From Our Daily Bread...
The Simple Truth - Read: Romans 10:9-11
"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved." (Acts 16:31)
When my wife and I go biking, we like to know how many miles we've pedaled. So, I went to a bike shop to buy an odometer and came home with a minicomputer that I discovered was a bit too complicated to program.
I headed back to the bike shop, where the person who sold it to me had it working in no time. I realized it wasn't as difficult to understand as I thought.
In life, new things and new ideas can seem complicated. Think about salvation, for instance. Some people might think becoming a child of God is complicated.
Yet, the Bible spells it out in simple terms: "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31).
Here's the simple truth: We've all sinned (Romans 3:23). Jesus came to earth to save us from the penalty of our sin - death and eternal separation from Him (Matthew 1:21; 1 Peter 2:24). He arose from the dead (Romans 10:90). And we're saved from spiritual death to eternal life by trusting in what He did for us (John 3:16).
Consider what it will mean for you to simply trust and believe in Jesus. Let Him give you "life ... to the full" (John 10:10).
- Dave Branon
What will it mean for you to receive salvation in Jesus? If you've been saved, what difference has faith in Him made in your life?
Loving God, I realize that I'm a sinner - I do things that are wrong in your eyes. I also realize that You sent Jesus to earth to die on the cross for my sins. Please forgive me for my sins and redeem me. Thank you for the salvation You've provided!
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From Behold the Lilies...
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." - 2 Corinthians 12:9
Spending a day with a group of friends can be comforting, heartwarming, and encouraging. It is good and right that we should frequently assemble and fellowship with others. But it takes time alone with a person to get to know that friend intimately. When there is peace and quietness with few distractions, I can focus my attention solely on my friend and really listen to what she has to say. If a close friend invites me for this type of sharing, I am thrilled and delighted beyond words, for I thoroughly enjoy such a privilege. I would be foolish to cancel such an invitation and miss out on the blessings. I might do that, however, if my values are mixed up.
The Lord wants to be my close friend and I want to be His. He frequently draws me aside where there are few distractions and my mind is drawn to Him. He invites me to spend time with Him alone. Here I can get to know Him and listen to the things He says. By making me aware of my weaknesses, He helps me realize how dependent I am on Him. Through my frailties, I am drawn away from my activities and into a position that requires me to be still. I could ignore His invitation, but that would be evidence of misplaced priorities. I would then miss out on the blessings of the insight He wants to share with me.
His way of inviting you to set your attention on Him may differ from the way He chooses for me. Whatever that way is, blessing awaits you if you accept His invitation.
Take time to be holy, speak oft with Thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God's children, help those who are weak;
Forgetting in nothing His blessings to seek.
Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret with Jesus alone -
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be!
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.
Take time to be holy, let Him be thy guide;
And run not before Him, whatever betide;
In joy or in sorrow still follow thy Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His word.
Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul;
Each thought and each temper beneath His control;
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.
- William Dunn Longstaff (1822 - 94)
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