Scripture: Mar 13:1-37 And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings [are here]! And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what [shall be] the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled? And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any [man] deceive you: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am [Christ]; and shall deceive many. And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for [such things] must needs be; but the end [shall] not [be] yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these [are] the beginnings of sorrows. But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. And the gospel must first be published among all nations. But when they shall lead [you], and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against [their] parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains: And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter [therein], to take any thing out of his house: And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment. But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter. For [in] those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days. And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here [is] Christ; or, lo, [he is] there; believe [him] not: For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if [it were] possible, even the elect. But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things. But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven. Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, [even] at the doors. Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and [that] hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. [For the Son of man is] as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
Observation: In Mark 13, Luke 21, and Matthew 24 we see three listeners perspective on a very crucial teaching Jesus gave his disciples which we call the olivet discourse. Jesus is answering his disciples question on when the temple in Jerusalem will be destroyed. Jesus answers not only the destruction of the temple, but he also tells them about when he will return again. Jesus tells his disciples that all the earth will see him coming in the clouds of heaven with great power and glory. In this teaching Jesus says that this generation will not pass away before these things happen, but he also says that no one knows the hour that they will occur. It appears that the reference to this generation not passing away is applicable to the destruction of the temple, and that the reference to no one knowing the hour is applicable to the return of Jesus Christ.
Application: Jesus tells us to watch for his return, and to be ready! He also warns us against false teaching and impostors. God loves us, and he wants us to be with him in this perfect place he has created for us. He doesn't want us to miss it. His heart yearns for us, and like the perfect father, he has given us the information we need to be successful.
Prayer: Thank you Jesus that you have prepared a place for us. It will be so wonderful to leave the cares of this world behind, and enjoy eternal bliss with you and with our loved ones. Help us to watch and know the things we need to do in the coming troubles that will proceed your return. Let us keep our eyes fixed on you, the author and finisher of our faith! Amen
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Monday, February 14, 2011
Sunday, January 2, 2011
In what do you trust?
Scripture: Mar 10:24 - 25 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Observation: The Mark 10:25 hyperbole of a rich man and the camel through the needle's eye is often quoted. However, of greater significance is the preceding verse which really gives the hyperbole its context. The point is, that it is virtually impossible for someone who trusts in riches to go to heaven. Trust in the Textus Receptus is the greek word peitho, which implies trust, confidence, or persuasion. There is also a friendship aspect to the word. Our money tends to become our friend, and we tend to put our confidence in it. It will save us from poverty, provide for us, and provide for our family after we are gone ... right?
Application: How many times have we seen what we thought was a sure thing evaporate in front of us. We tend to be pretty sure of ourselves. The whole gambling industry is built around people's confidence in their ability to beat the odds. But the fact is, we can't trust in ourselves. The gambling industry does make a huge profit every year, and droves of people end up in bankruptcy. The only sure place to put your trust, and your money, is in the hands of the all mighty God. He is the only one who is always faithful. He is the only one who loves us without expecting anything in return. He is the only one who knows what is best for us.
Prayer: Thank you Jesus that we can trust in you. Let us put our trust and our confidence solely in you Lord Jesus. Let us seek you first, each day, and place our full love and attention on you. Amen.
Observation: The Mark 10:25 hyperbole of a rich man and the camel through the needle's eye is often quoted. However, of greater significance is the preceding verse which really gives the hyperbole its context. The point is, that it is virtually impossible for someone who trusts in riches to go to heaven. Trust in the Textus Receptus is the greek word peitho, which implies trust, confidence, or persuasion. There is also a friendship aspect to the word. Our money tends to become our friend, and we tend to put our confidence in it. It will save us from poverty, provide for us, and provide for our family after we are gone ... right?
Application: How many times have we seen what we thought was a sure thing evaporate in front of us. We tend to be pretty sure of ourselves. The whole gambling industry is built around people's confidence in their ability to beat the odds. But the fact is, we can't trust in ourselves. The gambling industry does make a huge profit every year, and droves of people end up in bankruptcy. The only sure place to put your trust, and your money, is in the hands of the all mighty God. He is the only one who is always faithful. He is the only one who loves us without expecting anything in return. He is the only one who knows what is best for us.
