RECONCILIATION!

 

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

 

RECONCILIATION!

 

Col 1:19-22

19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

 

          The etymology of the word “reconcile” is from the late Middle English: from Old French reconcilier or Latin reconciliare, from Latin re- ‘back’ (also expressing intensive force) + conciliare ‘bring together.’

 

          Legally, in human relationships, reconciliation is seldom possible unless restitution has been made. If something has been stolen it should be paid back. Even so there must also be repentance, a promise never to do the wrong ever again, and forgiveness. Forgiveness is treating the offending party as if the offense had never happened. It is easy to see how difficult this is!

 

          When we offended God, He paid the debt himself by the death of His Son Jesus. Restitution was made, forgiveness was possible, and reconciliation then was offered to the guilty. The only thing preventing God and man from coming together is man’s refusal of God’s offer. When man refuses God’s offer, either because of a lack of faith or will, he remains in the realm of guilt and condemnation because of his choice.

 

1 John 1:9

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

 

Dear Lord, thank you for making it possible for me to be brought back and brought together with you. AMEN

 

RACING THE CLOCK!

 

Monday, June 29, 2026

 

RACING THE CLOCK!

 

Eph 5:15-17

15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

 

          Paul sensed it and tried to instill a sense of urgency in the people of Ephesus. Jesus certainly understood the race against the clock when He said in the Garden: “What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matt 26:40-41

 

          Teachers sense it but drill sergeants probably sense it more keenly. Raw recruits with trendy clothes and haircuts must be reshaped into soldiers. I feel it too. Tick Tock! My time as teacher and leader was limited. There was a race against that inevitable time when I must announce to some Timothy that “I have fought a good fight and have finished my course.” I wonder if the instructor ever feels confident in the learners! It is that serious.

 

          Was I ever as uncommitted as I feel some are? Probably! I was as lazy as I dared to be, distracted by glitz and glitter, and weak in resolve. I did not change until my heart broke and even now the struggle continues.

 

          What is my hope then? It is the powerful, personal, and formative nature of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Listen to the encouragement of Jesus when he said: “when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth” John 16:13

 

Ps 71:18

18 Now also when I am old and gray-headed, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.

 

Dear Lord, help me to make good use of my allotted time. AMEN

 

CONTENTMENT IS A LEARNED BEHAVIOR!

 

Sunday, June 28, 2026

 

CONTENTMENT IS A LEARNED BEHAVIOR!

 

Phil 4:10-13

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

 

          Paul was a vagabond preacher with no certain income. The Philippian believers had, once again, sent money and supplies. He wanted to say thank you and he did.

 

          Whether he had little or much, Paul was determined to do what God wanted him to do. It was a choice based on obedience and not on resources. That choice took him into the depths of want and up to the mountain peak of plenty. Whether feast or famine, it was all the same to Paul.

 

          Notice that he said, “I have learned.” Coming to terms with the ebb and flow of material supply is a matter of trust. It is a process and often slow. He had experienced abuse and he knew how to abound. It was part of his instruction. But Paul learned one very important thing. He learned that he could count on God.

 

Dear Lord, I know down deep that my contentment is not based on my resources but on my relationship with You. Thank you for daily bread and daily supply. AMEN