But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you. Mark 16:7
Does God give second chances to those who have failed Him? He certainly did so for Peter. Peter had proudly announced that he was Jesus’ most reliable disciple (Matt. 26:33). Yet Peter not only fled with the other disciples in the moment of crisis, but also blatantly denied he even knew Jesus (Matt. 26:69–75). Peter failed so miserably that he went out into the night and wept bitterly (Luke 22:62). How compassionate the risen Christ was to Peter! The angel gave the women at the tomb special instructions to let Peter know that He was risen. Jesus took Peter aside to allow him the opportunity to reaffirm his love and commitment (John 21:15–17). The risen Lord also chose Peter as His primary spokesman on the day of Pentecost, when three thousand people were added to the church. God's desire is to take you from where you are and bring you to where He wants you to be. When He found His defeated followers hiding together in an upper room, Jesus’ first word was “peace” (John 20:19). Jesus’ first words to you after you fail may also be “peace.” Jesus will find you in despair and bring you peace. Then, He will reorient you to Himself so that you can believe Him and follow Him. Don’t give up if you have failed your Lord. Remember what happened to Peter. God has not yet finished developing you as a disciple. - Blackaby Experiencing God Day by Day
We. It's an inclusive term. You and I, an inclusive small group. Inclusion is the new political strategy. It's being pushed across all of society.
Inclusion that includes exclusion is what corporations and politicians are striving for. If you aren't publicly proclaiming your allegiance then you are excluded.
What does this have to do with today's devotional? We are all in the same place in regards to sin, which is inclusive of all.
We cannot please ourselves let alone all attempts at pleasing God on our own, apart from Him.
We cannot gather around us people who think the way we do or join people groups in order to sway the will of God in our future.
We all like sheep have gone astray. Each one doing what is right in their own eyes. Scripture says that. What results in our world is those who think similarly join together and try to be proud to stand together. They are joined by others and try to find common ground to stand together. Then that isn't enough and they look to make others think as they do. Sodom and Gehmorrah was full of inclusion. Sinful inclusion. Our world isn't being brought down by methane production or greenhouse gases. It's mankind's relationship with a Holy God that's altering its future and bringing about the impending Judgement of God through Christ Jesus.
Christianity is under attack more and more each day. The political world is trying to legislate out Christian values. They do not want to be inclusive of Christian businesses. Satan is behind much but is restrained by the Spirit from going too far.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and Spirit. Love your neighbor as yourself. That's the very definition of inclusiveness. Jesus included everyone He met. They might have rejected Him but He turned away nobody. Even Judas. Judas could have been killed with a thought or word from Jesus but he wasn't. Jesus broke through all social barriers to reach whom the Father sought to include, which was everyone.
In our fallen state we look to the betterment of ourselves. Our wellbeing, our wants and desires. Literally if we are honest it's me, me, me. We look for shortcuts to prosperity. We listen for an crave get rich quick schemes. Whatever it takes to find a peace that satisfies our life. A peace that fits our personality.
The problem with that is sin sets people against people. Sin sets you against you. Sin kills people. Sin causes wonderful lives to fall so fast and hard that the person it impacts doesn't know how they got to where they are.
A right relationship with Jesus isn't what the world says it is.
A right relationship with Jesus isn't abandoning others.
A right relationship with Jesus isn't ignorance.
A right relationship with Jesus isn't giving up on enjoying life.
A right relationship with Jesus isn't you losing out on living.
A right relationship with Jesus isn't ostracism. It isn't shunning people. Jesus never did.
A right relationship with Jesus is required for entry into Heaven.
A self-defined right life isn't what God's Word says we need. Scripture says we need a Savior. We need to turn and repent of sin. We need Jesus to take our place. We need the seal of the Holy Spirit once we come to Christ. We need to let go of self and embrace what Jesus wants of us.
Less of us and more of Him. We cannot please God in any other way. The world may call for the removal of Christianity but it isn't something they can stop. No Plan of God can be thwarted.
You can sit here and reject Jesus or you can come and to Him and be saved from your sin. Your choice determines your eternity. You may indeed be happy with those of this world you align with, but once you die apart from Jesus, will that temporary happiness be remembered in torment in Hell?
You, my Friend, my Dear Reader, must choose. The answer to your happiness is really who it is you will bow down to. Whom you choose will determine your eternity. Whom you bow to is who you are showing allegiance to. You either are aligned with Jesus or Satan. To be saved sets you apart and against the will of Satan. To be saved sets you in the camp of Jesus Christ. There is no middle ground.
In this Coexist culture realize that Christianity cannot co-exist with any worldly religion.
You and I are sinners. You are either saved by Grace or you are not. You must choose, as I had to do, to come to Christ on His terms. Not yours. He did all the work. He is ready with open arms to receive you. To forgive you.
Romans 10:9-10 "that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation."
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