Posts Tagged ‘ Love ’

Advent 2022 – Day 4: Isaiah 9:13

The people did not turn to him who struck them, nor inquire of the Lord of hosts.

Isaiah 9:13, ESV

At Advent, we look back at why Jesus had to come, that He came, and then that He will come again.

We do horrible things to each other and against God.

We don’t like to believe that God punishes people, either. However, the Old Testament shows how often Israel disobeyed God, and God allowed and even sent disasters and armies to correct them and draw them back to Himself.

But we like to think we know better, so we refuse to go to Him or even blame Him for everything wrong in this life.

How could He allow such bad things to happen? How could a good God let evil happen to good people?

But He has told us that none of us are truly good, that we don’t seek our Maker.

He sends and allows because He has given us the choice to ignore, hate, and refuse Him.

Yet God came to us, willingly taking our hatred and accusations and refusals to the cross, giving us in return grace and forgiveness and acceptance.

Yes, God sends things that hurt but it to draw us in, and He also sends Himself to hold us.

May we seek the Lord who draws us in.

VerseD: Isaiah 40:3

A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Isaiah 40:3, ESV

We live in a wilderness of sin and darkness in this world.

Let us make every effort to remove obstacles to the gospel in our own lives and as we share the gospel with others.

May we seek the peace and light of God.

VerseD: Psalm 9:1

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.

Psalm 9:1, ESV

Let us be thankful for all God has done, that He keeps His promises and has shown His love for us.

VerseD: Mark 16:15

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

Mark 16:15, ESV

Let us be thankful, not only for our salvation, but that our Lord has given us a purpose: to lead others in our world to salvation in Christ.

VerseD: Psalm 100:4

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!

Psalm 100:4, ESV

God has called us into community with Him and with His Chosen people. May we come together and thank God for this brotherhood: the Church filled with the Holy Spirit.

VerseD: James 1:17

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

James 1:17, ESV

Good wants us to bring heaven to earth, and He gives us blessings and gifts to accomplish this mission (not for ourselves).

And He doesn’t change.

VerseD: Luke 6:28

bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.

Luke 6:28, ESV

We bring heaven to earth when we show the same compassion and forgiveness Christ showed us to those who hate, mock, curse, and abuse us.

VerseD: John 14:21

“Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”

John 14:21, ESV

Heaven is brought to earth as we love and obey God.

Want to spread Jesus’ gospel? Love God and obey His commands.

VerseD: Isaiah 60:3

And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.

Isaiah 60:3, ESV

The world rebels against God, but He has tasked us with bringing heaven to earth. When people see the love we have for each other and the joy given through our salvation, many will want to know what we have.

VerseD: Hebrews 13:16

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Hebrews 13:16, ESV

This world is full of selfishness and need.

Let us share the love of God with others, ushering heaven onto earth as we sacrifice of ourselves to help others in Jesus’ name.