Watching out for the potholes of life!  

Our Father God watches out for each of His children.  I am  very grateful that He watches over me.   Last week we saw David has run from his enemies, he has run from God and he has run from himself.  We saw that he returns and God restores or sets David back on the right path.   Proverbs 14:2 says, “There is a way that seems to be right, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”(KJV)   Left to ourselves our flesh we tend to self destruct.   But God… when we are a child of His… watches over each step and guides us in paths of righteousness.  This week I have thought about the second half of this verse.  He guides me for His name’s sake. I had not thought about why he guides me in paths of righteousness in this way.  I was just glad that he watches and guides me.  But new meaning emerges for me when I think that He does it for His name’s sake.  

Did you ever have someone name their child after you?  To have someone think so highly of you that they would name their offspring after you is the highest compliment.  That’s what our triune God did.  Genesis 1:26,”Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” he put within man the capability of reflecting his image.  Man was to have dominion over the earth, to rule over the birds of the air and the beasts of the field but also ultimately through Christ to rule over evil.

Ephesians 4:24~ Paul says that we put on “the new man, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.”  Colossians 3:10 says “the new man who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him.”

Dr. Stephen Cole wrote in his commentary that “righteousness, holiness, truth and the knowledge of God are included in what it means to be created in the image of God.”  Man was made in God’s likeness to reflect his God-likeness.

Psalm 106:8 tells us, “Yet he saved them for his name’s sake, to make his mighty power known” (Bible Hub).  “When God acts for his name’s sake, he is acting in accordance with his revealed character and to uphold the honor of his revelation, which has been staked upon His people.”  (sermon: For His Name’s Sake by Rick Ezell. Lifeway articles)

Branding is a new buzz word for advertising guru’s.  It says to consumers when you see the image of our product, you can trust our reputation.   Likewise, we are made for a reflection of Christ’s image.  We are to shine forth the light so that others will see Christ in us.  

He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake

Our Shepherd Father God leads us in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.  Psalm 106:8..  “He saved us for His name’s sake, to make his mighty power known.” We live so beneath that standard.  God gave the instruction to Adam to rule the earth.  In the fall, Adam gave that dominion over to Satan.  In Christ, we were redeemed from the fall to make known his mighty power.  

What are we to do with His mighty power that guides us in the path of righteousness, for his name’s sake?

Jesus told Paul on the road to Damascus, “I am sending you to the Gentiles to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God.  Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.” Acts 26: 16-17. (NLT)  We are to shine! Shine like the sun at noonday.  Reflect God’s love.  Be a demonstration of His Spirit in us through Christ Jesus!  You might be saying, as I am, “I can’t”, “I am not that strong” and to that Jesus says not in your strength, not in your power but in me you “can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.” Philippians 4:13 NASB.  Where He leads and guides all things are possible.  Take courage my friends, step out in faith and begin to shine.  Put God’s Word inside and let it radiate from the light of Christ within you.  

I fear we are losing these wonderful old hymns.  In respect for the old hymns, here is one of the best evangelistic hymns of the past.

Send The Light. The blessed gospel light.  Let it shine!  FOR HIS NAME’S SAKE

Giving it all to Jesus.  Shining as best I know how in the moment.
Love you all
Freda