file: pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db940811.txt
------------------------------------------------------



OUR DAILY BREAD                       Thursday, August 11, 1994
---------------
READ:  Colossians 1:19-29



                          "FROM BLOT TO BEAUTY"

                   "If anyone is in Christ, he is a
                   new creation; ...all things have
                             become new.

                         2 Corinthians 5:17

A handkerchief made of very valuable material was ruined by an indelible ink blot. The owner could no longer proudly display her prized material, so she sadly showed it to English art critic and painter John Ruskin.  He took it, and with remarkable skill made that ugly ink blot the center of a beautiful design.  The woman's handkerchief was then far more valuable than before.

God our Maker faced a situation something like that of the artist, except that the problem was immeasurably greater.  Adam was God's supreme creation, but he had ruined himself by sin.  With his original perfection stained and disfigured, he was fit only to be eternally discarded.  But by the amazing strategy of the cross, our gracious God, the Supreme Artist, took ruined sinners and recreated them to reflect the beauty of Christ's holiness.

When we put our faith in the crucified Savior, we are not only completely forgiven, but God's Holy Spirit transforms us, making us into the Creator's prized possession.  As the apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Ephesians, we will be displaying throughout eternity "the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus" (2:7).
                                                          - VCG

   Dear Lord, take up the tangled strands,
       Where we have wrought in vain,
    That by the skill of Thy dear hands
          Some beauty may remain.

                             - Burroughs

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
-------------------

Only God can transform a sin-stained soul into a masterpiece of grace.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Jeremiah 21-23

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Our Daily Bread, Copyright 1994, used by permission of Radio Bible Class, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49555, USA.  Written permission must be obtained from RBC for any further posting or distribution.  RBC provides a variety of Bible resources, which are free of charge.  RBC is not funded by any group or denomination, and support comes voluntarily from its Members and Friends. Write for more information, or call 1-800-598-7221.
------------------------------------------------------------------