"Dear friends, I am not writing a new commandment, for it is an old one you have always had right from the beginning. This commandment - to love one another - is the same message that you heard before. Yet, it is also new. This commandment is true in Christ and is true among you, because the darkness is disappearing and the true light is already shining. If anyone says, "I am living in the light," but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is living in darkness. Anyone who loves other Christians is living in the light and does not cause anyone to stumble. Anyone who hates a Christian brother or sister is living and walking in darkness. Such a person is lost, having been blinded by darkness." 1 John 2:7-11
Everyone is familiar with the Ten Commandments, even if they aren't intimately familiar with the Bible itself. In fact, one could argue that the Ten Commandments are the most widely known biblical directives in the world today. I feel they persevere because they command us to either do or not do certain things and this interests us because our world is full of rules and regulations. The unfortunate part of how the Ten Commandments are perceived is that they are seen as just as ordinary standards on an even plain with speed limits or stop lights/signs...and we all know how much respect those items receive. But the Ten Commandments are more that just ordinary rules. God gave them to the Israelites and now to us to tell us how He wants us to live. And His requirements far exceed any that the world can create...you can trust in that.
When Jesus came to earth to walk amongst us, He brought some new commandments to the people. Whether Jew or Gentile, the commands were equally applicable. One such command came as Jesus is talking with His disciples and warning them of His pending departure from the world. He said, "My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:33-35)
Jesus's disciples were probably expecting another "thou shall" or "though shall not" fro Jesus but instead got a command that was central to what Jesus was about. If you don't know anything else about Jesus, know that He is the ultimate standard for love. We know love because He first loved us. John says in today's passage that "this commandment is true in Christ"...true because He loved all mankind enough to allow His own sacrifice on the cross. He died so that you, I, and everyone else could live. The Gospel of John defines the strength of Jesus's sacrifice by saying, "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command." (John 15:12-14)
One other thing about living with an attitude of Christ-like love within: it leads us to living a life of light. The opposite of love is hate and that only exists in the darkness. No one who hates another is in partnership with Jesus for He is love and no hate exists within Him execpt for a hatred of sin.
Question: How well do you love others? Is it an unconditional, willing to lay down your life for another love? Or is it just a transparent love that is shallow and lacks substance?
The bottom line on love is this: partner with Jesus every day and love will become the biggest part of who you are. You will have a healthy heart that respects and values others, even those who might be your enemies. Jesus never put qualifiers in front of those who need loved (that's all of us). He simply said, "Love One Another". Have you told someone you love them today? Have you shown love to another? Make it a part of who you are and enjoy the joy of living in Christ and the light.
In Christ,
Mark
PS: Please share this with anyone you feel might be blessed by it.
http://www.faithhopeandlove.info
Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
BELONGING AND LIVING IN GOD...IT IS ALL ABOUT OBEDIENCE AND JESUS
"And how can we be sure that we belong to Him? By obeying His commandments. If someone says, "I belong to God," but doesn't obey God's commandments that person is a liar and does not live in the truth. But those who obey God's word really do love Him. That is the way to know whether or not we live in Him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Christ did." 1 John 2:3-6
Today's passage is one that contains a lot of great guidance for us as we seek to learn how to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to God, our Father. It contains two major themes: obedience and living in God (or in fellowship with God). Let's first look at obedience.
It is the desire of God's heart that we be completely obedient to His word, His will and His way. By living a life of obedience to Him, we separate ourselves from the world and set ourselves apart to live a godly life...for He has created us in His own image and wishes to help us grow in righteousness every single day. We show our love for God by being obedient to Him. And we should because this Almighty Powerful God loves you and I enough to have us here this very moment. His mercy and grace are awesome expressions of His patient love for us as we seek to become more like Him through obedience to His expectations for us. So why do we have such a problem with obedience?
Well, there's this problem we all have...a disease within called sin. And that sin runs counter to everything that God desires for us. Sin knows our weaknesses and Satan knows how to exploit those weaknesses to lead us into falling short of the mark and failing in our quest for obedience. We are tempted to do things that would draw us farther and farther away from the One who can give us the power within to resist. And resist we must if we're going to succeed in proving we belong to God and love Him. But how do we fight off the dark forces that know how to entice us toward failing and falling?
The key comes in the second theme from today's scripture: living in God. The guidance is clear: in order to live in God, we "should live our lives as Christ did." Jesus lived a sin-free life. He was the model of perfect righteousness and thus modeling ourselves after Him will naturally lead us from the darkness of sin to the light of holiness...and living in God. In living a sin-free life, Jesus still came under attack just like you and I do. The difference is that Jesus didn't surrender to temptation but rather pulled out the greatest weapon available to combat Satan's advances: the holy scriptures. Read Matthew 4 and see what I'm talking about. Every time Satan attempted to tempt Jesus, Jesus used a piece of scripture to deny the temptation. He did this to show us that we too can be just as successful...we just need to know the Bible to know what scriptures to use in whatever circumstance we might be in. That's a big reason why bible study through this journey together is important. Throuh it, I pray you will be arming yourself more and more to fight off Satan's advances on you. And if you can't think of a scripture when you're challenged by a weakness, deny the weakness in the name of Jesus and see if you don't immediately gain a sense of strength and liberation from that temptation. Satan cannot stand to hear the name that is above all other names and flees at the very mention of our Savior. Stay close to Jesus and you can stay far from Satan. Stray from Him and you'll be easy prey.
Question: Have you been obedient to God's will, word, and way today? How about in the last week? Last month? Do you truly belong to Him? Do you show you love Him by your obedience? Are you living as Jesus lived so you can truly say you are living in Him?
If your answer to any of these questions is no, there is good news. You can start fresh right now. Pray to God for His guidance and help. Ask for forgiveness for your failures. Renew your pledge of obedience and then make good on your promise. Then, start to live as Jesus lives so you can live in God.
In doing all this, you will watch your life change in a way that will bring you more joy and peace than you can ever imagine. Together, let us march ahead fervently seeking the One who wishes nothing but the best for us. He gives us His all, let's give Him ours in return. He loves us unconditionally. Let's love Him likewise. And He is faithful beyond measure toward us. Let's show Him we place our faith and trust in Him as well.
