I can remember the Christmas' of my youth. When I was a child, I could not wait for Christmas morning. I was anxious to see what gifts I waiting for me under the Christmas tree. Each Christmas, I always worried about what gifts I would buy for others. I always wondered if I would have enough money to buy gifts and if they would be the right gifts to give. As circumstances have changed, and as I've grown older, I had to reevaluate my understanding of Christmas. Are we so obsessed with Christmas gifts that we've lost the true meaning of this season? Many people fret and worry about what gifts that they'll give and receive. People will pile up a large amount of debt to buy gifts, and many will have little money to spend on gifts. In these days, it is not uncommon to see the Christmas shopping season arrive in stores long before the celebration of Thanksgiving. It would seem that Santa can now have Thanksgiving dinner even before the Christmas season even starts.
It seems to me, that the Christmas season has been stripped of it's true meaning. What we are seeing is the "secularization" of Christmas. There has been overtime, a removable of Christ from the season. Many focus on the many gifts that they'll both give and receive, rather then the one gift given to the whole world. We'll receive gifts that will give joy for a time, but will soon lose their luster. These gifts will not last; they'll fade and fall away in time. If we are to focus on 'gifts' this holiday season, then let us focus upon the great and lasting gift that God has given to us-His own dear Son.
The person of Santa Claus is based on an early Bishop named; St. Nicholas. He was famous for giving gifts to the poor. He is remembered each December 5. Different countries around the world have different ways to celebrate St. Nicholas day. In the United States, there are also different customs. One custom is that on the night of December 5th, children would put out one empty shoe(sock). The following morning, they would find the shoe or sock full of candy and presents. If the children had been "good," they received gifts. If they had been "bad," they received a lump of coal.
Do we deserve the good gifts from God? People might appear "good" in the eyes of the world, but God knows the human condition. Our own "goodness" does not erase the reality of sin. Because of sin, human kind does not deserve God's good gifts and favor; but a "lump of coal." Human kind deserves to be punished like naughty children.
The Christmas season points us to the love of God for sinners. God gave to the human race a gift of lasting value. God's gift is summed up in these words; "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16) God gave of His Son so that all who believe will have forgiveness and eternal life. Through Jesus, believers have a lasting gift that does not fade or tarnish. It is a gift for all time.
When people receive gifts, they sometimes will exchange them for something else. With this gift, an exchange did take place. Through his suffering and death, Christ took on our sinfulness, and we took on his righteousness and holiness. This is called the "blessed exchange." Through faith in Christ, we receive many lasting gifts
and a peace that never ends. When we think about this great gift, may we exclaim along with St. Paul; "Thank God for his Son-a gift too wonderful for words!" (1 Cor. 9:15-Living Bible) Jesus is that wonderful and lasting gift that God has given us.
The Christmas season is a wonderful time to tell others about Jesus. We can tell others that God showed His love in giving us the gift that gives both peace and joy. This is grace; God's undeserved kindness. This season reminds us of God's grace shown to all. While we'll focus on buying and receiving gifts, we let focus more on the gift that God has given. It is a more lasting and priceless gift that blesses us for all time.
May you have a blessed and joyful Christmas.
Merciful and most loving God, by whose will and bountiful gift Jesus Christ our Lord humbled himself that he might exalt mankind, and became flesh that he might renew in us the divine image; grant unto us the inheritance of the meek,perfect in us thy likeness, and bring us at last to rejoice in beholding thy beauty, and with all thy saints, to glorify thy grace, who hast given thine only Son to be the Saviour of the world. Amen.
"Praise be, Jesus Christ!"
Friday, December 5, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
The Wearing of Mask-Being our real selves.
I have been working on short stories for some years. I have written some short stories which I hope to have published in the near future. One of my short stories is entitled:The Man behind the maskThis story deals with a young pastor who is struggling with his own identity. He has two different personalities, and he is struggling to discover who he really is. He presents two different sides to himself; one side is his public self, and the other side is his private self. He tries to "wear a mask" so that people will not see his true self. He plays the roles that others have assigned to him, but he has another side that he keeps hidden. He is fearful about being honest because he has much to lose. He's worried about what others might think and say. Throughout the story, I use a quotation from one Shakespeare's plays. It's from his plays, Hamlet.It speaks about being true to one's self. This is something that confronts the young pastor throughout the story. Is this something that confronts each one of us? Are we true to God and to ourselves? Are we living true and authentic lives, or do we live out the roles assigned to us by others?
