“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:23-26
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 1:9; 4:8
One aspect of the perfection of God is that He infinitely is every one of His attributes, and does according to who He is. He can do nothing apart from the very nature that imagines, designs, plans, fuels, and performs. He who creates is Creator, who lives in us is life, who justifies is just and justice, who loves is love. He is Wisdom embodied and imparted, the Way who guides, the Bread who feeds and sustains. He is Light who reveals, burns, and illumines, the God of all comfort who comforts, the Truth who enlightens. (John 6:35,48; 8:12; 14:6; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; 1 John 4:8)
And this God is ours! He owns us, adores us, and invites our pleas. He is near and intimately involved in all our ways, concerned with all that concerns us. Do we avail ourselves of His grace and bounty? (Psalm 139:3; Jeremiah 33:3; Zephaniah 3:17)
What attribute of God are we lacking this day? Wisdom, grace, physical or mental might? Creativity from the Creator in a work situation or a complex problem? Hope or faith from its Author? From what doubt or anxiety do we need deliverance from the Deliverer, from what nagging sins victory from the Victor? Where are we wanting for the discipline or directing of the Father? (Psalm 103:13; Jeremiah 32:17-21,27,38-41; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 12:2,7-11; James 1:5)
The One in whom is the fullness of all things can fill us with His Spirit. The Savior in whom are all things graciously endows us with the same. Jehovah Shalom, God of Peace, guards our hearts and minds with salvation. (Ephesians 5:18; 6:13,17; Philippians 4:7; Colossians 2:9; Romans 8:32; Hebrews 1:2-3 )
How are we endeavoring to know Christ? As we come to understand His attributes in their fullness, which ones will we claim? Which ones will we praise?
“O worship the King all-glorious above,
O gratefully sing his power and his love:
our shield and defender, the Ancient of Days,
pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.
Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail,
in you do we trust, nor find you to fail.
Your mercies, how tender, how firm to the end,
our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend!
O measureless Might, unchangeable Love,
whom angels delight to worship above!
Your ransomed creation, with glory ablaze,
in true adoration shall sing to your praise!” ~Robert Grant (1833)
Lord on High, lift my sights, trust, and praise to all You are and do, unto Your great glory.
As the rain and snow 