Judie Puckett. Guest Writer

TODAY’S TREASURE

Enjoying a hot cup of coffee in the morning is one of my favorite parts of the day. I even begin to look forward to it the night before. Recently, my husband started drinking his coffee black. But, one morning this week, out of habit, he accidentally poured cream into his coffee. Oops! As I stood there looking at his mug, and his disappointed face, I thought, “There is no way you can get the cream out of that.” Once that cream is in the coffee, forget about it. They are inseparable.

Inseparable. Not only does it describe coffee with cream, but more importantly, our union with Christ. Inseparable. Though the Bible speaks often about a believer’s union with Christ, He in us and we in Him, it can be a hard concept for us to get our minds around. Union with Christ? What does it really mean that we are united to Christ? How does that impact my daily life?

There is, therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ.

Romans 8:1

Union with Christ means no condemnation. Because we are inextricably connected to Jesus, we will never be condemned for our sins. The penalty for our sins has been paid in full, and there is no wrath of God left for us.

For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

Romans 8:2

Union with Christ means freedom. We have been freed from the law of sin and death. Because we are forever connected to the God-Man, we are no longer slaves to the power of sin. He has broken it forever! And we have been freed from the curse of death.

In him, you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 1:13

Union with Christ means the continual presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We are forever sealed with the greatest Counselor, Advocate, Teacher, and Friend in the world. We are never, ever, alone.

LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT

Union with Christ means that we can never be separated from the love of God. Nothing on all the earth has the power to disconnect us from the powerful, never-ending love of our Triune God. Because the Son of God has chosen to forever unite Himself to you, you are eternally secure in the love of our Father. Today, let your heart feast on this good news. Let the unfailing truth of God’s Word saturate your weary soul.

PRAYER

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Father, thank You for loving me so intensely. Thank You that nothing in all of creation, not even my doubts, weaknesses, and sins can sever me from You. Thank You for the assurance that You are forever holding on to me!

Adapted from Judie Puckett, Grace Enjoyed: Delighting in Our God in the Ordinary Moments of Life (Storied Publishing, 2023).

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Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.

Contact Sharon with comments or questions at d ailytreasure@markinc.org.