January 25

Morning

I will make known the LORD’s loving devotion and His praiseworthy acts, because of all that the LORD has done for us—the many good things for the house of Israel according to His great compassion and loving devotion. — Isa 63:7 BSB

Can’t you recall the mercies God has shown you? Even though things may seem gloomy now, can you forget that blessed moment when Jesus met you and said, "Come to Me"? Can you not remember the joy of that time when He broke your chains and set you free? And even if that early love has faded, surely there are some milestones along your journey, not yet covered with moss, that remind you of His kindness toward you. Haven’t you been through sickness before, and didn’t He heal you? Weren’t you ever in need, and didn’t He provide for you? Haven’t you been in trouble before, and didn’t He rescue you? Go back to the river of your past experiences, and gather a few bulrushes to build an ark where your small faith can safely float.

Don’t forget what God has done for you. Look back and remember the days of old. Can you not recall the hill Mizar? Did the Lord never meet you at Hermon? Haven’t you climbed the Delectable Mountains? Has He not helped you in your times of need? Yes, I know He has! So go back a little and reflect on the mercies of yesterday. Even if things seem dark now, let the light of past blessings shine through the darkness, and trust in the Lord until the dawn breaks and the shadows disappear. "I remember, O Lord, Your tender mercies and Your loving kindness, for they have been from of old."

Evening

Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Certainly not! Instead, we uphold the law. — Rom 3:31 BSB

When a believer is adopted into God's family, their relationship to Adam and the old law ends. Now, they live under a new rule and covenant. Believer, you are God’s child, and your first duty is to obey your heavenly Father. You are no longer a slave, but a beloved child. As a child, you must obey even your Father’s smallest command. If He asks you to follow a holy practice, you should not neglect it, for in doing so, you would disobey your Father. If He tells you to seek after the likeness of Christ, isn’t it your joy to pursue that? When Jesus says, "Be perfect, as your Father in heaven is perfect," you don't strive for perfection because of the law but because your Savior asks it of you.

Does He command us to love one another? Then do so, not because the law says, "Love your neighbor," but because Jesus says, "If you love Me, keep My commandments." Are you called to help the poor? Do it, not as a burdensome duty, but because Jesus teaches, "Give to the one who asks of you." The law says, "Love God with all your heart," and you can now joyfully respond, "Christ has already fulfilled the law for my salvation, and now I obey because God is my Father, and I want to please Him."

May the Holy Spirit shape your heart to obey Christ’s love, so your prayer can be, "Make me walk in Your ways, for I delight in them." Grace leads us to holiness—it never grants us a license to sin.