Reconciled

 

As part of my Bible study this morning I contemplated these verses from 2 Corinthians 6:18 - 21.

     "All this newness of life is from God, who brought us back to himself through what Christ did. And God has given us the task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others. We are Christ's ambassadors, and God is using us to speak to you. We urge you, as though Christ himself were here pleading with you, Be reconciled to God! For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ."

What a beautiful, eternity altering, gift. 

I challenge you to personalize these verses and read it aloud. I don't know about you, but when I did this part of today's lesson the words came alive, and I was strongly reminded of the mission given to me by God. 

Here is what I did:

    "All this newness of life is from God, who brought me back to himself through what Christ did. And God has given me the task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting my sins against me. This is the wonderful message he has given me to tell others. I am Christ's ambassador, and God is using me to speak to you. I urge you, as though Christ himself were here pleading with you, Be reconciled to God! For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for my sin, so that I could be made right with God through Christ."

Try this. You can also use your name if you like. You're going to love it. 

We ignore God at our own peril. When He calls us, he has a purpose in mind. Oh yes, he loves us and wants us reconciled to himself, but he also has much for us to do. And stepping forward with purpose makes life sweeter.

So, how do we know what our mission is? Likely it is missions, plural. 

Ask God. He doesn't want to keep it a secret. He'll show you.

He is waiting to hear from us and to reach out to us and to our contrite hearts. There are beautiful days ahead, never doubt it.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

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Prisoner for Christ?

Is it another one of those days? Nothing's going right. You're not feeling well. You wake up and all you know is pain, or remorse from  a wrong you've done. Maybe a friend betrayed you and you're heartsick. Or did you mess up at work? There are countless situations in our lives that get us down, hold us back, sidetrack us. Sometimes we even feel imprisoned by our circumstances. I feel like that a lot.

We are just people. So disappointments, travails, frustrations and fears are part of life. I'm right there with you. Too often, in the midst of a struggle I falter. I'm not the kind of friend I should be or the mother I should be, or Christian I should be. I become weary, angry, and sometimes I feel sorry for myself.  Ugh. I hate that.

When everything seems too hard or even impossible, friends are good and helpful, but the only place to find the right answers every time is in God, His Word. If only we will listen to Him. Sorting out troubles in my own power will lead me astray.

The apostle Paul spent long periods of time imprisoned and yet he wrote more books in the Bible than any other man, some of the most powerful words were penned from within the confines of prison.

Did he get angry or frustrated? Was he ever afraid? Did he struggle to carry out his mission? What do you think? He was just a man, after all. 

When Paul began his ministry, Christians did not trust him. They turned him away. Can we blame them? He had been the chief persecutor of Christ followers. Still, Paul persevered. He was hunted, beaten, jailed and ultimately gave his life for his faith. A man doesn't walk that walk without disappointment and even despair. But by the strength and power of God Paul kept on going. He didn't give up. He continued to preach Christ and offered wisdom and  knowledge and even encouragement to believers ... even while in prison.

When I think of this man who loved the Lord so much that he gave his life for him I have to look at myself too. I don't like what I see - weakness, fear, frustration ... self. 

But I'm not without hope. 

It is God in the midst of the difficult things of this earth that help me grow stronger. I am thankful for spring because there is winter. And the heat of summer makes me long for fall.  

What a privilege it is to serve the Lord. I can depend upon Him. He provides all I need. He never forsakes me. But if I am to live confidently rejoicing my gaze must rest upon Him.

The Lord's plans are perfect. I pray we recognize the beauty in His purpose for us, no matter what the circumstances. And may we rest in His peace, understanding how deep His love is for us. 

We do not walk alone.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie