...Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. Hebrews 9:28
I continue to lean on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which today looks at how a genuine longing for a return of Christ serves as a marker for authentic faith. In contrast, John Piper shares how a love of this world (material possessions, earthly pleasures, etc.) while believing in an escape plan from hell serves as a marker for phony faith. Piper provides litmus tests of authentic faith by referring us to 1 Corinthians 1:7 and Philippians 3:20 - do we await the return of Christ as these churches did? Of course, another litmus test offered by scripture is "fruit of the Spirit" as described in Galatians 5:22. Others should see a truly transformed heart and life as evidenced by such fruit.
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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of compassion and grace for me - thank You for saving me and for the sanctifying work You have done and continue to do in my life - I know there is more to do but I am grateful for what You have already done. I am prayerful that I submit to You and allow You to continue to work in my heart and life. I am undeserving of how You love me. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me, help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn 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.