In Christ,
Mark
PS: Please share this with anyone you feel might be blessed by it.
http://www.faithhopeandlove.info
Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com
Today's passage is one that contains a lot of great guidance for us as we seek to learn how to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to God, our Father. It contains two major themes: obedience and living in God (or in fellowship with God). Let's first look at obedience.
It is the desire of God's heart that we be completely obedient to His word, His will and His way. By living a life of obedience to Him, we separate ourselves from the world and set ourselves apart to live a godly life...for He has created us in His own image and wishes to help us grow in righteousness every single day. We show our love for God by being obedient to Him. And we should because this Almighty Powerful God loves you and I enough to have us here this very moment. His mercy and grace are awesome expressions of His patient love for us as we seek to become more like Him through obedience to His expectations for us. So why do we have such a problem with obedience?
Well, there's this problem we all have...a disease within called sin. And that sin runs counter to everything that God desires for us. Sin knows our weaknesses and Satan knows how to exploit those weaknesses to lead us into falling short of the mark and failing in our quest for obedience. We are tempted to do things that would draw us farther and farther away from the One who can give us the power within to resist. And resist we must if we're going to succeed in proving we belong to God and love Him. But how do we fight off the dark forces that know how to entice us toward failing and falling?
The key comes in the second theme from today's scripture: living in God. The guidance is clear: in order to live in God, we "should live our lives as Christ did." Jesus lived a sin-free life. He was the model of perfect righteousness and thus modeling ourselves after Him will naturally lead us from the darkness of sin to the light of holiness...and living in God. In living a sin-free life, Jesus still came under attack just like you and I do. The difference is that Jesus didn't surrender to temptation but rather pulled out the greatest weapon available to combat Satan's advances: the holy scriptures. Read Matthew 4 and see what I'm talking about. Every time Satan attempted to tempt Jesus, Jesus used a piece of scripture to deny the temptation. He did this to show us that we too can be just as successful...we just need to know the Bible to know what scriptures to use in whatever circumstance we might be in. That's a big reason why bible study through this journey together is important. Throuh it, I pray you will be arming yourself more and more to fight off Satan's advances on you. And if you can't think of a scripture when you're challenged by a weakness, deny the weakness in the name of Jesus and see if you don't immediately gain a sense of strength and liberation from that temptation. Satan cannot stand to hear the name that is above all other names and flees at the very mention of our Savior. Stay close to Jesus and you can stay far from Satan. Stray from Him and you'll be easy prey.
Question: Have you been obedient to God's will, word, and way today? How about in the last week? Last month? Do you truly belong to Him? Do you show you love Him by your obedience? Are you living as Jesus lived so you can truly say you are living in Him?
If your answer to any of these questions is no, there is good news. You can start fresh right now. Pray to God for His guidance and help. Ask for forgiveness for your failures. Renew your pledge of obedience and then make good on your promise. Then, start to live as Jesus lives so you can live in God.
In doing all this, you will watch your life change in a way that will bring you more joy and peace than you can ever imagine. Together, let us march ahead fervently seeking the One who wishes nothing but the best for us. He gives us His all, let's give Him ours in return. He loves us unconditionally. Let's love Him likewise. And He is faithful beyond measure toward us. Let's show Him we place our faith and trust in Him as well.
In Christ,
Mark
PS: Please share this with anyone you feel might be blessed by it.
http://www.faithhopeandlove.info
Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com
Sunday, July 29, 2007
WILL YOU BE PARDONED?
"My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if you do sin, there is someone to plead for you before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the One who pleases God completely. He is the sacrifice for our sins. He takes away not only our sins but the sins of all the world." I John 2:1-2
In our worldly legal system, a trial without a jury is made up of the following main players:
1. There is an accused who stands charged with a given offense.
2. There is a prosecutor who seeks to prove the accused is guilty of the charge.
3. There is a defense attorney who seeks to prove the accused is innocent.
4. And there is a judge who must determine whether the accused is guilty of innocent based on the evidence presented and the work of the prosecutor and defense attorney. The judge hands down the final verdict.
Now picture a very different legal system...one which exists in the Heavenly Courts. This system is shockingly different from the system mentioned above. For starters, only one case is heard everytime by the Almighty Judge, God the Father. That case involves whether the accused merits life eternal in heaven or life eternal in hell. The accused in this example could be you, I, or anyone else who has passed on and seeks entry to Heaven. There's only one problem which also makes this legal system very different: we are all guilty before our case is heard. We're guilty because of our wicked sinfulness and we are all afflicted with it...there are no exceptions.
So in the heavenly legal system, there is no need for a prosecutor and the Almighty Judge, God, has a pretty easy job - just render a sentence of eternal damnation in hell to everyone who comes before Him. Would you say that things are not looking real good for any of us as we seek to enter heaven?
The good news is that it doesn't need to end this way. There can be a happy ending to each person's life if they only do one thing: know and trust in a personal Savior, Jesus Christ. Let me say this in another way - you have no hope of an eternal life in heaven without knowing and trusting Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. For Jesus is the only One who can stand before the Almighty Judge, His Father and yours, and intercede for you. And He can only do that if He knows you. In other words, you need to establish a relationship with Jesus today to ensure He will know you when the time comes for Him to intercede for you on the day you stand before the Judge.
So what makes Jesus able to intercede for us? It all comes down to the Cross where He bore all the sins of the world and gave Himself as a sin sacrifice so that we might be redeemed. His crucifixion paid the price for our sins and purchased our pardon. This is why Jesus can intercede...because He was the One who paid the price. He's the only One who can tell the Father to pardon someone and allow them into fellowship with Him in heaven because He's the only One who paid the cost with His blood. That blood shed by your Savior came out of a love like no other...an agape love...the love that would cause one to be willing to die for another. In the case of Jesus, He loved you and I so much that He willingly allowed Himself to be nailed and hung on a cross, although He was free of sin and had committed no crime. This blameless, unblemished lamb of God allowed Himself to be killed so you could live. The least you and I can do is take time to know such an awesome man...a man named Jesus.
Question: Would you allow nails to be driven through your hands and feet for someone you love? Would you hang from those nails on a cross, bearing not only your own weight but the weight of the sins of the world as well? Do you love people enough to die for anyone?
