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Friday Devotional:
Psalm 130
Try to think of the most despicable, sinful, unredeemable human being you have ever known. There is a good chance your choice still doesn't match the evil of John Newton. In his early life, this rebellious young Englishman seemed hell-bent on demonstrating his hatred of all things decent and godly.
Newton went to sea as a sailor in the British navy and renounced his Christian faith. He worked his way up to become captain of a slave-trading ship and pursued this damnable trade for many years.
Newton's return to Christianity came after near-death experiences at sea. After training for the ministry and becoming an Anglican pastor, he wrote a hymn describing his earlier "wretched life": one of the most frequently sung hymns in Christianity, "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound" (ELW 779). It includes the confession: "I once was lost, but now am found."
Psalm 130 celebrates God's promise: "There is forgiveness with you." In the end, God's love always finds us.
Loving God, your forgiveness constantly amazes me.
I thank you in Jesus' name. Amen.
An excerpt from Christ in Our Home
If you would like a copy of Christ in Our Home
Please contact the church office at 805-983-0612
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