Mighty to save. Isaiah 63:1
"By the words "to save" we understand the whole of the great work of salvation, from the first holy desire onward to complete sanctification. The words are multum in parro: indeed, here is all mercy in one word. Christ is not only "mighty to save" those who repent, but He is able to make men repent. He will carry those to heaven who believe; but He is, moreover, mighty to give men new hearts and to work faith in them. He is mighty to make the man who hates holiness love it, and to constrain the despiser of His name to bend the knee before Him. Nay, this is not all the meaning, for the divine power is equally seen in the after-work. The life of a believer is a series of miracles wrought by "the Mighty God." The bush burns, but is not consumed. He is mighty to keep His people holy after He has made them so, and to preserve them in his fear and love until he consummates their spiritual existence in heaven. Christ's might doth not lie in making a believer and then leaving him to shift for himself; but He who begins the good work carries it on; He who imparts the first germ of life in the dead soul, prolongs the divine existence, and strengthens it until it bursts asunder every bond of sin, and the soul leaps from earth, perfected in glory. Believer, here is encouragement.. Art thou praying for some beloved one? Oh, give not up thy prayers, for Christ is "mighty to save." You are powerless to reclaim the rebel, but your Lord is Almighty. Lay hold on that mighty arm, and rouse it to put forth its strength. Does your own case trouble you? Fear not, for His strength is sufficient for you. Whether to begin with others, or to carry on the work in you, Jesus is "mighty to save;" the best proof of which lies in the fact that He has saved you. What a thousand mercies that you have not found Him mighty to destroy! "
What can I say in response to my God who has saved me from sin, made me into anew creation, continues to work out that very salvation in my life, daily (a grueling process both I imagine for Him and surely for me), and who is coming back for me soon...what can I say? He is covered with blood to pay for my sin while I am washed clean. He freely offers me grace, while struggle to receive it or give it. Yet, He is mighty to keep His people holy...
A thousand mercies...a thousand endless gifts...
#86 rainbows
#87 My God is Mighty to Save
#88 the work of salvation in me
#89 freshly squeezed lemonade
#90 homeade coconut helado (ice cream)
#91 opportunities to give grace
# 92 watching worship videos with the kids and hearing them sing along
#93 sleepy eyes in the morning
#94 candles
#95 You-Tube
# 96 those who serve our country with dignity and honor
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