August 12th - Reflection

Hebrews 10:26-31 (NRSV)
God's judgment

For if we willfully persist in sin after having received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful prospect of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has violated the law of Moses dies without mercy "on the testimony of two or three witnesses." How much worse punishment do you think will be deserved by those who have spurned the Son of God, profaned the blood of the covenant by which they were sanctified, and outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know the one who said, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay." And again, "The Lord will judge his people." It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Reflection
It's so important that Children of God return to God often. We sin. We do fall into the trap. But we must recognize that this sin is not the end, nor is it the purpose. We must turn and face God in our sin. We must know that our sin has consequences that we must face. We must face our sin, face God, and face our consequences. We must repent and the living God forgives, renews, and leads and guides us in God's purpose for our lives. Your life is not your own. Your life belongs to God. Continue to know this and turn to God, even in your sin.

But there are those that sin, and throw off that wonderful gift of grace that God has given us through the life, suffering, and death of Christ. There are those who walk away from salvation and live to their own purpose in sin. This angers God and leads to death.

Prayer
Lord, as we live with so many people, teach us how to reach out in love and compassion to your children who have become lost in their sins and turned away from the gracious gift of Christ you give. Fill our mouths with your words and our actions with your actions that these friends of ours may turn back to you. --- Amen