Devotion for today - 8/10/2013:
SCRIPTURE:
Read: Jude 17-23
Key verse: Jude 22-23; And have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh.
INSIGHT:
Effective witnessing saves people from God's judgment. As believers, we witness to some through our compassion and kindness; to others we witness as if we were snatching them from the eternal fire. To hate "even the garment polluted by the flesh" means that we are to hate the sin, but we must witness to and love the sinner. Unbelievers, no matter how successful they seem by worldly standards, are lost and in need of salvation. We should not take witnessing lightly - it is a matter of life and death.
In trying to find common ground with those to whom we witness, we must be careful not to fall into the quicksand of compromise. When reaching out to others, we must be sure that our own footing is safe and secure. Be careful not to become so much like the non-Christians that no one can tell you are or what you believe. Influence them for Christ - don't allow them to influence you to sin!
PRAYER:
- Pray for family members and friends who are struggling with tough life issues. Be an encourager to them. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you ways share with them as they seek answers to situations.
- Pray for the lost. The world is an evil place and many are wandering around without direction and guidance in life. They are living a life with no hope for the future and have no idea of eternity. We, as believers, have the message of hope...the good news of Jesus Christ and His gift of salvation. This gift is FREE with no strings attached and is available to anyone who is willing to trust Jesus as Savior and by faith follow Him.
- Pray for revival for this nation. Revival...is not for unbelievers, but for those of us who are born again, children of the Most High God! If we want to see 'hope and change' it must begin in the hearts of the saved, in the house of the Lord! Judgment begins in the house of the Lord. We cannot depend on man to make things happen in this country, we must depend on Almighty God...El Shaddai. Can this nation be restored? Absolutely, but only by the hand of God and only through the prayers and actions of His children!
- Praise God from Whom all blessings flow. He alone is worthy of our praise!
Have a great day in the Lord! Love to all, Rob <><
