1 Peter 5:5-7

His Loving Discipline- Psalm 39, Romans 5:1

8:00 PM

 


Today's Reading: Psalm 39,  Romans 5:1

When I read the first verses from today’s Psalm, I could relate to a time in my life when I felt so troubled and in such dismay:

“I said, “I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue; I will muzzle my mouth
while the wicked are in my presence. 2 I was mute and silent [before my enemies], I refrained even from good, And my [distress grew worse. 3 My heart was hot within me. While I was musing the fire burned; Then I spoke with my tongue:” (v. 1-3)

Yes, the more I focused on the hurt and the pain, in my heart “fire burned”, and instead of taking it to the Lord like David did in the first verse… I kept it to myself until I let my heart become bitter and arrogant! I had “the excuse” to hold a grudge against that person for the unjust way I had been treated for such a long time, but did not want to realize the harm I was doing to myself!

As David advised previously in Psalm 37:7-8,  we should: “Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. 8 Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper— it only leads to harm.”

In 1 Peter 5:5-7 we find that: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under God’s mighty hand that He may lift you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”

But when we walk by our own truths we become arrogant…we feel we know better and sadly our heart becomes hardened by bitterness and what is worse: hardened to God’s Word!  This is how I continued, until one day I was involved in a terrible car accident…. By God’s Grace, no one was hurt, except me: I had a cervical injury that kept me bedridden at home for two months, and through this painful recovery, I had plenty of time to realize all the time I wasted in this absurd attitude which made me sin against my Lord and as I humbly repented from my transgressions, I now could freely and with a contrite heart express like David:

4 “Lord, let me know my [life’s] end and [to appreciate] the extent of my days; Let me know how frail I am [how transient is my stay here]. 5 “Behold, You have made my days as [short as] hand widths, and my lifetime is as nothing in Your sight. Surely every man at his best is a mere breath [a wisp of smoke, a vapor that vanishes]! (vs. 4-5) … “I am silent before you; I won’t say a word, for my punishment is from you. 10 But please stop striking me!  I am exhausted by the blows from your hand. 11 When you discipline us for our sins,  you consume like a moth what is precious to us. Each of us is but a breath.( Interlude ) 12 Hear my prayer, O Lord!  Listen to my cries for help! Don’t ignore my tears.” (vs.9-12)


“Tears have ever had great prevalence with God. Christ used these sacred weapons when, “with strong crying and tears,” he prayed to his Father in Gethsemane, “and we heard in that he feared.” Sinner, there is such potency in a penitent’s tears that thou mayest prevail with God if thou wilt come to him weeping over thy sin, and pleading the precious blood of Christ. Thy tears cannot merit heaven, or wash away thy sins, but if thou dost penitently grieve over them, and trust in the great atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, thy tearful prayers shall have a gracious answer of peace... He who knows how to weep his heart out at the foot of the cross shall not be long without finding mercy. Tears are diamonds that God loves to behold.” (C.H. Spurgeon)

Reflection: Are you actually having to deal with a person or a situation that is affecting your peace of mind? Are you struggling to surrender this to God? Have you actually forgiven that person?

Let’s pray:  Heavenly Father, thank you for your Holy Spirit and your Word that strengthens us as we face so many difficult situations in our lives. May we be able to “fix our thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable” (Phil. 4:8). May we “ get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. (Col. 3:8). Please Lord, that “evil will not conquer us, but that we conquer evil by doing good.” (Ro. 12:21)  “Now may the God of peace make us holy in every way, and may our whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. 24 God will make this happen, for he who calls us is faithful.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24) - Emphasis mine-. In Jesus name we pray. Amen!

Blessings,

Mari



cross

The Message of the Three Crosses

9:00 AM

 

Have you ever wondered why there were three crosses that fateful day and what was the significance of each? I hope you'll never look at the three crosses the same way again after today. 

 There was a hill just outside the city of Jerusalem known as Golgotha, which is often translated today as Calvary. Long ago the Roman soldiers raised three crosses on this hill and what happened next changed the world! 

Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”-Luke 23:32-34a

Most people like to focus on the center cross, but today, I'd like us to focus on all three, for each is very significant. 

“Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, ‘If you are the Christ, save yourself and us.’ But the other, answering rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you today you will be with Me in Paradise” -Luke 23:39-43


The First Cross was The Cross of Rejection 

"...one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, ‘If you are the Christ, save yourself and us.’

