Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!

Today's scriptures are about the finality of Jesus' sacrifice. Jesus has paid our sin debt in full. When He died on that cross, the blood that was shed wiped away the sins of all who believe in Him, forever. We no longer have to worry about carrying the burden of death, because Jesus has given us life forevermore! We won't receive an invoice for it later, nor will we lose this privilege at any point in time. When He bowed His head and said, "it's finished", that it was.

Never having to worry about sin again is a refreshing thought. There is nothing more wonderful than to be able to live without looking over your shoulder, in fear of being condemned. No longer fearing of the ways of the world, nor the plots of the wicked. Most importantly, being given relief from worrying about what's going to happen when we die, because we know that our home is already prepared and waiting. Well guess what? All of these are a reality, because of the one selfless act of Jesus Christ!

Jesus’ death made it possible for us not to live in, and for sin, but above sin and for Him. It's written: There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. (Romans 8:1) When we think about His grace and mercy, it should motivate us to do right by Him. It's a grave mistake to take this fact and use it as an excuse to live however you want. I've heard more people say, "It's okay if I do this, I'll just repent later", or "God knows my heart, and already knew I was going to do that, so He’ll forgive me". There are many more of those that I could share with you, but you get my point. If this is the way you’ve been living, I urge you to be careful, because Jesus didn’t eliminate the “reaping what you sow” law, but He still requires us to “walk according to the Spirit”.

Jesus offered us freedom and peace from the everyday struggle that is sin. The enemy enslaved us from the time he tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden. After that, people had to go the all types of rigmarole to receive forgiveness for their sin. Do you understand how blessed you are to be able to say that you're Righteous, let alone a Disciple of Christ? It's written: Then Jesus said... “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." (John 8:31-36) If we were solely "servants" (or slaves) of God, we would only have temporary residence in His Kingdom. Thanks to Jesus' we're adopted children of God, so we're a part of His Kingdom forever, no matter what. This a promise made to all who chooses to believe in Him.

It's done! If you're a believer, never worry about your place in God's kingdom ever again. Never fret over sin, because He's conquered it. Stand on His promises, and surrender to Him. Focus on loving Him, and showing His love to everyone you come in contact with. Learn about Him, and ask for wisdom to be able to walk righteously, following His ways, and His ways alone. When you do sin, confess and repent. He's paid at great price to afford you that privilege, so be sure to use it. I can guarantee you that when you think of all He's done for you, you'll let go of your old sinful ways. Jesus died so that we would understand the depth of His love for us.

God is so good, that He's given us a lifetime to get it right. He sacrificed His own Son, so that we could see forever with Him. He will never utterly cast us down, and is still waiting to be gracious to us. That will never change, so if you were thinking that it's to late for you, this message is offered to give you relief. As long as you have breath in your body, you have a chance to grow closer to Christ. That offer has always, and will always stand. If you don't know Jesus as Lord and Savior, take a few moments and pray and ask Him to come into your heart. He'll be right there as soon as you call. If you're saved but lost, remember He's working with you for the rest of your life, so there's no need to be shy, pray and tell Him exactly what's on your heart and repent. There's no price for this, He's already picked up the tab. My favorite verse today is: Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross. (Colossians 2:14)

ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455413&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/broadcast/today-on-radio
http://www.intouch.org/magazine/daily-devotional

I love you!

1 comment:

  1. Dear Saundra,

    IT IS FINISHED

    I would like to start by asking you two questions. One: Can you give an accurate definition of the phrase: "Lamb of God"?

    We all know that this is one of the names used for Jesus, like Messiah, Savior, Son of Man, or Christ. But exactly what is the importance of the name "Lamb of God"?

    And why is it important to me as a Catholic? The second question I would like to ask you is: Why the Catholic Church would offer The Holy Eucharist every day at every Mass throughout the world in over 3000 languages.

    What knowledge do they have that would make them feel compelled to do this for thousands of years? In answering this question, we'll see why the Catechism of the Catholic Church states that "The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life.'" (CC 1324)

    Continue> > >

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