The Upper Room Devotion for Friday Feburary 16th, 2024 was written by Eui-mo-Yang of Seoul, South Korea
Scripture
16From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. 17So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; 19that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. 20So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:16-21 NRSV
Author's Thoughts
Graduating from university, studying abroud, earning a PhD, striving to be a good Christian - everything was going smoothly. However, at times I had experienced ups and downs. I worked days and nights without a break, repeatedly meeting with failures, and I became depressed. Eventually I moved to a small town where I began to work for a kimchi manufacturing company. I felt like I was starting from nithing. Because I am clumsy and was inexperienced in manual labor, I often received criticism from my co-workers. All I could do was pray. I was weary from my repeated failures. But the Lord welcomed me with open arms even though I had lived like a prodigal son for decades. (See Lk. 15:11-32)
From that time, my life was changed. My thinking became peaceful and positive. I praised more and felt more gratitude, and when faced with a false accusation I was able to smile and carry on. These changes resulted from the love and acceptance of the Lord.
No matter what we do, the Lord embraces us. Jesus came to save sinners, and he looks for every lost sheep until he finds it. Those who wander away from the Lord can alwasy come back. The Lord welcomes everyone with open arms.
Pastor Anthony's Thoughts
Friends,
Replace with Pastor Anthony's thoughts
Author's Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for waiting for us and forgiving our sins. May all people recognize your love and turn to you. Amen.
Comentarios