“I will discipline you, but only with justice” (Jeremiah 30:11). What a wonderful promise God gives to His people! Israel and Judah have long been divided, each having fallen into the evil ways of the nations around them, worshiping idols and even sacrificing their children in acts of worship. In spite of their faithlessness God is going to restore them both, bringing them back to the land given to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. “The days are coming” (Jeremiah 30:3).
“These are the words the Lord has spoken concerning Israel and Judah” (30:4). “Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you” (30:2). So here we are, reading the Words of the Lord written thousands of years ago, yet coming true in my life-time. In 1948 Israel became a nation. ”I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants out of the land of their exile” (30:10). “I am with you and will save you” (30:11). Jews from all over the globe poured back into Israel! God’s Word is True.
Jeremiah goes on to record details of how God will restore the fortunes of His people, first healing their wounds, wounds of body, soul and spirit. “I will add to their numbers……I will bring them honour”. There will be sounds of rejoicing and singing (30:19).
In once again becoming their God, the Israelites will be protected. In fact, God will punish all who oppress them. Chapter 31 goes on to list the blessings which come. Repeatedly the Lord declares “I will be their God” (30:22, 31:1) Why? The sin which separated them was when they worshiped other gods. But their God is faithful!
Reflection:
Isn’t it precious to know that the God we are in relationship with is so faithful?! In a day and age when everything seems uncertain, where faithfulness is the exception to the rule, what comfort, what confidence we have in our God! He may need to discipline His children (us) but in the end His love remains constant. “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. I will build you up again!” (31:3-4a). This is the believer’s hope!
One of my favourite Psalms from my youth has been a Psalm of ascents, Psalm 121. Several Psalms, writers unknown, form a hymn book for pilgrims who were journeying to annual feasts in Jerusalem. Singing helped to pass the time on a trip which was often long and arduous. Interestingly Psalm 120 expresses the heart’s cry for deliverance, counting on God’s faithfulness (Psalm 120:1).
As we look at the next song, the tone changes. In lifting his eyes to the hills, we might wonder what the writer sees? Whatever it is inspires him with hope, founded on the Lord. “Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord!” (121:1-2a).
A new reader might ask who is the Lord and how can He be trusted? The Psalmist clarifies a fundamental truth. God never sleeps. Wow! On a weary morning after a sleepless night, we might marvel at this attribute which means God is constantly on the alert. “He who watches over you….” Recall the prayer you might have prayed as a little child? “Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep”? Whispered by infant lips, the reality of God’s care somehow set the stage, for me at least, to rest knowing someone was watching over me.
“He who watches over you…” again reminds me of times when an anxious mother watched over the crib of a sick child, believing that God was in the room watching also, with a power far beyond mine! His watch-care is born of love, a love that sometimes is rather hard to understand. His love watches over the man sleeping in a bedroll on the street. God never slumbers….meaning He doesn’t even sleep lightly or doze. (Psalm 121:4).
Now of course we know that bad things happen to good people, yet the promise in this Psalm is for everyone because God loves everyone (John 3:16). In fact, the Apostle Peter records, from his own experience, the reality of God’s love for all. “He is not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Sometimes we fear that God has forgotten His promise, but that verse assures us He has not, but rather is exercising His patience so that more folks could make the decision to repent, and to ask God to take charge of their chaotic lives.
To know God is watching brings peace and joy when we are willing to walk in His ways, but there may be an element of fear if we determine to disregard God’s standards for righteous living.
Reflection:
When you think of it, why would the Creator of the universe, the One who sustains everything by the breath of His mouth (Hebrews 1:3), be concerned for each individual person enough to perpetually watch over their lives? (121:7). For those who struggle with issues of security, safety and self-esteem, perhaps there is something here in the Word of God that is reassuring. Many of us have been disappointed by human relationships, but here is relationship offered with Divine power and love. “The Lord watches”! Praise God!
As we enter into another year often people set goals for themselves, wonderful determinations which may last through the month of January, and some a little bit longer. What causes us to do this? Perhaps we have assessed the year which has just passed. We see where we need to change. This year is going to be a better year because I am going to be a better person.
