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Purposing His Purpose this Christmas Season

(Taken from my post on the Rapture Forums www.raptureforums.com)

Lately, I have been thinking about those that have faced rough times during this past year and many who are facing them now. The Christmas season is upon us and to me it is always the most wonderful time of the year. However, because of various trials and even hardships I am not immune to the realization that some do not share that same sentiment. Often I am teased by my family and called a “Christmas elf” because I enjoy the activities of the season so much. However, that aside, I feverishly relish the most important reason for the season, the birth of our Lord Jesus! That said, rough times can often obscure or veil our minds to the many blessings we have received in Christ because of the incarnation. The Bible is quick to tell us that as Christians we have been endued with His “Power from on high.” 

For the record, Luke 24:49 states:

Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.

Some may try to say this is for the Apostles only, but it is not. When we received the Lord and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we received a special gift, His power within us! Many forget this, and they are content to live as if the power of God is only available for some who seem to be blessed but not for them. Not true.

Please Hear the words of Paul:

For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. (2 Cor. 4:6-7)

And who could forget the immortal words of Peter:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,  who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,  that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,  whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. (1 Pet. 1:3-9)

Gods Power endues us and keeps us sealed for the day of Christ when our salvation comes to fruition.

I cannot say for sure why some seem to suffer more than others when it comes to trials except that genuine faith is the end result the Lord desires to see.  But one thing I can say all of us Have His power “dunamis” dynamite, available to us if we will only turn our hearts fully to Him for obedient service. 

I hope I do not offend anyone, it is not my intent for sure, but sometimes I see our focus on the Second Advent as a means of escape from this world and suffering. It is true that that will be the case but I believe our true focus should be on obedient service no matter our circumstance. In this way, we focus on the purpose for our being born on earth and born into God’s family for service. Our attention turns to “What is it that God desires me to fulfill” and “How can I be obedient to His call on my life” while I await His return. It is possible to be zealous for both.  I believe if we turn our hearts to God and ask Him to show us our purpose, and we wait patiently for an answer being ready to fulfill His purpose in obedience, that we will see His light shine ever so brightly in our lives and we will become recipients of His powerful favor and grace.  Can we do that and still be zealous for His return? I think we can. 

This Christmas season, let us purpose His purpose in our hearts and allow Him to take care of the rest.

God Bless you all!

Bro. Mike 
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Comments

Anonymous said…
I agree! Praise the Lord that He gives us temporary trials on this earth! If not for those, we might miss the fullness of His teachings. As we learn, grow, persevere and endure, we become closer to God, trusting Him for our every need. We learn to lean on Him and watch expectantly as we do for His return. As His children are obedient, His children are blessed. I'm so thankful He sent His Son so that my family and I can enjoy closeness with our Father.
December 27, 2010 at 11:52 PM
Michael Henderson said…
God bless you my fried. you are exactly correct. Thanks for posting. I will be putting up a new entry very soon!

God Bless

Mike H
December 28, 2010 at 10:53 PM
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