Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Isaiah 59:20–21

"'The Redeemer will come to Jerusalem
to buy back those in Israel
who have turned from their sins,'
says the LORD.
'And this is my covenant with them,' says the LORD. 'My Spirit will not leave them, and neither will these words I have given you. They will be on your lips and on the lips of your children and your children's children forever. I, the LORD, have spoken!'"


We live in the fulfillment of this marvelous promise. The Redeemer, Jesus, has come to Jerusalem and bought back sinners through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. Now we have the Holy Spirit and the completed Word. God spoke these words thousands of years ago, and now they have come true! Today, rejoice in the fact that you live under the new covenant of grace in Jesus. Trust the God who fulfilled this plan, for he will also fulfill the unique plans he has for you. "I, the Lord, have spoken!"
Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Philippians 1:11

"May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God."

Notice who produces good things in our lives. It's not us! It's Jesus. As we abide in him, he will change us and produce good fruit. Focus on the abiding, and he will take care of the fruit. A fruit tree doesn't labor to produce fruit. It's the natural result of the branch's attachment to the trunk and source of nutrients.
Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions

Monday, June 14, 2010

Philippians 1:9–10

"I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ's return."

Do you ever wonder what to pray for your family members, friends, church members, or children? Try these verses. Pray for overflowing love, knowledge, and understanding of what really matters, so they will live pure and blameless lives until Christ returns to complete his work in them. (Not a bad prayer to pray for yourself as well!)
Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions