Self-Assessment Test

Today we are so enraptured by the image in the mirror. For example, magazines have found that they can sell many, many copies of their publications by giving "tests" in the issues that allow the readers to rank themselves, rate themselves, or analyze themselves. What fun!

In this grand tradition I offer the following self-assessment test. Put your books under your seat, clear your desk of all other objects, (and keep your eyes on your own test!)

Please rank yourself in one of the two following categories:

"For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body."
- Philippians 3:18-21

For full evaluation of your results, please speak to the Teacher.

Romans 8:28-39

You've Just Got to Love Chapter Eight of Romans.
Here's a taste:

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

- Romans 8:28-39 NIV

Nice Way to Put It...

This morning's email devotion from Lifeway [Baptist] Newsletter "Everyday with Jesus" focused on 2 Peter 3:18:

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
- 2 PETER 3:18

The sermonette focuses on being patient and waiting on God's perfect timing. Waiting and trusting Him as He changes our circumstances and ourselves. It was timely for me.

I've been struggling with unforgiveness for a group of people and it has really been an issue as I have so deeply wanted to love the folks in question. I have taken this to God again and again and then fallen into anger and resentment just as often.

In the "prayer" section of the devotional there was a phrase that really hit home for me and I wanted to share it with you. Here's the entire prayer:

"Father, help me to be content with Your timetable for my spiritual growth. Sometimes I want to grow more quickly than is good for me. Help me be patient with Your patience. In Jesus' name. Amen."

I thought that was a neat way to put it. Thank you Lifeway. Thank you Father!