"For"

 

Because we were created by God to have a relationship with him, sin has created a separation from God which we experience as a void in our heart. We spend most of our lives trying to fill this void, this emptiness in our heart, with earthly pleasures.

 

Barry Denzil Haney

 

 

SCRIPTURE

 

He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

 

1 John 3:8

 

REFLECTION

 

This past Sunday, Pastor Scott Nickel, Southland Christian Church, began a series of sermons entitled “For”. In the first sermon in the series, he discussed the concept “knowing who you are for defines who you are against”. He shared with the congregation the divine appointment Zacchaeus, chief tax collector in Jericho, had with Jesus. Although Zacchaeus was thought to be the greatest sinner in Jericho by many Jews, because of the wealth he had accumulated at their expense, Jesus climbed up into the fig tree to meet with Zacchaeus when Zacchaeus reached out to Him. He then went to Zacchaeus’ house to dine with him, something the inhabitants could not understand – why would Jesus meet with such a sinner as Zacchaeus. They were so willing to condemn Zacchaeus as a terrible sinner, ignoring the fact they were sinners as well. They did not understand we are all sinners and not one human ever born deserves to spend an eternity with God in Heaven because of sin, the thing that separates us from a relationship with God! They did not understand, we are only saved by grace through faith!

 

 PRAYER

 

Our Heavenly Father,

 

Help me to place You as the focus of my attention this day.

Help me not to be like the Pharisees and many of the Jews in Jericho,

Who were ready to condemn Zacchaeus for his sins,

But did not recognize they were sinners as well!

 

During the coming week may the Holy Spirit guide and direct me,

So my week will be filled with Godly wisdom.

Help me remember to love others as You have loved me!

I ask all of this in the glorious name of Jesus,

 

Amen!

 

 

SONG OF WORSHIP

Amazing Grace

God Bless You,

Barry