I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is. Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife. But if you do marry, you have not sinned, and if a betrothed woman marries, she has not sinned. Yet those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that.
--1 Corinthians 7:26-28
I’ve noticed that in the church today, single adults are some of the most heavily involved in all spheres of ministry. Yet many times, they can feel like they’re operating as satellites because it looks to them like their church only focuses on married adults and families.
You may be surprised to know that some of the greatest Christians who’ve ever lived have been single adults… including Jesus Christ and the apostle Paul. And in more modern times, I think of David Brainard, the great missionary to Native Americans. I think of Lottie Moon who served faithfully as a missionary to China. I could go on and on!
One of the main advantages of being a single Christian is that you’re better able give yourself unreservedly, completely, and totally to the service of Jesus Christ. Now, don’t get me wrong, married people can serve faithfully as well. And I myself love being married. Yet, marriage is an obligation that will limit the time you are able to spend sharing Christ with others.
So if you’re single, use this time now to make the biggest impact you can for God’s Kingdom. Enjoy how God uses you as a single adult to show His love to others because you are in a unique place to minister to others where married adults could not!
SINGLE ADULTS ARE IN A UNIQUE POSITION TO MAKE A POWERFUL IMPACT FOR CHRIST. SO IF YOU’RE SINGLE, ENJOY LETTING GOD USE YOU TO MAKE A DISTINCTIVE IMPACT!
God Holds Everything Together
Friday, January 10, 2020
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”
Colossians 1:14–17
Everything around us in the natural world was created out of nothing by God. His words brought into being all that we can see and even the things that we cannot see. But God’s power and control go beyond that. Not only did He make everything that is, but He is responsible for their continued existence. He literally holds everything together. This is such a great comfort to us as His children, because we can trust Him regardless of what is going on around us. Someone said, “A Bible that is falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.” If we fix our attention and focus on Him, we will not be distracted or discouraged by what is going on around us.
We live in a rapidly changing world. Things that were once widely believed to be true are retracted. Things that were once widely condemned as evil are now accepted. But God never changes. And the things that happen in our world do not take Him by surprise, nor are they beyond His control. God is fully in charge. “Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure” (Isaiah 46:9–10).
Today's Growth Principle:
The God we trust for our salvation is the same God we depend on every day to hold our lives together.
|
No comments:
Post a Comment