Your Identity in Christ
In Christ, I am an ambassador to whom He has committed the message of reconciliation. Since God does not count people’s sins against them in Christ, I too will forgive in Jesus’ name.
Pondering Point
Matthew 18:15
If your brother (or sister) sins, go and point out his fault, just between the two of you.
~ Jesus
Matthew 5:23-24
If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother (or sister) has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to him; then come and offer your gift…
~ Jesus
We often think of reconcilers as third parties between two other conflicting sets of people. But in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, He reminds us that we are first to be reconcilers within our own world -- even before we come and offer a gift to God (Matthew 5:24). We are first to be reconciled to each other. We are first to be reconcilers in our personal lives. A gift offered to the Lord while unreconciled to our brothers is contrary to God's teaching. Maybe one of the best gifts we can offer God is a freshly reconciled relationship with a brother or sister of whom we had a previously unaddressed – now addressed – issue.
Prayer
Father God, foster within me the idea of being a reconciler and peacemaker for You – and help me practice in my own life what I preach to others. In Jesus I pray. Amen.
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 119:145-152
- I call with all my heart; answer me, Lord,
and I will obey your decrees. - I call out to you; save me
and I will keep your statutes. - I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I have put my hope in your word. - My eyes stay open through the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promises. - Hear my voice in accordance with your love;
preserve my life, Lord, according to your laws. - Those who devise wicked schemes are near,
but they are far from your law. - Yet you are near, Lord,
and all your commands are true. - Long ago I learned from your statutes
that you established them to last forever.
Read the versus of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Teaching or Command of God
Ephesians 5:15-18
Be very careful, then, how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
The Promise
Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
Pondering Point
The writer speaks of late nights and early mornings spent in God’s Word. At this time of your life, what part of your day/week is carved out for God’s Word? If you don’t have a time carved out, make that change now.