July 1st, 21

Once upon a time there was judgment. We lived under the judgment, that is the fruit of our rebellion. Rebellion promises freedom but only delivers judgment in the end. The judgment I'm talking about is self inflicted. And oh how we wound ourselves when we are determined to live apart from God. But God is not our enemy. God is our Father and he is making a way for us to be restored into relationship with him, and escape the judgment that we are already under. So yes, once upon a time, there was judgment. We just read about that in Isaiah. But then we see in Titus chapter 3, this, but when God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth, and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Because of his grace, he made us right in His sight, and gave us confidence that we have eternal life. Yes, once upon a time, there was judgment, but now there was a savior. That's the story of God's grace. Let us renew ourselves in the story of God's love, and mercy and grace today and every day. That's the prayer that I have for my own soul. That's the prayer that I have for my family for my wife, my daughters, my son. And that's the prayer that I have for you. May be so

You are loved!