“…he will quiet you by his love.” Zephaniah 3:17
Everyone likes to be treated in a kind and tender manner, and there is no one who doesn't want to be at peace. God knows this about us and knows just how to accomplish this in us. His love sets our soul at peace. When we are worried or anxious, God's love quiets us as we draw near to Him. As His children, He loves us, and never takes His eye off of us. In fact, when we are quiet, His love is often the culprit! Spend time with God by reading His Word, and you will find out just how much He loves you. The product of that time with Him will be a quiet, peaceful life. How does the peace of God change the way you see difficult times in your life?
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“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.” Isaiah 55:1
Have you ever been in a grocery store and witnessed a little child buying a treat for himself or herself? With all his or her innocence, the child will take a tiny handful of change and purchase that piece of candy or treat. He or she experiences so much joy in just being able to buy his or her own little treat, and this even though he or she hasn't earned any of the money used to purchase the treat! In our relationship with the Lord, the reality is that we also bring nothing to the table. Whereas the child in the grocery store may have a pocketful of pennies, we have a spiritual pocketful of lint! We have " no money" in God's kingdom, yet the Word of God in Isaiah is inviting us to come and buy the free gift of God's love, mercy and grace, and be satisfied! We must take advantage of this free life we have in Christ! Are you taking full advantage of your life in Christ? "Come, buy and eat!" “If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons and daughters.” Hebrews 12:8
A father would never discipline other people's disobedient children. But a father does discipline his own children because he loves them and wants them to grow up to be healthy, successful, and to respect proper authority. Discipline, in fact, is a sign of genuine sonship. As Christ followers, we are all His children. And part of being His child is experiencing the evidence of His love for us, through discipline. How does this understanding of discipline affect the way you view God's discipline in your life? “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away [from God], have been brought near through the blood of Christ…For through him we have access to the Father by the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:13, 18
Today, we let so many barriers divide us as a people: race, age, gender, political and religious beliefs, intelligence levels, economic status, and even the way people look and dress. Christ has removed all these barriers! In love and obedience to the Father, Christ shed His blood on the cross for our every sin, and through him, we all have equal access to the Father. The barrier of sin has been removed in Christ. And because of His sacrifice, we are being built into a holy temple with Jesus as the cornerstone. Nothing in this life can keep you away from the love of our Holy God! When was the last time you thanked God for the access you have to Him because of Jesus? “But God, being rich in mercy, because of his great love, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our sin – for it is by grace you have been saved.” Ephesians 2:4-5
"But" may well be one of the best words in the New Testament. It warns the reader that whatever is written before it and after it is in contrast or opposition to one other. In this verse, Paul exclaims that even though we were dead in our sin, God made us alive. We didn't come to life by ourselves. He made us alive by literally giving life to us. Why? Because His mercy (which means not getting what is deserved) is rich, and His love (which is overflowing, intentional, and willful) is great. Thank God right now for His mercy and His love. Before meeting Jesus, what are some things you deserved? After meeting Jesus, what have you received in Him? |
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June 2018
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