Walk-on Wednesday - Choosing the Better Way - Martin Wiles

Welcome to Walk-on Wednesday. By Hump Day, we are struggling, but we believe a good devotion can strengthen us to finish the week strong. 

But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God. Hebrews 8:6 NLT

Imagine how it would feel to be transported back in time.

In Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, this happens when the ghost of Christmas past transports Ebenezer Scrooge back to his young adult years. Presently, he had all the money he wanted, but no happiness. She showed him what might have been his had he chosen a different route.

The ghost permits Scrooge to view his first love. His mad pursuit of wealth, however, had led to their break-up. She released him to pursue the life he had chosen and wished him happiness. The ghost then revealed what might have been his: a house full of children nestled around his lost love. Scrooge chose what he assumed was the better way but discovered disappointment and loneliness instead.

First-century citizens struggled with either accepting the new covenant Jesus had established through his death and resurrection or clinging to what they had known previously: a life of rules and regulations. Jesus offered a better way.

Some decisions are tough. The advantages and disadvantages appear equal. The ultimate decision we must make is what we believe about eternity. If we choose to believe there is one that involves either punishment or rewards, we’ll likely choose the latter.

But how do we get there? Is it by obeying rules and regulations as those in the Old Testament did? Is it by working diligently to make sure our good deeds outweigh the bad? Or is it simply by accepting what God offers?

Jesus’ new covenant is starkly different from the old. Whereas the old was limited in scope, the new is open to anyone who wants to accept it. Guilt was never eliminated under the old, but under the new, we can be freed from a guilty conscience. Under the old, millions of sacrifices were required. Under the new, all God desires are our sacrifices of praise and obedience. When we compare the two, the new certainly appears to be the better way.

What way have you chosen to get to God?

Prayer: Father, we praise You for offering a better way to You through Jesus Christ. 

Tweetable: What way have you chosen to get to God? 

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Love Unleashed - Martin Wiles

Series: Love Unchained

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13 NLT

“Are you dying for him?”

Sydney Carton and Charles Darnay loved the same woman, but one of them lost out. The woman chose to marry Charles. Charles was later arrested, placed in a dungeon, and set to be executed the next day—a terrible experience for anyone, but Charles had a wife and a child.

Sydney looked somewhat like Charles, enough to pass for him. He sneaked into the prison, knocked out Charles—his formal rival for his girl—and had some friends take him to safety. Sydney, meanwhile, put on Charles’ clothes and awaited his execution.

In the prison, another person, a seamstress, was also on her way to the guillotine. She approached whom she thought was Charles and requested comfort. Suddenly, she realized this was not Charles at all. That’s when she asked the question.

Charles assured her he was dying not only for the man but also for his wife and child. To which she replied, “O will you let me hold your brave hand, stranger?” His substitutionary sacrifice overwhelmed her.

God unleashed His love through a sacrifice as well. One of greater import than did Sydney in Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities. Sydney saved only Charles. Jesus’ sacrifice has the potential—and will—save anyone who comes to Him believing, confessing, and repenting. Genuine love leads to sacrificing on behalf of others—my time, my gifts, my money, my … whatever. It can do no less.

Not only does the sacrifice flow from my appreciation of what God has done on my behalf, but it also grows humility in me.  Paul said it like this: Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud (1 Corinthians 13:4).

Once I understand God’s love, I can’t help but demonstrate humility. I can’t force God to save me, nor can I ever deserve salvation or work for it. He loves and forgives because it’s His nature to do so. Once I’ve accepted God’s forgiveness, humility will decorate my actions and attitudes.

Such love proves my connection with God. John wrote, Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God (1 John 4:7). Only after experiencing God’s love planted in my heart can I love in the way God loves. God unleashed His love to the world through Christ.

Unleash your love, too. What the world needs is more God-like love.

Prayer: Father, may we love others as You do us.

Tweetable: Are you unleashing God's love? 

Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.