JACKS DAILY DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
(John 13:34–35) “So now I am giving you a new commandment… Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:34–35)
Before Andrew Jackson became the seventh president of the United States of America, he served as the “Major General” in the Tennessee militia.
During the War of 1812 his troops reached an all-time low in morale.
As a result, they began arguing, bickering, and fighting among themselves.
It is reported that “Old Hickory” as he was nicknamed… called them all together on one occasion when tensions were at their worst and reminded them… “Gentlemen let’s remember... the enemy is over there!”
His sobering reminder would be an appropriate word for the church today.
In fact, I wonder if Jesus doesn’t sometimes look down at us and say with a sigh… “my children… your enemy is over there”!
“Stop your infighting! Pull for one another. Support one another. Believe in one another. Care for one another. Pray for one another. Love one another.”
One of the most profound comments made regarding the early church came from the lips of a man named Aristides, sent by the Emperor Hadrian around the year 125ad… to spy out those strange individuals known as “Christians.”
Having seen them in action, Aristides returned with an “Apology”, or a mixed report concerning the faith of these early “Christians” as they were called.
His writing was simple and to the point… reporting that the gods of various nations fall short.
Such nations were the Chaldeans, who worship the elements or planets; the Greeks who worship human beings, vulnerable and erratic; and the Egyptians who worship animals.
He reported that the Jews are better than any of these people but worship angels and observe ritual law.
“Christian are the best” he reported… because they trace their genealogy back to "Jesus the Christ" and they practice pure love and benevolence.
His immortal words to the emperor have echoed down through history: “Behold! How they love one another.”
How often do we hear such words today from those who don’t know Christ… but who have watched those of us who do?
Ours is the generation that has given new meaning to the shameful practice of “brother-bashing and sister-smashing”.
You would think we were enemies rather than members of the same family.
Something is wrong with this picture.
The mark of the Christian should be a spirit of unity… and genuine love for others… but the church today rarely demonstrates those qualities.
It’s easy to love Christ for all He is and for all He’s done.
It’s not so easy however… to love other Christians... fellow Believers!
Yet that is the command we have been given.
(1st John 4:7-8) "Beloved... Love one another for love is of God. He that loveth not... knoweth not God for God is love... Beloved... let us love one another...
This morning let's evaluate our attitude towards one another… and let's use the following prayer to start our day and pray for hope that carries us beyond division.
Lets pray for unity within the body and the brethren…
It matters not the denomination… or forms of worship used… as in style of music or hymn books verses overhead projectors… or clothing that is worn on the platform such as collard shirts and ties verses a t-shirt… jeans verses slacks.
What matters is the same “indwelling spirit of God” that lives in every believer.
“Forgive us… oh… forgive us our Father!
Forgive us for the hours we have spent in the wasteland of malice and guile… hypocrisy… envy and slander.
Show us the joy of kindness… the long-lasting benefits of unity… grace… and the support of one another… the strength that is available…
Most of all, Lord, make us like Your Son… kind… meek… humble… and gracious.
May we grow up into His kindness… may we model His meekness… may we walk with His humility.
May we reflect His grace so that others can gain… find new hope in the toil of this life… as we wait for your return together… “Hoping thou in God” (Psalm 42:11) … Amen”.
Good Day!
This morning let's evaluate our attitude towards one another… and let's use the following prayer to start our day and pray for hope that carries us beyond division.
Lets pray for unity within the body and the brethren…
It matters not the denomination… or forms of worship used… as in style of music or hymn books verses overhead projectors… or clothing that is worn on the platform such as collard shirts and ties verses a t-shirt… jeans verses slacks.
What matters is the same “indwelling spirit of God” that lives in every believer.
“Forgive us… oh… forgive us our Father!
Forgive us for the hours we have spent in the wasteland of malice and guile… hypocrisy… envy and slander.
Show us the joy of kindness… the long-lasting benefits of unity… grace… and the support of one another… the strength that is available…
Most of all, Lord, make us like Your Son… kind… meek… humble… and gracious.
May we grow up into His kindness… may we model His meekness… may we walk with His humility.
May we reflect His grace so that others can gain… find new hope in the toil of this life… as we wait for your return together… “Hoping thou in God” (Psalm 42:11) … Amen”.
Good Day!
(Matthew25:1-13) “…Five of them were foolish, and five were wise”
As we take a good look at “The Parable of the Ten Virgins”
At least one aspect of this parable can be known with absolute certainty.
