March 23, 2016

“Through Him we received both the generous gift of his life and the urgent task of passing it along to others who receive it by entering into obedient trust in Jesus. You are who you are though this gift and call of Jesus Christ.” Romans 1:5-6 MSG

Your life is a “generous gift” in Christ. It is meant to be a life that passes along the very message and words that changed you. It’s your gift to give away. It takes a long time to learn how to relax .. to let down your guard ..and to let Jesus shape the message of His life through you. It is His message .. a resurrection message .. a raised to new life message .. a message you pass along by living it out everyday. Jesus knows how you think .. how you form thoughts .. where you hold back .. and where you are most comfortable. He uses all of that but He also uses those unplanned and unanticipated moments where  you know that the message of this “generous gift” is what you are to pass along. Why you? He chose you for that very moment .. maybe today .. when you are the intersection of His message and another life. He chose you knowing full well what His life would become in you. Your part is learning to love the life He is living in you. It is a daily life of trust. The Apostle Paul wasn’t ashamed of a gospel that consumed his malignant self-reliance .. prideful self-accomplishments .. and determined self-will. He learned to live with the pressure off .. to let Christ take over .. to let Him lead .. and to leave behind His message. God takes all kinds of bruised and battered men and women and fills them with the saving power of His Son. His supply is inexhaustible for you today. Will you trust Him for this day? Will you pass along or pass by? “You are who you are through this gift and call of Jesus Christ.” It only takes a moment …

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” Romans 1:16 New American Standard