As I worked through a study of the main character, something hit me. I had to ask myself; "How much of this character is really me?"> When I write a story, I don't often think about my connection to the main character. This time, I did. I realized that I was writing about myself. I started to wonder if I was being truly authentic, or if I been playing roles assigned to me by others. I then thought about the title, and then I had to ask; had I been wearing a mask?
I believe that all people do wear "masks." Some people present many different sides of themselves. They allow others to see so much of their personality, while concealing some parts of who they really are. Their private lives at times are far different then what they present in public. This is common of most people. Wearing such masks, playing such games can cause people not to be honest with other people and with themselves. In order to get along, or to get ahead, some people are willing to play the game. They are willing to play the roles assigned to them by others. They don't want to "rock the boat" or to stand out. They do not want to be "outed." So rather then assert who they are, they remain silent. They are afraid of what they might lose or what others might say. I don't know about other people, but I've had to ask myself; "Am I happy? Am I being real?"
As I was writing this story, I was confronted with these, and many other questions.These are questions that I have found hard to ignore and to avoid. They keep coming back and continue to cause me to think. I have to be honest; I have tried to avoid these hard questions. This could be that I am fearful of the answers and the outcome. I like many, continue to play the game and wear masks. I like many, am afraid of what others might think.
I believe that someone once said; "All the world's a stage." We have a part to play. But what happens when the acting is done and when the masks come off? There comes a time when we have to stop playing games and get real. Are we real with ourselves? Have we taken the time and effort to discover who we are, not what others say what we should be? What role does God, and not others have for us? The answer to these and other questions do not come overnight. It takes a lifetime of prayer, thought, struggle, and acceptance. This takes faith and courage. It takes honesty.
As I began the work on this story, my mind was drawn to the words from the play Hamlet.Here is the quotation that I used for the story;
"This above all; To thine own self to be true; And it must follow, as the night and the day, Thou canst not than be false to any man."
These words confronted the main character in my story, and they also confronted me. I had to think about this quotation, and then think about my own journey. There have been changes in my life that have caused me to take an inventory of myself. Strange as it may sound, I have found myself asking this question; "Who am I ?"
There comes a time when people should stop and ponder their identity. Perhaps there comes a time when people should stop and think about their lives and the roles that God has for them. The discovery of self goes on through the journey. God never promised that this journey of discovery would be easy. He has promised that He knows His plans for each one of us.(Jeremiah 29:11) He will guide each of us and help us to see ourselves. He knows who we are; we are His children. He made us, and has redeemed us through the blood of His Son. He knows us better then we know ourselves. We should concern ourselves with being true to Him, and to live out the roles that HE assigns us. He'll show us who we are. He'll show us our purpose. He'll never stop loving us, no matter what.
The best advice that I can give is this; be yourself, not someone else. The world will certainly try to force roles upon us that do not suit us. At times, we'll have little say in the matter. Nevertheless, there are those times when we must throw off the roles and assert ourselves. Walk with God, listen to His voice. He'll show you who you are. Don't let others dictate who you are. Know yourself, and know the God who created you. The world presents images and stereotypes of how people should be. If you try to measure up to the world's standards, you'll lose your soul and your identity. All that you can do is to be yourself, not someone else. If you try to live up to other people's images, you'll never be happy. Chart your own course.Let God and conscience be your guide. Let your true self come out. You might either surprise or disappoint people, that will happen. It is better to be honest with yourself and with others.
This is a life long journey, but you won't travel it alone. There will be those who will walk with you and support you. God will give you guidance along the way. It won't be easy, but growth never is. The results will be well worth it. Once you discover the person that God has made you to be, you'll find peace. This will help you to move forward. May we take hold of God, and have the courage to honestly be the people that God has made us to be.
