“Christ died on the cross on my behalf. It is like I died there with Him. So I do not live my own life any more. Instead, Christ lives in me. The life that I live now in my body, I live because I trust what He has done for me. He has loved me so much that He died on my behalf.”
Galatians 2:20 (EEB)
Through one man’s obedience we received the ultimate gift we could ever receive, the gift of salvation. Because of Jesus’ faithfulness and obedience, we now have access to the righteousness of God. In the book of Romans, Paul explains that God accepted us as right with Himself because Jesus Christ did what His Father wanted (Romans 3:22 Easy English Bible). God accepts everyone to Himself. It doesn’t matter what your background is, or where you’ve been raised or who your parents are. This life we live is for a purpose and has meaning. But in order for us to fulfill the plan of God for our lives, we must live a totally surrendered life. This means doing what our Heavenly Father asks us to do without any hesitation, complaining or arguing. Our total obedience and faithfulness will open heaven’s doors to give us access to God’s grace so that we NOW can do ALL things through Christ Jesus (the burden removing, yoke destroying power of God) while on earth. NOW WE BEGIN TO LIVE on purpose!
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
There once lived a kind woman on a mountain. One fine morning the woman was strolling along the mountain path. On her way, she saw a shiny stone in a stream. It was a beautiful stone, so she took it with her.
After a few days, a traveler was walking along the same path, when he felt very weak and exhausted. The woman noticed the traveler and offered him food and shelter for the night in her modest hut. The next day when the man was getting ready to continue his journey, he noticed a shiny little stone in a drawer. At once he knew that the stone was very rare and precious. The traveler offered to buy the stone from the woman. But the woman told him without any hesitation that he could have it for free.
The man then thanked the woman and left rejoicing his good fortune. He knew the stone was worth a lot and would provide him with security for a lifetime.
After a few days, the traveler came back to the woman and returned the stone. He said to her, “I know how valuable this stone is, but I want to give it back to you in hope that you can give me something even more precious. Please give me what you have within you that enabled you to give this precious stone to me.” (Shawn Kurihara)
TODAY’S DECLARATION
“Today, I decide to live a purpose-filled and meaningful life. I choose to surrender my own plans so that I can live for Christ.”
TODAY’S BIBLE READING
- Old Testament: Jeremiah 23-25; Ecclesiastes 7:15-29
- New Testament: John 3:22-36; James 5:1-6
