Devotionals

---

I am really tired of hearing every politician promising change. Change to the US economy and tax structure, change of strategy to the war in Iraq, change in energy production, change of position on global warming and how to deal with it, change to allow growth in green collar jobs, change in health care/insurance, change to how the US deals with the housing and mortgage crisis, blah, blah, blah. Don't get me wrong -- these things are important. But they are just things and can't provide the repentance and salvation we truly need -- only a relationship with Jesus Christ the Lord can bring that about.

In Hebrews 9:27-28 (NIV) it is written, "Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ [the Lord] was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” While we are waiting for Him to return, we should make every effort to share the plan of salvation, a.k.a. The Good News, with everyone, to repent of our old ways, and to grow in love, patience, faithfulness, kindness, gentleness, joy, peace, self-control, and goodness (Fruit of the Spirit -- Galatians 5:22-23 NIV). All of these tasks are illustrated through the example given by Jesus Christ the Lord in the Gospels and the numerous others mentioned in the Bible. The apostle Peter reminds us to be steadfast and faithful during our time of waiting. In 2 Peter 3:8-9 (NIV) he writes, “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

When Jesus Christ the Lord appears for the second time, he is bringing salvation, judgment, and destruction. Peter writes, in 2 Peter 3:10 (NIV), “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.” However, Peter goes on to write in verse 13 about the new heaven and the new earth, which is to be the home of righteousness, a.k.a. the home of the Lord and all who belong to Him. I would like to see people living for the change of Righteousness, not talk about change for a world that isn't going to last anyway.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE