From Renew My Heart, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. Used by permission.
"By grace you have been saved through faith," (Ephesians 2:8 NASB).
All the blessings which God has bestowed upon men and women are of His mere grace, bounty, or favor– His free, undeserved favor, altogether undeserved– we have no claim to the least of His mercies.
It was free grace that "formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into him a living soul," then stamped on that soul the image of God and "put all things under his feet." The same free grace continues to us at this day life and breath and all things. There is nothing we are, or have, or do which can deserve the smallest thing from His hand.
"All our works, You, God, have wrought in us." These, therefore, are so many more instances of free mercy: And whatever righteousness may be found in us, this is also the gift of God.The gift of God is that you have been saved through faith. Neither this faith nor this salvation is owing to any works you ever did, will, or can do. For we are His workmanship (v.10) shows that salvation is by faith, and that faith is the gift of God.
Grace is both the beginning and end. This lays the axe to the very root of spiritual pride and all glorying in ourselves. Grace, without any respect to human worthiness, confers the glorious gift. Faith, with an empty hand, without any pretense to personal merit, receives the heavenly blessing."
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your word, your peace, and the salvation we have through faith in your precious son Jesus. Help us to overcome the selfishness, and focus on giving all to You. Not for our glory, but for Yours.
For it is in Jesus name we ask and claim these things, Amen.
God Bless,
David B.