Prayer: Thank you Jesus that we can trust in you. Let us put our trust and our confidence solely in you Lord Jesus. Let us seek you first, each day, and place our full love and attention on you. Amen.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Prayer and Fasting
Scripture: Mar 9:28-29 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
Observation: Jesus told his disciples that they needed to pray and fast in order to see his power and purpose come to pass in their lives. We know that God told us that he came so that we would be free; and most certainly it was his will that the young man who was demon possessed would be free of that oppression. However, his disciples were not able to cast out the demon. The purpose of prayer and fasting is not to break the demonic oppression, that somehow a session of prolonged spiritual warfare would have set the young man free. We know this because when Jesus set the young man free, he simply commanded the Demon to come out. He did not have a 24 hour prayer and fasting session. Rather, what Jesus demonstrated was prolonged times of prayer and fasting daily. His discipline was to go to a quiet place and have fellowship with the Father in prayer and fasting. Evidently his disciples were not so disciplined. At the garden of Gethsemane on the night of Jesus crucification, recall that his disciples could not pray for even an hour. Jesus however, was very comfortable spending hours in prayer and fasting.
Application: We need to be people of prayer and fasting. How many of us could pray for even an hour? How many of us spend a significant amount of time every day in prayer, worship, fasting, bible reading? How can we expect to see God's power and purpose come to pass in our lives if we don't?
Prayer: Dear Father, Help us to live our lives fully devoted to you. Help us turn our lives up side down and begin to make you first in our lives. Let us be your people, and let us declare that you are our God in word and deed. May our lives be a testimony to your love and grace. May we act like your children, and may we not act like children of this world. In Jesus name, Amen!
Observation: Jesus told his disciples that they needed to pray and fast in order to see his power and purpose come to pass in their lives. We know that God told us that he came so that we would be free; and most certainly it was his will that the young man who was demon possessed would be free of that oppression. However, his disciples were not able to cast out the demon. The purpose of prayer and fasting is not to break the demonic oppression, that somehow a session of prolonged spiritual warfare would have set the young man free. We know this because when Jesus set the young man free, he simply commanded the Demon to come out. He did not have a 24 hour prayer and fasting session. Rather, what Jesus demonstrated was prolonged times of prayer and fasting daily. His discipline was to go to a quiet place and have fellowship with the Father in prayer and fasting. Evidently his disciples were not so disciplined. At the garden of Gethsemane on the night of Jesus crucification, recall that his disciples could not pray for even an hour. Jesus however, was very comfortable spending hours in prayer and fasting.
Application: We need to be people of prayer and fasting. How many of us could pray for even an hour? How many of us spend a significant amount of time every day in prayer, worship, fasting, bible reading? How can we expect to see God's power and purpose come to pass in our lives if we don't?
Prayer: Dear Father, Help us to live our lives fully devoted to you. Help us turn our lives up side down and begin to make you first in our lives. Let us be your people, and let us declare that you are our God in word and deed. May our lives be a testimony to your love and grace. May we act like your children, and may we not act like children of this world. In Jesus name, Amen!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
A sacrificial call to follow Christ
Scripture: Mark 8:34 - 38 And when he had called the people [unto him] with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Observation: This is a hard teaching. As followers of Christ, we are called to lay aside all of our wants and desires and to substitute for them the wants and desires of Christ. And if we chose not to do so, we are denying Jesus who will then deny us and our eternal destiny is put in jeopardy.
Application: This sacrificial call to Christ is not something that is often preached from the mainstream pulpit. It is not a popular gospel. But it is the teaching of Christ, and the truth of God. Have you devoted your life to follow Christ? That is the question to ask ourselves. What does following Christ look like? It is surely more than just acknowledging him and then going our own way. On the other extreme would be selling all that you have and giving it to the poor and going town to town preaching the gospel trusting God for your subsistence. Or can God use you where you are at, if you are fully devoted to him? These are questions that each of us must work out directly with the King of Kings. There is no more question which is more important. We must diligently seek his will for our life, then follow it with all of our heart, soul mind and strength.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, show us your will for our lives today. Help us to spend each day in full devotion to you. We love you, and desire nothing else than to serve you.
Observation: This is a hard teaching. As followers of Christ, we are called to lay aside all of our wants and desires and to substitute for them the wants and desires of Christ. And if we chose not to do so, we are denying Jesus who will then deny us and our eternal destiny is put in jeopardy.
