Sunday, August 24, 2008

The Book Of Life

This morning, as part of my devotions, I was led to Philippians 4:3, and Revelation 21:27 which says: “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth...or maketh a lie...but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” and on my way home from church, I heard a sermon on the radio that dealt with that same Scripture.

At last, during the day, I found time for further Scripture reading and went back to the above mentioned verses and others that dealt with the same theme.

The Scriptures speak of those who reject the book of life as being “dull of hearing” and “hard of heart.” However, Jesus shows that He will confess the names of those who follow His way to the Father and have their names written in the book of life.

When we realize the value of the book of life, it is not easy for us to understand why some people would reject having their names written in the book of life, yet the answer is simple: lack of understanding, stubbornness and going their own way, however the Scriptures reveal that the way of transgressors is hard and keeps them out of the book of life...so really, it is a vicious cycle of choices and consequences.

To have your name written in the book of life is to be in good standing with Jesus who says He is the way, the truth and the life. He also taught that His words are life and if we abide in Him and have His words abide in us, we will maintain that good standing.

On the other hand, we each have our own personal book. Your life and mine are books into which we write every day, hour by hour, and minute by minute. We write into our books with our thoughts, words, deeds and beliefs. And even when, by God’s grace, we make changes in our ways, we are yet writing into our personal book.

When our personal books please God the Father, He writes our names into His book. And His book is for life eternal, not merely a matter of length of days but of a quality of existence that is abundant and divine.

What does it take to have your name in the book of life? The Scriptures teach that we are to “labour not for the meat that perishes” and also that our labour for Christ is not in vain for such acts afford us to have our names written in His great book: the Lamb’s book of life.

Is your name written in the Lamb’s book of life? Are you labouring for Christ in any way that you can? When we work for Him, it is a labour of love that does not go unrewarded (Philippians 4:3).

SCRIPTURE HELPS: John 14:6; Colossians 3:3; Revelation 21:27.
PRAYER: “Almighty God, grant me grace to have my name written in your book and not ever have my name to be blotted out of that book. Amen”
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Our names are written in the book of life when we labour for Christ.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

On Being In The Right Place

Do you remember that little ditty: “In fourteen hundred ninety two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue...”?

History tells us that Christopher Columbus left Spain in search of a route to Asia and was disappointed because he did not find what he was looking for, but somehow in his journey, he discovered a whole new world: the Americas. Was it an accident that Columbus did not find what he was looking for? It was no accident that Columbus discovered the Americas; it was by God’s will and design, and God’s timing is always right. It turned out that Columbus was in the right place at the right time, under God’s direction for a mighty revelation from Him.

Like Columbus, we might begin a journey with a certain destination in mind and find ourselves way off course. But you and I can be assured that wherever we are, it is always in the right place God wants us to be, even if it is for the sake of learning one of life’s many lessons.

Sometimes, we do not understand but God sees the big picture and either directs or permits us to be exactly where we are, though at the time it might not be pleasant for us.

Once I was driving in a strange area, looking for an address and things just did not seem right. I thought I had made all the right turns but eventually, I did not see landmarks I was told I would see and realized I was not in the place I should be. It was scary. I actually had to pull to the side of the road, become very quiet and seek God for a leading to find my way.

When I started on my way again, it was not long before I gained a sense of direction and was able to find the place of my destination. Not only that. Imagine my great surprise when, because of driving round and round in that area, I discovered a new and shorter route to get to another place that I travelled to very often. That was helpful because I had reason to be going to that other place very soon.

Did you ever wonder whether you are in the right place? Maybe this concerns your career, your place of residence, or maybe you are in a strange situation: one you are not at all accustomed to. You can be assured that God knows where you are and you can know the reason for being in that place if you would pause and seek an answer from God.

Scripture Help
“Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk...” (Psalm 143:8).

Dear God, help me to know I am in the right place for a revelation from you and help me to hear your voice as you speak to me. Amen.