1 John 2:26-29 (KJV) These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. 27 But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him. 28 And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. 29 If ye know that He is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of Him.
Recently I was thinking about my dad. He was a fan of the New York Yankees. His favorite player was Mickey Mantle. Mickey was a 20 time all-star and played on 7 World Series Championship teams. He played from 1951-1968 with Yankees. He was and is a Major League Baseball icon. To me, as an aspiring little leaguer, Mickey Mantle was what we call today a “Super Hero.” Even now when I think of him, I see him as a mythical figure. So why am I writing about Mickey Mantle? Well, recently in my reading I saw where he played just 18 years of major league baseball. That’s a short time for sure. Mickey died at the age of 63 on August 13, 1995. So what’s the point? Life is short! There are no dress rehearsals. We only live one life and we never know when it will end. As Christians we have the privilege of living for Jesus. An 18 year career is not that long! Mickey Mantle was no doubt a great baseball player. His life cries out to each of us. Live your life for something bigger than yourself. Mantle certainly had his demons and so do we. James, the half-brother of Jesus, said “Life is brief, it is a vapor that is here and then gone.” Live your life for Jesus, He is worthy. Live daily for the One who gave His all so that we could live pointing others to Him. Think about it!
By way of a reminder, this Sunday in our Worship Service we will have “The Blessing of the Backpack.” Pastor Chuck will recognize our young people returning to school. I will be sharing a message from I John 2:26-29. This is a powerful passage of Scripture dealing with the believer’s assurance of salvation. As believers, we must have a clear Biblical view of the person and work of Jesus! Abiding in Christ is the believer’s best preparation for the return of Jesus. I trust you are saved, and ready if Jesus were to come today. Today is the day of salvation!
I look forward to seeing you this Sunday. Worshiping together and praising the Lord together is vital for each of us. We all know professing Christians that used to attend church. Pray for them, then call them, and invite them to join you at Grace Church. They will never regret it, and you won’t either! Thank you for your faithfulness to the Lord and His house. Also, thank you for your generosity regarding the work of God! He is worthy of our best… let’s honor the Lord daily with our very best!
God bless you and yours,
Mike and Cheryl <><