Silence and Stillness (2 Minutes)
Scripture Reading
He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood.
Devotional
The classic hymn “Nothing But The Blood” asks: what can wash away my sin, what can make me whole again? The answer: nothing but the blood of Jesus. Oh, precious is the flow; that makes me white as snow. No other fount I know: nothing but the blood of Jesus.
That precious flow began before, not on, the cross. Jesus’ blood was shed at every point of rejection. Jesus’ blood fell in Caiaphas’ house, in Pilate’s palace, at Golgotha, and every point in between. As people were preparing a lamb to celebrate the Passover, Jesus was positioning Himself to become The Lamb – the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
Jesus’ blood is sufficient. Adding anything to it distracts us. If you wish to be complete, Jesus told the rich young man, go and sell your possessions. He was “doing” all the right things. What about the godly things I am doing? Do I trust in anything unnecessary that I need to sell off?
Question to Consider
Ironically whenever we focus our attention on Christ alone we are not limiting ourselves from all the other things around us; we are opening ourselves up to all that Christ has to offer. What are the advantages or disadvantages of this?
Prayer
Dear Jesus, I recognize that I am saved by grace alone and I have no basis for boasting, your blood is sufficient. I also recognize that I am your workmanship, created in advance to do the good works you prepared for me to do. Grant unto me the wisdom to refrain from adding to my faith while using my abilities to complete the works that glorify you. And if I err in striking this delicate balance while on the straight and narrow, show me where I can improve. Thank you for shedding your blood for me. Thank you for loving me no matter what.
Conclude with Silence (2 minutes)
The 40 days of decrease blogs have been inspired by the book “40 Days of Decrease” by Alicia Britt Chole.
Expressions from Summerside Community Church 