PERFECT PERSPECTIVE

READ MATTHEW 5:31-48

"BE PERFECT,THERFORE,AS YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER IS PERFECT"(matthew 5:48)

JESUS' TEACHINGS CONFLICT WITH THE STANDARDS OF OUR WORLD TODAY. HIS INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING DEVORCE,REVENGE,AND HATING OUR ENIMIES ARE ESPECIALLY DIFFICULT WHEN COMPARED TO CURREN THOUGHT. WE GRIT OUR TEETH,LOOK AT THE SITUATION,AND THINK,"NO WAY!" IT'S NOT FAIR. ITS NOT RIGHT."

JESUS' DEATH ON THE CROSS WAS NOT FAIR. BUT BECAUSE HE LOVES EVERYONE--EVEN HIS ENEMIES--ENOUGH TO DIE FOR THEM, WE CAN ALL RECEIVE FORGIVENESS FOR OUR REVELLION TOWARD GOD. HIS SACRIFICE ACCOMPLISHED AN ETERNAL PURPOSE.

THE POWER THAT ENABLED JESUS TO SUBMIT HIMSELF TO CRUCIFIXION,AND RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD, IS AVAILABLE TO SUSTAIN US THROUGH EVEY TEST AND TRIAL WE FACE. IT IS A MATTER OF FOCUS. ARE WE LOOKING AT THE SITUATION WITH OUR HUMAN EYES AND EMOTIONS? IF SO, WE NEED TO LIIK TO JESUS AND TRUST HIM. HE WILL WALK WITH US THROUGH OUR DIFFICULTY. IN THATWAY, GOD'S PURPOSES ARE ACCOMPLISHED IN US AND IN OTHERS.

PRAYER SUGGESTION:  HELP ME SEE MY PROBLEMS THROUGH THE LENS OF AN ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE.

DAILY PRAYER EMPHASIS:

            &nb sp;        LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEADERS..

GOD BLESS THIS DEVOTIONAL IS FOR SUNDAY 01-07-07