Today’s Readings

Psalm 87:1-7

Romans 6:1-14

Hosea 1:1-2:23

Born in Zion

Psalm 87:6 says,  “ ‘The Lord will write in the register of the people: ‘ This one was born in Zion’ As they make music they will sing, ‘ All my fountains are in you.’”

Zion is a very musical, and joyful place with lots of singing, it is better than Disneyland. It is not limited to a certain ethnic group or people, but in Psalm 87:4 we see God’s promise to include people from every nation in Zion because they “ acknowledge” him(Psalm 87:4).

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father thank you that you have registered me in Zion, because of Jesus, and that my source of life is found in you. I pray that many more would turn their hearts to Christ and become citizens of your amazing dwelling place.

Under Grace

Romans 6:14 says “For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.”

As a believer, we don’t serve God from fear, but from joy. The joy of the Lord is our strength! (Nehemiah 8:10). Because Jesus died for us and paid the price for our salvation, we now have a choice to do the right thing. Before Christ, we had no reason (except for fear of punishment) to obey God since our works would never be good enough anyway to make it to heaven. But since Jesus paid our debt, we now have the freedom to offer ourselves up to do good works.

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, please open my eyes to the many good works you have for me today and help me to do them in the joy you have provided. Amen.

We Aren’t Slaves

Hosea 2:16 says “In that day,” declares the Lord “you will call me ‘my husband’: you will no longer call me ‘my master’.

God is relational.  The relationship we have in Christ turns us from a slave to a family member. There’s a different level of commitment for a person who is your spouse compared to someone who just works for you. Your spouse has your heart, while a servant or slave is just there to pay off a debt. Christ paid our debt, and made us right with God so we no longer view God as someone we need to pay a debt to rather someone, we want to rejoice in.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you that we are no longer slaves to fear or sin, but we are registered in the family of Zion. We obey you out of joy, and not from a religious obligation. Thank you for all you’ve done. Amen!