Time for Grace-August 22, 2024

Time for Grace-August 22, 2024

Psalm 19:7-11

The law of the Lord is perfect. It revives the soul. The testimony of the Lord is trustworthy. It gives wisdom to the inexperienced. The precepts of the Lord are right. They give joy to the heart. The commandment of the Lord is bright. It gives light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure. It stands forever. The just decrees of the Lord are truth. They are altogether righteous. They are more desirable than gold, even better than much pure gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the honeycomb. Yes, by them your servant is warned. In keeping them there is great reward.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Your Word and commandments show us the sins that we commit and point out our numerous iniquities and faults. Each sin deserves eternal separation from You and should bring sinners punishment and suffering in hell. Jesus said (in John’s gospel) that whoever does not believe is condemned already.

There is only one way for people to enter heaven: faith in Your Son, Jesus. Your word serves as an SOS for us as it “Shows us Our Sins,” so we realize how much we need our Savior. Without Jesus, our conscience holds us accountable for everything we have done, and our guilt continues to accumulate, but our consciences do not give us the way to salvation; it cannot be found in human reason. Only your Word reveals salvation to us.

We are not alone; the good news is we have another SOS. You also “Show us Our Savior.” Jesus came to this earth to live the perfect life we could not live, and he suffered the punishment for our sins on the cross. Through him, we have forgiveness of sins, salvation, and eternal life in heaven. These gifts are from you. You have reunited us through them, which is far more precious than any amount of gold and sweeter than any honey.

We also ask that you give us the courage to share these SOSs with those who do not know you so that they can call on you and know you will respond because you have already sent your Son as their Savior. Amen

Written through Pastor Roger Emmons

Knowing what is at stake when one is left in one’s sins without God makes his gifts of forgiveness, love, mercy, and salvation more precious and valuable. All these gifts are yours through faith in Christ Jesus.