I took this picture of a butterfly today and only really on getting the image home did it occur to me that these pollen rich flowers reminded me of flames. Like the butterfly was walking on flames.
8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; 10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. 13 Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
We all have trials ahead of us. Some more than others, and God only knows why each of us will walk a more painful path than others. But if we read the verse 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. This tells me that I have to have faith and through this we are able to access the boldness to go out and do God’s work. It is not on our own that we go out into our world to face these trials, but with Christ.
So often do I see something and react straight away without considering a family approach, a fellowship. What effect will this have on the family, and perhaps more importantly, the more you share with the family, the more you load your concerns together, then the more you can all work together.
Today we have reflected as a family on the refugee crisis and are thinking what we can do as a family. Giving spare sleeping rolls, donating, praying, being a voice in the darkness for these poor souls. Prayer is needed in huge amounts to defeat this evil that is abroad in our times.
How much more effective will our voice be if we answer together in unison. Paul uses an unusual phrase when he says the fellowship of the mystery. Even God is a fellowship, a trinity but one.
God is a mystery and we will never know many things about Him. But we as a church are called to be a fellowship, a stewardship of God’s proof through Jesus Christ. Not just to be a social gathering, but to go out and proclaim and bring Jesus Christ alive. We can do this through actions to help others in pure love. Not the hate speech of groups like the english defence league who subjugate others, but through love of others, all others. Through this love I have found that it will disarm anyones barriers. Love and compassion will strip away any hold evil has upon someones lives and will allow Jesus to make himself known so that the gift of salvation and redemption can be offered freely. Paid once and for all.
Are we walking on fire through tribulations, or are we walking to stoke the fire of Jesus Christ to be alive here on earth. I care not for styles of church, for ceremonies, for classifications, for other peoples opinions on me. My faith is in Jesus Christ, and He is the truth, and He alone is the only one who can take these tribulations and turn them into glory.
Dear Lord, bring the whole world to its knees for your love. Bring love to all and rip away any hold that evil has on this earth, so we can be alive as the hands and feet of your Son Jesus Christ. Lord thank you for your many blessings and allow us to be good stewards of your love, peace, and hope so that we may shine the light for others to follow.
Amen
365 Exhortations 