Devotion for Friday, January 27, 2023

“[A]nd from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood” (Revelation 1:5)

We have been saved by Christ.  What did you do for that salvation?  Nothing!  Jesus is the One who has saved us.  Let that be your understanding of salvation.  Yes, you need to respond in faith to this and live the new life He gives, but He is the One who gave that new life and You have been invited to live it.  By His blood are we redeemed.  Through Him our sins have been paid for and we have grace and mercy.

Lord, it seems as though so many are working hard at their salvation.  Lead me, O Lord, to not work so hard, but live diligently seeking what is right and true according to Your word.  Guide me in the direction You know I need to go.  Help me to become a faithful witness.  You are the firstborn.  All others must follow You.  You alone know the way, for You alone have descended and re-ascended.

Lord Jesus, my Savior and Rock of Ages, help me disregard the thoughts the that world has taught me so that I may trust in, and walk humbly with, You.  You know the way I should go.  You know the purposes of the Father.  You have come so that all who follow You would grow into the new life that You give by grace through faith.  Guide me this day to take the appropriate steps to grow in the new life You have given me.  Amen.