-/\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\ / WHAT JESUS DID! -- http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Permanent?
"I tell you the truth. Nothing will disappear from the law
until heaven and earth are gone. The law will not lose even
the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter until
all has happened."
-- Matthew 5:18 (ERV)
KEY THOUGHT:
The intent of Jesus' teaching is to shift the focus away from a strict,
appearance of adherence of the Law, and rivet our attention on the
heart of the Lawgiver. The validity of the Law's truth is enduring down
to the last detail. But that truth is found in Jesus, one who lived in
perfect obedience and righteousness before God. As the verses that
follow indicate, Jesus does not lessen the intent of the Law, but gives
it flesh and blood, compassion and mercy, power and depth. His words
will never pass away! Grace is not about diminished expectations, but
about power, motivation, and salvation. But salvation is more than
salvation from past sin or even salvation to heaven at the end of time.
Salvation is about being protected from the ravages of sin's
punishments and consequences because Jesus' mercy and grace have
motivated and empowered us to obey God's will and so fulfill the intent
behind every letter of the Law.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
Almighty and glorious God, who lives in inapproachable light, I praise
you for your glory and grace. I pledge to you, dear Father, that I will
not take that grace for granted or trample on its gift. At the same
time, I ask you to empower and lead me with your Holy Spirit to do your
will and honor your grace with a life that is holy, and wholly, yours.
Through the name of the Lord I pray. Amen.
>> NEW: Phil's What Jesus Did devotional is now
>> available as a book. Click below to order!
http://images.ultracart.com/aff/ACU9/1414/108/185/575/0/index.html
>> The WJD! web page has related scriptures and the
>> full text of today's key passage. Read it at:
http://www.heartlight.org/wjd/matthew/0218-wjd.html
>> For further study of today's passage, use our
>> online Bible study site: SearchGodsWord.org!
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Matthew+5:18&sr=1&t=erv
|-- HEARTLIGHT NEEDS YOUR HELP... -------------------------|
We truly need your help to keep the light shining! Please
take a moment to see how you can help us continue our
online ministry of 12 years:
|-- http://www.heartlight.org/support/ --------------------|
=========================== FEATURED PRODUCT =========================
CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINE: THE PATH TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH, by Richard J. Foster
Hailed by many as the best modern book on Christian spirituality,
"Celebration of Discipline" explores the "classic Disciplines," or
central spiritual practices, of the Christian faith.
http://shopping.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/link?251
Find more great books, CDs and videos at the Heartlight store! With
each purchase you make, you're helping to support Heartlight's
ministry. Thanks SO MUCH for your help!
WHAT JESUS DID! from HEARTLIGHT /\/\
===============================================================\ /===
http://www.heartlight.org/wjd \/
This devotional is made possible by YOUR donations! If you've found
our emails encouraging or inspiring, we pray you'll give a voluntary
donation to keep this ministry going. Donations are NOT required,
but they are appreciated!
http://www.heartlight.org/support
What Jesus Did! is a 365-day devotional through the book of Luke.
It is written by Phil Ware <phil@heartlight.org> and is part of
HEARTLIGHT Magazine, the leading Christian living e-zine on the
Web. Visit HEARTLIGHT on the web for even more articles, plus
music, devotionals and more for your Christian walk!
http://www.heartlight.org
HOW DO I SUBSCRIBE?
It's FREE! To subscribe send a blank email to:
join-wjd@maillists.heartlight.org
HOW DO I LEAVE?
Send a blank email to the unsubscribe address:
wjd-unsubscribe@maillists.heartlight.org
STILL HAVING TROUBLE?
If our automated unsubscribe system isn't working for you,
send an email to mailmaster@heartlight.org and let us know
what list you would like to leave. We'll take care of you.
OTHER QUESTIONS?
Find answers to your frequently asked questions:
http://www.heartlight.org/help/faq/wjd.html
======================================================================
