rescue me.
Recently, I was feeling alone, and dreading some changes, but thankfully, I had several wonderful people not give up one me, and more than that, my God did not give up one me. Isn't it funny, how sometimes, we fret over trivial things, but somehow, the devil knows just how to tweak these experiences to fill our hearts and minds with doubt and fear? This morning at church, the pulpit minister delivered a message that was right from the heart of God. See, this morning on the way to church, I asked God to let me know that He was near, and that everything was okay. I was floored at the timely and relevant message. The preacher talked about facing future fear, and how even though there are trying times, our God has not abandoned us, but has gone before us to help us through.
I learned yet another lesson in fatih and trust in God. It is easy for me to tell others to trust in the Lord, but I have been like Jacob a little to often, wrestling with the Lord. You would think by now, I would learn not to wrestle with God. I am thankful, that He puts up with me, and has used this most recent situation to lovingly instruct me about where I put my trust. "Thank you Father, for your loving kindness, and your unwillingness to give up on me, even when I feel like giving up myself. I ask that you help those who receive this e-mail who may be struggling in thier walk with you. Help them not to fear, but to trust you. Help them to see your goodness, and Father, like you did for me this morning, show yourself to be very near to your children, in Jesus name, amen."
08.10.03 -- Weekend Edition
Jason M. Retherford
Scripture of the day: Tuesday, September 2, 2003
=================================================
"Who is he, this King of glory?
The LORD Almighty-
he is the King of glory. "
--Psalm 24:8
A word from the Word: Read Mark 2:1-12
"...Who but God can forgive sins!" Mark 2:7 (NLT)
Food for Thought: Who but God...
Who but God? The question was asked by the Religious elite. Those with PhDs and MDivs. "Who but God can forgive sins?" They were right in their theology, but they weren't about to admit that a carpernter from Nazareth was God incarnate.See, they had God figured out. They knew how He would operate, and to whom He would operate for. Salvation was an honor to be received for those who worked really hard to be religiously righteous. Now this day their time tested truth was challenged. Standing before them was the One whose word they taught. As was the case when Jesus went to a town to teach, the place became packed. Let's look at what Mark has to say about this scene.
"2 Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there wasn't room for one more person, not even outside the door. And he preached the word to them. 3 Four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. 4 They couldn't get to Jesus through the crowd, so they dug through the clay roof above his head. Then they lowered the sick man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. 5 Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, "My son, your sins are forgiven."
6 But some of the teachers of religious law who were sitting there said to themselves, 7 "What? This is blasphemy! Who but God can forgive sins! 8Jesus knew what they were discussing among themselves, so he said to them, "Why do you think this is blasphemy? 9 Is it easier to say to the paralyzed man, `Your sins are forgiven' or `Get up, pick up your mat, and walk'? 10 I will prove that I, the Son of Man, have the authority on earth to forgive sins." Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, 11"Stand up, take your mat, and go on home, because you are healed!"
12The man jumped up, took the mat, and pushed his way through the stunned onlookers. Then they all praised God. "We've never seen anything like this before!" they exclaimed."
Despite the grumbles of the Religious leaders, man who had been lame was made well. He was lowered on a mat into the middle of the room. A mat where he spent most of his life lying and watching children run, lovers dance, and countless others walk. This day would be different, this day he was going to see Jesus. Surely news had to have spread to this man's home. Maybe he thought it was a long shot, but he found a way to meet the one others were calling the Christ. One touch from the hand of God. One word spoken from the mouth of God. And stiff, rigid legs began to have feeling. First a tingle down the left leg, and then suddenly a burst of sensation as nerves were made new, and muscles made strong. He came to Christ as a cripple, but he left via the front door, mobile and made new.
Don't we come to Christ that way? Maybe we're not crippled physically, but the pain of the past, coupled with the burden of guilt we've been living with has crippled us in a spiritual sense.Unable to enjoy life. Unable to walk with confidence thatr our lives are directed by the Master's plan. What is crippling you? Is it fear? Whatever it is, we cling to our mats. We cling to the familiar. It may not be the best place to be, but it's all we know. We've been there so long, we don't know how to walk anymore. Deep within, there is a desire to get beyond our mats, but we're afraid of what's out there, so we stay there.
