Today’s Key Scripture

“By the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain, but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.”

— 1 Corinthians 15:10

To have effectiveness in life, you and I need forgiveness. Even the apostle Paul, certainly one of the most dedicated and effective believers, was unashamed to express his unworthiness and struggles. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he wrote, “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief” (1 Timothy 1:15).

And in his most revealing moments, Paul wrote in the first letter to the church in Corinth about his amazement at God’s grace and willingness to forgive.

What a mystery, that the Son of God would be willing to sacrifice His life so that we could be clean and forgiven, again and again!

The old account was settled on Calvary. You and I can now say, to paraphrase Paul, “Though I am unworthy, because of God’s grace, I am a new creation in Christ Jesus. I am forgiven and set free to live my life for Him!”

It is my prayer for you today that you will spend time in His presence, amazed and rejoicing, attempting to understand the unfathomable mystery of God’s grace and forgiveness.

 

A Prayer for Today

Lord of all heaven and earth, I want to be effective in life, so I need Your forgiveness today. Cleanse me again and again. Help me learn more about You and Your nature, dear Lord. Order my life as You desire. Sanctify me through Your Word. Govern me—spirit, soul, and body—according to Your plan, not mine. May my thoughts, words, and actions focus more and more upon You. I pray all this through Your Son, Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord, amen.

 

*All Scripture references are NKJV unless otherwise noted.