August 17, 2006

Whose Prisoner?

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This grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ. —Ephesians 3:8

A story is told of Scottish minister Alexander Whyte, who was able to look at the bleakest situation and yet find something to be thankful for. On a dark Sunday morning when the weather was freezing, wet, and stormy, one of his deacons whispered, “I am sure the preacher won’t be able to thank God for anything on a day like this. It’s absolutely horrible outside!” The pastor began the service by praying, “We thank Thee, O God, that the weather is not always like this.”

The apostle Paul also saw the best in every situation. Consider his circumstances as he wrote to the church in Ephesus while he awaited trial before the Roman emperor Nero. Most people would have concluded that he was a prisoner of Rome. But Paul saw himself as a prisoner of Christ. He thought of his hardship as an opportunity to bring the gospel to the Gentiles.

These words of Paul should challenge us: “To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Ephesians 3:8). Paul, a prisoner of Christ, saw himself as being given the privilege to serve God and present the “riches of Christ” to many.

Whose prisoner are we? —Albert Lee

Afflictions may test me,
They cannot destroy;
One glimpse of Thy love
Turns them all into joy. —Willett

The trials that imprison you need not limit God’s work in you.

Bible in One Year: Bible in One Year: Psalms 97-99; Romans 16

Yesterday was a sad day for lonestar and her friend, Aunt Harriet, and was a busy day for me at Rainbow Bridge.

Yesterday morning, lonestar had a phone call from an old college friend to say that her little dachsund and been bitten by a large rattle snake and had died.

Schatze was one of lonestar's favorite little friends and loved going to New Braunfels to play with her. Schatze was born after I took over at The Bridge so I just met her yesterday.

You talk about BUSY! Schatze is driving me crazy! She is 3 years old, very sociable and doesn't understand why that snake didn't want to play with her. However, to ease her pain she is taking advantage of playing with all the critters at The Bridge and is happy that there are no snakes here.

Aunt Harriet is happy knowing that her "baby" is in my hands and I'm here to take care of her.

The apostle Paul also saw the best in every situation.

Amen, may it also be said of us, and that we see every turn of events as another opportunity to know - and to serve in love, the natural overflow of the knowing - our Living, Ever-Watchful, Gracious, Magnificent, Giving-Good-Things God!

After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison,
and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully.
Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell
and fastened their feet in the stocks.
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying
and singing hymns to God,
and the other prisoners were listening to them.
Acts 16:23-25