IF!? 
Such a small word, but so powerful here in this statement, for it holds the power to destroy a soul. It's clear in this thief's statement that his sins did not bother him even though he is about to die. He wasn't sorry for all he had done, but was simply searching for a way out of his predicament.  

Jesus, Himself was very clear when He said, "  “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6)

John once admitted in his gospel that there was plenty of evidence to point to Jesus as being the Messiah,  “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:30,31) Yet men still reject Him in spite of the evidence even today. 


Max Lucado once wrote:

“You don’t turn your back on Christ, but you don’t turn toward him either.
You don’t curse his name, but neither do you praise it.”

Rejecting Jesus can seem very subtle at times, but The Bible is very clear- we are either for Jesus or against Him. We either believe or we don't believe. There has never been any middle ground. 


The Second Cross was The Cross of Repentance 


"But the other, answering rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.’ 


Notice this thief's faith and reverence in Jesus' presence in spite of all the pain he is in. He begins by recognizing Jesus as who He is,  “Do you not even fear God?”

  • And then immediately admits his own guilt when he says, “We receive the due reward of our deeds.”
  • He expresses his belief that Jesus was suffering “wrongfully”. But “this Man has done nothing wrong.”
  • He then openly confesses Jesus' deity when he calls Him “Lord.”
  • And lastly, we see genuine repentance and humility, “Remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

Here on this second cross is the perfect picture of repentance, for repentance is simply a change of heart. 2 Corinthians 7:10 says it best: “For godly sorrow that is in accord with the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation..." (AMP)


The Third Cross was The Cross of Redemption 


"'And Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you today you will be with Me in Paradise'” 


Someone once said that the greatest thing about this day is that there wasn't any miracles preformed that day. Jesus took on the weight of all our sins and died; paying sin's penalty for each of us. Here we have the picture of redemption. 


Jesus our Redeemer dying for the sins of the world. By His blood only we can be brought back to God. Ephesians 1:7 says, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”


It was a cross of suffering. Isaiah 52:14 tells us, "Just as many were appalled at Him—His appearance was disfigured beyond that of any man, and His form was marred beyond human likeness" (emphasis mine)

A cross of shame and reproach reserved for the vilest of criminals, and Jesus suffered the mocking and verbal abuse of the people who had come to witness His crucifixion that day.

Our Lord was under no obligation to pay our debts for all we have done. Someone had to suffer for sin, so he was willing. Peter reminds us, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the un-just, that He might bring us to God being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit”- 1 Peter 3:18


Why would Jesus choose to give up all the glories of heaven to come down to this sinful earth to die for our sins? 

I believe John said it best in  1 John 4:9-10, “In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

Each one of us must choose the cross we will look to, for along with the two criminals on either side of Jesus, we too must choose between two eternal destinies:

  • Eternal separation from God.
  • Or Paradise with Jesus
I pray you too will hear your Savior say, "One day you shall be with Me in paradise."

Blessings, 

Sue

2 Corinthians 7:10

CELEBRATING CHRIST - Godly Sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10)

8:00 PM

Easter is such a special occasion for us Christians to celebrate our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and it is also a time when so many people (non-believers) around the world are eager to know more about Him.

This is a special time for us- who like them, “were dead in our trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1, Colossians 2:13)-, and should continue to pray for our “loved ones” who are in the same condition we were. This special celebration is also a reminder for those who for any reason went astray:  that He gave His life for them in remission for their sins.

So I challenge you this Easter, to pray earnestly for your loved ones, just as Paul did for his beloved ones, that they would experience “godly sorrow”:

“For [godly] sorrow that is in accord with the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation; but worldly sorrow [the hopeless sorrow of those who do not believe] produces death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10)

Here Paul states the difference between sorrow and repentance.  They are not the same!  Someone can be sorry for their sin without truly repenting from it.  Sorrow describes a feeling, but repentance describes a transformation in both the mind and in the life of a person. (Romans 12:1-2)

* "Godly sorrow produces repentance unto salvation: Does this mean we are saved by our repentance? Not exactly! Repentance "is not the ground of our salvation; but it is a part of it and necessary condition of it.  Those who repent are saved; the impenitent perish.  Repentance is therefore unto salvation." (Hodge)

* "Repentance must never be thought of as something we must do before we can come back to God. Repentance describes what coming to God is.  You can't turn towards God without turning from the things He is against. "People seem to jump into faith very quickly nowadays.  I do not disapprove of that happy leap; but still, I hope my old friend repentance is not dead.  I am desperately in love with repentance; it seems to be the twin-sister to faith." (Spurgeon)

Since godly sorrow does such a great work, it is not to be regretted.  It doesn't feel good, but it does a good work, leading to Salvation.  The sorrow of the world is different, because it produces death.

