Devotion for Monday, August 28, 2023

“And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, and he also had a sharp sickle” (Revelation 14:17).

The winnowing happens.  In death, we all will reach that point of no return.  Has your life been toward or away from the Lord?  The final day is coming and it will be the end of the age of rebellion.  Either way, we each have an appointment where we will be judged.  If living by grace, then there is nothing to fear.  If not, there is everything to fear.  We each have a wake-up call coming.  How then should you live?

Lord, I often think of tomorrow, but my tomorrow is never promised, it is only hoped for.  I only have today.  We each need to see that life is a serious proposition.  I can live just for today or I can live in the hope You give, knowing that You have given a promise that if I live by grace You will hold me in Your arms of mercy.  Lord, befuddled mess that I often am, save me even from myself.

Lord Jesus, You are the way, truth, and life.  In You alone is all hope.  I will stand before You one day and You will judge me.  I am deserving of death, but You have paid the price so that I may stand before You, by Your grace.  Help me to live life in the hope You give and do the work required of all disciples.  Teach me all that I need to know and give me a new heart that is like Yours.  Amen.