But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to ⁰ those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
—Jude 1:17-23

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The Truth
By Jennifer Kane

Lord, help us stand on truth that does not fail,
A steadfast rock amid the storms we face.
Your Word, our refuge and our dwelling place,
A sure foundation through both calm and gale.
Teach us to trust when doubts and fears assail,
To pray in Spirit, strengthened by Your grace.
Enfold us in Your love’s unending embrace,
And guard our hearts from wandering paths that pale.

With wisdom guide our hands to heal the torn,
To rescue souls ensnared by sin’s cruel snare.
Give us compassion for the lost and worn,
And mercy’s light to lead them from despair.
May holiness and hope through us be borne,
As lives reflect the Savior’s love and care.

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Scripture: Jude 1:17-23

Jude warns us of scoffers and ungodly individuals who divide the church, not having the Spirit. Yet, rather than urging us to attack or fear these individuals, Jude calls believers to focus inwardly—building up their faith, praying in the Spirit, and remaining in the love of God—and outwardly, by showing mercy to those who doubt and guiding others to safety from spiritual destruction.

Jude’s instruction is a reminder that the Christian life is not a passive one. It is marked by a dual focus: nurturing our relationship with God while extending His love to those around us. Faith is our foundation, prayer is our lifeline, and God’s love is our assurance. These anchor us in turbulent times, enabling us to discern truth, show compassion, and lead others back to Christ.

Spiritual growth is an intentional process. Jude emphasizes that we are responsible for our faith. This involves studying God’s Word, growing in our understanding of truth, and holding firm to the teachings of Scripture. Let God’s Word be your foundation, helping you withstand the influence of those who mock or distort His truth.

Prayer is not just a ritual; it is our communication with God through His Spirit. When we pray in the Spirit, we allow God to guide our words, intentions, and intercessions, empowering us to stand firm against spiritual deception. Seek God’s wisdom in prayer, asking Him to reveal His will and strengthen your heart.

To keep yourself in God’s love is to remain aligned with His will and trust in His goodness. Like the prodigal son, we may wander, but we are always loved. Staying in God’s love means continually returning to Him, confessing sin, and resting in the assurance of His grace and mercy.

Jude presents three groups of people needing our help:

Those who doubt: Be patient and compassionate, offering encouragement to strengthen their faith.

Those in danger: Act boldly to pull them from harmful beliefs or practices, much like snatching someone from fire.

Those corrupted by sin: Approach them with a mix of mercy and caution, ensuring you remain steadfast while extending grace.

Loving others means being willing to walk with them in their struggles while standing firm in the truth. Our mission is not to condemn but to save, reflecting God’s mercy and holiness.

So look inward: Evaluate your faith journey. Are you intentionally building your relationship with God through study, prayer, and fellowship? Commit to spending focused time with Him each day.

And also look outward: Identify someone who may be doubting, struggling, or caught in sin. Pray for them and ask God for wisdom in how to reach out. Show love and mercy while staying grounded in the truth of God’s Word.

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Heavenly Father, I come before You, grateful for the unshakable foundation of Your truth and the unending love You pour over us. In a world filled with scoffers and division, I ask for Your Spirit to strengthen my faith and guide me in prayer. Build ne up, Lord, so I may stand firm in Your Word and remain aligned with Your will.

Teach me to love as You love, showing mercy to the doubting, courage to rescue the wandering, and wisdom to approach the broken with care. Guard my heart and mind from corruption as I walk in holiness, reflecting Your light to a world in need.

Empower me, Father, to be a beacon of hope and an instrument of Your grace. Fill me with boldness to share the truth in love and humility, always pointing others to the mercy and salvation found in Jesus Christ.

May I remain steadfast in Your love until the day I see Your mercy fully revealed in eternal life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

December 16 2024