Titus 3:4-7 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Micah 7:7-9 But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light. Because I have sinned against Him, I will bear the Lord's wrath, until He pleads my case and establishes my right. He will bring me out into the light; I will see His righteousness. 2Cor 5:21 God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. God sent His Son to restore us to communion with Him. He
gave His Son as a perfect sacrifice without blemish to take our place. His word tells us over and over that there is nothing we can offer that can pay the debt we owe. Adam, in his foolishness, gifted us with eternal death because he chose to abdicate his role and responsibilities. God in His unlimited love paid the price for us. We, in our infinite wisdom, try to pay the debt by giving tithes, joining a church, working on committees. We think we can bypass the need to confess our sins. We want to buy our way into heaven. We don't want to admit that we are not able, in our sinfulness, to pay the price. We don't want anyone to take the credit for getting us to heaven. We, in our arrogance, think we can do it all. But when we, God's people, confess our sins, He our Lord and Savior, restores to us His righteousness. He welcomes us into the throne room and rejoices with us that we will spend eternity with Him. We will see the Son of God face to face. We will have no more tears. We will not see death or sorrow. God, in His righteousness, bought for us eternal life. He poured out boundless grace so that we can becomes heirs of eternal life in Him. Now is the time to pour out for Him, boundless praise and worship. Now is the time to offer up to Him the sacrifice of thanksgiving for the grace we have been given. His grace restored to us His righteousness. Our worship of Him is what He desires. We can not repay our debt but we can rejoice in His love and grace.
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Judges 6:15 "But Lord, Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." Exodus 3:11 But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" Judges 4:8 Barak said to her, "If you go with me, I will go; but if you don't go with me, I won't go." Throughout the history of God's people, He has chosen those who were not 'mighty warriors' or great orators or self-assured. He chose those who were dependent on the strength and guidance of the Lord. He saw in them the ability to do the things for His kingdom that would fulfill prophesy or restore righteousness to His people.
Mary, Jesus mother, accepted her assignment knowing the cost. Esther resisted but was willing to risk her life to save her people. Many others have reluctantly stood for the Lord. Ananias was instructed by God to go to Paul and heal him. Paul had been sent by the high priests to arrest and imprison the ones that worshipped Jesus. Ananias knew all about Paul and questioned the Lord. (Acts 9:15) Ananias is told to 'go'. He was obedient and he brought Paul to the disciples in Damascus where he began his true ministry to the Gentiles. While, in this day and age, we, in America are not usually asked to give our lives for an assignment of the Lord, He knows that when we are given a calling to do a certain job or project, we will be given all the tools and knowledge needed. Sometimes that knowledge is given 'on the way' but He is faithful to guide us. Whether we are taking on a leadership role, working silently behind the scenes, or being second in command, God provides all our needs according to His wisdom. No matter where we are planted, He honors our obedience and willingness. We just need to remember that He is in charge of making job assignments and has long ago done a skills assessment of His people. He knows our weaknesses and strengths. He knows we do better when we acknowledge our failures and rely on Him to turn our weaknesses into our greatest strengths. When we remember where our gifts come from and give Him all the glory, He will honor us with the crown of life and eternal rejoicing in His presence. |
AuthorPlease join us as we grow in Christ through our weekly devotions, written by Catherine Donaldson Archives
June 2021
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