GOD’S WORD FOR SEPTEMBER 23

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.

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SUPER GRACE

And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:42–43

D.L. MOODY

When a prominent man dies, we are anxious to get his last words and acts. The last act of the Son of God was to save a sinner. That was a part of the glory of His death. He commenced His ministry by saving sinners, and ended it by saving this poor thief.

ERWIN LUTZER

Jesus was saving sinners up to and including His final breath. This thief heard the crowd mock Christ and in derision call Him, “The King of the Jews.” But this thief thought if He is a king, He must have a kingdom. “Remember me” is all he could hope for. But he received something beyond his expectations. He was promised meeting Christ that very day in Paradise!

What will our last words be? Will we leave hope and encouragement for those left behind? Will we urge others to believe on Christ, no matter the greatness of their sin? John Newton, the author of “Amazing Grace,” wrote his epitaph that speaks to us: “John Newton, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long labored to destroy.”

The apostle Paul, who preached the faith he once sought to destroy, said, “The grace of our Lord overflowed for me…that in me, as the foremost [of sinners], Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience” (1 Timothy 1:14–16). The Greek word for overflowed is where we get hyper. When God saves us, He gives us “hyper” or “super” grace. That’s how God changes our legacy—and our eternal destiny.

    PRAYER

    Father, thank you for Jesus who changes our eternal destiny by His promises and His Word.

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Titus 2:7

    “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness.”

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Matthew 5:16

    “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

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 Philippians 3:17

    “Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.”

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John 13:15

    “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”

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Colossians 4:6

    “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

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James 1:19

    “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

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Ephesians 4:29

    “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” –

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