As we enter into a new year it is important to reflect upon the one we are leaving behind. The older I become the more important it is to me to have a life well-lived, especially as regards my Christian testimony "Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:27)
This morning I listened to the first part of a series of teachings on the Book of Acts. It's always interesting the way God works in me. The title was "Waiting Upon the Lord" and this seems to be what I have been doing for quite awhile now. Sometimes I wonder why He wants me here, and I really wonder what possible good I can do for Him.
This first teaching was on Acts 1:1-5 and the speaker poses this one question: "Is the gospel of Jesus Christ going to the ends of the earth from your Jerusalem?" or more succinctly, "Do I believe in the resurrection, and does my life show it?"
Over the past 24 weeks I have been involved in the teaching of Francis Frangipane through In Christ's Image study. Whenever you purpose in your heart to grow closer to the Lord and set your face to seeking more of Him, you will no doubt encounter more obstacles along the way to test your resolve. I knew this going into this study, and I still chose to do it. Interestingly it was during this same time that I finally decided to open my home to a small Bible study every other Friday, so you can imagine the anger being hurled my way by the enemy of our souls. So now I am at yet another crossroads in my life where I need to decide, "Do I continue into Session 2 or wait awhile, take a breather?" I think you all know the answer to that one if you know anything about me at all.
If nothing else the one thing about which I am passionate is being transformed into the image of Christ. I want to touch the lives and hearts of others and show them that I not only believe in the resurrection, but I know that He lives in me and working through me can change the world. He does this through the lives of all who believe, put their faith in Him, and allow Him to change them into vessels for His use. The love of God poured out for all to see and to all who long for a better life.
In our world today it is often difficult to love people who do abominable things in our eyes, yet to God there is no difference - sin is sin, none greater than the other. If we can ask Him to forgive us, how can we not show the same love and compassion for another? I know, sometimes the personal hurt caused is so deep this act of faith seems so impossible, but it can be done through a conscious act on our parts to love others as He loved us and gave Himself for us. The world will see and know Him through our love for one another.
The speaker also made this point - "Our lives are an open book, being read by all we see, being recorded by God. How will your story read?"
I can only speak for myself. It is my prayer that regardless of the mistakes and wrong choices I've made, that from this day forward my story will be His story working through my life. As we approach the day of Christ's return there must first be the gospel of Jesus Christ going to the uttermost parts of the earth. Also, the church of Jesus Christ as a whole needs to be purified, walking in unity, so that all may see the love for one another, in spite of cultural or denominational differences. The Bible speaks so clearly that we will be known as His disciples by the love we show to one another. That means working together for one common purpose, not concerned for self, but for His glory alone.
So let the work begin in me, and I pray through me, by the power of His indwelling Spirit. "Fore apart from Him, I can do nothing."
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