PRIORITIZE GRACE
We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind.
Isaiah 64:6 (NLT)
He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear Him. For He knows how weak we are; He remembers we are only dust.
Psalm 103:12-14 (NLT)
These passages remind us of the amazing, never-ending grace of God.
But don’t miss the dark and difficult parts of these passages. We sin, and God sees it. Sin can be understood or articulated in several ways: to miss the mark, to fall short, or to violate our design. In Jewish law, a person who was unclean was an outcast, unacceptable and unworthy, unable to go to the house (temple or meeting place) of the Lord. Isaiah reminds us that our impurity causes us to wither and fall like leaves, that our sin sweeps us away like the wind.
We need a rescue. His name is Jesus.
As far as the east is from the west is much greater than saying as far as the north is from the south. If you travel north on a globe, you begin to travel south as soon as you go over the North Pole. But if you travel east, you will continue east forever. Given the true shape of the earth, east and west never meet – and this is how far God has removed our sins from us!
David Guzik
As we remember our sins, may we always remember that God’s grace is more.
APPLICATION:
As you walk with God today, come to Him as you are. Approach Him with humility and honesty about when and how you’ve fallen short. Then, write the word grace on a notecard. Post this somewhere you’ll see often to help you remember God’s amazing, never-ending grace.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, my search for life apart from You has left me dry and exhausted. I need more of You. I’ve wandered away and now turn my eyes and heart back to You. Your grace is enough, and I long to experience that more. I give You permission to break down any obstacles that are in the way. Let’s do this together. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?