Reflection of Christ!

I know plenty of people who strive everyday to be a better version of themselves, than the day before. I count myself amongst them. To be kinder, nicer, more forgiving, selfless, giving, the list goes on and on.

That's what Jesus would want, right?

For us to be a better person, each and everyday!

But is it really?

I think that Jesus wants us to be a better reflection of Him, each and everyday. To let His love light reflect off of us, to those around us. When people look at us, they see more of Him and less of us. To see the Holy Spirit flowing through us and out of us. To be His hands and feet here while we walk the earth.

Genesis 1:27 (NLT)

²⁷ So God created human beings in his own image.
    In the image of God he created them;
    male and female he created them.

 

So God created us in His own image. Not an image of you or me, but of Himself.

 

Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)¹⁰ For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

So God does want us to do good things. But for His glory, not to say look how good I am or you are. Look how nice they treat everyone. Because even though we are nice to each other and how well we treat others,

Romans 3:23 (AMP)

²³ since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God,

In the flesh, we still fall far short of the glory of God. We need to do a better job of reflecting Him and His goodness, righteousness and holiness.


Matthew 5:48 (MSG)⁴⁸ “In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”

My prayer is that everyday, we strive to be a better reflection of Christ Jesus to others we cross paths with. Amen!

 

Still In The Fight!

I attended a men's breakfast at our church yesterday morning. The topic we were presented with was that we are "Still In The Fight." It's a video series about Navy Seals talking about how when they joined the military, they were given all kinds of gear for protection. Helmets, guns, night vision, chest plates, etc. etc. Then they equated it to being a Christian and putting on the whole armor of God.

Ephesians 6:13-17(NLT)
¹³ Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. ¹⁴ Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. ¹⁵ For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.^{[a] 16} In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.^{[b] 17} Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Just like the Seals have to train and put into use the equipment that they were given, the same goes for us Christians. God's armor does us no good if we do not put it on and train how to use it. How does one train for that you may ask. Well, dig into God's word. Read your Bibles everyday. Memorize scripture. Pray continuously!

Proverbs 4:20-21 (NLT)

²⁰ My child, pay attention to what I say.
    Listen carefully to my words.
²¹ Don’t lose sight of them.
    Let them penetrate deep into your heart,

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV)
¹⁷ pray continually

The message yesterday reminded me of the shooting that happened at that factory in Aurora last year. The Aurora PD released some audio of what happened that day a little while later. One of the officers who first arrived on the scene was shot right away, but he can be heard over the radio saying
"I've been hit, but I'm still in the fight."

That's how it is with Satan. He can take a shot at you, hit you, but as long as you still have breath, God still has you in the fight! He will pick you back up and get you back on your feet and keep you moving forward.

Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)

¹⁰ Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
    Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
    I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

 

So it doesn't matter how old you are. If your 8, 80 or 108, God can still use you! As long as you are still breathing, you are still in the fight! God still has a use and a purpose for you!

 Amen!!

Gun Problem?

As we near the 1st anniversary of the Henry Pratt shooting in Aurora, the issue of gun control rages on. Nothing really has changed since this shooting. Oh, there has been more gun violence, but nothing in the way of getting it under control. People keep on saying that it is a gun problem. The politicians running for the 2020 election are saying that they are going to take away everyone's guns. Even though the 2nd amendment states that the people of the United States have the right to keep and bear arms.

I will argue that we do not have a gun problem. We have a heart problem.

Jeremiah 17:9(NLT)

⁹ “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things,
    and desperately wicked.
    Who really knows how bad it is?

 

The world will tell you to follow your heart. Well, if your heart is deceitful and wicked, then you'll do deceitful and wicked things. It's human nature.

Mark 7:21-22(NLT)
²¹ For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, ²² adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness.

I attended a men's conference over the weekend where one of the speakers talked about killing the spider. What is this you may ask. It's when you do something that's considered destructive behavior. You try and try to figure it out and get better, only to keep making the same mistake over again. Behind these behaviors is a root problem. The spider if you will. You need to kill that spider to get rid of the root of your bad behaviors.

Guns aren't the root of the problem, it's the people behind the gun.

2 Timothy 3:3(NLT)

³ They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good.

 

We are a nation that is far from God. If we want to get to the root of the problem, we need to turn our heart and minds back to Jesus. He will show us ways to get rid of our destructive behaviors.

 

2 Corinthians 10:5 Amplified Bible (AMP)

⁵ We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ.

Evil hearts and mindsets are the spider we need to kill. We need to repent of our sins and turn back to God!

James 4:8(NLT)

⁸ Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.

 

Psalm 119:1-8(MSG)

119 ^1-8 You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God.
You’re blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him. That’s right—you don’t go off on your own; you walk straight along the road he set. You, God, prescribed the right way to live; now you expect us to live it. Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set; Then I’d never have any regrets in comparing my life with your counsel.
I thank you for speaking straight from your heart; I learn the pattern of your righteous ways.
I’m going to do what you tell me to do, don’t ever walk off and leave me.

 

I don't know about you, but I want to be blessed!