RB Reflection: 5 Sept. 2008 Guest Writer

RB Prologue 31-38

Thus also the Apostle Paul hath not taken to himself any credit for his preaching, saying: "By the grace of God, I am what I am" (1 Cor 15:10). And again he saith: "He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord" (2 Cor 10:17).

Hence, the Lord also saith in the Gospel: "He that heareth these my words and doeth them, shall be likened to a wise man who built his house upon a rock; the floods came, the winds blew, and they beat upon that house, and it fell not, for it was founded on a rock" (Mt 7:24-25). The Lord fulfilling these words waiteth for us from day to day, that we respond to His holy admonitions by our works. Therefore, our days are lengthened to a truce for the amendment of the misdeeds of our present life; as the Apostle saith: "Knowest thou not that the patience of God leadeth thee to penance" (Rom 2:4)? For the good Lord saith: "I will not the death of the sinner, but that he be converted and live" (Ezek 33:11).

We are who and what we are only by the grace (unmerited favor) of God. This is a very hard thing to admit and accept. We are not self-made persons. It is God who has made us and redeemed us.

I remember when I was in the military that I had the attitude of not being real good so Satan would not mess with my “success” and not being real bad so God would not mess with my “success.” One day I went to my pastor’s house and explained to him my attitude. My pastor looked at me and asked, “Who do you think gave you your mind, your body, your drive?” At that point I began to realize that Jesus loved me beyond the cross.

The truth of matter was that I was really worshipping success, perfectionism, and admiration from others. I had committed idolatry. But when I confessed (saying the same thing as God) and repented of my sin (turning from sin and turning to God) then God forgave my sin and with time granted me His success in not just one area of my life but in all areas.

God is a God who is for us. God desired our fellowship with Him so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins to rise victorious.

By living out His commands and more specifically following the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and with the aid of the RB, we can live the life God wants us to and enjoy His blessings even in the midst of difficult times.

Blessings to all!!!!