Jun 17 2021

Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Jude is one of the shortest letters in the New Testament. Besides offering wisdom in how to deal with false teachers, it provides very little instruction on godly living.

This afternoon's verse instructs us to "Keep yourselves in the love of God." This is an interesting way to tell us not to run from God's love, but rather, remain in it.

We can't remove ourselves from God's love because there is nothing we can do to lose His love for us. But we can choose to move away from accepting His love, and by default, choose His wrath.

Fellowship with God is offered to all believers. It's the opportunity to know God's heart and allow Him to guide our lives. What other place would we possibly want to be than in fellowship with our Creator?

The second part of the verse says, "looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." Mercy is ours right now. We don't have to wait to receive God's mercy, but we will receive the ultimate mercy when we stand face-to-face with God, and He welcomes us into eternal life.

Today, we can choose to abide in God's love and know Him better and more deeply until we meet Him in eternity.

Jesus, I want to know you more every day. I want to experience your love in such a strong way that it affects everyone around me. Help me obey your commands and be obedient to your Word. Someday, when I enter into eternity with you, I will know the fullness of your mercy. But for now, Jesus, I am grateful for your love that is always with me. In your name, amen.

Jun 16 2021

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. :

We can find everything we will ever need through our relationship with God.

When we release control of our lives to God, we can live in His will. As humans, our tendency is to imagine a worst-case scenario for even the smallest of situations. What happens if we forget to pack our kids' lunches? They could starve to death! What if a co-worker misunderstands something we said at work? We could get fired and end up homeless!

The reality of those crises happening as a result of one single incident are slim to none, but in our minds, we can justify the possibility. God doesn't want us to live in constant fear of the what-ifs. He offers us the opportunity to hand our lives over to Him and allow Him to take care of anything that comes our way.

When people know we are proclaimed followers of Jesus, they often watch us to see how we handle everyday life. If we are insecure and constantly worried, then why would they want to follow our example?

In comparison, a life filled with God's peace and power invites people to discover a different way of living as they turn their lives over to Jesus. When we choose to live for God, we actually receive a new life. We exchange our former way of living for a clean slate.

God's spirit and His power replace our old minds and way of thinking. No longer do our thoughts control us; they are now under the authority of God. With God in control, we can have total faith that He will take care of every area of our lives.

God, I want to live in your will. When I'm in control, I quickly mess things up—but you always know the right thing to do. Today, I choose to remember that you hold my life in your loving hands. Help me experience your love like never before. Remind me that your ways are better than mine. No matter how tempting it is to go my own way, give me the strength to choose your ways. I am so thankful that I can put all of my faith and trust in you. In Jesus' name, amen.
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