Pray for America - Day 33

And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. 
– Ephesians 5:2

DAY 33: "How God Sees Us"

“I’m proud of you, son.” “You’re beautiful, my daughter.” Some people live their whole lives longing to hear such affirmation. For those who are still waiting, there is good news!

In Colossians 2, Paul teaches about reconciliation. We are reminded that at the moment we believe Jesus Christ died, was buried and resurrected and we confess our sins, we receive Him as our Lord and Savior, and He permanently imputes or accredits His righteousness upon us. We are eternally reconciled in Christ, and He sees us as holy, blameless, and without fault. Our position in God’s family becomes a proclamation of the holiness of Christ in us. In Jude 24, believers are given full affirmation from Jesus as He presents us as faultless before the presence of God’s glory. And He does so with exceeding joy! Our longing to have someone proud of us or excited that we are in the family is fulfilled. Our response to such acclamation and applause from heaven is expressed in Jude 25. We offer exuberant praise to God our Savior, to His wisdom, glory, majesty, dominion and power forever!

Pray that, across America, continuous praise and thanksgiving are offered to God our Father for sending Jesus, His Son, to reconcile sinners back to Him for eternity. As we walk through our days, may our praises and thanksgiving to God be a sweet aroma to Him.