Years ago, and I’m not kidding…as I think back, it was around 1982 when Sandi Patty (then) sang a song called “Because of who you are.” I’ll never forget that song, and sometimes I catch myself humming it as I go through my day. The bridge into the chorus goes like this: “Oh Lord I stand amazed at the wonders of your deeds, but yet a greater wonder brings me to my knees. Lord I praise you for who you are, not just for all the mighty things that you have done. Lord I worship you because of who you are. You’re all the reason that I need to voice my praise, because of who you are.”
During the New Year’s Eve Service at LFA, Brian Simione gave his testimony and shared with us about his cashing in on what Christ does in our lives, and as he grew closer to Christ, he gave that up. Instead of following Christ for the better life, he’s following Christ because that’s what God calls him to do in life: become more like Christ in everything.
A few weeks ago, I read a devotional from America’s Keswick. The devotional brings out this reality in the writer. I encourage you to go to the site and read it. (It’s short and to the point) https://americaskeswick.org/blog/victory-call/the-trap-of-using-christ/
As we go thru life, the enemy would do anything possible to get us to forget about who Jesus is and just have us stick to making requests that make it easier for us to live out today. If Jesus is our “go to” when things get tough, then really think about what that means. Maybe we are cashing in on Jesus. We should already be with Him in the good and the bad, living in Him because of who He is.
Colossians 1:15-20 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. 19 For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, 20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.
Revelation 4:11 You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will, they exist and were created.
Revelation 5:12-13 Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength, and honor and glory and blessing! 13 Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and the Lamb, forever and ever!
Romans 11:33-36 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor? Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him? For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.
I encourage you to post other verses about Jesus in the comments section.
—Brian Rainey