The bridegroom is “Jesus Christ”… and this parable describes His return and we must prepare for that return… because He is coming without any warning.
The illustration of Historical Jewish cultured wedding practices is used to describe the need for that preparation and the suddenness of the coming of the groom.
Of utmost importance in this parable is the oil and the torch, which stand out as the identifying features of those belonging to the wedding party.
With out oil to keep the torch burning, and with out the light of the torch… one could not be part of the wedding progression back to the grooms home.
Everyone in the procession was expected to carry his or her own torch.
As I mentioned yesterday… those without a torch would be assumed to be “party crashers” or even brigands whom are members of a gang that ambushes and robs people in the forests or mountains and roadways.
The torch was used to light the pathway back to the groom’s house and provide visibility to others to prove you were part of the wedding party.
Now amongst the ten virgins in this story we see five were wise and trimmed their lamps and conserved the oil they had, so that it would last and they would not run out as they awaited for the return of the groom.
However five were foolish and did not conserve or trim their lamps and when the groom returned and the wedding party or procession began the joyful and triumphant parade back to the grooms home, these five did not have enough oil to keep their torch burning so that they could be seen and identified as being part of the celebration.
Again this is a direct illustration of believers today that are not preparing for the return of Jesus Christ.
They are living life selfishly unto themselves… with out any thought or regard to the coming of our Lord.
They were there for the party as it were.
The five virgins without enough oil represent those who enjoy the benefits of the Christian community… without true love for Christ.
They are more concerned about the party… than about longing to see the bridegroom.
The five virgins who have the extra oil… represent “the truly born again”… who are looking with eagerness to the coming of Christ.
They have saving faith and have determined that whatever occurs… be it lengthy time or adverse circumstances… when Jesus returns… they will be looking with eagerness and ready to go.
Also the five virgins without enough oil… their hope is that their “association with true believers”… (“give us some of your oil” as written in verse 8)… will bring them into the kingdom at the end.
This of course is never the case.
One person’s faith in Jesus cannot save another.
Jesus warning from (Matthew 5:21-23) “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven… only he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.
Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’
And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you… depart from Me you who practice lawlessness.’”
It is my prayer for you that you are not found having to “go away to make the purchase” (Matthew 7:10) when Christ returns.
Take the time now to fill your lamp with oil and take extra along.
Keep waiting… watching… with joy and anticipation for His soon return.
The writer of (Hebrews 9:28) says “To them that look for Him the second time will He appear”.
Don’t be taken by surprise.
Jesus is coming again soon.
Good Day!
(Matthew 24:42) “watch therefor for you do not know what hour your Lord will come”
In (Hebrews 9:28) the writer tells us… “To them that look for him will He appear the second time…”
In (Matthew 25:11-13) Jesus gives us the Parable of the Ten Virgins.
“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bride groom.
Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.
For when the foolish took their lamps they took no oil with them... but the wise took flasks of oil
with their lamps.
As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept.
But at midnight there was a cry, “the bridegroom is here the bridegroom is here, come out to meet him”.
Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps.
And the foolish said to the wise… give us some of your oil for our lamps are burning out.
But the wise answered saying, ‘there will not be enough for us and you to’.
‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy more for yourselves.’
And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in
As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept.
But at midnight there was a cry, “the bridegroom is here the bridegroom is here, come out to meet him”.
Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps.
And the foolish said to the wise… give us some of your oil for our lamps are burning out.
But the wise answered saying, ‘there will not be enough for us and you to’.
‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy more for yourselves.’
And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in
with him to the marriage feast… and the door was shut.
Afterward the other virgins came also saying… ‘Lord Lord open up to us’… but He answered saying… ‘truly I say to you… I do not know you’.
And then Jesus made this cryptic statement…
“watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour when your Lord cometh”.
For the next couple of days I want to try to encourage each of us to heed the warnings and encouragement that comes to us from this parable of Jesus.
Before we look at it however… we must understand that this is a story that Jesus shared with His followers.
Like you and I… they were and are… part of The Bride of Christ” that I’ve often talked about.
Although there has been much debate amongst biblical scholars about the meaning of this parable or story, there is one thing agreed upon for sure.
That is, that the bridegroom referred to in this story is Jesus Christ the Bridegroom.
And we must understand that “the Bridegroom” who is Jesus, is coming for His bride very soon.
