My Devotions and Random Photos from Today {Happy September}

Today is one of the warmest days that we have had for quite some time.  As a result, the boys are enjoying a refreshing swim in our pool.  Here are some of my favorite shots:

Elijah and Christian were playing a game together and I think that Christian was enjoying it!

Jonnie consented to jump off of the diving board for me!

And Jeremiah was kind enough to make lots of splashing for me!

Christian didn't know that I was getting these pictures,

which makes them that much cuter!

As I was doing my Bible reading this morning, I read Ephesians 4:1

"...walk worthy of the calling with which you were called."

and Philippians 1:27

"Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ..."

I was so convicted!  So challenged to actually live a life worthy of the gospel of Christ.  As I thought of the way I live my life, I was so ashamed.  I am not living as if I really love my King.  If I really, truly loved Him, my life would look so much different, be so much different!  We Christians have the highest, most holy calling of all humans, to glorify God (all humans carry out God's purposes to His ultimate glory in one way or another) and to enjoy Him forever (only Christians have this blessed privilege!).  We are to preach the good news of the gospel to all men, definitely an area that I fall far short in.

I asked myself the question "do I live my life as if I really love Christ and do I, in my words, actions, and attitude etc. always seek to glorify Him?"  The answer was an emphatic "NO".  I am ashamed of that, terribly ashamed.  Since my life's goal is to glorify God, why do I not strive to do so with every breath!?!  This sin alone, not including all of the others that I have committed, is enough to separate me from Almighty God for all eternity, but, because of His Son, my future with Him is assured.  My hope is in Christ and in His work ALONE, I will not glory in myself, but in Christ!  Christ ALONE is my hope of salvation.  His perfect life fulfilled the law, and His perfect death assures life to all of His elect.  God could have left us in our sins to perish, to bear His holy and perfect wrath forever, but in His mercy, He has made a way for sinners to come to Him, through the blood of His Son Jesus Christ. 

I am so thankful, happy and blessed to be alive today, because I know that my life has a purpose and I know that through Christ, my life does do credit to the gospel, my life is being sanctified, and I am becoming more like Christ.  I know that I have a High Priest who is interceding for me before the throne of His Father (Hebrews 4:14-16), and that is hope and joy beyond words.

"This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!"  And let us, by God's grace, strive to live a life worthy of the gospel and worthy of the calling with which we are called.  I am not worthy in and of myself, but Christ has covered me with His blood and I am now seen as worthy and righteous before the Father.  Praise the LORD!

To God be the Glory,

Hannah