From: October 31, 2014
Receiving Christ’s sacrifice on the cross as payment for our sins we are made children of God. This faith transaction changes our status in at least three ways: 1) Holiness – Christ took our sin upon Himself offering His righteousness in return. 2) Life – Christ took our death, so we might have eternal life. 3) Adoption – Christ was forsaken by the Father, so that we might be adopted as children of God. Christ died to accomplish this and He arose, so that He might lead us into this salvation. Receiving salvation our status is changed forever. And Jesus is “not ashamed” to call us His own.
From: October 31, 2013
Praying to Jesus, we do not pray to One who is distant and unaware of our feelings and temptations. He has suffered and been tempted, yet without sin. He is well acquainted with our griefs. Do not try and overcome temptation alone. Cry out to the One who cares. He understands and will help.
From: October 31, 2012
This psalm of David illustrates his habit of bringing every area of his life before the Lord in examination and for realignment. He had the spiritual ability to take his eyes off of difficult circumstances and to focus them upon God. One of the ways he accomplished this was to command every part of himself to praise the Lord, numbering every blessing he could name. Perhaps this was the inspiration for the words in the old hymn: “Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your blessings see what God hath done!”
From: October 31, 2011
David knew how to encourage himself in the Lord. Here he invites his own soul to number the blessings of serving the Lord. Focusing on the benefits rather than the worries of the day results in a heart of thanksgiving. It helps us experience the joy of the Lord. Let’s start counting now …