 "In repentance there is a bitter sweetness, or a sweet bitterness - which shall I call it? - of which, the more you have, the better it is for you.  I can truly say that I hardly know a diviner joy than to lay my head in my Heavenly Father's bosom and to say, 'Father, I have sinned, but thou hast forgiven me; and, oh, I do love thee!'" (Spurgeon)

Let’s not lose hope and continue praying for the amazing work of His Holy Spirit through godly sorrow. This feeling will not be welcomed, because it can be very painful for our loved ones, but to us also! But we know that it is all for His Loving Purpose. Their Salvation!!

Blessings,

Mari

 

adultery

Looking Beyond Fault to See True Need (John 8)

11:30 AM




Reading For Today:  John 8


 I love many of the quotes from Toby Mac on fb. This one especially resonated with my heart as I reflected on the story of the accused adulterer in John 8.   “To love a person is to see all of their worth and to remind them of it when they have forgotten.”


In this well known story, Jesus is teaching in the temple courts and he is put in a tricky situation. “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?”” (v3-5)


Well, the first thing interesting is that only the woman was brought before Jesus and not the man. The 2nd interesting thing is that Jesus initially didn’t say anything at all. He wrote on the ground with his finger. The Bible doesn’t tell us what he wrote but I imagine that it could have been thought provoking. Perhaps it caused those present to check their behaviors and self reflect. Perhaps, even, he was just making a point of not immediately engaging with them to deescalate the  charged emotions of the crowd. But, what is important to know and reflect upon, is what he did say. It was a penetrating statement that took focus off of the woman’s circumstances and put focus on the individual circumstances of every single person present that day. 


“When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”” (v7)

One by one, her accusers walked away. When only the woman was left Jesus let her know that she was forgiven and did not have to be forever defined by her transgressions. She could start anew. ““...neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”” (v11)


People don’t throw physical stones today. But, we throw stones nonetheless. We can be quick to pass judgement and hurl accusations at one another. We gossip, backbite and condemn. Perhaps we do so out loud or perhaps we do so within our own minds. But, what if, instead of seeing the sinful behaviors, we looked instead at the value and worthiness of the person that God could redeem and transform. What if we offered grace, just as God offered to us. What if we remembered that we are guilty of sin and only redeemed by God’s mercy and salvation? What if we prayed for that person and rebuked, if needed, in brotherly and sisterly love. What if we extended support and help to those who just need some compassion and opportunity to turn their lives around.? 


I know that I need to remember, when I am annoyed and finding fault with those around me that I need to extend compassion and grace instead of hurling stones of condemnation. I need to remember that only God can change another and I should pray and support instead of criticize or judge. I need to see people through the eyes of Jesus and hate the sin but love the person. I need to remember that I am no different myself from the accused woman for “ all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). How grateful I am that Christ extended the same precious blessing to me as he looked upon the sin that enslaved me....”


“...neither do I condemn you.  Go now and leave your life of sin.” Thank you Jesus for your mercy, extended to me!

Forgiveness

Forgiveness {Mark 11}

8:47 AM


Scripture for Tuesday, May 26, 2020



My study bible says, “Forgiving others is tough work – so much so that many people would do anything totally distasteful than offer forgiveness to someone who has wronged them.  For a person to pray while bearing a grudge, however, is like a tree sprouting leaves and bearing no fruit.”

 According to psychology, here are some reasons why forgiveness is so difficult.  One reason is because we can hold onto memories longer.  We think about the past and hold onto what caused us the hurt.

Another reason is there is too much anger that causes a lack of self-control.  Our emotions can be so strong and blinding that forgiveness is the last thing on our mind.  But often, we may choose to be angry about a situation because it feels right to us.  It gives us a false sense of empowerment.

We may be too scared to forgive in fear of getting hurt again.  This defense mechanism is developed over time to protect us from getting hurt again.

