Today's passage: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20peter%201-3;%20jude&version=NIV
Jude and Peter are calling Christians to fight in the midst of intense spiritual warfare. The attack is coming through apostates – those who abandon true biblical faith, teaching lies, twisting scripture and denying Christ as Savior.
It’s interesting that both authors give us a detailed description of the apostates, rather than a description of their false teachings. The lies and false teachings have changed over the years, but the character of the false teacher remains the same. We will often be able to tell an apostate by their character. They are ungodly, morally perverted, rebellious and corrupt. They are self seeking, arrogant speakers who deny Christ as Savior. They are flatterers, mockers, ignorant, fault finders who cause division.
These apostates teach lies and the only way to know that they are lies is to know truth. Peter and Jude both motivate us to continue to build our knowledge of true doctrine as a defense against false teaching. Satan twisted scripture in order to tempt Jesus in the wilderness, but Jesus’ knowledge of true doctrine allowed him to defend against his lies.
Jude also encourages us to defend ourselves from the apostates:
“But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. (Jude 20-21).
We are to keep ourselves in the love of God. In order to keep ourselves in the love of God, we must know God. We must know who he is and what he has done and what he will do. We must build our faith and build our relationship with God. We must know that we have the promise of eternal life because of His grace, through our faith. We must know truth and defend ourselves against lies.
Do you know any apostates? We are surrounded by them – talk show hosts, authors, radio hosts, motivational speakers, movie producers, professors, and even pastors will have us believe that we that we should seek to satisfy our fleshly desires and that we don’t need a Savior or that there are multiple saviors. Like Jesus, we must arm ourselves with the knowledge of His love and saving grace in order to defend ourselves and fight the good fight.
Friends, our time of reading the Bible together is drawing near its end. I encourage you to earnestly pray for God to build your desire to continue reading his Word. Pray that you will continue seeking knowledge of Him and his love. Pray that He will guide you in your next step in studying his word. I will pray these things for each of you as well. We must remain steadfast in our defense against lies so that we do not fall prey to them.
Today's post submitted by Kelly Coxe
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
2 Timothy
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+1&version=ESV
2 Timothy is Paul's goodbye letter of encouragement and exhortation to Timothy who has been given the task of continuing to shepherd believers into deeper fellowship with God.
3:16-17 sums up how Timothy and all of us can trust in the Bible which is our guidebook as it is God's written commandments.
"16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work."
There are different ways that God's Word can influence and impact us, but there is always vibrant and fresh truth in the Bible. We only have a few more days with this guided blog, but we need to constantly come in contact with the Word or we will quickly lose sight of reality.
The Word is a powerful sword that can cleanse us from iniquity as it draws us closer to Christ and equip us for working out our salvation each and every day. God's Word is living and alive and is given to us so that we can live an abundant life based on faith and not on fear.
As we look forward to 2011, we all must evaluate our lives and see if we are aligning with the Word or the world. What are we allowing to guide us and what are we pursuing?
2 Timothy is Paul's goodbye letter of encouragement and exhortation to Timothy who has been given the task of continuing to shepherd believers into deeper fellowship with God.
3:16-17 sums up how Timothy and all of us can trust in the Bible which is our guidebook as it is God's written commandments.
"16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work."
There are different ways that God's Word can influence and impact us, but there is always vibrant and fresh truth in the Bible. We only have a few more days with this guided blog, but we need to constantly come in contact with the Word or we will quickly lose sight of reality.
The Word is a powerful sword that can cleanse us from iniquity as it draws us closer to Christ and equip us for working out our salvation each and every day. God's Word is living and alive and is given to us so that we can live an abundant life based on faith and not on fear.
As we look forward to 2011, we all must evaluate our lives and see if we are aligning with the Word or the world. What are we allowing to guide us and what are we pursuing?
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Promises Laid Hold of by Faith
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2011-13&version=NIV
I absolutely love Hebrews 11 - often referred to as the "Hall of Faith". Reading it reminds me of the turn my own faith has taken over the years. For too many years I walked not be faith, but by hope. Not the kind of hope referred to in verse one, for that is a certain hope that stands on faith in a certain God. My hope was more of a 'I hope God promised this' or 'I hope I matter enough that God would do this for me', or a 'Show me the evidence so that I might have hope' type hope. But that is really no hope at all.
