As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. John 17:18
This morning, I continued with my listening/reading of a Christmas/Advent devotional from John Piper. Today's entry focuses on how Jesus conquered everything the world and Satan threw at him, including death. Piper encourages us to see how God's escape from all dangers should encourage us to fear nothing, and to use this fear to reach the lost so that they too can enjoy salvation and all the promises of God. Piper quotes mid-16th century the missionary Francis Xavier (1506–1552) about how, even in the face persecution as a missionary in China, he faced in an even greater danger - and that was to lose trust and confidence in God: "The danger of all dangers would be to lose trust and confidence in the mercy of God. . . . To distrust him would be a far more terrible thing than any physical evil which all the enemies of God put together could inflict on us, for without God’s permission neither the devils nor their human ministers could hinder us in the slightest degree."
For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility....Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ....Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. Ephesians 2:14, Romans 5:1, John 14:27
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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who died on the cross and faced all the dangers one could possibly imagine - trusting that the Father's plan was good and perfect. You overcame so I can overcome - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of how You give me the Holy Spirit, Your Word, and how You live in my heart. Thank You Jesus. But again, I am not deserving. I sin...every day...failing to honor You, etc. Please forgive me. Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
