Saved by the Gospel

Doctors use a procedure, called a heart cath, to exam how well your heart is working. A catheter is inserted into a large artery, often at the wrist. Contrast dye is then injected into the heart, in effect, creating a “movie x-ray.” The doctor uses these images to look for blockages in the arteries.

What does God see when He looks at your heart? Does He see a heart that trusts in Him (Psalm 28:7)? Does He see a heart where His word is hidden (Psalm 119:11)? Does He see a heart that is pure (Matthew 5:8)? Does He see a heart that is forgiving (Matthew 18:35)? Does He see a heart that loves Him completely (Matthew 22:37)? Does He see a heart that is filled with anxiety (John 14:1)? Does He see a heart that is sensitive and touched by sin (Acts 2:37)? Or does He see a heart that is hardened and insensitive to sin (Mark 10:5)? Does He see a heart where Christ dwells (Ephesians 3:17)? Does He see a heart that strives to do His will (Ephesians 6:6)? Does He see a heart where the peace of God rules (Colossians 3:15)?

What does God see when He looks at YOUR heart? It’s something to think about

Paul wrote that to live is Christ (Philippians 1:21). Our purpose for living is to submit to Christ’s will for our lives while making Christ known to others. Too many times we forget that living for Christ necessitates that we first die to self. “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

Anyone with even a minuscule sense of right and wrong can see we are living in a sinful world. Men are marrying men and women are marrying women. In the United States alone, hundreds of thousands of unborn babies are murdered each year. Some of our larger cities experience hundreds of murders per year. Many businesses tolerate lying if it improves their profit. The use of illegal drugs is a regular practice for many.

How should Christians react? Become discouraged? Never! Give in? Certainly not! How then, should Christian react? The apostle Paul wrote, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,” (Philippians 2:14-15).

Imagine someone living in several towns over a period of only a few years. Maybe he was in the military and was stationed at a number of bases in various parts of the world. They look forward to the time when they can “put down roots.” To “put down roots” simply means to move to a place where you want to live and settle down. You make new friends and become involved in new activities there so that it starts to feel like home.

Does that sound like a good idea to you? Maybe. But I would add this one caution: don’t allow your roots to grow too deep, for you will not be here very long! R

We are merely pilgrims on this earth. I Peter 2:11. We are sojourners, passing through this life for a brief time. James 4:14. No wonder we sing the song, “This World in Not My Home, I’m Just Passing Through.”

Don’t let your roots grow too deep. Someday, it will be time to pull them up and move on.

Some days can be very stressful, some days not so much, and some days can be a breeze. But whatever life throws your way, God will see you through it. Remember, we serve the same God who led His people through the Red Sea. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. He will fight for you. Exodus 14:1-14

We’ve all heard the phrase, “When opportunity knocks, be prepared to take it.” “When opportunity knocks” may refer to the chance a person has to do something they’ve wanted to do for quite some time – perhaps take a trip to a faraway place. Maybe a chance to advance your career - perhaps being promoted at your workplace or accepting the job you’ve always wanted. Be prepared to seize an opportunity when it comes your way!

Satan also understands the importance of seizing an opportunity when it comes along. We should always be sober-minded and watchful because Satan is prowling about, seeking whom he may devour. I Peter 5:8. When he finds an opportunity to tempt us to sin, he will take it!

No wonder Paul wrote that we are to give no opportunity to the devil. Ephesians 4:27, ESV.

How will you use your tongue today? “Haven’t really given it much thought,” you say. You should! Our tongues can be improperly used in a number of negative ways. A person’s tongue can be used to incite anger (Proverbs 15:1), speak lies (Ephesians 4:25), violate another person’s trust (Proverbs 11:13), or participate in gossip (I Timothy 5:13).

Thankfully, our tongues can also be used for good. We can use our tongues to speak the truth or tell others of our faith (Romans 10:9-10), honor God (Hebrews 13:15), encourage others (Ephesians 4:29), and spread God’s word (Psalm 119:172).

How will you use your tongue today? Give it some thought!

What do you see when you see the cross of Christ?  Jesus said the greatest love anyone could have for another would be  to lay down his life for his friends (John 15:14).  When I survey the wondrous cross, I see Jesus love for all men.  I especially see Jesus' love for me!

What do you see when you look at the cross?  A  simple outline of a body hanging on the cross?  A cross made from rough pieces of wood?  The people gathered around the cross, watching with curiosity as the events take place?  

We could all list several things that come to mind when we see the cross.  But, when I take time to adequately survey the wondrous cross, I see the obedience of Christ.  I also realize how Christ's obedience is an example for me today.