Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21
This morning, I continued with my listening/reading of a Christmas/Advent devotional from John Piper. Today's entry builds on the devotional from yesterday, and also from a couple of days ago, where Piper emphasizes how the new covenant with Jesus is the ultimate and final reality, and moves beyond the first covenant - which represents mere shadows of God's promises ultimately fulfilled by Christ. Today, Piper further develops this reality by referring to God as Reality (note upper case), and by sharing what happens to us as God works in our lives as Reality. First, Piper writes that through the shedding of His blood, Christ "finally and decisively purchased and secured the fulfillment of God’s promises for us." Next, Piper writes, is how "God, according to the new covenant promises, brings about our inner transformation by the Spirit of Christ. And it means that God works this transformation in us through faith — faith in all that God is for us in Christ." Piper wraps today's devotional by ensuring that we not only see that we have this new reality, but that we also see that God does not leave us to our devices to "make it real." Piper writes: "He writes it on our hearts. He does not lay his Christmas gift of salvation and transformation under the tree, so to speak, for you to pick up in your own strength. He picks it up and puts it in your heart and in your mind and gives you the seal of assurance that you are a child of God."
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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me. You promises are awesome and You are faithful - thank You Jesus! I am grateful for how You have worked in my heart and life. Yet I am not deserving of the grace and compassion You pour out for me - and for how You work in my life. Please forgive me Jesus for my sins of today - already I have anger and harshness - help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
