Stand With God: Days 1 & 2

I started a new devotional plan on the Bible app. Here's the first couple days of that plan.

Stand With God: Day 1
(Romans 12:9-13, 1 John 4:19, John 14:23)

How do we think of our love for God? Are we here because we were raised this way? Are we here just because we don’t want to go to hell? If we truly want to be here, the evidence of that will be that we go out of our way to please Him. We will seek to obey Him and His commandments, not just when it’s convenient. This walks that fine line between grace and legalism, so we need to be sure about why we’re doing the works that we’re doing. We shouldn’t be following the commandments of God just because that’s what we’re supposed to do (although it is what we’re supposed to do); we should be following the commandments of God because He has told us that’s what makes Him happy. And if we truly love Him we will want to make Him happy.

When we’re questioned about our faith will we stand with God? Will we stand for God when we’re being persecuted? Will we be Peter before the crucifixion or will we be Peter after the crucifixion? How will we show our love for God?

Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves me he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and will take up residence with him.
-John 14:23

Stand With God: Day 2
(2 Corinthians 5:20)
We have a job to do and it’s not whatever it is you fill your life with between 9 and 5 (or, if you’re like me, any given 9-10 hour period throughout the day.) I’m not talking about the thing we do to make sure the bills get paid; we’re supposed to be ambassadors of Christ. We are the standard bearers for the kingdom we’re really residents of. How well do we represent the Kingdom of God? Do we make fun of people? Do we sneer at people when they do something we don’t approve of? Or, do we act lovingly, acknowledging our differences but loving them nonetheless? I know that I am often a bad representative for God. I know that, very often, I do not emulate the love of Jesus.

But why would anyone want to know what makes us so different if we’re not at all different from the world around us?

but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; (1Pe 3:15 NASB)

If no one can see the hope that is in you, do you really have that hope? These are questions I struggle with. My answer is always to read more about the hope. To learn more about the hope. I know that I mess up more than I do right, but I think I’m getting better. I still struggle with my reactions. I still struggle with being more nice than sarcastic. I’ll get there. My aim is to be the ambassador that the Father wants me to be. Day by day I’m getting there. I just wish I could get there faster.

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2Co 5:20 ESV)