LOVE BRINGS LIFE
For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:6-8 New King James Version).
Since I was saved, I have wondered why someone would reject Jesus. Why wouldn’t someone want to feel that intense love, and the freedom that comes with salvation? Why would anyone want to live trapped in darkness, depression, anger, bitterness, jealousy, or emotional pain? It is not that comfortable of a place. I’ve been there, and let me share this with you…I NEVER want to go back. Why wouldn’t people want forgiveness from sin? Not one of us is perfect, even those who think they are. We can’t claim a place in heaven without the redemptive, cleansing of the Blood of Jesus Christ. Being a “good” person doesn’t earn us brownie points with God. We must recognize that Jesus already paid the price for us- born as a man, suffered as a man, beaten, spit upon, humiliated, crucified as a man and He died as a man. But He rose from the dead as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. When we accept this and allow Him space in our heart to reign and rule, we set free and our place in heaven is secured. God’s own word says that He demonstrates His love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Christ shed His blood so that we can live with Him for eternity, who wouldn’t want that? Death without Christ is eternal, final, dark. Death in Christ means life for eternity. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
We must ask ourselves if we are happy, and joyful the way we are. Before answering those questions, we must dig deep in soul searching. There is surface joy and happiness, and then there is heart and soul joy and happiness. Which is it that we have? Surface joy and happiness is we get from our surroundings and possessions, it’s non-fulfilling; this is why we never seem content with what we have. Heart and soul joy and happiness is what comes from knowing that God has got everything worked out, and that we can rest in the fact that He is in control. Which do we do more? Smile, or frown? Laugh or holler?
Do you want to be truly free? Jesus said in John 14:6 that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life and that NO man goes to the Father but by Him. That means that you cannot earn your place in heaven. Jesus is the only way. Jesus also said, “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36). Does this mean that by accepting Jesus into your heart that you will never have problems? No, Jesus never promised that the Christian walk would be easy, but He did promise that He would be with us always, and because He is true to His word, we can lean on Him when the times get tough (Matthew 7:13-14; Deuteronomy 31:8; Philippians 4:13).
Jesus Christ died for you because He loves you. His love is eternal; His mercy is new every morning. He is gracious and forgiving. He will bring light to your darkness, hope to your hopelessness, strength to your weakness; He desires to carry Your burdens, and He wants You to cast your cares upon Him. He doesn’t care if you are rich, or poor, churched or un-churched; He doesn’t mind if you’ve had a rough life, or an easy life. He wants you, all of you: your heart, your soul and your strength. He wants to heal you, to touch you, to hug and kiss you. One thing my aunt has said over the years, and one I finally understood after meeting Jesus myself is that He is always a gentleman. He will never force or coerce you into fellowship with Him; He will never force Himself upon you. He will gently call you, and whisper your name, but it is up to you to respond to that call. If you feel that you have reached a place where you think you cannot return from, Jesus is waiting for you with outstretched arms. If you feel that you have done too much in your life to be worthy of salvation, think again- for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall have eternal life (John 3:16). My friend, Jesus loves you.
Let’s Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your good and perfect gift in Your Son Jesus Christ. Thank You for the salvation and redemption we find in Christ, thank You for Your grace and mercy that comes from knowing Jesus. Thank You for Your love. Thank You Jesus, for calling us friends and sacrificing Yourself so that we may live. We praise and exalt Your Holy name!!! We lift up all those, today, who do not know You, who are suffering and despondent because they’ve not heard of Your love; we lift those up that have rejected Your love and we pray for each soul that remains lost. May Your light and love penetrate the fortresses that surround their hearts. May the scales be removed from their eyes so that they may see You, may the plugs be removed from their ears so that they may hear Your whisper. Use those of us, Lord, that have responded to Your call to speak of Your love to those who have not responded. Guide our words, our footsteps, our paths so that we are living reflections of You, may we never force ourselves upon others with Your gospel, may we not coerce others into knowing You, may we act as You did, in perfect humility and love. We give You all glory and honor for You are worthy. In Your name, Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Today’s Attitude of Worship: Remember to be the mirror of Jesus, powered by the Holy Spirit, around co-workers, lost family, lost friends and those who cross our paths. Pray for an opportunity to share the gospel with someone. We never know who may be listening, watching, studying, or seeking. Be Jesus for someone, and you don’t even have to use words.
Additional Scriptures: refer to passage above.
In Christ’s Service,
Prudence
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