Scripture Reading: Romans 14:7–12
Key Verse: Galatians 6:14
God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
Whenever we become tangled in sin, our first response should be one of grief and remorse, not just over what we have done but over whom we have hurt. When we say yes to sin, we grieve the heart of God.
When you are tempted to sin, ask yourself, Who is the boss of my life?
If Jesus Christ is, then the desire to become involved with things that do not reflect God’s nature usually fades and disappears over time.
Though each of us faces temptations periodically, saying no to sin should not be something we have to think over. Saying no is easy when you realize that saying yes hurts Someone whose love you can’t live without.
Have you ever thought of God in this way — as Someone who loves you more than all the rest? Jesus came to demonstrate God’s personal love to humanity. His death at Calvary said it all. He bore our sins out of love and eternal devotion.
Goals for the Day
- Read Romans 14:7–12
- Spend your prayer time asking God to make you quick to repent from anything in your life that is unpleasing to Him.
Faith in Action
Today’s reading said, “When you are tempted to sin, ask yourself, Who is the boss of my life?” Why is this an important step?
Dear heavenly Father, You are the divine Boss of my life. I say a resounding no to sin and an eternal yes to You. I choose to walk in the way of life.
*
The Transforming Grace of God
Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 1:8–17
Key Verse: Ephesians 1:7
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
Concerned about her salvation, a woman met with her pastor. “I don’t know how Jesus can accept me,” she cried. “I want to give my life to Him, but I’m not ready. You don’t know what I’ve done. Jesus can’t possibly forgive me.”
Feeling guilty about past wrongs is understandable. Sin is ugly in God’s eyes, but He took care of the problem on the cross. When you agree with God that your sin is wrong and accept Jesus’ payment in your place, you are freed by His blood — clean and righteous in God’s sight.
No one is too wicked, too horrible, too unlovable, or too vile for Jesus to love.
Paul, the missionary and apostle, said,
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience. — 1 Timothy 1:15–16 NASB
One of the greatest evangelists of all time was once a vicious persecutor of Christians.
No matter what you have said or done, you can hold fast to this promise:
In Him [Jesus] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace. — Ephesians 1:7 NASB
Goals for the Day
- Read 1 Timothy 1:8–17
- Review the key verse of the day, Ephesians 1:7.
Faith in Action
Living a life of purpose means embracing God’s forgiveness and letting go of the past. Write down any areas where you struggle to embrace God’s forgiveness. How does Ephesians 1:7 speak to your situation?
O God, I claim it! In Christ I have redemption — through His blood — the forgiveness of my trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.
Excerpted with permission from Your Path to Purpose, Passion, and Peace by Charles Stanley, copyright Charles F. Stanley.
* * *
Your Turn
No matter what you’ve done or failed to do, when you accepted Jesus as your Savior, He forgave you. Completely and utterly. He loves you more than anyone on earth ever could. What a great reason not to sin against Him! ~ Devotionals Daily
