“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19
Today’s Christian daily devotional
“I can’t go to church. God would be disgusted with me.” Stacy picks at her nails nervously avoiding eye contact.
“I know how you feel. But, God doesn’t live in church you know.” My eyes scan the lazy Chicago River in front of us. I am vividly recalling my own personal pain of searching for hope, help, God, a friend…but finding none of these in any of the churches I reached out to. Eventually, I gave up; figuring that hopelessness was just a part of life.
Then, one day, in complete desperation I called out to God. I was not in a church; I was on my living room floor. Opening the Bible, I began reading the book of John.
In the privacy of my own home, without a pastor, choir or any other motivation or distraction, I came to discover who God really was and what He was all about. I came to know Him personally.
I turn to face my friend Stacy. Her dark eyes are filled with confusion. I want so desperately for her to get the help she needs. But, I know all too well that Stacy must make that choice to come to God on her own.
“When you are really ready for God, just know that you don’t have to get “clean” before you find Him; come right as you are. He will meet you right there. God’s mercy is greater than His judgment. ” I press my little New Testament into her hand, praying that Stacy doesn’t loose hope in the only salvation that this life has to offer.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I admit…I have been too proud to turn to you, too ashamed to admit my sins, and too afraid in some way that I am not worthy of your forgiveness and that you are looking to judge and condemn me.
I know that I am not worthy, but that does not mean I am not forgiven. I hear that you are a God of grace. Lord, I will no longer run from that grace. I need it so desperately. My life is a mess and the only thing that can help me is you. Please guide me through my choices.
I know that Jesus died on the cross so I could live a life of victory. I claim that victory today. I choose to walk in it, to embrace the presence of God in my life and to allow Him to heal all that I have destroyed. I ask that you reveal just what His blood cleansed me from and show me what that means for my life personally. Speak to me, God like I hear you do to others. If you can do it for them, I know you can do it for me. Thank you for releasing me of all guilt, as accept that when I ask for forgiveness, I am guilty no more.
I will continue to read the Bible and seek your guidance through my personal prayer time with you. In Jesus’ precious name, because you thought I was worth the trouble, Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s Christian daily devotional on verses: Acts 3:19
Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan