Praise the Lord for another day and another chance to further our walk with Him. The local church is on my mind so we will see what the bible has to say on the subject.
Today’s Prayer
Father, I come before you today on behalf of my brothers and sisters in Christ everywhere to ask that you would help us understand that when we became committed Christians, we also became Satan’s target, for a lukewarm Christian is no threat to him. We may not always recognize Satan, for as C. S. Lewis wrote, “If one hasn’t met Satan, it is probably because one is going his way!” Remind us that at Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist, the Godhead was there: You, the Son, the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven, and God the Father, whose voice was heard saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” Jesus was “empowered” in a mighty way for His ministry. But then Jesus, was “led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” He was tested, just as we will be; and He passed Your test, just as we can too with Your help, for “He who is in you is greater than he [Satan] who is in the world.” Thank You that You have promised to be with us always, and that Your grace will be sufficient for all of our needs. In the matchless name of Jesus we pray, Amen and Amen.
Let’s eat.
Symbols of a Local Church
A Temple
2 Corinthians 3:12-16
12. Since we know that this new glory will never go away, we can preach with great boldness,
13. and not as Moses did, who put a veil over his face so that the Israelis could not see the glory fade away.
14. Not only Moses’ face was veiled, but his people’s minds and understanding were veiled and blinded too. Even now when the Scripture is read it seems as though Jewish hearts and minds are covered by a thick veil, because they cannot see and understand the real meaning of the Scriptures. For this veil of misunderstanding can be removed only by believing in Christ.
15. Yes, even today when they read Moses’ writings their hearts are blind and they think that obeying the Ten Commandments is the way to be saved.
16. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord from his sins, then the veil is taken away.
Filled with God, A Pillar
1 Timothy 3:14-16
14. I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon,
15. so that if I don’t come for awhile you will know what kind of men you should choose as officers for the church of the living God, which contains and holds high the truth of God.
16. It is quite true that the way to live a godly life is not an easy matter. But the answer lies in Christ, who came to earth as a man, was proved spotless and pure in his Spirit, was served by angels, was preached among the nations, was accepted by men everywhere and was received up again to his glory in heaven.
Witnessing to God, A Lamp stand
Revelation 1:20
This is the meaning of the seven stars you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks: The seven stars are the leaders of the seven churches, and the seven candlesticks are the churches themselves.
Giving Light for God
That is the job of each and every Christian walking this earth. How are you doing with your portion? I’m just asking.
Quote of the Day
We have a Shepherd who cannot fall. We have a Shepherd who cannot die. He is no hireling who abandons his flock at the first sign of trouble. Our Shepherd is armed with omnipotent force. He is not threatened by the valley of shadows. He created the valley. He redeems the valley. ~R. C. Sproul~