Daily Devotional: Monday, May 31

Speaker: Dave Nelson

Theme: Judging Others

Weekend Music links on iTunes: Happy Day by Tim Hughes; The Time Has Come by Hillsong; Let God Arise by Chris Tomlin; The Stand by Hillsong.

Think:  I am going to be perfectly honest with you.  I forgot that it was my turn to write the E-Devo. Not only did I forget, but I am out of town without internet access and unable to listen to this week’s sermon. When I return home tomorrow I will be able to listen and write on the topic.  For today, I will share a message God gave me a week ago.

“We are not sinners because we sin, We sin because we are sinners.” 

You may need to read that again to understand the meaning.  The first phrase focuses on the idea that it is possible for us to not sin thus having no need for a Savior.  I must confess at times that is my attitude.  No one wants to be called a sinner.  Yet that is a true description of each and every one of us.  Even the most angelic little old lady who gardens, bakes cookies for the neighbors and has only kind words about everyone is a “sinner.”  Each of us was born with the DNA of our parents---the original ones, Adam and Eve. …….  They were perfect, without sin, living in paradise and yet they chose to eat the forbidden fruit.  That action created a chasm between them, us and God.  This chasm is so deep and wide that no mere human can bridge it.  Countless opportunities were given for generations to hear the voice of God through Prophets.   Obedience was always short-lived, rejected, then tossed aside to pursue prideful   pleasures.  Guilt, the need for forgiveness, the hope of a second chance would result in the offering of animal sacrifices.  For only through the shedding of blood is there forgiveness.  This cycle---sin, conviction, repentance, sacrifice, then, forgiveness, played out for centuries; then 400 years of silence.

A new plan was put in play.  One final sacrifice would be made for all.  God so loved the world (all His creation) that He gave a gift, (undeserved grace) His one and only Son (Jesus Christ) that whoever (all everyone, you and me) believes on His name (verbally consents to the Truth of His claim to be the Christ, the Son of God) shall not perish (be sentenced to eternal separation from God )  But have eternal life.

Every one of us will continue on in eternity.  It is our choice as to whether that eternity will be in the presence of God with His Son or separated from His presence for all eternity.

Do:  Here is a question we need to individually answer.  When our last day on earth is over and we leave this temporary home, where will we spend eternity?

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father put me in right standing with You.    Make it clear to me that You love me and desire for me to spend eternity with You in Heaven.  I am a sinner, saved by your Grace.   May  I profess this as Truth and freely accept your gift of salvation 

The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.

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