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Listen while you read: "The Lily Of The Valley"1 (Lyrics) |
Luke 7:50 – Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace." (NIV)
I've made many mistakes through the years, both foolish and sinful, so I often look to Jesus not just to accept and forgive me, but also to fully understand my failures and to redirect me onto the path that He hopes that I will follow. Every day, when I talk to Christ in prayer, I ask for His grace, because I know that I don't deserve it, and I never want to take such a blessing for granted. Like many people who struggle to come to terms with their guilt, I could just let go of the past and ignore it, or I could excuse it by rationalizing that I'm not as bad as other people. But I recognize how much Jesus has sacrificed in order to forgive me, so I embrace my sin and repent of it. I see myself both as forgiven and wretched — a great sinner in need of a great Saviour.
When Jesus forgave the sinful woman in the story that is told in Luke 7:36-50, I see how much of an effort it took the woman to humble herself before Jesus and be humiliated by others around Him. She recognized that Christ was the only One Who could cleanse her of the past, accept her in the present, and allow her a better future. He was the key that would unlock her from the past mistakes that imprisoned her mentally and spiritually. He was the one last opportunity that she had of being healed from her sins and restored to God's favour. So, out of gratitude for receiving His mercy and grace, she gave Him her tears and treasured perfume.
I love how Jesus compassionately responded: "Your faith has saved you; go in peace." He granted her the forgiveness that she needed, but He also added peace — the great "shalom" — to her mind, heart, body, and soul. No matter what she had done in the past, from that sacred moment, she was fully restored as a child of God's grace, which is what we all want when we seek God's mercy through Jesus.
No matter who you are or what you've done, please know this: Christ forgives because He cares. Your faith can save you, and you can know peace this day. Just ask Jesus.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know everything about us and how we are deeply affected by guilt and sorely troubled with regret. Allow us Your forgiveness and reset us on a path to peace. In Your holy name, we humbly ask and pray. Amen.
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Thursday, December 5, 2024 – In Asia — Pray that our students will walk in God's peace and hold fast to His promises. Pray that fear and anxiety would have no hold on them. Instead, they will entrust themselves to God who sees them, hears them and is sovereign over all.
health: "Update December 4, 2024: I am having some problems with my right eye: twitching, feeling of..." 
Thank you.
Always good news, John.
Grateful for your good words today, John. Thanks for sharing them.
Thank you for the wonderful Devotional John (as your’s always are).
Peace be with you.
As I read your first paragraph this morning, I thought to myself, I could have written this. It’s exactly how I feel! Praise God for His amazing grace that has saved me! I am constantly thanking Him for it! Blessings to you and thanks for writing today’s devotion.
Good Morning,
Your “Key Moment” devotional was like healing ointment on an issue I have been working with. Thank you for your own vulnerability as you reached out to others. I get so much out of this type of writing. You are blessed.
Thanks for a timely reminder, John. Struggling with “imago dei”, being made in His image, but not living His Son’s commission! Praying for Spirit Power to empower!
Bless you, John!
(BC)
Greetings John,
Thank you greatly for this devotional today. A very good reminder of where and from whom we get the greatest peace and comfort in our daily lives. Our faith and dedication to our loving Lord helps us through every circumstance and brings the best outcome for us. Blessings for these special writings you do.
John,
You never fail to speak to my heart.
Your writing is such a blessing to others.
Your past and your experiences have given you the wisdom to write with such passion.
God has more than forgiven you, you will be crowned with many crowns for your service to others.
Blessings.
We enjoy many of the Presbycan writers, But I think yours is the best. As a retired church pastor I continue to write.
Good morning, John,
I enjoyed your line “I never want to take such a blessing for granted”. I think I needed to hear this and to take note of it today. Once I finally learned that sin can be just thinking of something that is not good or when I quickly judge something or someone without understanding like Jesus does, I recognize how much I need God’s grace, but I think sometimes I do take this blessing for granted and can just ask for forgiveness. I need to ponder on this and pray on it and learn from your devotional this morning.
My mom’s favourite flower was Lily of the Valley and I think this song which I didn’t know existed helped me see that I need more understanding on this blessing. As I join in your prayer, may I be blessed with more clarity and wisdom as I offer this blessing of grace to all. Thanks for once again sharing your thoughts with others and helping us all to gain peace and love. Blessings.
bless!
Dear Mr. Stuart, It isn’t our “faith” that saves us but the wonderful Grace of God through faith.