I got behind by a week after completing a big project for our Up North family of Foursquare churches. So this is a combined devotional to cover two weeks 😉
‘Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.’
1 Corinthians 13:12 NLT
Of all the personal struggles I’ve had, they are all rooted in attacks and distortion of my true identity, my true soul, God’s original intent of who I am. This world, although originally and wonderfully made by God, has been under our dominion, of which we have let the enemy of our souls influence since the gates to the Garden of Eden were closed. My own battles struggle with a nature that has deteriorated, no longer perfect, no longer as it should be.
However, it is in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection that I am restored to the fullness of His original creation. His life of love, his death of grace, and his resurrection of mercy over me, you, and every single soul is offered for free so we can be restored. Not just a fire insurance against separation from God, but a true restoration to a full life, one that starts here, and is complete when his Kingdom is fully restored here on earth.
I can now see the fullness that He has for me, and for all, I can hear the truth above the lies, for myself and every single person I encounter. I fight the battles every day, but I can see the truth at the same time, it’s a choice, and it’s a good one that I am never blocked from, even when I choose to ignore what is good for me.
Speak to the original creation in every person, all around us. Let go of your cultural Christianity. Be radical with your love, compassion, empathy, and the truth of Jesus’ life FOR humanity, that grace, that mercy, is what sets people to turn around and run after their father, they already know who they are without Him, let’s love them for who they truly are. This is how we fight our battles.