Word for the day Christian Education Forum

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Celebrating the Joy of Salvation
Psalm 51:7-12
Vs. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.
A famous author once said "Though the Bible was written over sixteen centuries [ago] by at least forty authors, it has one central theme: salvation through faith in Christ."
If someone were to ask you what salvation means to you, how would you answer this question? Would you reference the bible, reflect upon a personal testimony or just come up with something on the spot?
As Christians we are provided with God's word. It is filled with answers to our everyday questions. Salvation means deliverance from danger or difficulty; deliverance from the power or penalty of sin. In Psalms 51, David writes a plea for mercy, forgiveness and cleansing. Do you ever feel still in your faith, as though you are going through the motions? Has sin ever taking control of your life and made your relationship with Christ non-existent? David felt this way. He had sinned with Bathsheba and had just been confronted by the prophet Nathan. In his prayer he cried, "restore to me the joy of your salvation." (vs. 12)
Those words have so much importance in our walk with Christ. You see God wants us to be close to him and to experience his full and complete life. However, sin that continues to be ignored makes our intimate relationship with Christ almost non-existent. As believers, we must confess our sins to God. You may still have to face your earthly consequences, just like David did, but God will give you back the joy of your relationship with him. God wants our hearts to be right with him.
 PRAYER
Father God, Forgive us of our sins, purify our spirit. Have mercy on us and direct our paths so that we can once again live a life that pleasing to you. Let us be reminded of your daily blessings by following in your path of righteousness. Amen  
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
"The purpose of the Bible? Salvation. God's highest passion is to get His children home. His book, the Bible, describes His plan of salvation. The purpose of the Bible is to proclaim god's plan and passion to save His children." - Max Lucado

Lisa Skaria, Staten Island MTC, NY
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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