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.
Tag: jesus
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.
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?
John 11:25 ” Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.’ “
Lazarus was dead and buried four days when Jesus arrived on the outskirts of Bethany. When Martha heard He was coming, she went out to meet Him. Later, Martha told Mary, and Mary went out to meet Jesus also. Both sisters in their grief could have turned their backs on Jesus for not coming before their brother had died. Both Mary and Martha could have been angry and resentful, and refused to acknowledge Jesus at all… but instead, both ran to Him for comfort even if they couldn’t understand everything that was happening. In times of profound grief when there are so many unanswered questions…don’t turn your back on the Lord, instead, run to Him for comfort.
Hosea 10:12 ” Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until He comes and showers righteousness on you.”
The snow is swirling, the roads barely driveable, it’s Winter here in Idaho. But the dark dreary days are broken up by hope in the form of seed catalogs! These brightly colored montages of flowers and vegetables transport me to Spring in the middle of all this snow. But I’m also realistic enough to know that it may be months before we can even till the garden. As with this scripture, we should do what we can now..it says it is time to seek the Lord until He comes. The time is right, the season is now, to seek Him…ever hopefull of Spring … and Him.
Acts 13: 32-33 ” We tell you the good news: What God promised our fathers He has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus…”
I declare to you the Good News this Christmas morning! The promises of God have come into existence in the form of that tiny baby in the manger. Now take these glad tidings and proclaim the good news of Jesus to others around you today. From our house to yours…have a very Blessed and peaceful Christmas!
Luke 2:8 ” And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.”
Why would God want the angelic messenger to deliver the greatest news ever known to mankind to a group of shepherds? They were simple people, living out in the fields with their animals…caring for, protecting, and tending ill and injured sheep. The Lord could have chosen any other people group to herald this awesome news, but He chose them. Jesus called Himself the good Shepherd, who cared for and protected “His flock”, just like those shepherds that starry night. So, why wouldn’t it be the shepherds that God wanted to tell first? After all, it takes one to know one.
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