August 19                                       Isa 55 - 57

BEAUTIFUL GATE

MEMORISE: 'Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify you father which is in heaven.' (Matt 5:16)
Read: Psalm122:1-7

In Acts3:1-6 we are told that one of the temple gates was called Beautiful Gate. Peter and John were passing through this gate on their way to worship when they met the lame man. Both Peter and John attended a local Parish where they fellowshipped with fellow believers. Some Christians feel caged in at the thought of committing themselves to a local Parish. They prefer to do 'church hopping' from one denomination to another, one parish to another. They do not settle down and grow.

Why was the gate to the temple called Beautiful Gate? Because the glory of God is revealed in his house. Scripture says: 'In his presence is fullness of joy; at his right hand there are pleasures forevermore' (Ps 16:11). Revelations 21:21-22 tells us how beautiful the gates of heaven are. Even if the Physical structure is nothing to look at, it will be beautiful as long as God is there. And in his house you will encounter your blessings.

Outside the temple lame and poor people were begging. Why do you think beggars prefer to sit directly outside the Church gate? It is because the world expects a lot from the Church. They expect Christians to be holy, generous and Christ- Like. When you do not fulfill that expectation, unbelievers are quick to say: "you call yourself a Christian and you still do such a thing."

The world has a double standard as far as the church is concerned. They cheat and think nothing of it. But if a believer or Pastor cheats once, they will make a big fuss about it. The newspapers will carry it: 'Pastor turns 419ner.' Deep down they are jealous of the fact that we have Jesus and they don't. Are you living up to the world's standard for believer? More importantly, are you living up to God's standard for your life? Are you drawing unbelievers around you to Christ, or do you repel them from even becoming Christians?

ACTION POINT
Ask God to purify your conduct, so that you will never put him to shame. Glorify him in all you do, whether in public or in private.