Gleanings for April 30
WHY NOT NOW?
Ephesians 3 Selected verses (paraphrased): “God has revealed His secret plan through the Holy Spirit so we will see the fellowship of those secrets which have been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ.
Ephesians
Do you sense a feeling of gratitude for being born in a world where “family” is really a reflection of the “Creator God” Himself? “Family” is a word that is rooted in God: God is Father—the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Himself, God is a “divine family.” That is a comment by Larry Christenson, a respected retired Lutheran Pastor.
As I read that comment this morning it
reminded me of some “on the spur of the moment answers” given by people when
they were asked what Easter meant to them.
Some replies brought tears to my
eyes—with a prayer in my heart I asked, “Lord, what can I do to help people know the true meaning of RESURRECTION LIFE
and the LOVE YOU HAVE for every person
ever born? Whether the answers that
day were spoken from a wrong perception of WHO
God is, or just a personal decision
to “not believe” there is a God; only HE knows.
One thing is sure; a “burr” was put in my saddle!! I will not sit idly by when opportunity comes for me to tell people about a Father God Who loves them and desires for “EVERYONE” to come to the knowledge of this truth: HE is the REDEEMER; not a thief who wants to steal, kill and destroy. (See John 10:10) Jesus has come that we may have LIFE and that MORE ABUNDANTLY!
Yes, the celebration of the day of Jesus’ Resurrection has come and gone but its TRUTH remains. JESUS IS ALIVE! That truth brings ETERNAL LIFE; but for anyone who chooses to reject that truth it will be ETERNAL DAMNATION. Those are facts that cannot be denied without eternal consequences. If I sound dogmatic—that is just what is intended. The only thing that will hinder the way to Abundant Life is the CHOICE you make when the Spirit of the Living God nudges your spirit. I believe that at some time in everyone’s life there will be opportunity for that choice to be made. It could be made RIGHT NOW.
WHY NOT NOW?
“Come to Christ, confession make, come to Christ and pardon take;
Trust in Him from day to day, He will keep you all the way.
Why not now? Why not now? Why not come to Jesus now?
That is the last verse of an old Hymn—it tells us not to wait—if you have not asked Jesus to be your Lord, do it now. When once we have accepted Him into our lives we must “keep the fire” burning brightly—that way we will be sure to know”
THE JOY OF THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH!