God created us with a free will, and with that we have the freedom to refuse Jesus. This disobedience through our unbelief in Him is an inward attitude which is outwardly expressed when we say no, and turn our backs on Jesus. This rejection of Jesus brings separation from God the Father, and His holy indignation upon us forever.
John 3:16 ” For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
God didn’t put stipulations on who could have this wonderful gift called eternal life. There was no bias, no segregation, no prejudice in His invitation to humanity. Whoever knows and has confidence in His Son Jesus will not die, but have the gift of eternal life. This eternal life is available to anyone, anywhere, at anytime…just by saying “Yes” to Jesus.
Romans 5:8 ” But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners Christ died for us.”
God’s love for us was manifested in the person Jesus. His love was so great for mankind that He sent His Son, who willingly laid His life down for us. We were so far from God, yet He came without objection. Jesus was both sacrifice and the high priest who offered it on our behalf…once,for all.
Romans 6:23 ” For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
The recompense of our violating God’s will is separation from Him. We reap what we sow, and sin leads to death. But God holds out to us this wonderful and so underserved gift of grace which is eternal life through His son Jesus. There is nothing we can do to get this gift…it is freely given to us for the asking.
Romans 3:23 ” There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
We are all in the same leaky boat…there is not one person that has a right standing with God. We have all missed the mark in our relationship with Him. And as a result of this short falling, we have sadly turned our backs on Him and the blessings we could have.
Revelation 3:20 ” Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me.”
The time is now, the Lord is there persistently tapping at the door to your heart. He desires to come in and begin a close relationship with you. Do you hear His still, small voice calling your name…but more importantly, will you respond by opening the door to your heart and allowing Him to come in? The Lord is at all times a gentleman…He will not bash down the door, but rather will wait patiently for you to answer…is today the day you will?
Exodus 33:13 ” If You are pleased with me, teach me Your ways so I may know You and continue to find favor with You.”
If I have found favor in Your eyes Lord, guide me on this path of life…this journey You’ve set before me. Show me how You want me to act and behave in all situations, because I desire Your guidance in my life. Lord, You know me by name, and are constantly showing me Your mercy and kindness …help me to know You better day by day.
Micah 6:8 ” And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
What does the Lord seek from us daily? We are to emulate Him and how He treated those around Him. People’s personalities have not changed since Biblical times… Jesus had irritable, mean, self-centered people around Him constantly…but He chose to do what was right and act in kindness. He encouraged the oppressed, defended the fatherless, and stood up for the widow…how can we but do any less?
Luke 21:3-4 ” I tell you the truth, he said, this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
Jesus watched the wealthy Jews place their gifts in the Temple treasury with much pomp and ceremony. But He was also perceiving where their hearts were in this process… that’s the reason He used the word “gift”- a rather colorless word meaning any gift in general. Their offerings meant nothing to them, there was no sacrifice to it, it was just something they did. On the other hand, He watched intently as the widow came quietly and placed several coins in the treasury. He knew her sacrifice in doing so, He understood entirely what she was giving up in order to make that gift. She was offering everything she had to God…she was offering her life to Him. Would you do the same?
Proverbs 23:18 ” There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.”
To look forward with confident anticipation is the essence of all hope in us. We are ever bolstered by the joyful expectation that hope brings into our lives. As we move into the new year know that the Lord is watching over your future hope, it can never be destroyed by the enemy…your hope can never perish. The Lord knows and is fiercely guarding the desires of your heart. A future hope is forever yours…hold on to it.
Safetypinlove 