Jesus Gave His Life

Jesus didn't just die; he died with power and authority. His life wasn't taken from him; he laid it down willingly to die for our sins. His crucifixion was an apparent defeat for him, but turned into a lasting defeat for the evil one who sought to use his death to win a victory over God. No one could take Jesus' life. He gave it willingly to save us and purchase us from death. The Cross is God's power demonstrated in humanity's worst forum. It is our glory!

[Heartlight Devotionals]

John 10:18 ... No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

Matthew 20:28 ... Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

John 15:13 ... Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. ❤

That Great Movement

The early disciples stand on the edge of Pentecost and the beginning of a new movement of God that will sweep up all sorts of people into his Kingdom. And we are part of that great movement. We, too, are filled with this same Holy Spirit. Jesus still calls us to live out the good news of God's Kingdom in our world by the power of the Holy Spirit ... and to do it now!

[Heartlight Devotionals]

Acts 1:5 … For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

Acts 1:8 … But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Mark 1:8 … I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

Romans 15:13 … Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. 🕊

Through Christ

"Christians aren't perfect, just forgiven!" You've probably seen this bumper sticker or something similar. In one sense this is absolutely true. But, from God's point of view, Christians ARE perfect. Because of Jesus' sacrifice, God does not see our imperfections. He sees us through Christ's perfection. Look at these concepts and marvel! Look at how God views you and give thanks! Be humbled by God's grace to us in Jesus and rejoice! Holy, without blemish, and free from accusation -- there's nothing left to say but "Hallelujah!"

[Heartlight Devotionals]

Colossians 1:21-22 … And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight.

Hebrews 13:20-21 … Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Corinthians 6:11 ... And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. ♥

The Word Who Created the World

Jesus was there. He was with God in the beginning. But he was more than just a witness of Creation; he created it! Jesus, who allowed himself to be limited to human flesh and to die a cruel and agonizing death on the Cross, was there at the beginning as the Word speaking our world into existence. He made it. It is his.

Yet he came and died to redeem it. More specifically, he came to redeem you and me. So when the Word speaks to us telling us how to live to please God, don't you think we'd better pay attention? Better yet, don't you think we ought to do it?

[Heartlight Devotionals]

John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. ❤

Under The Influence

Today we finish a year of seeking to live for God under the influence of His Holy Spirit.

With so many pressures around us on this day and on this night, we could easily give our thoughts, behaviors, and words over to the destructive influence of alcohol or other substances.

Instead, let's remember our commitment to live "under the influence" of the Holy Spirit, asking Him to bring God glory in what we think, do, and say!

[Heartlight Devotionals]

Ephesians 5:17-18 ... Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.

Psalm 37:5 … Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

Proverbs 16:3 … Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

Colossians 3:23-24 … And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. ❤