Grace and Priorities

 

Yesterday I nearly did something for the first time — make a quilt in one day. But my new machine ran out of bobbin thread, and because it has updated technology, rewinding the bobbin required reading the manual, which is one of the most complex documents ever… so I made supper and watched a movie instead.

I’d slept in yesterday too, so had about one-hour less day than usual and then did it again this morning. Sometimes such things make me want a do-over. In golf, they call this a mulligan. The Spirit nudged me to read Callaway’s devotional, and it was about mulligans! He illustrated with a story I’d not heard before…

A man named John Newton was first mate on an English slave ship in a world of violence, rape, and oppression. He rejected God and mocked the faith of any believing crewman. At one point, his own wicked behavior landed him in chains, where he found himself at the mercy of the very slaves he was selling. They could have beaten him or cursed him. Instead, they took pity on him. Did this soften his heart?

Perhaps. While sailing back to England, a terrible storm took the life of one of the sailors, and the question began to haunt Newton: If you die tonight, where will you spend eternity? Remembering those slaves and the words “Christ died for sinners,” Newton fell to his knees and begged forgiveness.

He later wrote, “I see no reason why the Lord singled me out for mercy unless it was to show, by one astonishing instance, that with Him nothing is impossible.”

Today, this man’s hymns are sung around the world, and at the top of the hit list is his most famous: “Amazing Grace.”

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see…

His epitaph reads, “John Newton…once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, preserved, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long labored to destroy.”

My desire for a do-over for a couple days that needed less sleep and more action is nothing compared to the mercy and grace of God who transforms the life of a sinner. Being forgiven is one thing; being given new life as well is incredible.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (1 Peter 1:3)

PRAY: With that thought from You, Lord, I head into this day with a greater sense of purpose. Without You, what would I be doing? Loafing? Wasting time watching something senseless on TV? Who knows? But with You, I know what to do next, and after I worship in song and pray in faith, I know that You will lead me into whatever else You have in mind for my day. Thank You for amazing grace that enables me to make better decisions than the priorities I would pick for myself — and then wonder about my own sanity and judgment. Your choices are always wise and give me peace and a sense of purpose. Bless Your holy Name.
 

“Love hopes all things”

 

Years ago in college, my assignment was a paper on ‘hope’. I drove to the college each morning and parked a distance from the main buildings. When I opened my car door, I could smell cinnamon buns. This inviting aroma became my illustration of hope. I could not see them or eat them but I knew they were waiting for me. That is what hope is like: knowing God is at work even when I don’t yet see it.

Hope also illustrates how to love God. This love rests in the knowledge that He is not finished, has not abandoned me, and will reveal Himself at the right time. MacArthur says that even when faith falters, hope comes to the rescue, keeping me linked to the sovereignty and power of God. He is my hope for the future as well as He has been in the past.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (1 Peter 1:3)

As today’s devotional proclaims, my hope is “a living hope” because my God is a living God. No matter how impossible my situation might seem, God is at work to accomplish His purposes. His supreme example is the Cross. It seemed that sin had triumphed over righteousness when Jesus was put to death, but that was not true. God’s power overs sin was proven when Christ rose from the grave as the Lord of life.

If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. (Romans 8:11)

No matter what happens, I know even death cannot destroy me for it brings me into His eternal presence. And in life, I have the confidence that no matter how I falter at time, God will not abandon me. As MacArthur reminds, God refused to accept Israel’s failures; Jesus refused to accept Peter’s; and Paul refused to accept that of the Corinthians. When I try to cover the sins of others and fail, or my expectations are shattered, or when I fall on my face in some way, hope says,

We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. (Romans 8:28–29)

This hope is illustrated in pets who anticipate the presence of their owners. Our son-in-law drives home from work each day. Their two dogs are already waiting at the door, long before they could hear his car or see him. As soon as he arrives, one of them lays on her back waiting for a tummy rub. Their love for him produces consistent hope and nothing can keep them from this work-day routine. As MacArthur says, if a dog’s love can produce such hope, how much more can my love produce hope in Jesus as I daily wait on Him?

PRAY: We have a busy week ahead, Lord. I see no evidence of exactly all that will happen except we have family arriving soon and a special wedding next Friday, and before that a slo-pitch BBQ, a meeting with quilters, a rehearsal dinner, two family birthdays, special meals to make, and a few other activities tossed into the mix. Nothing is guaranteed, yet my hope is in You to give the energy, ideas, and grace to me and others who hope in You, that we might be faithful ambassadors and able to love all who are involved in everything on our calendar. Praise God for Your sovereignty and power and for the hope that is ours in You. Thank You that You are busy planning for us a wonderful time with family and friends.

PONDER: Read Matthew 6:25-34 and drop any worries about the coming week. Instead focus on being filled with hope as it expresses my love and trust in the sovereign power of God and is also part of seeking His kingdom and righteousness as the priority of my life.