Appreciate Your Salvation

What God did for us in Christ is extraordinary! He sent His only Son to die for a world that had rejected Him. He left the glory that He had from the beginning and came in the form of a man to redeem mankind. However, the redemption of man did not come without His suffering and dying. Sometimes, we have to take a moment to remember what He has done for us. In doing so, it should inspire appreciation.

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.1 Cor 15:57 (KJV)

We should always remember to appreciate Christ and what He has done for us. In Him, we have access to God. We have victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil. We have been forgiven for our sins by faith in Him. 

We have victory over death because we will live forever with Him. We have hope in this life. The list goes on and on. Today, take a moment and reflect on your life with Christ. You will find that there is so much to be appreciative and thankful for.

Prayer of the Week:

 I take time today to tell you I appreciate my salvation. You did not have to provide a way for my redemption but you did. I give you thanks for it. Amen.”

Do Not Be Moved

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: “Life brings uncertainties.” One day can bring joy and the next pain. One moment all can be well. In an instant, one’s world can change for the worse. With the instabilities of living, Christians have to learn how not to be moved regardless of the circumstances or situations.

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalms 1:3 (KJV)

The Christian can maintain personal stability and spiritual maturity in the midst of troublesome times. The key is to be righteous, like the man who is described in Psalm 1. If the Christian does not follow the course of this world, partake of its vices and indulgences, or walk in pessimism that comes with difficult  experiences,  he will remain unmovable in his

faith and trust in the Lord.

The Christian can remain stable as he delights in God’s word and in his personal relationship with Him. In doing so, if all around is shifting and uncomfortable, the Christian will not be moved.

Prayer of the Week:
 “I come before you on today Lord asking for grace to continue to pursue righteousness. Help me to stand in the faith. Amen.”

Sanctified for the Set-Up

      Growing up, if I wanted something special from my parents, I would make sure that I did all that I knew they had required of me. As children, you know, we sometimes will not do everything that we are supposed to do like chores or even getting along with siblings. This all changed when they gave me a promise or I wanted something.

And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you. Josh 3:5 (KJV)

     God gave the nation of Israel a promise of rest and peace in the land of Canaan. They, however, would not be able to possess it in their own strength. As they progressed in the land, Joshua commands the people to sanctify themselves in preparation of what God would do for them (the set-up). They had to get rid of known and visible things (like idols and immoral acts) to see the wonders of God.

    The same is true for the Christian. I am not speaking of legalism. We know that God is good, kind, and merciful. He gives us more than we deserve continually and it is never based upon our goodness.

    Yet, Christians should continually examine themselves to make sure they are living a life pleasing to God (especially while standing in prayer and expectation of His blessings). We sometimes need to be sanctified for the set-up.

Prayer of the Week:

“I know that you are loving and gracious, yet you desire for me to be holy. I thank you for strength to please you in my lifestyle. Amen.”