Monday, October 19, 2009

Waiting for Guidance - October 19, 2009

Good Monday morning! Woof, I did some action yesterday, and now I'm paying the toll. Are you sure of where you're going in this life? Did the Holy Spirit leave you a notarized note with specific instructions for the rest of your life? Even if we received a note like that for just one day, our first thought would probably be something like: "I don't wanna do that!" We still feel the tendency toward rebellion, and yet we crave the surety of specific instructions. Where is the middle ground? Is there a middle ground to find? Jesus did give us some specific instructions: love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself. We are also to take the Word to all the nations, baptizing them and making disciples. I am summarizing the instructions a bit, but you will remember them from the Bible. There is a simpler, initial instruction that we have been given; one that we must do first in order to start learning the others - believe in Jesus. The first, basic task in our Christian walk for the rest of our lives, was to believe in Jesus. Without that first belief, we will go nowhere and accomplish little or nothing of lasting value in this world.

When we believe, then everything that makes us Christian starts. Christ gives us grace and the Holy Spirit. We are freed from the penalty of sin. We are given the strength and guidance to take those first steps. Everyone I know that believes in Jesus feels an urge to learn more through scripture reading and study. Notice that all of this is given or done to us. We believe in Jesus and we are born again. The notice flashes on the big signs in Heaven; "Another Lost Sinner has been Found by the Son!" Celebration ensues, another heavenly party kicks off. You have been found by the Son; don't worry, guidance will come to you in God's own time!

Bucky

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