Faithfully Yours Forever

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A1-17&version=NIV
Passage: John 15:1-17
Verse: John 15:16 (NIV)
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

How special is it to know that Jesus chose us first – before we chose Him?  He values us.  He is confident we will bear fruit, eternal fruit, for His kingdom.  Genuine belief in Jesus stems from a love for Him and what He did for us.  May we be blessed in a very special way as we love and follow Him.  May we be seen as worthy, in the eyes of the Father, as we show others why and how to have a meaningful relationship with the Lord.  (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+9%3A11-22&version=NIV
Passage: Hebrews 9:11-22
Verse: Hebrews 9:14 (NIV)
How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!

The Old Testament speaks often of a sacrificial system and the atonement of sins.  Today’s verse, from the New Testament, reminds us how much more effective Christ’s sacrifice is in preparing us to serve God.  To serve God effectively, we need to be able to reflect His holiness.  May we be able to show the world around us that there is a new and better way to live our lives.  This better way of living is within reach, for us and for others, simply by believing in the atoning sacrifice made by Jesus upon the cross.  May we be open to His cleansing power.  May we see how Jesus has changed us to better reflect His image of holiness through our words, actions, and deeds.  (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+6%3A3-7%3A1&version=NIV
Passage: Matthew 5:13-20
Verses: Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

I love this passage of Scripture!  As Christians, we are to stand out from the crowd… and stand up for Christ!  May we be the light of Christ in those darkened places in the world around us.  May the message of the gospel shine brightly through our words, deeds, and attitudes. (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+6%3A3-7%3A1&version=NIV
Passage: 2 Corinthians 6:3-7:1
Verse: 2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV)
Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we can count on the promises written of in the Scriptures.  However, it is up to us to strive to live a holy life.  When we do not quite measure up, may we remember that God is merciful.  He has provided a way for us, through Christ, to be holy in His eyes.  May we believe in the redemptive work accomplished by Christ upon the cross.  May we choose to follow the way of Jesus and guide others into a relationship with the one who gave His life for us. (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+6%3A10-23&version=NIV
Passage: Ephesians 6:10-23
Verse: Ephesians 6:13 (NIV)
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

The Scripture surrounding this verse reminds us that the full armor of God is about truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God.  These things, combined with prayer and the power of the Lord, are what make it possible for us to stand; we can stand firm against the evil forces of this world.  There are days when I dare not venture out without claiming the protection that is afforded me, as a believer, by the full armor of God.  At those times when we suspect we may be under spiritual attack, may we remember to “suit up” and pray!  (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+5%3A1-6%3A2&version=NIV
Passage: 2 Corinthians 5:1-6:2
Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV)
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

God has chosen to honor us.  We are an important part of His plan.  He seeks to use us to achieve His purposes and to build His Kingdom.  It is a huge responsibility!  Our ability to fulfill this responsibility is empowered by the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit guides us as we focus on strengthening our relationship with God.  In growing our relationship, we become effective ambassadors for Christ.  May others see how serving in this capacity, as Christ’s ambassadors, has enriched our lives. (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A7-21&version=NIV
Passage: 1 John 4:7-21
Verse: 1 John 4:7 (NIV)
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

Let it be true; let us love one another!  God seeks to restore His image within us.  Scripture tells us that God is love and that people will know we are His by the way we love one another.  May He instill in us a love, first for Him, and then for others.  When someone looks at us, may they see the love of God flow freely from our hearts to the lost and needy people of this world.  (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+11%3A1-18&version=NIV
Passage: Acts 11:1-18
Verse: Acts 11:18 (NIV)
When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.”

As a Christian, aren’t we blessed to be counted as one of God’s chosen people?  However, let us not forget that the gospel of Jesus Christ is intended for everyone.  May we chose to believe the gospel message that Jesus Christ is our Lord, Savior, and Redeemer.  May He help us to touch the lives and hearts of others who are seeking to know, understand, and accept the truth of the gospels.  (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+7%3A8-12&version=NIV
Passage: 2 Corinthians 7:8-12
Verse: 2 Corinthians 7:10 (NIV)
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

I do not know about you, but I would like to be able to say, at the end of my earthly existence, that I have no regrets.  I know I will only be able to say that, when all is said and done, if I have been able to lay down those things, before Christ… at the foot of the cross, that I have handled in less than a godly way.    Christ restores those who genuinely repent of their sins… and then choose to walk in a way that is honoring to Him.  May we be guided by Him as we navigate the difficult circumstances of our lives.  May we choose life with no regrets, through Christ, rather than death.  (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)