March 11 Day 5
John 10:10
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
REFLECTION
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” The thing that keeps most of us from knowing the abundant life that God desires for his children is a divided heart. We want to dance with the devil, tasting forbidden fruits and hiding in the darkness…while at the same time claiming faith in God but never truly committing to the way, the truth, and the life that Jesus calls us to.
God calls us into new life. The Adversary whispers his temptations for us to ignore that call, live for and love self alone, and seek independence from God and people. If we embrace our sin nature we will lose our soul, facing death and destruction. But if we turn our backs on our sin and the sin of the world, God offers his Son, Jesus, as a guide into his kingdom – in this world and in the next.
A pure heart is the key. We must hate sin, oppose evil, and be born again from above to know the peace and joy that Jesus offers. It is necessary, though, to accept his yoke and commit to a life a real believer…not only accepting Christ’s teaching but emulating his life and holiness. A divided heart can never do that.
PRAYER: Holy God, source of our life and giver of spiritual gifts: take our hearts in your hands and reshape them to worship you in truth. Burn away our impurities, leaving us with pure hearts that seek you first, and your righteousness. And then lead us into abundant life with your Son, our Savior, Jesus the Christ. AMEN
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