And this parable… this story that Jesus shared with His followers is a warning for each of us to be prepared for that return.
In the Old Testament of the bible God pictures or illustrates Himself as a “husband” of Israel.
The following scripture verses can give you a view of Gods intentions toward His chosen people… (Isaiah 54:4–6) (Isaiah 62:4-55) and (Hosea 2:19)
In the New Testament (John 3:27–30) (Matthew 9:15) (Mark 2:19-20) Christ is pictured as “the Bridegroom of the Church”.
The Church is described in Scripture as “The Bride of Christ” (Ephesians 5:25–32)
From first-century Jewish wedding traditions… we read that… upon pronouncement that “all things
Afterward the other virgins came also saying… ‘Lord Lord open up to us’… but He answered saying… ‘truly I say to you… I do not know you’.
And then Jesus made this cryptic statement…
“watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour when your Lord cometh”.
For the next couple of days I want to try to encourage each of us to heed the warnings and encouragement that comes to us from this parable of Jesus.
Before we look at it however… we must understand that this is a story that Jesus shared with His followers.
Like you and I… they were and are… part of The Bride of Christ” that I’ve often talked about.
Although there has been much debate amongst biblical scholars about the meaning of this parable or story, there is one thing agreed upon for sure.
That is, that the bridegroom referred to in this story is Jesus Christ the Bridegroom.
And we must understand that “the Bridegroom” who is Jesus, is coming for His bride very soon.
And this parable… this story that Jesus shared with His followers is a warning for each of us to be prepared for that return.
In the Old Testament of the bible God pictures or illustrates Himself as a “husband” of Israel.
The following scripture verses can give you a view of Gods intentions toward His chosen people… (Isaiah 54:4–6) (Isaiah 62:4-55) and (Hosea 2:19)
In the New Testament (John 3:27–30) (Matthew 9:15) (Mark 2:19-20) Christ is pictured as “the Bridegroom of the Church”.
The Church is described in Scripture as “The Bride of Christ” (Ephesians 5:25–32)
From first-century Jewish wedding traditions… we read that… upon pronouncement that “all things
are ready” by the Father of the groom…
Normally … with jubilant celebration, dancing, and much revelry…the bridegroom and some of his closest friends left his fathers home to go to the bride’s home… where there were various ceremonies enacted, followed by a procession through the streets after nightfall taking the bride back to the home he had prepared for her.
The ten virgins that Jesus refers to in this parable are the “bridesmaids” who have been assisting the bride and they expect to meet the groom as he comes from the bride’s house…
The festivities, which might last several days would formally get under way at the groom’s house.”
Now here is the significance of the oil mentioned in this parable.
Normally … with jubilant celebration, dancing, and much revelry…the bridegroom and some of his closest friends left his fathers home to go to the bride’s home… where there were various ceremonies enacted, followed by a procession through the streets after nightfall taking the bride back to the home he had prepared for her.
The ten virgins that Jesus refers to in this parable are the “bridesmaids” who have been assisting the bride and they expect to meet the groom as he comes from the bride’s house…
The festivities, which might last several days would formally get under way at the groom’s house.”
Now here is the significance of the oil mentioned in this parable.
Everyone in the procession was expected to carry his or her own torch.
Those without a torch would be assumed to be “party crashers” or even unsavory criminals or members of a gang that ambushes and robs people in the forests or mountains and road ways.
The torch was used to light the pathway back to the grooms house and provide visibility to others to prove you were part of the wedding party.
It was either a lamp with a small oil tank and wick… or a stick with a rag soaked in oil on the end of it… which would require occasional re-soaking to maintain the flame.
The overall and easily seen teaching of this parable… is that Christ will return at an unknown hour and that His people must be ready.
Being ready means preparing for whatever contingency arises in our lives and keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus at all times while we eagerly await His coming.
As seen in the fact that all the virgins were sleeping when the call came indicates that…
We don’t know when the groom is coming... and it doesn’t matter what we are doing when Christ returns.
We may be working, eating, sleeping, or pursuing leisure activities.
Whatever it is, we must be doing it in such a way that we don’t have to “make things right” or (go get more oil) when He comes.
This applies to the coming of Christ for His Church at the great catching away or the rapture when Jesus… “The Groom” comes to take His Bride away to the home he has prepared.