Over the years, though, God has refined my faith, and I've began to understand what it means to walk in the type of faith that "is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see"(Hebrews 11:1). Here are some of the things that I've learned:
Promises are laid hold of by faith. That's the bottom line. It's not about earning God's favor (I've certainly tried that). It is not about the fact that God favors certain people either. It is simply a matter of faith. The problem is that too often we are all too happy to walk by faith - as long as we can see the action. But that is not faith at all - it simply is believing what we are seeing. Faith is believing that God is moving on your behalf even if you cannot see it. Faith is taking God at his word. Faith is walking in obedience and confidence that God is a God who keeps his promises - and I assure you He is - you simply need to read Hebrews 11 to see it - and know that God is the same God yesterday, today, and forever Hebrews 13:11).
God will give you the strength to hold on to his promises if you ask. I can remember two different times when I asked God to just assure me he was working even if I couldn't see. One day I specifically asked God to help me believe he was working on my behalf on something I was waiting on. Two minutes after praying that I walked into our work room at school and one of my fellow teachers said, "Listen to this, I think it is for you", and started reading a devotional someone sent her. What she read to me was this, "I am working on your behalf, even when you cannot see what I am doing." God will give you the strength to hold on when you walk in faith.
Long delays do not make the promise less valid - rather they are part of God's perfect plan for a greater display of his glory. Consider the story of Abraham - how much more glorious for a child to be born when it seems impossible. Consider Daniel in the lion's den - how much greater the glory when he is among the lion's then if he never was thrown into the den. Consider Lazarus being raised from the dead. How much greater the glory when God creates life after the body already stinks. Indeed Jesus declared that he was glad he wasn't there before Lazarus was dead for the sake the the disciples, so that they may believe. He also said, "Did I not tell you if you believe you would see the glory of God?" (John 11:40).
My precious friends - of this I am sure and certain - God is a God who keeps his promises - they are laid hold of by faith and faith alone. And if you believe, I am absolutely certain that you will see the glory of God. I pray that you would know this also, I pray that you would seek God first in all you do, that you would come to know him so well that you can walk in faith in the unseen until the day that it becomes seen. And I pray, precious friends, that you will share your story and God's glory with all who hear what he has done for you.
Be encouraged, be blessed my precious friends.
"I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." - Psalm 27:13
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
I absolutely love Hebrews 11 - often referred to as the "Hall of Faith". Reading it reminds me of the turn my own faith has taken over the years. For too many years I walked not be faith, but by hope. Not the kind of hope referred to in verse one, for that is a certain hope that stands on faith in a certain God. My hope was more of a 'I hope God promised this' or 'I hope I matter enough that God would do this for me', or a 'Show me the evidence so that I might have hope' type hope. But that is really no hope at all.
Over the years, though, God has refined my faith, and I've began to understand what it means to walk in the type of faith that "is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see"(Hebrews 11:1). Here are some of the things that I've learned:
Promises are laid hold of by faith. That's the bottom line. It's not about earning God's favor (I've certainly tried that). It is not about the fact that God favors certain people either. It is simply a matter of faith. The problem is that too often we are all too happy to walk by faith - as long as we can see the action. But that is not faith at all - it simply is believing what we are seeing. Faith is believing that God is moving on your behalf even if you cannot see it. Faith is taking God at his word. Faith is walking in obedience and confidence that God is a God who keeps his promises - and I assure you He is - you simply need to read Hebrews 11 to see it - and know that God is the same God yesterday, today, and forever Hebrews 13:11).
God will give you the strength to hold on to his promises if you ask. I can remember two different times when I asked God to just assure me he was working even if I couldn't see. One day I specifically asked God to help me believe he was working on my behalf on something I was waiting on. Two minutes after praying that I walked into our work room at school and one of my fellow teachers said, "Listen to this, I think it is for you", and started reading a devotional someone sent her. What she read to me was this, "I am working on your behalf, even when you cannot see what I am doing." God will give you the strength to hold on when you walk in faith.
Long delays do not make the promise less valid - rather they are part of God's perfect plan for a greater display of his glory. Consider the story of Abraham - how much more glorious for a child to be born when it seems impossible. Consider Daniel in the lion's den - how much greater the glory when he is among the lion's then if he never was thrown into the den. Consider Lazarus being raised from the dead. How much greater the glory when God creates life after the body already stinks. Indeed Jesus declared that he was glad he wasn't there before Lazarus was dead for the sake the the disciples, so that they may believe. He also said, "Did I not tell you if you believe you would see the glory of God?" (John 11:40).
