July 15: Isaiah 22-24; Hebrews 12

Scripture: Hebrews 12: 4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

Observation: My faith in the work of Jesus for my salvation does not negate my responsibility to make every effort to live at peace with others and to be holy. Trusting in God’s provision for my righteousness does not set me free to continue to sin. I must resist temptation. That may mean standing true while being persecuted or it may mean resisting temptation the enemy brings my way.

Application: As my father demonstrated by his life, I must remember that living for Jesus may not always be easy, but it is always worth the struggle. I must not be surprised to find that I have an enemy who is actively working to destroy me and I must keep reminding myself that sin is much more serious than he wants me to think. Keeping my focus on Jesus by continuing to praise Him all day long helps me put the struggles I face in proper perspective.

Prayer: Lord, Your sacrifice for me far surpasses any sacrifice I may ever be called to make for you. You are worthy! Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!