We Are Christ's Ambassadors

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. — 2 Corinthians 5:19-20

God did not count my sins against me.

Instead, He reconciled the world to Himself in Christ.

He reconciled me to Himself through Jesus.

Before I ever turned to Him, God had a plan for my life in Christ.

He has committed to me the message of reconciliation.

So I am now Christ's ambassador.

Just as though God made His appeal through me.

So Paul implores me to be reconciled to God.

This is Paul's message on behalf of Jesus Christ.

The Message of Reconciliation

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. — 2 Corinthians 5:19

Monday I returned to work back in the Axos Bank office full time.

It was fun to get to see lots of friends and coworkers who had been working at home for the past few months.

And the commute is great right now while most people are still sheltering in place.

At the same time, I'm nervous about having so many of us inside together when the coronavirus is spreading.

I brought extra masks for my colleagues.

And my boss made signs for my desk and those of my teammates, asking others to social distance and/or wear a mask, too.

After work, my friend had some of my girlfriends from church over to her home.

We sat outside at a safe distance and had a great time together.

I haven't seen some of them since the beginning of March, when our church stopped having services.

And I've missed them.

They have always been very supportive of me, not counting my sins and faults against me.

And they have lifted me and family up in prayer — I've done the same for them.

God has brought us together to be part of His family.
 

Reconciled Through Christ

 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.  — 2 Corinthians 5:18

This past week was Kirk's first as a retired teacher. 

He had a chance to get out golfing with friends twice.

And of course, one of his crowns fell out, which meant a last-minute trip to the dentist.

Fortunately, they were able to fit him in, he saved it when it fell out, and they got it set back on the tooth where it belonged.

Here is one of the cars that was decorated just a week ago to celebrate his retirement.

He also received a very complimentary email from the superintendent of his school district, wanting to get together.

Then he threw out his back a bit with the golfing.

This retirement thing will be quite an adjustment, but he is up to it.

Congratulations, Kirk!

30 years well spent.

You touched many lives, both young and old.

And you inspired many students to go on and live up to their potential.

We Boast in God

We also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. — Romans 5:11

I am reconciled to God through Jesus.

Because Jesus died in my place and took my sins on himself, I have received reconciliation.

Not because of anything I did on my own.

Only in God can I boast.

He has shown me mercy and love. 

Sunday Abby came home from Forest Home Camp, driving a minivan of middle school girls.

She was hoping they would sleep, but of course they were too excited to sleep.

One did fall asleep during the car ride, but the rest were chatting all the way home.

They had a wonderful speaker, awesome music, and lots of fun.

We are praising God for working in their lives.