Devotion, Tuesday, 7-3-12

[Duke0002]

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you have tribulation, but take courage;  I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

Some of you know that my cousin's son died in a firearm accident at the age of 36.  This tragedy left many asking the question, "why?"  His grandmother sent an email out to many relatives and friends.  I'd like to share part of it with you.

"He will be in our hearts forever, and we will cry and ask God , WHY???, but as one pastor told me once, "you're only human".  

His grandfather told his sons to "get right with the Lord, you might not have the chance I did."  So...I'm asking you to do the same.  As we discovered Monday, we're not promised tomorrow - yes, the sun still comes up, but it won't be as brightly for a long time without him in our life! 

MAY THE PEACE OF THE LORD BE WITH ALL OF US!"

It's natural that our first question is "why?"  As Bible believing Christians we know "why."   We live in a fallen world.  "We're only human."  Our human nature is corrupted by sin.  This sin causes so much pain and so many hardships in the world.  Accidents happen to us.  We cause tragedy to ourselves and to others, and others cause tragedy for us. 

Knowing the answer to the "why?" helps some, but we need something more to help us recover and start life anew after a grievous loss.   This is where the peace that Jesus speaks of comes into play:  "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you have tribulation, but take courage;  I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

In verse 22 of John 16, Jesus said, "Therefore you, too, now have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one takes your joy away away from you."

The sin that ravages us and the world, has been overcome.  How?  It happened when Jesus overcame sin, death, and the devil for us on Calvary's cross.  He reconciled us to the Father.  He did such a complete job that in Him  even our sin is not counted against us (2 Cor. 5: 19).   His blood cleanses us from all righteousness.

Our strength and peace comes from knowing that Jesus has redeemed us.  His salvation covers all, in fact, it "overcomes the world."   In Christ, God begins and continues the healing process.

As long as we're on this earth, we will live with empty spots in our lives.  We will live with the painful results of sin -ours and others.    "But take courage; I have overcome the world."   

In Christ, our hearts are comforted.  We can survive and make it through any pain. Earth is earth.  Heaven is not on earth... its, well...  in heaven.  There, we will live in perfect joy and peace. 

Grandpa told his children, "to get right with the Lord."  No better wisdom can be spoken.  We can't always control what happens to us down here.  The day of your salvation is today.  Never put off repenting of your sin and, by faith, embrace the free gift of forgiveness and new life found in your Savior.

How shall we escape our sin and God's punishment if we neglect so great a salvation?   There's only one way to escape it:  God was in Christ, reconciling you to Himself.  Jesus has overcome you and the world. 

In Christ, you will live eternally with all the company of heaven.  What peace for you and for those you leave behind!

Take courage, Jesus has overcome the world!

-Dale

[Roostem33]

Great devotional Dale, thanks for sharing!!


God bless,
Jody

[turkey slayer]

Thanks

[misfire]

Thanks Dale

[BOFF]

Thank you Dale!!

A lot of "Whys" I tend to ask, but, all I need to remember is our Heavenly Father is ALWAYS taking care of us, and looking over us.

As you wrote in the devotional, He, has already overcome the world!!!

God Bless,
David B.