“In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7).
Redemption is a beautiful word. It is also a very costly word. As a believer, it is something that I ought to think about every single day. Indeed, salvation is freely offered. No one can successfully work for salvation, nor can they merit it in any way. Although it is offered freely, salvation is not inexpensive. For redemption to take place, the Lord Jesus left His glorious position in Heaven, came to this earth in His incarnation, shed His blood on the cross, and died for our sins. He rose again in great victory. Wherever you go today and whatever you do, ever keep before yourself the following truth: “I was costly to the Lord Jesus. However, He decided that I was worth the cost, and He made the payment in full. Hence, I am redeemed! May my life reflect the change that comes in this marvelous redemption.”
For today: Enjoy the wonders of being one of the redeemed children of the Lord!
June 22, 2014
June 21, 2014
“O LORD, truly, I am Thy servant; I am Thy servant… I will offer to Thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD” (Psalm 116:16-17).
Some of the most profound theological discussions take place in the cafeteria at Centerville Village Elementary School when grades one, two, and three are eating their lunches. One day, several of the children were discussing their parents, their fathers in particular. It was the kind of discussion that quickly begins to escalate in the description of how important their father really is. Timmy began the discussion by saying, “My dad is a policeman. He blows the siren and carries a gun. None of your fathers can do that!” You could tell by the look in Billy’s eyes that he was not going to settle for that. “Well, my dad works for the railroad. He rides on a train, and your father’s police car has to stop for him,” Billy said. Lucy sat rather quietly during this period of time. Quickly, the conversation turned to her. “What does your dad do, Lucy?” Sally asked. “Well, I just would say that my daddy works at a car shop that fixes dented fenders.” Lucy said. “Is that all he does?” one of the children asked. “Oh, but you don’t understand. My dad is a Christian, and he says that it is his joy to be a servant of the Lord. It doesn’t get any better than that! Besides, Tim, when your dad drives his police car into the train that Billy’s dad is driving, my dad can fix it!” Lucy said as she folded her arms and nodded her head.
For today: No matter what you do, always remember that being a servant of the Lord is your greatest blessing!
June 20, 2014
“O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For His merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endures forever. Praise ye the Lord “(Psalm 117:1-2).
Helen was nearly beside herself. She felt so badly and so guilty for the way she had spoken to her friend. Her remark really wounded the person that Helen had often relied upon throughout the years. Samantha reached out to Helen over twenty years ago when Helen was going through a very difficult time in her life. Neither lady ever married. Both Helen and Samantha cherished their friendship. Two nights ago, Helen had misunderstood Samantha, and instead of getting to the bottom of what Samantha meant, Helen in her offense was rude, harsh, and angry in the words she chose. This morning, Helen apologized to Samantha. Graciously Samantha accepted her apology and explained her actions which were misunderstood. But Helen still felt terrible. Her radio sat on the kitchen counter, and Helen decided to turn it on as she drank her cup of tea. It was set to the Christian radio station which broadcasted in her area. The speaker turned to Psalm 117 and said, “Verse two speaks of the Lord’s merciful kindness. It is great toward us. Friends, I am the recipient of tons and tons of His merciful kindness and truth. I want to learn to treat others in the same merciful kindness.” It was just what Helen needed. She again phoned her friend and assured Samantha that her merciful kindness was really appreciated.
For today: I need to treat others the same way the Lord has treated me—with merciful kindness!
June 19, 2014
“Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into their barns; yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much better than they?” (Matthew 6:26).
Hunter and Larry were eating their lunch at the corner restaurant. As they looked up, Marty was coming around the corner and stepping into the same restaurant. Hunter motioned for Marty to come on over and join them as they had just placed their orders. Their waitress stopped by, took Marty’s order and said, “I’ll have those orders out in just a moment. Enjoy your time together, men.” As the three started talking, Marty shared with the men how it was a real blessing for him to be able to join them today. He said to his friends, “I am just worried sick. Notifications are coming out that there’s going to be another round of layoffs at the plant. Here I am fifty-eight years old, and what am I ever going to do if I lose my job?” The men sympathized with him. In fact, Hunter reminded him that the same thing happened to him a few years ago. He continued by saying, “It was really hard on us. I will admit. But honestly, Marty, I would not change anything! The Lord supplied for us, just as He will do for you. One of the great blessings during the time that I lost my job was in my daily Bible reading. I came to Matthew chapter six and read about how the birds do not fret and worry. Our Creator God takes care of them, and then on top of that, Marty, we are reminded that we are of more value than the birds.” Larry continued the discussion by saying, “We really will be praying for you, Marty. But if the birds don’t worry, then follow their example! Speaking of birds, here comes your chicken sandwich!”
For today: Rest in the fact that you are of far greater value than the birds and that God has a wonderful plan for your life.
June 18, 2014
“Moreover, when you fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward” (Matthew 6:16).
I was reading in one of my prayer journals from last year. It was just about a year ago today that I was journaling through Matthew chapter six. This is a portion of what I wrote a year ago. “Genuineness is the theme. Yes, living in genuineness in every area, from my giving to my praying to my faithfulness, all of these things are dear to the heart of the Lord Jesus. It is what He taught. I want to be real for You, living in me, dear Lord Jesus. How unworthy and inadequate I am; yet how amazing You are.” This is still my prayer today. Recently, I was watching Antiques Roadshow. A person brought in a fine antique that had been supposedly in her family for many generations. She was shocked to discover that it was a fake. Though a lovely picture and beautifully framed, it was not genuine. It was an imitation! If I could have captured the look on that lady’s face, I would have framed it as well! Oh how deep was her disappointment. Likewise, I believe that the Lord Jesus is hurt and saddened when He sees hypocrisy. When fasting takes place, it is to be done in secret. The Pharisees made their faces look like they had been earnestly fasting. They were not genuine in their spiritual life. May this never be said of us.
For today: I want to be real and genuinely righteous as the Lord Jesus lives through me. How about you?