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meditations for an everyday relationship with Jesus
Knowing no shame
Zephaniah 3:4-5 Her prophets are recklesstreacherous men. Her priests profane the sanctuary; they do violence to instruction. The righteous Lord is in her; He does no wrong. He applies His justice morning by morning; He does not fail at dawn, yet the one who does wrong knows no shame.
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This attitude of Jerusalem’s rebellion interestingly is presented after the return from Babylonian exile, not before. Again, it would appear that we (humanity in general) have short memories and long histories ...
Omnipresent God
Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, observing the wicked and the good.
This proverbial saying is exactly what I remind folks of as they profess their undying faith and prepare to leave the church for home or wherever.
And, it isn’t just God watching as they turn the corner out of earshot and eyesight … the devil is also watching with great anticipation.
He saved us
Titus 3:5-7 He saved us not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. He poured out this Spirit on us abundantly …
Not by works ofrighteousness
According to His mercy
Through the washing ofregeneration
Renewal ofthe Holy Spirit
He poured out this Spirit
Abundantly
Jesus saved us by a complete regeneration and renewal; not by any construct of works! As He increases within us we increase, as well. And yet, we must decrease so He increases and overshadows our focus on self and works. This is also spiritual warfare.
The Lord will fulfill and protect
Psalm 138:7-8 If I walk into the thick of danger, You will preserve my life from the anger of my enemies. You will extend Your hand; Your right hand will save me.
The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me.
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If we step out of the way God will indeed protect us, preserve us, and in us His purpose will be fulfilled.
In the process, as we walk into dangerous places and incur anger from enemies, God is our ever present protector. God’s purpose, if we allow it, is the envelop of peace that we all desperately seek. Allow God to work without distracting him and the roads will be smoother, the blessings more abundant and the horizon brighter.