This Jesus, your Savior, gave it all for you and wishes for you to show your love in return by entering a relationship with Him and giving it all for Him. Do you know Him? Will He say He knows you if you die this very moment and stand before the Father to be judged? If you do know Him, continue to build that relationship and seek to be more like Jesus every day. If you don't know Him, please don't delay. Pray right now for Him to enter your life and do it daily. Read about Jesus in the Bible (pick and of the four gospels...Matthew, Mark, Luke or John) so you can better understand how He lived and died for you. Knowing Him will help you grow your relationship with Him now so you can meet Him face to face on that day when He stands before His Father and says He knows you, ushering you into life eternal in heaven. Don't miss making that day your day of glory. The other alternative is hell.
In Christ,
Mark
PS: Please share this with anyone who needs a bit of God's guidance today. I pray it will be a blessing for them.
http://www.faithhopeandlove.info
In our worldly legal system, a trial without a jury is made up of the following main players:
1. There is an accused who stands charged with a given offense.
2. There is a prosecutor who seeks to prove the accused is guilty of the charge.
3. There is a defense attorney who seeks to prove the accused is innocent.
4. And there is a judge who must determine whether the accused is guilty of innocent based on the evidence presented and the work of the prosecutor and defense attorney. The judge hands down the final verdict.
Now picture a very different legal system...one which exists in the Heavenly Courts. This system is shockingly different from the system mentioned above. For starters, only one case is heard everytime by the Almighty Judge, God the Father. That case involves whether the accused merits life eternal in heaven or life eternal in hell. The accused in this example could be you, I, or anyone else who has passed on and seeks entry to Heaven. There's only one problem which also makes this legal system very different: we are all guilty before our case is heard. We're guilty because of our wicked sinfulness and we are all afflicted with it...there are no exceptions.
So in the heavenly legal system, there is no need for a prosecutor and the Almighty Judge, God, has a pretty easy job - just render a sentence of eternal damnation in hell to everyone who comes before Him. Would you say that things are not looking real good for any of us as we seek to enter heaven?
The good news is that it doesn't need to end this way. There can be a happy ending to each person's life if they only do one thing: know and trust in a personal Savior, Jesus Christ. Let me say this in another way - you have no hope of an eternal life in heaven without knowing and trusting Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. For Jesus is the only One who can stand before the Almighty Judge, His Father and yours, and intercede for you. And He can only do that if He knows you. In other words, you need to establish a relationship with Jesus today to ensure He will know you when the time comes for Him to intercede for you on the day you stand before the Judge.
So what makes Jesus able to intercede for us? It all comes down to the Cross where He bore all the sins of the world and gave Himself as a sin sacrifice so that we might be redeemed. His crucifixion paid the price for our sins and purchased our pardon. This is why Jesus can intercede...because He was the One who paid the price. He's the only One who can tell the Father to pardon someone and allow them into fellowship with Him in heaven because He's the only One who paid the cost with His blood. That blood shed by your Savior came out of a love like no other...an agape love...the love that would cause one to be willing to die for another. In the case of Jesus, He loved you and I so much that He willingly allowed Himself to be nailed and hung on a cross, although He was free of sin and had committed no crime. This blameless, unblemished lamb of God allowed Himself to be killed so you could live. The least you and I can do is take time to know such an awesome man...a man named Jesus.
Question: Would you allow nails to be driven through your hands and feet for someone you love? Would you hang from those nails on a cross, bearing not only your own weight but the weight of the sins of the world as well? Do you love people enough to die for anyone?
This Jesus, your Savior, gave it all for you and wishes for you to show your love in return by entering a relationship with Him and giving it all for Him. Do you know Him? Will He say He knows you if you die this very moment and stand before the Father to be judged? If you do know Him, continue to build that relationship and seek to be more like Jesus every day. If you don't know Him, please don't delay. Pray right now for Him to enter your life and do it daily. Read about Jesus in the Bible (pick and of the four gospels...Matthew, Mark, Luke or John) so you can better understand how He lived and died for you. Knowing Him will help you grow your relationship with Him now so you can meet Him face to face on that day when He stands before His Father and says He knows you, ushering you into life eternal in heaven. Don't miss making that day your day of glory. The other alternative is hell.
In Christ,
Mark
PS: Please share this with anyone who needs a bit of God's guidance today. I pray it will be a blessing for them.
http://www.faithhopeandlove.info
ARE YOU LIVING IN LIGHT OR DARKNESS?
"God is light and there is no darkness in Him at all. We are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness. We are not living in the truth. But if we are living in the light of God's presence, just as Christ is, then we have fellowship with each other and the blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from every sin. If we say we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth. But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong." 1 John 1:5-9
This 1st letter from John begins by addressing the concept of light and darkness as it applies to our lifestyle and relationship to God. The matter is really as simple as this: If you are living in sin (i.e. living in spiritual darkness), you are not in fellowship with God for the scripture tells us that "there is no darkness in Him at all". For God is light and He wishes for us to walk in the light (i.e. living a life void of sin). We can only do this when we draw closer to Him more than we do sin.
I can tell you from personal experience that the times I am failing most in my life are when I am furthest away from God. This usually comes when I have allowed life to distract me from my prayer life and bible study, two elements critical to being in fellowship with God and thus walking in the light. Disconnected from His word, both written and shared via the Spirit in prayer, I am easy prey for Satan to enter in and have His way with me. You may remember an earlier scripture passage we looked at which warned about Satan roaming around like a hungry lion waiting to devour. He has had more than a few bites out of me, enough to know I hate living anywhere where he (Satan) ends up with more influence over me than God. In other words, I hate the dark. It scares me for I know I have allowed myself to drift away from the Father and have failed in pleasing Him in the way I have lived (i.e sin has entered in and led me to fail). Maybe you can relate.
Thank goodness there is some good news for us, even as we fail miserably sometimes at living in the light and sharing complete fellowship with our Heavenly Father. The good news comes also from our scripture today for our Heavenly Father, our Heavenly Parent, forgives us when we come before Him and confess our sins. Just as a father forgives his children for the mistakes they have made and goes on to try and teach them how to live good lives, so too does our Heavely Father forgive us, cleanse us and try to lead us more and more into the light...into a lifestyle of godliness...a place where there is no darkness. He wants only the best for us.
