“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Matthew 10:34
We’re only three weeks out from Christmas—a season replete with songs, cards, yard décor, and much more, proclaiming “peace on earth” or “Prince of peace.” Well, that was a short-lived peace!
Forgive me, I could not pass up the opportunity to toy around with a play on words. And I do realize that Jesus is laying out the plain truth for those who acknowledge Him: believers live in a world that is hostile to Christ.
But Jesus really did come to do battle, waging a war again Satan to secure redemption for you and me. The point is that He was completely victorious! And because Christ has defeated sin and death, we can have peace with God.
So, you may need to make adjustments to your mental image of Christ. You may also need to see yourself in a different light. You are a warrior.
Father, give me courage in the fight.
Grace to you, Jim
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
PERFECT
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:48
Just when is sin, sin?
In Matthew 5, Jesus takes on this question. He examines the accepted behaviors and thoughts of His day, contrasting them with God’s standard. With each statement He makes leading up to verse 48, Jesus closes one loophole after another, tying off His argument with, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
You and I both know that no one can reach that standard, not for a day—probably not even for an hour.
Thankfully, Jesus did reach that standard, living a sinless life so that He could bridge the terrible gap between us and God. He is our perfect Savior.
Father, I see Your perfection in Your great love for me. Thank You for allowing me to know You and serve You. Guide me to think and act more like You today.
Grace to you,
Jim
Just when is sin, sin?
In Matthew 5, Jesus takes on this question. He examines the accepted behaviors and thoughts of His day, contrasting them with God’s standard. With each statement He makes leading up to verse 48, Jesus closes one loophole after another, tying off His argument with, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
You and I both know that no one can reach that standard, not for a day—probably not even for an hour.
Thankfully, Jesus did reach that standard, living a sinless life so that He could bridge the terrible gap between us and God. He is our perfect Savior.
Father, I see Your perfection in Your great love for me. Thank You for allowing me to know You and serve You. Guide me to think and act more like You today.
Grace to you,
Jim
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