Friday, October 5, 2007

focus on Jesus

 
Last night we had a dear friend join us for dinner and a great conversation about Jesus - His birth, life, ministry, death, God-Man duality, and prophecies foretelling many of these.  It's so refreshing to just focus on Jesus.  This is consistent with Hebrews 12:1-2 (one of my favorite passages):
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne.
And, not surprisingly, this is consistent with the Apostles' simple message:
Acts 9:19-20
19 ... Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. 20 And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is indeed the Son of God!"
Acts 10:34-36, 39-40, 42-43
34 Then Peter replied, "I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. 35 In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. 36 This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. ... 39 "And we apostles are witnesses of all he did throughout Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a cross,[ c] 40 but God raised him to life on the third day. Then God allowed him to appear, ... 42 And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead. 43 He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name."
It's all about You, Jesus!
 
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the revelation of yourself through your Son, Jesus Christ - the Messiah, King-Servant, God-Man.  Lord, thank you for your generous grace and merciful love that, to those who place their faith and hope of eternal salvation in Jesus Christ,  you make us children of God!  Lord, you cleanse us and fill us with the Holy Spirit so that we can enjoy cooperating with you as you accomplish your holy, perfect will.  Lord, I pray that my friends will see in me the joy that you've given through the blessed life of Jesus Christ.  May you be praised and glorified in my life, and may I enjoy you and appreciate you even more today.  I pray this in the Name of Jesus - the only Name that saves.  Amen.

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