I was again with Stan one morning for breakfast and conversation about growing in our faith. We were at the Twelve Baskets Cafe. Ricky had poured our first cup of coffee and taken our orders for what we wanted for breakfast. As we were waiting, Stan said, “Earlier this morning in my journaling time I was reminded of something I’d like to pass on to you.”
“What’s that?” I asked.
“In the apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Rome, he wrote that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory.”
“Yeah,” I responded, “I remember that, along with God’s provision for redemption through Jesus and His finished work on the cross. What’d you remember from that?”
“Not to be overwhelmed.”
“Not to be overwhelmed? By what?”
“The all,” Stan replied.
“How so?”
“If all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, and if we’re to go into all the world with the truth of the gospel to all creation, trying to reach ‘all’ might seem to be overwhelming.”
“Oh,” I replied, “I can see that. So, is there something we can do to not feel overwhelmed by trying to reach everyone with the truth of the gospel?”
“There is,” Stan said. “Do my part, one person at a time. I may not be able to reach all who have sinned, but I can reach some. God will take care of the rest!”
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Bible verses to consider:
. . . for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23-24.
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for giving Jesus and His finished work on the cross as the way for all who have sinned to have life with you, the life that begins here and will continue forever. Even though I know I will spend eternity in your presence, I confess that too often while I remain on this side of eternity I don’t go anywhere to tell anyone anything about your provision for all who have sinned and fall short of your glory. Please forgive that foolishness and help me follow every step of your lead in going and telling. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Think on this: Are you still a part of the all who have sinned and have not accepted God’s provision of redemption through Jesus? If so, why do you want to remain separated from God both now and forever? If you are a Christian with the assurance of salvation and redemption, how are you doing with telling “all who have sinned” about God’s provision of redemption? If you sense the desire for change with any of this, how is that change going to happen? Is that what you truly want? Why or why not?
The need: Since God knows what we need before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8), what does He know you need, not only to accept His provision of redemption, but what He knows you know you need to go and tell about His provision? Spent time studying God’s word, praying, reflecting, and journaling about what He knows you need. He will show you!
Forward: Do you know others who would or could benefit from this devotional? If so, why not forward it and open them to be part of the conversation between Stan and S. Tory Teller?