Devotion for Sunday, September 19, 2021

“So that He may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints” (1 Thessalonians 3:13).

“So that you may,” is the direction to which we are heading.  Do not think that somehow the ancient church accomplished this goal.  In eternity we shall be presented without spot or blemish, just as Christ was when He was crucified for us.  The journey of this life is one whose purpose is to put on Christ and become like Him.  We are to be wholly set apart for the Lord and live in Him.

Lord, You know where I am in this journey.  Help me to always see things in such a way that I know there is need to go farther, for in truth I know that I have many things in me which are not holy or blameless.  But some of those things are not as I imagine.  Help me to always look to You, for You are the finisher of my faith.  In You alone will all of this come to fruition.  Lead me, O Lord, in the way I need to go.

Today, Lord Jesus, be my complete guide.  In Your Spirit, lead me each step of the way so that I might be guided by Your example and in the way You have established.  Thank You for providing all that is needed.  Thank You for clearing the way so that all those who love You would be prepared to be with You forever.  Let me not rest until my time to sleep before the resurrection in order that I might be presented complete according to Your plan.  Amen.