The onlookers in the story praised God for the healing of the lame man. Theydidn't seem to have a faith problem linking the power of God with Jesus. The religious leaders asked "who but God can forgive sins?" With actions that said, "Your right. No one but God can. That's why I am here. Because I can!" The onlookers had witnessed a wonderful act of love. They learned a lesson that we need to learn everyday, when Christ is near, expect the unexpected.
Though the question was asked, "Who but God can...?" It's a good question to cnsider when we find ourselves stuck on our mats. God can, even when, no especially when we can't. Together, with God's touch, we can. See, when God shows up on the scene there is no room for crippling fear or paralyzing doubt. Amen.
09.02.03 -- Tuesday
Jason M. Retherford
Scripture of the day: Monday, September 8, 2003
==========================================================
"From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live." Acts 17:26
A word from the Word: Read Matthew 7:7-12
"11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him" (Matt 7:11).
Food for Thought: A good gift...
My wife had recieved two cards from her family over the weekend. Mainly because her birthday was just the other day, regardless, the cards came. It is nice to recieve cards from our family and freinds. Cards share wramth and love from those that loves us and care for us. I was happy for her that she had recieved a card, but secretly I was saddened, for I wanted a card too. (I know, I know).
I was feeling a little homesick, so I called my parents. I got to talk them,and my brother, and an Aunt for a time, and then the phone beeped. I had another call, so I clicked over, and it was my great uncle and my best freind calling to check on me! I was overwhelmed again by God's timing. He knows what we need even before we ask, and He loves to give good gifts to His children.
I have begun to scratch the surface of understanding that God provides for His children. I have read the same Scriptures you have of God's power, and His love for His people. But, since I have moved to begin a new ministry in a new town, I have seen those Scriptures come alive, and what's more, I have seen God's hand gently leading me through even despite my fears, and insecurties. God really does care about us. His love is breathtakingly real, and avialable for any who would turn to Him.
In the passage that I had you read for today, Jesus emphaisizes praying expectantly. But realize this, there are things we ask for that may not be a part of God's will, so don't expect those selfish prayers to be answered. Otherwise, we have no reason to doubt God will answer our prayers. God know exactly what we need even before we ask. He is always providing for us, and looking out for us. Why ask then? I believe that He just likes to hear your voice. God does anwer our prayers, but always on His timing, and according to His will. To drive home his point, Christ asks two questions, "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? Matt 7:9-10 (NIV). Jesus then makes the point that even though we know how to give good gifts to our children, our Heavenly Father knows how to give even better gifts then the ones we give. If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matt 7:11 (NIV). Let us be mindful of God's good gift giving as we approach His throne this day. Amen.
Scripture of the day: Friday, Septmeber 26, 2003
=========================================================
"Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty-- he is the King of glory" (Psalms 24:10).
A word from the Word: Read Romans 8
"...If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31b).
Food for Thought: The Lord Is On Our Side...
The Father really is our on our side. He wants us to be victorious. He knows we are going to have times of testing. He allows us to experience these moments of hardships to refine His image in us. "7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8 If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it" (Heb 12:7-11). When I was a child, I never enjoyed being disicplined. But always after a spankin, my dad would come to my room and reassure me of his love. I trusted him. His dsicpline was for the express purpose of of teaching me how behave correctly. Our heavenly Father's dsicpline may not seem pleasant at first, but it is designed to deepen our trust in Him. Testing produces character. Testing brings growth. "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Romans 5:3-4).
Over the course of two months I have once gain learned the true prescription for anxiety is Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us to bring our anxieites to Him through prayer (Php. 4:6) It is imperative that once we bring our anxities to His throne that we leave them there. It is a sad sight to see a weary brother or sisiter travel to the throne room of God with all their burdens onlt to leave the throne room with the same sack of shame they entered His prescene with. I too have been that weary soul standing in the presence of God with my heavy burdens, begging and pleading for alighter laod. Without stretched arms He demonstrates His willingness to lighten our loads, but somehow we fail to let go. Do we really thing we can handle our problems better than the Prince of Peace? Some even turn to medicine to reduce anxity. Medicine may maks the pain, but the only prescriptiuon that will have a lasting effect on our anxities and worries is none other than Jesus Christ.
