Passage of the Day:
After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4 I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began, John 17:1-5.
Reflection:
About the same time news broke of Grayson Murray’s death, I was on my way to my father’s funeral in Delaware. Being raised Roman Catholic, I was taught to follow the Ten Commandments and partake in the Holy Sacraments. Unfortunately, most Catholic churches still teach works-based salvation, making the devout believe they will receive eternal life. When I started reading the Bible on my own in high school, I began to see another perspective in verses like Romans 5:8 and 6:23. Subsequently, as I said my final goodbyes to my dad, I found myself wishing his eternal life into existence rather than knowing for certain.
Prayerful Action:
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us, 1 John 5:13-14.
Preparing Your Fields to Bear Spiritual Fruit:
I never want to attend another funeral where I am unsure of this person’s eternal salvation. Over the course of my life attending church services, I’ve heard numerous sermons on eternal life. The most controversial was one using Matthew 7:13-14 to point out that there will be less people in heaven than expected. Unfortunately, too many Christians pretend, play make believe and fool many with their act, but these individuals won’t fool God. Therefore, stop playing games with God by taking eternal life serious now in your living days.
Song of the Day:
Rather than take turns playing God, focus on your own life. The apostle Paul provides great advice in Philippians 2:12 against becoming complacent. Stop wishing things into existence by working out your salvation with fear and trembling like Jeffrey Dalmer.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 