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God Overcomes Our Unbelief to Bless Us

Today I read: 1 Chronicles 1-2, Psalm 81-82, Amos 2, Hebrews 8.

Gospel summary: God is good and longs to bless his people abundantly, but because of our slavery to sin and selfishness, he must punish us. In Christ, God has wisely punished all of our sins and applied that work of redemption to our hearts by the Holy Spirit, thus causing us to love and serve him, so we could enjoy his abundant goodness over our lives as we seek him.

Prayer: Father in heaven, I praise you for changing my heart and setting me free from my chamber of selfishness by the regenerating work of your Holy Spirit. You have poured out on me such lavish grace in the gospel when I deserved perpetual downfalls of your wrath for my sins. Teach me to humbly and gratefully comprehend the grace of your gospel and take this life-giving message to a lost and dying world. In your gracious name I pray Jesus, amen.

Memory verses: "But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises." (‭Hebrews‬ ‭8‬:‭6‬ ESV)

Hymn: "Abba Father! We Approach Thee" by James G. Deck

"Abba, Father!" we approach Thee
In our Saviour's precious name:
We, Thy children, here assembling,
Now the promised blessing claim.
From our sins His blood hath washed us;
'Tis through Him our souls draw nigh;
And Thy Spirit, too, has taught us,
"Abba Father!" thus to cry.

Once as prodigals we wandered,
In our folly, far from Thee;
But Thy grace, o'er sin abounding,
Rescued us from misery.
Thou Thy prodigals hast pardoned,
Loved us with a Father's love;
Welcomed us with joy o'erflowing,
E'en to dwell with Thee above.

Clothed in garments of salvation,
At Thy table is our place;
We rejoice, and Thou rejoicest
In the riches riches of Thy grace.
"It is meet," we hear Thee saying,
"We should merry be and glad,
I have found my once lost children,
Now they live, who once were dead.

"Abba, Father!" all adore Thee,
All rejoice in heav'n above;
While in us they learn the wonders
Of Thy wisdom, wisdom, grace and love.
Soon before Thy throne assembled,
All Thy children shall proclaim,
"Glory, everlasting glory,
Be to God and to the Lamb!"

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