The scars on His hands prove His willingness to go to great lengths to lighen our loads. Nothing is to big for Christ to handle. No bill to large. No debt to great. No pit to deep. No sin to shameful for the Master's touch.
Go on, give Him a try. Chances are, you will like what see. Your anxiety doens't stand a chance in the hnads of Christ. "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you" ( 1 Peter 5:7 NLT). Amen.
09.26.03 -- Friday
Jason M. Retherford
Scripture of the day: Friday, October 3, 2003
========================================================
"Praise be to the Lord,
to God our Savior,
who daily bears
our burdens"
(Psalms 68:19).
A word from the Word: Read Philippians 2
"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness." -- Phil 2:6-7
Food for Thought: What If God Was One Of Us...
Many have asked that question? There is even a song that asks the same thing. And now, there is popular new television on Friday nights that deals with this very issue. Is there an answer to the question, "what if God was one of us?"
Some would answer, inconceivable. This notion about God becoming one of us. God doesn't do that sort of thing. Others have said, that God is in every one of us, others have said that we are all gods. All of these answers to our question don't quite have the same impact as what I am about to tell you. For, I am not the first to tell of this news. I am only a messenger in a long line of countless millions that have gone on before me that have revealed the wonderful. What is this goodnews, you ask? I am glad you asked. You see, God did become one of us. He left the glory and majesty of heaven for the blisters and burdens that accompany humanity. God, the Creator of Life, would encase himself in human flesh and enter this old earth the same way you and I did. Through the birth canal. Can you even ponder, the One that know has ever seen face to face, being cradled and cooed by new parents? It is almost inconceivable itself to even dare to think God became a man. Some find this thought blasphemous. Others have found hope and comfort in this news.
God foretold His plans. In Isaiah 7:14, we read, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."
Immanuel. This name means "God with us." Isaiah's words came some 700 years before the arrival of our heavenly visitor. We've read the stories of God parting the sea to save His people. We've read the account of the lion's den and the protection given to Daniel. We've read of other amazing things God had done for His people. But what kind of God is this, that would leave heaven and come to earth? Surely there must be a reason for the Almighty to come to earth. His reason. His love.
It doesn't get any simpler. God came to earth. God became a man because He loves us. You can't get around it. You can turn your back on God. You can even act like He doesn't exist. But, that doesn't change the unchanging nature of His nature, nor does it change His love. In the beginning, God's plan included perfect fellowship with man. In the Garden of Eden, man and God would walk side by side. But this relationship was marred by sin. No longer could man stand in God's presence. Man would be banned from the Garden, but God still loved man. His heart longed for that relationship to be restored. Even before man chose to disobey God, He had a plan in the books. A plan that made the angels tremble with nervousness. Can you hear the conversation the day Adam and Eve took the forbidden fruit.
"God, did you see that?"
"See what, Michael"?
"Those humans of yours just took a piece of fruit from the tree you warned them about."
"I know, Michael, I know.'
"Aren't you going to do something? "
"I already have. I have had a plan in place even before I created you Michael. I knew that man would turn from me. But, I created them to love them, and while I will not force them to love me. I have a plan, a perfect plan that will restore our broken relationship. Not everyone will accept this plan of man of mine. Not everyone will turn back to me. But for those that do, we will celebrate every time."
Staring in amazement of His King, Michael asked, "LORD, if you don't mind me asking. What is your plan?"
Motioning for Michael to follow Him, the two began to walk. "You see Michael, I know that these people I created needed a Shepherd. They need to see evidence of my love. Their sin must be punished, and the only to do that is take their sin away."
Once again, Michael amazed, "Well, how is that punishing them for their sin, my LORD?"
"My dear Michael, the punishment that they deserve is terrible indeed. It would cost them their life. Michael, I will punish their sins alright. But, I will go to them, and I will bear their punishment. From the first sin in the Garden to every other piece of forbidden fruit that left a stain on mankind, I will trade places with them. Their shame will become my shame, and their pain will become my pain. I will redeem mankind with my own blood."
