Body Building #278

EPHESIANS 4:1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called,                                                                     

EPHESIANS 4:13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.   

Ephesians 4:16 causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

Do you know someone who is a “Body Builder?” They are usually bulging from muscles that are taut, over extended, and having a look of fullness. It appears from the Bible that the Apostle Paul, who wrote the Book of Ephesians, that he was a sports fan. Often in his writings he refers to terms that indicate so. He talks of boxing, racing and here in these verses of growing the body or body-building.

Maybe you could learn a little body-building techniques from these simple plans. First he would say to build your Spiritual Body you need to walk. This is not a physical walk, but a walk worthy of your calling. You have been called to be Christ-like in your behavior. To walk would be to exercise your life in such a way as to grow up into that which God desires for you to become.

The second lesson is to embrace unity. The body of Christ is united through Jesus. Wherever you go or who ever you meet that is a believer in Christ is your partner. The Apostle would admonish you to walk in unity. Our unity is built upon a common faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ. As you grow in unity you also grow into maturity. Although you are in unity you also celebrate your diversity. God has gifted you differently than other brothers and sisters in Christ. He has given you a unique personality, different abilities and passions to make you a special person in Christ.

In order to be mature in Christ you will need equipping. To be equipped is to be prepared for use. Ready to allow God to use your life and ministry for His glory.

The result of your growth in maturity is that the whole Body of Christ grows and builds itself up in love. Allow God to build you into His design for your life.

________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

Back at Starbucks. The kidney stone passed and I finally have relief from the pain. I was able to preach Sunday at First Baptist in Tempe. What a blessing to share the story of the Shepherd and the Angel and the message of Good News; The Gospel. I will be preaching again at FBC Tempe on December 15, 22 and 29. All will be Christmas messages related to the Manger. Join me at 9:30 AM in the LOFT at FBC.

Our family enjoyed a Thanksgiving together, although in pieces. Then we all got together on Sunday to celebrate Justin's 1st birthday. He was one on Tuesday. It has been a fast year. I feel so blessed to have been around for his birth and to watch all my grandsons grow up. God is good. 

This week I will have my labs done, MRI, and also see a cardiologist. The doctors are detecting a heart murmur. Something new to help me meet more doctors. Please pray for all these tests. I also meet with the oncologist on Friday the 13th. No, I am not superstitious. 

I do hope and pray that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Remembering the blessings of God always does something special for me. 

Christmas is right around the corner. Sandy and I have many activities the next few weeks. We celebrate our three children's birthdays, attend several band concerts, work at our church's Walk through Bethlehem, attend several parties, and watch grandsons, and I get to preach. Sounds like a lot of fun to me!!

May God bless you this Christmas season with His presence and lavish upon you His mercy and grace.   ~ DGW