Application: This sacrificial call to Christ is not something that is often preached from the mainstream pulpit. It is not a popular gospel. But it is the teaching of Christ, and the truth of God. Have you devoted your life to follow Christ? That is the question to ask ourselves. What does following Christ look like? It is surely more than just acknowledging him and then going our own way. On the other extreme would be selling all that you have and giving it to the poor and going town to town preaching the gospel trusting God for your subsistence. Or can God use you where you are at, if you are fully devoted to him? These are questions that each of us must work out directly with the King of Kings. There is no more question which is more important. We must diligently seek his will for our life, then follow it with all of our heart, soul mind and strength.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, show us your will for our lives today. Help us to spend each day in full devotion to you. We love you, and desire nothing else than to serve you.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Salty
Scripture: Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth but if the salt have lost his savour wherewith - shall it be salted it is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out and to be trodden under foot of men
Observation - In Leviticus 2:13 God said that every offering should have salt in it. In Mark 9:49-50, Jesus said that we need to have "salt in ourselves". Salt is a necessary mineral, without it we die. Too much of it and we also die. Salt was the primary means of preservation of food up until modern times. Salt was also used for purification and healing because no germs can live in it. So what did Jesus mean when he said " You are the salt of the earth"?
Application: We are supposed to be salty. We are supposed to be cleansing. We are supposed to be pure. We are supposed to be peaceful. We are supposed to be have zeal. We are supposed to do all these things in the earth. If we don't, we are not serving our purpose here.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, fill me with your spirit. Help me to be what you have called me to be. Help me to be God on earth. Help me to be a beacon of peace, power, and self control. Give me your peace, give me your power, give me your love. Wash me and I will be clean.
Observation - In Leviticus 2:13 God said that every offering should have salt in it. In Mark 9:49-50, Jesus said that we need to have "salt in ourselves". Salt is a necessary mineral, without it we die. Too much of it and we also die. Salt was the primary means of preservation of food up until modern times. Salt was also used for purification and healing because no germs can live in it. So what did Jesus mean when he said " You are the salt of the earth"?
Application: We are supposed to be salty. We are supposed to be cleansing. We are supposed to be pure. We are supposed to be peaceful. We are supposed to be have zeal. We are supposed to do all these things in the earth. If we don't, we are not serving our purpose here.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, fill me with your spirit. Help me to be what you have called me to be. Help me to be God on earth. Help me to be a beacon of peace, power, and self control. Give me your peace, give me your power, give me your love. Wash me and I will be clean.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Baptized by the Holy Spirit
Scripture- Matthew 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
Observation - Much has been written about this passage over the centuries. In fact, the day I read this scripture in my daily bible reading, it was the subject of both of the radio programs I listened to that day while driving in to work! Our God is the author if coincidence. The bible teaches us that baptism is symbolic of the death of our selves, and the rebirth of our new selves. Our old selves are selfish, and sinful. Our new selves are spiritual and filled with the very spirit of God himself. Today when we think of something being symbolic, it has a connotation of being not real. That is not the original meaning of the word, and not the correct meaning when referring to things such as baptism being symbolic. Merriam-Webster defines symbol as "a visible sign of something invisible". For example, the stop sign is the symbol of the traffic law that says we need to stop. If there were not traffic law, the red octagon would mean nothing to most of us. However, if there were a traffic law but no red octagon at the intersection we would not stop! In some sense, the symbol is more real than the invisible thing it represents. So it is with Baptism, although it is symbolic... it is very real. A divine transaction takes place when with a pure heart we follow Christ's command and example of repentance, baptism and infilling of the Holy Spirit of God almighty.
Application: The Bible says we must be born again. Life without Jesus is no life at all. Don't wait another day to devote your self to your God, and follow his command to be baptized in the Holy Spirit.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, show us the way we should go. Help us to follow you with all of our mind, all of our heart, and all of our soul. Give us this day. We commit ourselves to you, to love you and serve you all of the days of our life.
