Good evening friends. This is coming a little later in the week than normal but I still wanted to send out an encouraging hug even though late. For we all need hugs from time to time. Pastor’s sermons for the last couple of weeks have been on Ephesians 6. A wonderful series to assure us of God’s protection that is there for us to use. After Sunday’s sermon on the Breastplate of Righteousness, I spoke with him on how I knew intellectually I was not righteous but yet we are told to be righteous as He is righteous. But his series shows us how Jesus’s righteousness is given to us because of His love for us when we follow His lead. It got me to thinking about the word righteousness – what does it really mean? The dictionary says it is the quality of being morally right. A Christian layman’s definition is simply standing right with God.
I saw that there were over 520 scriptures in the bible that talk about righteousness, therefore it is important and I need to pay attention. But my evening devotion Tuesday night talked about another object of righteousness, a crown of righteousness.
God’s righteousness is there for all of us who love Him. So when life’s trials seem to have run over you like a bulldozer, know that God knows your heart. He has promised a reward that none of us deserve but because we love Him and are eagerly waiting for His return, he has a crown of righteousness to give us. The righteousness we have is not our own by what we do but is the righteousness of Jesus Himself that He has passed on to us.
When life may seem to be going fast and difficult for you, he wants you to reach up for His hand and He will walk with you through any trial you may face and bring you peace.
May you have a peaceful evening and remember tomorrow to show kindness wherever you can. Kindness given to others creates fertile soil for more kindness to grow.
For the Love of 