We have just celebrated Christmas. Did Santa Claus inspire you to make changes for a better year? Usually children think about being naughty or good closer to the 25th of December. Maybe we should ask: How did the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ impact your resolutions for another year and why?
The Bible tells us that God, motivated by love, sent His Son into this world because mankind was hopelessly floundering against the pull of temptation. Sin abounded in that last century BC. Sin abounds today. It is appalling to hear the news – abuses of every kind in private lives or public, rock our world and we wonder how it could get any worse. Certainly we need to make some changes, but how, what and where?
Maybe we should look at the baby in the manger…that gift of eternal love. Shakespeare said something interesting about love: “My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep. The more I give to thee, The more I have, for both are infinite”. Was this true? Examine your own heart and possibly you will find the truth about love. How often is our love motivated by self-interest? What will I get out of this relationship? When God sent His Son, He was a gift inspired by real love!
That helpless baby in Mary’s arms was fully God and fully man, perfect and pure. He lived, we read, with the sole purpose of dying for sin – yours and mine. Why? Scripture tells us that God was motivated by love, to offer a priceless gift to mankind….the forgiveness of the sins they were helpless to avoid.
From the beginning to the end of God’s Word we read He is faithful in love, abounding in love, maintaining love throughout generations. In fact we know that Jesus came to give us eternal life – which in essence is eternal love!
Such love empowers us to love one another as Jesus loves His disciples. It even enables us to love our enemies. He inspires truth and reconciliation among warring peoples and makes His love known across the globe, by acts of heroism and forgiveness. Would it be correct to say God’s love is inspirational?
Reflection:
I am well aware of my propensity to dislike, to judge, to be impatient, to suspect others of loveless behaviour, but as I examine my own heart I must always marvel at the comparison with my Saviour’s love! Another reason to marvel at God’s love is that He implants the Holy Spirit in the heart of each believer to give to you and to me God’s vision of a world, helpless in its need of true love. Surely this inspires the way we live for Jesus our Lord.
Today it is common to look for strength in numbers. Whether it is a wild crowd protesting, or the number of children at a Sunday School picnic, we often place a value on numbers. Actually this is anti-Biblical. Over and over again God points out, in His Word, that one person is important to Him. After all, hosts of angels celebrate the conversion of just one soul (Luke 15:10)….and most of us are familiar with the account Jesus gave of the shepherd leaving 99 safe sheep to search for one that was lost (Luke 15:4).
Our scripture today tells a story we often use in Sunday School to impress children with the amazing courage of David when he faced the giant Goliath. Certainly David becomes a Biblical hero on more than one occasion, but we must never forget he also had a weak side. The Psalms show us how he frequently had to seek the Lord’s forgiveness. Why then is the story of David and Goliath included in the cannon of scripture?
There are many lessons we can learn. What governed David’s heart and mind? His God is the God of the impossible. Mankind often is governed by fear. Power is thought to belong to armies with the greatest number, or the biggest men…and so forth. David did not rely on his own ingenuity when facing Goliath. He trusted his God.
Re-reading this old familiar story I realized that God chose to use one man with one sling and one stone…only one!
This challenged my heart. If I turn my life over to God’s control He will use one elderly lady to accomplish His purposes. Since He is the God of all power He could have used anyone, but God chose a young man, inexperienced in warfare, or so it would seem. What does God see that He can use, when He looks at you and me?
Quietly behind the scenes God had been preparing David for this moment in time. As he strummed his harp on the hillsides of Judea, singing praises to Almighty God, he had no idea that his poetry would live down through generations of time, reaching you and me today with truths about God and the comfort His presence gives to the lonely or forsaken. You see – David’s family didn’t think much of this young lad. He was given the job of looking after their sheep while his older brothers went off to war. The family didn’t know that meeting the terrors of wild animals, lions and bears who were after his sheep, would give David opportunity to study God’s strategies for overcoming.
Established in his worship, David’s total confidence was in the God of Israel. This is the secret of his strength and courage. We get a glimpse of his heart as he proclaimed the name of “the living God” (1 Samuel 17:26, 36). The God of Israel was not an idol made by human hands out of stone, but He is the God of miracles, alive to any dangers His people may face! David’s brothers mocked him (17:28) but David went on to encourage King Saul to believe in the power of God (17:32, 36). Furthermore David announced to Goliath himself “I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel” (17:45). He warned his enemy that “the whole world will know there is a God in Israel” (17:46)
The armies of both Israel and the Philistines stood mesmerized by the audacity of this young man! They learned that he spoke truth, as he faced Goliath. Warning him that he would cut off his head almost seemed like a joke, yet his threat was not against Goliath alone; he also cried out ”Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth” (17:46). After 40 days of taunting the Israelite army, did one young man really think he could route the armies of the Philistines?
Yet – it came to pass. God used one young man who threw off the heavy protective gear loaned to him by King Saul (17:38-39). He used the tools he was familiar with, facing the hatred and ridicule of the giant before him (17:40, 42-44). Can’t you imagine how we might tremble in such a situation? But David triumphed (17:50)!
Reflection:
Reading David’s story just thrilled my heart as I was reminded of the greatness of our glorious God! It challenged me to search my heart, to see if my view of God was as pure and true, as David’s. I am only one person, but according to the history of God’s purpose and power, I know He can still use me. He is not relying on numbers, but rather God is looking for a committed heart. As I enter into a new year am I willing to give Him my all?
Let us establish one fact to begin with. The Apostle John reassures us: “God is love….we love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:16, 19). God is the source of all true love. He goes on to say “If anyone says ‘I love God’ yet hates his brother, he is a liar” (:20). The rationale is that it is impossible to love someone you can’t see if one hasn’t been able to love the persons we do see – our brothers and sisters, and our neighbour.
The Holy Spirit living in each believer’s heart, grows fruit in us. Most of us are familiar with the verse that begins “The fruit of the Spirit is love……” (Galatians 5:22). Why does God mention love first? Is it because without love, all the other segments of fruit growing in our lives, would shrivel, distort? Love is foundational because “God is love”. Isn’t this why Jesus called each believer to “love God and love your neighbour”, naming these as the two greatest commandments? (Matthew 22:37-39).
Jesus left His disciples with a “new” commandment: “Love one another” (John 13:34). Why was this so different? The last 6 of the Ten Commandments required behaviour that was loving towards all others. ”Honour your father and mother, do not murder, do not commit adultery, don’t steal, do not bear false witness against your neighbour, do not covet your neighbour’s possessions” Exodus 20:12-17). Love requires self-restraint, which takes us back to the verses in Galatians. The only way we will know God is working in our lives is to see the changes that are being made by the Holy Spirit, one of which is ”self control” (Galatians 5:23) Wow!
When love is growing in our hearts we will be careful not to hurt someone else. Our bodies and even our tongues will be restrained. The tongue can wound another’s heart. James describes it like this: “The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person” (James 3:6). However, James has also written words of great hope “If you really keep the royal law, found in scripture: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’ you are doing right” (James 2:8).
Some years ago a child-rearing philosophy became popular. Use “tough love” the experts said. It wasn’t noted then but it stands to reason that the discipline required to correct another, begins with me. Therefore I must examine my own heart and life to see if I require more of someone else than I do of myself. This is why Jesus came…to show us the Father’s love! It is sacrificial. But – it is also demanding. Jesus’ death wasn’t easy – it cost Him everything! It was absolutely necessary for anyone to have a relationship with His Father. How far are we, His disciples, willing to go to put that into practise?
There is a danger that we offer a gospel of quick fix, with a love that is really meaningless. When we glimpse the agony of our Saviour on the cross our hearts are overwhelmed by His love. Then came the glory of His resurrection! Unthinkable! It is the fruit of His passionate love! The greatest of all possible hope!! Because He toughed it out to prove His love is genuine, we are offered the gift of faith.
Reflection:
Is it possible for us to receive this kind of love from the Lord Jesus Himself? Would we be strong enough to withdraw from a relationship that is inappropriate, not from lack of love, but because our love has become pure?
The Holy Spirit is pleading with each soul who hears the gospel. His love offers us the opportunity to share with others what it means to be free from the guilt with which so many live. We cannot possibly earn our salvation. We can’t even clean up our act in order to be acceptable to God. The miracle of His love is that He reaches down to lift us out of the pit and set our feet upon a rock (Psalm 40:2). This is tough love. All glory to God!
