ABIDING IN CHRIST

How is your relationship with Jesus?  Have you thanked Him for creating you?  The apostle John tells us, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  All thing were made through Him and without Him nothing was made that was made” (John 1:1,3).  Yes, Jesus (the Word) is our Creator.

You are a unique and magnificent person, made in God’s likeness.  In discovering God’s goodness while communing with Him day to day, it is natural to feel joy.  Hold on to that joy.  Let it infuse your body, lift your mood, and be a source of admiration by others who will know that you’ve been with Jesus. 

When your day goes sour, let the light Jesus has given you, guide you to a better outcome.  Ask Jesus for strength to endure each trial.  Claim God’s promises from the book of Psalms 46:1, 2:  “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear.” 

Share your daily life with Him.  He’s interested in you and He wants you to love Him above all.  He is patient and merciful. 

Christ Jesus died for you.  He redeemed you with His blood.  Accept His free gift of salvation. 

Give your heart to the cause of winning souls for Him.  Witness to others what Jesus has done for you.  He is waiting to hand you a crown of victory and His robe of righteousness on the last day. 

     Scripture quotations are from the NKJV of the Bible.

AN INVITATION

This story has no end
We are espoused to the King
He chose us
We are His elect
He loves His bride
We are the Body of Christ

We feel undeserving
Of His mercy and love
His love knows no bounds
His sacrifice complete
The King of Glory
Bids us come to the Cross
For forgiveness

In surrendering to His will
Our lives are transformed
A softness, tender as a rose
Pervades our being
A faithfulness defines us
In a reciprocal relationship
With our King, the Lamb of God
We are espoused to Him
His love never dies

The Marriage Feast
Is coming soon
Make haste
Accept His proposal
Humble yourself
In service to the King
For many await knowledge
Of His mercy and His love
Love others as He has loved you
Introduce them
To the King of Glory

PERSEVERANCE REQUIRED

How many times lately, outside of church, have you spoken to others about your faith in God? For myself, I do not measure up in this area. Sure, I write this blog and have written a wonderful book, THE CASTING OF CROWNS, about relationships with God in the Last Days, for which I continue to seek out a traditional publisher. But witnessing in person rather than in writing is, I think, harder hitting.

I recently accepted a volunteer position at church as a greeter. I had forgotten how satisfying and rewarding contact with people can be even while stepping out of my comfort zone. And there is no other place I’d rather help people feel welcome. But that’s just a start.

What about neighbors, friends, and family? I’ve spoken to them in the past about God, but many of them rejected God’s truths as revealed in the Bible. Some of my neighbors don’t care to go to church at all. Their lifestyles don’t include reliance on God for their needs. All I can do is befriend them, reflect Christ’s image, and pray for them. Perhaps a crisis in their lives will drive them to God’s door. In the Bible, Jesus tells the church at Laodicea, prophetically the Last Days church, “Here I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him , and he with me” (Rev. 3:20). We need to encourage others to open the door and commune with Him.

What a marvelous relationship with Jesus will ensue. He is our Redeemer, bound to offer us, as sinners, with everything we need to overcome the power of Satan. Jesus promises: “To him who overcomes, I give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne” (Rev. 3:21).

There is nothing more rewarding than leading someone to Jesus. However, it requires patience and perseverance. Never stop praying for those relatives of yours who need Christ in order to overcome. Don’t be afraid to witness to others who need caring friends to introduce them to God’s unconditional love, that healing balm which produces a sense of purpose and the hope of salvation.

—Scripture quotaions taken from NIV Bible—