Question: What kind of life are you living: in light or darkness? If you're in the light, remain close to God and you will remain in the light. If you're in the darkness, stop right now, confess your sins before God and ask for His forgiveness and cleansing, then receive His pardon and mercy, entering back into the realm of light where you can carry on your life's journey with Him illuminating your path.
In Christ,
Mark
PS: Please share this with anyone who needs a bit of God's guidance today. I pray it will be a blessing for them.
http://www.faithhopeandlove.info
This 1st letter from John begins by addressing the concept of light and darkness as it applies to our lifestyle and relationship to God. The matter is really as simple as this: If you are living in sin (i.e. living in spiritual darkness), you are not in fellowship with God for the scripture tells us that "there is no darkness in Him at all". For God is light and He wishes for us to walk in the light (i.e. living a life void of sin). We can only do this when we draw closer to Him more than we do sin.
I can tell you from personal experience that the times I am failing most in my life are when I am furthest away from God. This usually comes when I have allowed life to distract me from my prayer life and bible study, two elements critical to being in fellowship with God and thus walking in the light. Disconnected from His word, both written and shared via the Spirit in prayer, I am easy prey for Satan to enter in and have His way with me. You may remember an earlier scripture passage we looked at which warned about Satan roaming around like a hungry lion waiting to devour. He has had more than a few bites out of me, enough to know I hate living anywhere where he (Satan) ends up with more influence over me than God. In other words, I hate the dark. It scares me for I know I have allowed myself to drift away from the Father and have failed in pleasing Him in the way I have lived (i.e sin has entered in and led me to fail). Maybe you can relate.
Thank goodness there is some good news for us, even as we fail miserably sometimes at living in the light and sharing complete fellowship with our Heavenly Father. The good news comes also from our scripture today for our Heavenly Father, our Heavenly Parent, forgives us when we come before Him and confess our sins. Just as a father forgives his children for the mistakes they have made and goes on to try and teach them how to live good lives, so too does our Heavely Father forgive us, cleanse us and try to lead us more and more into the light...into a lifestyle of godliness...a place where there is no darkness. He wants only the best for us.
Question: What kind of life are you living: in light or darkness? If you're in the light, remain close to God and you will remain in the light. If you're in the darkness, stop right now, confess your sins before God and ask for His forgiveness and cleansing, then receive His pardon and mercy, entering back into the realm of light where you can carry on your life's journey with Him illuminating your path.
In Christ,
Mark
PS: Please share this with anyone who needs a bit of God's guidance today. I pray it will be a blessing for them.
http://www.faithhopeandlove.info
THE URGENCY TO BECOME GODLY
"The Lord isn't really being slow about His return as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to perish so He is giving more time for everyone to repent. But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the Heavens will pass away with a terrible noise and everything in them will disappear in fire and the earth and everything on it will be exposed to judgment. Since everything around us is going to melt away, what holy, godly lives you should be living! You should look forward to that day...while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to live a pure and blameless life. Be at peace with God." 2 Peter 3:9-12, 14
One certainty that Jesus gave His disciples before His ascension to heaven was that He would be returning one day. Throughout the Bible you will read about that day, although you will not find anything that might tell you exactly when it will occur. You wil however read much about the state of the world when He does return.
Peter spends some time in Chapter 3 talking about this. To sum up what he says, people will hear the truth about Jesus's return but will scoff at it, doing "every evil thing they desire". They will mock His promise to return saying, "Jesus promised to come back, did He? Then where is He?" (verses 3-4).
Peter then reminds his readers that this God they mock made the heavens by His mere command and brought the earth up from the waters. He also took that very water that the earth came up from to destroy the world with a flood (Genesis 6). That same power will command that the heavens and earth be consumed by fire on the day of judgment, or when Jesus returns...a day when ungodly people will perish.
Question Do we take the power of God for granted? Do we feel like we somehow deserve His favor...that He should just overlook our sinfulness? How does God feel about anyone who knows they should live a life without sin yet decide to pursue "any evil thing they desire"? After all, wasn't it the matter of sin that led Him to sacrifice His only Son, our Savior Jesus? So in saying that, how often do we fail to show our gratitude to God for that great sacrifice by living for Him?
Are you feeling a bit uncomfortable? I am for I have failed. We all have. But the good news is that through repentance...asking God for forgiveness and then taking action toward turning from sin, we can experience His love which is as great and powerful than His judgment. Remember...draw near to the Lord and He WILL draw ever nearer to you. Seek to be godly for that is the Lord's desire for you. As Peter encourages, "make every effort to live a pure and blameless life. And be at peace with God. (verse 14). If you do this, you can ensure that you will be one of those who look forward to the day Jesus returns so they can join Him in the new heavens and earth He has promised, a world where everything is right with God. I pray you'll join me as we journey together toward godliness and that day when we will be spared from judgment and instead rise with Jesus in glory thanks to His love and grace.
In Christ,
Mark
PS: Please share this message with anyone you wish. It may be what they need for salvation.
http://www.faithhopeandlove.info/
One certainty that Jesus gave His disciples before His ascension to heaven was that He would be returning one day. Throughout the Bible you will read about that day, although you will not find anything that might tell you exactly when it will occur. You wil however read much about the state of the world when He does return.
Peter spends some time in Chapter 3 talking about this. To sum up what he says, people will hear the truth about Jesus's return but will scoff at it, doing "every evil thing they desire". They will mock His promise to return saying, "Jesus promised to come back, did He? Then where is He?" (verses 3-4).
Peter then reminds his readers that this God they mock made the heavens by His mere command and brought the earth up from the waters. He also took that very water that the earth came up from to destroy the world with a flood (Genesis 6). That same power will command that the heavens and earth be consumed by fire on the day of judgment, or when Jesus returns...a day when ungodly people will perish.