David begins this song with words of reassurance. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will rest in the shadow of the Almighty” (:1). In a world torn by violence and anger, war and so many abuses, rest sounds wonderful. Our anxious hearts ache as we see the chaos around the globe. What would peace of mind feel like? How welcome to be free from fear!
Do we know the One who promises to “cover you with His feathers” where under His wings we will find refuge? Can we trust the promise of God that “His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart?” (:4) A rampart is a length of bank or wall forming part of the defensive boundary of a castle, hillfort, settlement or other fortified site. God will protect His own. Isn’t it interesting that He promises the strength of feathers as our protection! However, David’s experience taught him to trust in the Lord whom he called “my refuge and my fortress“ (:2).
Notice this promise is conditioned on one thing. “If” – that tiny word with so much meaning! “If you make the Most High your dwelling….” (:9). Dwelling is another word for home, the place where one lives. In our homes we want to feel a sense of security and safety. When a young couple sets up their first home it is with dreams that the atmosphere will be full of love. God’s love removes any terrors those who dwell in His shadow might feel, night or day (:5-7). Love goes both ways. “Because he/she loves me” the Lord said “I will rescue him/her”. In fact, if we acknowledge His name, God will protect us and will answer our prayers” (:14-15).
Who wouldn’t choose to dwell with God when we read the list of His blessings? He will honour His children with long life. He will deliver us from all sorts of things (:5, 6, 10, 13), and as Jesus prayed, extends His promise to “deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13). God’s people will be satisfied (:16). In our world today there is so much striving for bigger and better things. The attitude that allows us to have satisfaction in the moment is pushed aside, when we feel driven to compete in the workplace. Paul knew “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11). And God blesses His own, those dwelling in safety, with a visual hope of His salvation (:16).
This Psalm of praise thanks God for His judgment on the wicked (:4-9) and His blessings on the righteous (:10-15). In between, we read “For He will command His angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways”. Angels are “ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14). Throughout scripture we read about the service angels render to God, as they took messages to various people, Mary and Joseph perhaps being the best known example (Luke 1:26-36, Matthew 1:20-21). We must remember how they were warned by the angel of the Lord to flee from Herod into Egypt, with the Baby Jesus (Matthew 2:13).
Reflection:
This beautiful Psalm shows us the character of God, who longs to protect us and to bless us with His love. He generously supplies His own agents, angels, to keep our feet from slipping into sin (:12). We know from New Testament scriptures that God has also given us His Holy Spirit to grow us in His likeness (Galatians 5:22-23) and to make us agents of His peace in a world that is weary with care (Titus 3:2).
We know that encouragement is a Biblical principle. Remarkable isn’t it, to consider that God not only lays down principles by which to live, but also provides all that we need in order to abide by them. Encouragement is listed among the gifts given to believers by the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:8). Perhaps knowing we need the Holy Spirit in order to exercise this gift, will prompt us to lean more on God, in order to meet the needs of others.
Encouragement is regarded throughout both Testaments as necessary to spiritual development. “We sent Timothy who is our brother and God’s fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith” (1 Thessalonians 3:2). In the Old Testament we read – “Stop doing wrong; learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed” (Isaiah 1:17) How often it is easy to overlook those who are quiet and shy. Paul recommends, among other things, that we not forget to strengthen the timid (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Encouragement, like many other Christian virtues needs renewing day by day “Encourage one another daily….so that none of you may be hardened by sins deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:13). It is needed by leaders. In training Joshua to take his place, the Lord instructed Moses “Encourage him, because he will lead Israel” (Deuteronomy 1:38). It is needed by brothers in the Lord, and was even needed by Jesus Himself (Matthew 26:38). “He [an elder] must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it” (Titus 1:9).
One requires great patience to encourage others. It can be emotionally draining (2 Timothy 4:2). Serving others requires that gift of the Spirit. “Patience” (Galatians 5:22, 2 Timothy 4:2). Also, those who form the support network for aging relatives or grieving friends know how much energy it takes to be a reliable presence in the face of such great need.
