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The event that SHOULD shape our lives

This week the media has been wall-to-wall with coverage of the 50th anniversary of the moon landings.  Perhaps you remember watching it on TV.  But this week in history also saw the start of Amazon and the launch of the SS Great Britain (the 1st steel-hulled ocean going ship), the 1st successful test of the atomic bomb and the fire which destroyed Rome, the one Nero is said to have accompanied on his violin!

These events have shaped the history of the world, and may have changed our own lives as well.  All events have some kind of impact on us, for good or ill, but as Christians, the events that should shape our lives more than anything else are those of 2000 years ago: the birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus.

How?  Jesus’ death and resurrection have brought us peace with God through the forgiveness of our sins. The cross should define us.  It’s where the old ‘me’ died, and the new me was born again to live for God and with God.

His presence with us, by his Spirit, calms our fears, guides us and brings us wisdom through his Word and gradually transforms us into the character of Christ.

His purpose for our lives, brings direction and dignity to our labours, lifting even ordinary and everyday activities to something by which we can glorify God.

And his promises point us to our perfect end; eternal life in the kingdom of God, the renewed and perfected earth, where we will be with the Lord forever.

So how much does Jesus shape your life?  Are you shaped more by the world, or by the Word of God?  Is your inner peace shattered by earthly worries or are you confident that the one who saved you through Jesus will also keep you safe until He comes again? Whatever has shaped you in the past, fix your eyes on Jesus afresh this week, and let him change you by his Spirit and bring you his peace.