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DEAR GOD: Thank You For Never Leaving Me~

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Jesus Will Never Leave You | LaptrinhX / News

 “…and lo, I will never leave you, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”  Matthew 28:20

 

In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus delivers a powerful message to His disciples, known as the Great Commission. This passage encapsulates His divine authority, His command to spread the Gospel, and His enduring presence with His followers. Let’s delve into the profound implications of this passage, supported by other scriptures, meditative thoughts, moral takeaways, reflective questions, and a closing prayer.

Divine Authority

Jesus begins by asserting His authority: “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” This declaration is a reminder of His Sovereignty over all creation. It echoes the words of Daniel 7:14, where it is prophesied that the Son of Man will have dominion over all nations. Jesus’ authority is not limited to the spiritual realm but extends to every aspect of existence.

The Call to Evangelize

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” This command is a call to action for all believers. It emphasizes the importance of spreading the Gospel to every corner of the world. Acts 1:8 reinforces this mission: “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

Teaching and Discipleship

Jesus instructs His followers to teach others to observe His commandments. This aspect of the Great Commission highlights the importance of discipleship. It is not enough to simply share the Gospel; we must also nurture and guide new believers in their faith. 2 Timothy 2:2 encourages this practice: “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”

The Promise of His Presence

“And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Jesus’ promise of His continual presence is a source of comfort and strength for believers. Hebrews 13:5 echoes this assurance: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” No matter the challenges we face, we can trust that Jesus is with us, guiding and supporting us.

Meditative Thoughts

  • Reflect on the authority of Jesus and what it means for your life.
  • Consider the global mission of the Church and your role in it.
  • Contemplate the importance of teaching and nurturing new believers.
  • Find comfort in the promise of Jesus’ presence in your daily life.

Moral Takeaways

  • Obedience: Follow Jesus’ command to spread the Gospel and make disciples.
  • Faithfulness: Trust in Jesus’ authority and His promise to be with you always.
  • Commitment: Dedicate yourself to teaching and guiding others in their faith journey.
  • Courage: Be bold in sharing the Gospel, knowing that Jesus is with you.

Reflective Questions

  1. How can I actively participate in the Great Commission in my community?
  2. What steps can I take to deepen my understanding of Jesus’ teachings?
  3. How can I support and mentor new believers in their faith?
  4. In what ways can I remind myself of Jesus’ presence in my daily life?

  Prayer

“Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for the authority and power given to Jesus, our Savior. Help us to embrace the Great Commission with courage and dedication. Guide us as we share the Gospel and make disciples of all nations. Strengthen our faith and remind us of Your constant Presence in our lives. May we be faithful in teaching and nurturing others and may Your love shine through us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Scripture for the Day

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” –

Joshua 1:9

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DEAR GOD: Your Spirit Rules Flesh ~

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But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Romans 8:9 (KJV)

 

There is a point when no matter how “spiritual” a person is, no matter how they define themselves in terms of Christianity, we might react driven strictly by our flesh, and not in accordance with our spirit. And that my friends, is what being “human” is all about!

Yes, we know the verse walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh (Galatians 5:16) – However, sometimes it is exceedingly difficult to push flesh impulses aside. Or to tell our flesh “SHUT-UP!”

Walking in the truth of God’s Word is to do it consciously, if not effortlessly…every single day of our lives here on earth.

Walking in the Spirit is to walk in a “New life in Jesus Christ.”  We turn from our old life. That old life includes bondage to any one person, system, idea or a contraindicative belief of a religious ritual, which is not Christ’ doctrine.

We are saved by Grace. His sacrifice and willingness to be nailed to a cross for our salvation, is a provision that only the Messiah accomplished. For us.

1 Peter 2:24 states, “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds, you have been healed. Romans 6:12 Paul tells us do not let sin reign in our mortal body so that you obey it.

Let’s face it. Flesh is annoying and lazy. It serves a purpose while we are here on earth, after all our spirit is encased in it. But when it comes down to Spirit verses the Flesh!  Spirit wins hands down! Amen!

Flesh wants to please itself. It wants to give itself pats on the back. It is greedy, it always wants more than it needs. And it will lead you on the road to temptation over and over.  The Spirit is kind, gentle, filled with wisdom and love. It wants what is best for us. And it is caring and giving.

Being led by the Spirit is to live a life of peace and gratitude. Being led by the flesh, is to live a life of indulgence and decadence. Living in the Spirit is rewarding and satisfying. Living in the flesh, is yearning for more and never being satiated.

Who do you represent? Are you the flesh? Or are you the Spirit?

Realize, we are human, and we all fall short from time to time. But when we do, understand that God forgives, and start all over again.

And when the flesh is getting loud and in your face…let the Spirit take over. When you do, I promise you that the flesh will be silenced immediately!

“Father, may I be led by Your Spirit in all I do, may I recognize the goodness of Your ways, and not be tempted by fleshy things or matters, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”