Daily Encouragement Net (Archive/Print Edition)

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

"The Book Of Life"

"Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life" (Philippians 4:3).

There's an action packed show I enjoy that is loaded with the latest means of acquiring information. Everyone it seems is technically proficient and can get on a computer or blackberry and instantly find anything they want. We certainly live in an information-loaded age.

I just read a book about Google and one of their present projects is digitizing scores of printed books. I suppose in time you can "google" and find about any information you want. It really is amazing. There will be a certain limitation, however, that will not be overcome, regardless of how brilliant the Google guys are.

There is one book that is referred to throughout the Bible that is of utmost importance, far surpassing any other book in history. It has never been to a human printer or made available for sale but would undoubtedly be a best seller if available! It will never be indexed by Google. This book is referred to throughout the Bible beginning in Exodus 32:33 at the time of Moses and is also mentioned in the Psalms and the Prophets. But it is especially prominent in the final book of the Bible.

This book is the "book of life" and is a record of all who have lived by faith in God and trusted Jesus Christ as their Saviour. This book is not accessible for human observation; its vast data base is known only to God.

In the daily text the Apostle Paul expresses a simple truth that can be very encouraging to us. Referring to Clement and some other "fellow workers" he expresses confidence that their names are "in the book of life." These followers of Christ had contended at Paul's side for the cause of the gospel.

Today we, as followers of Christ in our own generation, are also called to spiritually contend for the cause of the gospel. We do this as we unashamedly stand up for the claims of our Lord Jesus Christ living our lives for Him. What an inspiration to read of our Afghan brother who refused to renounce his faith in Christ even under threat of death.

Let us faithfully contend for this same Gospel today by the grace of God!

Be encouraged today,

Stephen C. Weber

Brooksyne's prayer: Jesus, I am greatly humbled and deeply grateful that my name has gained entry in the Lamb's Book of Life! I sometimes find it very hard to believe that I am there alongside the great deliverer Moses, the Apostle Paul, and scores of other faithful believers throughout the generations. When the book is open and I personally see my name I know that I will experience unspeakable joy and eternal gratitude for the grace You've poured out on my life. It is only because of Your redemptive grace that my name has been added. And it is only because of Your sustaining grace that I will remain faithful until You call me to my heavenly home!

Today we have a beautiful spring morning in our part of the world and would like to share a couple of photos we took early this morning of our blooming flowers!

Narcissus

Glory of the snow

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