Passage of the Day:
But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits[b] to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings[c] we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word., 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17.
Reflection:
One of the first games I was introduced to as child was Steal the Bacon. Students would sit facing another team on the other side of the gym floor. Each player had a mirror on the other team, sitting Indian style with their back touching the wall. Since most class sizes were limited to 24 students, players would be given a number between 1 and 12. Students would count beginning on the left side, one through twelve. The moment your number was called, you would pop up, run toward the ball, flag or scarf in the middle of the gym, grabbing it before your mirror, then running back to your teammates before getting tagged. While your teacher randomly called numbers, there is a purpose and reason for each person called by God. During his second letter to the Church at Thessalonica, the apostle Paul refers to a Christian’s obligation to God. As new believers enter into a personal relationship with Jesus, you begin to learn God’s expectations and standards for your life. This is where I discovered my obligation to faith.
Prayerful Action:
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.[f] And by him we cry, “Abba,[g] Father,” Romans 8:14-15.
Fueling your Faith this Spiritual Season:
Finding a new life in Christ begins by rejecting natural inclinations that you’ve followed your entire life. As you learn to discern, listen to and keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, you’ll be introduced to a Christian’s obligation to faith. Like a parent raising a child, God left behind the Holy Spirit for His children to follow, John 16:23. The apostle Paul refers to faith as hearing the message about Jesus, Romans 10:17. The more you read, study and meditate upon God’s Word, your faith increases. As your faith grows, so will your obligation to live according to God’s Spirit.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
Today’s song serves as a reminder that all Christians lose their way in live, forgetting their obligation to live for God. May the lyrics of Two Pennies inspire and revive your soul to take your obligation to faith seriously.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 