POWERFUL WORD/ Hebrews 1:3

"The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven." Hebrews 1:3

I once got a phone call at 7am to report to a different school. At the end of the day there was a Staff Meeting and the Director (just under the superintendent) for the group of schools was there. I knew him and asked him why I was moved. He told me, "Because I wanted you here." One word from him, and I was changed from one school to another. That is just a small example of the power that God holds in his very words. 

Revelation 4:11 says, "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." Sometimes I wonder what is going on in my life and these verses reminds me that ultimately, it is God that holds my life together. 

The entire universe from the electrons and neutrons at the core of every atom are held together by power of God's word. If God can hold the universe together, he can hold your life together. He does. If he wasn't, all would be coming undone. I know sometimes it feels like everything is coming apart. In this world we will have trails, hard times. But, in the end God works out everything for the good of those who love him. 

Father, we pray that you would work all things out in our lives for the good. That which is not good, we ask you to work for the good. Thank you for you gracious faithfulness to us! Praise be to you in us today!

DON'T BE SURPRISED, LIVE IN THE LIGHT!: I Thessalonians 5:4-6

If you are a parent, then, like me, I am sure you have told you children as they headed off to be with their friends, "Remember who's child you are. I don't care what everyone else is doing, you do what you know is right!" And where did we hear that? From our parents. As Christians we are to remember to whom we belong as we live our lives in this world. 

"But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us be not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled." I Thessalonians 5:4-6

Paul is speaking to the Thessalonians about the day of the Lord and how they live their lives knowing that he could return at any time. He reminds them who they are in Christ.

First, Paul reminds us that we are not in darkness. We know Christ is coming back and we should not be surprised if he came in one minute or one year. 

Secondly, because we are children of the light we should not act like people who don't know who God is. Sometimes we think too much. The Bible is pretty clear about most things. I had someone pretty close to me tell me that the people could translate the Bible any way the wanted. I asked him, "How do you translate, "You shall not steal, you shall not commit adultery, you shall have no other gods before me"? God has spoken to us pretty clearly. We are not in the dark about what God has done for us or what he wants to do in us. We just need to live in light of that truth. 

Lastly, we need to remember to be alert and self-controlled. We need to be alert to what is "trending" in and around our lives. Not just physically and financially, but the spiritual battles that are the primary influences of our lives. Think about that. There is a spiritual battle for you and your family. The cares of this life are just bit players. We must attend to them with integrity and yet remember that life is more than what the world tells us. 

So, pay attention. Be alert and be self-controlled in Christ.

Father, help us to live like children of the light and of the day, your children. Praise be to you in us today!