Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them. We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat. (Heb. 13:9-10)
I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace. (Acts 20:24)
Lord Jesus, I woke up a grateful man today. In particular, I’m thankful for the ways you continue to show me more of yourself—the author and perfecter of our faith, the Alpha and Omega of our salvation, our perfect righteousness and eternal peace. Though I’ve become less dogmatic about some things, I’ve never been more certain that it’s all about you and the fullness of your grace. Grace at the beginning; grace in the middle; grace at the end.
Over the past several decades of knowing you, you’ve been faithful to rescue me from all kinds of “strange teachings” (Heb. 13:9)—especially from distortions of the gospel (Gal. 1:6-9). Such as “gospels” that make you more of a model to follow, than a substitute to trust; the non-gospels like grace-less legalism and obedience-less grace; man-centered gospels that privatize knowing you and minimize serving you.
Thank you, Lord Jesus. Continue to fill my heart with more of your glory and your grace. May the gospel keep getting bigger and bigger, and more and more liberating in my life. I want to boast much more fully in your righteousness, and more humbly in my weaknesses. I want to finish my race knowing and living, sharing and serving the gospel of God’s grace.
Therefore, strengthen my heart today, and everyday, with your grace, Jesus. Though we know and love you in part, you know and love us perfectly; and that’s all we need to know. So very Amen I pray in your peerless and powerful name.
