Devotion for Thursday, September 8, 2022

“Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy” (1 Peter 2:10).

The idea of the priesthood of all believers is not that anyone can do as they please, but that we, who were separated by sin, are now in relationship with the Lord.  We do not need rituals and sacrifices, but we do need to live in the goodness of the grace which is ours through Christ.  God has given us the power through Christ to become children of the Heavenly Father.  Come then and live in His grace.

Lord, You know where I am and all that I need.  You know the obstacles that are in the way.  Lead me, O Lord, in the way of life that reflects Your presence in me.  Guide me in living the Christian life so that I may indeed grow in the likeness of Christ.  You have given me the promise of being one of Your people by faith through grace.  Teach me how to live in that promise.

Lord Jesus, You gave Your life in order that all who come through You might have life, liberty, and true purpose and meaning.  Guide me, Lord Jesus, so that I may forever live into the hope and promise You give.  Guide me this day and in Your mercy keep me close to You.  Help me, Lord Jesus, so that I may now and always walk the narrow path unto which You have placed me.  Lead on, dear Savior, in the way You know I need to go.  Amen.