Beholding Christ

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. —2 Corinthians 3:18

It is crucial for us to spend time in God’s Word so we can connect with the person of Christ. 

Reading about the impact of Jesus’ unconditional love for us compels us to love without demand. 

His mercy and His free distribution of grace to the most undeserving make us ashamed of our tendency to withhold forgiveness and seek revenge.

We find ourselves becoming a more thankful person when we realize that, despite our shameful fallenness, the Lord has clothed us in the beauty of His perfect righteousness. 

His amazing ways and unsurpassed wisdom motivate and transform us. 

It is hard to be content with our lives as it is when in His presence We are drawn to become more like Him.

The apostle Paul calls us to the joy of beholding Christ. 

As we do so, we are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory.

Stay close to God and we will never be the same again.

A Willing Heart

Then everyone came whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing, and they brought the LORD’s offering for the work of the tabernacle of meeting, for all its service, and for the holy garments.

—Exodus 35:21

Here we see a spirit of generosity in the Israelites when they gave to build the tabernacle of the Lord. 

When asked to provide materials for the sanctuary, everyone whose spirit was willing brought the Lord’s offering for the work of the tabernacle. 

The Israelites eagerly donated their gold jewelry, colored thread, fine linen, silver, bronze, gemstones, and spices. Some also gave their time and talents.

If we follow the Israelites’ example and willingly donate our resources, we please and honor God with our attitude and offerings. 

The Lord, who sees and knows our thoughts and hearts, loves cheerful givers. 

He Himself is the best example of generosity (John 3:16). 

The Lord Jesus Christ gave everything He had for our sake. 

Let us give with a willing heart so that our gifts will truly honor Him.

I Am Coming Quickly

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” 

Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! 

—Revelation 22:20

A “COMING SOON!” announcement often precedes an exciting event.

The goal is to create anticipation and excitement for what is going to happen.

The “COMING SOON” sense of immediacy permeates the entire book of Revelation.

Three times in the final chapter, the Lord says, “I am coming quickly” (Rev. 22:7,12,20). 

How can this be?

2,000 years have elapsed since these words were written.

“Quickly” doesn’t seem appropriate for our experience of time.

Rather than focusing on a date for His return, the Lord is urging us to set our hearts on His promise that will be fulfilled. 

We are called to live for Him in this present age “looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). 

Let us live as if the Lord Jesus Christ is coming back today.

Feasting on God's Word

Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts. —Jeremiah 15:16

Prophet Jeremiah found the words of God, even the words of God’s judgment, and he ate them.

He ingested God’s Word eagerly, lovingly, and often.

Prophet Jeremiah read and savored the Word of God in his innermost being. 

And that is exactly where God’s Word is intended to go. 

The Word of God is heart food! 

When we ingest it, the Holy Spirit provides the power to help us grow to be more like the Lord Jesus Christ. 

God's Word transforms how we think about God, money, enemies, careers, and family. 

It is really good for us.

Let us eat God’s Word to our heart’s content! 

Like prophet Jeremiah, let us say: “Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart” (15:16).

The Bible is food for our soul. 

Let us read it, savor it, ingest it, and know the strength that God's words can give to us often-failing heart.

The more we feast on God’s Word, the healthier we will become.

Shine for Jesus

Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. (1Peter 5:11-12)

We are to try to make the world a better place by displaying the love of Christ wherever God has placed us.

When apostle Peter wrote to persecuted Christian believers in Asia Minor (modern Turkey), he advised them to keep their conduct honorable among the Gentiles, by doing good deeds that will ultimately bring glory to God.

We can make our world a better place through our actions.

Think of the difference that Christlike deeds of love, mercy, forgiveness, justice, and peace would make in our world.

Let us make the world we live a better place.

We cannot change the entire world singlehandedly, but by God's grace we can let the difference Christ has made in us make a difference in the world around us.

Let us let Christ shine through us.