“He has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace.” Luke 1:25
SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
Elizabeth had lived most of her life feeling out of grace with God and disgraced among people until she recognized the Lord’s favor resting upon her.
THE JOURNEY—DAY 9
Bill’s awareness about people needing Jesus was increasing. On Sunday, the pastor had talked about looking at people differently. “Look at every person you meet through new eyes,” he said. “Look and wonder if that person knows Jesus as Lord and Savior.” Bill pondered, “That must be how God views us.”
Arriving at work Monday, he wondered, “If Chuck doesn’t go to church, how many others at work don’t either?” He began to think about people from his past who could have used “the gift of Jesus for Christmas.”
As he thought about the past, he began to feel guilty that he had not been interested in the spiritual lives of others. Most of Bill’s life, he had steered clear of religious conversations that might involve talking about God. He felt guilty for his past omissions. “How could Jesus entrust this important task to a sinful guy like me?”
He noticed an e-mail his daughter, Jenny, had sent on Sunday. It read, “Daddy, God loves you and so do I. Jenny.” How could she have known?!? His heart melted as he remembered God’s forgiving love in Christ.
REALITY JOURNEY
Do past sins of omission make you feel guilty or unfit for service to God? Know His promise in forgiveness: Your sins are removed "as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12). Pursue your life and mission for Christ anew. Your disgrace has been removed.
PRAYER FOCUS
Pray that God would free you from any guilt or hindrance that keeps you from being fully committed to His mission.
Today's Bible Readings: Zechariah 1-4 3 John
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