As a Christian, whether we wear a button, display a bumper sticker, or use any other kind of visible symbol is of no real consequence. (In fact, the way some Christians drive, they would be well advised to take off their bumper stickers.) More important, and INFINITELY MORE ESSENTIAL than all the pins and stickers and buttons, are the INTERNAL, SPIRITUAL SIGNS of a true believer, Will.
- FIRST, the dedicated Christian is totally committed to bring ALL GLORY TO GOD! That is the very purpose for which we exist. We must be concerned with living our life so all we do will be for the glory to God. God’s glory is wrapped up in His attributes. His love, mercy, grace, wisdom, omniscience, omnipotence, omnipresence—all the attributes of God—reflect and declare His glory. “Glory to God in the highest…” (Luke 2:14)
- SECOND, We must be committed to a life of prayer. Jesus said, “WHEN YOU PRAY, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. It is so very important to understand our relationship with God the Father and God the Son, we are family! By the “SPIRIT OF ADOPTION we cry out, “Abba, Father.” WE ARE CHILDREN OF GOD, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and JOINT HEIRS WITH CHRIST…” (Rom 8:15-17) In a family, the Father ALWAYS COMMUNICATES with His children. Our Father’s desire is to speak to us. That is natural in a family, some will say we have the “Word of God” that’s awesome but we need clarity on many personal issues that our Father will clear up for us if our ability to hear Him had not been stolen “The thief (the devil) does not come except to STEAL, and to KILL, and to DESTROY…” (John 10:10a) But Jesus said: “…My purpose is to give life in ALL ITS FULLNESS.” (John 10:10) So, pray that our ears will be open to our Lord’s voice. “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jer. 33:3)
- THIRD, We must be committed to the WORD OF GOD. “…when you received the word of God, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, THE WORD OF GOD…” (1Thess. 2:13) “For the Word of God is LIVING AND POWERFUL and sharper than any two-edged sword…” (Heb. 4:12) “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures THAT TESTIFY ABOUT ME.” (John 5:39) “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on EVERY WORD that comes from the mouth of God.'” (Matt. 4:4) “ALL SCRIPTURE is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that THE MAN OF GOD MAY BE COMPLETE, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:16-17) If you say you have trouble memorizing the word (hiding in your heart) remember Will, “The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and BRING TO YOUR REMEMBRANCE All Things” (John 14:26)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham