Justified by Faith
Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Mathew 5:3-11
Scripture Quote: "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." Luke 18:13-14 (NIV)
Are we Christians, (myself included), vain, empty people with shallow brains and hearts? Whenever the Bible points us inward, it is a very touchy, scary place to venture. Who among us can visit the Beatitudes, for example, without experiencing sharp conviction of our brokenness? Yet we are called blessed. Christ in us is what reconciles us to God, but by ourselves, well, it's not pretty, is it? We are guilty of committing outrages against each other as a result of pride and indignation. Who among us consistently loves the Lord above all else – And our brother as ourselves? I submit that there is not one among us. Let’s face it, we are utterly unworthy to appear before God.
We must continually implore God's grace, which alone can redeem us from our sins, and then give thanks for the mercies we receive. As repentant worshippers, Jesus condescends to inhabit our very soul with His protection, as He holds us up for the Father's favor. We are so unworthy and so very blessed!
Today’s meditation: We can only be justified by faith in Christ.
Memory Verse: Know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. Gal 2:16a (NIV)
Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Mathew 5:3-11
Scripture Quote: "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." Luke 18:13-14 (NIV)
Are we Christians, (myself included), vain, empty people with shallow brains and hearts? Whenever the Bible points us inward, it is a very touchy, scary place to venture. Who among us can visit the Beatitudes, for example, without experiencing sharp conviction of our brokenness? Yet we are called blessed. Christ in us is what reconciles us to God, but by ourselves, well, it's not pretty, is it? We are guilty of committing outrages against each other as a result of pride and indignation. Who among us consistently loves the Lord above all else – And our brother as ourselves? I submit that there is not one among us. Let’s face it, we are utterly unworthy to appear before God.
We must continually implore God's grace, which alone can redeem us from our sins, and then give thanks for the mercies we receive. As repentant worshippers, Jesus condescends to inhabit our very soul with His protection, as He holds us up for the Father's favor. We are so unworthy and so very blessed!
Today’s meditation: We can only be justified by faith in Christ.
Memory Verse: Know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. Gal 2:16a (NIV)
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