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Uncommon Beauty

1 Peter 2:9-17

For some folks, the word "holiness' conjures up images of stuffy prudes- people who are "good" in the worst sense of the world, with sullen and morose faces. They are full of self-righteousness and rigid duty, "on hold for the next life," as a Washington Post writer put it.

Most people long for truth and goodness. Yet that desire can be frustrated by what they see in some Christians, whom they perceive as self-righteous and judgmental. To unbelievers, such as "virtue" is far less interesting than vice, with the result that they cling to their vices even though they may hate them. Joy Davidman, the wife of C.S.Lewis, said, "One sanctimonious hypocrite makes a hundred unbelievers."

Would that the world saw the real thing- that extraordinary quality of life of which Peter speaks- a life so winsome and attractive it will draw others to the Savior (1 Peter 2:12). "If only 10% of the world's population had [holiness]," C.S. Lewis mused, "would not the whole world be converted and happy before the year's end?"

We can have it! As we yield our lives to God's Spirit within, we can live lives of uncommon beauty before a watching world. Isreal's poet assures us, "The Lord...will beautify the humble" (Ps. 149:4)

David Roper- Our Daily Bread Nov 2007

Weekly Bible Promise

Psalms 139:10

Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

Reflection

Never are God's children so far removed upon the earth that they might fall outside the protective grasp of their Lord. He is to everlasting, filling all the heavens with His majesty! Fear no bitter darkness nor lasting night for ever shall the Lord of heaven redeem you who believe unto the everlasting morning and bathe you in light imperishable!

When we say "Good Morning" we mean:

G- od

O- ffers us His

O- utstanding

D- evotion to

M- ake us

O- bedient &

R- eady for a

N- ew day with Him.

I- nspire others please, and

N- ever forget

G- od loves you!

"Tomorrow Morning," the surgeon began, "I'll open up your heart..."

"You'll find Jesus there," the boy interrupted.

The surgeon looked up, annoyed "I'll cut your heart open," he continued, "to see how much damage has been done."

" But when you cut open my heart, you'll find Jesus there," said the boy.

The surgeon looked at the parents, who sat quietly. "When I see how much damage has been done, I'll sew your heart and chest back up and I will plan on what to do next."

"But you will find Jesus in my heart. The Bible says that He lives there. The hymns all say He lives there. You'll find Him in my heart."

The surgeon had had enough. "I'll tell you what I will find in your heart. I will find damaged muscle, low blood supply, and weakened vessels. And I will find out if I can make you well."

"You'll find Jesus there too. He lives there."

The surgeon left.

The surgeon sat in his office, recording his notes from the surgery,"...damaged aorta, damaged pulmonary vein, widespread muscle degeneration. No hope for transplant, no hope for cure.

Therapy: painkillers and bedrest. Prognosis: (Here he paused) "death within one year."

He stopped the recorder, but there was more to be said. "Why?" he asked aloud. "Why did you do this? You've put him here; You've put him in this pain; and You've cursed him to an early death. Why?"

The Lord answered and said, "The boy, my lamb, was not meant for your flock for long, for he is a part of my flock, and forever will be. Here, in my flock, he will feel no pain and will be comforted as you cannot imagine. His parents will one day join him here, and they will know peace, and My flock will continue to grow."

The surgeon's tears were hot but his anger was hotter. "You created that boy, and You created that heart. He'll be dead in months. Why?"

The Lord answered "The boy, My lamb, shall return to My flock, for he has done his duty. I did not put My lamb in your flock to lose him but to retrieve another lost lamb...YOU!

The surgeon wept...the surgeon sat beside the boy's bed; the boy's parents sat across from him. The boy awoke and whispered, "Did you cut open my heart?"

"Yes." said the surgeon.

"What did you find?" asked the boy.

"I found Jesus there," said the surgeon.

Without Him, I am nothing.

Without Him, I will be nothing

but with Him, I can do ALL things

through Christ that strengthens me.

Don't you want him too?

Signs of Faith

- The Center of the Bible -

FACT:

The Shortest chapter in the Bible is Psalms 117.

The Longest chapter in the Bible is Psalms 119.

The chapter in the center of the Bible is Psalms 118.

There are 594 before Psalms 118 and 594 chapters after Psalms 118.

Add these numbers together (594+594=1188)

Psalms 118:8 is the verse that is in the center of the Bible.

"It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in Man." Psalms 118:8

Doesn't that say something about Our Lord??