Spring time! A time of renewing!
Looking back over my 70 years of life, I think I can say that spring is my favorite season. Everything seems to come to life again, after a winter in which everything seems dead and hopeless. But in this brief writing, I am not just calling your attention to our seasons in the valley. My heart goes to our constant need of spiritual renewal. Though I’ve been saved for over 50 years, I still have areas of my life I have to check out and bring under the Lordship of my Savior. I have to renew my commitment to the Lord in all areas. There are a few that I don’t have trouble renewing, but there are some areas that are a struggle. I am renewing my resolved to wait patiently on the Lord in all areas of my life. My tendency is to “fix” things as soon as they arise and look for the quick solution. If something is wrong, I want to “fix” it yesterday! This only brings me fret and deep, troublesome anxiety. Most things, I cannot fix! I have to renew my resolve to “Be still” and remind myself who God is. How about you? Do you have areas of your life that need to be re-committed to the Lord? If so, Do it! We have but a fleeting moment to live for our Savior, to bring others to our Lord. So, may this not just be a “spring-time” calendar speaking, but a time of refreshing in our spiritual lives.
Something to Think About?
“One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.” Romans 14:5
In this passage we see Christian liberty exemplified. As we know, each person has his own thoughts and ideas concerning different things. The example above in the observance of special days is an example. NO, it is not talking about whether it is OK to commit lewd sin or not to serve the Lord.
Many human beings love “ritual”. Some people feel extra righteousness by clinging to certain rituals. Rituals are fine, by the way, but the only thing that should make us feel more holy is our daily walk with the Lord and serving Him as He has commanded.
This brings me to the question of “Good Friday” or “Holy Friday”. The things I am about to say are my personal thoughts. If you differ, that is fine; that is our “liberty’ in Christ. First, I don’t believe Jesus could have been crucified on a Friday and spent 3 days and 3 nights in the belly of the earth , as Jesus said he would, if He resurrected Sunday morning. Remember, the morning and the evening compose a day, no matter what time the Jewish day began. Secondly, every day of your life you should be celebrating Christ’s crucifixion. Paul said, “I die daily.” Every day that I enjoy salvation, I live in the light of His crucifixion. I would feel very hypocritical if I had a special “Holy Friday” event, and lived the rest of the days carelessly, spiritually speaking.
Long story short, “Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.” God bless you and have a great week, living in the reality of His crucifixion.
Where Does Your Hope Lie
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” 2 Tim 1:12.
We often hear Christians say, “What would I do without the Lord?” That is a good question!! Human emotions are up and down. Life has it’s up’s and down’s. Our physical conditions are up and down. Aren’t you glad that our Savior is ever faithful? Aren’t you glad that your salvation is secure in HIm? That security is not in my good deeds, not in another religious human, but in Christ and in Christ alone. Paul says he KNOWS in whom he has believed and that he will keep Him until the day he is in heaven. God is truly our anchor! I think one of the key words in the verse above is KNOW. Paul knew because he personally had experienced the presence and the comfort of God. You and I have the same promise from the Word of God. Amidst the cares of this life, and its “up’s” and “down’s”, we can rejoice the more in the Lord. And, may the Lord help us to be ever-abiding, ever-relying on Him! Truly, He can give a peace that passes all understanding!