'The ability to look beyond our disappointments is essential for
followers of Christ. Our focus determines how we face the victories and defeats
in life. “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are
above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on
things above, not on things on the earth” (Col. 3:1-2). This way of thinking
looks to Christ, rather than our achievements, for significance and validation.
We seek Him, not success. When we strive
for excellence and give our best effort, losing hurts, but it doesn’t have to
harm us. The key is where we set our minds and hearts.' —David McCaslan
My Utmost For His Highest
“Behold, O My people, I will open your graves . . .” (Ezekiel 37:12).
When God wants to show you what human nature is like separated from Himself, He
shows it to you in yourself. If the Spirit of God has ever given you a vision
of what you are apart from the grace of God (and He will only do this when His
Spirit is at work in you), then you know that in reality there is no criminal
half as bad as you yourself could be without His grace. My “grave” has been
opened by God and “I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells”
(Romans 7:18).
God’s Spirit continually reveals to His children what human nature is like
apart from His grace.’ CHAMBERS
I think that one of the greatest dangers for
Christians is for us to start thinking of ourselves as ‘good people’. Taking on
an attitude that we are not like those other people … the sinners … From time
to time I will be reminded that my feet are made of clay … that it is not me
but Christ in me … Galatians 2:20 … not I but Christ in me … the life I live ..
I live by faith … Ephesians 2:8-9 … It’s not of works … not because of my
effort or ability ….. I am who I am because of Jesus .. not because of my
intelligence .. my experience … if there is any good in me .. it is because of
what God has done and is doing in me …
This is not about coming down on yourself … but
there is a danger that we will begin to think that we have got this “Christian
thing” together. That we really don’t
need to ‘study’ any more. We have
graduated. At 61 years old I find that … I am
still studying .. still learning … I talked yesterday with a man who installs
solar panels. I told him that I need to
understand .. to learn about … the science behind the solar panels … how they
work and if they would be the best solution for the orphanage we are
building. I asked him because I realize
my limitations … and like Dirty Harry said “A man has got to know his
limitations!”
As we live this new life of ours … we must always
be aware of our limitations and remember that God is unlimited … He is the Source of the power that has given us
this new life. We must not lose our spiritual
perspective on life … to understand that most of the world is headed for
hell. That many Christians are living
defeated lives… trying to be good and do good .. in their own strength. We have opportunities every day … to share
with Good News with someone who is without hope … and encourage a Brother or
Sister who has lost perspective. To be salt
and light in our world. And from time to
time … we, ourselves, will need to be reminded that we are sinners saved by grace .. that
our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus and His righteousness.
Bondye Beni Ou
(God Bless You)
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