Romans 8:1-8
English Standard Version (ESV)
Here we are, standing in the courtroom, convicted of our sin by the weight of the evidence that surrounds us. We believe that it has come to define us, and as the judge prepares to read the sentence, we prepare for the inevitable, knowing that we will be guilty, for there is too much proof of our sin to do anything else. Our attempts at faithfulness are outweighed by sin, and there is no way we can, based on our own merit, approach the throne of grace.
And then we hear the most beautiful words of all -- there is no condemnation because we are in Christ! We are set free, declared innocent due to the blood of the lamb! God has done what we could not-- sending his Son to set us free and pay the price for sin so that we might live in light and love.
Therefore, in light of this wondrous truth, let us live with our minds set on Christ, so that all of life might be a reflection on the wondrous things that God has done for us!
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
A Prayer for Wednesday, Sept 2
Almighty God,
Your greatness stretches across the heavens, from one horizon to the next, and I am amazed at the universe you have created. Stars hang in the heavens while the planets circle the sun, all of it orchestrated by your brilliance. Comets race through space while forces unseen somehow keep it all together, and in the midst of this massive universe, here we are, small and insignificant, yet precious to you. May I remember my place in this great existence, and may I also remember how great your love and wisdom are, that you can create such works and yet still pour out your love on lowly creations, specks in the universe, redeemed by your great love and sacrifice.
Amen
Your greatness stretches across the heavens, from one horizon to the next, and I am amazed at the universe you have created. Stars hang in the heavens while the planets circle the sun, all of it orchestrated by your brilliance. Comets race through space while forces unseen somehow keep it all together, and in the midst of this massive universe, here we are, small and insignificant, yet precious to you. May I remember my place in this great existence, and may I also remember how great your love and wisdom are, that you can create such works and yet still pour out your love on lowly creations, specks in the universe, redeemed by your great love and sacrifice.
Amen
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
A Prayer for Tuesday, Sept 1
Holy, awesome and gracious God,
Your mighty hand reaches down to save.
This is the same hand that moved across the water and crafted the earth. It's the same hand that divided the sea so that the Israelites could pass through. The same hand redeemed David and steered the minds of the prophets. Your love has echoed throughout the generations, singing a song that our hearts know well but our minds forget as we become distracted by so many of the world's cares.
Forgive us, Lord, when we live as though you are a distant and cold reality. Repair our wounds, and guide our way to life everlasting, that we may rejoice in you, O God our Savior.
Amen
Your mighty hand reaches down to save.
This is the same hand that moved across the water and crafted the earth. It's the same hand that divided the sea so that the Israelites could pass through. The same hand redeemed David and steered the minds of the prophets. Your love has echoed throughout the generations, singing a song that our hearts know well but our minds forget as we become distracted by so many of the world's cares.
Forgive us, Lord, when we live as though you are a distant and cold reality. Repair our wounds, and guide our way to life everlasting, that we may rejoice in you, O God our Savior.
Amen
Romans 7:21-25
Romans 7:21-25
English Standard Version (ESV)
No matter how much delight we may take in God's law and in serving God, our sin is ever near, drawing us away from living in the splendor, grace and majesty of God. Without God's unconditional love, our story would end at verse 24, lamenting our fate as determined by our sinful nature, with little hope of attaining the state of grace that is marked by the purity and love of God.
Thanks be to God indeed! Through Jesus Christ, we who were marked as dead have been fated for life through faith. Because of grace, we serve Christ as redeemed, rescued, repaired. We have been saved, and we no longer look at sin as our future, but rather as a doomed enemy that cannot win the day.
English Standard Version (ESV)
No matter how much delight we may take in God's law and in serving God, our sin is ever near, drawing us away from living in the splendor, grace and majesty of God. Without God's unconditional love, our story would end at verse 24, lamenting our fate as determined by our sinful nature, with little hope of attaining the state of grace that is marked by the purity and love of God.
Thanks be to God indeed! Through Jesus Christ, we who were marked as dead have been fated for life through faith. Because of grace, we serve Christ as redeemed, rescued, repaired. We have been saved, and we no longer look at sin as our future, but rather as a doomed enemy that cannot win the day.
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