We may believe that the person who offended us deserves punishment.  Interestingly, when we hold a grudge against someone, it may be our attempt to punish them and how we gain a sense of self-control and power over being hurt.  But sometimes that punishment can be unresponsive and ineffective if the person is not aware that they have offended you.  In reality, you may be carrying the heavy burden of a grudge while the other person is moving on with their life.

And lastly, you may find it difficult to forgive someone if they never made you feel understood or heard.  So, it is easier to justify your decision to hold onto that resentment.  After all, why should you forgive the other person when they did not treat you well, right?  But this only causes the both of you build your walls higher.

As we read Mark 11, it is no surprise that this passage on forgiveness ends with the story of Jesus calling out the people in the temple on having the appearance of godliness, but having no fruit or substance of a relationship with God.

Jesus finishes this section with a reminder of what the fruit of godliness looks like.  It is not just outward actions, but an inward heart change.  Specifically, Jesus tells us that a true disciple of His will forgive others.


Jesus pulls no punches in this verse.  He starts out by saying that forgiving others is so important that you should even pause your prayer to do so.

Has someone ever come to mind while you are praying, and you wonder why?  Well, Jesus goes as far to say that, “…forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

What does Jesus mean by saying that?  We see throughout scripture that God was the first to act on our need for forgiveness and salvation, and that He did so despite all we did and who we once were.  God saved us when we were still enemies (Romans 5:10).  We only love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).  And if this doesn’t help to humble us, none of us were even seeking God to begin with (Romans 3:11).  What does that mean that God will not forgive us if we do not forgive others?

Turn to Matthew 18:21-35 to read the parable about the man who owed an excessively big debt and his lender forgave him that debt.  Shortly after, this man refuses to forgive someone else’s much smaller debt and threatens him with his life.  The previous lender finds out about how awful this man treated the other and renounces his forgiven debt consequently for treating the other man so poorly. 

What we learn from this parable is that God takes our life change very seriously.  We are not saved by our works, and God’s grace and forgiveness is purposed to bring about a change heart.

God’s plan is to save us from the punishment for our sins (Romans 6:23), to give us a new hearts (Ezekiel 36:26), to fill us with new motives (1 Corinthians 10:31), and new empowerment (1 Timothy 1:7) to live a new life that he has called us to (Titus 2:11-14).

Here the kicker – this new life is not an option.  It flows naturally from our forgiveness.

Which leads me back to the question (which comes first, the chicken or the egg?) does God forgive us because we forgave others?  Or do we forgive others because God forgives us?

What we can learn from Jesus’ parable and the rest of scripture, is that God forgives us and empowers us to forgive others.  But, if we are not actively trying and asking God to help us to forgive others, then how can we possibly say we have been forgiven by God and love Him (1 John 4:20)

Or to put it another way, forgiving others is a sign that we have been forgiven by God.  And any lack of forgiveness towards others is a sign that we have not experienced God’s forgiveness.

I apologize this is so long, but I believe we need to understand something here; forgiveness is always possible, but reconciliation is not.

As important as it is to note that Jesus calls us to forgive others, it doesn’t always mean that things will work out.  Simply look at Jesus’ life – we will not be on good terms with everyone, but we can still forgive everyone.

Paul reminds us in Romans 12:18 that we are to “live peaceable with all” but only “so far as it depends on you” recognizing that sometimes the issues we have with others are simply on their end and there is nothing we can do about it.

This doesn’t give us freedom to write someone off as a lost cause, as we are called to love generously and especially those who hate us, but we also shouldn’t bear the weight of a two-way relationship all on ourselves.

We can forgive and still not receive reconciliation between ourselves and the other person if they refuse.

Although we talk about our empowerment coming from God, we often hinder ourselves to only self-help methods and motivational talks which is the exact opposite of “empowered by God”. Not only does self-help and self-motivation only last temporarily, but God also tells us that nothing we do can be pleasing to Him without our actions coming out of our faith in Him (Hebrews 11:6).  If our motivation is one of self-attainment and simply doing better, we’ve completely missed the point.

In regard to forgiveness, I have heard people encouraged to think about how much God loves the person you ought to forgive and if that God can forgive them, then so should you.  But this is nothing more than hype and motivational talk, and not found in scripture.

Of course, God loves them, He’s perfect.  But how does that help me to love them?

Here is what the Bible tells us to do:  Instead of focusing on the people you ought to forgive, you need to focus on the God who has forgiven you.  Scripture tells us that our forgiveness does not come from seeing God forgive others, but as an overflow of God forgiving us.

