Thank You, Father, for Your watch care throughout the night. May I be today who You want me to be. May I reflect You and Your awesome attributes to those with whom I interact throughout this day. Amen.
Matthew 7:21-23 (<<click the green)
Several years ago I read a book of fiction and a portion of it dealt with the eternal destinies of two characters. One was a man who was an imprisoned violent criminal and the other was a religious woman who was very active in her church and doing good deeds. They both died and came before Christ at the judgment…but there was a surprising twist.
While in prison, the man had had the opportunity to examine his wicked ways and had been led into a wonderful relationship with the Lord. His life as a follower of Christ had not been long but it was most assuredly rich. When he stood before His Savior, he was welcomed with open arms to spend eternity with Him.
The woman, on the other hand, though diligent throughout her life in doing good and spending a great amount of her time doing the work of the church had never felt it important to give her life to Christ. She was kind and giving and thought that her actions and diligence would suffice. She was absolutely aghast after she pleaded her case before Christ when He said, “‘I never knew you; depart from Me [you are banished from My presence], you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands].” v23 AMP
The scenario has stuck with me all these years and serves as a reminder to not just be about the work that You have called me to, Lord, but, most importantly, to be attentive in cultivating my relationship with You. Lord Jesus, You love me. You gave up everything that I might love You back.
I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith
And be closer drawn to Thee.
Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord,
To the cross where Thou hast died.
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord,
To Thy precious, bleeding side.
~ Fanny Crosby, 1875
Feb 16th, 2018, Fri, 5:17 am
