“The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’” – Luke 17:5

An interesting request that’s always a good idea! Have you asked Jesus to increase your faith lately? If not, why not do so right now? Go ahead…

It probably isn’t a coincidence that this request came after Jesus explained how we must be willing to forgive other believers who sin against us, once those individuals say they’ve repented. That certainly takes faith! Faith to forgive people the same way Jesus forgives you. Faith to open yourself to further hurt if that person hasn’t really repented. Faith to forgive when you’ve heard it all before. Faith to take off the protective armor of cynicism and mistrust you may have put on to protect your heart.

Indeed, if you’re going to forgive people the way Jesus forgives you (over and over again), you probably do need Him to increase your faith, just like the apostles did! So, if you didn’t do it earlier, now’s a good time to ask Jesus to increase your faith this Advent season. Go ahead…. #FollowJesus

“This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” – 1 John 1:5

This is the season when days get short and nights get long. Even during the day, light can be lacking in the winter season, especially as you go further north. And so, we light the candles of Advent, reminding ourselves of this unchanging and beautiful truth. God is light. His light is pure and perfect. It has no hint of the darkness of sin. God’s light never flickers or dims. Unlike a candle, His light can’t be blown out, either by accident or on purpose.

Better still, this perfect, eternal light entered our world to light the darkness. Jesus, the Son of God, came to be the light of the world! To bring us out of the darkness of fear, sin, despair, and death into God’s perfect light of love, grace, and truth. Whatever darkness you may find yourself in, know that it isn’t from God. In Him, there is no darkness at all. None! Whatever darkness you may find yourself in, God is the solution to that darkness. Let Jesus, the light of the world bring you out of that darkness, because “If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7). #FollowJesus

“But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.” – 2 Peter 3:7

There isn’t much to say beyond what Peter says. It’s a blunt but accurate promise / warning. Fiery judgment, destruction, and the renewal of creation lies sometime in the future. Possibly very soon…

As the Advent season begins, we not only celebrate the first coming of Jesus into the world, we are invited to eagerly anticipate His second coming. When Jesus returns, He will usher in judgment. Blessing and reward await those saved from their sins by grace through faith in Him. Devastation and eternal separation from Him await everyone else. Don’t casually let anyone be “everyone else”!

Advent should certainly be joyful but also serious and urgent. This is a wonderful season to share the truth and love of Jesus Christ with others, in word and in deed, because there another advent is coming, and we don’t know when that will be. Always live prepared. Come, Lord Jesus! #FollowJesus

“And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God.” – Luke 12:8-9

Whatever you do, don’t be shy about your faith in Jesus! No matter the cost… Of course, don’t ever be rude, obnoxious, arrogant, or nasty about your faith. But don’t be shy! Don’t mutter, mumble, or muddle the good news about why you have hope in a seemingly hopeless world! Be more worried about what Jesus says in these verses than what someone you know may say when you tell them about Jesus.

This chapter of Luke’s gospel explores the potentially difficult consequences of following Jesus. Division within your family. Persecution in your society. Jesus never promises comfort or approval here on Earth. However, He’s very clear about the eternal blessings and rewards of faithfulness. As we enter the Christmas season, look forward to sharing the true reason for this season with as many people as you can. Explain how the eternal Word became flesh and dwelt among us to bring salvation to everyone who believes in Him.

And should things become difficult or dangerous for expressing your faith, don’t shrink back. Acknowledge your Lord. Share His invitation to new life through faith in Him. Extol His excellencies! And know that Jesus will extol your excellencies for doing so! Fear not, for the Spirit of Christ lives in you! #FollowJesus

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Give thanks! In all circumstances?!? How? Why?

Because if you are in Christ and Christ is in you, then you have much for which to give thanks, no matter your earthly circumstances or situation. In Christ…

• You are a precious, deeply loved child of God!
• You are forgiven for your sins and reconciled to God!
• You are sealed by the Holy Spirit and you are His Temple!
• Jesus is with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you!
• You have an eternal inheritance that cannot be threatened or damaged by anything or anyone here on earth!
• You have good works to do that have been specially prepared for you by God!
• Your life has purpose, a mission, and a mandate!
• You are a citizen of heaven, an ambassador here on earth, and a royal priest!
• You have a standing invitation to enter the throne room of God with any prayer concern any time, day or night!

Today, we pray you will take time to give thanks for these blessings and many more. Give thanks wherever you are and whatever you’re doing today. May God continue to bless you abundantly today, and every day, in Christ Jesus. Happy Thanksgiving from LRBC! #FollowJesus