RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

THURSDAY, 8TH SEPTEMBER.

THEME: ACCEPTED IN THE BELOVED.

OPENING SCRIPTURE: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved (Ephesians 1:4-6).

God chose us before the foundation of the world to be holy and without blame before Him in love, and predestined us to be accepted in His presence. It’s part of what His righteousness in our spirits has produced for us; we can boldly stand in the presence of God without guilt, inferiority or condemnation.

No matter where you’ve been, what you’ve done, how deep in the thraldom or valley of sin you’ve been, you’re accepted in Christ Jesus. You don’t have to run from God, because of your sins. Imagine His gracious invitation in Isaiah 1:18; He said, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” He’s not mad at you. Submit to His righteousness. Embrace His love. Trust Him with your life, and He’ll make your life glorious.

Now that you’re born again, you’re in Christ; He’s already accepted you; you’re in Him. You dwell in His presence. In His presence, you’re at liberty; you don’t have to be afraid; you’re free to express yourself and be yourself. You’re at liberty to function for Him and live for Him.

Some people are still living their lives in hope that God will accept them based on their good works. But that’s not going to work! The Bible says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Furthermore, Galatians 2:16 says, “...by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified”; that means accepted and declared righteous before God!

You don’t have to feel insecure or uncertain about your standing with God. Be bold, confident, assured and glad that you belong to Him; that He brought you into oneness with Himself. Hallelujah!

PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for choosing me before the foundation of the world that I should be holy, blameless and accepted in your presence, according to the good pleasure of your will. I function in the consciousness and boldness that I’m justified and have peace with you, enjoying an indissoluble oneness with you, to the praise and glory of your grace, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study:
1 John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Psalm 4:3-5 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. 4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. 5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.

Colossians 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
2 Corinthians 7:2-16, Proverbs 22-23
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
2 Thessalonians 2:1-10, Jeremiah 26

Thank you so much for Rhapsody. God bless you. Good morning.