Note: If you missed previous day(s), just refer back to Archives. Blessings.
July 30
Jeremiah 22:1-17; 2 Kings 23:31-37; 2 Chronicles 36:2-5;
Habakkuk 1:1 to
Faithful Father, we must not love You for what You give, but for Who You are. You are love. We love You because You first loved us. Even the gift of salvation through the sacrifice of Your own Son began with “God so loved.” It is true, that Your gifts are wonderful and undeserved: the earth, the heavens, the sun, the moon, and the beauty of how all these coordinate to provide beauty to Your people. But sometimes when we ignore You or defy You and act unjustly, especially toward the poor and oppressed; then Your gifts can be terrifying. Those who are called by Your name must not behave as the pagan behaves. Your message has always been one of self-denial, but too often we turn it into one of self-indulgence. Habakkuk understood that he would not serve You for Your deeds, but for Who You are. He understood, if he was to be justified by You, it would only be by faith. Righteousness can only come by repenting and believing that salvation is from God, through Jesus. Amen.
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2007 C. E. Briggs