"But, my LORD, what about those that don't turn back to you?" Michael asked, wiping away a tear from his brow.
"Michael, Michael. Love is not forced or demanded from anyone. I will die for every human being that has ever lived or will ever live. Some will see my motivation, and turn back to me. Others will go on with life, and ignore me. My love will not change. Even if there were only one, I would go. I cannot bear seeing mankind lost, and sin-soaked. My plan is motivated by my love. My love for them will change the hearts of even the darkest heart."
Michael just stood there, captivated by His God. "Can this really be?" "Yes, Michael it is. You see that cross on that hill? I will go there to ransom man." Bowing down, before the King of Kings, and LORD of LORDS, Michael worshipped.
"Michael, it's time. I am departing for earth in the morning. Tell the others. I will need your assistance here. Don't worry, Michael, if I need you, I will call for you. Otherwise, let me carry out my plan. I will redeem mankind."
Scripture doesn't record such a conversation. Oh, but how the angels must of felt when their God left heaven for feed trough in lowly Bethlehem?
God did indeed become on of us. He put on human flesh. He knows what it's like to be tempted, tired, and hungry. The blisters on his feet, were uncomfortable too. His sweat was real. His tears real. His love amazing. The God that created the universe, did indeed come to earth. He died upon a Roman cross, and there He paid a debt He did not owe, and we could not pay. With His own blood, He bought our freedom. It is up to us to respond to this act of love. What will you do? Amen.
10.03.03 -- Friday
Jason M. Retherford
Scripture of the day: Tuesdsay, October 7, 2003
===========================================================
"This poor man called, and the LORD heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles." --Psalm 34:6
A word from the Word: Read Psalm 34; John 16
"The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all" -- Psalm 34:17-19
"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." --John 16:33
Food for Thought: In This World You Will Have Trouble...
Jesus said that we would. You most likely have encountered trouble. Maybe not today, but yesterday, and some time tomorrow. But don't let that disappoint you. I am not a prophet of doom. I want us to realize that each day we will face challenges, and how we respond to those challenges is of importance.
How then do we deal with the troubles we encounter? Good question. I am glad that you asked.
1. Keep in mind that Jesus said that we would encounter trouble (John 16:33). If Jesus said it, there is just no way of getting around it. I believe that the trials we face are really opportunities to draw near to God. And I believe that Scripture makes this point clear.
"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you."-- 1 Peter 4:12
"...though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." -- 1 Peter 1:6-7
"...But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps."--1 Peter 1:20-21
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." -- 1 Corinthians 10:13
"In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." -- Hebrews 12:4-11
2. Keep your focus on Christ. Let the words of David be our words no matter what. "I will praise the LORD at all times." -- Psalm 34:1 (NLT). Talk to God about what is going on. He knows your hurting, and longs to hear your voice.
3. Remember God is good...all the time. "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing." --Psalm 34:8-9. Peter says something similar in 2 Peter 1:3, "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness."
4. Remeber Jesus' Words, in John 16:33, "...take heart! I have overcome the world." There is no need to fear when Christ is near. "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."--Romans 8:38-39
10.07.03. -- Tuesday
Gratefully His,
Jason M. Retherford
Scripture of the day:Thursdasy, October 8, 2003
=========================================================
"Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us" -- Romans 5:1
A word from the Word: Read Romans 3:9-18
"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Food for Thought: We are all is this thing together...
There is no getting around it. Some have tired. Some have claimed they were unstained by these words. "I have not killed anyone, so there fore I must be a good person. Surely God will count that for something", is there reply. For the Bible to lump us all into one big category, SINNERS, we don't have to all do the same wicked things. Any thing that is contrary to God's way is sin. All of us at one time or another, if we're truly honest withourselves, have sinned. A lie here. A lustful thought here. It was only one pack of gum I took from the store. I only cuss when no one is looking. Who are we are we trying to fool?