My precious friends - of this I am sure and certain - God is a God who keeps his promises - they are laid hold of by faith and faith alone. And if you believe, I am absolutely certain that you will see the glory of God. I pray that you would know this also, I pray that you would seek God first in all you do, that you would come to know him so well that you can walk in faith in the unseen until the day that it becomes seen. And I pray, precious friends, that you will share your story and God's glory with all who hear what he has done for you.
Be encouraged, be blessed my precious friends.
"I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." - Psalm 27:13
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Friday, December 24, 2010
This Baby Changed It All
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%207-10&version=NIV
Last night I went to a Christmas Eve service with my family. It was a sweet service - my sister Jana sang in the praise band, we sang Silent Night by candlelight and drove home through lightly falling snow flakes. Couldn't ask for much more - I'm content with my Christmas Eve experience. But what we celebrate should not merely leave us content - it should leave us forever changed. Indeed, as so aptly proclaimed in the Christmas Eve service, "This baby changed it all". This 'baby' is not to just be celebrated at Christmas. He is Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. He is worthy of or worship, our adoration, our highest praise. Why? Because when Christ comes in, we are forever changed.
How appropriate it is that today, as we celebrate Christ's birth, we study these particular chapters in the book of Hebrews. They give us an accurate understanding of how Christ Jesus, God became flesh, stepped down in the perfect example of humility forever changed our relationship with God, our hearts, our hopes, our eternity.
Christ brought to us what Hebrews describes as "a better hope by which we draw near to God" (7:19) Perhaps the best way to describe the what changed is that grace - in the form of Christ - entered into our relationship with our Holy God. In fact, Christ made it possible for each of us to be in direct relationship with God. We not longer need a High Priest who met ancestral requirements to approach God for us. We no longer are required to make daily sacrifices to atone for our sins - but rather through Christ who is a High Priest forever, we are now each called a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God (1 Peter 2: 9). Made holy through the atoning blood of Christ, we are able to enter the presence of God. Perhaps more amazing, he in fact invites us to approach his throne - with freedom and with confidence (Ephesians 3:12)!
I'm not sure we often stop to ponder how amazing that gift is to us. Imagine not being able to have the freedom to go directly to God with your prayers? Imagine not having the Spirit of God living inside of you to guide, direct, comfort, instruct. Through Christ we read that now the Spirit of God puts God's laws directly in our minds, writes them directly on our hearts - and we become a people who are allowed to know God in a personal love-relationship - and He calls us His. Our very lives and how we live each day - are changed because of God coming down not just to live among us, but to die so that we could be made holy and his Spirit could live within us.
I encourage your as your read today, to take note of how much changes when Christ comes in. If you've read the Old Testament with us, reflect back to the laws, the regulation, the sacrificial system, to how God spoke only through prophets of his choosing. Consider how very different your relationship with God is. It requires only faith. He speaks directly to your heart. He dwells within you until the time where we dwell forever in his presence.
I thank God, on this day when we celebrate his birth, for his love for me - and you - every day. That he draws near to us the minute we draw near to him. That he not only allows us, but encourages us, and even commands us to come to him with not just our needs but also our deepest desires. I worship not the Christ child this day, but my risen and victorious Lord who goes before me in battle, supplies all that I need, is a husband and provider, a daddy God, and faithful God who fulfills all of his promises. I pray that I always stand in awe and amazement about the way he loves me, the way he speaks to me, the way blesses me, and that this Holy God would delight in calling me daughter. I pray this also for you.
Blessings precious ones and Merry Christmas! I pray that you would see and know more of God this coming year than every before - that he would rock your faith in a way you never imagine. He is, after all, the God of exceedingly abundantly more. He is, after all, the God that came down and changed everything!
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Last night I went to a Christmas Eve service with my family. It was a sweet service - my sister Jana sang in the praise band, we sang Silent Night by candlelight and drove home through lightly falling snow flakes. Couldn't ask for much more - I'm content with my Christmas Eve experience. But what we celebrate should not merely leave us content - it should leave us forever changed. Indeed, as so aptly proclaimed in the Christmas Eve service, "This baby changed it all". This 'baby' is not to just be celebrated at Christmas. He is Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. He is worthy of or worship, our adoration, our highest praise. Why? Because when Christ comes in, we are forever changed.
How appropriate it is that today, as we celebrate Christ's birth, we study these particular chapters in the book of Hebrews. They give us an accurate understanding of how Christ Jesus, God became flesh, stepped down in the perfect example of humility forever changed our relationship with God, our hearts, our hopes, our eternity.
