For there is no distinction, for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Romans 3:22 WEBIt is so easy for us to become used to having positions, titles, and levels in the workplace during our life and then carry those ideas over into the church. After we have been around a while, we can begin to feel that we have earned our position, and our salvation. We may even feel that God is lucky to have someone as dedicated as us. We can become like the pharisee that stood on the corner and thanked God that he was not like other men (Luke 18:11).
The disciples of Jesus often argued over who was the greatest among them, and we still do today in some circles. In Matthew 18:1 the disciples asked Jesus who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. In Mark 9:34 the disciples were arguing over who was the greatest among themselves. In Mark 10:37, James and John asked Jesus to be seated on His right hand, and on His left, and the rest of the disciples became angry with them. In John 13:3, Jesus rose and washed the disciples feet, because all of them were far too important to perform the task of a servant. Who is the greatest was never far away from their mind.
We are all in the same boat here on Earth, and it is a boat named grace. We are brothers, sisters, and peers. Jesus said that the least among us would be the greatest (Luke 9:48). Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 8:1 that knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone thinks that he knows anything, he doesn't yet know as he ought to know.
We are floating in a sea of sin and if it were not for God's mercy, we would not even be on His boat. We would all drown in our sins just as the ones that missed the ark in Noah's day, for our own righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6) and our accomplishments, as dung (Philippians 3:8). We are saved through the grace of God, a free gift, by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8).
Be thankful today that God has given us the free gift of His grace. It costs nothing to be forgiven of everything that you have ever done wrong, but just like a true gift: We did not earn it. It is something given to us because the Giver is good, and He wanted to.
Prayer: Heavenly Father I thank You for the gift of salvation. Forgive me of foolish pride and keep me balanced in life. You are so awesome and so good to me, and I am truly grateful for all that You do. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray.Note: Today is Pastor Dion's birthday :)! Just FYI, for those who would like to bless him with a "happy birthday" here today! ALSO, for those following our Creation Photographers group, here is the theme of the week: Psalm 46:10 "He says, 'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'" - 'Standing Still' is our next fun theme and is open for your creative interpretation. You are also encouraged to post anything else inspiring as well. My photos this week (in the group) reflect a few moments where I slowed down, stood still, and took the time to notice that God shows his love through all his creations. May you all find time to be still and allow God's love to show. Have a blessed and fabulous week! Here is the link:
Creation Photographers > You can subscribe to our daily devotional here <
Amen!!! Happy Birthday Pastor Dion! May God bless you today and throughout the coming year!!
Happy Birthday Pastor Dion ! You and your devotional's are truly a blessing from God.
Happy Birthday Dion! Thank you for being my pastor and messenger of God. May God bless you with an awesome day!
Happy Birthday, Pastor Dion! May God continue to Bless you and that you enjoy this most special day!
Amen Have A Bless Day while You Are Celebrating Your Birthday
Amen, thank you God for your race and mercy.
Happy Birthday to you Pastor Dion!
Amen Thank Your God for your mercy and grace! HAPPY BIRTHDAY Pastor Dion!!!! :)
Happy Happy Happy Birthday Pastor Dion!
Amen,All Thanks be to God! Happy Birthday Pastor Dion, have a blessed day!!!
Amen!
Hallelujah, Amen. Thank you Jesus...
Pastor Dion!! Happy & Blessed Birthday
Happy Birthday to you, Pastor Dion! Have a blessed day, you and Sylvia!!!
Chris
Happy Birthday Pastor Dion!
Happy birthday Pastor Todd and God bless you.Thanks for the daily devotional. Amen
Amen! Heavenly Father I thank You for the gift of Salvation. Forgive me of foolish pride and keep me balanced in life.
Happy birthday Pastor Dion! Thank You for all you do! I hope you have a wonderful blessed day!
Amen praise God for we have love happy birthday pastor Doin have a bless day
Thank You Father for Your many gifts and blessings that we don't deserve but that You give freely because You are so loving and merciful!! Amen. Happy Birthday Pastor Dion!!
Happy birthday Pastor Dion
Enjoy your special day! Thank you for all of the wonderful devotions you provide each day. Thank you for being a vessel of God's word pouring wisdom daily in my life.
May the lover of my soul continue walk with you daily in Jesus name!
Happy Birthday Pastor, Dion! Thank you for your minestry! I can’t imagine starting my day without your amazing devotions!
Thank you Pastor Dion for sharing your life story thru Refreshing Hope Ministries over the years. I am so grateful to have found this daily devotional, what a way to start my day. Happy birthday!
I’m so thankful today that God has given me the free gift of His grace. Thankful, too, for Pastor Dion and His faithful service with RHM. Happy Birthday, Pastor!
Dear God thank you for your grace and love. Amen
Amen Lord!
Heavenly Father I love You so much for Your grace, love and Forgiveness. Help us to make this road the road of our salvation, in Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Thank you Pastor, great devotional. God bless you.
Also wishing you a blessed birthday and the continuation of this wonderful ministry.
Thanks Pastor,we all struggle with pride to some degree! Happy happy happy happy birthday!!!! I pray your day is very blessed and that you and Sylvia enjoy the day together! ❤️ Thank you for all that both of you do may God richly bless you both!!
Happy birthday Pastor, have a wonderful day!
Amen another great devotional! Happy Birthday and stay cool, God Bless RHM.
Amen!
Amen!
Thanks for all the work you do, Pastor Dion! Happy Birthday and may God bless you with many more.
Wow great message as always!! Thank you Lord Jesus so much for Pastor Dion!! And Happy Birthday!!
Amen Lord
AMEN
Happy Birthday Pastor Dion!!
Great Message today and a great reminder that we must remain humble as everything we have and everything we are is only due to the grace of God. God is the one that gives us our talents and abilities and he places us in our jobs and works out everything for our good. There is nothing to be prideful about because it is all from God and our savior Jesus Christ who willing went to the cross on our behalf. He died in our place so that we can be accepted by God almight. We are so blessed!!!
oh and happy Birthday Pastor Dion Todd, thanks for everything you do for Refreshing Hopes Ministry!!
Happy Birthday Pastor!
Happy birthday pastor Dion Todd, God bless