I don't know if you have been watching the news lately but things are not good. There seems to be a growing sense of fear and dread particularly regarding the economy. People are pulling their heads in like turtles and preparing for what seems like it may be some long dark months. How should a Christian act at this time? What makes us different? Jesus was always teaching a different way to think and a different way to live. Many times it was the opposite of what seemed to make sense. If you want to save your life you must lose it. If you want to lose your life then try to save it. The way up is down. The way to heaven is to admit there is no way you can get there. So, how about now? Recently we have had 3 different mission trips return. One from Haiti, one from Italy, and one from New Orleans. They all rolled back into town with light in their eyes and joy shooting from their finger tips. Try to talk with them about the economy and they will quickly turn the conversation to the amazing things God did in and through them on the mission trip. I have seen it happen before but in the present environment it is even more pronounced. It makes me think of Isaiah 58 where he talks about what God really wants. "Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry,and bring the homeless poor into the house. When you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh. Then your light will break out like the dawn and your recovery will speedily spring forth. And your righteousness will go before you and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. And if you give yourself to the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted then your light will rise in darkness and your gloom will become like the noon day sun." Do you want to get out of the doldrums then find someway to give yourself away. How does a Christian respond to these times? We find times of adversity to be tremendous opportunities to serve and we will be the ones singing at the top of our lungs with joy shooting from our fingertips.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
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4 comments:
There is really only one reality, and that is living in the kingdom of God, and not living in this present world. When Jesus reminded us that our hearts show where our treasure is, he was thinking of this very hour. The adage "You can't take it with you" is not necessarily biblical, but true,nonetheless. Our hearts should be rejoicing that we belong to His kingdom, and building up that sort of treasure.
We all have heard the phrase and it applies here and now "Action speaks louder than words." There is much work to be done. Rise up church of Jesus Christ and be the vessels of the Living God and in the POWER of the Holy Spirit press on towards the goal to fill the Kingdom to overflowing glorifying He who shed his saving blood for all sinners to come unto himself and be cleansed and set free. Ponder it. We who have committed our lives to the Holy One who drew us unto himself to do a mighty work following the example of Jesus Christ and in his Name commanded in the Word to tell all the world of what we have been privileged to experience ourselves and your not bouncing off the walls with excitement to share this with others. Ask the Lord to take you back to the hour you first believed that will motivate.
I am glad to see that the other responders are so thoroughly committed to living out the Scripture. I wish I was so confident. To be honest, I am very scared about the financial future of my family. While I know that I am to praise God regardless of my circumstance, I will be the first to admit that it is very difficult to do it these days. That is why I am writing, to thank you, Pastor Coffey, for reminding us of what is really important. Thank you!
There is a bond in Christ deep within that binds us to one another anonymous as brothers and sisters in the Lord. I will pray for you and your family. God knows who you are and hears your heart and your fears. I too will pray that a Jonathon be sent into your life to walk alongside of you. I applaud your heartfelt honesty as the head of your household and in your love for your family. My son is soon to lose his job because of the economy turmoil so I do understand. Draw close to the Lord. Persevere in your faith even when you don't understand. There are things we will never understand but we can rest in knowing we can trust the One who holds the future.
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