Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 1, 2014
And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself. John 12:32
The cross is God’s lighthouse of love to all who will look to Jesus and believe in Him. Just as a lighthouse warns ships of crashing onto perilous rocks, so the cross directs us away from sin wreaking havoc in our lives. Far into the distance, like a white dot on the horizon–a lighthouse aglow is a beacon of hope and a harbor of safety. So the cross for all who are drawn into the glow of God’s love. His salvation shines on a path, not pain or problem free, but secured by love.
Furthermore, Jesus draws all people to Himself. Across all nationalities, cultures, tribes and languages, surrendered souls follow Jesus as Savior and Lord. Yes, many will reject His call of love and forgiveness. Their idols inoculate them from grace. Similar to a magnet repelled by another magnet, so a person’s own manner of salvation is repelled by the cross. However, a sinful, yet humble heart is drawn to Christ’s forgiving heart. Opposites attract in loving oneness.
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day” (John 6:44).
Therefore, once, by faith, we embrace the exalted Christ, we seek to exalt Him in our life. He reached down and rescued us, so we want to help others be rescued by Him. Our Lord Jesus is the eternal life preserver, and His love compels us to share it with those drowning in sin. We can’t make them embrace Jesus and His saving affect, only our heavenly Father can draw them to Himself. We stay desperate for God, so we can serve those who desperately need God.
By God’s grace we lift up the Lord Jesus with our humble and surrendered life to Him. We lift up Christ with our gracious and kind conversations. We lift up the cross when we are tempted to cross a line of disloyalty to the Lord, but rather choose fidelity to our faith. We exalt our Savior Jesus with a pure mind, body and soul. Glory hallelujah we exalt Christ in our worship at church, service in the community and love for our family and country. Lift Him up, lift Him up. See Him high and lifted up! Pray we all bow at the foot of the cross a sinner and rise a saint!
“The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness” (Jeremiah 31:3).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, lift up the Lord Jesus in my life, so others are drawn to His love.
Related Readings: Deuteronomy 4:37; Hosea 11:4; Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:14; Galatians 5:11
Post/Tweet today: We stay desperate for God, so we can serve those who desperately need God. #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: Kari Jobe sings about God’s love- http://bit.ly/1mxejrR
Free eBook when you invite 5 friends to the free email devotional…https://www.wisdomhunters.com/invite-your-friends/
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I am truly moved by this devotion, simply because if not for the cross, none of us would even have salvation, or the opportunity. But because of Jesus this has refreshed my belief about the cross. Also if not for the Father drawing us, there would be no salvation anyway Thank you for the devotions, they have all been great, and it seems like when I need something I have gotten it from these devotions Thank you again
Dear Larry~
Thank you for taking the time to reach out to us after reading the devotional, “Loves Magnetic Pull”. We appreciate your encouraging words.
Your words were sincere, heartfelt and thought-provoking. When you stated, “But because of Jesus this has refreshed my belief about the cross. Also, if not for the Father drawing us, there would be no salvation anyway”, it reminded me to take the time to stop and really soak up the signifigance of the cross. Well said Larry and thank you for that reminder.
We are so thankful that you are a fellow wisdom hunter and we look forward to hearing from you again sometime. Blessings to you and yours.
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne
“May I know God and serve Him with a whole heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every motive behind the thoughts.” 1Chronicles 28:9