It's often obvious. Without a word being said, many times others know the truth about us. Take, for example, a man named Isaac:
"We see plainly that the LORD has been with you; so we said, 'Let there now be an oath between us, even between you and us, and let us make a covenant with you, that you will do us no harm, just as we have not touched you and have done to you nothing but good and have sent you away in peace. You are now the blessed of the LORD.' " (Genesis 26:28-29)
Ungodly people easily identified the blessings of Yahweh God in Isaac's life, and sought his favor because of God's favor upon him. Abraham's son was recipient of the blessings of Abraham, including prosperity in a time of famine (Genesis 26:1,11-14).
As descendants of Abraham, we also are recipients of God's favor (Galatians 3:9, 26-29). We likely have not been prospered materially, but something of the Spirit of God within burns brightly enough for others to see. I choose to call it a special "spiritual twinkle" in our eyes that is evident to others.
I recall a recent conversation with an individual who spoke of her attempt to distance herself from her Christian faith heritage. Raised in a strict pastor's home, she felt that God would strike vengeance on her for neglecting to attend church services. Although she didn't attend church for a period of time, she continued with the discipline of Bible reading and study. One day she was asked by someone about an internal quality that was noticeable, and this person eagerly desired it. This pastor's daughter came to clearly realize that the presence of God's Spirit in her life left an indelible mark that others could see.
People can easily observe our faithful church attendance and participation, but most intriguing is the dynamic internal Spirit life that is magnetic to those aware of their own need. What we DO is interesting, but who we ARE is a compelling witness.
If you are a child of God - born again in the waters of baptism, and faithfully living within God's truth - then the blessings of Abraham rest upon your life. It should not be surprising, then, when others ask for an explanation of the dynamic of our lives. As such, "always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence" (1 Peter 3:15).
May the light of faith and truth shine brightly in our lives for others to see and ask concerning.
Steve
© 2011, Steve Taylor
"We see plainly that the LORD has been with you; so we said, 'Let there now be an oath between us, even between you and us, and let us make a covenant with you, that you will do us no harm, just as we have not touched you and have done to you nothing but good and have sent you away in peace. You are now the blessed of the LORD.' " (Genesis 26:28-29)
Ungodly people easily identified the blessings of Yahweh God in Isaac's life, and sought his favor because of God's favor upon him. Abraham's son was recipient of the blessings of Abraham, including prosperity in a time of famine (Genesis 26:1,11-14).
As descendants of Abraham, we also are recipients of God's favor (Galatians 3:9, 26-29). We likely have not been prospered materially, but something of the Spirit of God within burns brightly enough for others to see. I choose to call it a special "spiritual twinkle" in our eyes that is evident to others.
I recall a recent conversation with an individual who spoke of her attempt to distance herself from her Christian faith heritage. Raised in a strict pastor's home, she felt that God would strike vengeance on her for neglecting to attend church services. Although she didn't attend church for a period of time, she continued with the discipline of Bible reading and study. One day she was asked by someone about an internal quality that was noticeable, and this person eagerly desired it. This pastor's daughter came to clearly realize that the presence of God's Spirit in her life left an indelible mark that others could see.
People can easily observe our faithful church attendance and participation, but most intriguing is the dynamic internal Spirit life that is magnetic to those aware of their own need. What we DO is interesting, but who we ARE is a compelling witness.
If you are a child of God - born again in the waters of baptism, and faithfully living within God's truth - then the blessings of Abraham rest upon your life. It should not be surprising, then, when others ask for an explanation of the dynamic of our lives. As such, "always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence" (1 Peter 3:15).
May the light of faith and truth shine brightly in our lives for others to see and ask concerning.
Steve
© 2011, Steve Taylor
posted by steve @ 8:34 AM
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