Lordship and YOU.... TODAY!

A couple weeks ago in this sermon series we discussed the very real and true relevance of Scripture to our day to day lives.  Even though at first it might seem like the words are about a different time and place.  Today's readings are another example of that.  In the letter to the Thessalonians, the people in Thessalonica that receive this letter from Paul have many of the same issues and questions going on in their lives that you do as well.

Picture this community of believers in Thessalonica.  They are brand spanking new to this relationship of belief in the one true God.  This is not something that they have grown up with.  Now, they have come to trust that Jesus is the Savior, that He is God himself, that He has provided forgiveness of sins to us through His death and resurrection, and that He will come again.  They have a big question that they need to resolve though.  Yes, we believe that this is true... NOW what do we do?  What does this mean to how we go about our jobs?  Just what should be different about us now?  How does this affect any plans?  They have real questions about their future.

Isn't that the same for you?  You have questions about your future.  Maybe it is about retirement years.  Maybe it is about health.  Maybe it is about your schooling or work future.  Whatever the thoughts and questions that you have about your future... you'll never find contentment, or fulfillment, or real lasting peace until you settle the question of LORDSHIP.

Is God Lord of your life?  Lord of your whole life... TODAY?  That is a question that really needs to be settled and just not stuck into a back corner of a believer's mind.

God has revealed to us that we don't get ourselves into heaven.  We are saved.  He has provided us the forgiveness of sin through this wonderful relationship of faith in Jesus.  He has done all the work.  There is nothing that you can do to make this forgiveness come about.  It is undeserved.  That is the term 'grace'.  It is just a free gift from God.  It is a relationship of trust.

In going about living your days though, is the awareness there throughout all the parts of your life that you are totally, totally dependent on God for your salvation?

Is God Lord of your whole life?  Trust is an easy word until it has to be applied sometimes.  With regard to trusting God...

If you don't trust Him in all... do you really trust Him at all?

William Booth is the founder of the Salvation Army.  In his later years when the Salvation Army had grown so successful throughout England and was doing lots of good in the world, Booth was asked the question how it came to be that he had gotten to this point and had done so much success.  He attributed it to a moment when he clearly decided that God would be allowed to have ALL of his life.  That he wouldn't hold back any parts.  That he wouldn't wait until someday but that he would let God fill up all the areas of his life today!

Is God allowed into all the areas of YOUR life?

Is he Lord over all the things that make you up?  Is He in Your future plans?  Your work schedule... your home routine...  Is there an area of your life that you are holding back from God?

A relationship of having a Savior is a beautiful relationship of trust.  Let that trust flow throughout your whole life.

If you don't trust Him in all... do you really trust Him at all?

The Thessalonians were waiting for Christ's return... their question to Paul was that they were not sure what to do with TODAY.  Many of them actually stopped working and were waiting!  Paul lets them know that it is nice to see such a confidence, but why don't you keep on working in the mean time.  Live confidently with JOY and PEACE (knowing that you have a Savior) but keep on doing your jobs and doing good things for the kingdom in the meantime.

You have a TODAY to think about as well.  You are able to walk about knowing what Christ has done already, that you have forgiveness of sin!  And that lets you walk about with a great hope inside.

LORDSHIP is a question not for some day in your future.  It is for today.  Is He Lord of all your life?

If not today... then when?

When you have enough of this... or that...
When you have more time...
When...

Lordship is an understanding that everything is God's.  He is the owner and creator of everything.  Lordship is acknowledging that one is really nothing in front of God.  There is nothing that we can do to demand or insist on anything.

Today is the best day to let God come flood into any areas that you might have been holding back on.  You can trust God with your whole life... all of it.  The Thessalonians wondered about TODAY.  Just like them, you can apply your relationship with God to TODAY and invite him in.  You can do wonderful things with YOUR today.

Here are some thoughts about today:

Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.

Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money for myself or I can acknowledge that it is actually God's money and be glad that my current finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste... and be glad that I am in a position to manage some of what He has allowed to come my way.

Today I can grumble about my health or I can rejoice that I am alive.

Today I can think back and lament over all that I wasn't given when I was growing up... or I can feel grateful that someone made the choice for LIFE and allowed me to be born.

Today I feel lonely.  I can mourn my lack of friends, or I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships.

Today I can whine because I have to go to work or I can shout for joy because I have a job to do.

Today I can complain because I have to go to school, or I can accept the challenge and open my mind to new knowledge that who knows how the Lord will have me use it!

Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework, or I can take that time to say a prayer of thanks for shelter.

Today stretches ahead of YOU... let the Lord totally enter in and shape and lead your plans and hopes.  We asked the questions before, "Is God Lord of all your life?"... and "If not now... then WHEN"?  Challenge yourself with these thoughts and as you do so, know that you have a Savior in Jesus and that you carry His love and forgiveness with you and that you can trust in His love all your days!