— Spiritual food for today —

Rejoice!  Rejoice!

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” (1Pet 4:12,13)

Though believers greet mornings with a measure of peace, love, joy, faith, gratitude and thanksgiving, the tormentor always lurks in the wings with his fare of doubt, worry, fear and accusation.  So begins each new day and the struggle of working out our salvation; the never-ending war between flesh and spirit; faith and works.  It’s the temporal conflict and battle for our allegiance ... the day-after-day and choice-by-choice deciding whom will we serve: Satan, Sin, Self ... or our Savior.

We must also guard against certain brethren: the “do” oriented, the God and Country or group-addicted; the liturgically-focused type or Dominion-Now and zealous-to-fashion-something-for-God. They would harness us for their agendas which often conflict with Bible priorities of worship, spiritual growth and doing the work of the ministry.  As vital as corporate activity is, the biblical mandate is largely a solitary assignment.  By faith, submission, due diligence and the Spirit’s enabling, Christ’s rule (the Kingdom of God) is to be established in us.  Through abiding in Him, we are conformed to His thinking, character and behavior.  The professing believer thereby becomes a “Christian,” in deed.

It’s so appealing to do something tangible for God, especially as a group, and noting so here is not to suggest it’s wrong or to be avoided.  However, corporate meetings are practically the only God-ward activity of many who, in effect, attempt to outsource personal responsibility to the group.  Privately, they scarcely study, pray or worship — though are there every time saints gather; hearts and bodies reliably present with a ready hand for “plantation” or outreach projects.  However, if having not diligently attended to their personal calling between gatherings, they’ve likely not grown.  Beloved, this is dangerous and not pleasing to God.
 

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