A Privilege

Last night, our small group reviewed CJ's sermon on Jude 1-2 -- it was amazing to be reminded anew of the Lord's calling, loving and keeping of us.  We shared with one another the specific ways in which we were individually called -- and rescued from our mad career.  I was particularly struck by the reminder of God's love because I tend to view God as only "tolerating" me and have been seeing more clearly how this doubt of God's love leads to an absence of joy.  But God does love all of his children -- he chose us with much enthusiasm!  I AM LOVED BY THE FATHER!  I was also convicted by how I tend to look for reasons for God's love within me -- and often find it lacking -- which makes sense, although against my pride, that the only reason for God's love is Christ and that I am unworthy of His love -- it is purely by grace!  Please pray that I daily convinced of the love of my Heavenly Father that is founded in Christ and to know that those He called and loves, He will keep till the end!

"Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever.  Amen."  Jude 24-25.

This message calls for the singing of All I Have Is Christ (which we did, twice!)

After being told that there was more to CJ's message (delivered at the SBTS Collegiate Conference), I was on the search.  And I found another along with it -- a chapel message he gave on 1 Corinthians 4 -- also excellent.  I was struck by CJ's humility.  He called it a privilege that we get to read God's word and I was convicted that I don't approach God's word with that kind of gratitude, humility and reverence.  It is a privilege to be able to read God's word and to be able to understand it.  Please pray that I will be more and more amazed!