Question Do we take the power of God for granted? Do we feel like we somehow deserve His favor...that He should just overlook our sinfulness? How does God feel about anyone who knows they should live a life without sin yet decide to pursue "any evil thing they desire"? After all, wasn't it the matter of sin that led Him to sacrifice His only Son, our Savior Jesus? So in saying that, how often do we fail to show our gratitude to God for that great sacrifice by living for Him?
Are you feeling a bit uncomfortable? I am for I have failed. We all have. But the good news is that through repentance...asking God for forgiveness and then taking action toward turning from sin, we can experience His love which is as great and powerful than His judgment. Remember...draw near to the Lord and He WILL draw ever nearer to you. Seek to be godly for that is the Lord's desire for you. As Peter encourages, "make every effort to live a pure and blameless life. And be at peace with God. (verse 14). If you do this, you can ensure that you will be one of those who look forward to the day Jesus returns so they can join Him in the new heavens and earth He has promised, a world where everything is right with God. I pray you'll join me as we journey together toward godliness and that day when we will be spared from judgment and instead rise with Jesus in glory thanks to His love and grace.
In Christ,
Mark
PS: Please share this message with anyone you wish. It may be what they need for salvation.
http://www.faithhopeandlove.info/
ARE YOU CONTROLLED BY GODLINESS?
"God rescued Lot out of Sodom because he was a good man who was sick of all the immorality and wickedness around him...The Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials...For you are a slave to whatever controls you." 2 Peter 2:7,9,19b
In the second chapter of 2nd Peter, Peter predominantly talks about false teaching. In this discussion, he highlights what will happen to those false teachers as well as those who choose to follow false teaching and live a life apart from God's truth.
So how can we ensure we are not falling prey to false teachers? We can start by doing two things: 1) read the Bible to know the scriptures and 2) seek the help of the Holy Spirit to find discernment. Used together, we can find our way to understanding what God's will is for our lives and we won't be driven off course by anyone who seeks to get us off the narrow path of righteousness that the Lord wishes for us to walk. For the Lord wishes for us to draw near to Him. In doing so, He will draw near to us to teach us...to guide us...to protect us...and to help us be more like Him...in other words, godly.
But the Lord isn't satisfied with us just drawing near. He wants to enslave us...to help us to be held hostage by His word. For we are in a constant battle between what the Lord wants us to be and the sin that seeks to consume us and destroy us. God seeks to build us up...sin seeks to tear us down. Both want to enslave us. It is a battle of good versus evil...Jesus versus Satan.
In today's scripture, Peter highlights Lot and Sodom. Lot chose to be a slave to godliness and thus was sickened by the immorality he experienced while in Sodom. He was rescued. Meanwhile, the people of Sodom chose sexual sin and thus were controlled by it. It led to their destruction. Two separate attitudes and approaches to living...two different outcomes. The Lord's action in saving Lot only validates part of today's scripture...The Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials.
This is also seen in other cases. Joseph was saved from prison. The Israelites escaped Pharaoh. Job was rescued from his afflictions. Noah and his family were saved from the flood. Jonah was saved from the belly of a whale. Daniel was saved from the fire of the furnace and the lions. I could go on and on but you get the point. The Lord saves the godly from their trials.
So how about you? Where do you stand? How do you feel about the moral decay that we see all around us? Are you doing things that seek to change it or contribute to it? Like Lot, does it make you sick? Or are you like Sodom and an active player in living counter to God's commands and expectations? Are you trying to become more godly? Or is sin so much more enticing for you?
In closing, there's much at stake here. The final question is rather simple: Will you be a Lot or a Sodom? The choice is yours.
In Christ,
Mark
PS: Please share this with anyone you think needs to receive it. I pray it wll be a blessing to them.
http://www.faithhopeandlove.info/
In the second chapter of 2nd Peter, Peter predominantly talks about false teaching. In this discussion, he highlights what will happen to those false teachers as well as those who choose to follow false teaching and live a life apart from God's truth.
So how can we ensure we are not falling prey to false teachers? We can start by doing two things: 1) read the Bible to know the scriptures and 2) seek the help of the Holy Spirit to find discernment. Used together, we can find our way to understanding what God's will is for our lives and we won't be driven off course by anyone who seeks to get us off the narrow path of righteousness that the Lord wishes for us to walk. For the Lord wishes for us to draw near to Him. In doing so, He will draw near to us to teach us...to guide us...to protect us...and to help us be more like Him...in other words, godly.
But the Lord isn't satisfied with us just drawing near. He wants to enslave us...to help us to be held hostage by His word. For we are in a constant battle between what the Lord wants us to be and the sin that seeks to consume us and destroy us. God seeks to build us up...sin seeks to tear us down. Both want to enslave us. It is a battle of good versus evil...Jesus versus Satan.
In today's scripture, Peter highlights Lot and Sodom. Lot chose to be a slave to godliness and thus was sickened by the immorality he experienced while in Sodom. He was rescued. Meanwhile, the people of Sodom chose sexual sin and thus were controlled by it. It led to their destruction. Two separate attitudes and approaches to living...two different outcomes. The Lord's action in saving Lot only validates part of today's scripture...The Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials.
This is also seen in other cases. Joseph was saved from prison. The Israelites escaped Pharaoh. Job was rescued from his afflictions. Noah and his family were saved from the flood. Jonah was saved from the belly of a whale. Daniel was saved from the fire of the furnace and the lions. I could go on and on but you get the point. The Lord saves the godly from their trials.
So how about you? Where do you stand? How do you feel about the moral decay that we see all around us? Are you doing things that seek to change it or contribute to it? Like Lot, does it make you sick? Or are you like Sodom and an active player in living counter to God's commands and expectations? Are you trying to become more godly? Or is sin so much more enticing for you?
In closing, there's much at stake here. The final question is rather simple: Will you be a Lot or a Sodom? The choice is yours.
