Just And Justifier

Romans 3:26

. . . So as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

God is just in extracting full payment for sin, so that the debt is paid in full. Now, with the debt paid, He is free to justify those who have put their faith, their trust in Christ Jesus, as the Lamb of God, the atoning sacrifice for our sin. As the priest and people in the Old Testament put their hands on the head of the bull, ram or goat to transfer their sins to it, then it would be sacrificed to pay the price for those sins, and the blood was poured out at the foot of the altar. Jesus poured out His blood at the foot of the Cross, His altar. Now that the debt has been fully paid for each of us, God is now free to forgive each of us. O the depth and breadth and height of His love for us to extend to us this amazing Grace, to grant us the good we could never deserve, because of His Mercy to not put on us the punishment we deserve, putting it on His own Son instead. 

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

Importance Of Love

Mark 12:32-34

"Well done, Teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other than Him. To love Him with all your heart, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, He said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God."

It is far more important to have right attitudes than anything we do or say. Without love, everything else is empty and useless.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

Curbing Our Own Freedom

Romans 14:16, 22, 23 (See whole chapter)

Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil. . . .So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. . . .Everything that does not come from faith is sin (misses the mark).

V. 15

If your brother is distressed by what you (do, say or) eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your (doing, saying or) eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died.

O my Father, please help me to curb the self-centeredness & selfishness in me that only considers what Bonnie wants. Teach me to honor myself and others as Yours.

Even so, Lord Jesus, come!

My Prayer, Too

Philippians 1:9-11

And this is my prayer: that [our] love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that [we] may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the Day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ--to the glory and praise of God.

Amen!

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

Faultless!

Jude 24

To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy.

You are able to keep me from falling! You are able to keep me from even stumbling! O my Father, continue to strengthen me in Your grace and faith; continue to hold me securely in Your hand. Keep Your arm around my shoulders and Your hand over my mouth, to say only what words You give me, and nothing from my flesh. Flood my heart and soul with Your peace.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Numbers Or Spiritual Growth?

I Thessalonians 3:6-7

But Timothy has just now come to see us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. . . . Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.

Paul was not concerned about numbers. The church in Thessalonica had most likely grown numerically, too, but Paul focused only on their spiritual growth in faith and love. This is not so easy to quantify, like numbers are, but is so much more important! Each of us needs to see about our spiritual growth to maturity, both in ourselves personally, and as a group together. Then we need not worry about the numbers.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

To Understand

Luke 24:45

Then He opened their minds so they could understand the scriptures.

O my Father, open my mind to understand the scriptures.Thank you for Your promised Holy Spirit to dwell in me and enlighten my understanding as I seek to learn of Your ways. Let me not put obstacles in the way of obeying Your edicts. Humble me before You that You may be glorified in me.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!