Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near
“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near
Have you found yourself chasing the treasures and pleasures of this world? Have you attempted to find peace and purpose outside of the One who created you? Have you discovered that your striving has done nothing but leave you anxious, empty, overwhelmed, and possibly numb?
God, speaking through the prophet Isaiah, said this:
“Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.”
Isaiah 55:6-7 NLT
It’s not too late for you, and you are not too far from God.
So what can you do? Seek Him. Call on Him. Change your ways. Turn to Him. And what will He do? He will be near. He will offer His mercy. He will forgive even the worst of your decisions, mistakes, and sins.
God is good. God is also good at being God. He created you, He loves you, and He wants a relationship with you. And since He designed you, He knows how you were hardwired to thrive. He knows that you need Him more than anything else in the world.
You can ignore His nudges and reject His love, continuing to do things your way. Or, you can come boldly to the throne of grace, where you will receive mercy and grace when you need it most (Hebrews 4:16).
So while you still can … seek Him, call on Him, change your ways, and turn to Him. He is your loving Father, and He is your merciful God.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Maybe you got lazy. Maybe you got distracted. Maybe you cared too much about someone else’s opinions. Maybe you got tired of standing your ground.
Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, would understand. He left everything to follow Jesus. He loved, trusted, and believed in Jesus. But when being associated with Jesus threatened His own security and reputation, Peter denied Him—three times.
Thankfully, Jesus forgave him, restored him, and even empowered him to preach at Pentecost—the day that 3,000 people were baptised and the early church began.
It was that Peter who wrote:
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.”
1 Peter 5:8-9 NLT
If we’re going to resist the enemy, we must stay on both the offensive and defensive.
The Offensive: Stay alert. Stand firm. Be strong. Read God’s Word. Seek God centred community. Fight for time and connection with God. Remind yourself that there are others fighting this battle with you.
The Defensive: If someone is twisting the truth, call it out. If you notice an injustice, do something to help. If your enemy the devil is wreaking havoc, have the courage to fight for good.
For the times that you’ve already let your guard down, don’t allow yourself to stay stuck in guilt or shame. We’ve all had moments where we’ve slipped. Ask for forgiveness and keep moving forward.
What did Jesus do after He was raised back to life? He found Peter. In fact, he cooked breakfast on the beach for Peter! He gave Peter another chance, and even established him as a leader.
So stay alert. And remember: God is also for fighting you.
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
One of humanity's deepest pursuits is finding our identity–we want to know who we are! It’s often tempting to seek definition and significance in a world that offers a myriad of labels. But when we chase validation in temporary sources, hoping they'll define us, we only find fleeting satisfaction.
In 2 Corinthians 5:21, Paul describes an eternal identity gifted to us by Christ: "For our sake, he made him to be sin who knew no sin so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Jesus took on the weight of all sin—absorbing its penalty—without ever sinning Himself. He did this so that we might be reconciled to God with a new identity defined by Christ's righteousness, not our own and not from this world. Christ has sacrificially given us a new identity and purpose.
Our yearning for identity can only find its fulfilment in Christ. We are recipients of His righteousness. And in Him, our identity is forever secure.
Consider today how this truth shapes your sense of worth. Are you seeking worldly validation, or are you resting in Jesus’ righteousness? How might recognising your identity in Christ transform how you view yourself and interact with the world?
Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
Be on guard, keep awake. dishonour you do not know when the time will come.
Imagine you work in someone’s home. One day, the master of the home leaves and entrusts you to steward their property, and you have no idea when they will return. What would you do?
Take a nap? Throw a party? Eat all the food in the pantry? Ignore instructions?
No. A faithful servant would follow their master’s directions and keep the home ready for their return.
Jesus’ parable in Mark 13:32-37 illustrates that the same is true of what our Master, Jesus, has given us—possessions, gifts, talents, and the like. It’s not really ours, after all—He left it in our care temporarily. We don’t know when He will return, "whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn" (Mark 13:35, NIV). But God’s Word tells us what we should do in the meantime.
