FEAST OF SAINTS JOSEPH OF LEONESSA AND JOHN DE BRITTO – 4th FEBRUARY
February 4, 2024
THE 3rd OF FEBRUARY
WE ARE SAVED AND HOLY THROUGH GRACE, BY FAITH
And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister. Colossians 1:21-23
What a powerful message! The one who’s thoughts and actions are wicked, is not in God’s camp. But once we came to God, Jesus reconciled us with the Father and because He cleansed us of our sins, we are considered “holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight,” as long as we remain “grounded and steadfast” in our faith in Jesus and His Gospel. In other words, we will be able to keep our holiness to be saved, only if we live in obedience to what God’s Word requires.
We have to be willing to become merciful and forgiving instead of harsh; we are to choose to respond with kindness instead of meanness; to be humble and not prideful, meek and not aggressive and be long-suffering instead of being impatient. The more we are willing to submit to the Lord and choose His ways, the happier lives we will have. We live in an “instant” age. We want everything right away, including spiritual maturity. But God’s kingdom functions according to completely different laws than this world. To belong to God, we have to obey His laws and “long-suffering” is part of them.
SUGGESTED PRAYER
Thank You Lord Jesus for Your sacrifice, that has reconciled me with Father God. Your blood has cleansed me of all sins and made me holy so I can be in right-standing with God and be saved. Please give me the strength to forgive and love, to show kindness when others treat me wrong, to choose to show mercy instead of revenge, to keep my patience and calm instead of impatience and anger. I cannot do it in my own strength, please help me! I want to obey God’s Word and I thank You because I know You want me to succeed. Glory and praises to Your Holy Name. Amen
Source: thetruthstandsforever