The Bible says we all have sinned. I could fill the rest of this e-mail with the horrendous things I have done. I won't, don't worry. I surely wouldn't expect you to do likewise. Why does sin matter? Because it violates God's law. As created beings, we were handcrafted in this Master's image, and sin is a blemish on God's artistry. So, all of us are sin-stained. Bu thankfully there is hope. God took care of our sin problem. He nailed them to A cross along with His Son Jesus Christ. You mean my sin was responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ? Yes, in part. Your sin, my sin, your grandmother's sin, your preacher's sin, the sins of the whole world. Like I said, we are in this together.
"For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard. Yet now God in his gracious kindness declares us not guilty. He has done this through Christ Jesus, who has freed us by taking away our sins. For God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to satisfy God's anger against us. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed his blood, sacrificing his life for us..." --Rom. 3:23-25.
It is only because of God's gracious kindess that He has declared us not guilty. Motivated by His love, He allowed Himself to be punished on our behalf? Do any of you have a younger sibling? I do. Growing up, there is no way, I would of taken my brother's place during his punishment. But God, is not like we are. "My thoughts are completely different from yours," says the LORD. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts" -- Isaiiah 55:8-9.
All may have sinned. But all can have life, if they turn from thier life of sin, and accept the gift that God has offered to us in His Son. There is no sin to dark for God's grace to wipe clean. New life begins with a step in the right direction, and that step my friend is a step towards Jesus Christ. Amen.
10.08.03 -- Thursdsay
Gratefully His,
Jason M. Retherford
Scripture of the day: Friday, October 10, 2003
==========================================================
"Show me, O LORD , my life's end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life."
--Psalm 39:4
A word from the Word: Read Psalm 39; John 14:1-3
"In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." -- John 14:2-3
Food for Thought: Trivial Pursuit...
What are some of the things that you hold to be near and dear to your heart? Your nice home? Your brand-new car? Whatbout your sizeable income? Where would your family fall into this category? Would you make room for God? I ask these questions, because we all need a reminder that that "stuff" we allow to blur our view of Christ is only temporary. But we forget. The bills are piled high and the bill collectors are harrassing us, and we moan. Our cars won't start, and so we gripe. The neighbors grass is three feet tall. The doctor had to reschedule us for next month. We can't wear the same size clothes we did last year. On and on the list could go. Let me remind you, all these things are trivial. Don't misunderstand my words. Paying your bills on time is important. But when worry blurs our vision of God, we have a problem.
It turns out that the "things" we pursue in this life are but a trivial pursuit. I am not saying that you can't have nice stuff, but if we let our toys become more important than our mission on earth, then we have a problem. We need to remember that life is short. We have no gurantee of our next tomorrow. Oh, but we make plans for tomorrow and the next day. We scoff at the notion of mortality. But those of us that forget we are not invincible, need to examine David's words in Psalm 39.
He writes, "4 "Show me, O LORD , my life's end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life.
5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Each man's life is but a breath.
Selah
6 Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro:
He bustles about, but only in vain;
he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it."
Life is fleeting. "Things" and "stuff" are temporary. This world is not our home. Jesus reminds us that we are not permanent residents of the planet earth. "In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am" (John 14:2-3). Life won't bog us down when we live with eternity in view. Let these words from a familair song be our theme this day. "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace." Amen.
10.10.03 -- Friday
Gratefully His,
Jason M. Retherford
Scripture of the day: Weekend Edition 10.11.03 – 10.12.03
“The Lord works out everything for his own ends?” (Proverbs 16:4). “
A word from the Word: Read Exodus 1 and 2:1-10
“The man said, "Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?" Then Moses was afraid and thought, "What I did must have become known." When Pharaoh heard of this, he tried to kill Moses, but Moses fled from Pharaoh and went to live in Midian, where he sat down by a well” (Exodus 2:14-15)
Food for Thought: Our Plans Are Not His Plans?
Our plans are not His plans. We can be sure of this. God declares that His ways
are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8). The good news in all of this is that God
has a plan for your life. His plan gives your life meaning and purpose. Oh, but we try to be our own boss. We determine where we will go to college, who we will marry, what our future will be. This kind of long-term planning is faulty. Only God knows what will happen tomorrow.
