WATCHWORD:
If you love me, keep My commandments.
John 14:15
23 If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.
Luke 9:23-24
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:10-12
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.
The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20
Meditation:
The “What Ifs…” of Life
Read again the scripture passages. What is your response as life leads you along a sometimes bumpy road?
How about these scenarios;
- I do love you, Lord, and I keep your Commandments every waking moment. Now there are times when my human proclivities may be slightly out of sync with what you would have me do. I mean he is so handsome! She is so pretty, why anyone would admire such beauty. But Your commandments are right there in my mind, Lord, and I would never take the next step over the line, oh no! Looking is not sinning. Really?
- I live my life according to your Commandments, Lord, and when I get challenged by people saying things of disbelief, well, I want to say something but the opportunity is not quite there at that time. And so instead of striking out, I walk away, rather than make waves. What would you have me do?”
- I know that Christ lives in me, a gift of grace that God has given to all who believe. Each moment of every day I live according to your will, most of the time. I mean, Lord, there are times when my common sense has simply got to kick in. I’m sure you understand. Well, do we hedge our bets, don’t we? You know, we kind of follow You and Your commandments, most of the time. Our faith is strong and we know that You are in charge, and we trust You, and we rely on You, but, there are times… I mean, what is the purpose of your gift of free will?
I just finished a story based on the Good Samaritan parable. The Samaritan is a merchant who, on his travels, has heard story after story of the ministry of Christ, and rejected each one as fable. That is until he had cause to question his own thinking, and a pesky phrase kept coming back to him, what if… What if those stories are true? That is when his doubt gave way, and his life began to bless others.
Yes, we know how our lives can change when we are confronted with challenges that test our faith. We may wonder how He is going to save us from one difficulty after another, temptations, a health challenge, a loss of our loved one, or whatever. Yet, He does save us, if we would but pay attention. There are times when our common sense must give way to the gratitude and praise of our faith, when our “What ifs” become thank you, Jesus! Amen.
Bulletin Board:
Remember that bulletin board that read: “Those lessons about living in My Graces? I meant that. — God.”
Prayer To Always Do God’s Will:
Dear Lord, I believe that You uphold the creation by the strength of Your mighty power and Your great wisdom, and that in Your Word You have laid out all that we need to live godly lives that are pleasing to You. I desire to do Your will oh God, and I pray that I may serve You in the manner that You require. Lord, in humility of heart I admit that I can do nothing of myself, but only as You give me Your sufficient grace, Your wisdom and Your strength. Help me I pray, to live each day of my life in holiness and righteousness, in humility of heart and with self-control. Help me to walk in spirit and in truth and to do only those things that I have heard from You, through the Word of God and the gentle promptings of Your Holy Spirit in my inner soul. May I look to You and not to the ways of the world. May I grow in grace and in a knowledge of the Lord Jesus, and may I apply myself diligently to pursue You greater plans and purpose in my life, willingly accepting correction, eager to forgive others and enjoying sweet fellowship with You day by day. This I ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.
