The gift that keeps on giving
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Genesis 14-15; Psalm 11
Genesis 15:1, 6 (NIV)
1 After this, the Word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”
6 Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness.
Romans 4:20-25 (NIV)
20 Yet he [Abraham] did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised. 22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him [Abraham] alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness – for us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
Good morning!
Did you receive a gift card from a loved one at Christmas? Gift cards are popular for so many reasons. They are easy for the gift-giver to purchase. The gift card allows the recipient an opportunity to pick out a gift they really want or can use. Gift cards can buy food, gasoline, groceries, and clothing. Depending on where the gift card may be redeemed determines where the recipient of the gift card might shop. This allows the gift giver to somewhat direct the recipient in the purchase of their gift. Gift cards are fun to use, because the holder of the card has received a credit balance to spend whenever they need it. It is the gift that keeps on giving.
Abram a/k/a Abraham was an amazing man of God. Scripture teaches that Abram placed his total faith in God and trusted Him with his life. Because of Abram’s faith, God credited his life with righteousness, and that gift was seen redeemed over and over again by Abram in his daily walk with the Lord.
What is the righteousness of God? Righteousness is an attribute of our Father, identifying His character as being fair, holy, and unswervingly faithful. It is an awesome gift when God recognizes and acknowledges the quality of right-standing and holiness in the character of His children, who continually place their lives in His care. There is no doubt that God loved Abram. God gave Abram the gift that keeps on giving, the gift of His righteousness.
When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, He extends the robe of righteousness to cover our life. We are able to stand before God clothed in the mercy and grace of Jesus. This is a present none of us deserve. The gifts of God are priceless treasures, far more valuable than any material possession we may acquire in our lifetime. His gifts are eternal, and when we receive them, we can draw from its surplus every minute of every day. It is like having a gift card that never expires; it is limitless in value, and carries us from this earthly life into the eternal presence of God, where we will live with Him forever.
Check out Abram’s story in scripture. You can read about his life in Genesis 11-25, Exodus 2:24, Acts 7:2-8, Romans 4, Galatians 3, and Hebrews 2, 6, 7, and 11. Abram’s faith moved him from tradition and observance into a deep and lifelong relationship with the Lord. God credited Abram with His righteousness. We can receive His righteousness today, if we ask for it.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: the righteousness of Jesus Christ to cover you day by day, as you place your faith in Him. God’s gift is given just for you. Will you receive Him?
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© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
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