[Faith-talk] FW: [thefamilyoffaith] GDW 12-20-11 [The First Move]

[Eric Calhoun]

Original Message: 
From: "Mary Ann" <serenity77 at shaw.ca>
To: <Undisclosed-Recipient:;>
Subject: [thefamilyoffaith] GDW 12-20-11  [The First Move]
Date: 
Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:38:49 -0700





                 
           


                          The First Move 
                 
           
           




                  In our celebration of the birth of Christ, we know the
focus of Christmas should be the eternal gift given through the birth,
life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This season ought to irresistibly
draw us nearer to God as we reflect on His wonderful gift of love. But
perhaps there are times we need to be reminded of the true significance of
this gift.

                  The birth of Jesus gives great insight into the
character of God. For one, we see His methods are far different from our
own; "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways"
(Isaiah 55:8). How many of us would bring the King of Kings into the world
through two common young people in a dirty stable? But God had a purpose!

                  These lowest of beginnings set the example for a life
of humility. Jesus Christ is the Creator of the Universe! "For by Him all
things were created" (Colossians 1:16). Yet, He humbled Himself to the
point of being born with the animals, and continued by humbly walking all
the way to the cross.

                  As we reflect on His humility, how can we then make
prideful demands on life? How can we assume there is a standard to which we
are entitled? Jesus set the standard for humility and we are now called to
follow; "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus"
(Philippians 2:5).

                  But perhaps the greatest insight we can learn from the
birth of our Savior is simply that He came. Our sin must have been
detestable and vile to One so holy, but He came to live with us...and love
us! Without Jesus Christ, we have absolutely no hope; we can do nothing to
save ourselves from the bondage of sin and an eternal separation from God.
We can do nothing, yet God came to love us and set us free. He took the
initiative in our Salvation by providing a way and calling us Home.

                  1 John 4:9
                  "This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His
one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him."

                  God clearly saw our sinful condition; and yet, He loved
us enough to send His Son so we might be restored to a right relationship
with Him. He sent His Son so we might live! God made the first move 2000
years ago and He continues to make the first move in our lives today. He
calls long before we even recognize His voice, and He continues to call us
to surrender our life and live with Him in a deeper and more intimate
relationship.

                  If you hear His call today, please respond! It's a
great privilege to hear His call, so be encouraged...but then respond! His
call cost Him dearly, and it represents a love we will never fully
understand. Let's boldly answer and follow wherever He leads. And remember,
He loved us enough to look past our sin and make the first move.

                  Have a Christ Centered Day!

                  Steve Troxel
                  God's Daily Word Ministries 
           

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