To Live is Christ

Greetings in Jesus name who stepped out of eternity, took upon himself the form of a servant, lived a completly sinless life, (was tempted in all points as we are and yet never sinned) endured the cross, shedding his precious blood for the sins of all, rose from the dead three days later, and appeared unto many before ascending into heaven. We know that soon; VERY SOON, he shall return in like manner and every eye shall behold him. He will send forth his angels into the four corners of the earth to gather those who love his appearing. And then so shall we ever be with the Lord. This mortality will put on immortality and we shall be like him forever. (It makes the trappings of this life seem totally irrelevant. Because they are totally irrelevant) We go through this life pressed beyond measure. Not only do we have the trials of a world that's completly contrary to the gospel of Jesus, we also have a "different law" working in our members that longs to engage in that contrary lifestyle. We have family and acquaintances who "think it strange that we run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of us." Many almost seem to feel sorry for us as we don't engage in the old ways; not understanding that whom the Son sets free is "free indeed." So as we go through our time in this realm, we rejoice with a supernatural joy unspeakable that our sins are forgiven and that we have eternal life. An everlasting joy that dwells beyond the reach of this world; as does the soul. They can kill the body but they cannot proceed beyond that point. "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21) So on this morning of September 28,2006, my heart is rejoicing in God my Savior. His peace is beyond description and his ways are past finding out. He inhabits heaven and earth with no beginning or ending. Timeless and perfect is Jesus our Lord. And yet he loved us so much that he made a way for us to be with him; by paying for our sins with his own innocent blood. "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (II Corinthians 5:21) What a great salvation we have. Lately I have been praying for a deeper understanding of this great salvation. It's a "standing prayer" if you will; not a vain repetition but a sincere desire to take this relationship with Jesus to a higher level. To end each day closer to him than I was that morning. I don't believe that you can end the day just as you start it. During those waking hours, you'll either become closer to him or drift back a little. It all depends on where your heart is; what you feed on during the day and what you occupy your time with. Slippage can transpire ever so subtly and it's the reason for all of the biblical warnings to "keep your heart with all diligence." But if we stay in his word and stay in a state of continuous prayer, (it's very possible and very necessary in this hour) he'll keep us on the right path. And if we start to drift in a wrong direction he'll let us know. "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your rememberance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:26) As I close for now, I pray that you would be increasingly sensitive to the Holy Spirit and would draw increasingly closer to jesus. That we all would change from glory to glory; becoming more like him and less like us.