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Listen while you read: "Love Lifted Me"1 (Lyrics) |
Have you ever heard that saying, "Oh you look just like your father in that photo!"? In many families, there is a striking physical resemblance, or sometimes, it's temperament, talent, or ability. In my mother's family, we share hazel-green eyes, sharp straight noses, a calm demeanour, and artistic talent. We also all love dessert!
As members of God's family, there is also a shared family trait, and that is righteousness. It's what we come to be known by, because our tendency towards sin changes to that of being right with God.
1 John 2:28-29 – And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him. (NKJV)
People who belong to God's family need not be afraid of His promised coming, because we know Him so well and see the resemblance!
Some people will be rather afraid when Jesus appears because they never knew Him, but the ones who do know Him may fear Him because they have had lives that resembled the world around them, and not the family of God. For those who didn't abide in Him, it will be a second coming of disappointment rather than glory.
How do we prepare for Christ's coming? Why be ashamed when we meet Him face to face? Scripture has the prescription: abiding in Him, holding on to His truth, looking to Him as our model to follow, and making Him our home. Jesus taught us, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him." (John 14:23b NKJV)
Do you abide in Him? Is it a daily relationship as a family member, or do you just drop in now and again for a visit? Would you have to get your life together suddenly when He comes, or have you made abiding in Him so much of a practice that the moment of glory will be one of instant recognition and welcome? We will never outgrow our need to abide in Jesus and gain our confidence in Him.
Prayer: Our Lord, as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can we be like You unless we abide in You. Give us grace to reach out for You today. Amen.
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Tuesday, January 21, 2025 – In Durham, Ontario — Pray for Durham Presbyterian Church, Durham, Ontario, as they begin hosting a new community youth programme in their church building, that there may be harmony and good fruit in the community. Pray that this leads to some youth giving their hearts to the Lord.
daughter: "Update December 30, 2024: And please touch her heart that she may turn to YOU.* November 12, 2024:..." 
What is righteousness?
A good word today, Shirley.
Thanks, Shirley, for the good word.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful truth.
Thanks, Shirley, for reminding us so beautifully.
Thank you for this lovely message, Shirley! God Bless!
I enjoy your devotional writings, Shirley. Thank you for the thought you put into them.
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us today.
Blessings.
Hi Shirley,
Good message reminding us of the importance of not to be just a visitor to Jesus but to abide in Him. I liked your questions to help us really think about who we are. Thanks for sharing. Blessings
Thank you, Shirley, for another of your very positive and encouraging devotionals. Yes, we have the wonderful privilege to abide in Jesus, our loving Saviour and that should be our goal each and every day. Our lives are surely enriched by following the Lord’s ways. Blessings for your special writings.
Abiding…Love it! Thanks, Shirley… right on!
I’m on it!
(BC)