THANKFUL

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Good morning, Jesus.

Lord, you use broken people to reach other broken people. Each Christ-follower has a unique story of how you rescued them from brokenness and unbelief to faith. Most of us were not bad as the world defines “bad.” By the world’s standards, we determine who is good or bad by comparing our lives with other’s lives. Our acceptable behaviors and moral conduct make us look good in our eyes when compared to those who struggle with addictions or who made unwise life choices that have wrecked their lives. These broken souls know their lifestyle is not working for them and they need hope of a better life. This comparison puffs up our pride, making us falsely think we are better than others. “Look everyone—see how good I am?” we boast. “How fortunate for you, Lord God, to have me as a member of your club.” How foolish! We need rescuing from ourselves. Does the devil still deceive us with his subtle lies or what?

But you don’t play that game, Lord God. Our goodness or badness is measured by your divine laws. And when we are judged by your standards, we all are condemned as “bad.” By your standards, our sins condemn us. There is no one is good, not even one (Luke 18:19). Jesus, in his famous Sermon on the Mount, burst the bubble of the self-righteous, even calling them evil (Matthew 7:11). In our sinful nature, we are helpless. We need rescue.

Lord Jesus, you paid sin’s price for all people, the good and bad alike. Those who place faith in your sacrifice on the cross for our sins are declared righteous, or as we say, good, by your standards, Lord God. We are rescued. We are redeemed. The hopeless have hope. The broken are made a new creation in you (2 Corinthians 5:17). Help us share the story how you redeemed our brokenness and made us a new creation in you, Jesus.

Bless and heal our loved ones and friends facing medical and physical challenges. Give them new levels of grace with divine strength as they endure these difficult times.

Forgive our sins, heal our nation.

Thankful you rescue broken people, Jesus. Amen.