Living Under Mercy

As a people living under mercy, it's easy to think that we are above the law, when in fact we are not. There are burning fires of judgment ready to consume us for all our countless sins. We are standing here, boldly before the Throne of God, simply, and only because of His Mercies. It's only because he purchased us with His precious blood. Because He took the blame for our sins. Because He chose to take on my guilt.

We are saved by grace. The more we take it for granted, the more we let it slip away.

People with a Purpose

Bad things happen when people lose their purpose. Men become a danger unto themselves when they lose sight of who they are. There would be nothing the devil would love more than to have a disillusioned church.

It pays to remind ourselves of the big picture every once in awhile. To take a step back to realize once more that we are just travelers here. To understand once more that worldly gain means nothing in the long run.

It pays to take a moment to breathe, to close our eyes and dream of the Golden City lit by the light of God. That, is where we are headed.

The Legacy that we stand on

While listening to Bro Dabb's sermon yesterday, it became clear to me what a great legacy we are standing on today.

Countless people have given their lives for the gospel. Starting from the prophets of old who were rejected by their people, some even hunted to be killed. They were followed by Our Lord Himself, who gave His life for us as the ultimate sacrifice. If everything else never happened, this alone is more than good enough to keep us going. The disciples followed in his footsteps, and many more are still paying a high price to carry on the Gospel.

Getting the big picture into view, we have indeed come into the Kingdom for such a time as this. Life is much more than a town we pass through, or a long transit stop. We are part of something that's as old as the earth itself. We are part of an operation that launched 2000 years ago, on a mission that has to be completed. They that came before us have done their part, fulfilled their role. It is now up to us to carry on our part of the greatest rescue mission in history.

Finding and Keeping the Treasure

It happens everywhere. When someone finds something of great value, everything of lesser value fades into the background. When you have found something of great value, nothing else matters.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. - Matthew 13:45-46

When you find your place in the heart of God, nothing else really matters. Everything else that you held onto so dearly will fade into the background. Everything that used to matter, is now forgotten.

The importance we place on worldly things and worldly pursuits is a measure of how much we treasure God's presence. What you are closer to, is what will be more important to you.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. - Matthew 6:21

Proactive Seeking

Usually when I pray every morning, I will ask God to be with me during my day. But lately, God has shown me that that is not what is not what he expects from me.

When I was a little baby, I needed my parents to be with me all the time. I needed them for almost everything, even to put me to sleep. But when I grew up, and became more mature, I could do some things by myself. I could also get up and go where I wished. I still needed my parents for most things, as I still do now, especially when I need counsel. But this time around, the onus is on me to be with them.

I have the ability to go anywhere I want. So staying with The Father is a choice I have to make. Instead of God following me wherever I go, I should make it a point to see where God is going, and follow Him wherever he goes.

So from now on, my new morning prayer will be "God, I will be with you today".

Wonder of an Omnipresent God

I love the fact that I have an omnipresent God.

That means He's always there for me. I don't have to go to a church, a temple or a mosque to look for Him.

My God can be with me when my boat is rocking in the middle of the storm. He can be with me when I'm backsliding down the road to Emmaus. He will protect me when the accuser comes to stone me. He will raise the lame when I pray for them. He will be there in Fire when I gather with my brothers to praise Him.

What a mighty God we serve.

Reading the Bible in Context

It can't be overstated how important it is to read the Bible in context. Here's one e.g:

A bribe is a charm to the one who gives it; wherever he turns, he succeeds. - Proverbs 17:8

This would lead us to believe that the Bible promotes bribery. What it is actually doing though, is truthfully stating the facts. Proverbs is a book about life, wisdom and education. Therefore it states what bribery accomplishes. However, reading further a few verses down,

A wicked man accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the course of justice. - Proverbs 17:23

Lesson learnt: Read the Bible in context, always.