“Dear friends, I urge
you,
as aliens and strangers in the
world,
to abstain from sinful desires,
which war against your soul.
Live such
good lives among the pagans that,
through they accuse you of doing wrong,
they
may see your good deeds
and glorify God
on the day he visits us.”
1 Peter 2:11-12
parŏikŏs3941 – having a home
near, i.e. (as noun) a by-dweller (alien resident): - foreigner, sojourn,
stranger.
ĕrgŏn2041 – toil (as an effort
or occupation); by impl. an act: - deed, doing, labour, work.
The church
I’m a member of is seeking a time of renewal. The focus is not on a
super-charged meeting to bring in crowds, or a building program to enlarge the
sanctuary, or an event to raise more dollars for ministry. All those things are
good, but our elders have asked us to seek what is most important – knowing God
on a deeper level as individuals as well as corporately. They’ve asked us to
spend time in prayer, alone and with groups, asking God to show us the areas we
need to change – to repent, to return, to grow – spiritually. I believe as individuals seek the Lord in a
more focused manner, all those other things we as a church body need to do will
follow. As we are led by the Spirit of the Almighty God to live what we believe
daily in the workplace, at home, and even in the grocery store, we will see people
desire to know God because of what they see in us. As their numbers increase,
God will show us when and what to build and hearts will be opened to contribute
financially to His work. But it must begin with my own heart being cleansed,
renewed, and empowered to live a life that brings glory to God.
Father,
you’ve shown me some things that need to change in my life. Enable me to turn
each day, each word, each thought over to your lordship that you may use me to
help others see your grace. Remove my fear of witnessing one on one. Replace
fear with boldness for your Kingdom. Thank you for grace to cover my sin and
allow me to live victoriously here and now.
No comments:
Post a Comment