Based on the story to be completed: "The Man behind the mask."
As I worked through a study of the main character, something hit me. I had to ask myself; "How much of this character is really me?"> When I write a story, I don't often think about my connection to the main character. This time, I did. I realized that I was writing about myself. I started to wonder if I was being truly authentic, or if I been playing roles assigned to me by others. I then thought about the title, and then I had to ask; had I been wearing a mask?
I believe that all people do wear "masks." Some people present many different sides of themselves. They allow others to see so much of their personality, while concealing some parts of who they really are. Their private lives at times are far different then what they present in public. This is common of most people. Wearing such masks, playing such games can cause people not to be honest with other people and with themselves. In order to get along, or to get ahead, some people are willing to play the game. They are willing to play the roles assigned to them by others. They don't want to "rock the boat" or to stand out. They do not want to be "outed." So rather then assert who they are, they remain silent. They are afraid of what they might lose or what others might say. I don't know about other people, but I've had to ask myself; "Am I happy? Am I being real?"
As I was writing this story, I was confronted with these, and many other questions.These are questions that I have found hard to ignore and to avoid. They keep coming back and continue to cause me to think. I have to be honest; I have tried to avoid these hard questions. This could be that I am fearful of the answers and the outcome. I like many, continue to play the game and wear masks. I like many, am afraid of what others might think.
I believe that someone once said; "All the world's a stage." We have a part to play. But what happens when the acting is done and when the masks come off? There comes a time when we have to stop playing games and get real. Are we real with ourselves? Have we taken the time and effort to discover who we are, not what others say what we should be? What role does God, and not others have for us? The answer to these and other questions do not come overnight. It takes a lifetime of prayer, thought, struggle, and acceptance. This takes faith and courage. It takes honesty.
As I began the work on this story, my mind was drawn to the words from the play Hamlet.Here is the quotation that I used for the story;
"This above all; To thine own self to be true; And it must follow, as the night and the day, Thou canst not than be false to any man."
These words confronted the main character in my story, and they also confronted me. I had to think about this quotation, and then think about my own journey. There have been changes in my life that have caused me to take an inventory of myself. Strange as it may sound, I have found myself asking this question; "Who am I ?"
There comes a time when people should stop and ponder their identity. Perhaps there comes a time when people should stop and think about their lives and the roles that God has for them. The discovery of self goes on through the journey. God never promised that this journey of discovery would be easy. He has promised that He knows His plans for each one of us.(Jeremiah 29:11) He will guide each of us and help us to see ourselves. He knows who we are; we are His children. He made us, and has redeemed us through the blood of His Son. He knows us better then we know ourselves. We should concern ourselves with being true to Him, and to live out the roles that HE assigns us. He'll show us who we are. He'll show us our purpose. He'll never stop loving us, no matter what.
The best advice that I can give is this; be yourself, not someone else. The world will certainly try to force roles upon us that do not suit us. At times, we'll have little say in the matter. Nevertheless, there are those times when we must throw off the roles and assert ourselves. Walk with God, listen to His voice. He'll show you who you are. Don't let others dictate who you are. Know yourself, and know the God who created you. The world presents images and stereotypes of how people should be. If you try to measure up to the world's standards, you'll lose your soul and your identity. All that you can do is to be yourself, not someone else. If you try to live up to other people's images, you'll never be happy. Chart your own course.Let God and conscience be your guide. Let your true self come out. You might either surprise or disappoint people, that will happen. It is better to be honest with yourself and with others.
This is a life long journey, but you won't travel it alone. There will be those who will walk with you and support you. God will give you guidance along the way. It won't be easy, but growth never is. The results will be well worth it. Once you discover the person that God has made you to be, you'll find peace. This will help you to move forward. May we take hold of God, and have the courage to honestly be the people that God has made us to be.
Based on the story to be completed: "The Man behind the mask."
Friday, November 28, 2008
Real Hope-An Advent mediatation
During the last presidential election, one of the candidates campaigned on the themes of both "hope" and "change." These were words that connected with the electorate. There were many people who felt that they needed hope. They had lost hope in both the government and in the direction of the country. They also felt that after the last eight years of the previous administration, change was needed. Each person had their own definition of hope, and the changes that they wanted to see. The candidate who had campaigned on these themes, won the election. People will now sit back and see if he will be able to fulfill these themes.
