JUDE 1:16-23

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2007

KEEP YOURSELVES IN THE LOVE OF GOD

16 These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage. 17 But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: 18 how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. 19 These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22 And on some have compassion, making a distinction; 23 but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. Jude 1:16-23 (NKJV)

This is the last in a series of Devotions on the Book of Jude. If at sometime you would have a Bible Study on Jude, you will find these devotions in the Devotion archives. May God Bless you as you study His Word.

These concluding verses of Jude remind us to keep ourselves in the Love of the Lord. We are warned that there are many who go about proclaiming this and that for their own gain.

Attention is called to those who mock the Lord, who only follow their own lusts, and who cause divisions. Even against all of this that went on when the Book of Jude was written and still flourishes today, we still have HOPE. The people of that day and each of us are reminded to build ourselves up on our faith, to pray in the Name of the Holy Spirit and to keep ourselves in the Love of God as we seek the mercy of Jesus now and in Eternal Life.

It does not take a lot of work. It simply requires a Faith that we are safe in the Loving Arms of Jesus.

No matter what may be the test,

God will take care of you;

Lean, weary one, upon His breast,

God will take care of you.

God will Take Care Of You - cyberhymnal.org

WE PRAY: Lord. we are surrounded on all sides by those who mock you, by those who want people to hear them and what they say, instead of hearing you and your Word. Lord, help me so that when I speak and when I live my daily life, those who listen and those who see may see and hear not me, but only Jesus. AMEN

A SUGGESTION FOR LIVING THE DEVOTION

Watch newspapers and magazines along with radio and TV for stories of local Congregations and/or national church bodies that are debating items that are presently divisive. Of course in society today, the top of the list would be held by either abortion or sexuality. Keep the list handy and add to it as you hear of new divisive issues. Next, learn as much as you can about both sides of the argument BUT do not agree or disagree based on either presentation. Then go to your Reference Bible and your Concordance to determine which of the sides is supported by Scripture.