(08.18.21–The Power To Be Good –Ephesians 1:19-20)
My friend, may I ask you a question? His power ought also to cause us to confront sin in our life and knock it down to size. Whose home in you today? Is Jesus there?
My friend, Life’s a story, welcome to This Passing Day.
I'm M. Clifford Brunner.
Recently I overheard a young man in the hallway of our office building let fly with a swear word. He was waiting to get into a locked office and his impatience became verbal. As I turned the corner and came into view, his countenance changed quickly and he became tight lipped. I smiled and then did something that surprised him and me, for that matter. "That was a fine curse I just heard." I said. "I imagine you've many other fine examples of cuss words? Perhaps you might wish to share." "Oh, no," he said with embarrassment. His eyes caught the Christian tie I was wearing and he began to blush. "I can't do that." "Sure you can," I replied. "Let 'er fly." "No!" When I asked why, he replied, "Are you a pastor or something? I can't cuss in front of you." "Well," I said, "I'm not. But, if you're ashamed to cuss in front of a pastor, why aren't you ashamed to do it in front of Him?" I pointed behind him. He turned his head nervously. "Who?" "Jesus Christ." I said. "He's standing right there and He's always with you." The young man got my point.
Here's a story: The great reformer, Martin Luther, was well known for his practical jokes and pranks. However, this particular story may, perhaps, be categorized as neither. It seems that a peddler, not familiar with what Luther looked like, visited the Reformer's Wittenberg home one day. The sign at the doorway indicated that it was indeed the home of Martin Luther. So, when he knocked on the door and an imposing figure in a black cloak and cap answered the door, the peddler naturally and innocently asked the question, "Am I speaking with Martin Luther?" Luther looked at the unassuming peddler and politely stated, "No." The two looked at each other for a moment whereupon the peddler then asked, "Well, is Heir Luther home?" Luther responded again, "No, I'm sorry. He is not home." The peddler now fell back to the only question left to ask if he intended to make a sale. "May I then ask, sir, with whom I AM speaking?" "Sir!" Luther stated. "Luther died long ago on the cross at Calvary. You are speaking with He who is now resident here, Jesus Christ." (Unknown)
We often take the reality of God's presence for granted. Yet, it should both comfort our hearts and restrain our behavior.
The Bible tells us that the "power" of Jesus is at work within us (Ephesians 1:19-20). Does that mean literally? You bet, literally. If His power is there, guess what? So is He. When Jesus died on the cross at Calvary, you and I died too. We died with Him and the "old man," sin, was put to death. With His resurrection, we were reborn, a new man, with Him. Jesus lives inside you and me. His power ought to cause us to take comfort in any calamity or sorrow. And, as important, His power ought also to cause us to confront sin in our life and knock it down to size. Whose home in you today? Is Jesus there?
We pray. Heavenly Father, we often take the reality of Your presence for granted. Yet, it should both comfort our hearts and restrain our behavior. Your Word tells us that the "power" of Jesus is at work within us. Forgive us Lord when we don’t take that literally. You bet, literally. When Jesus died on the cross at Calvary, we died too. We died with Him and the "old man," sin, was put to death. With His resurrection, we were reborn, a new man, with Him. Jesus lives inside us. Dear Lord, His power ought to cause us to take comfort in any calamity or sorrow. His power ought also to cause us to confront sin in our life and knock it down to size. In Jesus name we pray. Amen!
Therefore my friend, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry for itself; each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matt 6:34) This Passing Day. May this passing day honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and be a blessing to you and everyone you meet. Find a stranger and say hello. Don't let another day pass without your day blessing someone else.
If you have a special prayer request, please send your request to ”This Passing Day!”
<thispassingday@gmail.com> From Beech Springs, God bless you for Jesus sake.