Monday, September 20, 2010

Message from Jim Koan, Superintendent

10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:10-13

“My friend, you know how this all ends
and you know where you're going,
you just don't know how you get there
so just say a prayer.


And hold on, cause there's good who love God,
life is not a snapshot, it might take a little time,
but you'll see the bigger picture.


Would dare you, would you dare, to believe,
that you still have a reason to sing,
'cause the pain you've been feeling,
can't compare to the joy that's coming.”


Click here to hear "Before the Morning".

These lyrics from Josh Wilson’s Before the Morning so well capture a truth God has been impressing on me: life is not a snapshot. The sum total of who God is (how much He loves me, how ‘in-control’ He really is, etc) and the sum total of who I am is not defined by a moment in time, a snapshot of today’s events and circumstances.

While I may stumble and fall on occasion, and suffer the pain of consequences as a result of those choices, my ‘near-sighted’ faith or my rebellion does not change my standing before God. I am His child, washed by Christ’s blood, and perfect in His eyes.

And the best part is the realization that this is not all there is for those of us who believe. This life here is not “as good as it gets.” God promised us an eternity of peace and joy in His presence – and a mansion to boot. Now that is as good as it gets!

No, today’s snapshot of our earthly existence is not the ‘Big Picture’…God’s got that covered and He promises us a joy unspeakable.

Rejoice in that day and leap for joy!
For indeed your reward is great in heaven. Luke 6:23 (NKJV)

2 comments:

  1. Thanks Jim for the Monday morning message. I love the fact that as I get a little older I am beginning to understand God a little better. I find that I am less and less surprised by God's ability to take negative situations and somehow "work it for good" because He loves us.

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  2. Jim,

    I am learning more everyday to find God's presence here--now--a taste of heaven now. We sell the gospel so short as a ticket to heaven and forfeit the promise of John 10:10 (the abundant life)--now.

    Thanks Jim!

    Jeff Blake

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