Who you were and what you did.

Reading: Jeremiah 45-47, Psalm 86, and Romans 3

Scripture:  Romans 3:23-24, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

Thoughts: When working through a Bible reading plan like the one, I am working through I end up reading some portions of scripture a couple of times mainly the New Testament. Some of the passages like Romans 3:23-24 can lose some of their punch after reading them so many times. I need the reminder not necessarily where I came from but who I was before. On my own, I am not able to come before God but through the gift of redemption in Christ I can stand before God. I know that it is not in me to be giving, kind, and selfless, but through the continual renewing and repentance of who I was, I am becoming more like God and able to be generous and kind. If you have watched a toddler or had one you know that selfishness is something we are born with some of the first words they learn are “NO” and “Mine” All have sinned and fallen short of the perfection that God requires to be in his presence. But God made a way through His Son that we are clothed in His righteousness and can come into his presence. Do not focus on who you were or what you have done but remember you have been redeemed and brought back into His presence.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your love and for making a way for us to return to your presence. I thank you for sending your Son so that I could know you. You are worthy of all honor and praise. Your love endures forever. I ask for forgiveness for the times I have fallen into temptation. I turn to you and seek your help to walk with you and not seek my own way. I thank you for my family and the blessings you have poured out in my life, I thank you for the opportunity to steward a small part of what is yours.