When God forgive us, He doesn’t simply wipe the slate clean and then tell us to try harder; He gives us His spirit to teach us and help us (John 14:26), to encourage us (Acts 9:31) and empower us to follow Jesus (2 Timothy 1:7).

The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to all believers when we are saved!  And it is through Him that we become more like Jesus – including our growth in forgiving others (Acts 2:38).

Do you need to forgive someone?  Do it now.

Do you need to ask someone for forgiveness from?  Go ask for forgiveness.  Do your best to bring reconciliation, as much as it depends on you.

Forgive
Repent.
Love others like Jesus.

Have an amazing summer as we rest from writing,
Lisa


2 Corinthians

A Spiritual Checkup {2 Corinthians 13}

12:00 PM




Monday May 11, “Walking In Wisdom”


A few years back I had to have some testing done on my heart. And although the process was worrisome and a little painful, I was rewarded with a good report from the cardiologist. “Everything looks normal”, he said as he went over the findings. “And because you got these tests done, you now know you have a healthy heart. And that’s great news. Because if your heart isn’t healthy, the rest of your body won’t be healthy either.” Our physical heart health, and the care we give it, is very important; especially as we age. But just as important is our spiritual heart health. For as Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” 

Because some members of the Corinthian church were still continuing to walk in sin after having been saved, Paul wrote a stern letter to them warning that he would soon be returning to Corinth for a third time. And this time warnings would be replaced with consequences. “I say in advance to those who have sinned in the past and to all the rest as well, that if I come again I will not spare anyone.” (vs. 2) So before he arrives, Paul urges now would be the perfect time for a spiritual check up. “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves!” (vs. 5) But it’s not only the Corinthians who needed to test their hearts, so do we. We too need to ask ourselves, “Is Jesus in me? Is my heart healthy?” 

So how do we go about giving our hearts a checkup? By asking the great Physician. “Search me O God, and know my heart, and see if there be any hurtful way in me. Examine me, O Lord, and try me; test my mind and my heart.” (Ps. 139:23,24, Ps. 26:2) When we ask, through the Holy Spirit, God will show us the areas that need our immediate attention. And when He gives us His findings, it’s our job in loving obedience and repentance to examine, “everything carefully, hold fast to that which is good, and abstain from every evil.” (1 Thess. 5:21-22) Another good test of our spiritual health is the evidence of the fruit of the Spirit manifested in our lives. Galatians 5:22-23 tells us,  “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” If we are truly filled with Jesus, these fruits will flow freely from ours hearts to others. 

“Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!” (Lam. 3:40) One day very soon Jesus will come back. And on His final triumphant return, like Paul, the warnings He gave will turn into consequences for those who rejected His gift of salvation. Now is the time for a spiritual checkup. Time to take stock of our hearts and be sure they reflect the image of the Lord, so that we will not “fail the test” and find ourselves “disqualified”. And until that glorious day of our Savior’s coming, in the beautiful words of Paul may, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.” vs. 14)



Becky Austin

Preparing Our Heart for Jesus (Luke 3)

12:30 PM





John the Baptist served an important role. His mission was to prepare the hearts of the Jewish people to accept Jesus as the Messiah. “And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.”

As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough places shall become level ways, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'"” (v3-6)

The timing of John’s message was also important:
“The year is established in relation to Emperor Tiberius and the leadership that the Romans have put in place in and around Judea.  In this opening, Pontius Pilate, Herod, and Caiaphas are all mentioned. Herod would be responsible for the death of John the Baptist and, along with Pontius Pilate and Caiaphas, would be in part responsible for the death of Christ. This opening verse sets the scene for a world that has gone awry, a world where God’s people live as a conquered people in their own land and where those in power would crucify the one God sent to save the world.” (James Shenko).

The Jewish people were looking for salvation from Rome but Christ came to save them from their sin. John came to prick their hearts with awareness of sin and their need to repent. Many who came to listen to John had become complacent to their own sin. They were counting on their standing as Jews to consider themselves righteous. But John warned them that God would judge the heart. 

“He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."” (v7-9)

John got the attention of receptive hearts, willing to ask an important question.
“And the crowds asked him, "What then shall we do?"” (v 10) John provided individual examples of how a heart desiring to please God will respond and these examples hold true even today.  In contrast to a world rooted in selfishness, those who want to please God will extend his love to others. 

