Reflecting the Presence of Christ

In his book "Sheperding the Small Church", Glen Daman writes, "The ultimate test of the Christian faith is not what ones does, but what one becomes." (86) As important as doing is in our lives as Christians, we must not overlook the significance of becoming. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, "As the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like Him and reflect His glory more and more." (NLT) It is my belief that what we become enhances and gives strength to what we do. Are you and I developing more of a Christ-likeness in our words and actions everyday? As a lake reflects its surroundings, so too, as we become more like Him, will we reflect the presence of Christ.

Spending Time With God

The other day I came across an article entitled "Practical Help for Personal Worship". I am not sure who wrote it or where it originated. When it comes to the time we spend alone with God, things like busyness and laziness tempt us to say no and not now. Quite time alone with God is vital to our spiritual growth. Therefore, it must be be a high priority.
Here are some of the practical helps mentioned in the article:

1. Have a Bible, pen and paper with you (within 72 hours we forget 95% of any impressions we receive.)

2. Make it a priority and do it at your best time, not during left-over time.

3. Come expectantly! You have an audience with the King of Kings.

4. Don't let dry days discourage you.

5. Remember the three parts of a quiet time:
a. Talking with God
b. Listening to God
c. Meditating on His Word

6. As you read a verse, ask yourself is there any:
example for me to follow?
command for me to obey?
error for me to avoid?
sin for me to forsake?
promise for me to claim?
new thought about God Himself?

7. As you pray:
Adoration - reflect on His greatness, His majesty, and His sovereignty
Confession - make sure every known sin is acknowledged to God and forsaken
Thanksgiving - express your appreciation to God
Supplication - ask for specific needs of others and yourself

8. Don't substitue religious activity at your church for your own personal daily quiet time.

Wonderful Words of Life

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, "Every Scripture passage is inspired by God. All of them are useful for teaching, pointing out errors, correcting people, and training them for a life that has God's approval. They equip God's servants so that they are completely prepared to do good things." (GW) How much of an influence is the Word of God having in our lives? How much time do we spend reading and meditating on the Scriptures? This passage reminds us of the impact Scripture can have in our lives. God gave us His Word. What a blessing, what a priviledge! May our prayer and our desire be that of the Psalmist who said: "Guide my steps by your word." (Ps 119:133 NLT)

Let It Shine!

In his book "Signs of Life" Dr. David Jeremiah writes, "It's not enough to just talk about the Lord, as important as that is. It's not enough to serve him in secret with our acts of private devotion. We have to display the lifestyle of the Nazarene in the midst of our corrupt culture. Jesus called it letting our light shine before men that they might see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven." (p3) May it be our prayer and our desire today and everyday to show forth the life of Christ in our words and in our actions.

Going and Telling

According to our Mississippi Baptist Convetion Board 1,200,000 people in Mississippi say they do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. (www.mbcb.org/church_growth/evan/) Jesus tells us in Matthew 28:19-20, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (NASB) Dr. Ken Hemphill says, "Unless we have an established conviction about the plight of persons outside of Christ, we will never be motivated to develop and sustain an ongoing emphasis on evangelism . . . we must believe people without Christ are lost, that hell is their eternal destiny and that Christ alone is the answer. Anything short of this conviction leaves the church without the passion to reach beyond itself" May we yearn for and pray for a "passion to reach beyond ourselves." May we yearn for and pray for a heart that like Isaiah says, "Here am I, send me."