"Living in the Moment"

"To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom." (Psalms 145:12)

  A little bit of kindness, can really go a long way! Besides the fact that we have something to give, we have a responsibility and a purpose to stewart what we have been given. This is for me, as much as it is for anyone else; so please don't be offended if I step on anyone's toes. Which makes me think of something that I was reminded of, the saying, "But for the grace of God, go I." There is a little thing that is sometimes hidden in our hearts, mostly masked by the our focus upon living, verses the focus on the living; or in this case, the dying. "The sons of men," describe those that are common or mere human beings; mankind, as it goes, "from dust to dust." That is truly a bad state of mind; yet, it is pretty much the way many people live out there lives, without having the hope that lies within us! Just say it, believe it, and live it: I am a child of God! If need be, write it upon your hand, or where it upon your sleeve; whatever it takes, remind yourself of it as much as you can, and live it out in your life! If you really want to get involved, then think upon it every time you see or meet anyone that might not be someone that you say, "But for the grace of God, go I." Two very important facts can be taken from this verse that help us declare, "His mighty acts," and, "The glorious majesty of His Kingdom." First of all, the most important fact that is so relevant to our life, is that He has saved us: I once was lost, but now I am saved! There is a saying, "If you've been born only once you'll die twice, but if you've been born twice you'll only die once!" And the second, is likened unto the first: We have been given eternal life in His Kingdom! This is no longer our home, we are simply pilgrims, waiting for the place which is our home: As Abraham, "For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." (Hebrews 11:10) I was reminded of a verse yesterday, as Pastor Bryan shared about how Philippians 3:13 has always been a verse that caused him to question his standing with God, because he always remembers the things of the past. It is really not that hard to do, to be reminded about something you might feel sorry about or wish you had never done. But, what Paul is making a claim to, has mostly to do with what God has done and is currently doing, regardless of those things that are in the past! This is the mighty act to cause us to be bold and to live in the moment, because it is not about those things of the past; but it is about God's tender mercies and His abundant grace: "But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before," which is the essence of mercy and grace...

"For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear: having a good conscience; that whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ." (1 Peter 3:12-16)