True life begins when a person gives there life to Christ. His mercy is upon them and they are given over unto a life of righteousness. As David said, 2“He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.” As we know from the Bible, Jesus was righteousness in the flesh. And forever He reigns supreme in the heavens and earth. In baptism, we are 3“baptized into Christ” and likewise, His righteousness is imputed upon us. Then, as Jesus lives inside of us, we can’t help but live a life for Him. Now, as we allow the Lord to lead and guide us, the Holy Spirit is made evident in our life and the lives around us. Truly, our lives are in much better shape than before. Instead of giving over to the lusts of the flesh, we freely repent and allow the blood of Jesus to cover us. 4We are no longer in harm’s way, because of temptation but are given a shield of faith to fight against sin. This puts us in a really good place in life. We are truly safe in the arms of Jesus, our Lord. Nobody can bear us up like Christ does. Nobody could be so compassionate and loving as Jesus. 1His mercy endures forever. His love has no end. This is because 2“safety is of the Lord.” It is in His nature to be there for us when we need Him. There surely is no bounds to grace.
Those in Christ Jesus are continually thinking about their actions and how they can serve Christ. The Lord is in their minds often. Therefore, they are less liable to slip up and do something they wish they hadn’t and say something that is hurtful to someone. Because they desire to have the Lord in their lives, they are very watchful of these things, lest they quench the Spirit and walk away from God, in the moment. David spoke about this when he said, 2“whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.” As was spoken, swearing is wrong and also offends many people. Watching what we say is likening ourselves to Jesus, as we’d rather love our neighbor than hurt or offend someone. Our eyes are also on God and what He can do for our lives. The things of this world can make a man happy for a time but nothing is eternal but the love of Jesus. Therefore, we do not covet what the world holds but desire what the Lord can do for our lives. This is what leads us int true happiness and joy. Concerning the wicked, 2“he coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.” There is a strong contrast between a person that lives unto Christ and a person that lives unto the world. However, only a life for Christ is saved and has eternal life in heaven.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, thank You for showing such compassion towards us as sinners. Thank You for taking us in, when there was only hopelessness. You heard our cries and had mercy for our souls. Your light has come and scattered all the darkness. Every bit of shame is cast out. You have changed the atmosphere. Now there is love, joy and happiness. My troubles are long gone for You have come into my life. I am alive because of You, Jesus. You have come and resurrected me and breathed into my soul new life. It is You, Lord, that has given me new desires in life. Because my thoughts are Your thoughts, I come to You daily, that they may be holy. That what I say may be wholesome and considerate to everyone. That temptation may flee by Your hand and that my shield of faith may be raised all the day long. Yes, I am strong with You in my life. I am able to bear all things for You strengthen me. Thank You for Your forgiveness and this new life that You have given me. I am alive through Your blood. I owe all to You, Jesus. I love You. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
1Psalm 136:1-6 (KJV)
1 O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
2 O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.
3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.
4 To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.
5 To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.
6 To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.
2Proverbs 21:17-31 (KJV)
17 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
22 A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.
23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
24 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.
25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
26 He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?
28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.
29 A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.
30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord.
31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord.
3Galatians 3:22-29 (KJV)
22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
4Ephesians 6:11-17 (KJV)
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
