"Who...crowneth thy life with lovingkindness and tender mercies; who satisfieth thy mouth with good things..." Psalm 103
The Lord has given us so many gifts -- His salvation, His love, His mercy, His kindness, His provision, His joy. Give thanks to Him every day for what He has done and what He is doing.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Taking hold of eternal life
"Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses." I Timothy 6:12.
What does it mean to take hold of eternal life? My NIV Study Bible says that Timothy had possessed eternal life since he had first been saved, but that here Paul is urging him to claim its benefits in greater fulness. In verse 19, he says to take hold of the life that is truly life. Surely we all want life that is truly life. We have to examine our lives and ask the Lord to show us the parts that are not truly life. In verse 17 it says that God "provides us with everything for our enjoyment," so true life is a joy-filled life, and the provision for this life is at our disposal. We need to practice taking hold of eternal life, true life, every day, asking God to guide us.
What does it mean to take hold of eternal life? My NIV Study Bible says that Timothy had possessed eternal life since he had first been saved, but that here Paul is urging him to claim its benefits in greater fulness. In verse 19, he says to take hold of the life that is truly life. Surely we all want life that is truly life. We have to examine our lives and ask the Lord to show us the parts that are not truly life. In verse 17 it says that God "provides us with everything for our enjoyment," so true life is a joy-filled life, and the provision for this life is at our disposal. We need to practice taking hold of eternal life, true life, every day, asking God to guide us.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Certa bonum certamen fidei
I think if our family had a banner or crest I would want it to say this. It is from I Timothy 6:12: "Fight the good fight of faith." The Greek word for "fight" gives us our word "agonize." The Christian life is a battle. It is never easy. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, and it is not just against spiritual forces of evil. We have to struggle against our own selfish desires, and perhaps that is the greatest struggle of all. But it is a fight worth fighting, for "godliness with contentment is great gain."
To fight this fight, I have a suggestion. Find a Scripture verse to meditate on and think about it all through the day or even days. This week I have been thinking often about just the first part of I Peter 3:15: "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord." I am trying to let that truth rule every decision.
To fight this fight, I have a suggestion. Find a Scripture verse to meditate on and think about it all through the day or even days. This week I have been thinking often about just the first part of I Peter 3:15: "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord." I am trying to let that truth rule every decision.
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