So the question that arises as we meditate on this story that Jesus thought was pertinent for His followers to hear is this…
Do we have enough oil in our lamps to cause our torch to shine bright enough to be recognizable as part of the wedding party and the Bride of Christ.
Being ready for Christ’s return ultimately involves one major thing which manifests itself in several areas of our lives… and that is…
If we would be ready for Christ’s return, “we must be born again” through saving faith in the His death, His burial and His resurrection from the dead.
That saving faith in Jesus Christ… will manifest itself in every aspect of our lives significantly with the “fruit of the Spirit”… as listed in (Galatians 5:22)
A desire for greater holiness and less sin will be apparent… and a consistent “looking for His coming”… will mark our lives.
One of the most poignant passages of scripture articulating this thought is found in (Titus 2:11-14)…
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.
It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions… and to live self-controlled, upright and Godly lives in this present age while we wait for the ‘blessed hope’… the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ… who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness… and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own… eager to do what is good."
More on this topic tomorrow.
Good Day!
(2nd Corinthians 11:2) "I have betrothed you to…Christ".
We are living in a world today where everybody espouses freedom... with no ties rules or limitations
on us.
One of the biggest arguments I hear from people is that they do not want to walk with God or be a Christian because there are to many "rules".
It's funny how most people wouldn't mind being a Christian if they didn't have to submit to God or Jesus but then that’s not really being a Christian is it?
You see the word Christian means being “Christ like”.
It’s kind of like a woman wanting to be married but refusing to submit herself to her husband or vice
One of the biggest arguments I hear from people is that they do not want to walk with God or be a Christian because there are to many "rules".
It's funny how most people wouldn't mind being a Christian if they didn't have to submit to God or Jesus but then that’s not really being a Christian is it?
You see the word Christian means being “Christ like”.
It’s kind of like a woman wanting to be married but refusing to submit herself to her husband or vice
a versa.
In Bible days marriage was a two-fold event.
The “betrothal”… and then the marriage.
The betrothal was the engagement time when the families agreed to the marriage and dowries were presented to seal the engagement… and at that time, the public were made known of the intended
In Bible days marriage was a two-fold event.
The “betrothal”… and then the marriage.
The betrothal was the engagement time when the families agreed to the marriage and dowries were presented to seal the engagement… and at that time, the public were made known of the intended
union or marriage.
As soon as a couple was betrothed, they were considered to be “one” or married… even though the marriage wasn’t consummated for a year or more.
During that time the groom would build or prepare their new home… continue courting his bride getting to know her and how to take care of her.
And the bride would prepare herself for marriage by learning everything she could about her future husband… so that she could please him in all respects.
After a time of preparation is completed and the father of the groom feels that all things are ready...
As soon as a couple was betrothed, they were considered to be “one” or married… even though the marriage wasn’t consummated for a year or more.
During that time the groom would build or prepare their new home… continue courting his bride getting to know her and how to take care of her.
And the bride would prepare herself for marriage by learning everything she could about her future husband… so that she could please him in all respects.
After a time of preparation is completed and the father of the groom feels that all things are ready...
the grooms father tells his son that all things are ready and He can go bring his bride to their new home and they can consummate the marriage and begin to live as husband and wife.
So what’s the point of this illustration?
Simply this… the Church is the bride of Christ and as believers we are part of that bride.
Paul says in (2nd Corinthians 11:2)… "I have betrothed you to Christ".
And as the bride in a Hebrew marriage and betrothal prepares her self for her marriage to the groom… each of us should be preparing…longing for the time when our union with Jesus will be consummated… and we partake of the great marriage supper of the Lamb in Heaven (Revelation 19:7)
Until then Jesus is fulfilling His part by preparing a place for us… (John 14:3-4)... praying and interceding on our behalf… (Romans 8:34)... continuing to woo us… to lavish His love upon us and to bring us into "the knowledge of Him" (Ephesians 4:13)
And what’s our part?
Remembering that "how we live our lives"… is a reflection on Him.
No man wants his future wife running around writing bad checks… engaging in lewd conversation…
So what’s the point of this illustration?
Simply this… the Church is the bride of Christ and as believers we are part of that bride.
Paul says in (2nd Corinthians 11:2)… "I have betrothed you to Christ".
