Reconciliation

2 Cor 5:17-21
1. The definition of reconciliation: the restoration of friendly relationships, putting a broken relationship back together.
2. The need for reconciliation: Col 1:21, Eph 2:1-2. We are in desperate need of reconciliation with God due to our sin.
3. The process of reconciliation: 2 Cor 5:18-21. Reconciliation comes through Jesus' death and resurrection. He lived a life that we could never live and he died the death that we should have died. The righteousness of Christ was deposited into our account so that we could be reconciled to God. God takes all of the steps toward us to reconcile the relationship.
4. The result of reconciliation: 2 Cor 5:19 "He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though we were making his appeal to us."

Breathing Room: Don't Blink

Mt 25:14-26a
v14 The man going on the journey is Jesus, we are the servants.
v16-17 We want to use what God has given us well, and give it all back to God. v21,23 "We'll done, good and faithful servant!"
v18 I don't want to be the servant that buries my gifts, isn't prepared, and doesn't use them. v26 "You wicked, lazy servant!" I don't want Jesus asking me "What were you thinking?!"
Random thoughts from Ron:
1. Believe in Jesus.
2. Know that every day is a gift. Ps 118:24, Josh 24:15
3. Live for God. 1 Cor 10:31, Gal 6:14. Everything points back to God. Live my life with an eternal perspective, don't waste it.
4. Trust in God. Rom 8:28-30
5. Fight hard. 2 Tim 4:7
6. Rest often.
7. Be still. I need to stop and listen to God.