Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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The Real Offer We Can’t Refuse
Rev. 22.16-21
“The one who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”
Living in the present, reminded of the Future                                                                                                                                               The book of Revelation causes much controversy in the church. However it is also a tool for practical living. It is a reminder that this life is very temporary. As we see the culture around us sliding further into moral decay, we as the saints of the church are called to live in light of the truths of the final book of the Bible. For God so loved the World He sent His son, and the love continues so much so that He will send Him again.  Normally we would be reminded of the past. But God is always reminding us about the future.
The Author invites everyone, to produce fruit.
You and I are invited by the greatest person, who happens to be uncreated & self-existent! He invites your neighbor, your co-worker, your mailman, your classmate, your roommate and everyone.  He invites everyone where? Into what? Into eternal life, but what does that look like?  It looks like the original image of Adam & Eve. The image they lost, the image only Christ could maintain and help us regain. Do we realize that we are created to be with unlimited potential? We limit God because our minds (and experiences) are limited. When are asked to move out in faith every day and prove God's faithfulness.  Then we won't limit Him. Remember, He is self-existent; he doesn't need you or me to continue living.
But he wants you and me. 
How much do you value your closest friends, loved ones?  For our Father, it was worth losing His only Son, so that you and I could be with Him.  "Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So, Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters." - Hebrews 2.11 He calls you brother, sister.  With deep love, and an intimate connection, he calls you.  As His hands and feet on earth, we are joining in the journey with Christ to invite those around us to Him.  What are the requirements to accepting His invitation? Nothing.  Empty hands are all you can bring. He says come as you are.  He is the author of our faith.  He is the perfector. Not us. Never us. Always  Him. But we must respond; we must go to Jesus.  He cannot author the faith unless we give Him the pages. But know this; He is the greatest author that has ever lived.
Why do we fall?  How can we rise?
Time is itself a prison for us; to abide in Christ and live with God is to live outside this prison.
It is hard to reflect on the pure image that we were created in; the fullness of that image has been lost.  However JESUS came in that image.  He came and reflected the hands, the feet, the very heart of God.  That heart calls you always.  In the morning when you wake, during the day when you may fall into the temptations and in the evening as you enter rest.   Now we are looking at God through a glass dimly.  We are looking through everything in this world with "fallen" hearts and eyes.And only one who has risen from this world can help us to see again and help others do the same.
Prayer: Eternal God Help us be fruit bearing in all the days of our lives. Amen
Thought for the Day: All Glory to God who continues to produce fruit in our dark hearts with His eternal light, Jesus.

Adarsh Abraham, Long Island MTC, NY


Theme of the week: Fruit of the Spirit

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