Creating, collecting, and sharing thoughts and ideas. And learning along the way.
German Brats with Indian Sauerkraut: Why Ever Not?
Pick up that pen, or start dictating to your device! Write, for the joy of it.
“With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ’s being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death.”
This is the belief of the Christ-follower: it is not just the spectacular fact of belief in Jesus’ work on the cross that has resulted in eternal life and freedom from sin; it is a real every-day confidence in the knowledge that a great and heavy burden has been lifted off you and that you are living each day free from “a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death.” Sin has no stronghold over the believer, and death has no power over the believer either. It is an amazing feeling to feel so liberated while yet on this earth in our earthly bodies. Do you enjoy this freedom, gentle reader?
“I’ve never, as you so well know, had any taste for wealth or fashion. With these bare hands I took care of my own basic needs and those who worked with me. In everything I’ve done, I have demonstrated to you how necessary it is to work on behalf of the weak and not exploit them. You’ll not likely go wrong here if you keep remembering that our Master said, ‘You’re far happier giving than getting.’”
Giving, giving, giving. Therein lies true joy. It may be a thing, a thought, a word, or anything else of some value either to yourself or to your recipient. Many a time it may be the gift of yourself — your time, your eyes, your ears, your mind, your heart. But it is in giving to another that true joy and blessing is to be had. Paul is telling his friends and believers in his travels this beautiful truth, and is reminding them that Jesus himself has exhorted them in this way. May this be a timely reminder to us today as well.
