To Be Like Christ

This post will be a bit longer than usual, a bit different, too-not the normal flowers 'n blessings (although it has flowers and has been my blessing!). So please bear with me.

I was once told by someone that I needed to be more like Christ. I'd have to agree on that point, I do need to be that. We all need to! But the reason this person said that was because I was publicly bringing it to their attention that certain doctrines they were embracing were not Biblical. I guess they thought that we should be accepting of all doctrines, no matter what they are, kind of  the "let's live in love and peace since we're all God's children" sort of thing.

Anyway, that got me to thinking quite a bit about the subject of being like Christ. There are several Bible verses which mention this idea (or command), one being I Peter 2:21: "For even unto this were ye called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps." I'm not here to give a Bible study, although certainly ample time could be spent examining this subject. But I just want to point out that being like Christ is not just "love, joy and peace". It is also confrontation, rightous anger and defense of God's Name, Word, doctrines and morals!

In light of this, I recently did a study of Matthew, the first book of the Gospels which tell about the life of Christ. I listed every verse which told about Christ doing the above things, things which we normally think of as negative. There were at least 75 verses or occasions where Jesus was "negative" in His actions and words to others. And that was just the record of one book!

Should we be like Christ? You bet! Not only should we show the love and kindness that He certainly had, but we should also have His courage and strength of character to confront sin, show righteous anger and defend His Word and Name.
                                              
 May He give us wisdom to know how to be like Him,
 to do what He would do.

"Behold, I send you forth as sheep
     in the midst of wolves:
  Be ye therefore wise as serpents
    and harmless as doves."        
(Matthew 10:16)

Born To Die

All over the world today many people are celebrating Christmas. Sadly, very sadly, only a small percentage of those are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, which we know is the real reason for this season of joy.

Very often over the past few weeks I have thought of the reason that Jesus was sent to earth: TO DIE. Yes, He was born to die! That does not bring us sadness but, rather, great joy for it was because of His death that we are able to live.  

A forever life with Him...What a precious and beautiful gift He gave to us and that is why we can have such great joy as we celebrate this Christmas Day!

May you know and experience the True Joy of Christmas this year.

Merry Christmas to all!

"For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me.

And this is the Father's will which hath sent Me...that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life..."  -John 6:38-40

The Cross

Over the past few days I have been impressed and stirred once again by the importance, power and beauty of Christ's death on the cross. What mercy, grace and love was shown there on that day long ago...for everyone, but also (and this boggles my mind) just for me!

Because of His death and resurrection we have all we need for salvation. We are complete in Him! He has promised this and His promises never fail.

I heard this song the other day and it touches my soul every time I hear it. It's beautiful!
"And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power." (Colossians 2:10)

Others

Most of us have heard or seen the formula for having true joy:

Jesus

Others

Yourself

Is this true? Yes.

When we put Jesus Christ in first place, others before ourselves and ourselves last, we will experience a joy that we can't get any other way.

This month has been full of "others" for us! We made 3 trips which totalled at least 3700 km (Thank You, Lord, for safety!). We were privileged to get to know other people, cities, churches-even another state. And being able to help and minister to others in each of these places was a very special blessing.

"It's all about me." NOT! It's about Jesus Christ and others. They make life worth living. And if He chooses to include me in that picture...then my joy is complete.

May your life be full of joy today as you minister to others for His sake.

"For you are our glory and joy."-I Thessalonians 2:20

An Indescribable Gift!

"Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift" (II Corinthians 9:15). What IS this gift that's such that we cannot describe it? You mean, it's beyond beautiful and precious and wonderful? Can it be that it is beyond even...PERFECT?? More wonderful yet, is that it is a gift! A gift is something that is freely given. No payment, no strings attached, you don't even have to deserve it. You just accept it and it's yours. This gift is Jesus Christ. And all wrapped up in Him is His love and salvation for us-the most beautiful and perfect gift ever. Oh wait, that doesn't fully describe it...it's unspeakable and indescribable! What a beautiful gift for us to receive this Christmas! So, how do I receive it? By faith. By believing on Him. By trusting Him, that what He says is true, that what He promises will come to pass. He said believe in Him and He will save us (Acts 16:31). Forever. It's as simple as that. What a...gift!