MADE IN HIS IMAGE

ADAM AND EVE

Read Genesis 1:26–3:24

      Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness,”… male and female he created them. Genesis 1:26a, 27b NIV

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      God created the heavens and the earth and all the living things that inhabited its boundaries. Then He created the first man in the likeness of Himself and He called him Adam. Adam named all the animals and found none among them that could cure his loneliness.
      So God made from Adam's side a woman, and Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living. (Genesis 3:20) Both husband and wife were fashioned in the image of the triune God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

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      Dear Father, that little word "us" is our first glimpse of the Trinity, all present when You created the first married couple in Your image – body, soul and spirit. Sadly, those first wonderful days together were overshadowed by sin. Thank You Lord, that You made a way to restore the family resemblance we once had to You. Continue to work in my heart, through Your Holy Spirit, and may that transformation be visibly reflected in my attitude and countenance – that others will see Jesus in me.

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      "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will."     Romans 12:2 NIV

IN THE BEGINNING

Read Genesis 1:1–2:2, John 1:1–4

      And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. Genesis 1:3 NIV

***

      "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made." (John 1:1–3 NKJV)
     We worship a God who brought forth an entire universe just by speaking. He is so powerful, and yet Jesus said, “The very hairs of your head are all numbered.”(Matthew 10:30)
      There is nothing that concerns me that He misses or ignores. This same Lord of the universe ─ Father, Son and Holy Spirit ─ will be with me throughout eternity.

***

      Thank You, Lord, that nothing in my life goes unnoticed by You. As I marvel in the matchless beauty of the moon and stars on a cloudless night, how comforting it is to know that You see me.
      No matter how hectic life is, as I hurry about from day to day, You are always there to listen and guide my steps – And You will be there when my life on earth is completed and my faith becomes sight. For then I will see the “God who sees me.” Genesis 16:13

***

      "You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, You know it completely, O LORD."  Psalm 139:2–4 NIV

THE LUKEWARM CHURCH

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Laodicea

[63]
Read Revelation 3:14-22

      "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.   Revelation 3:15-16 NKJV

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      The church at Laodicea was proud and prosperous. Many see a comparison to the churches of today, with fine buildings and multiple programs. Jesus points out their pride saying,
      “Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing' -- and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked -- I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.” (3:17-18)

      The interesting thing in this warning is that it seems to be a true church going in the wrong direction. Jesus said, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.” (3:19)

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      Lord, it is so easy for us as believers to become apathetic and satisfied with the status quo. Forgive me of my lukewarm devotion to the ministry of our church. Light a fire in my soul that will not go out no matter what the circumstances – rich or poor. Help me to see others as You see them.

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      “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”  Revelation 3:20 NKJV

AN OPEN DOOR

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Philadelphia

[62]

Read Revelation 3:7-13

      "I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.” Revelation 3:8 NKJV

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      These letters to the seven churches describe the actual events at the time of this writing but because of their placement in a prophetic vision, some have viewed them as typical of the church in various stages of history. 

     If this is a valid secondary interpretation, then the Philadelphia church most likely represents the churches of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries of missionary outreach. God truly has given and still gives an open door for missionary endeavor. How long this will be, we do not know, but the opportunity is there today.

      Others also see a composite picture of the church at any time in history. In this view the promise of deliverance is comforting: “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly!” (3:10-11a)

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      Lord, I look forward to Your coming, perhaps in our lifetime. Help us to take advantage of the open door we have today for spreading the good news of salvation. Give me the opportunity to share my faith in You.

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      These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens" Revelation 3:7b NKJV

NEW YEAR'S DAY THOUGHTS

        As we transition from 2011 into January 2012 it seems appropriate that we are coming to the last three of the letters to the churches in the book of Revelation. These seven letters contain both commendation and warnings to the churches past, present and future by our Lord Jesus Christ.

For instance, the church at Ephesus was commended for their discernment of false teaching, but still Jesus said, “I have this against you that you have left your first love.”

The believers at Pergamum were standing up for their faith even unto martyrdom, and yet they were tolerating those among them who were a “stumbling block to Israel” by eating meat sacrificed to idols and committing sexual immorality.

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I am entering this New Year asking God to point out areas where there is more to be done in my spiritual life. I want Him to point out any blind spots that would be a stumbling block to others.

In times of stress, I want a renewal of that first love for Jesus and His children. I am also asking for His blessing on my blogs as they go out to people I will never see on this earth, but who I certainly hope to see in Heaven someday.

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        Next month I will begin a journey through the Old Testament looking at the lives of real people who lived long ago and a God who is the same yesterday, today and forever. I will only scratch the surface in each book with this brief and personal focus, so I want to encourage my readers to begin a reading program that will take you much deeper into the teachings of Scripture.

        I will continue to post once a week on selected readings from each book with brief commentary, Bible quotes and a prayer of personal application. Readings will be linked to BlueLetterBible.com online for your convenience.

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I especially want to wish a Happy New Year to those of you who have been with me on this journey through the Bible since the beginning of 2008. Once again we will begin at the beginning hoping to glean new insights and encouragement from the Holy Word of God.

Love in Christ,
Charlotte Mathis
January 1, 2012