Tuesday, April 21, 2009

What's it all about?

Sometimes I think life is all about me. I mean God redeemed me. God saved me. God loves me. You have similar thoughts don't you? Like any good parent, God is focused on his children, right?

God has been revealing a bit more to me of what it's all about. Recently I'd been working on memorizing Ephesians 2:6-7. (Been slow going since life seems to be full of LIFE and not a lot of down time!) In the NLT it reads, "For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus." Isn't that a cool picture? God wants to point to us and say, "You want to know about me. Well, here, take a look at them. Just look at how rich I am in grace and kindness. Look at what I've done for them. This is who I AM.


I am reminded me of another passage that I love. Isaiah 61:3 tells us that "In their rightousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory." I actually like the wording in the NIV best, "They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.."

Doesn't that make you stand up straighter and dust the dirt off your pants (or straigthen your skirt)? I am a display of God's grace, kindness, and splendor. That doesn't mean I'm wonderful and worthy of it, but it means instead that because of it I am wonderful and found worthy!

As God points to you, what are you revealing about Him? Is His work evident in you? Are you living daily knowing that you are a display of who He is to those around you? God wants to point to you and say, "Yep. This is an example of the kind of work I do. If I do say so myself, it's the best there is around." (And God really can boast that, can't He?)

Be sure to check out other posts or join the reading at DeeDee's I Have No Greater Joy.
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8 comments:

DeeDee said...

beautiful Post... we sometimes do get caught up in the "all about me" syndrome....
But then He so gently teaches us about HIM...
Sweet!
Thanksf for joining with us on Tuesdays Together...
Blessings...

Kelly @ Sufficient Grace Ministries said...

This is a great post! Thank you so much...I loved it. What great questions to ask ourselves. And what a picture...looking at ourselves as examples of His work...His amazing grace. Thank you for sharing your insights into these scriptures. I am blessed today by what He spoke to your heart.

Blessings to you,
Kelly

Tricia said...

I love this!! I have never thought about the fact that we can be displays of His splendor... that is huge!! And it definitely makes me want to dust my pants off and make sure I am being a good exhibit for Him!

Thanks so for sharing your insights! I love reading your blog!

Blessings!

Laurie Ann said...

I'm so glad you participated! I loved your nuggets of truth shared.

Linda said...

I want to be like a mighty oak,..a beautiful creation of God, showing forth His beauty and His power and His strength. (I loved the colorful picture of the tree, and it is indeed beautiful.) I want to be a display to others of who He is and what He is all about!

And yes, God is rich in grace and kindness! I love Him so.

Thanks for this post. I say a big AMEN!

Linda @ Truthful Tidbits

Unknown said...

What a great post! Thank you for reminding us that it is not all about me, but all about our Lord Jesus.

Have a great week!

Molly said...

Tears formed in my eyes - THANK YOU!
The LORD spoke through this post for me, I fear I don't show much of what He can do, I give up to easily into the laziness of life and the bitterness of the past. Got some "weeding" of the soul to do.
Pray for healing once and for all, if you get the chance.

Rosie@Home and Heartwork said...

That's very encouraging. Thank you.