Hold Fast

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Good morning, Lord

Father in Heaven, I seek You first-Your peace-Your knowledge and discernment. Build my trust. I take up my cross and follow...In Jesus' name...

Verse of the Day: Galatians 4:4-5

4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

Memory verse: Psalm 139:23–24 (ESV)

23  Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24  And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Today's reading:   Hosea 12-14 Revelation 4

Hold Fast

Three verses for today's thought for this advent. The first is Hebrews 2:14–15 and it explains why Jesus came-to destroy the devil and deliver us, His children, from lifelong slavery to fear of death.

"Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.

The next is: Hosea 13:6 "When they were fed, they were satisfied; when satisfied, they became proud. Therefore they forgot me."

70% of the world's population lives on $10 or less per day. Be thankful for what you have but don't be proud or take it for granted. The majority of us have enough-don't forget where it comes from. Don't forget God and don't forget those of us who are struggling to make ends meet. And, no matter how we may struggle, there is someone who needs your hand-enabled by God's power in your life-to lift them up.

The last verse is for those of us who have lost our way to bad choices-who have become proud and forgotten God- and absolutely must return to God:

Hosea 12:6 "So you, return to your God; hold fast to grace and justice; and always put your hope in your God."

1 John 1:9 tells us the truth-if we confess our sins, he is faithful-He does what He says He will do-and just-Jesus died to be our justice-so He forgives the contrite heart of all sin.

Whatever season it is, it is always the season to 'get right'.

Get right with God.

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

Great and glorious King and light of Your kingdom. Give me today Your bread to yearn for more of You. Forgive me for my pride. Lead me away from being full of the world.

Provider of all we ever need,

In the name of Jesus,

Amen