Reflections

“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.

 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!

“ Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;  who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.  For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.” 2 Cor:1:3-5

All the trials that befall God’s people!  The passage above tells me that God comforts me in my tribulation, but it also tells me a little of why the trial has befallen me—that we may comfort others.  How many times I have pointed out that the Christian life is anything but a bed of roses.  Praise God, we are blessed beyond measure when we consider the whole picture, but there are days that it is hard “to get one foot after the other.”  Never the less, we continue on, with our eyes on Jesus and our hearts fixed on heaven.  So when we find ourselves in tribulation, it proves that God’s Word is true, for the Bible says through much tribulation we shall enter into heaven. We are also reminded that we are God’s children, because He told us trials would come.   It also makes us long for home, for in heaven there will be no more tribulation.   And, our tribulation times serve as training so we can be of encouragement to others going through trials.  There might be someone that is just waiting for a word of encouragement from you!  So, let’s keep on, looking unto Jesus!  God bless you this week as you serve the Lord!