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A WORD FOR TODAY…

Dear Sisters in Christ,

With all that the Lord has given us we’re to take our Christian walk seriously; if Christ came back today would we be ready? Don’t seek for signs and wonders, be ready and alert! It’s easy for us to fall into a sleepy spiritual state. Here’s a list to help get us jump started:

Nurture a pure and simple devotion to Christ, the bridegroom. Make your fellowship with the Lord first and foremost. Sit at His feet and listen. Love Him with all your heart, mind and soul and neighbour as yourself. Where there’s love there’s jealousy and He wants you to put Him above all else. You cannot serve God and money. Money and ‘things’ of this world should not be possessed or idolised, but just a means to get by in this earthly life. He should be our true treasure, our closest friend. (2 Corinthians 11:3; Luke 10:38-42; Matt.6:24; Proverbs 18:24)

Jesus said, if you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever. This helper is the Holy Spirit who guides us into all truth and helps us live this life pleasing to the Lord. In order to know and keep His commands, we have to read, and obey His words, the Bible. The Lord considers obedience better than sacrifice. (John 14:15-18; Matthew 7:21-23; 1 Samuel 15:22)

Do not be deceived with all the false preaching going around. Remember Jesus came to save us from our sins, in order to restore our relationship with God, who called us to be holy for He is holy. The Lord will meet our needs, not our greeds, as we put His Kingdom first. (2 Timothy 1:9; 1 Peter 1:15-17; 2 Corinthians 11:13)

We’re to pray, as prayer is how we communicate with God; it’s an earthly request for heavenly intervention in our lives and that of others when we pray for them too. Tell Him all your cares, ask for provision, give thanks and praise, but most of all listen, as communication is a two way street. (James 5:16; 1 John 5:14-15; Ephesians 6:18)

Learn to forgive quickly, ask the Lord for grace and a forgiving spirit, if this is difficult to do. Remember you cannot go to heaven with conscious sin looming over you. Jesus said, but if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. (Matthew 6:15; Matthew 18:21-35)

We’re to keep a good conscience before God and man. Every sin is committed against God. If we sin against God we’re to repent, confess our sins immediately and forsake it. Remember whilst we have conscious sin in our lives we’re separated from God, seek to be in fellowship by keeping a clear conscience. If we sin directly against our fellow man, we’re to apologise and ask forgiveness, just like Paul did when he insulted the high priest. We’re to humble ourselves and not justify our behaviour. (1 John 1:9; Acts 23:2-5)

Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to light anything in your life where you need to make restitution, like cheating on taxes, stolen something or hurt someone. Even if you can never repay it, just the intent to try and the offering of something, is good enough for the Lord. If the Holy Spirit prompts us to make an apology to someone we need to humble ourselves and do it. (Luke 19:8-9; Romans 13:8-10; Matthew 5:23-24; Luke 10:27)

Don’t get weighed down with the things of this world, when you die you can’t take it with you. Remember whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Cast your cares on the Lord and trust that He will work all things for good. We’re to overcome as Jesus overcame. Give up murmuring and complaining and give thanks instead. (James 4:4; Luke 21:34; Revelation 3:21; Matthew 6:26-34; Philippians 4:4-7; Hebrews 3:15-19)

The more you talk, the more likely you are to sin. If you’re the chatty type, think before you speak and learn to speak less. We will all be held accountable for every careless word spoken. By our word we will be acquitted or condemned. Remember to take every evil thought captive; our motives, our thoughts and deeds will be judged also on that Great Day! Pray that the Lord shows you anything in your life that displeases Him. (Proverbs 10:19; Matthew 12:36-37; 2 Corinthians 10:15; Psalm 139:24; Psalm 141:3)

Remember the secret to this Christian life is humility. God gives His grace to the humble but opposes the proud. So if you’re not receiving grace, ask yourself, where am I proud? It could be for anything! What is it we have that the Lord didn’t give us? Satan the enemy will certainly try to puff us up so you don’t receive it. Beware, the evil sin of pride, including spiritual pride. (1 Peter 5:5-6; James 4:6-7; James 1:17; 2 Peter 1:3)

Prayer: I thank God for sending the Lord Jesus out of love for us, who willingly came and died for each of our sins. I also thank Him for His forgiveness, love, grace, mercy and for every brother and sister who’s come to know Him as their Lord and Saviour and soon coming King. God bless and keep you always, may the plans and purposes He has for your life be fulfilled. Certain things may not be true in our lives yet, but we aspire to it and confess our hope that it will come to pass. Let’s humble ourselves and ask for the help to live this life in a way that’s pleasing to the Lord, asking for His grace, guidance, wisdom and discernment. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Lori McPherson

**How to be saved: The Path To Salvation: HERE