Thursday Oct 6

The Christian Life is a life of incredibly difficult, seemingly unnatural acts.  We are to love, forgive, help, share, care, endure, sacrifice, be humble, contrite, pure, and other humanly impossible tasks.  No natural human being can do all this.  On top of all that we are to believe on a figure of history from thousands of years ago, accept Him as the Son of God, come to Him in humble, contrite state of mind, accept His absolution and redemption, and call upon this Jesus as the Savior, the great Redeemer of our lives and our souls.  We are then to go forth and live a Godly, blessed lives as a blessing to others.  
OK, not too bad a deal!  Do able.  Acceptable.  Good news indeed!  


Consider today's thoughts from James Ryle:

October 6


The Exemplary Life
"Live an exemplary life." (1 Peter 2:12, The Message).
Exemplary means "serving as a commendable pattern to be imitated." No pressure here, but may I ask what about your life as a follower of Jesus would others say is exemplary?
If the question leaves you a bit unsettled that's a good thing. Because it shows that you at least care.
Some of us squirm out of false humility. "Aw shucks," we reply, "why, golly, there's nothing in me that even comes close to being like Jesus." Oh, grow up!
Others of us squirm for more substantial reasons. We know two things. One, we are called to something better. And two, we are settling for less.
Peter said, "Friends, this world is not your home, so don't make yourselves cozy in it. Don't indulge your ego at the expense of your soul." (1 Peter 2:11).


Jesus wants to fill us each with His spirit, thereby making our lives exemplary. He wants us to be good friends, good parents, good neighbors, good employees, good employers, good people. So good, in fact, that even those who otherwise oppose us cannot help but commend our lives.
This is do-able. So. let's do it!


The key is being filled with His Spirit.  
May God fill you with His Holy Spirit today and always.