“For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh” (Philippians 3:3, NIV).
The third part of Paul’s definition of who we are in Christ is this: we are the ones who glory in Christ Jesus. Now, no one wants to be needy. It’s hard to ask for help, let alone brag about our helplessness. We don’t want to admit that we need someone to rescue us, that we cannot do it on our own.
Yet, to glory in Christ Jesus means to boast that I need a savior. Not only do I acknowledge my sinfulness and my inability to save myself, but I actually take pleasure in letting the world know that I cannot reach God on my own, that Jesus Christ is the Savior whom I require.
And what a Savior He is! Almighty God became human. He suffered and was tempted as every human, yet was without sin. Then He offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins.
That is why Paul could say, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes; first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.” (Romans 1:16 -17, NIV)
May we join together proclaiming the words of the old hymn written by Philip Bliss, “Hallelujah! What a Savior!”
Most Holy God, I want to take delight Jesus, my wonderful Savior. I acknowledge my need for a Savior and praise You, that You have fulfilled that need. I want to glory in Christ Jesus.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
How To Bear Another's Burden
Please open your Bible and read Galatians 6:2-5.
Our quiet presence during someone else’s time of pain says much more than any words of advice. A grieving widow, for example, doesn’t need to hear our own tale of loss; she needs an arm around her shoulder so she realizes she is not alone.
Think about the times we bring our burdens to the Lord in prayer. Simply experiencing His presence lifts the weight off our own shoulders. God’s response to our pain is a clear demonstration of how important it is to make ourselves available and listen to our neighbors. No matter how inadequate we might feel, we all can share a burden by spending time with a friend who is enduring hardship.
The Holy Spirit will show us the right moment to speak, if words are necessary. That is our opportunity to share how God worked in our life during a painful period. When we give the Holy Spirit total control, He etches feelings deeply into our emotional system so we can genuinely minister to others. Hurting people grab onto kindred stories as if to a lifeline – it gives them hope to reason that since God shepherded one person through a valley of darkness, He will surely be faithful to shepherd another.
Our Spirit – developed compassion may require us to give our burdened neighbor other types of help – even material aid. It’s easy to pray for a friend or share our story with a church member, but we cannot limit ourselves to those things. If we are willing to be used by the Father, we must be open to His leading about how to offer assistance.
Question: Do you know someone that is carrying a heavy burden? How could you help, support, and encourage this person with God’s love?
Our quiet presence during someone else’s time of pain says much more than any words of advice. A grieving widow, for example, doesn’t need to hear our own tale of loss; she needs an arm around her shoulder so she realizes she is not alone.
Think about the times we bring our burdens to the Lord in prayer. Simply experiencing His presence lifts the weight off our own shoulders. God’s response to our pain is a clear demonstration of how important it is to make ourselves available and listen to our neighbors. No matter how inadequate we might feel, we all can share a burden by spending time with a friend who is enduring hardship.
The Holy Spirit will show us the right moment to speak, if words are necessary. That is our opportunity to share how God worked in our life during a painful period. When we give the Holy Spirit total control, He etches feelings deeply into our emotional system so we can genuinely minister to others. Hurting people grab onto kindred stories as if to a lifeline – it gives them hope to reason that since God shepherded one person through a valley of darkness, He will surely be faithful to shepherd another.
Our Spirit – developed compassion may require us to give our burdened neighbor other types of help – even material aid. It’s easy to pray for a friend or share our story with a church member, but we cannot limit ourselves to those things. If we are willing to be used by the Father, we must be open to His leading about how to offer assistance.
Question: Do you know someone that is carrying a heavy burden? How could you help, support, and encourage this person with God’s love?
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