A God Who Understands - No. 99

Hebrews 4:15
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin."

When you feel guilty, go to Jesus.
When you are tempted, turn to Jesus.
When you have sinned, look to Jesus.

He knows your weakness. It was why Jesus came into this world in the first place, so He could save us from our infirmity. And it is because He was able to withstand the temptations that we cannot that Jesus' death served as perfect atonement for all of our iniquities.

Jesus didn't come to earth and live a perfect life and die a horrid death because he thought you might need a savior. He came because he KNEW you need a savior.

Therefore, lay all pride aside.
Cast away your guilt.

Go to Jesus.

Jesus wants you to turn to Him. He knows what it is to be tempted, and He knows you need a savior.

Don't waste precious moments of your life denying your sin or your need for of salvation. Run to Jesus. He understands. He loves you. He died for you.

Dear Lord,

Please let me never forget that Jesus understands my weakness, and that He died for my sin. Guard me against the accuser who tells me I'm not good enough for Jesus. Protect me from the one who tells me I don't need a savior. Let me run to you with confidence, knowing Jesus has already paid the price for my sins so that He can be my brother, you can be my Father and Heaven will be my home. 

Amen.

How They Will Know - No. 100

"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:35

There is only one way to be saved - to believe in your need for a savior, Christ, and that his death was the full atonement for your sins and by his resurrection He defeated sin and death altogether - but if you want to be identified by others as a Christian, Jesus tells us exactly how. 

Do you want others to know you as a follower of Christ?

If so, then follow his new commandment.

"...that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." (v. 34)

It's a high calling, perhaps even impossible, to love others as Christ loves us, but it is one for which we should all strive.

There is no greater witness than to be seen loving each other as Christ loves us.

Dear Lord,

Please give me the strength to love those you have put in my life in a way that replicates the way you love me, putting others before myself, forgiving freely, and showing even a small glimmer of what it means to be loved by you.

Amen.