Then John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven.
—Luke 3:3 NLT
Key Thought
John came to prepare the way for Jesus. For that to happen in most people's lives, they had to re-orient their priorities and values. In other words, they needed to make a U-turn in their lives and go in the opposite direction — no longer living by their own instincts and values, but living based upon God's will. One of the biggest problems with post-modern secular culture is that some people are arrogant, believing they can decide their own way and choose their own path based upon what seems right to themselves. For true conversion to take place, for real salvation to come, there has to be both a surrender of this personal arrogance and a genuine turning to God. John preached this message with personal integrity. Do you live your life based upon God's will for you? Are you committed to obeying his will? Or, are you still trying to live based on what seems right to you? You see, repentance isn't just about being sorry for the mistakes, wrongs, transgressions, sins, or hurtful things you've done; it's about turning from them to God and living by God's holy standards. Our own ways are flawed and destructive. Without doing the things of God, we will invariably find ourselves doing things that hurt others and ourselves. Let's turn our hearts and lives fully in the direction of God!
Today's Prayer
Forgive me, dear heavenly Father, for so often seeking things based upon my own will and wisdom. Humble me gently and turn me to your ways. I know your will for me is life and blessing, so I renounce my own ways as destructive and selfish and seek to turn my will fully over to you. Bless me with the power of your Spirit to do so more and more, as I seek to serve, honor, and obey you each day. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2019 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Luke 3:3 NLT
Key Thought
John came to prepare the way for Jesus. For that to happen in most people's lives, they had to re-orient their priorities and values. In other words, they needed to make a U-turn in their lives and go in the opposite direction — no longer living by their own instincts and values, but living based upon God's will. One of the biggest problems with post-modern secular culture is that some people are arrogant, believing they can decide their own way and choose their own path based upon what seems right to themselves. For true conversion to take place, for real salvation to come, there has to be both a surrender of this personal arrogance and a genuine turning to God. John preached this message with personal integrity. Do you live your life based upon God's will for you? Are you committed to obeying his will? Or, are you still trying to live based on what seems right to you? You see, repentance isn't just about being sorry for the mistakes, wrongs, transgressions, sins, or hurtful things you've done; it's about turning from them to God and living by God's holy standards. Our own ways are flawed and destructive. Without doing the things of God, we will invariably find ourselves doing things that hurt others and ourselves. Let's turn our hearts and lives fully in the direction of God!
Today's Prayer
Forgive me, dear heavenly Father, for so often seeking things based upon my own will and wisdom. Humble me gently and turn me to your ways. I know your will for me is life and blessing, so I renounce my own ways as destructive and selfish and seek to turn my will fully over to you. Bless me with the power of your Spirit to do so more and more, as I seek to serve, honor, and obey you each day. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2019 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Continue reading...
