November 18

And the One seated on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Then He said, “Write this down, for these words are faithful and true.” And He told me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give freely from the spring of the water of life. — Rev 21:5-6 BSB

There is a significant difference between action and transaction. We may act constantly without achieving anything lasting, but a transaction is an action that moves beyond the point of return and becomes a permanent commitment.

Salvation is a transaction between the soul and Christ, in which the matter is settled forever. Sanctification is a similar transaction—an irrevocable surrender, a complete consecration to the Holy Spirit, who then comes and seals the transaction and takes over the work. Our covenant with the Lord for healing should be just as explicit, definite, and irrevocable. The same is true for the other covenants God leads His children to make in obedience and service.

May God grant that today, many consecrated lives will be able to say with renewed meaning and permanence: “It is finished, the great transaction is done.”

For the Living Vine is Jesus,
In His fullness we abide;
And we find our life and fruitfulness
As we in Him reside.