Devotion
Rest In Righteousness
David Jacobs
Men are sinners by nature and action: all of us have sinned and all of us will sin. God is holy, he does not sin, cannot look upon it, and it is this that separates us from Him. This is the fundamental difference between humans and God.
God showed us mercy, however, by sending his only son, Jesus Christ, to live and die in sin for us. As the verse says, Jesus, "who knew no sin," was brought to the world so "that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." It is a lot of pressure, no doubt, that we must bear for the remainder of our lives. Compared to the pressure that Jesus felt, it is nothing. Jesus was holy, completely devoid of sin, made to be a sinner by his father so that we might be saved.
God would have been entirely within his right to leave us to our sinful ways, but it is out of His mercy and love that He entered a covenant with Christians. He has provided us a way to salvation if we keep the covenant of His works. This is what the entire Bible discusses, the covenant and the prophecy that begins in Genesis and ends in Revelations. Jesus has shown us the way, has humbled himself so that we may be made whole with God. Perhaps my favorite example, is from Matthew 3:13-15.
Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
John the Baptist knows that he is not worthy of being baptized by Christ. Jesus humbles him, showing us all how to treat one another as God would want.
Prayer
We truly are not worth of God's mercy and love. We are sinners, responsible even for the death of God's only son. Through God, however, we have our chance at redemption. We have a chance to rest in His righteousness, to be made whole with Him once again. The choice is ours. Thanks be to God.
Devotion
Give Good Example
Frances Taylor
If we ever needed a reminder of how important it is to practice what we preach, this is it. Not only are we encouraged to help others, but we are also warned about giving bad example or leading others, particularly children, away from the Lord.
I have spoken to many people who say that they became a Christian because of the example of people in their family, friends or strangers whose joy is so great they want a part of it. I also know people who have turned away from the faith they once had because they consider those who proclaim themselves to be Christian are hypocrites. Most people don't start out wanting to be Christians because of doctrine. They are influenced one way or another by people. Are you someone whose life exhibits the joy of knowing Jesus and his saving power? Am I? Do your actions give testimony to your beliefs? A person can go to church each week, Bible classes during the week and give every impression of being a devout follower of ...
Morning Prayer
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Inspiration
There is nothing at all – nothing on the earth and nothing in the spiritual realms – that can separate us from the love of Christ. No matter what any person or principality tries to do in our lives, they will never be able to quash the love Christ has for us. The love God has for us is eternal – it is here to stay for good.
Prayer
Dear God, I thank you for the love that you have for me. Thank you, Lord, that this love will never leave me and it will never forsake me. No matter what anyone tries, or whatever may come my way, Lord, I thank you that your love will always be with me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
Inspiration
As Christians, we know that we find peace in God. And today, we’re reminded that He promises peace to His people. But we have to do our part, which is listening. It’s when we turn away from wisdom and pursue foolish and selfish endeavors that peace eludes us. But when we turn our ears to His wisdom, He leads us on the path to peace.
Prayer
God, in You I have received peace that passes understanding. Speak Your wisdom to me, and teach me to not be distracted by my own foolish ambitions. Give me ears to hear You so that I may remain close to You and move in Your peace wherever I go. In Jesus’ name, amen.
