Transformed to be like Jesus

July 1, 2021

2 Corinthians 3:16-18 NLT – But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. [17] For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. [18] So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord-who is the Spirit-makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

I was going to write some thoughts about this passage today and then I saw the notes for verse 18 in my Life Application Study Bible. It said it better than I could…

The Holy Spirit’s way of transformation works better and lasts longer than even Moses’ glorious experience. With the freedom the Holy Spirit gives, our false beliefs and misconceptions fall away. We can clearly see what God wants and better reflect it to others. The Spirit works progressively in us to point out where we need to change. Step-by-step, he gives us insights on how to do it and empowers us with his love. Some change happens quickly, but God works in his own timing. The process may be slow in some areas, so never give up if you don’t see the spiritual progress you desire. God will work it out (Philippians 1:6).

The truth at the right time

June 29, 2021

Titus 1:2-3 NLT says, “ This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God-who does not lie-promised them before the world began. [3] And now at just the right time he has revealed this message, which we announce to everyone. It is by the command of God our Saviour that I have been entrusted with this work for him.”

God reveal His truth that Jesus Christ saves at the right time. We can be confident we have eternal life because of Christ’s death on the cross and resurrection for us. God promised this salvation long ago and He does not lie. Like the Apostle Paul, it is our job to reveal the message of salvation to everyone. It is the work we are entrusted to. Jesus told us this when He told us to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20).

Dear God, thank You for Jesus dying for my sin on the cross. I pray You will forgive my sins. I want Jesus to be the Lord and Saviour of my life. I want to live my life for Your Kingdom. Help me to share my faith with those around me. I pray they will trust Jesus too. Amen.

He loves us and draws us to Himself

June 28, 2021

Jeremiah 31:3 NLT says, “ Long ago the LORD said to Israel: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.”

In this simple verse we see five things if we read it slowly and take our time to meditate on it.

1. God tells us He loves us

2. He calls us His people

3. He loves us with an everlasting love

4. His love is unfailing love

5. He has drawn us to Himself

These five things show us that God loves us deeply and He draws us to Himself. I think this is worth reflecting on today.

If you do not know the love of God, I would encourage you to visit my salvation page above.

Build each other up

June 23, 2021

1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT says, “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing”.

In the first part of this verse Paul tells the Thessalonians to encourage each other and build each other up. He sees it as something very important for all Christians and church goers. The world and the trials we go through can bring us down at times, so we all need encouragement. Then in the second part of the verse Paul says, “just as you are already doing”. Paul has already seen this practice in them, but he doesn’t want them to rest on their laurels, he wants them to continue in it. Encouragement is vital for us all to continue on in Christ. Especially “all the more as we see the great day of Christ’s return approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).

Prayer

Dear God, please help me to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ. I pray that I can continue to be a person to build people up in their faith and trust in You. I pray I can do this each and every day. I ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Living for God’s eternal city

June 19, 2021

The Bible says in Revelation 3:12 NLT – All who are victorious will become pillars in the Temple of my God, and they will never have to leave it. And I will write on them the name of my God, and they will be citizens in the city of my God-the new Jerusalem that comes down from heaven from my God. And I will also write on them my new name.

This passage is written to the church of Philadelphia who it says had little strength but continued to be obedient to God’s Word and did not deny Jesus (v8). In this short passage there is some encouragement that gives us a future hope.

1. Being obedient to God’s Word and not denying Jesus is the key to being victorious, if you do…

2. You will become pillars in the temple of God

3. You will have the name of God written on you

4. You will become citizens of God’s city, the new Jerusalem

5. God will write a new name on you

If we continue to follow Jesus and live by God’s Word in this life we will live in the New Jerusalem. This is God’s eternal city. That is great news!