In Christ,
Mark
PS: Please share this with anyone you think needs to receive it. I pray it wll be a blessing to them.
http://www.faithhopeandlove.info/
SEEKING GODLINESS...RECEIVING HIS PROMISES...LIVING IN MORAL EXCELLENCE
"As we know Jesus better, His divine power gives us everything we need for a godly life...and by that same power, He has given us all His rich and wonderful promises. He has promised that you will escape the decadence all around you caused by evil desires and that you will share in His divine nature. So make every effort to apply the benefits of these promises to your life. Then your faith will produce a life of moral excellence. A life of moral excellence leads to self control. Self control leads to patient endurance and patient endurance leads to godliness. Godliness leads to love for other Christians and finally you learn to have genuine love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more you will become productive and useful in your knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:3,5-8
As Christians, we should be seeking to be more like Jesus Christ everyday. In a previous entry, I mentioned that to be like Jesus, you have to know Him and you'll only know Him if you read your Bible and study what Jesus was all about. As you do this, there will be one major quality about Jesus that will stand out above all others...and that quality is love.
Jesus was all about love. We love because He first loved us. He taught us the true, genuine nature of love...a love so deep and high and wide that it would wrap its arms around all Creation as Jesus was crucified in our place on Calvary. Question: Do you have that kind of love inside you...a love that would lead you to die for another? And I'm not just talking about someone near and dear to you like a parent or spouse or sibling or best friend. I'm talking about anyone, even your most hated enemy. Jesus could have easily turned His back on mankind...a mankind who took a blameless, sinless Messiah and nailed Him to a cross...murdering the One who came to save them. But He didn't. Instead, He knew the only way to save them was to die for them...and us.
The sad part was that they never knew Him or else they would have never crucified Him in the first place. Jesus, realizing their ignorance, said to His Father while suffering on the cross, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." (Luke 24:34) Even in the midst of agonizing suffering, there was Jesus interceding and asking for forgiveness to be granted to His assailants. I think you'll agree...that is love...and love divine. Do you not crave to love like that? Do you not crave to live a blameless life like Jesus did?
It's unfortunate that our inherent sinfulness makes it impossible to completely mirror Jesus but we still need to work to be as holy as possible...to seek to live a life of moral excellence. Peter, in today's scripture, tells us that we can find our way to moral excellence by applying the benefits of God's promises to our lives. For God assured us He would never leave us nor forsake us. He promised us He would never give us a burden we could not bear. He assured us that He can and will help us find a way out of any situation we might find ourselves in. And He gave us the guarantee of life eternal if we just believe and trust in His only Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Peter tells us that having a faith that will believe in these promises and others will lead us to a life of moral excellence. But that's not all.
For Peter also tells us there is a progression that takes place after achieving moral excellence. Self control follows which leads to patient endurance which leads to godliness which leads to love for other Christians and then love for everyone, a love that Jesus had.
Question: Can you see the snowball effect of simple faith and trust in the Father? Do you not desire to experience that ride...from faith to uncompromising love? If so, then go for it. The Lord awaits you and wishes to help you grow...to help you be more productive...to be more useful as you know more and more about the One who calls you to help others find the salvation you receive in His name. Come aboard today for the ride of your life with Jesus Christ. It will be the best ride you ever take.
God bless.
Mark
PS: Please share this with anyone you think needs to receive it. I pray it wll be a blessing to them.
http://www.faithhopeandlove.info/
As Christians, we should be seeking to be more like Jesus Christ everyday. In a previous entry, I mentioned that to be like Jesus, you have to know Him and you'll only know Him if you read your Bible and study what Jesus was all about. As you do this, there will be one major quality about Jesus that will stand out above all others...and that quality is love.
Jesus was all about love. We love because He first loved us. He taught us the true, genuine nature of love...a love so deep and high and wide that it would wrap its arms around all Creation as Jesus was crucified in our place on Calvary. Question: Do you have that kind of love inside you...a love that would lead you to die for another? And I'm not just talking about someone near and dear to you like a parent or spouse or sibling or best friend. I'm talking about anyone, even your most hated enemy. Jesus could have easily turned His back on mankind...a mankind who took a blameless, sinless Messiah and nailed Him to a cross...murdering the One who came to save them. But He didn't. Instead, He knew the only way to save them was to die for them...and us.
The sad part was that they never knew Him or else they would have never crucified Him in the first place. Jesus, realizing their ignorance, said to His Father while suffering on the cross, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." (Luke 24:34) Even in the midst of agonizing suffering, there was Jesus interceding and asking for forgiveness to be granted to His assailants. I think you'll agree...that is love...and love divine. Do you not crave to love like that? Do you not crave to live a blameless life like Jesus did?
It's unfortunate that our inherent sinfulness makes it impossible to completely mirror Jesus but we still need to work to be as holy as possible...to seek to live a life of moral excellence. Peter, in today's scripture, tells us that we can find our way to moral excellence by applying the benefits of God's promises to our lives. For God assured us He would never leave us nor forsake us. He promised us He would never give us a burden we could not bear. He assured us that He can and will help us find a way out of any situation we might find ourselves in. And He gave us the guarantee of life eternal if we just believe and trust in His only Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Peter tells us that having a faith that will believe in these promises and others will lead us to a life of moral excellence. But that's not all.
For Peter also tells us there is a progression that takes place after achieving moral excellence. Self control follows which leads to patient endurance which leads to godliness which leads to love for other Christians and then love for everyone, a love that Jesus had.
Question: Can you see the snowball effect of simple faith and trust in the Father? Do you not desire to experience that ride...from faith to uncompromising love? If so, then go for it. The Lord awaits you and wishes to help you grow...to help you be more productive...to be more useful as you know more and more about the One who calls you to help others find the salvation you receive in His name. Come aboard today for the ride of your life with Jesus Christ. It will be the best ride you ever take.
God bless.
Mark
PS: Please share this with anyone you think needs to receive it. I pray it wll be a blessing to them.
http://www.faithhopeandlove.info/
BE ON GUARD
"Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him and be strong in your faith." 1 Peter 5:8-9
Up to now, I have written about finding Christ in your life and then using the gifts the Lord has given to help others find their way to salvation. It sounds easy enough and would be if it weren't for the opposition we're up against, that being sin and the Devil who knows how to destroy us by using our sinful nature against us.
Trust in this...the Devil is only interested in destroying every good and perfect thing God has created. You are first and foremost on his list of things to devour (destroy) because he knows how dangerous you, I, and everyone else who believes and trusts in Jesus are to his power and existence. He is only powerful through sin and darkness. He is rendered powerless in the face of righteousness and light, two of the main qualities of Jesus and those who walk in His way.
