SWHW Bible Reading Plan - Year 2 January 2021Sample

January 20

Top Takeaway from Sarah Martin:

As we read through the book of Acts and learn the history of the early church, I think it is important that we recognize the good, gospel fight of the Apostles. Standing in boldness, truth, and led by the Spirit of the Living God, these men made straight the path for us as New Testament believers. 

Saved by grace. Saved by faith. Not by works. Not by the Law of Moses.

These were fighting words in that day to a people who lived under a religious law which had its divine purpose, of course. But Jesus ushered in the new way, the better way, the fulfillment of the law when He died on the Cross as the perfect sacrifice for the sickness of sin. And, the Apostles stood firm in this glorious TRUTH. Thank goodness!

Think about it—nothing we strive for, sacrifice for, or work for brings us back to the place of reconciliation with our Father.  It’s because of the foundational principle of our faith that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone.  

Let’s not let these words become rote and routine. Read that last paragraph again, and let that truth sink into your soul. 

The question for us today is: do I value this Truth? Do I hold dear and precious the fact that we have access to full fellowship with God Almighty? Does my life reflect my devotion to and recognition of this very Good News?

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” - Ephesians 2:8-10

More questions to ask: How do I view God and the Truth of who He is? Do I trust that He means what He says that salvation, love, mercy, forgiveness, and abundance in Christ is a gift and not to be worked for?

And more questions because I love asking them: How do I show my gratitude for this good and perfect gift? Do I live to please the Lord for the sake of earning approval? Have I set up my own scales to measure the work I do against the approval and acceptance already given? Do I let the world’s definition of hustle and achievement skew and blur and define God’s definition of fullness and abundance?

-or-

Do I speak, work, love others, rest, create, play, laugh, and serve out of the freedom of the knowledge that all I do pleases Him when I live out of His love and not for His love?

Because to live striving to earn the love of God diminishes the magnitude of the Cross. Jesus already made the way. The veil was torn. Fullness in unity and community with God is ours. Surrender and living in His holiness and righteousness is a delight. Jesus changes everything. 

Lord, help me to choose freedom from striving and hustle today to earn earthly approval and heavenly approval. Let the work of my hand please You and bless You. Thank You for the Cross. Amen!