Meditation

Meditation for 10/21/2019

“For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.” (Romans 15:26)

The Christian life is always spiritual in nature and claims material things to serve spiritual ends. Christians are to serve God and fellow Christians by properly using material possessions. The Gentile Christians knew they owed their opportunity for salvation to the missionary efforts of the Jews. They were willing to cross geographical and racial lines to help the Jews in their physical needs. Christian love places no limits on who can be helped by our sacrificial gifts to God’s work.

“Saints” is used often in association with the love which Christians have for one another. The context of this verse concerns the offering which Gentile saints made for the poorer and more persecuted saints of Jerusalem. To be a saint, a member of Christ’s church, is to love and help others.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:

Precious Abba, You always want us to do Your will, and there is never a time when we used our gifts to help others. The model that Jesus left clearly reveals that He helped a multitude of people in His ministry on this earth, and with all of those He helped, He treated them kindly and with compassion, seeking to meet the needs that they had, with love and respect. This day, Abba, we seek to be more like Jesus in our own lives, let Your Spirit guide us to these ends, that our service for others always please and honor You. We pray in our Lord and Savior’s blessed name. Amen

THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“It’s better to go to church with a hypocrite, than to hell with one!”

KNOWING GOD:

“Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.” (Philippians 4:21-22)

The church consists of those who have been called out to serve Christ. “Church” usually designates a local body of believers. Geographically, this church was located in Philippi. Spiritually, the church is of God. For Paul, the church had its sole foundation in Christ who began His church and is its only Lord. Morally the church is holy because members have been made holy by Christ and live pure lives for Him. Thus, church members are saints or holy ones. That saints are not super Christians in a separate category from others is clearly shown here. Paul addressed the people as holy or saints, then dealt with all their moral and spiritual problems. Saints are all Christians in all churches in every place.

I AM:

The Church, Saints: (Acts 9:36-41)

Saints let people see God’s love as they help the poor and do good. God works through such ministries to bring other people to believe in Christ. Thus the church grows, why? Because of the love of God revealed in the actions of His people as they help the poor and do good works. It is in this way, that people become attracted to churches that follow God’s example. The good works, however will not get us into the kingdom, it is the works we do, that honor our relationship with God through Christ Jesus.

Second Thought of the Day:

“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen” (Revelation 22:20-21)

The last two verses in the Bible are prayers. The Christian church lives wit the expectant prayer that the great hopes of Revelation will come to pass soon. The Bible’s last words bless God’s people of all ages with Christ’s grace.

God’s people are the saints. God’s grace rests on us while we wait for God’s final victory. Enough said.