Becoming An Image of Christ

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Becoming An Image of Christ
Date: Wednesday August 31, 2011
Chapters: Lamentations 3-5, Proverb 31, Psalm 80
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“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” - Romans 8:26-30.

The word predestinate means to appoint or ordain beforehand by an unchangeable purpose, it's what we know as destiny or fate. Before we are even thought of in our mother's belly God has already appointed us with some purpose in life. Everything we go through is to fulfill the purpose that God has brought us here for, now, to fulfill that purpose we need to go through some things. Perhaps some of us have hindered God in some way and He places affliction upon us to get us back on His purpose. Perhaps some of us have had to face sorrow or suffering as God prepares us to be able to fulfill that purpose. Perhaps some of us have had to deal with affliction, suffering, and sorrow. Regardless, all things work out for good to them who love God as every one of them shape us in the form of His Son, Jesus Christ.

It is not easy becoming an image of Christ, just the other day I realized that those who faithfully serve God are like little Christ's. They are committed to God, tell others about Christ, and set the example of a true Christian, yet the more Christlike they become the more affliction, suffering, and sorrow they face. As Jeremiah is pondering the destruction of Jerusalem he begins to wonder why he had to see and even be in the middle of God's wrath. He somewhat has questions for God that all of us at one point have. “I am the man that hath seen affliction by the rod of his wrath. He hath led me, and brought me into darkness, but not into light. Surely against me is he turned; he turneth his hand against me all the day...He hath hedged me about, that I cannot get out: he hath made my chain heavy. Also when I cry and shout, he shutteth out my prayer...And thou hast removed my soul far off from peace: I forgat prosperity. And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD: Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall. My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me.” -Lamentations 3:1-3,7,8,17-20.

Sometimes when we are going through things it seems as if God is no where to be found, but the truth is this, God is closer that you think. It is through our pain and suffering that God has us under His wing, protecting us, strengthening us, preparing us, and guiding us for His purpose. Believe it or not, some of the things we endure are to be a testimony and comfort for others in the future. “Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” - I Thessalonians 2:10-13.

While God allows us to go through some affliction He never puts us through more than we can handle. As Jeremiah was thinking about his afflictions he began to realize something, things could have been a lot worse had it not been for the mercy of God upon him. “This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD...For the Lord will not cast off for ever: But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies. For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.” - Lamentations 3:21-26,31-33.

Think about all the suffering that an unsaved person or even a person that has backslidden faces and how hopeless they feel. Why do you think the suicide rate is so high? People do not have God in their lives and can not handle the pressure. The word mercy means to receive compassion, kindness, and favor with God, God has enough mercy for all who come to Him. We can not escape affliction, but we can endure it and find peace through it. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” - James 1:12.

Jesus endured more suffering than anyone here on earth will have to face, but through that suffering came redemption, reconciliation, and resurrection for all who believe in Him. “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” - Romans 8:31-34.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, I want to thank You for Your goodness in supplying for all my needs. Certainly You have blessed me with physical blessings such as food, clothing, shelter. You also shower me with spiritual blessings as You place godly men and women in my path who honor You with their lives. They live above reproach and serve as examples of those who have overcome the world! Just as You brought these dear brothers and sisters into my life for a season, I pray that I, too, will make a positive difference for those who are presently watching my life. I want my testimony to be an example of Your life-changing, all-sufficient, and all-sustaining mercy and grace. I love You, Lord and ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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