There are consequences for a nation disobeying the ONE true God and worshiping idols as pointed out in 1 Kings 11:9-43 when Solomon began his spiritual decline.
In current times, there are consequences too as pointed out in the video by Paul Harvey – If I were the Devil. The result is a culture in which people do as they please. God is evicted from the courthouse and schoolhouse. People are consumed with alcohol, drugs, and gambling. Crime is rampant in the cities. Adversaries are raised up against them and wars break out.
Rather than paying attention to the negative things of this dark world, let us keep focusing on the Light. Strength comes when momentum is shifted, burdens are lifted, and we are disciplined to put our trust in the Lord as we step ahead toward the eternal reward.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. – John 3:17
No one, including Jesus condemned the woman caught in adultery. From the post “Trust”, Jesus gave guidance, but let the scribes and Pharisees be a part of a big decision.
The Teacher let them take ownership in the decision, and let them accept some of the responsibility for it being carried out. All Jesus had to do is encourage the scribes and Pharisees to do the right thing. They went away one by one, and did not condemn the woman.
What big decision do you need to make today? As you start your day today, listen to the song Word OF God Speak by MercyMe. Then do as the song says. Pray and listen, rest in holiness, hear the voice of God directing your steps, and see His majesty in the things around you as you go about your day.
Have you made a decision for Christ? Here is a link to make that commitment.
*Why shouldn’t you trust the stairs? See the answer at the bottom.
Reading in John 8:1-11, the scribes and Pharisees were up to something. They brought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus to put Him on the spot because the Law Moses commanded them to stone such a woman (v. 5). They ask Jesus what He would do as a trap so they could accuse Him of not following the Law.
The answer Jesus gave was ingenious. He said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” (v. 7). This brought the accusers to the same level as the accused. Jesus gave them guidance but let them be a part of a big decision. The Teacher let them take ownership in the decision and let them accept some of the responsibility for it being carried out.
All Jesus had to do was encourage the scribes and Pharisees to do the right thing. They went away one by one and did not condemn the woman. Jesus didn’t either as the Word says in John 3:17, God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him (John 3:17).
The decisions we make have a big impact on the future. That’s why we need to be people of integrity and character who follow the Way by being in God’s Word, asking for direction in our prayers, and acting on the instructions given.
This day, we trust in the Truth. We step ahead to peace and joy because there is freedom in each step forward. We learn from the Word, we listen to Holy Spirit, and can discern spiritual truth that will be applied today with sound judgment in our decisions. We trust because we pray today in the name of the One who is fully human and fully divine … Jesus Christ, amen.
Jesus said, “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” – John 7:38
Noted in “Living Water” is that if you believe in Jesus, you receive living water or the Holy Spirit which flows inside to make possible stress-free composure and inner peace in the present. You can more than just cope during difficulty but receive hope for the future. There is physical, mental, and spiritual health beyond what could be imagined in eternity.
Our nation is broken from within
By a world of sin
But the Light meets the dark
And there is a spark
As grace collides
And eyes open wide
To a future of health
For our commonwealth.
Water, living water, and the Spirit satisfies thirst. Water meets our physical need, but the river of living water mentioned by Jesus in John 7:37-52 is like grace that keeps flowing to replenish the soul. The living water or Holy Spirit is available to flow from within for all who believe in Jesus (v. 38).
Nicodemus believed Jesus was from God because he saw Him perform signs and wonders. He was a Pharisee who was a member of the Jewish ruling council, In John 3, Jesus taught him about being born again or being born of water and Spirit (v5).
The takeaway for us today is that believing in Jesus gives us living water or the Holy Spirit flowing within to make possible stress-free composure and inner peace in the present. We can more than just cope with difficulties in the present because there is hope for the future. We are guaranteed life eternal with physical, mental, and spiritual health beyond what could be imagined.
Today’s photo is the Guadalupe River near Gruene Texas.
God’s grace flows like a stream of water that keeps flowing and flowing. Ask in prayer that grace flows internally into your heart as the Spirit moves to naturally produce the fruits of the Spirit which grow into activities that benefit your life at work, at home, and the lives of those around you.
The Spirit works inside to be a powerful force and through the decision to accept Jesus as Savior, we receive God’s plan for us and want others to know this plan.
This day with You Lord, like Nicodemus, we want this water that replenishes our thirst forever. Meet us where we are today to set us free in Spirit and in Truth that keeps on bringing this living water. There is stress free composure and inner peace as we hear the stream of grace keep flowing and flowing from where You are to where we are today. In Your name we pray, amen.
This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 