Here are some questions to be considered. "What if he can't restore hope?" "What if he is unable to bring about change?" These are the desires that are built upon worldly promises. These promises and desires sometimes do not materialize. When most people speak of hope; they do so in a secular sense. Such hopes are not built upon God's promises, but upon human desires. This is like building a house upon quicksand, such hopes can sink and disappear. There is nothing wrong with having hope, however, hope such be built upon a firm foundation. Hope that is built upon Christ Jesus is a firm and sure hope. It is hope that is firm, and is real. Christ fills us both both hope and joy, and such a hope will not fail us. Christian hope does not look to the promises of this world. Christian hope looks to the crib and to the cross. Christian hope looks to the One who is the fulfillment of all hope-Jesus Christ.
There many people today who have lost hope, and their souls are crushed. They do not know where they can turn to find the strength for each new day. Some people try to find comfort and strength by the use of drugs or alcohol. These only causes people to fall further and further into hopelessness. In Psalm 42:11, the psalmist points us to where we can find hope. "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquiet within me? Hope in God;for I shall again praise him, my help and my God." The psalmist points us to the One who is the source of real hope, and who can calm the troubled spirit.
Advent is a season of hope. It points us to the One who is the source of all real hope. God fulfilled his promise of hope and renewal by sending his own dear Son. In this season, we look to the promise fulfilled, and we await with hope and expectation, the Savior's second appearing. Sin and death had crushed our relationship with God, but Jesus came to bring forgiveness and a new relationship with God the Father. He brings hope and change to us. Unlike politicians, He offers real hope and change. He is someone in whom we can truly believe in.
The season of Advent reminds us to keep pressing on in both faith and hope. It points us to the real reason for hope. When challenges and struggles come, continue to look to the Lord. The Lord will provide strength and hope that is sure. Be strong, and never lose doubt His grace. The psalmist encourages us with these words: "Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord." (Psalm 31:24)
There are many people who are looking for both hope and change in their lives. Believers have the opportunity to point them to the one who is the source of both hope and change. In these times, may the Church continue to proclaim the message of the Gospel of Christ. In Christ, there is real hope. Through his Spirit, he changes lives.
May the Lord richly bless you this Advent season. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith. May you press on in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.(Romans 15:13)
MARANATHA-COME,O LORD! (1 Cor. 16:22)
Here are some questions to be considered. "What if he can't restore hope?" "What if he is unable to bring about change?" These are the desires that are built upon worldly promises. These promises and desires sometimes do not materialize. When most people speak of hope; they do so in a secular sense. Such hopes are not built upon God's promises, but upon human desires. This is like building a house upon quicksand, such hopes can sink and disappear. There is nothing wrong with having hope, however, hope such be built upon a firm foundation. Hope that is built upon Christ Jesus is a firm and sure hope. It is hope that is firm, and is real. Christ fills us both both hope and joy, and such a hope will not fail us. Christian hope does not look to the promises of this world. Christian hope looks to the crib and to the cross. Christian hope looks to the One who is the fulfillment of all hope-Jesus Christ.
There many people today who have lost hope, and their souls are crushed. They do not know where they can turn to find the strength for each new day. Some people try to find comfort and strength by the use of drugs or alcohol. These only causes people to fall further and further into hopelessness. In Psalm 42:11, the psalmist points us to where we can find hope. "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquiet within me? Hope in God;for I shall again praise him, my help and my God." The psalmist points us to the One who is the source of real hope, and who can calm the troubled spirit.
Advent is a season of hope. It points us to the One who is the source of all real hope. God fulfilled his promise of hope and renewal by sending his own dear Son. In this season, we look to the promise fulfilled, and we await with hope and expectation, the Savior's second appearing. Sin and death had crushed our relationship with God, but Jesus came to bring forgiveness and a new relationship with God the Father. He brings hope and change to us. Unlike politicians, He offers real hope and change. He is someone in whom we can truly believe in.
