Romans 5:7-8, John 3:16, Ephesians 1:7
And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. ...Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her[.]...I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Ephesians 5:2, 25, Galatians 2:20
As I continue my preparation to lead worship at the Gardens and The Lodge on Sunday 30MAR (pausing on my study of the last four books of the OT using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume), I march forward in my use of DesiringGod.com's 40-day devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die. This morning, I read reason #6: To Show His Own Love for Us. We are encouraged to see God's death on the cross personally, because He died for all past, current, and future humanity. He plans and knows each one of us personally (see Psalm 139:13-16) - that is how we know He died for us personally. Also, Christ died for me while I was still a sinner (Romans 5:8). The devotion refers us to scripture where it shares how Christ loved the church and died for her and how there is no greater love than when one lays down His life for His friends (see Ephesians 5:25, John 15:13). We are also encouraged to see how Christ gave His life as a ransom for many and we can be assured to be among this many (see also Matthew 20:28, Acts 16:31, Romans 10:13, Acts 10:43, John 1:12, and John 3:16). As the devotion winds down it shares: "[H]e paid the highest price possible to give me the greatest gift possible."
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My Prayer: Father God, You are truly an incredible God - the One True God who gave Himself up for me personally so that I could have life now in abundance, and for eternity in Heaven. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such blessings and my salvation. 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 continue to 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 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.
