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24th August 2008 2008

This... is my act of faith!

Most Christians will agree with me that our faith does not emanate just from being involved in consequential actions but rather that our faith is a lifestyle choice. We don't go around counting the number of good deeds/actions done in a day and then pat ourselves on the back thinking how good we are. We simply aspire to live life in the way of Christ, a manner pleasing to God that also brings God's righteousness to bear on us and all whom we encounter. That being said, it doesn't imply we live unintended lives with no direction or purpose but we live lives that are based on the example lived and taught to us by Christ Jesus Himself. Hence our daily blue-print (especially when faced with difficult choices) is WWJD - what would Jesus do.

One of the most challenging aspects of living by Christ's principles has to do with an intentional approach to people relationships that seeks to influence and or transform them for the better. Jesus did not encounter souls only to leave them just as they were when He came upon them. He gave hope to the hopeless, healing to the sick, sight to the blind, fed the hungry and showed captives (living under the yoke of demonic possession or the influence of satan) that there is freedom in God our Father in Whose image we're all made. Now many of us may not have this strong faith that moves mountains and indeed God's gifting in each of us is different and unique. What we do have is the ability to so be, in the presence of another that through our example they see the face of Christ. What we do has to, in one form or another, show that we're living intentionally rather than incidentally.

Consider this, when busy talking on our mobiles in a crowded street, often we step aside when someone drops a thing or two and we carry on as if nothing happened. What about cutting short the conversation and helping those who've had a mishap in front of us? We could always reconnect to our call but perhaps are not likely to get the opportunity again to affect hope in another by helping them when everybody else is 'simply minding their own business'. A single intentional act of goodness (in this sometimes cold & callous world) can help sow faith in another person such that their lives are transformed for the better.

I pray for God's guidance in each day so that our acts of faith may help to change our world for the better

Jongi

Being disciples calls us to become like Christ...

Settling down
Share of instances where you had to change your outlook about things /people because it was the right thing to do.

Worship
Choose some hymns that indicate who Christ is for you and sing/recite them as your worship to the Lord. Make one of them a prayer to Christ, of your yearning to become like Him.

God's Word: Isaiah 51: 1 - 6 & Matthew 16: 13 - 20

• In exile, faced with doubts and wondering whether God's displeasure with them was going to bring eternal damnation, the Israelites are confused and worried. God responds to them in Isaiah 51 and assures them of not having forgotten His promises made long ago with Abraham. Hope is resuscitated once more in the encouragement God gives and the assurances that they, together with Jerusalem, will be restored. Keep your patience in the Lord, don't give up and at the appointed time God will come to your rescue.
• Hearing of how good the Lord is needs us to sometimes look back and remember that goodness. A people who forget are bound to stray far from God's everlasting grace and run the risk of losing even their identity (c.f. Israelites fears and concerns in Isaiah51). Jesus challenges the disciples to speak for themselves rather than what they hear (c.f. Matt. 16:15). What is it in your life that confirms who God is for you? Remember in the face of adversity to count your blessings one by one!
• Remaining the righteous people of God (like the remnant mentioned in Isaiah) could be the best thing we do for the future faithfulness of many generations to come. In being open to the promptings of God's Spirit, Peter gives Jesus the answer to His identity that results in him (Peter) being affirmed as the rock on which Christ's church will be built (c.f. Matt. 15: 16-19). Stay focussed on what is right, no matter the obstacles and God will reward your persevering faith.

Living God's Word in the world; our Witness:
Being a disciple is not always easy to fulfil yet don't give up! Seek always to do that which pleases Christ, no matter the odds. WWJD?

Concluding Prayer
Thank you Lord Jesus for your faithful servants in the past. Now I too, know what it means to have a relationship with you; please Lord, make me like you... to serve the present age through Your Spirit... Amen! .

Email Jongi to discuss these notes at revjzihle@btinternet.com