Giving Out of Love

It is the holiday season and for the next two months we will be encouraged to give. Advertisements and displays will draw our attention to the possibilities of what can be purchased for someone else. The season will culminate in one or many gift exchanges to demonstrate our love for someone. But we all know, that if we truly were motivated by love, we would give far more and more frequently.

II Corinthians 5:14 says, “For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” We believe that Jesus Christ died to remove the penalty for sin, that is death, for all those who trust in His sacrifice. God’s great love for us compels us to live for Him, and no longer to live only for ourselves.

Seeking To Know

When is the last time that you did research in order to know more about a topic? Perhaps, you did some research into a new financial product in order to know if it would help you meet your goals. Maybe, you looked into a repair process for a household item that had recently malfunctioned. Most of us often do some form of research into things that we need to know or that we just find interesting. But do we do any kind of intensive search into the things that are really important to our lives and will provide long term benefits?

After God chose Solomon to succeed his father, David, as king over Israel, David tells Solomon, “And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever.” As David commissioned his son to be king, he speaks of what is most important from his own experience and knowledge. David’s final instructions to Solomon are to know God and to serve Him wholeheartedly. God promises that we will know Him if we seek Him.

Parades

I have seen some pretty spectacular parades in my many years. I used to go to the Rose Parade in Pasadena quite frequently. It is a wonderful display of flowers, marching bands, dignitaries, and civic pride. Many countries have annual parades displaying their military strength. Some places use fireworks or drone lighting to light up the sky in spectacular displays. Despite all these parades, we have never seen the unmatched glory of the Lord as promised in the return of Jesus Christ to gather His people unto Himself at the end of this age.

Psalm 24:7-8 says, “Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle!” God’s glory is unmatched and unsurpassed. He calls us to open our hearts to let Him in and to let His power reign to fight our battles.

Seal of Guarantee

If you have ever bought a house, you are aware of the extensive documentation required. The buyers and sellers use these documents to give certain commitments and warranties. Many of the documents may require a notary to place their seal on the documents to guarantee the authenticity of the signatures.

II Corinthians 1:21-22 says, “And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” It is God who calls us to Himself. It is He who then works in us to make our faith strong, placing upon us His blessings. He gives us the Holy Spirit to empower us and as a seal of protection and steadfast love. He is God’s guarantee of the hope He faithfully gives.

Body Changes

Now I am in my mid-70s and my body seems to be changing daily. Most of the changes are not welcome as my body is feeling the effects of longevity and inadvertant abuse. I spend a lot of time now just taking care of the body parts that are not working well. Oh, for a new body!

I Corinthians 15:51-53 says, “Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality.” We have this firm and solid hope that one day we will be changed from the weak mortal bodies we now have into immortal bodies. These imperishable bodies will allow us to stand before a holy God and worship together will all the saints who have believed in Him and trusted Him for salvation.