Daily Devotional: Thursday, 12 January 2017

Daily Devotional: Thursday, 12 January 2017

By Faith alone: God’s invitation to the world

37 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” 39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive.” (John 7: 37-39a, NIV)

Additional passage: Acts 17: 22- 24

  There is a German song that goes: “God has invited us to His party, let’s go, and let’s tell everyone who we meet on the way about it…” When I receive an invitation to a party, it makes me feel so special. What an honour to think that the host wants me specifically to attend. It is so important to God that every single person accepts His invitation. We are so precious to Him and he wants desperately for us to be near to him; not temporarily, but permanently. Not as a guest, but as one of the family. He wants US to be a part of HIS life and HIS being. He is offering US a meaningful and fulfilling life, one that is made perfect in His eternal presence. What a privilege that is! And what a prospect that is for us humans. Jesus uses this imagery of a joyful party to make it clear that HE is inviting us and that HE wants to celebrate with us. HE has prepared heavenly dwellings for us in his eternal realm. And there is no entrance fee, no rent to be paid and no credit needed. There is nothing else for us to do, but just believe: by faith alone. Faith is much more than just a ritual or a heightened awareness of God’s presence. Faith means embracing that God fulfils His promises and also trusting in God’s works rather than in our own. Jesus sent out His disciples 2000 years ago and he is sending US out today, so that every single person on this Earth can receive His invitation and say yes to him. God has a place for everyone, but will each place be accepted? Jesus has his arms stretched wide to joyfully accept every person that comes to him. It pains him when someone rejects his invitation. Today, let us thank God for His all-inclusive invitation to the world and ask Him to help us accept it with joy.   Prayer Focus We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1. Thess. 1: 2-3. Read on till verse 10, NIV) Thank you :
  • that Jesus honours us with an invitation to be with him
Sorry:
  • for often trusting ourselves more than we trust Jesus
Please:
  • Lord, forgive our unbelief and strengthen our faith in you and in your promises
Intercession:
  • Father, open the hearts of people all around the world so that they can hear your invitation and accept it in faith
 

Writen by: Horst Weippert, Gärtringen

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