September 26, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . Let Us Be Imitators Of Christ, All Facets Of Him!!!   (FWS)

Bible Study Verses

Ephesians 5:1-2

Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (NIV)

Thoughts

There's a special place in Alaska called Anan Creek Trail. The trail follows a creek that empties into the ocean. A short way up the creek, about a half-mile or so, there's a bear viewing area. The creek falls through a narrow gorge where the salmon are jumping up the water covered rock face on their spawning run. The bears gather and gorge themselves on the salmon. 

It was a real treat to be so close to the bears, both on the open trail and in the enclosed viewing area, and watch their fishing skills, or lack thereof. The old pros had their favorite spots and techniques. The cubs thrashed about in their attempts to imitate their mothers. Sooner or later, they all had fish for supper; it just took some a little longer than others to figure things out. 

When it was all said and done, it wasn't too different from watching a father or mother teach their child how to bait a hook, cast, retrieve the lure, and catch a fish. The cubs imitate their mothers, the children their parents. 

(Cliff S)

Action Point

This verse tells us to be imitators of Christ--to try our best to be like Him. However, most of the time we only acknowledge one side of Christ, the side where He's sitting with a child on His lap or holding a helpless lamb. 

We forget about Christ's tough side. We overlook the accounts in Mark and the other Gospels about Christ in the wilderness telling Satan to beat it, or driving the money changers out of the Temple with a whip. We fail to notice that Christ never backed down from a fight, so to speak, when He observed injustice. 

Consider how He addressed the Pharisees when they criticized Him for healing a man on the Sabbath. He made it clear that their lack of compassion was wrong, and He made sure that they knew it! 

Yes, Jesus had a soft side, a side of compassion and mercy, but He also was a warrior fighting for the Kingdom of His Father. And, remember, when Jesus returns, He's coming back as the warrior that will destroy all of the forces of evil! 

It seems to me that it's important for us to imitate Christ's compassion, but it's also ready to fight for the Kingdom. Therefore, let us be imitators of Christ, all facets of Him!!!

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

When fishing or hunting, pay attention to the old guys that have been out there all of their lives. If we look and listen more and talk less, we can learn a lot about how to catch those fish or bag that buck.