Month: May 2017

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PWTE Daily Devotion

“A Living Hell”

We thought it would never go out…

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“…hell, where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.”
Mark 9:48

My friend, Tim, described the awful scene when he arrived at his burning barn at one o’clock in the morning: “It was a picture of what hell must be like.  I was burned on my ankles and hands trying to get equipment out, and we thought it (the fire) would never go out!”

When our Lord Jesus wants to describe the pain and horror of hell, he uses the picture of the fire that never goes out.  When a person receives burns on his body, the pain is excruciating.  Imagine a fire that never quits burning you!

Jesus wants to impress upon us that the eternal punishment of those who would reject Him, and His Word, is terrible and eternal in its consequences.  Many decisions in a person’s life have drastic consequences.  The decisions to divorce, to strike out in anger, to abort a child, to hate another person…these are decisions with lasting consequences.  However, the decision to push away God’s love and forgiveness is the most terrible decision of a person’s life.  All sins in this world can be forgiven, except the terrible sin of refusing the work of the Holy Spirit to repent and call on God for mercy.

Are there sins that the Holy Spirit is calling you to repent today?  Please do not refuse the Father’s mercy!  There is great joy in heaven over every sinner who repents, but there is terrible sadness and grief over every person that refuses to repent.

The Lord Jesus Christ died upon the cross, enduring the sins of the world and the forsakenness of all mankind.  He endured that horror that you might never have to.  He bore your sins that you might enter heaven in joy, and live there eternally.

Lord Jesus, thank you for rescuing me from sin, hell, and eternal fire.  Send your Holy Spirit to bring all to repentance and your forgiveness, that we may enjoy the joy of heaven forever.  Amen.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO

 

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PWTE Daily Devotion

Graffiti with a Purpose

Leaving your mark.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

San Salvador has a lot of gang activity. The city is covered with graffiti.  There is a district in San Salvador known for its artful graffiti, and much of it is gang related. Each tag represents a certain gang and may mark their perceived territory. If you cross into that territory, and are a member, you will be welcomed.  If you are not a member, or are from a rival gang, your life may be in danger. You know them by the mark they’ve left behind.

“Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.”
Romans 15:7 New Living Translation

As followers of Jesus you are marked as His children through His death and resurrection. Your name is written in God’s own hand, in His Book of Life, denoting you are His for all eternity. You can be at peace knowing that you will enter His territory without fear, for you will be on holy ground—the place He is preparing especially for you.

You leave a mark wherever you go. Maybe not a spray painted cross on a neighborhood wall or a Bible verse on a railroad car, but you leave your mark through each daily encounter. As followers of Jesus, be aware of the mark you are leaving. Are you loving, patient, encouraging, listening, sharing?

“We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.”
Romans 15:2 New Living Translation

You were created by God as a unique human being with gifts and abilities like no other. Leave your unique mark, compelled by His love, on everyone who crosses your path.

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.”
John 13:34 New Living Translation

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO

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PWTE Daily Devotion

Going Gently Into the World

Approaching others with love and a gentle spirit.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

My niece recently got to hold this baby chick. I marvel at the wonder on her face and the gentleness of how she is holding the little bird. The chick seems calm and safe in her hands. God holds us so gently in His hands and watches our every move. He knows how firmly yet gently to hold us so we can be confident in His protection and care. We know that He has only the best for us by how He cares for us.

Gentleness is underrated in our world, except in the occasional video or photo of a child, like my niece holding a soft furry animal. We are not a very gentle society—we dismiss people when our ideologies don’t align, disrespect those with opposing views of religion or politics, even bully others using social media at the slightest provocation of what we think are our rights. Of course it’s been this way since sin entered the world, so it’s not like we can change anything, right? Yet when Jesus came to earth He showed us by example that it’s possible to hold each other in a gentle loving way—His way.

“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.”
Ephesians 4:2 New Living Translation

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Colossians 3:12 New Living Translation

As we meet people throughout our day, whether they are family or friends, acquaintances or neighbors, strangers or enemies, God asks us to hold these people He created as we would hold a baby chick—with the utmost care and gentleness. Focus on their well-being as you would anything in your care, for God holds us gently and has entrusted us to care for each other. Consider their circumstances, calm those whose hearts are hurting, comfort those who are in pain, rejoice with those who are celebrating—reach out with His peace to all with a soothing word and unrestricted love. Hold them in your heart as Jesus holds you in His gentle hand.

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”
Colossians 3:12-15 New Living Translation

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO