Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt
Living here in Minnesota, I know that I’m not too far away from the day where snow will blanket our state. People like snow for different reasons. One thing I love about a fresh snow is how beautiful it is to go for a run in. Everything is covered with pure virgin white snow. The trees, especially the pines glisten white and almost everywhere you look, you see this breathtakingly beautiful majestic picture of fresh snow.
When Spring comes and the snow has finally melted, the opposite of what I just described is true. The litter that has accumulated all winter but has been hidden by snow is now revealed everywhere. It reminds me how we feel when we lose sight of the fact that God has forgiven our sins through Jesus Christ. When we drift away from the Lord, we begin to forget His robe of righteousness that He, by His doing, chose to place upon the ones who would receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior. That robe of righteousness covers our sins and shortcomings like a fresh blanket of snow covers the litter on the ground. Isaiah 1:18 says it like this:”Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow…” And Isa 61:10 says, “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my whole being shall exult in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness…” This robe of righteousness from the Lord helps us not to see our own human imperfections and failings.
When we draw near to the Lord, it’s good to reflect on what Jesus did for us. He put this robe of righteousness upon us so that when He looked at us He would see someone that was made pure before Him. This is an awesome revelation of His love and the gift of His love. It is our challenge to become Christ-like. Despite our best efforts, we will sin and blow it. He has made provision for sincere repentance as we go through the life long process of cleaning up the filthiness of our flesh. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
As we sincerely work at this, the Lord does not want us to walk through life sin conscience but instead righteousness conscience. Repentance is good and necessary, but because there are times when we feel like we are always repenting, we can get down on ourselves seeing the litter of our sins. It can make us want to give up. When we live in the spirit of thankfulness for God’s gift of righteousness, our thankfulness will actually translate into spiritual strength and a greater desire to live life more righteously. Transformation will happen and life will look more beautiful because the litter is covered by the snowfall of righteousness. When you understand that this is the way God sees you, then you will “…come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy and we will find grace to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:16
God’s covenant of promised blessing to Abraham and his future seed reaches all the way into our lives today through that faith. Galatians 3:14 says,”God redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.”
The promises of blessings to God’s children abound throughout the Bible. Your robe of righteousness allows you to access them. Thank God because you truly believe these promises reach into every area of your life. Thank God and pray boldly in faith that they will prevail in your life despite contrary circumstances.
God wants to supernaturally bless you. His promises are accessed through your faith. Have faith because He has made you righteous through Jesus and that is His doing, not yours!
Psalm 138:2 (NLT) “I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I will give thanks to your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness, because your promises are backed by all the honor of your name.”
In His Love,
Pastor Tim Burt
Published by Pastor Tim Burt
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