Observation - Much has been written about this passage over the centuries. In fact, the day I read this scripture in my daily bible reading, it was the subject of both of the radio programs I listened to that day while driving in to work! Our God is the author if coincidence. The bible teaches us that baptism is symbolic of the death of our selves, and the rebirth of our new selves. Our old selves are selfish, and sinful. Our new selves are spiritual and filled with the very spirit of God himself. Today when we think of something being symbolic, it has a connotation of being not real. That is not the original meaning of the word, and not the correct meaning when referring to things such as baptism being symbolic. Merriam-Webster defines symbol as "a visible sign of something invisible". For example, the stop sign is the symbol of the traffic law that says we need to stop. If there were not traffic law, the red octagon would mean nothing to most of us. However, if there were a traffic law but no red octagon at the intersection we would not stop! In some sense, the symbol is more real than the invisible thing it represents. So it is with Baptism, although it is symbolic... it is very real. A divine transaction takes place when with a pure heart we follow Christ's command and example of repentance, baptism and infilling of the Holy Spirit of God almighty.
Application: The Bible says we must be born again. Life without Jesus is no life at all. Don't wait another day to devote your self to your God, and follow his command to be baptized in the Holy Spirit.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, show us the way we should go. Help us to follow you with all of our mind, all of our heart, and all of our soul. Give us this day. We commit ourselves to you, to love you and serve you all of the days of our life.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Bless our Land
Scripture: Deu 26:15 Look down from thy holy habitation, from heaven, and bless thy people Israel, and the land which thou hast given us, as thou swarest unto our fathers, a land that floweth with milk and honey. Deu 26:16 This day the LORD thy God hath commanded thee to do these statutes and judgments: thou shalt therefore keep and do them with all thine heart, and with all thy soul. Deu 26:17 Thou hast avouched the LORD this day to be thy God, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and to hearken unto his voice: Deu 26:18 And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that [thou] shouldest keep all his commandments; Deu 26:19 And to make thee high above all nations which he hath made, in praise, and in name, and in honour; and that thou mayest be an holy people unto the LORD thy God, as he hath spoken.
Observation: God wants to bless us; he wants to set us apart and call us his people. He wants to do that individually, as families, as communities, and as nations.
Application: As we listen to the voice of God, and do what we believe he wants us to do, we move into a place of blessing. As we give him the honor and praise, we ourselves will be moved into places of honor. This has been so since the beginning of time, and will be so until the end of time. It is a timeless truth.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, We love you Lord. I pray that your name would be exalted here on earth, as it is in heaven. Help us to hear your voice, and do your will. Bless us in deed. Bless us with your love, your patience, your mercy, you tenderness. Help us to be beautiful as you are beautiful.
Observation: God wants to bless us; he wants to set us apart and call us his people. He wants to do that individually, as families, as communities, and as nations.
Application: As we listen to the voice of God, and do what we believe he wants us to do, we move into a place of blessing. As we give him the honor and praise, we ourselves will be moved into places of honor. This has been so since the beginning of time, and will be so until the end of time. It is a timeless truth.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, We love you Lord. I pray that your name would be exalted here on earth, as it is in heaven. Help us to hear your voice, and do your will. Bless us in deed. Bless us with your love, your patience, your mercy, you tenderness. Help us to be beautiful as you are beautiful.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
The Word of Life
Scripture:John 1:1-4 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
Observation: This is probably the most important scripture in the Bible. Many cults have gone astray because of the lack of this most important knowledge. The Word is Jesus. Jesus has always been, and he is God. Jesus spoke all things into existence, as we see in Genesis Chapter 1. He made everything, all matter, and he made time itself. Jesus is Life, he is the very essence of Life. It is Jesus that makes us different from a rock, a chair, or any other inanimate object. Jesus is our light, and it is his presence in us that makes us alive.
Application: Understanding this basic truth should change our lives. We should realize that we are not an accident, and that the one who created the universe lives in us. When you understand this, how should you then live? You must live for your creator. He has preserved his Word, the Bible, as our guidebook, and he wants to be intimate with us. When we worship him, when we pray to him, when we meditate on him, we learn to know him. It is like realizing you had an adopted father, then getting to know that adopted father and developing a relationship with him where he can mentor and guide you.
Prayer: Thank You Jesus that you are life. Thank you that you live in us. Help us to live for the one who created us, and help us to give you the honor you deserve. Let each day of our lives be lived fully for you.
