Once in awhile it is wise to get back to basics, to remind ourselves what faith is all about. If our foundation of faith is not build on the rock, nothing really clicks. We need to get back to basics and get our foundation right. Then we can move on and build upon the solid foundation.

God sacrificed Jesus on the altar of the world to clear that world of sin. Having faith in him sets us in the clear. God decided on this course of action in full view of the public—to set the world in the clear with himself through the sacrifice of Jesus, finally taking care of the sins he had so patiently endured. This is not only clear, but it’s now—this is current history! God sets things right. He also makes it possible for us to live in his rightness. (Romans 3:25-26, MSG)

Here’s the fact the world does not want to acknowledge: We are all sinners, we can’t make ourselves presentable to God. But God loved us so much that he sent his sinless son as the sacrifice for our sins. And having faith in him sets us in the clear. Nothing but Jesus ever can do that.

And this is not just ancient history. This is current history! God keeps setting things right every day. And even that is not all. God also makes it possible for us to live in his rightness. He empowers us with his grace to live the Jesus way. Amazing, isn’t it? It truly is. And so powerful.

….What we’ve learned is this: God does not respond to what we do; we respond to what God does. We’ve finally figured it out. Our lives get in step with God and all others by letting him set the pace, not by proudly or anxiously trying to run the parade. (Romans 3:27-28, MSG)

Salvation is God’s work from start to finish. God initiates, we respond with a yes or a no. When you respond with a resounding yes to God, nothing will ever be the same. You will be a new creation, your life will bloom like never before. Because God knows what he is doing, we don’t even if we pretend we do.

Put God’s wild and powerful grace in action in your life right now. Nothing but Jesus can save you and help you to endure whatever you’re going through. Nothing but Jesus. But Jesus is alive and hard at work behind the scenes. Give him freedom to do whatever he wants in your life and be positively surprised.

It really is time to get back to basics, folks. Don’t run with the in ground, don’t seek glitz and glamour. Instead seek Christ and him crucified. You will be called to love, serve and work for Christ. And there’s nothing better in this life. Even when you will experience hardships and challenges after challenges. Because you will be abundantly blessed. And satisfied with a meaningful and purpose-filled life.

 

Gracious God,
Thanks for providing everything I need to be made right with you.
Thanks for calling mw back to basics;
back to my need for you.
Empower and enable me to surrender to your plan and guidance for my life.
Lord, you know best.
Set the pace of my life,
lead me wherever you want me to go.
I don’t want an easy life
but meaningful one with you.
May thy will be done in and through my life.
In Jesus’ precious name,
Amen

Q4U: What back to basics in faith means to you!

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you embrace what God is doing in your life! Follow Him wherever he leads you!

Image courtesy of Mari-Anna Stålnacke. Linking up today with Small Wonders, and#InspireMeMonday.