Josiah, King of Israel encouraged the priests in their temple duties. How important it is when we see encouragement coming from the top down! Paul found that in exercising praise he encouraged himself. Today he might have written a book on self-help! Barnabas fulfilled the meaning of his name, “Son of Encouragement”, by his ministry to others (Acts 4:36). Endurance and encouragement from the scriptures brought about a spirit of unity in the early Church.
If the truth were known there probably isn’t anyone living who has never needed an encouraging word, a helping hand, a shoulder to cry on. We who have been recipients of such a ministry, understand the magnitude of the miniscule….it is little things that mean so much in times of crisis. Jesus said “Whatever you did for the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me (Matthew 25:40). Therefore all of us can do something to encourage others, if we would only be sensitive to their moments of need.
Reflection:
Remember a time when God used someone to encourage you. How did that feel?
Would you like to have the reputation of making others feel the same?
What is it that prevents you and me from seizing the opportunities that God places before us?
Would you be willing commit to a ministry of encouragement?
In today’s world believers need strength, perhaps more than ever before. I was thrilled by the challenge a pastor gave recently. It actually strengthened me in my resolve to share my Lord Jesus with the world! It was a simple statement really. Speaking about man made in God’s image, he reminded us that “You are important to God”. There it is – the gospel in a nutshell. If we ever needed an introductory statement, doesn’t that say it all?
Here’s the thing – your relationship with God, and mine, is founded upon a love beyond anything we can experience here between friends and family. We all disappoint one another, but God – never! Oh sometimes He has to rebuke us, which He gently does through the indwelling Holy Spirit, but if we are honest, in our heart of hearts we know more than rebuke is deserved. Rebuke is very different from condemnation because it gives us opportunity to repent….and God, Himself, gives us the strength to face the realities of conviction. He longs for fellowship with each of us because we are important to God.
Christianity is based on relationship, for that very reason. It is not just another religious ideology, but it an actual relationship with the one and only personal God, in whose image we are made. The joy this generates, gives us holy boldness to share the good news with others!
So what do we do with this information? How do we live out the gospel? Do we impose rules and regulations on others, standards that seem impossible to meet? Does God do that with us? For example I was brought up to believe that Christians do not smoke, so when I discovered a picture of my great grandfather holding a cigar, I was shocked – disappointed! Why, when I knew he regularly held church in his home during his 72-year marriage to my great grandma, would I allow something like that to colour my esteem of this dear grandpa? How quick we are to judge based on human standards!
The Pharisees spent a lot of time condemning folks who didn’t measure up to their ideology. Did they forget that every person, made in the image of God is “important to God”? Certainly they judged folks on outward appearances, something which Jesus Christ frequently challenged. In our scripture verse, Isaiah cautioned the Israelites not to be afraid, adding magnificent promises that God Himself is with them, as He is with those who believe and receive Him today. Furthermore “I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). Our strength doesn’t come from how we behave, but derives from His righteousness! Of course how we live reflects on what we say we believe about God. Does our lifestyle bring glory to His holy name?
Reflection:
God inspired Isaiah to record a picture of his own journey with God. “For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me with a robe of righteousness” (Isaiah 61:10). Can you relate to that? Do others understand the joy that being “important to God” brings you?
There seem to be many more questions than answers, on the subject of heaven. Where is it? What will it be like? What will we do there? There are 3 levels of heaven described in scripture – the firmament where the birds fly – what we now refer to as sky. The second is the heavenlies where galaxies go on, into infinitude. And then there is the dwelling place of God where He sits on His throne, a visible presence of the One who until now is the invisible God.
Martyrs and saints who have passed from this life, are with the Father, as is the Son who is seated on a throne at the Father’s right hand. Surrounded by angels, singing praise to the holiness of our triune God, we might envision heaven as just a bright and happy place to be. We are not told a lot in scripture about heaven – just enough to make us curious. We are given some idea of things that will be missing – no more death or crying or pain; no longer will one have to fear evil, nothing impure, no restrictions in a physical, visible temple, no longer any curse, no more night, (21:4, 8, 25, 27, 22; 22:3, 5).
However, the New Jerusalem is described in detail as a city of brilliance and beauty! Coming out of heaven this holy city will be as breath-taking as a bride adorned for her husband (Revelation 21:2). It will be the abode of the saints according to Hebrews 12:22-24 “the church of the first-born whose names are written in heaven.”
