Meditation

Meditation for 09/16/2019

“Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1^st Corinthians 1:7-8)

Paul stressed an eager waiting for the Lord’s return as the attitude of Christians. Do not be like those who proclaim to be Christians, but do not resemble a true Christian in the way they lead their lives. It is one thing to say you are a Christian, it is a completely different to live as a Christian.

As we wait beloved, we are to be faithful ministers, using our gifts in God’s service. The quality and enthusiasm of Christ service is greatly enhanced by a vital, personal anticipation of Christ’s return. “The day of our Lord Jesus Christ” is a reference to His revelation at the second coming. Clear enough?

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:

Precious Abba, it is easy in good times to say one is a Christian, but when hard times occur, and they will, they fail to have a strong faith that He will take care of them in any situation. One that reads and understands the Word in an ongoing manner, is much more prepared for the hard times and the good times. Abba, You have said that it is our faith and attitude that sustains us, along with Your Spirit, and that makes all the difference in the world. We both trust and love You all the time, and seek to do Your will as You would have us to. Thus, we find sustainability in our faith in any situation. It is in Christ Jesus holy name that we pray all this. Amen

THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“What’s love got to do with it? Everything! (John 3:16)”

KNOWING GOD:

“Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2^nd Timothy4:8)

The expectation of the Lord’s appearing with its subsequent rewards is the subject of eager longing on the part of those who have lived faithfully in Christ Jesus. One’s approach to death is filled with hope by the thought of Christ’ return.

I AM:

Last Things, Return Attitudes: (Titus 2:11–13)

(For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives, in blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”)

For believers Christ’s return is a cause for hope. Only believers have real hope because we alone have accepted His redemption. Our hope comes from the grace of God, who provides salvation. The forgiveness of sins coupled with living a godly life eliminates all dread over he return of Christ and transforms the prospect into a blessed hope. Translation is uncertain ere. Apparently Jesus is called God and Savior. His coming against is the central reason Christians have hope. As God, Jesus is one of he three Persons of the Trinity. God is known to us in three Persons who have their own identity but are not totally separable.

Second Thought of the Day:

“First of all you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, ‘Where is this coming he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.’” (2^nd Peter3:-4)

Some scoff at the reaching of a future return of Christ. Peter observed such scoffing in his day, and more was promised as a characteristic of the last day. Such scoffing may be due to ignorance of God’s former teaching (Jude 10, 18), or it may be deliberate disdain (2^nd Peter 3:5).

Some scoffing may be due tot he delayed fulfillment of the promises about Christ’s return, especially when the delay is seen as slowness or a sign that Christ is not going to return. Disciples know the delay is due to patient grace to allow everyone opportunity to repent. Against all scoffing resounds the strong affirmation. “The Day of the Lord will come” (2^nd Peter 3:10).