Revelations 22:12-21

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Read Revelations 22:12-21 Verses for meditation: Revelations 22:12-13, 16, 20-21 ESV: 12 "Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” 16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” 20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. Reflect How does it feel to be reading the very last few verses of the bible? What do the proclamations, the last few of them, say about Christ? Come, Lord Jesus! Does this really express our desire? How does the greatest book end, and on what note? But is this really the end? Relate With mixed feelings, I'm writing this last devotion based on the final ten verses of the greatest book, the bible. What a journe...
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Romans 7:7-8:39

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Read: Romans 7.7-8.39

Verses chosen for reflection:

Romans 7:24-8:4 "Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." 


Reflect

Paul's letter to the Romans is one of his greatest reflection on the life of the Christian. How does a Christian live the new life after being saved? Much of Romans attempt to answer such a simple but profound question. One of the issues which plagued many Christians is that we struggle with trying to live holy lives after being saved. 


On the one hand, we are told that Jesus had justified us with His blood. While we are no longer condemned for our sins, we still struggle with sin through the flesh. In other words, how do we truly live the victorious life?


Paul's insightful answer is that we do not try to live the Christian life as we were so used to; that is, according to what we have been doing in the flesh. When we are not yet Christians, it is by grace that we are aware of certain morality in this world. And sometimes, we try to live by such moral codes. Yet, the struggle is futile since no flesh or human strength can truly win against sin. Instead, sin easily conquers the flesh. Instead, Paul's suggestion is for us to live in the Spirit. 


Living in the Spirit is not some kind of New Age emptying yourself and "feeling the breeze" nonsense. Instead, it is about intentionally submitting to the will and leading of God through His word. It is about heeding the voice of the Spirit in us when we are about to transgress against God. Not an act of our will; but an act of empowered submission to the Lordship of Christ. In that way, we always win when it comes to waging war against sin.


Relate

The world is increasingly complex, wicked and in hot pursuit of the latest way to seek the highest form of pleasure. Yet, this seeking of what is pleasurable betrays the human desire to be intimate and relational. We are all created to worship and be intimate with God. And from there, we then know how to be holy and intimate with other forms of relationship. Coming to Christ provides the key to that kind of right relationship. 


Such an amazing truth took me almost three decades to discover. Yet, by God's sovereign grace, I am thankful to my Saviour for allowing me to come to such a truth. It makes perfect sense to me now, that for all that I was seeking then as a non-Christian; had been a sign of seeking something or for that Someone much greater than myself. 


Realising such a truth allows me to be more understanding with persons going through similar struggles. A non-Christian's pursuit of unrighteous intimacy and the Christian pursuit to be right with God but constantly stumbles and fall. What is needed is for someone to walk alongside and offer a listening ear, a timely rebuke and the much needed conversations to help them know that they are not alone. 


Help is along the way or should I say is always there. Not us, but the very power of God to make us righteous with Him and continue to help us to get it right with Him. Such grace and power can only be given by a loving Saviour. So let us trust Him and continue to persevere in our walk with God as well as care for others. For it is not us but the very power of God to transform.


Rest

Yes Lord, like the Apostle Paul, we are wretched beings. Yet, in Christ, we are considered as righteous before your very eyes. What amazing grace you have given! Allow us, therefore, to love and care for others just as how You have given grace. Use us, as your instruments of peace so that more will come to know You as Saviour and the only Lord of their lives. This we pray in Jesus' Name. Amen. 


Jason











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Revelations 22:12-21

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Read Revelations 22:12-21 Verses for meditation: Revelations 22:12-13, 16, 20-21 ESV: 12 "Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” 16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” 20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. Reflect How does it feel to be reading the very last few verses of the bible? What do the proclamations, the last few of them, say about Christ? Come, Lord Jesus! Does this really express our desire? How does the greatest book end, and on what note? But is this really the end? Relate With mixed feelings, I'm writing this last devotion based on the final ten verses of the greatest book, the bible. What a journe...
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