What is the 'theme of your song'? Most of us could actually give a title to the 'song' that describes the things we have done, want to do, and continue to do in our lives. The rodeo bull rider may make his theme, "I wanna ride, ride, ride till I can't ride no more". The determined CEO may say his is, "I made it, look at me now". Whatever the 'theme' of your song is, if Jesus isn't at the center of that 'song', you might need a rewrite on that song! Your decrees have been the theme of my songs wherever I have lived. I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord; therefore, I obey your instructions. This is how I spend my life: obeying your commandments. (Psalm 119:54-56 NLT) Reflection is a powerful 'tool' in our arsenal of defense against the enemy of our soul and even our own stubborn sin nature. The goodness of God is often reflected in our lives, with his love and grace coming through when other emotions might have ...
We preach Christ , warning people not to add to the Message. We teach in a spirit of profound common sense so that we can bring each person to maturity. To be mature is to be basic. Christ! No more, no less. (Colossians 1:28 MSG) We preach Christ - nothing more, certainly nothing less. This is the message of a life transformed by the power of Christ. This is our calling on this earth - to be living, breathing examples of his grace, goodness, and love. Why does God use 'living testimonials' of his grace? To draw people who are riddled with hurts, hangups, and habits to himself. As they enter into relationship with him, he uses each of us to help one another grow up into mature believers. We may think our lives are our own, but God made us to relate one to another, bringing each other nearer and nearer to him as we do. To be mature is to be basic. That might seem like a bit of an oxymoron. A 'newbie' to any process or practice is likely immature in that process or prac...