Words of Encouragement May - 04 - 2003
Grace is given to us as a free gift. It cannot be earned or merited. But salvation that does not move us out of our self-destructive and rebellious ways is counterfeit. Repentance is a life change. It is a realization that we have been going the wrong way on a one-way street. It is an acknowledgement that trying to guide our own lives is always going to end in disappointment, disaster, and death without Jesus being Lord of both our lips and our lives. We know that God's grace is marvelous, but let's also learn that his will is gracious. As we do, we will change our behavior to reflect the character of the Father who sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins!
Let us see how Luke 3:8 can help us with this.
"Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.
Let us pray
Loving and merciful God, we realize that you saved us from our past sins and also want to save us from the consequences of future sins by calling us to obedience. Please help us as we turn our life over to your will. Please strengthen us with your Spirit so that we may resist temptation and reflect your holiness. Bring to life in us the fruit that reflects your salvation and your character in us.
In Jesus' name we pray.
Amen.