Observation: This is probably the most important scripture in the Bible. Many cults have gone astray because of the lack of this most important knowledge. The Word is Jesus. Jesus has always been, and he is God. Jesus spoke all things into existence, as we see in Genesis Chapter 1. He made everything, all matter, and he made time itself. Jesus is Life, he is the very essence of Life. It is Jesus that makes us different from a rock, a chair, or any other inanimate object. Jesus is our light, and it is his presence in us that makes us alive.
Application: Understanding this basic truth should change our lives. We should realize that we are not an accident, and that the one who created the universe lives in us. When you understand this, how should you then live? You must live for your creator. He has preserved his Word, the Bible, as our guidebook, and he wants to be intimate with us. When we worship him, when we pray to him, when we meditate on him, we learn to know him. It is like realizing you had an adopted father, then getting to know that adopted father and developing a relationship with him where he can mentor and guide you.
Prayer: Thank You Jesus that you are life. Thank you that you live in us. Help us to live for the one who created us, and help us to give you the honor you deserve. Let each day of our lives be lived fully for you.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
The Power of a Blessing
Scripture: Num 6:23-27 Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.
Observation: There is tremendous power in a blessing, especially when it comes from someone in the office of the priest. As followers of Jesus Christ, we have the office of Priest by being grafted into Jesus Christ when we dedicate our lives to serving him. We are adopted priests if you would (smile)! When we speak a blessing over someone, things are established in the supernatural which will affect the natural (although the supernatural is more real than the natural).
Application: We need to serve our Lord, daily. We need to speak his blessing over those whom the Holy Spirit prompts us to.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, I love you. I pray that this day I may serve you will all that I have. I pray that your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven, this day, through me. Open my heart, Open the eyes of my understanding so that I can see things they way you do. Lead me and guide me. Help me to let your words be my words. Help be to speak your blessing over those who need your protection and guidance. Thank You Lord for your love and your provision over our lives.
Observation: There is tremendous power in a blessing, especially when it comes from someone in the office of the priest. As followers of Jesus Christ, we have the office of Priest by being grafted into Jesus Christ when we dedicate our lives to serving him. We are adopted priests if you would (smile)! When we speak a blessing over someone, things are established in the supernatural which will affect the natural (although the supernatural is more real than the natural).
Application: We need to serve our Lord, daily. We need to speak his blessing over those whom the Holy Spirit prompts us to.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, I love you. I pray that this day I may serve you will all that I have. I pray that your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven, this day, through me. Open my heart, Open the eyes of my understanding so that I can see things they way you do. Lead me and guide me. Help me to let your words be my words. Help be to speak your blessing over those who need your protection and guidance. Thank You Lord for your love and your provision over our lives.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Bruised
Scripture: Lev 24:20 Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him [again].
Observation: Can you imagine being called into court, and being beaten for your punishment? Before the age of prisons, which are quite recent in our history, that was the means of justice.
Application: The Bible says we are all sinners, no one much argues with that. We are all guilty, and we all deserve to be called into court and beaten for our wrong doings. And the reality is that according the the law in Leviticus 24, we all deserve death. The Bible says that Jesus took our punishment upon himself so that we would not deserve punishment. He took our bruises, he took our disgrace, he took our death. How could he do that? He is God, he can do all things, and he did. But we have to accept his gift. If we refuse his gift, then we will have to give account for our own wrongdoings.
Prayer: Dear Jesus. Thank you for loving me so much that you took my punishment, when you didn't deserve it. Forgive me of all of the wrong things I have done. Fill me with your love and your spirit of peace. I dedicate my life to serving you, this day, and all the days of my life.
Observation: Can you imagine being called into court, and being beaten for your punishment? Before the age of prisons, which are quite recent in our history, that was the means of justice.
Application: The Bible says we are all sinners, no one much argues with that. We are all guilty, and we all deserve to be called into court and beaten for our wrong doings. And the reality is that according the the law in Leviticus 24, we all deserve death. The Bible says that Jesus took our punishment upon himself so that we would not deserve punishment. He took our bruises, he took our disgrace, he took our death. How could he do that? He is God, he can do all things, and he did. But we have to accept his gift. If we refuse his gift, then we will have to give account for our own wrongdoings.
Prayer: Dear Jesus. Thank you for loving me so much that you took my punishment, when you didn't deserve it. Forgive me of all of the wrong things I have done. Fill me with your love and your spirit of peace. I dedicate my life to serving you, this day, and all the days of my life.
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