Feb 25 2022

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

For ten years, Florida took monumental steps to eradicate citrus canker and failed. This bacterial disease has been responsible for destroying tens of thousands of citrus trees. Canker affects the leaves, stems, and fruit of the trees and can only be stopped when it's destroyed.

Florida's efforts have continued to be in vain because rain carries the bacteria and causes the canker to spread rapidly. Once a tree contracts this disease, it begins to destroy the tree quickly. The diseased parts must be removed immediately. Otherwise, it will destroy the entire tree and spread to nearby trees.

Citrus canker and sin are similar in their effect and end result. Once sin enters our lives, it spreads quickly, affecting our hearts and minds. Without repentance and forgiveness, it will destroy us, ultimately leading to death and eternal separation from God.

Unlike canker, however, there is a solution to our sin disease. In this afternoon's verse, we read that God has already provided a sin removal system for our lives.

Because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross, we can come to God in prayer and ask for His grace in our lives. Sin and its effects on our lives will not just go away on its own. It has to be dealt with.

Sin doesn't have to destroy us. But without God's help, it will lead to death and hurt those around us. Through God's mercy, we can receive new life and eternal life with God.

I have a sin problem. There are places in my heart that wander from you and seek to do their own thing. I know that when I stray from your Word, I will do things that pull me away from you. Please remove the sin in my heart. Make me strong and able to withstand the temptation of sin. I know that you offer me a better way of living. Help me to follow you. In Jesus' name, amen.

Feb 24 2022

Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. :

Jude is one of the shortest letters in the New Testament. Besides offering wisdom in how to deal with false teachers, it provides very little instruction on godly living.

This afternoon's verse instructs us to "Keep yourselves in the love of God." This is an interesting way to tell us not to run from God's love, but rather, remain in it.

We can't remove ourselves from God's love because there is nothing we can do to lose His love for us. But we can choose to move away from accepting His love, and by default, choose His wrath.

Fellowship with God is offered to all believers. It's the opportunity to know God's heart and allow Him to guide our lives. What other place would we possibly want to be than in fellowship with our Creator?

The second part of the verse says, "looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." Mercy is ours right now. We don't have to wait to receive God's mercy, but we will receive the ultimate mercy when we stand face-to-face with God, and He welcomes us into eternal life.

Today, we can choose to abide in God's love and know Him better and more deeply until we meet Him in eternity.

Jesus, I want to know you more every day. I want to experience your love in such a strong way that it affects everyone around me. Help me obey your commands and be obedient to your Word. Someday, when I enter into eternity with you, I will know the fullness of your mercy. But for now, Jesus, I am grateful for your love that is always with me. In your name, amen.
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