DEVOTION/ God's kaleidoscope
A Fun Project
About a week ago, my wife and I built a kaleidoscope from a mail-order kit. It was for our granddaughter's birthday. Turns out our little birthday girl had never seen a kaleidoscope before. Being an artist at heart, she loved seeing how that toy focused to make all the separate pieces under the lens look new and different. The unique way a kaleidoscope works took everyday scraps and made them into something beautiful.
A View of China
When I look at photos of China with its colorful cultural sites, dress, and customs, it reminds me of a kaleidoscope. The colors, styles, and pageantry are beautiful in many ways. Yet, as a Christian, I am concerned because the perspective is lacking. Much of what looks so stunning is associated with false beliefs and idolatry.
A simple kaleidoscope works based on how three mirrors can change the focus. I see a parallel here. Knowing the Triune God--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit--transforms lives now and for eternity. What a wonderful spiritual climate change could happen in China if the people met their Savior Jesus and came to view life from a Biblical perspective.
That is the prayer and ministry of 316NOW: sharing this lifesaving and soul-saving message.
The kaleidoscope of God's Church
God's Word helps us glimpse at the kaleidoscope of beauty to be seen in his Church. Consider these familiar passages.
You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:5).
You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9).
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. (Ephesians 2:19-21).
After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands (Revelation 7:9).
Prayer thought
Lord of the Church, through your Word, we see the beauty of this world and all you have called us to be. Bless the spread of the gospel in China and around the world. Through the powerful working of your Spirit, grant that countless eyes be opened to the true perspective you have mercifully shared with us. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Source: Dave Payne