Tuesday, October 22
Day 9
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. – 1 Peter 1:18-19
God Redeems
Redeemed: to be bought back, delivered, or in a more biblical sense, to be saved from consequences of sin.
I love home makeover shows. Ever since I was a little girl, I loved watching people take something so broken and used and create something beautiful from it. To this day I still love all types of makeover shows: home makeovers, thrifting finds made into something new and useful, clothing being repurposed to wear again, furniture being restored to a new identity. Each time I come across a show or video of this type I am amazed by the dedication and vision these people have for things I would simply pass by without a second thought. They put in so much time, energy and effort to give these items new life and save them from their fate of sitting in a landfill. While makeover shows are captivating for me to watch, nothing truly compares to the makeover that I have seen the Lord do in my own life. From death to life, he has continually redeemed and restored me time and time again.
I think back to a season in my life when I was living in darkness. A life crippled by fear of the future and what it may hold, hopelessness for the sin I couldn’t seem to get out of, and doubt that I would ever fully be me again. I look back now at the way I used to be, and I stand in awe of how the Lord truly has redeemed and restored me from the path that I was on. The path that would have led me deeper into darkness he so lovingly pulled me out of. He gently guided my steps and reminded me of His sacrifice for me 2,000 years ago. He reminded me of how he has paid the price for the mistakes, blemishes, and scars I have caused myself and others. How I can now truly walk a life of freedom because He has paid the final price, a price I could never have paid on my own. He has redeemed me from a life of sin and brokenness and offers the very same thing to you.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for the price you paid on the cross 2,000 years ago. For taking my place so I could become set free. Would you remind me in moments of doubt or uncertainty of how I have been redeemed by your blood? Remind me of your love for me in the moments when I forget. May I live in constant remembrance of who you are, what you have done, and who you have made me to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Pray For Our Church: Take some time to pray for Pathway today—the people who make up our church, the staff, the ministries, etc. Ask God to work in and through us.
Pray For Our City: Pray for the people of our community and ask God to be at work in our hometown.
Pray For Our Nation: Pray for our nation—its people and its leaders. Boldly and specifically make your requests, then submit those desires to God’s will. Express your trust in Him.
Reflect:
- How have you seen God’s faithfulness and his promises lived out today?
- Write 2-3 points of gratitude and thank Jesus for these things.
- Spend time praising God for who he is, what he has done, where he is at work, and what he has promised.
By Brooklyn Anspach