Now, Open This One

Tuesday, December 12, ‎2023

Good morning, Lord

Verse of the Day:  Hebrews 2:14-15

14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

 Memory verse: Philippians 4:8 ►Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Today's reading: HOSEA 9-11 REVELATION 3

Now, Open This One

There are stories from centuries of Christmas celebrations where after the gifts were all opened, someone in the family pulls one last gift out and says, "Now, open this one!"

After all the gifts are opened this year please think about this. Pull out your Bible and read this to those gathered around you:

Hebrews 2:14-15

14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

Jesus has freed us all from the fear of death permanently.

Merry Christmas, we are free-we do not need to be afraid of the unknown anymore.

I know this sounds simple and trite to some. It is not a tangible gift that can be seen or even one that can be fully explained. It has to be accepted in faith.

The enemy's power is broken-the power of death over your life, now in Christ, has been broken by the death of Christ.

Revelation 1:17, 18

17 When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man(fainted). But He placed His right hand on me, saying, “Do not be afraid! I am the First and the Last and the One who lives. I was dead, but look—I am alive forever and ever! Moreover, I hold the keys of death and Sheol(the place of the dead or hell)."

This is the life in Christ-a life of no fear of death. If folks could wrap their heads and hearts around this eternal truth, what a life could be enjoyed here on this earth-a life of love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness-a life of faithfulness and of gentleness and a realized control over self that yields to nothing but the love of God.

Open this gift. It is yours if you are in Christ Jesus. If you are not in Christ, His door is open for you. Confess your sin, confess that Jesus is Lord, confess that you believe that God raised Christ Jesus from the dead.

Now, open this one...

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

Forgive me for fearing my death. Show me how to fully realize Your truth of a life in Christ Jesus with no fear.

Great God of all relief!

In the name of Christ Jesus,

Amen