joy

Face Of God

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Genesis 33:10
“And Jacob said, ‘No, please, if I have now found favor in your sight, then receive my present from my hand, inasmuch as I have seen your face as though I had seen the face of God, and you were pleased with me.’”

2015/01/img_1341.jpgI am sure we have all been complimented, at one time or another, for how we looked, or what we were wearing. Of all the compliments I have received, none has been quite like what Jacob said to Esau. After not seeing his brother for 20 years, Jacob said, “you look a lot like God.” Jacob is not saying God is a six foot tall man with red hair, but that the actions of Esau were, in some way, reflective of the character of God. What was Esau doing that was so godlike?

The answer is forgiveness. After being deceived time and time again by his brother, Esau finally resolved to let it go. He was no longer haunted by his hurt, anger, or bitterness, but had freed himself by letting it go. Instead of bringing an army to attack Jacob, he brought a welcoming committee, and extended an arm in forgiveness.

Sadly, many of us carry around a heavy weight of unforgiveness, not realizing it is like a poison that pollutes our joy. We think ourselves justified in holding a grudge, instead of looking at the cross and realizing, we too, are guilty of the most heinous sins. Instead of harboring bitterness and hurt, it is time we reflect the face of God, and forgive those who have wronged us.

Pastor Jim

 

Worshipping Jesus

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Matthew 2:2
“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

/home/wpcom/public_html/wp-content/blogs.dir/b9a/30989304/files/2015/01/img_1287.jpgThose ancient travelers who went in search of the Child Jesus, form a valuable illustration of true worship. Their worship included at least five ideas we would do well to imitate.

First, their worship was Spirit led; we read they followed “His star”. These men, who spent their time observing the heavens, were amazed that a star, which had not existed before, appeared in the sky and directed them to Jerusalem.

Second, their worship was Biblically founded. The leading of the Spirit brought them to Jerusalem. Once there, they searched the Scriptures to find the Child. Jesus said, those who worship Him must worship in “spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-240). If we want our worship to be well pleasing, we must search the Scriptures to find out who God really is, and what He desires from us.

Third, they worshipped with “exceedingly great joy.” In other words, their worship was a celebration. We all vary in personality: some are quiet, others quite loud. When we are not trying to mimick someone else in worship, there is an element where we are celebrating. What could be more amazing than God sending His Son into the world to save sinners?

Fourth, their worship included giving. They took of what they had and offered it to Jesus. When we see the value of Jesus, we are willing to give our valuables to Him. Perhaps it is time to give your time, talent and treasures to the Lord.

Finally, they were changed by their worship. We are told they departed another way. The way they came was not the way they left. These men who had been star gazers were now witnesses of Christ.

Let’s take some time today to worship Jesus in Spirit and in truth.

Pastor Jim

 

Willing To Change

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Hosea 5:4
“They do not direct their deeds
Toward turning to their God,
For the spirit of harlotry is in their midst,
And they do not know the Lord.”

I have often sat at my desk across from people who, while living without any regard for what the Bible says, still claim to know God. They might declare how important God is to them or even that they love Him. However, when their lifestyle is confronted by what the Bible teaches, they become angry and unwilling to change. The real evidence that a person is a child of God is not that they live a perfect life. Instead, it is how willing they are to change when confronted by the Scriptures.

When I first became a Christian I had no idea what God required of me. I found myself daily challenged by what the Bible taught. I had to make changes in my private and my public life. My goals, and the way I would choose to achieve them, were impacted by the teachings of Scripture. Even now, as I daily read the Word, I am confronted and challenged. The Bible is constantly tweaking and changing my thinking and behaviors.

If you are unwilling to allow the Scriptures to confront, challenge, and change your lifestyle, you need to examine whether or not you have ever truly surrendered your life to Christ. Jesus warned, on the final day of judgment, many will find that while they thought they knew the Lord, they had in fact, deceived themselves. On the other hand, if you allow the Word of God to guide, challenge and change your behaviors, you will experience the blessed life. Instead of being afraid of correction, we should look forward to whatever transformation the Lord may bring, through the power of His Word.

Pastor Jim

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