The season of Advent reminds us to keep pressing on in both faith and hope. It points us to the real reason for hope. When challenges and struggles come, continue to look to the Lord. The Lord will provide strength and hope that is sure. Be strong, and never lose doubt His grace. The psalmist encourages us with these words: "Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord." (Psalm 31:24)
There are many people who are looking for both hope and change in their lives. Believers have the opportunity to point them to the one who is the source of both hope and change. In these times, may the Church continue to proclaim the message of the Gospel of Christ. In Christ, there is real hope. Through his Spirit, he changes lives.
May the Lord richly bless you this Advent season. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith. May you press on in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.(Romans 15:13)
MARANATHA-COME,O LORD! (1 Cor. 16:22)
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Words of encouragement for Christian workers.
Service in the Lord's Church is a high and glorious blessing. Through service, Christians give praise to God, and help to further the Kingdom. Service in the Church allows believers to make use of their time, talents and treasure. Christian service faith in action; it is a way to strengthen fellow believers and to reach others for the Gospel.
The Church has always been blessed by those who willingly give of themselves for the sake of the Gospel. Without their faithful service, the mission and ministry of the Church would suffer. They often undertake the tasks that others are either unable or unwilling to do. They have as their model and guide the Savior who said: "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." (Matt. 20:28) This is a model of service that Christ has given to all believers.
Christian workers are human, they can become both weary and overworked. These are difficult times in which to do ministry. This is nothing new. The Christian Church through the ages has always ministered during difficult times. The Church on earth will always face challenges. It can only find it's strength in the Lord of the Church. He has given the Church this everlasting promise:"I am with you always."(Matt. 28:20)The Holy Spirit empowers the saints, and equips them for service. He bestows gifts upon the saints so that they can carry out works of service.
There are many great challenges that face the Church in these days. These are difficult economic times which limit how the Church carries out ministry. There are many congregations that have seen declines in membership and in financial resources. Many congregations have been forced to either cut back on ministry, or even close. There are many congregations who have a small number of people doing the majority of the work. This means that are a lot things in the congregation remain undone because of the shortage of workers. These workers serve faithfully, but in time, they grow weary. They become burned out and discouraged. As a result, they either pull back in their service or quit. They sometimes leave the congregation and go elsewhere, or even stop attending Church.
I served as an active pastor from 1991-2005. There were times when I also experienced the stresses of service. These stresses, as well as other issues lead to burn out. During those years, I watched and encouraged worker who themselves were weary. Their service often went unappreciated. They often found themselves doing the work alone, without any support from other members.
There is a word of Scripture that had always strengthened me during my years of active service. These words are from Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. This verse reads as follows;
"Therefore, my beloved brothers,be steadfast, immovable, always abounding the work of the Lord, knowing that the Lord, your labor is not in vain." (1 Cor. 15:58)
The text begins with these words of exhortation:"..be steadfast, immovable.."This means that believers are to be faithful, and be committed. This is a call to give full devotion and service to Christ. Christian service should never be done with the desire to gain praise from others. It is done to give praise and thanks to Christ. Service to Christ is never and easy task, but it is a blessed task. Those who render service are urged to be faithful, because there are many challenges that come with service. Some of the challenges come from fellow members who either do not serve, or might find fault with the Christian worker's service. Those who render service, are called to remain faithful in their service. As they serve, may they always keep their eyes fixed on the one whom they serve-Jesus Christ. He will make their service a blessing to the Church.
The text also says to be "Immovable." This means; "Not able or intended to be moved." Paul urges believers to stand their ground. Stand on the solid, and unshakable Gospel. There are many different forces that often try to move believers from this solid foundation. The world and the devil both try to move believers away from Christ, and to knock them off balance. The storms of life, and the challenges of ministry have their ways of knocking believers down. These challenges often cause believers to become both weary and discouraged in their service, and they just give up. If believers don't stand strong and are moved away from serving, then the devil has gained a victory. Let believers continue to serve, and do so, being both steadfast and immovable. Christ is the foundation for all service. He has given His Holy Spirit to empower believers in faith, and keep them firmly grounded on the Gospel.
