Year of the Bible: Part Eight of TwelveSampel

The Whole Witness of God in One Little Book This book is written in poetic form. Read this book out loud and hear the Spirit of the Lord speak to you in ways you have never heard from Him. The whole story of the nature of God and humankind is found in this book. Our God is a personal God. From the very beginning, he desired to have fellowship with each human created in His image. The course of human events described in this book reveals a path to embrace God's desire to have fellowship with you and with me. My sin, your sin, and the world's sin have brought about devastation. Choosing to sin against God always results in hardship and pain. Yet, God's call to repent and think differently about His mercy, grace, and principles for living restores our fellowship and relationship with Him. The fruit of that restoration is healing, peace, and transformation—in our lives and the lives of others as our transformation becomes God's instrument to bring witness and healing to others. God is always speaking words of hope and faith. The restorative story that began back in the Garden of Eden includes the return of rebellious, lost, and broken humans into God's merciful presence. He will destroy evil—in us and the world. He will "pour out His Spirit upon all humankind" (Joel 2:28). His Holy Spirit will abide in each of us who pledge our loyalty to Jesus. Question: How do you navigate the conviction of the Holy Spirit when He points out your sin? How do you step into the fullness of the freedom Jesus has purchased for you? Does your pride hinder you from enjoying the life of holiness Jesus has for you? Prayer: Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus. Thank You that Your plan from the beginning was to bring me back into Your presence. I repent and seek Your grace to think differently about my sin, error, and failure. Grant me Your mind in these matters. Thank You for the cleansing blood of Jesus and the abiding presence of Your Holy Spirit in me. May Your will truly be accomplished in and through me to the glory of Jesus' name, Amen!