God created man in His own image, knowing even as He did so we would disappoint Him and reject Him and rebel against Him. Even so, He made grace available through the Word—His own Son, Jesus Christ. Anyone who believes in the Son receives spiritual rebirth. Sins are washed away, and we stand holy and unblemished before Him. Such an amazing gift! Being His first-fruits is a huge privilege and responsibility. The first-fruits were the part of the harvest given freely and cheerfully to the Lord. Those who are God’s first-fruits are to willingly and joyfully give Christ first place in their hearts and lives. He deserves that place of honor considering what He laid down for us: His very life! God chose to give us spiritual eternal life; we choose to honor Him with our lives. We reap such blessings when we seek and follow His will. He truly is an amazingly good and loving Father.
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Before God and man
Remember the scripture about removing the plank from one’s own eye before trying to help a brother with the speck in his eye? Nehemiah’s prayer reminds me of this. He was begging God for help in restoring this city. Before asking God to do him a favor, he first wanted…
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As we’ve noted on previous days, Nehemiah became aware of the broken down state of Jerusalem and the despair of its inhabitants, and his heart was moved—he cared. His grief over the city and the Jewish people drove him to his knees. He pleaded with the great and terrible (awe-inspiring)…
Hymn day: “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior”
HYMN DAY! “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior” by Fanny J. Crosby is so tender and humble. Crosby wrote so many wonderful, deeply emotive and applicable hymns. “Whom have I on earth beside Thee?” He is our All in All. Pass me not, O gentle Savior, Hear my humble cry;…