The Baptism of Repentance signified that the Jewish people were not putting their faith in their heritage as Jewish citizens for salvation but publicly declaring that the condition of their heart would be judged and their sin needed to be forgiven. They were putting their faith in the mercy of God. John was an important man of God, but John was not the Messiah. Only Jesus could provide eternal forgiveness of sin. Only Jesus could bring the New Covenant and provide the Holy Spirit who would help us live out the Christian life and produce spiritual fruit. 

“John answered them all, saying, "I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."” (v16-17)

Although we do not earn or maintain our salvation by works, if our heart is in alignment with God’s will, the love of Christ will be evident in the fruit produced in our lives. We will be truly concerned about the welfare of others, about being honest in our business dealings and personal relationships. We will see the resources that God has blessed us with and be good stewards of those resources. We will be glad to bless others who have need of our time,money, food, companionship, etc. 

Examine your own heart and see if there are areas where you have become complacent about sin. Ask God through his Holy Spirit to help you surrender your heart to His will and produce good fruit. 



2 Peter 1:11

Repentance – Fullness of Joy and Peace- 2 Peter 1:1-11

10:00 PM

Friday October 4 -Please read: 2 Peter 1:1-11

When we first surrender our lives to Jesus, confessing our sins in repentance, something awesome happens! 
“…even when we were [spiritually] dead and separated from Him because of our sins, He made us [spiritually] alive together with Christ (for by His grace—His undeserved favor and mercy—you have been saved from God’s judgment). 6 And He raised us up together with Him [when we believed], and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, [because we are] in Christ Jesus,” (Ephesians 2:5-6)

This great miracle occurred in our lives and we begin to live with renewed strength, joy and boldness, sharing with every one of our New Faith! But time goes by with its challenges and difficulties and sadly, many of us tend to forget those first years of “spiritual effervescence”!
“Our walk with God often encounter memory challenges. We forget that his promises to care for us are not conditional. We quickly forget that prayer does work, that as Peter expresses it, God has cleansed us from our old life of sin.” (iWorship Bible)
But what are we to do, to keep experiencing the fullness of grace and peace in our lives? (2 Peter 1:2)

“5 For this very reason, applying your diligence [to the divine promises, make every effort] in [exercising] your faith to, [e]develop moral excellence, and in moral excellence, knowledge (insight, understanding), … 8 For as these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ.  9 For whoever lacks these qualities is blind—shortsighted [closing his spiritual eyes to the truth], having become oblivious to the fact that he was cleansed from his old sins.” (2Pe. 1:5,8,9 AMP)

We begin our walk with the Lord with faith – exercising our Faith, not just keeping it to ourselves-; but faith should progress into virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love - love being the most important of all God's work in us.
We are called to give all diligence to these things, working in partnership with God to add them to our Christian walk.

Peter tells us that if we have these things, and abound in them, then it will be evident to everyone that we are not barren, nor unfruitful in our knowledge of Jesus.
But if we lack these qualities, it is because we lack in the knowledge of God. We should yearn to know Him, and seek Him in an increasingly fuller and deeper sense!
“According to Blum, the ancient Greek word knowledge doesn't refer to a casual acquaintance. It means an exact, complete, and thorough knowledge.

We come to knowledge of Him as we learn of Him through His Word, through prayer, and through the community of God's people. It is true that we need God alone, but God does not meet us only in our "aloneness" but also in the community of His people.” (David Guzik)
Some may feel good that these qualities are seen in us from time to time. But Peter says they should abound in us. If we lack these qualities we become blind, shortsighted, forgetting the lost sinners we were!

"Such a man sees the things of time, and fails to discern those of eternity… he sees himself and his fellowmen, but not God. This nearsightedness is destructive of a true Christian experience, and therefore makes advance impossible." (Morgan)
So, let me ask you, do you feel you are stuck, immovable in your spiritual life? Do you feel barren and unproductive? Come to your Heavenly Father and open your heart to Him and confess you’ve failed Him. Bring all your “arguments and…every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” regarding the matter, and He will lift you up (2 Corinthians 10:5), for His mercies are never ending!

Father, forgive me for taking for granted ALL you have given me through Jesus’s Sacrifice.  Help me to live in obedience and deal with the issues in my life, which have brought me to a barren and unfruitful life in You!  May I experience again joy in my heart and fruitfulness in my spirit! In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen

 Mari