Wednesday, June 7, 2023

[T]he life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Colossians 1

[T]he life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20b

I continue to lean on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which today looks at how grace through faith produce both justification ("imputation of righteousness") and sanctification ("impartation of righteousness") and Piper unpacks how both are "not two different kinds of faith.  He explains by sharing that "faith is the act of the soul that connects with grace, and receives it, and channels it as the power of obedience, and guards grace from being nullified through human boasting." He further explains the connection between faith and sanctification by sharing that "[s]anctification is by the Spirit and by faith. Which is another way of saying that it is by grace and by faith. The Spirit is “the Spirit of grace” (Hebrews 10:29). God’s way of making us holy is by the Spirit; but the Spirit works through faith in the gospel."  Piper wants us to see that justification and sanctification are both works of grace which flows from faith - see also John 1:16 where John writes about "grace upon grace." Piper, most importantly, wants us to see the "all-sufficiency of grace" and as a result the "glorious trustworthiness of God." Amen!  Embrace the all-sufficiency of God's grace and the glorious trustworthiness of God!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are all-sufficient and gloriously trustworthy!  Thank You for Your grace.  I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and 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.