Devotional Email for Jul
13
Galatians 6:7-9 New International Version (NIV)
7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
When we are mistreated we need to be very careful. The natural thing to do is to strike back. We all have that in us. It is almost like an instinct, but it is not from God. Jesus told us that we should love our enemy and pray for those who persecute us. That is not easy to do. They key is to recognize that Satan is setting a trap. If you do the natural thing then you will reap destruction.
But on the other side of the coin, if you sow to the Spirit you will reap of the Spirit eternal life. What does the Bible mean by "eternal life"?
The word "life" here comes from the Greek Word "zoe". The word "zoe" is used in two different ways in the Bible. One is to describe "Life" in the same way that we normally think of life. The other has to do with the God kind of life. "Zoe" has to do with the kind of life that God enjoys. Let's take a look at some of the versus that talk about "zoe".
John 1:1-4 New International Version (NIV)
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning.
3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men.
In Jesus was "zoe" (life) and the "zoe" was the light of men. Think about the kind of life Jesus had. Was Jesus a sad man? No, Jesus was full of joy. Did Jesus suffer? Only at the cross, other then that Jesus did not suffer. Yes, Jesus had to endure the very same temptations and pressures that we endure. In fact Jesus had to endure much greater pressure then we will have to face, but Jesus was not miserable. He was a man of great joy, health, and prosperity.
John 10:10 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life (zoe), and have it abundantly.
While Satan came to steal, kill, and destroy, Jesus came so that we might have zoe (the God kind of life) and have it more abundantly. Jesus came so that you could live a full, prosperous, healthy, vital, exciting, joyful, life. Jesus wants you to enjoy life to the fullest, and that is why we have the Bible. You do know what "Bible" stands for? Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. So live life to the fullest, hook up with the zoe, the God kind of life.
Speak the Word:Father I sow love so that I can reap zoe, the God kind of life.
  Printer Friendly Page
|
To make a donation via Pay Pal:
|
Or Send Check or Money-Order to:
Free Bible Email
PO Box 79275
Fort Worth, TX 76179-0275
|