So how do you stand firm against the prince of darkness that would seek to disable your intentions to live a life of faith and holiness, dedicated to carrying out the Lord's will, not the will of the world?
Peter exhorts us to be strong in our faith. Draw nearer to the Lord and He will draw nearer to you. You can achieve this through persistent prayer and study of God word. In fact, in the Epistle to the Ephesians, Paul tells us to use the sword to fight the Devil, that sword being the word of God.
Question: How sharp is your sword? Do you even have a sword? For being unarmed in your bout with the Devil does not bode well for your chances of survival. So pick up your sword today, sharpen it, and keep it sharpened. The Lord has much for you to do but you need to be protected from the one who would seek to oppose your ability to obey the commands of Jesus to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28). Through Jesus and the word, victory is assured over the evil one. Be a winner.
In Christ,
Mark
PS: Please share this with anyone you think needs to receive it. I pray it wll be a blessing to them.
http://www.faithhopeandlove.info/
Up to now, I have written about finding Christ in your life and then using the gifts the Lord has given to help others find their way to salvation. It sounds easy enough and would be if it weren't for the opposition we're up against, that being sin and the Devil who knows how to destroy us by using our sinful nature against us.
Trust in this...the Devil is only interested in destroying every good and perfect thing God has created. You are first and foremost on his list of things to devour (destroy) because he knows how dangerous you, I, and everyone else who believes and trusts in Jesus are to his power and existence. He is only powerful through sin and darkness. He is rendered powerless in the face of righteousness and light, two of the main qualities of Jesus and those who walk in His way.
So how do you stand firm against the prince of darkness that would seek to disable your intentions to live a life of faith and holiness, dedicated to carrying out the Lord's will, not the will of the world?
Peter exhorts us to be strong in our faith. Draw nearer to the Lord and He will draw nearer to you. You can achieve this through persistent prayer and study of God word. In fact, in the Epistle to the Ephesians, Paul tells us to use the sword to fight the Devil, that sword being the word of God.
Question: How sharp is your sword? Do you even have a sword? For being unarmed in your bout with the Devil does not bode well for your chances of survival. So pick up your sword today, sharpen it, and keep it sharpened. The Lord has much for you to do but you need to be protected from the one who would seek to oppose your ability to obey the commands of Jesus to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28). Through Jesus and the word, victory is assured over the evil one. Be a winner.
In Christ,
Mark
PS: Please share this with anyone you think needs to receive it. I pray it wll be a blessing to them.
http://www.faithhopeandlove.info/
REALIZING YOUR GIFTS
"God has given gifts to each of you from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God's generosity can flow through you." 1 Peter 4:10
We've made a commitment to begin this journey with Jesus and have answered the call to partner with Him to bring others to their salvation through their belief and trust in Him. We're ready to go forth but unsure of how the Lord will use us to carry out the mission.
This takes me to the subject of spiritual gifts. In order to be most effective, we need to realize what gifts He has placed within to carry out what He would have us do. Peter puts it this way, "Are you called to be a speaker? Then speak as though God Himself were speaking through you. Are you called to help others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies." (1 Peter 4:11)
Find what you have a gift for, then use it to God's glory. It's very simple.
And here's the really awesome thing about the gifts God has given us...as we grow and mature as Christians through life, we come to realize new gifts He has placed within us to even further carry out His call to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28). The bottom line is that you should never rule out what the Lord can do through and by you when you partner with Him using the gifts He has blessed you with.
Additionally, when you enter this partnership and begin making a difference, "then God will be given glory in everything through Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 4:11) I can't think of anything else more fulfilling than helping another, using the gifts the Lord has blessed you with, to bring Him the glory. Can you?
In Christ,
Mark
PS: Please share this with anyone you think needs to receive it. I pray it wll be a blessing to them.
http://www.faithhopeandlove.info/
We've made a commitment to begin this journey with Jesus and have answered the call to partner with Him to bring others to their salvation through their belief and trust in Him. We're ready to go forth but unsure of how the Lord will use us to carry out the mission.
This takes me to the subject of spiritual gifts. In order to be most effective, we need to realize what gifts He has placed within to carry out what He would have us do. Peter puts it this way, "Are you called to be a speaker? Then speak as though God Himself were speaking through you. Are you called to help others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies." (1 Peter 4:11)
Find what you have a gift for, then use it to God's glory. It's very simple.
And here's the really awesome thing about the gifts God has given us...as we grow and mature as Christians through life, we come to realize new gifts He has placed within us to even further carry out His call to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28). The bottom line is that you should never rule out what the Lord can do through and by you when you partner with Him using the gifts He has blessed you with.
Additionally, when you enter this partnership and begin making a difference, "then God will be given glory in everything through Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 4:11) I can't think of anything else more fulfilling than helping another, using the gifts the Lord has blessed you with, to bring Him the glory. Can you?
In Christ,
Mark
PS: Please share this with anyone you think needs to receive it. I pray it wll be a blessing to them.
http://www.faithhopeandlove.info/
SHARE JESUS...THE SOURCE OF YOUR HOPE
"You must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it." 1 Peter 3:15
There's something very liberating about receiving salvation through Jesus Christ. We need not fear death anymore for we know and trust that it does not mark the end but only a glorious eternity in Heaven with our Father.
When you make the decision to accept Jesus as the Lord and Savior of your life, you become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) with a new attitude, a new approach to living, and a new hope in the One who loved you so much that He was willing to die on the cross for you.
It's this newfound hope that Peter tells us to share with others whenever we're asked. For receiving the good news of the gospel and its Author, Jesus, is just the beginning. After you receive the good news, Jesus commands for us to share it with others (Matthew 28...the Great Commission). And trust me when I say that you'll want to share it with others because you'll love them enough to want to see them find their way to salvation as well and experience the liberating joy, peace, and contentment that you have already found in Christ Jesus.
Of course, those around you should already have noticed a change in you. For when you become a new creation, you can't help but be different and others will want to know what has prompted such a change. It's then that you "give the reason for the hope that you have." The Lord will do the rest by way of the Holy Spirit within the heart and mind of those you share with. Don't expect people to instantly convert to Jesus right in front of your eyes. Simply plant the seed and let the Lord who is the Master Gardener (John 15) take over from there.
