You are a Gift

Imagine a painter using a palette of many colors. The painter knows what they’re trying to convey in their picture. But how a picture expresses that aim is different with every picture. There may be a primary color used and a primary scene to see. But there will be various other colors and parts of that picture. This is how God uses you.

The Holy Spirit manifests himself through you using the various ministry roles, functions, and needs you’re involved with. And spiritual gifts are whatever you’re doing for the purpose of supporting or increasing faith. Like I’m doing with my little one, imparting knowledge, or wisdom, or encouragement. Or when she encourages me. Spirit-empowered faith leads to Spirit-empowered works that aim at supporting the kingdom, and whatever you do to that end is a spiritual gift. You see, the Holy Spirit is the gift, and he makes you a gift. 

“Living For Today With An Eye For Tomorrow”©

Who’s Your Scapegoat?

We’re looking for a scapegoat, someone to blame. Now, there is a lot of blame to go around. But blaming all your problems on others means you’ve got a “you” problem. Sure, people can do you wrong. But you can’t pretend you’ve done no wrong. We all have. But there actually is a real scapegoat.

In the Bible, in Leviticus 16, there are two goats. The sacrificial goat was slain and its blood sprinkled on the altar. Then the high priest laid his hands on the head of the scapegoat, confessed the sins of God’s people over it, and cast it out into the wilderness. Together, the goats depict the death of Jesus as taking the blame for our sins and paying the penalty for it. On the cross, God treated the sinless Jesus as if he lived a sinful life, so that he could treat sinful believers as if they lived Jesus’ sinless life.

I’m not looking for a scapegoat. I have one. 

“Living For Today With An Eye For Tomorrow”©

Jesus said He was God

Some people say that Jesus never claimed to be God. But that’s not true. And the religious leaders knew what Jesus was saying, which is why they accused him of blasphemy. It cannot be rightly said that Jesus never claimed to be God. He did, and this is why they wanted to kill him.

John 5:16-18 says – And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.” This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

In Revelation 22:16, Jesus says I am the root and the descendant of David. Jesus is both God (the root of David) and also man (the descendent of David). Jesus is God the Son. He said so himself. 

“Living For Today With An Eye For Tomorrow”©

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Solomon was the wisest man in the world. And the book of Ecclesiastes is the story of his quest for true, lasting satisfaction. He experienced all life has to offer. And he wore himself out studying. But he said it was all just chasing the wind. And at the end of his journey, he says – all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.  

What Solomon discovered was that the things of this life are more meaningful with God. And yet, those things can never be enough to fully satisfy the redeemed soul. Why? Because your eternal soul hears the eternal call of your eternal savior from your eternal home. But Jesus has made his home, in believers. And in Matthew 5:6, Jesus says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” May your heart find its home in Christ. Amen.

 

“Living For Today With An Eye For Tomorrow”©