Thursday Thought-We are Not our Own

A couple of weeks ago one of my heros in the faith celebrated his 500th birthday.  Yeah I know, he's not alive how can he be celebrating his birthday?  It was his desire for more of the Lord, his tireless work to breakdown the Scriptures, and leave this earth working out his salvation with fear and trembling that still lives on, and still convicts me, and is there to show us the example of a man consumed by the Father.  John Calvin is a fascinating figure, whose life was lived not for his own gain, but for the glory of God and the good of those around him.  Last week as I was reading a book I came across this quote from Calvin, that stuck with me, I mentioned it in staff meeting last week, and I think we would all do well to read and examine our hearts in light of this statement:

"If we are not our own (1 Cor. 6:19), but the Lord's, it is clear what error we must flee, and whither we must direct all the acts of our life.  We are not our own: let not our reason nor our will, therefore, sway our plans and deeds.  We are not our own: let us therefore not set it as our goal to seek what is expedient for us according to the flesh.  We are not our own: in so far as we can, let us therefore forget ourselves and all that is ours.   Conversely we are GOD's, let us therefore live for Him and die for Him.  We are God's: let His wisdom and will therefore rule all our actions.  We are God's: let all the parts of our life accordingly strive toward Him as our only lawful goal(Rom. 14:8).  O, how much has that man profited who, having been taught that he is not his own, has taken away dominion and rule from his own reason that he may yield it to God!!  For, as consulting our self- interests is the pestilence that most effectively leads to our destruction, so the sole haven for salvation is to be wise in nothing through ourselves but to follow the leading of the Lord alone.

So today may we ponder, this thought deeply and live to show that we are all His.  If you get a chance this week check out Ps. 51, it's a great one.  Have a great week and see you Sunday!!!

LOVE GOD LOVE PEOPLE 

Brandon