Having Bible knowledge and understanding is great, however if the scriptures are not living and active in our lives, it is all in vain (Hebrews 4:12-13). The life application selections contain thoughts provoking, real life challenges that will prayerfully transform us to be more like Jesus in our spiritual journey. James 1:23-27 challenges us to not just merely listen or read the scriptures, it says “But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” Do not miss your blessings my friends!
The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.
How often do you find yourself fighting to repent/change something in your life that you know is not pleasing to God? The more you fight, the more you feel defeated. As I listened or read sermons from different teachers and preachers, I noticed very few taught repentance which simply means to change the course of your life toward God’s will not your own. I believe according to scriptures after becoming a follower of Jesus your life must transform from your former lifestyle.
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
Jesus had been called many names as he proclaimed the good news as God’s ambassador while he was on earth. The Lamb of God is one of the names. Have you ever taken time to meditate on Jesus as the ‘Lamb of God”? Jesus, the savior of the world, is frequently used to describe his ultimate purpose for mankind. Jesus is indeed the Savior of the world! And he is also the sacrificial lamb who was murdered in our place and became the final sacrifice for us to be seen and heard by God (John 14:6-7).
For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
The law and Jesus Christ! As I continue to study the law and Jesus Christ, it is fascinating to learn how connected they are, yet different. I can see why certain religious groups teach doctrine that baptism, which is submersion in water as Jesus taught Nicodemus in John 3: 1-21 is viewed as human work. Nonetheless, as I study the Scriptures, I find that their doctrine is far from the true purpose of baptism. Yes, I do believe baptism alone doesn’t bring transformation and salvation.
Then the Lord sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. The Lord said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” So, Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived.
As you read the passage, above what is your initial reaction? If we are honest, we probably thought how a loving God could allow such a harsh punishment against his people.
To him who overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne even as I also overcame and am set down with my father in his throne.
As you wake up this Christmas morning, meditate on these scriptures. When you think of your relationship with Jesus, as you meditate upon the stormy and sunny days you have endured this past twelve months, can you see how he has been the protective hand in your life? “The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me” (Psalm 116:6 NIV). “The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10 NIV).
This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.
This message from God to the nation of Israel during one of many disobedient eras in their lives, reminds me of Peter in Acts 2: 36-41 letting the people know how to enter the rest and salvation of God through Jesus Christ. We often want the quietness and trust from God, but we don't want to do the work. God says in repentance and rest was the Israelites’ salvation.
