GOD’S WORD FOR  APRIL 29

We are reading from a daily devotional  called “Running To Win” written by Erwin Lutzer  and the late, great D.L. Moody.   Erwin Lutzer is a light in our day as D.L. Moody was in his.  Besides his many ministries, and many books, Pastor Lutzer was Senior Pastor at Moody Church in Chicago for 36 years and now serves as Pastor Emeritus there.  He is Chancelor and a former professor at Moody Bible Institute, where he taught Theology and Ministry, and now has numerous radio teachings.

FIGHTING FOR THE SOUL

Luke 15:18

“I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.’”

D.L. MOODY

One of the greatest battles ever fought was being fought in the heart of the prodigal.  Everything holy and heavenly was beckoning him home.  The powers of darkness were trying to keep him from returning.

“You go back and they’ll all laugh at you.  What will they say?” said the devil.

No doubt there was an angel hovering over him, watching for the decision, and when he said, “I will arise,” the angel bore it on high.

“Make another crown.  Get another robe ready.  There’s another sinner coming!”

That  “I will”  echoed and reechoed, and there was joy in the presence of the angels.  He is saved.  His heart has got home already.  The battle with pride and sin is over.

ERWIN LUTZER

Prodigals stay in the far country for many reasons.  Perhaps it’s the shame of going back empty-handed, a desire to avoid the rules of the farm, or even an aversion to an older brother’s self-righteousness.  The reluctance and stubbornness are on our part, not God’s.  He is gracious and merciful, waiting for sinners just like us to come home.  So we must hurry to the Father.  “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion and ran and embraced him and kissed him”  (Luke 15:20).

Our Heavenly Father is waiting.  God says, “I have made provision for you to come back home.  I sent my Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for sinners.  Receive Me and I will accept you.”    When we come to Him it must be  with nothing in our hands, trusting nothing but the sacrifice of Jesus to pay for our sins—-not works, prayers, sacraments. We can do nothing worthy of impressing the Mighty, Holy God of the Universe.   The only thing the Father will accept in payment for our sins is Jesus’ saving sacrifice on the cross for each of us personally.

How much does God love us?  Jesus stretched out His hands on the cross and said, “This much!”  that’s how great the love of God is.

PRAYER

Father, I throw myself helplessly before you in Your presence.  Here I am, I trust totally and exclusively in the shed blood of Jesus in payment for my sins.  He is my Savior and Lord of my life.   I live for Him.   I thank you for receiving me back home.

*** ***

Isaiah 30:15

For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” ….

** *

2 Timothy 1:9

who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,

** *

Romans 10:10

    For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

    ** *

Luke 18:27

    But He said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”

    ** *

Matthew 7:13-14

    Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

    ** *

Hebrews 9:28

    So Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

    ** *

    1 Peter 1:8-9

    Whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

** *

Ephesians 2:8-9

    For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Published by liveinthelightofourlord

View all posts by liveinthelightofourlord