Start your year on sure footing, Days 43 and 44 of 58
Reading
Matthew 22:1-22
https://bible.oremus.org/?ql=511985354
Scripture
12and he said to him, “Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?” And he was speechless. 13Then the king said to the attendants, “Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 14For many are called, but few are chosen.’
Observation
Those who try to come into the kingdom without clothing themselves without the righteousness of Christ, come irreverently into the kingdom. They feel their own achievements are enough. We all need to rely on the grace of God, and not on our own merits or labors. To truly accept the invitation of God means to receive it as a gift. It is not an entitlement.
https://www.gotquestions.org/many-called-few-chosen.html
Application
What are the ways I get caught up in my own righteousness?
Prayer
Just as I am, without one plea
But that Thy blood was shed for me
And that Thou bid’st me come to Thee
O Lamb of God, I come! I come
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve
Because Thy promise I believe
O Lamb of God, I come, I come. Amen.
Charlotte Elliott (1789 – 1871)
Matthew 22:23-46
https://bible.oremus.org/?ql=511985687
Scripture
32“I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob”? He is God not of the dead, but of the living.’ 33And when the crowd heard it, they were astounded at his teaching.
Observation
God is the God of creation and resurrection.
Application
How can I affirm the power of the resurrection in my life today?
Prayer
To God be the glory
To God be the glory
To God be the glory
For the things He has done
With His blood He has saved me
With His power He has raised me
To God be the glory
For the things He has done.
“My Tribute” by Andrea Crouch (1942 – 2015)