Christ brought to us what Hebrews describes as "a better hope by which we draw near to God" (7:19) Perhaps the best way to describe the what changed is that grace - in the form of Christ - entered into our relationship with our Holy God. In fact, Christ made it possible for each of us to be in direct relationship with God. We not longer need a High Priest who met ancestral requirements to approach God for us. We no longer are required to make daily sacrifices to atone for our sins - but rather through Christ who is a High Priest forever, we are now each called a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God (1 Peter 2: 9). Made holy through the atoning blood of Christ, we are able to enter the presence of God. Perhaps more amazing, he in fact invites us to approach his throne - with freedom and with confidence (Ephesians 3:12)!
I'm not sure we often stop to ponder how amazing that gift is to us. Imagine not being able to have the freedom to go directly to God with your prayers? Imagine not having the Spirit of God living inside of you to guide, direct, comfort, instruct. Through Christ we read that now the Spirit of God puts God's laws directly in our minds, writes them directly on our hearts - and we become a people who are allowed to know God in a personal love-relationship - and He calls us His. Our very lives and how we live each day - are changed because of God coming down not just to live among us, but to die so that we could be made holy and his Spirit could live within us.
I encourage your as your read today, to take note of how much changes when Christ comes in. If you've read the Old Testament with us, reflect back to the laws, the regulation, the sacrificial system, to how God spoke only through prophets of his choosing. Consider how very different your relationship with God is. It requires only faith. He speaks directly to your heart. He dwells within you until the time where we dwell forever in his presence.
I thank God, on this day when we celebrate his birth, for his love for me - and you - every day. That he draws near to us the minute we draw near to him. That he not only allows us, but encourages us, and even commands us to come to him with not just our needs but also our deepest desires. I worship not the Christ child this day, but my risen and victorious Lord who goes before me in battle, supplies all that I need, is a husband and provider, a daddy God, and faithful God who fulfills all of his promises. I pray that I always stand in awe and amazement about the way he loves me, the way he speaks to me, the way blesses me, and that this Holy God would delight in calling me daughter. I pray this also for you.
Blessings precious ones and Merry Christmas! I pray that you would see and know more of God this coming year than every before - that he would rock your faith in a way you never imagine. He is, after all, the God of exceedingly abundantly more. He is, after all, the God that came down and changed everything!
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Hebrews 1-6
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%201-6&version=ESV
Hebrews 1:1-4 " 1Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs."
Jesus is God. That is what made His sacrifice sufficient to cover our sins. Our sins are imputed to Him, and His righteousness is imputed to us when we place our faith in Him.
Friends, I know many of you are with friends and family tonight. The giving and receiving of gifts, the family traditions, the seeing of family from far off, the music, the Christmas Eve Candle light services; these all are great traditions.
But these do not make the reason for Christmas. The reason for Christmas is that God became flesh, and dwelt among us. He was totally man and totally God at the same time. He was tempted but He did not sin. He gave His life for ours, so that we who believe in Him and the sacrifice He made on the cross for us, might live eternally with Him. That is the reason for Christmas.
As Paul writes so eloquently:
"Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15)
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Hebrews 1:1-4 " 1Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs."
Jesus is God. That is what made His sacrifice sufficient to cover our sins. Our sins are imputed to Him, and His righteousness is imputed to us when we place our faith in Him.
Friends, I know many of you are with friends and family tonight. The giving and receiving of gifts, the family traditions, the seeing of family from far off, the music, the Christmas Eve Candle light services; these all are great traditions.
But these do not make the reason for Christmas. The reason for Christmas is that God became flesh, and dwelt among us. He was totally man and totally God at the same time. He was tempted but He did not sin. He gave His life for ours, so that we who believe in Him and the sacrifice He made on the cross for us, might live eternally with Him. That is the reason for Christmas.
As Paul writes so eloquently:
"Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15)
Soli Deo Gloria.
Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Titus
Today's passage: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=titus%201-3&version=NIV
Most Christians have experiences in the past that we’d like to forget. There was that time in life where sin sucked you in like quicksand leaving you stuck there until you were rescued. You couldn’t swim your way out, all you could do was grab on to the vine of Life that dropped down from heaven and allow yourself to be pulled out of the pit of sin. Once you were rescued and all cleaned up, your first reaction was probably to try to forget about that horrible place and hide that time of life away in shame.
But Titus 3:3-7 reminds us that we should never forget where we came from:
“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:3-7 (NIV)
God rescued us because of his unconditional love and mercy. His plan for our lives includes using our pain and our past. Our past is part of our testimony. It is a reminder of how gracious and merciful our God is. When we consider the depth of the mercy and grace that we have received, it can motivate us to share some of that mercy and grace with others. When we remember that we were rescued out of that pit of sin because of his grace, and not because of our own righteousness or goodness, we are able to receive others with love and compassion rather than with judgment and contempt.
