October 11, 2009

“Life and Eternity in Him”

Focus

Ezekiel 37:1-14; Ephesians 2:1-10

In the beginning God created everything and He breathed life into man, Genesis 1. God, the giver of life, is also the provider of life eternal through Jesus Christ His son. God said through the prophet Ezekiel concerning His people, “I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.” Ezekiel 37:6 (NIV) God breathes life into His people today through Jesus Christ His son. Jesus said, John 10:10, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”  

If you believe that Christ is God’s son sent to give you abundant life then the life you live is no longer your own but it belongs to Christ, I Corinthians. 6:19-20. Paul says the followers of Christ are alive in Christ, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, Ephesians 2:10. Paul’s message to the Colossians was to bear fruit in every good work, Colossians 1:10-14. Paul encouraged Timothy to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness, I Tim 6:11-16.

My Dad was a hard worker and always ready to help someone in need. He always kept a blue paisley handkerchief in the pocket of his overalls to wipe the sweat from his face as he worked. God provides us with prayer to wipe away the sweat as we labor for Him through good works. As we pray He breathes life into our petitions as we agree with Him for His will and way to be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Symbols

Symbols are used to represent intangible concepts, knowledge, beliefs, or ideas. Christian’s today use various symbols to represent different aspects of faith. The cross represents God’s saving grace through Jesus Christ who died on the cross to bear the sins of the world. A dove represents the Spirit of God who came down from heaven after Jesus’ baptism. The fish, ichthys, is used to denote Christianity. The paisley was a symbol used by an ancient culture to represent life and eternity. We will adopt the paisley to represent life in Christ and eternal life with Him.

Activity

Focus on God the giver of life and of life eternal. Use the paisley as a reminder of abundant life in Jesus the Christ and life eternal with Him. Let the paisley handkerchief become a reminder that you are created in Christ for good works. Serve others as if you are serving God himself, Matthew 25:40.  Let the paisley handkerchief remind you to lift up your work in the Lord to Him in prayer. Let God wipe away the sweat from your labor of love for Him through your prayers. Write scriptures on the handkerchief. Pray those scriptures. Let God breathe life into your requests as you pray in the name of Jesus. Whatever you do in word or deed do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, Colossians 3:17. You may choose to use a white handkerchief as a symbol of surrender as you pray. Surrender your will to God’s work in you.

Example Prayer

• Begin the prayer with thanksgiving, “Thank you for the cross, Lord. Thank you for the life you gave. Thank you for making me alive in Christ! Thank you for the promise of eternal life with you.”
• Continue with praise, “You are my creator. You give me abundant life through your son Jesus. Your gift of life in Christ far exceeds any gift I have ever received. You make me new every day.”
• Petition the Lord on your behalf, “Father, breathe life into me. Anoint me for your good works. Equip me for your good works. Let me honor you in the life I live for you. Replace my will and my ways with your will and your ways. Create in me a pure heart. Renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
• Make requests on behalf of others, “Cast out the works of the evil one from your people. Breathe life into these dry bones. Pour out your Spirit of life and make your people new creatures prepared for your good works. May all who seek you find you and be made new.”
• Confirm your faith, “Father, because you give life abundantly through Jesus I expect your breath of life in this petition. Because of your generosity I believe you will do even more than I ask. Because of your faithfulness I trust your perfect timing and your excellent way.” 
• Close your prayer, “In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.”

Follow-up Activity

When you pray throughout the week take the paisley handkerchief and read the scriptures you have written on it. Rejoice in the life you live in Christ. Be alert to opportunities God will present for you to pray and to do good works. Let God create something new as He breathes life into you and into others through your prayers. Be ready to share new life.

Materials

• Paisley handkerchiefs
• Permanent markers, fine point
• Music - create an atmosphere for reflection and prayer during the activity, Gateway Worship CD, “Wake Up”

 

Resource