Daily Companion  | 18 August

NOT YOURS 

 "...Not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith" - Philippians 3:9

A boy returned home from school to find that most of his clothes were missing from his wardrobe. He was worried. He asked his mother about them. The mother told him she gave them to the charity. But the boy was angry. "they are mine, Mom, not yours!" The mother apologised that she couldn't wait to ask for his permission because of the urgent need at the charity. And she told him "Remember someone bought them for you too. Some others don't have such a privilege". 

In the same vein, there is no such thing as self-made righteousness in God's kingdom. Someone paid the price. Self-righteousness or holiness claim is an affront to God and tantamount to insincerity which in itself is a sin. We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. (Isaiah 64:6)…they all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one (Psalm 14:2,3) The scripture hath concluded all under sin...(Galatians 3:22). 

You may be privileged to be rich, blessed and have a roof of your own over your head. Don't ever think others are not smart enough to get theirs. God told the Israelites, "It is not because of your righteousness or the uprightness of your heart that you go in to possess their land..." (Deuteronomy 9:5). All that you possess is not yours! Someday, you will give them up.

Dear friend, stop the self-righteous and holier-than-thou attitude but be grateful to God for His benevolence upon you. The grace you enjoy today, Someone bled to death to give you. It's not yours! Do you lack the righteousness of God? You must repent and believe in the name of Jesus Christ, for there is none other names under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12). And secondly, you must be sanctified by God. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly... (1 Thessalonians 5:23).  But always remember, whatever goodness you have ever received is not yours! Amen! 

Today’s Recite:  "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" - Ephesians 2:8

Today’s Morning Prayer: O God of Heaven, I am eternally grateful for all You have done for me. I confess my self-deception called self-righteousness. Rebirth me today by Your Spirit through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. Sanctify me and make me pure and blameless in Jesus' mighty name. Grant me the grace to help those who are weak and the less privileged in Jesus name. Amen.  

Today’s Hymn: JESUS PAID IT ALL

Today’s ReadMe:  Jeremiah 48 - 52