Moses is our prime example of this. His life from the beginning is one of destiny. When he was born, all Hebrew born males had to be killed. Moses’
parents disregarded Pharaoh’s law, and hid their son for three months. He commits murder, and flees to Midian where he would live for 40 years in the
desert. Is summoned by God to deliver the Israelites our of Egypt. Meets with God face to face on a mountain. Not bad for a man who wasn’t even supposed to live according to Pharaoh. Let’s’ get back to our story. “But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank
of the Nile” (Exodus 2:3).
Abandoned. Moses was all alone. Surely this would be the end of this new life. What man intended for evil, God will use for good. “The Lord works out everything for his own ends?” (Proverbs 16:4). That’s right, even situations and circumstances that are out of our control. That’s not right. Especially situations and circumstances that are out of our control. There that’s better. There is more to Moses’ story.
Shall we read on. “His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him. Then Pharaoh's daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the river bank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent
her slave girl to get it. She opened it and saw the baby. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. "This is one of the Hebrew babies," she said.
Then his sister asked Pharaoh's daughter, "Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?" "Yes, go," she answered. And the girl went and got the baby's mother. Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you." So the woman took the baby and nursed him. When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh's daughter and he
became her son. She named him Moses, saying, "I drew him out of the water”
(Exodus 2:4-10).
What irony don’t you think? Pharaoh’s own daughter finds this Hebrew baby, and had pity on him. Moses’ sister is sent to retrieve a Hebrew woman to nurse this baby boy. Little did Pharaoh’s daughter know that this Hebrew woman was the
baby’s mother. God must have big plans for this child. Of course we know the
story well. How Moses the floating baby in a basket would become the deliverer of the Israelites.
What lesson can we glean from Exodus the second chapter verses 1-10?
1. God has a plan for our lives
2. “The Lord works out everything for his own ends?” (Pro. 16:4).
3. God’s plan will prevail over the plans of man. Amen
10.10.03 – Weekend Edition
Amazed by Grace,
Jason M. Retherford
Scripture of the day: Tuesday, October 21, 2003
==========================================================
"Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said..."-- Luke 5:13 (NIV)
A word from the Word: Read Luke 4
" When the sun was setting, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them." (Luke 4:40, emphasis mine)
Food for Thought: The Touch of Christ...
In Luke chapter four Jesus begins his public ministry. We read of his triumph over temptation in the desert. We read of Jesus returning to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and his subsequent rejection in Nazareth. Demons are exorcised, and people are healed. But, in all of this I was astonished at what I read in Luke 4:40, " When the sun was setting, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them." Did you catch it? Masses of people were brought to where Jesus was staying. The well begged and pleaded to have their sick loved ones healed. Jesus, did what He does best. He touched the unlovely. The hands of God were laid on the sick and sinful. "...laying his hands on each one, he healed them." Christ wasn't concerned what others thought of his ministry to the sick and sinful. He surely wasn't afraid of getting His hands dirty. After all, wasn't it these hands that formed man out of the dust of the earth?
It is October 21, 2003, and we are like the masses coming to Christ in need of His touch. The beauty of our day and age, is that many who bear His name can pass His touch on to others who need to know His love. Who in your world needs to feel the touch of the Master? Isn't human touch one of the deepest needs of the human soul. Babies thrive on human contact. My three and half month old daughter lives for mommy and daddy's touch. Us sophisticated teenagers, and college educated twenty and thirty somethings, and Baby Boomer forty and fifty somethings, are no different. We need to be touched. What's more, as the body of Christ, we have an obligation to our communities, to our friends and family to be the hands of Christ. That unpopular kid in your second period science class, the single mother standing in line at the grocery store, the elderly widow -- need to know they aren't forgotten. Oh, but we claim to be busy. Our schedules are full. Meetings, and sporting events, church, exercise, school. Don't we come into contact with people during our days?
If anyone had the right to say He was busy it was Jesus. But not once did He make excuses for not touching those who were in need. Maybe, for you, just a simple, "hello" might begin to make a difference in the lives of the people in your world. Others need the Master's touch. Have we forgotten that we too have been touched by the nail scarred hands? Amen.
10.21.03 -- Tuesday
Jason M. Retherford
Scripture of the day: Wednesday, October 22, 2003
======================================================
"Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin." Psalms 51:1-2
A word from the Word: Read Luke 5:27-32
"But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." --Luke 5:30-32
Food for Thought: A Case of The Uglies...
