Cause to Pause

Reflections On Our Life in Jesus Christ

Today’s Bible Reading (from Biblegateway.com): Job 25-27; Acts 12
Friday’s: Job 28-29; Acts 13:1-25     Saturday’s: Job 30-31; Acts 13:26-52
Sunday’s: Job 32-33; Acts 14            Monday’s: Job 34-35; Acts 15:1-21

During a hospital visit the other day, I found myself reflecting on how I wished it was as easy to read my heart as it was to read my temperature on the digital thermometer the check-in clerk was holding to my forehead.  (Isn’t it a joy that we are now checked-in before we are allowed to do so much in our everyday life that we previously didn’t have to check in to do?)  If I believed what I heard and read about myself on the news lately, I am a racist, homophobic, misogynistic, intolerant, red-necked, individual with an IQ just above a centipede.  I’ve been told what to think, how to think, when to think and not to think.  It can get a little overwhelming at times.  Without so much as a cardiometer, I have been analyzed, convicted and condemned by a jury of my peers.  I wasn’t even asked how I pled.  Oh, there’s no doubt I’m guilty of a lot of things.  At times, I’ve even been guilty of some of the things I’m accused of above.  But one thing my accusers don’t declare, and fail to comprehend, is that I’m also a child of God.  I’m not perfect – not even close – but I’ve been forgiven.  My heart has been spoken for; turned over to Him.  It has been washed in the blood of the Lamb.  It’s only when I remember that fact, that I once again hold my head up, bow my knee, and declare my love for Him and for all those He created.

We will be judged by Him through the blood-stained lens of Christ’s death and resurrection, and our faith in that event.  Knowing that should fill us with His peace that is beyond our comprehension.  Reflecting on this is a blessing indeed.  Amazing grace!

Best regards,
Mark Dillman
Minister, Airport Rd. Church of Christ