Simple Repentance

Matthew 4:17,  From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Jesus preached repent and that is  the same message for today. In Matthew 3:2, John the Baptist also preached repentance. In Revelations chapters 2-4, John  warned the churches to repent. He said they were lukewarm, and God hates complacency. They had lost their love and passion for Christ.

Many people have a false sense of security. They depend on their government to take care of them or they worship the work of their own hands without giving God thanks. We need to repent of pride and selfishness and greed. God is holy and hates sin. He wants us to love righteousness and be people of integrity.  In Ephesians 4:24-30, we are told to stop lying, stealing and hating. We are to be careful how we speak. God is listening and knows everything about us. Let us purpose in our hearts to have a good attitude. Isaiah 4:20, Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil. The Bible is God's holy word and we are to follow God's teaching. Deuteronomy 10:12, tells us that God wants us to fear the Lord and walk in His ways and love him and serve Him with all our heart.

We need to honor and respect God and want to live a life pleasing unto Him. Jesus is merciful, but we also read in 2 Timothy 4:1, that He is Judge. In 2 Timothy we read that these last days will get more wicked, and that is why God is warning people to turn to God and repent.

Peace

This world needs peace. Individuals need peace in their own hearts. Colossians 3:15, and let the peace of God rule in your hearts for you are called in one body and be thankful. 

We can get greater peace by daily studying the Bible. Colossians 3:16, Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching, admonishing one another in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 

John 16:33, These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me you might have peace, but in the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.  Isaiah 26:3, God will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Him and trusts in the Lord. Isaiah 9:6, Jesus is called the Prince of Peace. Psalm 23:2, He leads me beside still waters and restores my soul. 

2 Timothy 2:22, follow righteousness, faith, love and peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 24, Don't strive but be gentle and teach with patience. Jesus Christ is alive. He died on the cross but rose again. We can have peace when we ask Him to forgive us of our sins.  

Throughout the day thank God for His goodness and many blessings. Philippians 4:8, tells us to think on things that are good, honest, just, pure. Don't dwell on your problems and allow fear and worry to fill your mind. Christ promises us abundant life and that includes abundant peace. 

The Greatest is Love

There is so much war and hatred around the world. As followers in Jesus Christ we are to demonstrate Christ's love to others. 

John 13:35, By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. 1 Thessalonians 3:12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you. John 15:12, This is my commandment that ye love one another, as I have loved you. 1 Peter 1:22, Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently. Today purpose in your heart with the help of the Holy Spirit to show love to those you come in contact with. Christ tells us to be tenderhearted, kind, compassionate, gentle, patient with one another.

You can make a difference in your family, workplace and community. This world needs Christ's love demonstrated through His followers. 

Blessing

Throughout each day think on God's goodness. Psalm 23:6 says that goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life. We sing this little chorus at times, "When I think of the goodness of Jesus and all that He has done for me."  Psalm 86:5 says that the Lord is good and ready to forgive and plenteous in mercy unto all that call upon Him.

Don't dwell on your problems but have a thankful heart. Romans 2:4 says that the goodness of God brings one to repentance. Before Moses was given the ten commandments, God spoke to Moses in Exodus 33:19 and said that He would make His goodness pass before him and show him mercy. Read about God's goodness in the whole chapter of  Psalm 145.  Christ showed His great goodness and love by going to the cross and rising again. When we accepted Him into our hearts and ask Him to forgive us He will. 

Today and every day, thank Him. Don't grumble and complain, just count your blessings.  

Praying for One Another

In John chapter 17:6-26, Jesus prayed for His disciples. When you read these verses you can feel Jesus' compassion for His followers. 

Read Romans 1:8, 9b, 12, and 1 Thessalonians 1:2, 3, and Colossians 1:3, 9, 10, 11, and Philippians 1:3, 4-6, 9, 10, and 1 Corinthians 1:4, 5, 10. In these verses, Jesus thanked God for their work of faith and labor of love. He prayed that they would be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding and that they may walk worthy of the Lord fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. Also He prayed that they would be strengthened with all might according to His glorious power with patience and with joy. 

Today we can daily thank God for other believers and pray similar prayers. We can all benefit from praying for one another as we labor together for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.