Devotion for Today

Love Despite Ourselves

May 15, 2013

. . . all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags . . .
–Isaiah 64:6

The Bible teaches that all our righteousness—falling short of the divine standard as it does—is as filthy rags in the sight of God. There is absolutely no possibility of our manufacturing a righteousness, holiness, or goodness that will satisfy God. Even the best of us is impure to God. I remember one day when my wife was doing the washing. The clothes looked white and clean in the house, but when she hung them on the line they appeared soiled and dirty, in contrast to the fresh-fallen snow.

Our own lives may seem at times to be morally good and decent; but in comparison to the holiness and the purity of God, we are defiled and filthy. In spite of our sins and moral uncleanness God loves us. He decided to provide a righteousness for us. That is the reason that He gave His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross.

Prayer for the day

My life is like a gray pall beside the whiteness of Your purity, Lord Jesus. Cleanse me this day.

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19 Comments

Rosie says 5.15.2013, 11:52 p.m.

We as humans could never be as pure as our Savior, Jesus Christ, but isn't it great that we have a forgiving and all knowing God and we always have something as perfect as He is to strive for. Let us all strive to be more like Jesus! Amen!

William says 5.15.2013, 11:16 p.m.

The Lord Jesus is truly my Saviour. He is first in my life.

l says 5.15.2013, 2:58 p.m.

Romans 5:8 reads, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." We are reconciled to God through JESUS' loving sacrifice on Calvary's Cross, that we can be saved. Praise JESUS forever. Amen

Don says 5.15.2013, 11:50 a.m.

This is the mystery of God our Father...that He should love a sinner such as I...such love, such wondrous love...

Jan says 5.15.2013, 11:12 a.m.

We must constantly be aware and thankful forGod's Grace and His Unmerited Favor that Hebestows on all of His Children.

Steve says 5.15.2013, 10:10 a.m.

"Whiter than snow, Lord, whiter than snow. Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." Thank you, Lord for the cleansing power of Your forgiveness.

Joe says 5.15.2013, 08:36 a.m.

Amen.

Joe says 5.15.2012, 08:02 a.m.

Thank you Lord Jesus Christ for your love for me and us all. Thank you for saving us.

Randall says 5.15.2012, 07:35 a.m.

I'm thankful, because it's only by grace that we are saved, and that no man can Glory in the righteousness that's only given in Christ Jesus

Gerry says 5.15.2012, 07:22 a.m.

It would be humanly impossible to measure up to our Perfect God's Holy standard. No one but his Son ever has.Fortunately he knows that we can't. He expects our best effort. However that's where his Grace, Love and Mercy come into play. Thank you Lord.

ogoo says 5.15.2012, 02:30 a.m.

its a great relieve to know God is not counting on my righteousness but in His own ability to make and keep me pure. thank you Lord

Annie says 5.14.2012, 1:44 p.m.

Son of the Holy Living God, Precious Redeemer, I thank You....., I thank You....., I thank You....., for Your sacrifice,......because of my redemption. I'm saved not because of my righteousness, but by Your divine grace and mercies alone.......!

othin says 5.15.2011, 5:07 p.m.

I am in Uganda. I am aged 24, soon making 25. I thank you coz your message always touches me. Thanks. May God bless you.

Donald says 5.15.2011, 1:35 p.m.

Thank you Lord for the regeneration power of the Holy Ghost and the pure sacrifice-of Jesus Christ our Savior to pay for the penalty of our sins.

Janie says 5.15.2011, 10:42 a.m.

Billy Graham has touched my heart, and awakened me to our Lords word for many years. I love his readings, and commentaries. They come directly from our Lords word. God Bless you Mr. Graham. Many are in your Gratitude. Love and Blessings.

Teresa says 5.15.2011, 10:35 a.m.

Dear God thank You for Your Son, Jesus! Thank You that You rose Him from the grave. Thank you Jesus that Your precious blood makes us white as snow! In You Jesus we have redemption through Your blood and the forgiveness of our trespasses according to the riches of your grace. By Your grace we are saved from burning in hell to go to heaven. Revive us oh Jesus today! Use Billy again to preach a world conference in SWFL at germane arena. Thank you Jesus for you saving me at Birmingham in 1972. With Billy's preaching your gospel. Jesus saves and lives. Amen!

Karen says 5.15.2011, 09:35 a.m.

Thank you for making these messages available. I have to work on Sunday so this is a good way for me to have church on Sunday morning. While watching Mr. Graham's message, I kept thinking how great it is that these messages never grow old, they apply today just as they did 20-30 years ago. I worry for my teenage grand children growing up in this day and age. There mother takes them to church on Sunday and they know what they should do, but I see them tempted and they fail and give in, how do we teach them to be strong and stand for Christ? They don't want to listen to us, they think they have all the answers, my daughter too, their Mother. Please pray for my family, that we can stand strong against the sins of this world and always put Jesus first in our lives.

Dale says 5.15.2011, 07:53 a.m.

My heart and prayers are with Billy, who has been a mentor throughout my Christian walk and instrumental in my surrender to our precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Gerry says 5.15.2011, 07:29 a.m.

God's Patience is incredible and I thank him deeply for it. Imagine for a moment if he said three strikes and your out. I wouldn't survive even one day. We fight sin constantly and lose too often .......but if we sincerely ask he is faithful to forgive. Our Righteous God loves us more than we comprehend. Thank you Lord