Daily Devotions - March 19, 2020

Thursday - March 19 - Read John 4:16-18

(The daily devotions connect to the sermon of the previous Sunday)

Reading:

16 “Go and get your husband,” Jesus told her.

17 “I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied.

Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband— 18 for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!” (John 4:16-18)

Devotion:

Jesus “presses on the bruise” of this woman’s life. This woman’s life is not Instagram worthy. Why would Jesus bring this up if he is trying to give her grace and love? Because God’s grace is not surface level or a whitewash. The new life in Christ means the death of the old life of sin. God is so incredibly gracious, merciful and loving that he will not let us fake our way into His Kingdom. Jesus goes into the depths of our sin, deep into our hearts, with the "Clorox bleach" of the Holy Spirit to make us new and clean. What are some of the areas in your life that you try to keep Jesus out of? A good start are the thoughts and actions that you try to hide from others. Jesus loves you too much to let Sin keep you captive. Jesus has forgiven you and made you a new, beloved child of the Heavenly Father.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I confess the truth that I am in need in every area of my life. I am not as good as I pretend to be. I need your grace and forgiveness. I thank you for the incredible gift of the precious blood of Jesus, the lamb, who takes away my sin and the sin of the whole world. In Your mercy shine Your light in the dark places of my heart so that I would be made clean and new. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit to guide me and strengthen me for Your service in and for my neighbors. Help me to love those you have placed in my life and give them the grace You have already given me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.