Here are a few tasks our Master has for us while we wait:
- Stay alert and vigilant. (Mark 13:33)
- Pray for all the Lord’s people. (Ephesians 6:18)
- Serve one another with our spiritual gifts. (1 Peter 4:10)
- Care for the needy. (James 2:14–17)
- Practice humility. (Philippians 2:3–4)
Let’s stay on guard for when “someday” becomes a reality.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
We’ve all done things that weigh us down and make us wonder, “Why do I seem to do what I know is wrong?”
In Scripture, sin is described as actions that miss the target that God's asked us to aim for: living a life centred around loving God and others. While there are universal actions that dishonour God, small acts of disobedience also pull us away from Him. The apostle James wrote that “it is a sin to know what the right thing to do is, and then not do it” (James 4:17).
In other words, if you know what God is asking you to do, yet you still decide to disobey Him—then you’re undermining God’s authority in your life. Sin entices us because it is self-gratifying, but it results in eternal separation from God and others.
For a long time, there was no way for most people to draw near to God because God cannot be a part of anything that undermines His dishonour character.
But while we were controlled by sin, Jesus came and died for us. And because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we can now experience a life that isn’t ruled by our mistakes.
Jesus’ voluntary sacrifice can lead to our reconciliation with God. None of this is because we deserve it, but because God has always desired it.
While we might continue to struggle between doing right and wrong, we don’t have to face this struggle alone. And the great news is: God wants to help because He knows we can’t overcome sin alone.
So right now, take note of some of the things you are currently struggling with. Where do you need to give God control? Picture handing those things over to Jesus, and allow Him to give you His grace, forgiveness, and peace.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Have you ever walked from a dark place into a very bright space? Light has incredible power over our senses, and sometimes it can be overwhelming. But light is necessary for us to live. Light tells us about reality. It illuminates things around us.
In Matthew 5, Jesus uses various light metaphors to describe the life of a disciple. He says that His disciples are like a town built on a hill that shines light into the valley (Matthew 5:14). He also says we’re like a lamp that gives light to a whole house (Matthew 5:15).
The life of a disciple of Jesus is meant to be like that of light that shines brightly for others to see. So what is the light that we have?
First and foremost, it is the message of the Gospel. We have been given knowledge of what Jesus has done for us, and it’s that knowledge that changes everything for us. We now have a new life because of Him.
We’ve been entrusted with this message so that we could share it with others. The message and hope of Jesus is a bright light that illuminates reality.
Jesus also says that people recognise our light through our good deeds. When we go out of our way to love others, we are showing them the light and love of Jesus. Actions that help others opens up the opportunity for us to share the hope we have in Him.
There are many ways that you have been equipped in life to share the message of Jesus with others. It might be at work, with your neighbour's, with someone in your community, or with your family. It might be through an act of love, a financial gift, an encouraging word, or random act of kindness, but everything that you do should always be accompanied by the message of the gospel.
Without love, our actions are meaningless, and the most illuminating act of all is loving people like Jesus, so that they might know Him. Today, consider how you can be a light to those around you in how you love them.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Have you ever walked from a dark place into a very bright space? Light has incredible power over our senses, and sometimes it can be overwhelming. But light is necessary for us to live. Light tells us about reality. It illuminates things around us.
In Matthew 5, Jesus uses various light metaphors to describe the life of a disciple. He says that His disciples are like a town built on a hill that shines light into the valley (Matthew 5:14). He also says we’re like a lamp that gives light to a whole house (Matthew 5:15).
The life of a disciple of Jesus is meant to be like that of light that shines brightly for others to see. So what is the light that we have?
First and foremost, it is the message of the Gospel. We have been given knowledge of what Jesus has done for us, and it’s that knowledge that changes everything for us. We now have a new life because of Him.
We’ve been entrusted with this message so that we could share it with others. The message and hope of Jesus is a bright light that illuminates reality.
Jesus also says that people recognise our light through our good deeds. When we go out of our way to love others, we are showing them the light and love of Jesus. Actions that help others opens up the opportunity for us to share the hope we have in Him.