The next section says; "Always abounding in the work of the Lord." The word, "abound", means; "To be in a state of movement or action." The Christian worker is on the move; there's too much to do. This text would tell believers to always be busy at the Lord's work, no matter how tough it might be. The challenges might be tough; keep at the work. The work might be overwhelming; keep at the work. The future might seem uncertain; keep at the work. Christian workers can keep on abounding in the Lord's work if they have both faith and vision. They need faith that looks to Jesus as the source of strength. They need to have a vision for outreach, and for bringing souls into the Kingdom.
There those might the Christian worker; "Are your efforts worth it?" The Christian worker would respond; "Yes." Service within the Kingdom is not a wasted effort. The text concludes with these words: "Knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." All that Believers do for Christ is a blessing, and gives praise to Him. There is no lack of work within the Kingdom. All the saints are needed to be about service. The Holy Spirit has granted gifts to all believers to use in service. There is much to do; there are many people in need of the Gospel. May those who have yet to use their gifts, find a place of service in the Kingdom. May those who are serving not grow weary nor discouraged. The service will not always be easy; but The Lord gives strength. The times might be difficult;
but the Lord brings His people through. Dear Saints, never grow weary, keep active in service, and know that your labors are a blessing to the Lord and to His Church.
The Church has always been blessed by those who willingly give of themselves for the sake of the Gospel. Without their faithful service, the mission and ministry of the Church would suffer. They often undertake the tasks that others are either unable or unwilling to do. They have as their model and guide the Savior who said: "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." (Matt. 20:28) This is a model of service that Christ has given to all believers.
Christian workers are human, they can become both weary and overworked. These are difficult times in which to do ministry. This is nothing new. The Christian Church through the ages has always ministered during difficult times. The Church on earth will always face challenges. It can only find it's strength in the Lord of the Church. He has given the Church this everlasting promise:"I am with you always."(Matt. 28:20)The Holy Spirit empowers the saints, and equips them for service. He bestows gifts upon the saints so that they can carry out works of service.
There are many great challenges that face the Church in these days. These are difficult economic times which limit how the Church carries out ministry. There are many congregations that have seen declines in membership and in financial resources. Many congregations have been forced to either cut back on ministry, or even close. There are many congregations who have a small number of people doing the majority of the work. This means that are a lot things in the congregation remain undone because of the shortage of workers. These workers serve faithfully, but in time, they grow weary. They become burned out and discouraged. As a result, they either pull back in their service or quit. They sometimes leave the congregation and go elsewhere, or even stop attending Church.
I served as an active pastor from 1991-2005. There were times when I also experienced the stresses of service. These stresses, as well as other issues lead to burn out. During those years, I watched and encouraged worker who themselves were weary. Their service often went unappreciated. They often found themselves doing the work alone, without any support from other members.
There is a word of Scripture that had always strengthened me during my years of active service. These words are from Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. This verse reads as follows;
"Therefore, my beloved brothers,be steadfast, immovable, always abounding the work of the Lord, knowing that the Lord, your labor is not in vain." (1 Cor. 15:58)
The text begins with these words of exhortation:"..be steadfast, immovable.."This means that believers are to be faithful, and be committed. This is a call to give full devotion and service to Christ. Christian service should never be done with the desire to gain praise from others. It is done to give praise and thanks to Christ. Service to Christ is never and easy task, but it is a blessed task. Those who render service are urged to be faithful, because there are many challenges that come with service. Some of the challenges come from fellow members who either do not serve, or might find fault with the Christian worker's service. Those who render service, are called to remain faithful in their service. As they serve, may they always keep their eyes fixed on the one whom they serve-Jesus Christ. He will make their service a blessing to the Church.
The text also says to be "Immovable." This means; "Not able or intended to be moved." Paul urges believers to stand their ground. Stand on the solid, and unshakable Gospel. There are many different forces that often try to move believers from this solid foundation. The world and the devil both try to move believers away from Christ, and to knock them off balance. The storms of life, and the challenges of ministry have their ways of knocking believers down. These challenges often cause believers to become both weary and discouraged in their service, and they just give up. If believers don't stand strong and are moved away from serving, then the devil has gained a victory. Let believers continue to serve, and do so, being both steadfast and immovable. Christ is the foundation for all service. He has given His Holy Spirit to empower believers in faith, and keep them firmly grounded on the Gospel.
