Ponderings on a Monday Morning (March 16, 2020)

We have a certain God in uncertain times. The prophet Haggai tells us that God will shake all things and that those things which cannot be shaken will remain – let us not be surprised at uncertainly around us, but let us be surprised if there is uncertainty within us, for those who abide in Christ have a certain God within them and He has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. (Haggai 2:6 – 7; Hebrews 12:25 – 29; 2 Timothy 1:7; Colossians 1:27; 2:10; 1 John 3:1 – 4; 4:4).

As Christ is to us, we are to be to others. Will we, by God’s grace, live like this? Will we be the Presence of Christ to others in times of uncertainty?

When we awake our first response to each new day is to worship God. It is not to catch up on the news, it is not to read our emails, it is not to look at our phones or tablets – it is to worship God in Christ. Our calling in Christ is to worship God throughout each day – our minds, our hearts, our souls, our bodies do not belong to us who know Jesus Christ, they belong to Him – this fundamental question of worship and ownership is critical if we are to fulfill our destiny in Christ and be a blessing to others. (Romans 12:1 – 2).

Shall we allow the world and all that is in it, including media and entertainers and politicians, to form our souls and thoughts and attitudes? Or shall we submit ourselves to God and His Word and allow ourselves to be transformed into the image of Jesus Christ?

When we live as if this world is our home, and when we live with the priorities and values and standards of the world, we build our lives upon sand and when the equilibrium of the world is disturbed we are disoriented along with the world. (Matthew 7:24 – 27; Philippians 3:20 – 21; Hebrews 11:8 – 16).

The man or woman whose life is oriented around, and in, Jesus Christ will know the Presence of God through the waters, the fire, and the vicissitudes of life. If we live, we are the Lord’s; if we die, we are the Lord’s – while we are here let us worship our Lord Jesus and be a blessing to others. (Isaiah 43:1 – 2; Romans 14:7 – 8).