Here's the awesome wonder for me as I have shared and continue to share the gospel with others. The Lord is Almighty in power and doesn't need me or you or anyone else to do His work. But yet He chooses to partner with us in attending to the salvation of others. That's simply incredible to me. So won't you choose to partner with the Almighty Maker of all Creation today to make a real difference in this world so terribly in need of hope and salvation? The Lord is awaiting you.
In Christ,
Mark
PS: Please share this with anyone who needs a bit of God's guidance today. I pray it will be a blessing for them.
http://www.faithhopeandlove.info
There's something very liberating about receiving salvation through Jesus Christ. We need not fear death anymore for we know and trust that it does not mark the end but only a glorious eternity in Heaven with our Father.
When you make the decision to accept Jesus as the Lord and Savior of your life, you become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) with a new attitude, a new approach to living, and a new hope in the One who loved you so much that He was willing to die on the cross for you.
It's this newfound hope that Peter tells us to share with others whenever we're asked. For receiving the good news of the gospel and its Author, Jesus, is just the beginning. After you receive the good news, Jesus commands for us to share it with others (Matthew 28...the Great Commission). And trust me when I say that you'll want to share it with others because you'll love them enough to want to see them find their way to salvation as well and experience the liberating joy, peace, and contentment that you have already found in Christ Jesus.
Of course, those around you should already have noticed a change in you. For when you become a new creation, you can't help but be different and others will want to know what has prompted such a change. It's then that you "give the reason for the hope that you have." The Lord will do the rest by way of the Holy Spirit within the heart and mind of those you share with. Don't expect people to instantly convert to Jesus right in front of your eyes. Simply plant the seed and let the Lord who is the Master Gardener (John 15) take over from there.
Here's the awesome wonder for me as I have shared and continue to share the gospel with others. The Lord is Almighty in power and doesn't need me or you or anyone else to do His work. But yet He chooses to partner with us in attending to the salvation of others. That's simply incredible to me. So won't you choose to partner with the Almighty Maker of all Creation today to make a real difference in this world so terribly in need of hope and salvation? The Lord is awaiting you.
In Christ,
Mark
PS: Please share this with anyone who needs a bit of God's guidance today. I pray it will be a blessing for them.
http://www.faithhopeandlove.info
FOLLOW CHRIST
This is the first of what I pray will be daily entries on this page as I study the Bible daily and share my insight from what the Holy Spirit brings to my heart. I study at least a chapter a day and am currently in 1st Peter in the New Testament.
My entry today comes from Chapter 2 of 1st Peter, verses 21b-25. I'm using the New Living Translation as found in a New Testament Bible titled "Knowing Jesus Personally" available through the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. The passage is as follows:
"Christ, who suffered for you, is your example. Follow in His steps. He never sinned and He never deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when He was insulted. When He suffered, He did not threaten to get even. He left His case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. He personally carried away our sins in His body on the cross so we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. You have been healed by His wounds. Once you were wandering like lost sheep. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls."
I should start this series by saying that I think we make Christianity way too hard. The best evangelists are the ones who stick to the fundamental gospel message: We are all sinners without hope for salvation. We can't save ourselves. Without a Savior, we live each day toward death with no future hope beyond the grave. God, in His love for us...His beloved children, offered up His only Son, Jesus Christ, as a sin sacrifice on the cross. Jesus died on that cross and was buried for three days in the tomb before being resurrected to eternal life, sitting in honor and glory on God's almighty right hand. Through His resurrection, He (Jesus) paved the way for others to follow...those who believe and trust in Him as their personal Lord and Savior (read John 3:16). In this promise, death is not the end but only the glorious beginning of an eternal life free from all the sin, temptation, hardship, pain and suffering we endure in this world.
Question: Do you know Jesus? For to be a Christian, you need to know the One who you are expected to emulate. Peter exhorts us in the passage above to "follow His steps". We can't possibly begin to do that without walking with Him. It won't be a journey without reward, this I can assure you. Won't you take the first step today?
I look forward to journeying with you each day so please visit often and share this with everyone you know. You may be the very one that helps them find their way to eternal life through Jesus.
Until tomorrow, may God bless you in all things.
Mark
PS: Please share this with anyone who needs a bit of God's guidance today. I pray it will be a blessing for them.
http://www.faithhopeandlove.info
My entry today comes from Chapter 2 of 1st Peter, verses 21b-25. I'm using the New Living Translation as found in a New Testament Bible titled "Knowing Jesus Personally" available through the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. The passage is as follows:
"Christ, who suffered for you, is your example. Follow in His steps. He never sinned and He never deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when He was insulted. When He suffered, He did not threaten to get even. He left His case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. He personally carried away our sins in His body on the cross so we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. You have been healed by His wounds. Once you were wandering like lost sheep. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls."
I should start this series by saying that I think we make Christianity way too hard. The best evangelists are the ones who stick to the fundamental gospel message: We are all sinners without hope for salvation. We can't save ourselves. Without a Savior, we live each day toward death with no future hope beyond the grave. God, in His love for us...His beloved children, offered up His only Son, Jesus Christ, as a sin sacrifice on the cross. Jesus died on that cross and was buried for three days in the tomb before being resurrected to eternal life, sitting in honor and glory on God's almighty right hand. Through His resurrection, He (Jesus) paved the way for others to follow...those who believe and trust in Him as their personal Lord and Savior (read John 3:16). In this promise, death is not the end but only the glorious beginning of an eternal life free from all the sin, temptation, hardship, pain and suffering we endure in this world.
Question: Do you know Jesus? For to be a Christian, you need to know the One who you are expected to emulate. Peter exhorts us in the passage above to "follow His steps". We can't possibly begin to do that without walking with Him. It won't be a journey without reward, this I can assure you. Won't you take the first step today?
I look forward to journeying with you each day so please visit often and share this with everyone you know. You may be the very one that helps them find their way to eternal life through Jesus.
Until tomorrow, may God bless you in all things.
Mark
PS: Please share this with anyone who needs a bit of God's guidance today. I pray it will be a blessing for them.
http://www.faithhopeandlove.info
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