Loving Others

I John 3:14
We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death.

One test to know that we are truly born again is how we love people. Not just the ones who are easy to love, but those who are difficult.

If we are not truly born again we’re walking in darkness. That darkness will only be multiplied after our soul is separated from our body at death. Then, there will be no changing our minds. No do-overs. We will suffer eternally separated from God in utter darkness.

If it’s difficult to love certain people, ask Jesus for His love to love those people. It’s amazing how He can do that. It’s like He gives us new eyes to see them with His love. Somehow they loose their abrasiveness.

Lord Jesus, help me to love those
who rub me the wrong way.
I want to love as You do.
I want to forgive
with Your forgiveness.
I want to walk free
of any and all darkness
and enjoy Your marvelous light.

Jesus our Way-maker

Leviticus 17:11

For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement.

In order for God to forgive sin, He required a life of an animal to be lost in substitution for the person asking forgiveness. This allowed the repentant person to be in unity and harmony with God. 

In the new covenant, God didn’t change His mind. In Hebrews 9:22 it says, “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” 

Instead of an animal sacrifice, God provided us a once-for-all sacrifice for everyone truly sorry for their sin. When we admit our sin and ask for His forgiveness, God grants that reconciliation between us and Him by the blood that Jesus shed willingly on the cross for us. 

It’s called in Bible talk, “atonement.” That word means “to cover, purge, make reconciliation.” That’s what Jesus did. He made a way for us to be right with God again.

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your willingness
to make a way for us to no longer be at odds
with our loving Father God.
May we never forget all You did for us,
our risen Lord.

The Savior

 

Acts 4:12

“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved.”

Today, many people run to this philosophy and sit under that guru in search of the truth. They follow a teacher only to find out the teacher twisted the truth for his own gain. 

There is only one who holds true salvation. It is Jesus Christ. God gave Him the name that rescues us, saves us, and heals us. Only He lived a sinless life, obeyed the Father even unto suffering, death, and rose again. Only He ascended into heaven. Only He will come back the same way He left (Acts 1:9-11). Only He has an eternal kingdom prepared for those who yield their life and living to Him. 

Do you know Him? If not, ask Him into your heart and life. He is waiting for your invitation.

Lord Jesus, I invite You into every area of my life and living.
Forgive my sin, make me a new creature in You.
Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit
that we might build a relationship together
now and forevermore. Amen.

Prevailing Warriors

Daniel 11:32
And by smooth words he will turn to godlessness those who act wickedly toward the covenant, but the people who know their God will display strength and take action.

“Smooth words” here means, “flattery, smoothness, fine promises.” This portion of Daniel has not come to pass yet. This is a description of the Anti-Christ. This person will pollute those who act wickedly (in civil, ethical, or religious relations). These people will be corrupt, godless and defiled in their covenants between God and man.

The other people spoken of in this scripture are kindred who know God by experience. They have Godly knowledge and are wise. They are instructed by the Lord and declare His name.

They will prevail; they will be strong and courageous, resolute and secure. They will be bold, and support the truth. Above all they will withstand the wiles of the enemy by their relationship with God.

When this time comes we must be ready. We must have God’s word hidden in our hearts. Our ears must be practiced at hearing God’s whispers and acting in obedience in order to stand firm.

Lord Jesus, cause us to be ready
for the evil days ahead.
Sharpen our ears to hear,
our hearts to obey,
and our hands to act
in accordance with Your will.

Forgiveness

Mark 11:25

And whenever you stand praying, forgive in you have anything against anyone; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your transgressions.

This scripture is not a nice suggestion. It’s a command. A biding principle.

The next scripture after this one tells you why. It reads, “But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions (Mark 11:26).

So we have a choice. Forgive others and receive God’s forgiveness or hold on to the wrongs done to us and cut ourselves off from God’s forgiveness. Pretty straightforward.

People often think they have to feel forgiveness before they make the choice to forgive. In truth it’s exactly the opposite. Forgiveness is a decision. The feelings follow.

Lord Jesus, please bring to mind
any and all people I need to forgive.
I choose to loose them from my judgment
that You may forgive me.