And as the bride in a Hebrew marriage and betrothal prepares her self for her marriage to the groom… each of us should be preparing…longing for the time when our union with Jesus will be consummated… and we partake of the great marriage supper of the Lamb in Heaven (Revelation 19:7)
Until then Jesus is fulfilling His part by preparing a place for us… (John 14:3-4)... praying and interceding on our behalf… (Romans 8:34)... continuing to woo us… to lavish His love upon us and to bring us into "the knowledge of Him" (Ephesians 4:13)
And what’s our part?
Remembering that "how we live our lives"… is a reflection on Him.
No man wants his future wife running around writing bad checks… engaging in lewd conversation…
partying and getting drunk in public… or flirting with other men.
I remember when I first met my wife… she had all of my attention and I hers.
We were sold out to each other trying to fulfill and please each other as we got to know each other better.
In other words your betrothal to Christ… demands that you no longer live for yourself… but for Him!
In (1st Corinthians 6:19-20) Paul tells us that “we are not our own…but we belong to God”.
"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own… you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your bodies".
If Jesus is your Saviour and your redeemer… then he is also your Master and your Lord.
And if you consider yourself to be a Christian, a believer in Christ and a child of God… then you are part of His Bride, and that means that we need to be preparing for that day when the Father in Heaven tells His son Jesus… “Go get your bride”.
So I ask you this morning… are you prepared?
Are you preparing and making yourself ready for his coming?
Good Day!
I remember when I first met my wife… she had all of my attention and I hers.
We were sold out to each other trying to fulfill and please each other as we got to know each other better.
In other words your betrothal to Christ… demands that you no longer live for yourself… but for Him!
In (1st Corinthians 6:19-20) Paul tells us that “we are not our own…but we belong to God”.
"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own… you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your bodies".
If Jesus is your Saviour and your redeemer… then he is also your Master and your Lord.
And if you consider yourself to be a Christian, a believer in Christ and a child of God… then you are part of His Bride, and that means that we need to be preparing for that day when the Father in Heaven tells His son Jesus… “Go get your bride”.
So I ask you this morning… are you prepared?
Are you preparing and making yourself ready for his coming?
Good Day!
(Colossians 1:13-14) “For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins”.
Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this:
The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease.
Great is his faithfulness;
His mercies begin afresh each morning.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;
Therefore, I will hope in him!”
(Lamentations 3:21–24)
What is God’s agenda for us?
What does He want for us this afternoon, tomorrow morning, or next week?
Well, His plans for us are clearly set forth.
He wrote them originally for Israel, but they apply to us as well today.
(Jeremiah 29:11–12) “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope".
Isn’t that wonderful? “I have plans for you” God says… “and they are great plans.
Plans for your welfare and not for your calamity.
Plans to give you a future and a hope!
It is God’s agenda that His people you and I... never lose hope.
Each new dawn it’s as if He smiles from heaven, saying, “Hope again…hope again!”
Right now you may be waiting for something from the Lord.
As a matter of fact, most people I meet are in some sort of holding pattern… even those whom seem to be well off and with out any apparent issues in their life.
But they… you… myself… we all have something on the horizon that they… you… we... are trusting God for.
I know I certainly do! And its there that hope is not misplaced.
God is good to those who wait for Him.
He is good to those who seek Him.
We have nothing to fear… and we certainly have no reason for living each day crushed by guilt or shame or hopelessness.
That why the scripture tells us… “Hope thou in God” (Psalm 42:11)
Contrary to popular opinion, God doesn’t sit in heaven with His jaws clenched, His arms folded in disapproval, and a deep frown on His brow.
No… He is a loving Father, and we are precious in His sight, “the delight of His heart”.
After all, He “has qualified us to share “in the inheritance of the saints…” (Colossians 1:12)
Think of it! He’s put us in His inheritance!
You and I that believe on the Lord Jesus Christ… in spite of all of our failures… our inconsistency… our stumbling… and yes the doubt we all often struggle with… we have been adopted into the family of God and been given an inheritance!
Remember that the next time you think God is coming down on you... is to hard on you... hasn't moved or responded according to your time table or your agenda...
You have reason to give thanks.
You don’t have to qualify yourself for His kingdom.
His grace has rescued you.
He has already qualified you by accomplishing a great deliverance in your life.
(Colossians 1:13-14) “For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins”.
Good Day!
(Psalm 26:3) “Your loving kindness is before my eyes.”
The story is told of a little boy who was asked, “Do you say your prayers every night?”
He replied “No, some nights I don’t need anything!”
