Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16)

Everyone comes to the Lord God spiritually in bad shape. In fact, the worst state possible – in sin, lost, and headed for eternal damnation. As Paul reminded the Ephesians of their past, we also remember our past: “Among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others” (Ephesians 2:3). That’s our indisputable past profile. But it doesn’t define who we are right now in Jesus Christ. The past is the past, but the present is most important. Rising up from the baptismal waters, we begin a lifelong journey of progressive transformation. A massive spiritual makeover was initiated on the day of our conversion. From that day forward, the Holy Spirit works inside us to effect a complete change. And the sign is always visibly displayed in our life – Construction Under Progress.” And no, we are not idle spectators in the work. We are partners with God in this work. Everyday, in so many ways, we present ourselves at the work site. By our attitude and action steps, we position ourselves before God for Him to keep on working in our life. It’s a great work – continue to be a partner in the transforming work of God.

VHH

Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. 

Some people, simply by their character and spirit, are absolutely delightful to be around. All of us have family members, extended relatives, friends, and acquaintances that we look forward to spending time with. Usually, these connections are an occasion for the sharing of love, laughter, and togetherness that is pleasurable. Frankly, the devotional times that we spend with God should be the height of joyful pleasure. For the child of God, our spiritual conversation and communion with the God of our salvation should always be delightful times. And its meaningful moments that we should never, ever, take for granted. I think about what John declared: “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day,” (Revelation 1:10). Our Lord’s Day Worship with God, and the people of God, are deeply valued and special for all believers. But those private moments, shut off alone with God, are a taste of eternal glory with the Lord God. Don’t allow the haste and pace of life to rob you of your times in God’s presence. The fact that the Almighty God desires to meet with us is nothing short of amazing. God’s Spirit dwells within us: “Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who dwells in you” (1 Corinthians 6:19). That’s super great. What can be better than the impactful times of meeting in God’s presence with the Divine also dwelling in us.

Wow! We’ve got it good! VHH

God demonstrates His love own love toward us, in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). This text is truly one of the most eye-catching and heart throbbing in God’s Word. When we were at our worst, God gave us the very best of His love. Reading this verse, we come to understand that true love is not simply the gushy, mushy expression of our emotions. Because God loved us, He acted on our behalf. Paul uses the word “demonstrates.” The Greek word is sunistemi. The word picture is action taken to prove, to exhibit, and put on open display. In the sacrificial death of His Son Jesus Christ, God openly proved, displayed, and established the reality, and universal reach, of His love. God teaches us that true love is an action thing. As we follow in God’s example of openly proving His love, we must find ways to display the proof of our love for one another. John put it this way: My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and truth (1 John 3:18). This is the big question, how are we openly and clearly showing our love. Is our “one another love” real (John 13:34-35), if it’s not being seen, felt, and experienced by others?

Think about it! VHH

Every once in a while we need to read these words that were written about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him (Acts 10:38). We are amazed about so many of the awesome things said about Jesus in His life and labor. But this text declares something significant about the life of Jesus that we need to take into our hearts – “who went about doing good.” Wow! All believers, faithful members, of God’s Church at Waterbury should honestly ask, is this accurate of my life? Think about it. At a minimum, we need to do 365 good deeds each year – that’s only one a day. It’s realistic and reachable. This explains Paul’s admonition to the Thessalonians: But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good (2 Thessalonians 3:13). Come on Waterbury saints and servants, let’s establish this very minimum standard of good works before God – just one good deed daily is 365 for the year. This will bless our church in many ways. Let’s go for it! VHH