 March, 2010
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5: 1-2)
These powerful words of affirmation about our salvation, from the Apostle Paul, reveal the magnificent reality of a relationship with God that gives forgiveness, peace, and joy to every person who will receive Christ as their Savior. That is God’s plan for everyone who will believe. This is also a significant truth to reaffirm during the Season of Lent, which is a time to evaluate our walk with God, ask Him to show us where we need to experience spiritual growth, and be fully devoted to Jesus. Then, we are ready to have hearts that are open to all God wants to say to us as we remember the suffering and death of His Son, Jesus, and be able to enthusiastically and more gratefully celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Spiritual growth often involves asking God to help us keep our mind and heart focused on Him so we will continue to believe and trust Him in every circumstance and experience of life. That is not automatic for most of us, you know. It takes daily contact with God through His Word and prayer as well as consistent involvement with the family of God in worship and Bible study to keep on having an active faith that trusts God no matter what is happening in our lives.
I recently read some statements that were inscribed on walls where Jews hid from the Nazis at a time when they were experiencing great suffering:
I believe in the sun even when it is not shining.
I believe in love even when not feeling it. I believe in God even when He is silent.
Those are all important statements of truth and affirmation of faith. The Apostle Paul also affirmed his believe and faith in God when he wrote these words in Romans 8:38-40: For I am convinced that night death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Aren’t you glad that the work of God’s Spirit in us can keep us in Him through all of our days as we keep loving and trust him?
My prayer is that you will experience a daily renewal of faith and trust in the love of God and the God of love as you reflect on the incredible sacrifice that Jesus made so we could have eternal life. During the Season of Lent, I encourage you to make this prayer, by Eugene Peterson, your daily prayer and let it help prepare you for Holy Weed and Easter celebration: “Lord Jesus Christ, open my eyes to the reality of your glory, to the splendor of your loveliness. I worship you. I praise you. I center my life in you , and only you. Amen.” I look forward to seeing you each week to worship and praise our awesome , faithful, and trustworthy God.
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