There will be work to be done in heaven. “His servants will serve Him” (Revelation 22:3). Where did we ever get the idea that we would be completely idle, sitting on a cloud, strumming a harp? Jokes have been made about this, but the truth is, we will be busy. Having experienced a life-time of challenges as God stretches and teaches us in His service here on earth, one might wonder what sort of service will there be in heaven? Will there be lessons to learn?
Perhaps the greatest joy will be the Father dwelling visibly with men. “They will be His people and God, Himself, will be with them and be their God” (Revelation 21:3). Just imagine! God in visible form – majestic, loving, accessible! What greater prospect could any human being have than to live in the visible presence of Almighty God?
But…. There is often a “but” in life and here it is. Day by day, those of us who know God personally here on earth will continue in His presence, in heaven. However, many have chosen to live in a world of their own making here without God as part of their daily experience. For many this seems to be a hell on earth. Just so – it will continue in the after-life, living in the absence of the glory of our Father. The choice is ours to make now.
When our thoughts accuse us, when circumstances aren’t to our liking, when we are angry and afraid, when we are vulnerable and hurt, or disappointed by others, life can feel very bleak. Even black! Darkness enters the soul. This is certainly not God’s will. Jesus came to bring light (John 1:4). Sometimes our responses to situations make life anything but heavenly. Yet that was God’s intention when He sent Jesus to show us the way to eternal life. “In Him was life and that life was the light of men!”
Reflection:
Why would anyone choose to live in darkness?
Is it really possible to experience “heaven on earth”?
What might that look like?
What do you look forward to most when you get to heaven?
This devotional is a corollary following ‘My Sin Is Ever Before Me’. It’s absolutely necessary for us to understand the glorious freedom we have been given in God’s forgiveness. Think about it. Perhaps you have destroyed someone’s reputation by passing along unnecessary gossip, which in the end proved to be untrue. You feel terrible and apologize. Then, marvellously, your friend forgives you. How do you know you are truly forgiven? They don’t rub your face into the memory of what you said. Fellowship is restored.
Forgiveness uplifts us! That is what brings glory to God. In spite of our wrong-doing, when we confess and turn from our sin, He lifts us up to have communion with Him, because we’ve been cleansed by the precious blood of Jesus! His forgiveness facilitates our moving forward. He even shares His plans with us so that day by day we are able to worship Him, serve Him and revel in the abundant life Jesus promised to God’s children!
The joy of knowing that our lives can please God brings us tremendous hope that today, and in all our future days, we have something special to strive for. In order to do so we must leave the past behind. The Apostle Paul knew all about that. He wrote to the church at Philippi that he found “straining toward what is ahead” took all his energy. It required leaving the past behind. (Philippians 3:13)
You see – Paul had a renewed vision! God was sharing His purposes for ministry that gave impetus to Paul’s plans, his hopes and his work. He was totally committed to doing the will of God. It cost him; he was tested by shipwreck, human violence and rejection, imprisonment and so forth. But it wasn’t only the bad things that imprisoned Paul. His status as a Pharisee, his position in society had also had a negative impact and it was all this which now he told the Philippians, he had to leave behind.
Just imagine saying “I consider everything a loss [good and bad] , compared to the greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things!” (Philippians 3:8). It takes maturity to leave the past behind, while remembering its impact on our lives. Certainly our vulnerability to pride often blasphemes the very sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ, because it brings glory to me and you, rather than glory to Him! We live in ever-present danger because our enemy goes about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour [destroy, separate from our Father, God] (1 Peter 5:8).
Reflection:
The Holy Spirit brings balance to our thinking, as He reminds us of all that Christ taught. We are to love our neighbour as we love ourselves. If we remain in a state of hatred for what we have done it will colour our relationship first of all with God. It means we really haven’t received His forgiveness, but also it makes us suspicious of others. Instead of rejoicing with all that God is doing to bring folks into sweet fellowship with Himself, we lose sight of the glory of God! This is a grave danger. The Bible tells us to rejoice in the Lord always and to think about whatever is true. My prayer is that we will leave the past behind, pressing on toward God’s goal for you and me. There is a prize at the end of the journey. (Philippians 4:4, 8, 14)
Inspiring Joy 