Now we may smile at that innocent answer, but the point is painfully obvious.
If the only time your husband or wife communicated with you was when they were in trouble or had a need they couldn’t meet… how long do you think your relationship would last?
There must be a balance between your “praises and your petitions”.
But perhaps your thinking, “If the Lord is big enough to create and run the universe, I doubt He’s bothered when somebody as insignificant as me fails to say thanks.”
Not so!
When Jesus healed ten lepers and only one returned to give thanks He asked, “Where are the other nine?” (Luke 17:17)
If God dealt with you solely on the basis of His righteousness and your continual tendency to live un-righteously, and by that I mean we are all prone to sin and unfortunately we all do… you’d be sunk!
But thank fully… “He does not treat us as our sins deserve”.
(Psalm 103:10-12) “He does not treat us as our sins deserve, or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us”.
He says, “I have loved you…with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself” (Jeremiah 31:3)
Realizing this the Psalmist wrote, “Because Your loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You… thus I will bless You… “while I live”! (Psalm 63:3-4).
Again he wrote, “I will praise Your name for Your loving kindness and Your truth … in the day when I cried out, You answered me… and made me bold with strength in my soul” (Psalm 138:2-3)
I recall a tongue in cheek quote that I heard some time ago that says “God doesn’t mind getting invoiced… as long as He gets thanked!”
So today… take a moment and recall God’s loving kindness to you.
Take a moment and join me this morning in reading this great psalm of thanksgiving... and then take some time to bow your head and thank Him for His faithfulness... and His goodness...
(Psalm 103:1-22) “Praise the Lord O my soul… may all my inmost being praise His holy name.
Praise the Lord O my soul… and forget not all His benefits.
Who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases… who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion…
Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagles.
The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.
He made known His ways to Moses, His deeds to the people of Israel.
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.
He will not always accuse… nor will He harbor His anger forever;
He does not treat us as our sins deserve… or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him.
As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him for He knows how we are formed… He remembers that we are dust.
The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field… the wind blows over it and it is gone… and its place remembers it no more.
But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him… and His righteousness with their children’s children with those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts.
The Lord has established His throne in Heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.
Praise the Lord you His angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey His word.
Praise the Lord all His heavenly hosts, you His servants who do His will.
Praise the Lord all His works everywhere in His dominion.
Praise the Lord O my soul!”
May God continue to bless and keep you, may His grace shine upon you may He keep you from everlasting to everlasting!
Till we meet again.
Good Day!
(2nd Corinthians 7:10) "Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation."
One of the major topics found in scripture and yes… may I dare say a prelude to salvation… is the act of repentance.
It’s a word that is used more than 170 times in the scriptures so I would assume that it is a topic that should be paid attention to.
True repentance is more than just feeling bad about or feeling sorry for your sin!
The word “repent” means to acknowledge your sin, renounce it, turn from it, and thank God daily for His forgiveness… as you try to live your life to a renewed set of values and sense of purpose that reflect in your life style… what He has done for you.
It means doing an about-face turn and heading in the opposite direction.
If you go twenty miles down the road in the wrong direction, it requires doing a U-turn and coming twenty miles back.
At first this can seem discouraging.
But it’s profitable because next time you’ll think twice about where you’re headed.
Repentance sometimes also means making restitution to others.
From the New Testament we read about Zacchaeus whom was a tax collector who got rich by overcharging people.
But after he met Jesus he said… “If I have cheated anyone, I will pay back four times as much” (Luke 19:8).
God is more than willing to forgive us when we come to Him… but He may allow you to experience the painful consequences of your sin… in order to motivate you toward obedience and or develop character and maturity.
(Hebrews 12:11) “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way”
Satan will try to tell you that you are beyond the reach of God’s grace, but you’re not.
The Prodigal Son wasted his inheritance and ended up in a hog pen.
But the day he repented and had a change of mind and direction and decided to go back home… his father ran to meet him and restored him to full son ship in the family.
God will do that for you too. “Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that He may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God… for He will forgive generously” (Isaiah 55:7)
From the book of (Ephesians 2:1-7) Paul writes...“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.
All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts.
Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.
But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
I thank God daily for His salvation so freely given by His grace and that I have received by faith.
But remember… (2nd Corinthians 7:10) "Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation."
Let me ask you do you sorrow over sin… have you ever really repented and turned from your sin/s?
Good day!