Remembering Your Redemption

My deepest need has been met: I've been reconciled to the Giver of Life, the Killer of Death. (As Gungor put it, "when Death dies, all things live.")

I hadn't rock climbed in almost six months and when I left off, I was performing at a level that seemed natural—a personal standard that seemed forever fixed. Breaking that bouldering hiatus last night, I discovered otherwise as I was definitively humbled. At the same time, I developed an appreciation for the previous level of performance to which I was formerly accustomed (e.g. took for granted).

I see now why it's critical to look back on where you came from—where you could still be if it wasn't for Grace—and why that's better than dwelling on current shortcomings and things yet to be attained. Remember what Jesus has already done rather than what He has yet to do. Whether or not I feel it on any given day, on any given day, my deepest need has been met in Jesus. Praise Him!
______________________________

Praises to the One who made it all and finds it beautiful! [Gungor]

Amen!
______________________________

Work

Just in case you're feel the same as me: I'm really not in the mood to work, but work—in essence—is submission to those whom God has put over us. It is worship.

_________________________________

Doctrine

1. God is Triune and is, therefore, relational. God is continuously relational with His creation because the Trinity is in everlasting relationship.

2. We are made in His image, and as His image bearers, each and every action either reflects or (more often) sadly misrepresents Him. With each and every sin, therefore, God is the party chiefly offended.

3. God is for God. Human beings (for the most part) inherently know that self-glorification isn't appropriate—and rightly so—because we are designed to glorify something greater than ourselves: the one true God. Only with Him is self-glorification acceptable, appropriate, right, and pure.

4. Jesus suffered and died on our behalf and conquered death to give life to those who have faith. Since all of creation and even death itself is in utter submission to the Living God, how much more are those who have been ransomed to wholly bow at His lordship in regards to all our values, thoughts, and deeds?

5. Forgiveness without atonement is apathetic, a killer of justice and devoid of love. Christ is the ultimate atonement. Believers only have forgiveness because of Jesus' shed blood—which is the propitiation for our sins—and bodily resurrection.

6. Church is family. And Christ is the head.

________________________________

Lean Not On Your Own Understanding

Judges 17:6
In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

Romans 10:3
For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own,
they did not submit to God's righteousness.

Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.

_________________________________

Gratitude to the Overseer

It's like getting used to filet, then complaining when you only get flank;
like living in a mansion for free, then whining when you get moved to the pool house;
like getting paid six figures, then grumbling when you don't get a raise or bonus.

It's like being saved from eternity in hell—then moping about feeling bored, unmotivated, under appreciated, or worthless. Are you kidding me?! His grace is sufficient. His grace is the motherload!

But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
[1 Peter 2:20-25]

________________________________