THE LORD BE HONORED
It seems like the beginning of each year, the Lord gives me a few
words that become my theme. Everything, all I say and do, ends with
that theme. Sometimes I know God is very pleased with me and yet
other times, I fail. My words this year are “Lord, be honored.”
It all began with a verse from Exodus 12:42. “Because the Lord kept
vigil that night to bring them out of Egypt, on this night all the
Israelites are to keep vigil to honor the Lord for the generations
to come.” (NIV). Now I must admit that I am a strong proponent of
the New American Standard Bible, however, the wording just didn’t
have a great impact on me until I saw it in the NIV. I’ve learned
from Bible students and teachers that it is very good to check out
different versions of scripture when you are pondering a passage and
I’m so glad I did.
Of course, you know that for the Christian, this is a picture of
what Christ did on our behalf and what we in turn must do. Because
of the mercy of God, we received grace and we now owe Him. I have
learned that “grace” is not only what God gave me as a one-time act
of love in connection with salvation but the effect of that “grace”
must continue in my life. One definition of grace is as follows -
“the God-given power and desire to accomplish His will.” We must
move on from where we began our walk with the Lord. He states in
Titus 2:11, 12 “For the grace of God that brings salvation has
appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and
worldly passions, and to live self-controlled , upright and godly
lives in this present age.”
I have learned to pray for that kind of grace. I have the Power, the
Holy Spirit, but I must have the desire. “Lord, give me the
‘want-to’ of what You want to do through me.” I must stop trying and
get to doing the thing. I, and probably some of you, get pretty
helpless and pathetic when we go to God many times. One wise person
told me that constant struggle is many time simply delayed
obedience. I think she is right. I am not minimizing the need to
struggle, but let’s allow God to have that victory as we obey.
Now, back to what I owe Him. I owe Him a life “holy and pleasing to
God.” (Rom. 12:1) Not only that, but I owe Him another soul. The
Psalmist in 71:17, 18 says, “Since my youth, O God, You have taught
me and to this day I declare Your marvelous deeds. Even when I am
old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declareYour power to
the next generation, Your might to all who are to come.” This
Psalmist is desiring to flesh out the Exodus 12 command.
Yes, God kept vigil in Egypt and He is still keeping vigil today.
Look at 2 Chronicles 26:9a. “For the eyes of the Lord range
throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully
committed to Him.” In 1 Peter 3:12, Peter reminds the churches of
this. Will I, will you, keep vigil to honor the Lord?
I pray it is your desire to honor God. Women’s Ministry is excited
and willing to help equip and assist you. If you have a need to
further your relationship to God, we have Bible Studies and
Discipleship available. If you want to pass on blessing to others,
we are in need of workers in the Encouragement Ministry. If you
desire to get together with other sisters to pray, join us Wednesday
nights at 6:30.
Email or call me at the church office.
Grace and Peace
Becky Yoder
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