The next section says; "Always abounding in the work of the Lord." The word, "abound", means; "To be in a state of movement or action." The Christian worker is on the move; there's too much to do. This text would tell believers to always be busy at the Lord's work, no matter how tough it might be. The challenges might be tough; keep at the work. The work might be overwhelming; keep at the work. The future might seem uncertain; keep at the work. Christian workers can keep on abounding in the Lord's work if they have both faith and vision. They need faith that looks to Jesus as the source of strength. They need to have a vision for outreach, and for bringing souls into the Kingdom.
There those might the Christian worker; "Are your efforts worth it?" The Christian worker would respond; "Yes." Service within the Kingdom is not a wasted effort. The text concludes with these words: "Knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." All that Believers do for Christ is a blessing, and gives praise to Him. There is no lack of work within the Kingdom. All the saints are needed to be about service. The Holy Spirit has granted gifts to all believers to use in service. There is much to do; there are many people in need of the Gospel. May those who have yet to use their gifts, find a place of service in the Kingdom. May those who are serving not grow weary nor discouraged. The service will not always be easy; but The Lord gives strength. The times might be difficult;
but the Lord brings His people through. Dear Saints, never grow weary, keep active in service, and know that your labors are a blessing to the Lord and to His Church.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
God won't quit on you-Phil. 1:6
Has there ever been a time when you've been very discouraged? Have you ever faced challenges that have you so drained that you just want to give up? When faced with challenges, there are some people who become so overwhelmed, that they just want to give up. Some people feel that because they've made mistakes in their lives, God won't have anything to do with them. They wonder if God has turned His back on them, and has quit on them. Do you have thoughts that God has quit on you? The text from
Paul's letter to the Philippians says this:
"For I am sure of this very thing, that the one who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."
These words tell us that God loves each of us. He has both a plan and a purpose for each of us. He has made us, and He will continue to care and work in each of us. He is faithful. God won't quit on you.
SOME PEOPLE JUST WANT TO QUIT.
The journey through this life is not easy; there's no promise that it would be. Each day presents challenges that we must face. Life has it's share of surprises, sucesses, sorrows, and setbacks. When life is good, and things seem to be going well, people have no problem in pressing forward. When an unexpected challenge occurs, such as an illness, or the loss of income, then some people just can't keep going. The challenges of life energize some people; others just run out of steam. There those who become so discouraged and overwhelmed, that they just want to throw in the towel and give up. In both hopelessness and despair, some people fall into the trap of substance abuse. Through these, they try to find a way to ease the pains that they suffer.
There are those who look at their lives with dissatisfaction. They mull over all that they've done, and the direction their lives have taken. They might be filled with both guilt and remorse over how they have lived. In sorrow, they might cry out;"How could God forgive someone like me?" They feel that they are unworthy of God's forgiveness and mercy. There are some who have become so discouraged, that they quit on God, and on themselves. They do not feel the presence of God, nor have confidence in themselves. The hardest thing for them to do is to press on in faith. The easiest thing would be to just quit and give up.
Maybe you have had thoughts of giving up in the face of challenges. Maybe there have those times when you've thought that God has given up on you. Have you found yourself asking; "Has God quit on me?" The answer is; "No." God demostrated that He has not quit on us. He sent His own dear Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem and save us from the powers of sin, death and the devil. Through faith in Jesus, we are reminded that God does not quit on us. He has made us; and He won't walk away from us. He has given us this promise:"I will never leave you and I will never abandon you."(Hebrews 13:5
GOD IS STILL WORKING ON US
God doesn't quit on His people. This can be seen throughout the Scriptures. Even when Adam and Eve fell into sin, God didn't quit on them. God put forth a plan to repair the brokeness that sin had caused. Through His Son, He brought restoration to His people. The good work that God started in us comes through Jesus Christ. Jesus suffered and died for us, and through faith in Him, we have forgiveness and life eternal. The work still continues. The Holy Spirit calls people to faith through the Gospel, and creates faith in the human heart. He keeps believers in the faith, and gives strength to live daily the Christian life.
