Day of Praise

Mon, 12/19/16, "Day of Praise"

"To this John replied, 'A person can receive only what is given them from heaven.'" - John 3:27

Let me start by saying, "Congratulations, Calley!" Some months ago, many of you prayed for our oldest child when she took her medical college admissions test. Well, last week Calley received her first offers from medical schools, and she's probably heading to medical school in Chicago next Fall. So, yay, Calley! And thank you all for your prayers and interest!

Calley is also a great example of the encouragement in today's Bible verse, as John the Baptist's comment testifies to his acceptance of his station in life, namely, he's here to point to and rejoice in Jesus Christ. That's what Calley does; she points to and rejoices in Jesus Christ.

Whether down the street or across the globe, Calley aspires to be a missionary and share Jesus wherever she might go. Calley is living and pursuing the life that has been "given [her] from heaven" (John 3:27). Her life brings joy to her and all of us who know her.

That's what happens when you surrender to the Holy Spirit and accept your calling that's been given you from heaven. You bring joy to many. And you will bring joy to many in all the days that God grants you on this side of the resurrection.

So, friends, whatever you've got in front of you today, try to see it as a gift and a calling from God in Heaven. Then get after it with a spirit of thankfulness to God.

People will notice. Probably even perk up. And God will be praised. Yep! God will be praised!

Praise God!


Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson