The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe
"Observe and Consider"
This week's memory verse offers an interesting perspective on the faith to which God calls us.
"We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen, for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal" (II Corinthians 4:18).
The original Greek root word for "look" in the Apostle Paul's statement is "skopeo," which means to observe and consider. Paul calls us to view our lives in terms of the eternal reality of God and His truth. "In Thy light shall we see light" (Psalm 36:9). A good question to consistently consider involves Paul's affirmation of God's primary reason concerning all things: "How does this matter relate to "the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord?" (3:11). When challenged about events, circumstances, and conditions in our lives, this fallback question may not always lead to specific understanding for the whys and wherefores of life. In eternal terms, however, we can always be sure that God's purpose regarding His Son relates to His determinations and allowances in all things (Romans 8:28-29).
"To be spiritually minded is life and peace" (Romans 8:6).
God calls born again believers in the Lord Jesus to an internally busy life of heart and mind. "In all thy ways acknowledge Him… Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee" (Proverbs 3:6; Isaiah 26:3). All things in our life pass from or through our Lord's providence. To observe and consider in terms of truth therefore means we take many opportunities to remember and affirm, or to "look" at "the things which are not seen." All blessings, challenges, and mundane moments flow with the current of the River of life directed by "the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord." We may not know what our Heavenly Father is doing as we observe and experience life. We can always know with the consideration of faith, however, that He is doing the best possible thing He can do for us. Yes, the text of Scripture tells us the context of our existence, namely, the glory of the Lord Jesus and God's working to conform us to His image. "Observe and consider."
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
(Philippians 4:8)
Weekly Memory Verse
We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen, for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
(II Corinthians 4:18)
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