March 5th

Crossing Is Choosing

We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says: In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:1-2

Paul pleaded with the Corinthian church. There were some vital things they were missing and he wanted them to know because he knew they really came from God's heart. As with the Corinthians, God wants these for us as well.

First, God wants solidarity between you and Him. He wants you working with Him, not Him working by Himself or you working by yourself. This isn't even working for Him, but it is working with Him. He wants the kind of solidarity to where you have now become soul mates. I really think this is incredible, because He could probably accomplish a lot more by Himself. But He's more interested in developing you in His image than He is in getting things done.

Second, God wants you to be serious about Him. After all, He's called you to a marriage, and I certainly hope that you don't mess around with your marriage. I hope that you take it seriously, that before you get married you seriously consider whether you are ready to commit your entire life to another person. But in life, are you serious with God, or are you still messing around with the world, getting drunk, letting your addictions control you instead of giving them to God?

Third, God wants you to be all about salvation. He says, Now is the day of salvation! Isn't that good news? I mean, seriously, you can look anywhere out there and see people who need salvation. The world is very lost, and it isn't hard to see that reality wreaking havoc in our society. But God says that today is the day of salvation. Today! God can save us all today! But only if we take salvation seriously and partner with God in working with Him.

But here's the thing-if there's an acceptable time of salvation, then there's an unacceptable time. In other words, right now God's arms are open wide to receive every sinner who repents and comes to Him, but His arms aren't going to be open forever. A day will come when our chances are gone, the grace is not offered, and judgment has come.

As Paul pleaded with the Corinthians, I plead with you today-do not wait! Receive God now, today, and choose solidarity with Him. Choose to be serious about Him. Choose to be all about His salvation, because this offer will not last forever.

Prayer Lord Jesus,

Thank You for giving me this offer while there is still time to receive it! I repent for the life I have lived apart from You today, and I invite You to come define my life from this day forward!

Amen