Dear Global Christian Warriors,
In this season that traditionally we thank God for Yeshua's Birth, my friend Ian has another article on our getting ready--through repentance--to become His Bride:
‘The Real Bride(s) of God’
No doubt everyone has seen or heard some version of the “Real Housewives” tv series. Women from various cities put their lives on display. To me it looks like a competition to see who can be meanest to their ‘friends’ while showing off in every way imaginable. It reminds me of “Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous” gone wrong. Back in the day when Robin Leach would feature some rich person’s villa, we could imagine ourselves resting by the pool free from care and surrounded with the best the world had to offer. The real housewives take that idyll and fill it with all the virtues the world has to offer – jealousy, gossip, lust, greed, anger, envy and, worst of all, pride.
These people have it all, right? If you ask the average person, some combination of the things these people have would be the definition of worldly success. I’ve heard it said that, to God, the value of a thing is the joy it will bring. To the world, it is the price someone will pay (their soul). The participants have paid a lot. Despite their pile of possessions and fame, none of them appear happy. I do not see much joy from all that they have. Disappointment? Yes. Joy? No. And, being on tv seems to make their behavior worse.
Despite the apparent success, the participants fight and complain and hate on each other. You might ignore this phenomenon if it lasted only one season or was the only one. Instead, the show has blossomed to many cities with people standing in line to participate. This level of popularity seems to indicate these people are the ones we’re supposed to emulate – at least in popular culture. This got me to thinking – we’re all supposed to a bride to God when he comes. Are these tv brides the ones God will find when he comes? Are these people really the ones we are supposed to emulate in our journey through life? What does the real bride of God look like if not what we see on tv?
Part of the answer to this question is found in Ephesians chapters 4 through 6. We are to be imitators of God and live in love. You won’t find any of the tv behaviors in those chapters. God wants us to be thankful and live as children of the light. We are to expose things like reality tv for what they are. They are not to be copied. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit as you sing psalms to the Lord, giving thanks to God at all times and for everything. Follow the ten commandments. Jesus Christ’s time here on Earth is the best example of what that looks like - repentant, humble, walking in the way of God. Render service with enthusiasm to our earthly masters as to the Lord.
Is this important to God? Look to the example of King Rehoboam in 2 Chronicles 12:7-8. When King Rehoboam and the people of Judah humbled themselves, the Lord did not destroy them. But,God did make Rehoboam and all Judah serve Egypt so that they would learn God’s service.
To do other than God’s will is to engage in willful misconduct. Willful misconduct is the human legal equivalent of rebellion against God. Things have to be my way not God’s way. I will do what I want. This stems from pride - that we could know better than God what is best. This may be the worst sin of all. But, no matter what the sin, God always has the answer. Repent. Turn your face back to God and seek Him. As stated in Ephesians 4:31, “Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.”
The key to it all is in that first clause - turn your face back to God - seek God not what the world has to offer. If you choose God, you may not get a starring role on a reality tv show. But, you will get what matters most – eternity in the good graces of God. You get to be a bride of God."
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Do you see the value of repentance? That's the sole purpose of our ministry--- encouraging personal and national repentance. No church, no denomination, no other ministry supports us; only saints like you who can discern the times and know that God's gift of repentance is more vital than ever in these times.
Every day we receive emails like this from a key pastor in Uganda preaching repentance, bringing many into the Kingdom: " I have no fuel for that long trip to RC.Besides,I have no money to buy medicine which is a serious challenge. I just leave it with God.But if a miracle happens I will travel and settle home in Jinja for Christmas. Lastly,I may also need your prayers. All students we are supporting
have come for holidays till end of January.The house full and warm.We
also have challenge in food supplies."
Would you please pray for us? And then give from a cheerful heart as the Lord leads? THANK YOU!--whatever amount you give, you'll receive a blessing--- 2 Corinthians 8: 2-4 and Luke 8:3--- and Fruit that will abound to your spiritual account, Philippians 4:17.
God bless you,
Pastor Jeff Daly
National Day of Repentance
pastorjeff@repentday.com
you tube channel: national day of repentance
National Day of Repentance is a 501c3 tax exempt nonprofit organization
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