“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
This week I shared a thought about the windshield of your car being much larger than the rear view mirror as it’s more important to look ahead than behind. These two passages from the Apostle Paul remind us to look back at where we have been but also be very careful of what is lurking ahead along our journey that the evil foe has scattered to draw our attention. Today, there is a Hurricane named Elsa making its way along the southern coast of Haiti and it is in their windshield. Please join them in your prayers for safety and also for all in the path of this storm in the coming days.
Heavenly Father, Your Son has closed yesterday's door, therefore Your people don't have to live enslaved to sin or shame anymore. Not because we've been strong and good and noble, but because You have transformed our lives. You've changed our course of direction. Even though You've left us on foreign soil, as aliens and strangers, we have a home in heaven. And sometimes we get pretty homesick; longing to be with You!
Hear the prayers of Your people as we call out to You for many different challenges we are facing. Give us self-control on those occasions when we're tempted to moralize and put people down. Make us aware that a godly life preaches an unforgettable message to the unsaved. Help us remember that we're soldiers away from our home in heaven, living in a culture that's lost its way and is in desperate need of Jesus Christ. Keep us easy to live with, strong in faith, unbending in our convictions yet full of grace toward those who are bound by sin and captured by habits they cannot break. Enable us to shake up this pagan culture with lives that are authentic, that stay balanced, that are still fun, and that ultimately glorify You, just like Jesus did. In His great name we pray. Amen.