HEAVENSREEF

Recently and ongoing is our pullout of Afghanistan.  It is interesting that most people are saying that it was never the why we needed to leave, but it has everything to do with the how.   A tragic decision has been made and we need to pray for all who are behind enemy lines right now.

What we do as Christians matters and we are as varied as we are GOD’S children.  Only GOD sees the why in our hearts.  We know the why, but GOD knows sometimes better than we know ourselves!  And HE works on us, so that all our why is really for HIM.  The why we do what we do is quite telling and let’s face it, we are all sinners.  We are learning the why about ourselves every single day.  What we can do is live the how out for the glory of GOD and HIS kingdom. Oh how HIS infinite wisdom and mercy accomplishes this within us!

COLOSSIANS 1: 10-12  “……..SO THAT YOU MAY LIVE A LIFE WORTHY OF THE LORD AND PLEASE HIM IN EVERY WAY:  BEARING FRUIT IN EVERY GOOD WORK, GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD, BEING STRENGTHENED WITH ALL POWER ACCORDING TO HIS GLORIOUS MIGHT SO THAT YOU MAY HAVE GREAT ENDURANCE AND PATIENCE, AND GIVING JOYFUL THANKS TO THE FATHER, WHO HAS QUALIFIED YOU TO SHARE IN THE INHERITANCE OF HIS HOLY PEOPLE IN THE KINGDOM OF LIGHT.”

 

So the how we live is paramount!  God knows our real reasons for why we live the way we do too.  Do we look like the rest of the world?  Or do we live our lives differently because we believe in a good and gracious GOD?  Do we live for our own pride and recognition or do we live for JESUS CHRIST and HIS kingdom of glory? 

BUT IF THE ONE WHO IS IN US IS GREATER THAN THE ONE WHO IS IN THE WORLD, SHOULDN’T HOW WE LIVE BE ONE FINE EXAMPLE FOR THOSE AROUND US TO SEE GOD IN US AND THEN TO BRING GLORY TO THE ONE AND HOLY GOD?

1 CORINTHIANS 10: 31  “WHATEVER YOU EAT OR DRINK, OR WHATEVER YOU DO, DO ALL THINGS FOR THE GLORY OF GOD.”

How we live out the above scripture not only impacts us and our heart transformation, but influences those who don’t yet believe.  How we live, as ambassadors for CHRIST and how we share the GOSPEL we know means everything to the why we do what we do.  Our love for GOD and HIS SON, produces love and service within us. 

Let’s be reminded of the how we see others as a real game changer.  Isn’t every living soul on this plant a potential child of GOD?  This was GOD’S plan……for all to come to HIM!  HE is patiently waiting for those who do not yet believe, to turn to HIM.  And the how we live in our circle of influence matters.  Don’t ever think that people are not watching or noticing you…….don’t be surprised either when they ask you why you have the peace and hope that you do have.  Our faith in HIM has transformed us to a love for others, no matter how difficult they may be.

2 PETER 3: 9  “THE LORD DOES NOT DELAY HIS PROMISE, AS SOME UNDERSTAND DELAY, BUT IS PATIENT WITH YOU, NOT WANTING ANY TO PERISH BUT ALL TO COME TO REPENTANCE.”

Our LORD is patient with us, how much more should we be patient with others?  Let’s try to do this better.  People are severely lost right now with all that is going on in this sin-soaked ugly world.  Be that light, be that hope and be that one who lives their life very differently, because sooner rather than later, someone will ask you……how are you living through all of this?  And then……tell them how!!

ACTS 17: 24-25  “THE GOD WHO MADE THE WORLD AND EVERYTHING IN IT IS THE LORD OF HEAVEN AND EARTH AND DOES NOT LIVE IN TEMPLES BUILT BY HUMAN HANDS.  AND HE IS NOT SERVED BY HUMAN HANDS, AS IF HE NEEDED ANYTHING.  RATHER, HE HIMSELF GIVES EVERYONE LIFE AND BREATH AND EVERYTHING ELSE.”

PSALM 119: 175  “LET ME LIVE THAT I MAY PRAISE YOU AND MAY YOUR LAWS SUSTAIN ME.”