There are many ways that you have been equipped in life to share the message of Jesus with others. It might be at work, with your neighbour's, with someone in your community, or with your family. It might be through an act of love, a financial gift, an encouraging word, or random act of kindness, but everything that you do should always be accompanied by the message of the gospel.
Without love, our actions are meaningless, and the most illuminating act of all is loving people like Jesus, so that they might know Him. Today, consider how you can be a light to those around you in how you love them.
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?
Back when the Old Testament stories were still being lived out, God designated sacred spaces for His people to meet with Him.
First, God planted a garden in Eden—a beautiful space in paradise for His prized creations. Next, the tabernacle was a portable space in the wilderness for the Israelites who’d been rescued from Egyptian slavery. Then, the temple was a permanent space in Jerusalem for the people of Israel.
In all instances, these were specially chosen places of worship, as well as tangible signs of God’s presence.
The Creator of everything that exists can’t be confined to a garden, a tent, or a building, but it was in those sacred spaces where heaven and earth could overlap.
Fun fact: Garden imagery is all over the decorative details of both the tabernacle and the temple: palm trees and pomegranates, water lilies and almond blossoms, lions and oxen, vibrant colors and precious metals. Such designs are meant to point back to the beginning—before things went wrong.
Because a holy God loves sinful people, we have a separation problem. That’s why priests were appointed as representatives—mediators for things like worship, sacrifices, and atonement. And though it worked for a while, it was only a temporary solution.
But when Jesus showed up, He not only fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies and temple purposes, but He also bridged the gap. No longer was there a need for a temple made of wood or stone, but of flesh and blood. No longer was there a need for endless sacrifices, because Jesus, the ultimate High Priest, had provided the ultimate sacrifice—Himself. Finally, God’s Spirit could now dwell with and inside of His people, the new and improved “temple.”
That’s why Paul asked the Corinthians:
“Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?”
1 Corinthians 3:16 ESV
We serve a God who meets people where they are: in the garden, in the wilderness, in the temple, in themselves.
So if you’re a follower of Christ, remember: You are the place where His Spirit now dwells. You are the vessel in which He lives and moves and works and empowers. You are the place where God has chosen to live by His Holy Spirit if you have repented of your sin and accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. Always put Jesus First in your life, and he will lead you through all the pitfalls victorious. We cannot make it on our own it is through Christ who strengthens us. So Hold Fast to Him who Loves us.
The portrait of John Newton Slave trader who was found by Jesus
This Hymn was written by John Newton a converted Slave trader
Written by Fanny Crosby
Written by Heyman Wreford
One of my Favourite Hymns
No available picture
Written by Mrs A. R. Cousin (1824-1896)
Rock Of Ages
Courtesy of wikimedia commons (modified)
1. Rock of ages cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy riven side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure,
Save me from its guilt and power.
2. Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfil Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All could never sin erase,
Thou must save, and save by grace.
3. Nothing in my hands I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress,
Helpless, look to Thee for grace:
Foul, I to the fountain fly,
Wash me, Saviour, or I die.
4 While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See Thee on Thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.
Issac Watts1674- 1748
1. When we survey the wondrous cross
On which the Lord of glory died,
Our richest gain we count but loss,
And pour contempt on all our pride.
2. Our God forbid that we should boast,
Save in the death of Christ, our Lord;
All the vain things that charm us most,
We’d sacrifice them to His blood.
3. There from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flowed mingled down;
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
4. His dying crimson, from His head
Spreads o’er His body on the tree;
To all the world then am I dead,
And all the world is dead to me.
5. Were the whole realm of nature ours,
That were an offering far too small;
Love that transcends our highest pow’rs,
Demands our heart, our life, our all.
1. Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bid’st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!
2. Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot;
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
3. Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt;
Fightings within, and fears without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
4. Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind;
Yes, all I need, in Thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
5. Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
6. Just as I am, Thy love unknown
broken every barrier down;
Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