It's a problem we all have. Rich, and poor alike. Elders, deacons, and ministers are not immune from it. Baptists battle it, Nazarenes need to avoid it, Methodists manage to do it, Church of Christ folks can claim it's presence in their lives as well, (add your church denomination here__________________). It's a universal problem. Sometimes it's quite obvious. Other times it's not. When it happens to me, I like to refer to it as "a case of the uglies." What is this problem?
Sin. Three of the nastiest letters in the English language. For a moment, we take our eyes off of Christ, and we are see ourselves seated on the throne of our will, so we think. With a quick glance here and there, we strike. With out stretched hand, we strain and strain, until the forbidden fruit is within our hands. Dare we think no one will notice? We try to cover up our misdeed. But, lest we forget our Father sees. He saw the whole thing, and because He is loving, He lets us choose. Choice, it's the most powerful tool in the human arsenal. Choice, it's what Adam and Eve discovered to be one of the toughest tools in our possession. God lets us choose sin? If that is what our hearts desire, yes. After we choose wrongly, all hope is not lost. We have yet another choice to make. What is that? The choice to return to Him. Sin, breaks the heart of God. Sin sent the Son to suffer on a cross. Sin silenced heaven. But praise be to God, sin was defeated on the cross. Your sin doesn't have to be your master. I know what you're thinking. "If this guy only knew how many times, I did__________, he wouldn't be telling me there was hope." If that is what you're thinking, you are sadly mistaken. Sin is no doubt awful. It's consequences, can affect the rest of your life. But, you can be forgiven, and live a life free from bone crushing guilt. Jesus came to earth, not to over load you with guilt because you can't live up to His standard. His mission is one of mercy. "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" (Luke 5:32). Your sin-stained soul is the reason why Jesus came to earth. His mission was a rescue mission. Redemption, the forgiveness of sins, hope for today, and life for the next. All this can be yours. But you have to be willing to live for Him. The Christian life is not an easy one. There is heart break, disappointment, and I dare confess -- sin. I have been a Christian for five years, and there is not a day that goes by that I don't need a Savior. Especially after I get a case of the uglies, hands stained with sin, overwhelmed with guilt, burdened by bad decisions, and regretting words spoken in the heat of the moment. I have been there friend. I am still in need of a Savior. And it is in that moment, the moment of realization of my guilt and shame, that the Master calls me by name and invites me to come, to come back to the table to dine with Him. The cross dealt a crushing blow to sin. The blood that Jesus willingly shed washes the sinner anew. Not just once, but for the rest of his life. Are you willing to let the Savior save you? Amen.
10.22.03 -- Wednesday
Jason M. Retherford
Scripture of the day: Monday, October 27, 2003
=========================================================
"He found him in a desert land,
And in the howling waste of a wilderness;
He encircled him, He cared for him,
He guarded him as the pupil of His eye."
Deut 32:10 (NASB)
A word from the Word: Read Acts 7:23-29; Hebrews 11:24-27; Exodus 2:11--3:1
"...Moses fled from Pharaoh and went to live in Midian, where he sat down by a well" (Exodus 2:15).
Food for Thought: Are You in the Desert Too?
Moses was. He found himself right smack dab in the middle of nowhere. With blood on his hands, and guilt hanging over him, he ran. What he intended for good, was missed by the majority. Moses the Prince was now Moses the murderer? Wait a minute, who right's this stuff any way? God does.
Are you in the wilderness? A place of obscurity. A place of solitude. A place unlike what you had planned. Circumstances have a way of changing our cleverly crafted plans, don't they. You never dreamed you would get laid off your job. You never dreamed it would be you sitting in silent wonder as the doctor announced you have cancer. You never imagined that your child's time would expire before your own. Whatever the circumstance, something un-excepted has occurred. And we like Moses, are in the wilderness.
Moses would spend the next forty years tending sheep in the desert and another forty years shepherding the children of Israel through the desert. Your desert experience may not be forty years in the making, but there is something we can learn from our own desert days, as well as the wilderness experience of Moses.
