If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
--Colossians 3:1
Down in West Palm Beach, Florida, where I pastored for 8 years, just a few miles off the coast is the Gulf Stream. Now the Gulf Stream is like a river flowing through the ocean. It was used by early explorers to get from the Caribbean back to Europe. And if you’re out on a boat and come across the Gulf Stream, you’ll move from blue-green water to almost purple water.
When I think about believers in the world, I’m reminded of that Gulf Stream. It’s part of the ocean, but it’s very different from the ocean. It has direction and purpose, a different consistency, and is most definitely distinguishable by the common observer.
As we Christians go about our lives here on earth, each and every one of us has a call to be in, but not of, the world. We go about our days surrounded by the ordinary. Yet we know we’re wholly different because we have the Spirit of God inside of us and we have a real and deep purpose for our lives.
Just like the Gulf Stream powers through the Atlantic Ocean on its way to Europe, live powerfully today on your way to heaven. Your life has meaning and purpose. Carry with you the knowledge that you’re not wandering aimlessly, but have a firm destination as a child of God!
LIVE WITH THE CONFIDENCE YOUR LIFE HAS MEANING AND PURPOSE BECAUSE OF WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST!
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;”
John 17:15–20
At the conclusion of His observance of the Passover with the disciples, just before going out to the Garden of Gethsemane where He would be arrested, Jesus prayed. He poured out His heart to the Father, not just for Himself, but for His disciples—and for us. We are a part of “them also which shall believe” that Jesus spoke of in this prayer, and He is still praying for us today. “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25).
There are times when we face opposition and obstacles that seem to be overwhelming. In these moments we often feel like we are all alone and there is no one who cares about us. Even if that is true in the earthly realm, it is never true in Heaven. We are saved because of the love God extended to us, and we are still loved when things are going wrong. It is a great encouragement in dark and difficult days to be reminded that Jesus is still praying for us. Robert Murry McCheyne said, “If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me!”
Today's Growth Principle:
Remember that you are not alone—the same Jesus who saved you is praying for you today.
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