SHOW THE WORLD THAT GOD SENT JESUS

BARBARA E. PERKINS‎

SHOW THE WORLD THAT GOD SENT JESUS

This is the word of God, as seen in John 17:17-23 (NKJV), that Jesus prayed to His Father for His disciples as He was preparing to offer Himself as a sacrifice for the world. He also included all believers in this prayer (see verse 20). 17 “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. 20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.” Jesus began by praying that we, His believers, would be sanctified (set apart for God) by God’s word (His truth). Then, Jesus prayed that we, His believers, would all become one as He and His Father, God are one. Jesus even prayed for us to be recipients of the glory that God gave Him for the purpose of unity with all believers, with Jesus and His Father, God. He also gave this glory to us so that the world would know that God loves us as He loves Jesus and to show the world that God sent Jesus. Awesome! We are so blessed that Jesus’ prayers are always answered. I thank God that the truth of His word changes us so that we start acting like we belong to Him and Jesus. I have to take inventory of myself from time to time and ask myself, “Is my lifestyle showing the world that Jesus came, redeemed me, and will redeem whoever will believe in Jesus and that God sent Him?” My desire is to be pleasing to God, my Heavenly Father and to Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord.

LORD, IS TODAY ANYTHING LIKE NOAH'S DAY?

BARBARA E. PERKINS

LORD, IS TODAY ANYTHING LIKE NOAH'S DAY?

God’s word answers that question in Genesis 6:5-14 (NKJV), 5 “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and 8 But He was grieved in His heart. 7 So the Lord said, ‘I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.’ 8 Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. 9 This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God. 10 And Noah begot three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. 13 And God said to Noah, “The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth. 14 Make yourself an ark…” Oh Lord, these Scriptures reveal very evil, corrupt times where every intent of the heart of man was only evil continually. I feel like I am reading today’s news. Amazing, yet this period is from Your word. LORD, since You were grieved in Your heart about this period in Scripture and decided to destroy man, beast, and everything on the face on the earth; what will You say about today? I am so blessed every time I read that Noah found grace in Your eyes, LORD. Noah was a just man and his obedience to You lead him to build an ark that saved him and his entire family from destruction. LORD, how I love Your word! Thank You for all the examples in Your word that show Your mercy, grace and lovingkindness.

A QUESTION TO GOD, THE FATHER

‎BARBARA E. PERKINS

A QUESTION TO GOD, THE FATHER

Heavenly Father, are You really looking for a Church without spot or wrinkle??? In the Book of Ephesians 5:27 (NKJV), God’s word says, “That He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.” LORD, Your word is true and You are true to Your word. Help us, Your people, to show our love for You by reading, studying, and meditating Your precious word (Joshua 1:8 and John 14:24) to eliminate all spots, wrinkles, blemishes and other negative issues from our lives. Open our spiritual eyes to the truth of Your word so that we will not disrespect Your mercy and grace. Heavenly Father, especially help us to avoid incurring Your wrath due to our disobedience. I am also grateful for You reminding us to “be doers of Your word and not hearers only,” otherwise as Your word says, “we deceive ourselves” (James 1:22). LORD, I am striving each day to be part of that unblemished Church that You are raising up. I love You, LORD, and I thank You for loving me.