1. The desert is God's idea. That's right. The desert is a time of testing, a time of growth, and hopefully a time of maturity. "Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands" (Deut 8:2). You may never lead slaves out of Egypt, but a time of testing will come in your life. You will be faced with a situation unlike any other you have ever known. Remember, the desert is God's idea.
2. Your not alone. Even in the howling wilderness you are not alone. God's has a reason for bringing you to this place of obscurity. If the Lord is your shepherd, remember that he is the one who is leading, tending, guiding, and caring for you. "...in the howling waste of a wilderness; He encircled him, He cared for him, He guarded him as the pupil of His eye (Deut. 32:10). God is with you. Not a minute has passed where the Lord has not been with you. You may wonder. You may even feel alone, but rest assured, God has not or will not abandon you. Dare we doubt the promises of God? His promise to love, and never to forsake us, to give us a hope and a future. I
3. To borrow from Charles Swindoll, in his book on the life of Moses, The desert is God's university. What if, just maybe, this desert your in is one of many moments in your life God will use to teach a lesson. What is that lesson? Have we truly given all of ourselves to God? We sing the words, "all to Jesus, I surrender" on Sunday, but Monday morning we are right back into being our own masters. Throughout Scripture, we are urged to trust God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind, and with all our strength. Oh, we try. We pray. We read our Bibles. We attend church regularly. But yet we worry about our health, about our bills. We bicker and fight with our brethren. We argue with our spouses. We make fun of the less fortunate. When we find ourselves in a desert waste-land. Let's re-evaluate our lives, and see what we need to learn, and in some cases re-learn. We might be surprised at what God is reminding us of. "It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man" (Psalms 118:8).
4. God isn't through with you yet. Let me remind you again, Moses spent eighty years of his life walking, living, working in the wilderness. Who Moses was before he went to Midian is not the same man he became when we faced Pharaoh face to face. The desert times will change you. God is reshaping you for His purposes. Your task yesterday, may not be tomorrow's challenge. God isn't through with you yet. As an artist sits at his canvass, applying paint at moments of inspiration, and other times carefully studying lines, and shapes, and shades, to see where the next stroke of the brush might produce the best results. So it is with you. We God's workmanship. Hand crafted by the Creator. We all go through moments of reshaping. When the fire is the hottest, His presence is being perfected in you. Amen.
10.27.03 -- Monday
Jason M. Retherford
Scripture of the day: Friday, November 7, 2003
==================================================
"19ForGod in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ,20andby him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of his blood on the cross.21Thisincludes you who were once so far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions,22yetnow he has brought you back as his friends. He has done this through his death on the cross in his own human body. As a result, he has brought you into the very presence of God, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault" (Col 1:19-22, NLT).
A word from the Word:Read Colossians 1
"Christ is the visible image ofthe invisible God..." (Col 1:15, NLT).
Food for Thought: Please consider...
What’s your goal? Maybe for some it’s to graduate high school, others it’s to graduate college. Still, yet some may to desire to have a high paying job, and a spouse, children, a nice car, and nice home. But what’s your goal? A nice home, and decent paying job are nice, but there is something to which we all should desire for ourselves, especially if we claim to be followers of Jesus. What is this desire or this goal? To be like Jesus. No ands, ifs or buts, just Christ likeness. You see, God is more interested in our character than our comfort. Consider the words of the Apostle Peter, in 1 peter 4:12-16, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name” (Emphasis mine). Painful trial, suffering, something strange happening to you, insulted because of the name of Christ, are what we all share in common. These sufferings are opportunities for character transformation. Look at what the Apostle Paul write in Romans 8: 28-29, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son?” (Again emphasis mine). You mean, everything that comes my way is designed to bring out Christ in me more and more? Yes! Every circumstance, whether we deem bad or good, is bring out the character of Christ in us more and more.
This morning, as you were getting ready for school or work chances are you stood in front of a mirror as you shaved, prepared you hair, or brushed your teeth. Some of us use that mirror time to examine wrinkles, and flex our muscles. But seriously what did you see? You saw yourself. When we are out of our cozy bathrooms in the real world, we are like mirrors to the world. How you ask? Mirrors reflect an image. Mirrors show the good and the bad |
