God's Grace Is Enough.

“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Eph. 4:22-24.

A convict, who has just finished serving his sentence, wishes to lead an honest life. He comes to a man who has a large jewelry establishment and who requires a night watchman. He is engaged to watch this building through the quiet hours of the night when he has everything under his care and every opportunity to rob his employer. On the first evening, he meets one of his old companions, who questions him, "What are you doing here?"

"I'm the night watchman."

"Over this jeweler's shop?"

"Yes."

"Does he know what you are?"

"No, keep quiet; if he knew, I should be dismissed."

"Suppose I let it out that you are a returned convict!"

"Oh, please don't; it will be my last day here, and I wish to be honest."

"Well, you have to give me some money to keep quiet."

"Very well, but don't let anyone know." Thus the poor man would live in fear, lest it should come to the ears of his employer what his previous character had been.

But for a moment imagine however, that instead of the employer's engaging the man in ignorance of his character, he went to the convict's cell and said, "Now I know you-what you are, what you've done, every robbery you've committed, but I am about to give you a chance of becoming honest. I'll trust you as my night watchman over my valuable goods." The man is faithful to his post. He meets an old companion who threatens to inform his employer about his past. He asks, "What will you tell about me?"

"That you were the ringleader of thieves."

"Yes, but my master knows all that; he knows me better than I know myself." Of course, this silences his companion forever. Jesus Christ is the only Master who is "full of grace and truth." Jesus Christ is gracious to you and me because He knows the truth about us, that we deserve nothing but hell. But through His grace heaven can be our share, if we personally and by faith appropriate His grace.

You and I are like the criminal who has been given a new lease of life, we must live up to Christ’s trust in us, by actively embodying His teachings of love, grace, and sacrificial service in daily life. You must carry your Cross daily in integrity and do His Will. Carrying your Cross daily requires a total surrender of ego and a firm refusal to live a lukewarm life. Christ asks for an undivided heart, urging you to live out the truth of the Gospel with that same level of passion and focus with which you practiced sin. Living in Christ's trust must involve healthy boundaries rooted in righteousness. You are called to be vigilant about what you allow into your spirit, mirroring the protective stance the Bible takes on guarding your heart from spiritual toxicity. Maintaining an intense, unwavering focus allows you to cut through worldly distractions and live the relentless truth of Christ. Rather than relying on unfaithful worldly standards. Selah.

FURTHER READING:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psa. 51:10.

“It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Lam. 3:22-23. 

DECLARATION: 

Dear Abba Father, I thank You for the gift of life and the privilege of salvation. Lord, forgive me for the times I have underestimated my potential or settled for less than what You have designed for me. Open my spiritual eyes to see myself the way You see me, chosen, redeemed, and equipped for greatness. Give me the courage and the grace to shed old habits, doubts, and mindsets that no longer align with who I am in You. Strengthen me to walk in this new season with confidence, integrity, and humility. Let Your Holy Spirit guide my steps, so that my thoughts, words, and actions reflect the incredible value You have invested in me in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Psa. 50:1-23. 

Psa. 51:1-19.

Psa. 52:1-9.

Psa. 53:1-6.

QUOTE FOR THE DAY:

“Grace Meets You How You Are Where You Are, But It Doesn't Leave You Where You Are, How You Are.”