Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY THURSDAY!

Today's scriptures are about the One Christ, who justifies all. We are each created from the dust, and breathe the same air, drink the same water, and eat of the same land. In Jesus' eyes we're all created equally. When He lived His life, preached His sermons, performed wonderful miracles, and eventually laid down His life, He did it for every living soul on this earth. His living Word was written for all who seeks Him. He doesn't discriminate against anyone because of race, religion or creed, He loves each of us. Anyone can come to Him with a contrite heart, seeking forgiveness and salvation, and He'll save them, with no questions asked. His entire existence, and life's work, is dedicated to freeing those who are under the bondage of sin, and He does just that, every second, of every minute, of every day.

This reminds me of the book (and movie) Woman Thou Art Loosed written by Bishop T.D. Jakes. The story is about this young woman who had been physically and mentally abused by her mother's boyfriend. Because of this abuse, and the hatred and anger she felt toward this man, she herself fell into a life of drug addiction, and violent behavior. She suffered most of her late teen, and early adulthood, because of the trauma she endured as a child, and an unforgiving heart. At the end of this story, she had rededicated her life to God, but at the same time, so did her abuser. She was so angry with the man for what he had done to her, that she killed him, at the Alter of the church, in hopes that He wouldn’t receive salvation. Although this man had finally come to terms with his evil ways, and was going to ask for her forgiveness, and forgiveness from Lord, his life was taken before he had time to do so. This young woman later said that she killed him before he had a chance to be saved, because she had to suffer with him on earth, so she didn't want to have to suffer, by seeing him in heaven for all eternity.

I had the privilege of reading this book before I saw the movie, and that particular line in both depictions made me gasp for air, because I could feel the pain of each character. Both she and the abuser were sinners in their own right, and had done things that they weren't proud of, and were both deserving of forgiveness in the eyes of God. However, this was justice in the eyes of man. In man's eyes one was the victim and the other was the attacker, but Jesus doesn't see things quite the same way. This woman knew this, and she decided to take justice into her own hands. If faced with the same situation, I'm not sure if I wouldn't have done the same thing, because the mind works in mysterious ways. We each are part flesh and part Spirit, and are capable of sinfully wicked things. Jesus came to give us a way out of the wicked things, and lead us toward the light. When we're focusing on Him, studying His life, and doing our best to follow in His footsteps, then there is no room for wickedness in our life.

The truth is, a sin is a sin, and none carries a greater penalty than the other, in God's eyes. No matter what we've done in the past, whether murder or adultery, they each break the laws of God. The flesh is weak, and God had mercy on us, so He offered Himself as sacrifice for our sins. Anyone who believes in Him, confesses his sins, and repents for them will be forgiven. It's written: “Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation”. (Mark 3:28-29) Jesus’ blood covers all sins, but the only unpardonable sin is to speak ill against the Holy Spirit, and unbelief in Jesus. He is the glue that holds our spiritual and physical life together, and He gives us that much needed balance. He allows us to live freely and peacefully, without the worry of condemnation, which is a burden that unbelievers bear. With Jesus life is certain, here, now, and forever more, so what else is there to worry about?

The Jesus we pray to, is the same Jesus we read about in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The same person we fell in love with because of His compassion and unselfish heart. He makes intercession for us to our Heavenly Father, and fights for us each day. When we ask for anything in His Name, it’ll be given to us, simply because we believe in Him. Not because we're perfect little Angels on earth, but because we love Him, even though we've never seen Him. It's written: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3-5)

When Jesus went to the cross, He went for mankind. He didn't go only for those who believed in Him, but He went for everyone, in hopes that they will eventually come to the light. He even offered Salvation to those who falsely persecuted Him, and He prayed for their forgiveness. Surely He'll forgive anyone who asks, with an open heart. If you don't know Jesus, or don't know where you stand in the Kingdom, take a few minutes and take the God Quiz today. My favorite verses today are: Let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by him do believe in God. (1 Peter 1:20-21)

ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455484&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/broadcast/today-on-radio
http://www.intouch.org/magazine/daily-devotional

I love you!