Through faith, believers know that the Savior will not quit on them; He empowers believers by His grace. He gives daily strength and renewal to make the journey. It is by His grace and presence that believers can stand strong in the face of life's
challenges.
As you make the journey through this life, just remember that you are not alone. There's no reason to quit, but every reason to press on. God won't quit on you, and don't quit on yourself. The ride through the journey might get bumpy at times; but hold on and don't quit. Put on your safety belt and ride it out. When you're knocked to your knees, pray! Why should you keep pressing on? There are many reasons; first, God won't quit on you, second, you have potential. There are still goals to be met, dreams to be dreamt, and blessings to be received. Why quit on God or yourself? Would God ever quit on you? The answer is "No!" Life will get tough at times, but press on in faith. Do so knowing that God won't quit on you.
Paul's letter to the Philippians says this:
"For I am sure of this very thing, that the one who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."
These words tell us that God loves each of us. He has both a plan and a purpose for each of us. He has made us, and He will continue to care and work in each of us. He is faithful. God won't quit on you.
SOME PEOPLE JUST WANT TO QUIT.
The journey through this life is not easy; there's no promise that it would be. Each day presents challenges that we must face. Life has it's share of surprises, sucesses, sorrows, and setbacks. When life is good, and things seem to be going well, people have no problem in pressing forward. When an unexpected challenge occurs, such as an illness, or the loss of income, then some people just can't keep going. The challenges of life energize some people; others just run out of steam. There those who become so discouraged and overwhelmed, that they just want to throw in the towel and give up. In both hopelessness and despair, some people fall into the trap of substance abuse. Through these, they try to find a way to ease the pains that they suffer.
There are those who look at their lives with dissatisfaction. They mull over all that they've done, and the direction their lives have taken. They might be filled with both guilt and remorse over how they have lived. In sorrow, they might cry out;"How could God forgive someone like me?" They feel that they are unworthy of God's forgiveness and mercy. There are some who have become so discouraged, that they quit on God, and on themselves. They do not feel the presence of God, nor have confidence in themselves. The hardest thing for them to do is to press on in faith. The easiest thing would be to just quit and give up.
Maybe you have had thoughts of giving up in the face of challenges. Maybe there have those times when you've thought that God has given up on you. Have you found yourself asking; "Has God quit on me?" The answer is; "No." God demostrated that He has not quit on us. He sent His own dear Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem and save us from the powers of sin, death and the devil. Through faith in Jesus, we are reminded that God does not quit on us. He has made us; and He won't walk away from us. He has given us this promise:"I will never leave you and I will never abandon you."(Hebrews 13:5
GOD IS STILL WORKING ON US
God doesn't quit on His people. This can be seen throughout the Scriptures. Even when Adam and Eve fell into sin, God didn't quit on them. God put forth a plan to repair the brokeness that sin had caused. Through His Son, He brought restoration to His people. The good work that God started in us comes through Jesus Christ. Jesus suffered and died for us, and through faith in Him, we have forgiveness and life eternal. The work still continues. The Holy Spirit calls people to faith through the Gospel, and creates faith in the human heart. He keeps believers in the faith, and gives strength to live daily the Christian life.
Through faith, believers know that the Savior will not quit on them; He empowers believers by His grace. He gives daily strength and renewal to make the journey. It is by His grace and presence that believers can stand strong in the face of life's
challenges.
As you make the journey through this life, just remember that you are not alone. There's no reason to quit, but every reason to press on. God won't quit on you, and don't quit on yourself. The ride through the journey might get bumpy at times; but hold on and don't quit. Put on your safety belt and ride it out. When you're knocked to your knees, pray! Why should you keep pressing on? There are many reasons; first, God won't quit on you, second, you have potential. There are still goals to be met, dreams to be dreamt, and blessings to be received. Why quit on God or yourself? Would God ever quit on you? The answer is "No!" Life will get tough at times, but press on in faith. Do so knowing that God won't quit on you.
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