Jesus Calling: July 13th, 2024

Jesus Calling: July 13th

I want you to experience the riches of your salvation: the Joy of being loved constantly and perfectly. You make a practice of judging yourself, based on how you look or behave or feel. If you like what you see in the mirror, you feel a bit more worthy of My Love. When things are going smoothly and your performance seems adequate, you find it easier to believe you are My beloved child. When you feel discouraged, you tend to look inward so you can correct whatever is wrong.
     Instead of trying to "fix" yourself, fix your gaze on Me, the Lover of your soul. Rather than using your energy to judge yourself, redirect it to praising Me. Remember that I see you clothed in My righteousness, radiant in My perfect Love.

RELATED SCRIPTURE:

Ephesians 2:7-8 (NLT)
7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.

Additional insight regarding Ephesians 2:8: We become Christians through God's unmerited favor, not as a result of any effort, ability, intelligent choice, or act of service on our part. While no action or work we do can help us obtain salvation, God's intention is that our salvation will result in acts of service. We are not saved merely for our own benefit but to serve Christ and build up the church (Ephesians 4:12).

Hebrews 3:11 (NLT)
11 So in my anger I took an oath:
    ‘They will never enter my place of rest.’”

Additional insight regarding Hebrews 3:11: We can apply this verse as a warning about God's anger in the face of human rebellion against his Kingdom. By rejecting God's provision (Christ) and not enduring in our faith, we miss the opportunity for spiritual rest.

Psalm 34:5 (NLT)
5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
    no shadow of shame will darken their faces.

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