Proclaim the Virtues of Jesus

Proclaim the Virtues of Jesus

1 Peter 2:9 (BSB):

"‘But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."

Fellow follower of Jesus, there are days when the world’s labels press heavily upon us. We may feel overlooked, ashamed of past sin, weak in suffering, or uncertain of where we belong. But God speaks a better and final word over every true believer in Christ.

In Jesus, you are chosen—not because you were more worthy than anyone else, but because of God’s sovereign mercy. You belong to a royal priesthood, granted access to God through the one perfect High Priest, Jesus Christ. You are part of a holy nation and God’s own possession. Christian, you are not abandoned, and you are not your own. You have been purchased by the precious blood of Christ.

And Peter tells us why God has given this identity: that we may proclaim the virtues—the excellencies—of the One who saved us. Jesus called us out of the darkness of sin, guilt, and death and brought us into His marvelous light.

So when God has forgiven you, speak of His mercy. When He sustains you through hardship, speak of His faithfulness. When you are tempted to fear, remember His power and love. Your testimony does not need to be impressive; it needs to be centered on Christ.

Today, let's live as one who belongs to Jesus. Let our words, our conduct, and our hope proclaim this: Christ is a mighty Savior, and His light is greater than the darkness.

The Peacemaker

The Peacemaker

Matthew 5:9 ESV

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

As I was reading this word from Jesus this morning I thought of how we as believers in Jesus can be peacemakers by introducing people to the one who brings peace to their hearts, our Jesus. 

Jesus said in John 14:27 ESV

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.

This peace comes from a heart transformed by Christ Jesus. Why, even the very supernatural presence of Jesus in our lives brings great peace. 

Let's encourage each other to be a Peacemaker for Jesus today. And if you don't know Christ, then turn to Him now and trust Him alone to forgive you and restore you to your Heavenly Father.

Eternal Life

Eternal Life

John 11:25 (BSB) 

 "Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies."

For those of us who believe in Jesus Christ, we have the comforting promise of the resurrection and eternal life. Sickness in the body is not the final chapter for a believer in Christ. Persecution and imprisonment for our faith is not the final word. We have the promise of the resurrection day.

Jesus assures us in John 6:40 in the Bible:

"For it is My Father’s will that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day."

Do you believe in Jesus? Then take heart. Listen to this promise from Jesus in  John 5:24:  

"Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life."

And there will be many happy reunions. 1 Thessalonians 4:14:

"For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so also God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus."

We come from many tribes, nations, and languages. Yet for believers, our citizenship is in heaven.  Philippians 3:20-21: 

"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we eagerly await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself."

And we will be comforted personally by our Heavenly Father. Revelation 21:4: 

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away."

Fellow follower of Jesus, be encouraged that your future is secure in heaven. And if you do not know the Lord, then repent, turn to Him right now, and seek His forgiveness.

In The Morning

In The Morning

Psalm 5:3 (BSB)

“In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; at daybreak I lay my plea before You and wait in expectation.”

This morning, let us bring our concerns to our Heavenly Father. Thank God that Jesus has paved the way for us to approach the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

If we cannot find the words to pray, we can simply cry out for help, trusting that the One who loves us so much that He sent His Son to be the sacrifice for our sins will hear our prayers.

Psalm 88:13 

“But to You, O LORD, I cry for help; in the morning my prayer comes before You.”

And then, we can wait and trust our sovereign God to answer as He sees best.

Psalm 130:5 

“I wait for the LORD; my soul does wait, and in His word I put my hope.”

Let us not be discouraged. May we continue to trust the One who loves us and promises to be with us through all of life's storms.

If you have not yet experienced the forgiveness of the Lord and desire a personal relationship with Him, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved. Place your faith in Jesus alone and follow Him.