Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!

Today's scriptures are about resting in the salvation of Jesus. Our flesh, and worldly thinking, gets us in a lot of trouble. Just think of the state the world is in today. If you turn on the television you're subjected to all of the things we're warned to avoid in the bible. Fornication and adultery is not only glorified, but in some cases promoted. Drinking and drug abuse is overstated in the music our children listen to, and sin seems like the cool thing to do. Most people seem to have a nonchalant attitude about it. The enemy is controlling our generation and the ones that come after us, and the world is seemingly going to hell. Sin has been in existence sense the beginning of time, but God has His own ways of dealing with things. Through Jesus Christ, we're offered the gift of Salvation, and protection from evil, but it's up to us to accept that gift. Jesus has gone through life in human form, experienced everything we experience, and was able to overcome the world. He did this to better empathize with our struggle. He also came to teach us the ways of the Father, and give us the keys to life. As we look around us, the world is quickly deteriorating before our eyes. Earthquakes of great magnitude, storms, floods, and other natural disasters are on the rise, which gives us proof of our mortality, and confirms that nothing in this earthly life is guaranteed, or predictable. We, as Christians can have peace in knowing that Jesus is here to protect us, and when this life is over, we're going to Heaven, to take our place in the Kingdom of God. It all seems like a fairy tale doesn't it? We have proof through the Holy Bible, as well as through our Holy Spirit. I can only go by what I've experienced, and God has proven Himself real in my life, time and time again. The Holy Spirit is ever present, and speaks He to me nonstop. He leads and guides me, teaching me the ways of Christ. He speaks to God on my behalf, and lifts up my prayers. It's written: Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26) With all of this help through Christ, why is our world in such a horrible state? That's a question we need to ask ourselves. We each have an individual responsibility to live in righteousness, and it's not until we personally learn about Christ, that we'll be able to teach anyone else. Jesus said: And why do you look at the speck [of sawdust] in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. (Matt 7:3-5) The beauty of life is that God created us to fellowship with Him. He understands our learning process, and knows that we're weak in the flesh. He's given His Son to give us strength, and catch us when we fall. He's offered Salvation, because He knows we can’t achieve it on our own. To know that our main objective is to live a life pleasing to God, but understand that it's okay if we fall, is the most liberating piece of knowledge we could ever have. Isn't it wonderful to know that the Almighty and All Powerful God never turns a deaf ear to us, and is quick to forgive? It's written: Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. (Isa. 59:1) When we stop focusing so much on the act of sin, and more on the mercy and love of God, we'll notice that the urge to sin will gradually decrease. As well as, fighting temptations from the enemy will be almost effortless. His light opens our eyes and allows us to see through all of the evils of the world. The Psalmist knew best when he asked, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10). He had the answer to a peaceful life. I urge you to stop trying to be righteous, and be righteous through Jesus Christ. Follow the commandments of Love, which He taught us, and don't go to your grave trying to "fix" your own problems, or right your own wrongs, because you're incapable. Go to Him with a heart of repentance, and ask for forgiveness, and He'll do the rest. I speak from personal experience. I know that Jesus holds my Crown of Glory when I leave this life, but the question is, do you? It's simple, take a few minutes to take Dr. Stanley's "God Quiz"; I promise you won't regret it. If you don't know Jesus as Lord and Savior, I'm praying that as of today, you will. My favorite verses today are: Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. (Jude 1:24-25)

ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455273&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943547

I love you!