Oh how time flies as now we are nearing March. And here I am in awe of all that's happened so far. Just wanted to share this quick nugget of wisdom from God's awesome word.
But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out. Numbers 32:23
In other words, be careful, not doing anything is also sinning! And on that day of Judgment, all omittance or lack of action will be judged by the Lord! Reminding us once more of how sinful we are and that we continuously need our Savior's grace...
A few days ago I was contemplating some what for my family and friends who have not believed. Yet the Lord graciously reminded me today:
The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." John 3:8
I've read and memorized this verse early on in my Christian life. And re-reading it again reminded me of how gracious the Lord is. Sometimes I try my best into thinking that I can manipulate God's grace. And yet I fail short. Because ultimately, the Lord in His sovereignty will decide. All we can do is,
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6
Dear Lord,
Thank You for giving me Your grace. As this life breezes away, please hear my cry. Please give mercy and grace towards those who have not known You. Those who do not know the peril of death and judgment that awaits them. Those who have not repented nor seek You. Those who do not know of the great lengths to which Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior have gone through. Thank You Lord Jesus for Your precious cross. Thank You for conquering death and sin. And for redeeming us to have eternal life. Oh I wish that my life could be more of a testament to Your great glory! And Lord please help me today to pray fervently, to work tirelessly, to listen and to obey, and to be like the building the house that laid his foundation on the rock (Luke 6:48). You are our cornerstone and thank You Lord for Your grace...
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Credits: 📷 seth schwiet
Today's devotion was truly magical. It reminded me of how just as I was the sinful woman forgiven, the Lord truly is gracious. Yet in our journey with Christ, have we sometimes forgotten and become like Simon the Pharisee who in unwelcoming of Christ's presence in our lives?
Devotional from Luke 7:36-50
commentaries from enduringword
Do you see this woman? Simon the Pharisee thought that Jesus was the one who could not see her. His thought was, “Jesus, don’t you see this shameful woman associating so closely to You?”
Jesus turned the thought around on Simon, saying, “Do you see this woman? Simon, do you see her love, her repentance, her devotion? That’s what I see.”
Simon the Pharisee did not see the woman as she was (a humble sinner seeking forgiveness, pouring out love for Jesus) because he looked at her as she had been (a notorious sinner).
“It is not easy for us to blot out a past, and to free ourselves from all prejudice resulting from our knowledge of that past. Yet that is exactly what the Lord does. And He does so, not unrighteously, but righteously. He knows the power of His own grace, and that it completely cancels the past, and gives its own beauty to the soul.” (Morgan)
I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet: Simon the Pharisee denied Jesus the common courtesies from a host to a guest – washing the feet, a kiss for a greeting, and anointing the head with oil. Yet, he criticized the woman for giving these courtesies to Jesus.
Jesus noticed neglect and appreciated devotion. He did not reject deeply emotional devotion.
Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her tears. (v.44)
You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. (v.45)
You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. (v.46)
Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little." (v.47)
I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much: She wasn’t forgiven because of her great love; her great love was evidence that she had been forgiven, probably privately on a prior occasion and now publicly.
Your sins are forgiven: If Jesus has already said that her sins are forgiven (Luke 7:47), yet He also said this directly to the woman. We need the healing power inherent in the words your sins are forgiven.
It can be so hard for us to truly believe that we are forgiven; often, we must be persuaded of it.
Who is this who even forgives sins? Jesus had the authority to forgive the woman, and He was right to do so. She displayed humility, repentance, trust, and love for Jesus.
“Even the guests began to realize that Jesus was more than a prophet; He was divinely able to forgive an unclean woman.” (Pate)
Your faith has saved you: The key to her forgiveness was faith – it was her faith that saved her, because it was her faith that believed the words from Jesus your sins are forgiven. Faith enabled her to take the grace God gave to her.
Forgiveness is ready from God; there is no hesitation or shortage on His part. Our part is to come with humility and loving submission to Jesus, and to receive the forgiveness He offers by faith.
Go in peace: The woman came to Jesus in complete humility, with the attitude that she was not worthy to even be in His presence. That was a good way for her to come to Jesus, but He did not want her to stay there. He raised her up, acknowledged her love, forgave her sin, and sent her in peace.
The word “go” was probably not welcome. She liked being at the feet of Jesus. Yet Jesus sweetened the “go” by adding, “in peace.” She could go in peace because she heard from Jesus that her faith had saved her.
Of the works done in this chapter, this was the greatest. Healed sickness (as in the centurion’s servant), or restored life (as in the widow’s son) are not permanent works of healing, because those bodies would one day die again. Sins that are forgiven are forgiven forever.
And he said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." (v.48)
And he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace." (v.50)
Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your amazing grace for another day. Sometimes when I think I'm not good enough, You tell me otherwise. You continually to pick me up and dust me off my sins. Just like the sinful women forgiven, I sometimes wonder-- Why would you mind me so, O Lord? And yet You continually invite me into Your warm embrace. You never leave me alone and continually to love me despite all my shortcomings...
I realize now that physicians may heal our illnesses and yet what will that accomplish?
And yet only You are able to heal sins and that is for all eternity.
Thank You Lord for saving me all those years ago and even now.
In my weakest moment in life, You believe and encourage me to try again.
Please help me to remember time and time again how valuable is Your presence.
I forget easily and often take Your precious grace for granted.
And yet when I do sit at Your feet, I never want to let go of the intimate feeling of embrace You have given.
O Lord please help me to know that You are merciful towards my iniquities and You choose to remember my sins no more (Hebrews 8:12). Thank You Lord for Your assurance and help me to now abuse Your grace.
Lord. I love how Jesus would say to the women that her faith has saved her and for her to go in peace. Truly by faith do I also believe that. And please help me to go once more into this world alongside Your peace...
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Tuesday, March 26, 2024 | Thursday, March 28, 2024
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Credits: 📷 community of Christ
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