A Time for Quiet...

Ezra 7:10 (New International Version)


10 For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.

 
 
"The Bridge to a New Life:


Religion vs. Inspired Living"


The Word can truly come Alive! There is a bridge that can carry us from
study to action resulting in inspired living. This is a new experience, I am convinced, for most of us Christians. Jesus said " I am the way the truth and the life, no man cometh to the Father but by me." Do we really think that we can build another bridge to God? As Paul said " the foundation has been laid in the cornerstone of Jesus Christ." The seed has been planted for us to water.

Ezra set his heart on studying, learning, and sharing. We can do no less as ambassadors for Christ. Paul trained in Jewish Law. He was very learned, but he discovered the difference between knowledge of Christ and "knowing" Christ. Paul suffered extreme hardship for the further spreading of a Gospel so dynamically revealed to him on the road to Damascus.

Do we worship what Jesus said or do we " do works worthy or our repentance." Not works necessary for our Salvation, but works showing our love for Christ.

Eternal life is a mysterious and marvelous actuality. It is hard for our human minds to understand and we have no problem attributing it to a divine power. Thus, our works should stem from thanksgiving and not in an effort for authenticity. We have been made right before God by Jesus' act on the Cross.

Exalting Christ is more than reading about him. Following Christ is more than lip service or a "side dish." It must become the main course or all else becomes spoiled. Either way the check comes due. We can attempt payment with and empty wallet or walk freely past the check out marked "paid in full"

The object of our faith should be a new level of life. One marked by a victory over death. The bridge to get there is a new level of commitment. The water running beneath that bridge is that which quenches forever. The food on the other side is nourishment for the spirit. Our final residence: one of continuous joy and peace.

We shall not cease

To praise

Our God

And to share with others the good news.

Those whose

Plight may have been more or less

But those

Who confess

Just as we have...

Jesus is Lord. God is Love

The Holy Spirit indwells...

Indeed

We raise our voices

And claim the promise

Of His presence...

The essence

Of an ever increasing love

Born out of mercy and Grace.

It’s a place

Of rest...

In the palm of his hand.

On Christ...the solid rock we stand...

Amen.