He rescued us through the gift of Jesus Christ and gave us hope for eternal life. We didn’t earn it; we don’t deserve it; and we should never forget it. Take time to celebrate what He’s done for you in your life. Share your story with others so that they can have the hope in eternal life too!
Today's post submitted by Kelly Coxe
Most Christians have experiences in the past that we’d like to forget. There was that time in life where sin sucked you in like quicksand leaving you stuck there until you were rescued. You couldn’t swim your way out, all you could do was grab on to the vine of Life that dropped down from heaven and allow yourself to be pulled out of the pit of sin. Once you were rescued and all cleaned up, your first reaction was probably to try to forget about that horrible place and hide that time of life away in shame.
But Titus 3:3-7 reminds us that we should never forget where we came from:
“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:3-7 (NIV)
God rescued us because of his unconditional love and mercy. His plan for our lives includes using our pain and our past. Our past is part of our testimony. It is a reminder of how gracious and merciful our God is. When we consider the depth of the mercy and grace that we have received, it can motivate us to share some of that mercy and grace with others. When we remember that we were rescued out of that pit of sin because of his grace, and not because of our own righteousness or goodness, we are able to receive others with love and compassion rather than with judgment and contempt.
He rescued us through the gift of Jesus Christ and gave us hope for eternal life. We didn’t earn it; we don’t deserve it; and we should never forget it. Take time to celebrate what He’s done for you in your life. Share your story with others so that they can have the hope in eternal life too!
Today's post submitted by Kelly Coxe
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
1 Timothy
Today's passage: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20timothy%201-6&version=NIV
…set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12
After asking countless times if he could have some ice cream, my little 3 year old niece looked at her brother and said “Bubba, just be patient”. Those are some wise words from a 3 year old. She had heard them many times from her mommy. She often repeats phrases and gestures that she hears her parents say. Children are like little sponges. They imitate your actions, words, and your reactions. Most parents want to be good role models for their children and quickly learn to be careful what they say and how they act around their children.
As Christians, we are called to be good role models. Many people don’t know what Christianity is all about, so rather than study or ask questions, they just watch other Christians to see how they live their lives. This is quite bothersome, because many self-professing Christians don’t live their lives any differently than the rest of our society. Often Christians are viewed as judgmental and hypocritical.
Being a role model is a task that we must take seriously. We are under a microscope whether we like it or not. Of course, because we are human, we will never be perfect role models. We will make mistakes, say the wrong things, & make poor choices, but when others see us take responsibility for our mistakes and allow God to redeem them, we can still set a good example. As the end of 2010 grows near, reflect back on your own life as a Christian role model. Do others see you as faithful and pure? Do people experience the love of Christ through you? Are your words encouraging and edifying, bringing glory to God? What about your conduct? Would people describe you as moral, ethical, honest? People are watching and you might be the only view of Jesus they get. Ask God to lead you in becoming an imitator of Christ so that you may become an example for others.
Today's post submitted by Kelly Coxe
…set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12
After asking countless times if he could have some ice cream, my little 3 year old niece looked at her brother and said “Bubba, just be patient”. Those are some wise words from a 3 year old. She had heard them many times from her mommy. She often repeats phrases and gestures that she hears her parents say. Children are like little sponges. They imitate your actions, words, and your reactions. Most parents want to be good role models for their children and quickly learn to be careful what they say and how they act around their children.
As Christians, we are called to be good role models. Many people don’t know what Christianity is all about, so rather than study or ask questions, they just watch other Christians to see how they live their lives. This is quite bothersome, because many self-professing Christians don’t live their lives any differently than the rest of our society. Often Christians are viewed as judgmental and hypocritical.
Being a role model is a task that we must take seriously. We are under a microscope whether we like it or not. Of course, because we are human, we will never be perfect role models. We will make mistakes, say the wrong things, & make poor choices, but when others see us take responsibility for our mistakes and allow God to redeem them, we can still set a good example. As the end of 2010 grows near, reflect back on your own life as a Christian role model. Do others see you as faithful and pure? Do people experience the love of Christ through you? Are your words encouraging and edifying, bringing glory to God? What about your conduct? Would people describe you as moral, ethical, honest? People are watching and you might be the only view of Jesus they get. Ask God to lead you in becoming an imitator of Christ so that you may become an example for others.
Today's post submitted by Kelly Coxe
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