Today : Because Of His Mercy
TODAY’S VERSE
“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:3-7 (NIV)
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Paul has written a beautiful description of what it is like to come to Christ as an adult. Paul had a lifetime of experience without Christ to look back on and constantly marveled at the grace of God to save him. And yet, as someone who came to Christ at a young age, I can say that today’s passage excites me just as much as it did Paul. I have found as I live my life as a Christian, that there are many times I experience my own foolishness and disobedience. I have been deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. Malice and envy have consumed me to where I have hated and been hated. And yet, with Paul, I can say that the kindness and love of God our Savior has appeared to me over and over again. You see, I strive to live under the Lordship of Christ. As I walk with Him, He continually convicts me and draws me back to Himself. Like Paul, the joy I experience in the fresh forgiveness of sins and renewed fellowship with Christ is, “not because of righteous things I have done but because of His mercy.” Like Paul, I am dependent on the renewal of the Holy Spirit to live my life. How about you? Do you experience the joy that comes from a daily walk with the living Christ? We were not made to receive Christ and then stop our Christian experience. Receiving Christ is only the beginning. We were meant to grow in Christ to fully mature believers. Today, might we walk in the power of the Holy Spirit and in the blessed realization of our sins forgiven, fellowshipping with Christ as the Lord of our life.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for forgiving me of my sins. Thank you for the grace, mercy, peace and joy that you pour into my life. Help me to live for you each and every day with the realization of all you have done for me.
AMEN
TODAY’S AFFIRMATION & MEDITATION
I live in the awareness of Christ’s kindness and love
Today, meditate on a time when you were happy and excited about life. Let the experience fill your mind. Next, think of a time when Christ made you feel the same way. A time when you were full of the joy of the Lord. When you have that in mind, bring it forward to today and rejoice in God alive in your heart right now. Become aware of the kindness and love He has for you right now.