Jesus’ Blood, Promises & Following Commandments

1 John 1:7 -But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

We all undoubtedly have sinned at one time or another. We are all sinners, and probably will continue to sin in our lifetime, no matter how hard we try. It’s inevitable, and we are subject to be under continuous temptations throughout our life here on earth. But rejoice, Jesus’ blood washed us clean. His blood cleaned up our “mess” and as long as we repent, confess to the LORD and ask for forgiveness, we can hit the “restart” button. Only because of Jesus’ blood. Only He can clean up our mess, but we have to do our part. Let’s see how we might get into what we are called to do as Christians, according to His Holy Word.

Suffice it to say, we are not perfect. As human beings, we are oft times given to irrational moments where our Christianity can be put to the test. There will be times when we are dealing with an army of responsibilities that can be so overbearing that we might just wonder “is it truly worth living within the parameters of God’s expectations and commandments.”

Well, let’s examine the expectations for a moment. Let’s see what we can come up with pertaining to temptations and responsibilities and living within the confines of Christianity and His 10 commandments, which are pretty straight forward, don’t’ you think?

1. No other gods before our God: Which means exclusively following Him, and no one else.
2. You shall make no idols: Again, nothing but God first. Anything that takes us away from Him, and primarily puts our attention and eye on something of insignificance, is an idol.
3. You shall not take the name of the LORD in vain:  There are ways of doing this. Some are saying or doing things that doesn’t appear in Scripture, going against His doctrine and using His name without reverence, such as in swearing /cussing.
4. Keep the Sabbath day holy. Honoring Him as we do and resting in “Him.” for Jesus is our rest, and our Holy One.
5. Honoring your father and mother: Here again, respecting our parents for who they are. Even those who don’t get along with their parents, for whatever reasons. Honoring and respecting them is a crucial aspect and component of being a Christian, and it is commanded by God.
6. Murder: No need to go further with this. We all are aware of what to “murder” means. In everyday life, normal citizens are to be civilized to one another. Wars and conflicts are an entirely different category. And there were many wars in the Bible from the beginning of time to solidify this.
7. We should not commit adultery:  God wants us to Honor each other in marriage. Being committed to each other while harnessing and lifting each other up. Loving each other, being as one.
8. Do not Steal:  We are to be true patrons be it through purchasing or selling in good faith and revenue. We are not to “openly gauge prices” to take advantage of a situation or a person’s circumstances. And we are certainly not to “steal.”
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor: We are not to make up stories or accuse our neighbors of false circumstances or issues. Or malign them in a disparaging or vicious fashion.
10. You shall not covet: We are not to “want” or “desire” things that others are in possession of. Such as being jealous or wanting their “bigger house” or “new automobile” or their lifestyle, etc., etc. Or envy someone’s success. These are all against God’s ways.

God is always good. Psalm 119:68 solidifies how good God is. And His rewards are plentiful. When we do what we are supposed to do. We get blessings bestowed upon us. When we don’t and continuously look the other way from His commandments and continue to profane God and His word, we will fall outside of His blessings.

God gives strength to the weary. When we’re feeling weak, especially in our quest to follow, honor, and serve God, He promises “power to the faint.”

Isaiah 40:31 brings it all home when He states:  But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

These are the promises of the LORD. And just a few of His promises, there are so many more in the Bible. So many blessings along with curses. So many uplifting moments. And many reality moments of how God’s wrath can become unfurled. He has an inordinate amount of patience. But God does not like His children ignoring His warnings and turning away from Him.

God’s promises never fail. Joshua 21:45 says – Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass.

When we see temptations in our path, we are human, and God knows. He gives us comfort in 2 Corinthians 10:13 to assure us that this is not uncommon, and has happened to other generations, and generations to come. He will not tempt us above what we can handle, and He will always help us through it.

When we do all what we are called to do according to His plan for our lives, it becomes an easier way to live. It becomes a way to handle situations that become rough and grainy. Our path becomes clear and defined. The fog is lifted, and the sun comes out streaming rays of light and glory.

In fact, when we follow God with all of our heart and soul and love Him with all our mind and strength, we are rewarded in ways that we cannot define, but ultimately will embrace (Luke 10:27).

God keeps His promises.  We need to realize that the Lord your God is God. He alone is the faithful God who keeps His loving covenant loyalty and has for thousands of generations with those who love and keep His commands.” (Deuteronomy 7:9).

• Jeremiah 17:5 Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.
• Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.

So, looking at those two verses, what do you think about?

May I suggest that the next time circumstances seem out of control, and responsibilities are overwhelmingly mounting to ludicrous heights, or situations that are tempting and overpowering your spirit…call upon the LORD, and His strength, and ask for His help. He will listen to those with a contrite and true heart. He never fails to provide and listen to those who cry out to Him in earnest.

After all- Jesus promises that for those who ask, it will be given, for those who seek shall find, and for those who knock, it shall be opened (Matthew 7:7-8). Amen!

Now, don’t you think paying heed and dealing with life and its circumstances is all worth it? The rewards that follow this lifetime into the eternity will be far greater than what we withstand and perceive at this very moment.

“Father, thank You for Your Son Jesus’ blood shed for me, for Your commandments, and Your light and life affirming promises, may I always realize You are there, and that Your grace shall sustain me no matter what, help me to rise above the flesh and let my inner spirit do the work to honor and glorify You in all I do, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”