Scripture:

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Thought for the day:

These words from John Wesley are very appropriate to share:

“Friend, come up higher! Do not be content with good works: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the fatherless and widowed in their affliction, or the sick and those in prison, and the stranger. Do you preach the truth of Jesus in the name of Christ? Do the influence of the Holy Spirit and the power of God enable you to bring sinners from darkness to light, from the power of Satan to God? Then go and learn what you have taught: By grace you are saved through faith…not by our works of righteousness…but of His own mercy He saves us (see Ephesians 2:8, Titus 3:5). Learn to hang naked upon the cross of Christ, counting all you have done just so much dross and dung. Apply to Him just in the spirit of the dying thief and the harlot with her seven devils! Lord, save or I perish! Else you are still on the sand; and after saving others, you will lose your own soul. If you do now believe, pray, Lord, increase my faith. Or, if you have not faith, pray, Give me this faith, though it be as a grain of mustard seed. For only saving faith, the faith that builds upon a rock, stands firm when the floods rise and the winds blow. And this true saving faith will indeed be manifested in good works of righteousness.”

(Wesley, John (2011-02-01). Renew My Heart (Classic Insights) . Barbour Publishing, Inc.. Kindle Edition.)

We live in a world where accomplishments increase status. The higher one’s status in this world - the greater the personal benefit. And yet…. Do not be content with your accomplishments: By grace you are saved through faith…not by works of righteousness!

So obvious to see, so hard to remember! Be blest!

Prayer for the day:

Dear Lord, I am not worthy to be called your own, and yet You use me to accomplish your will. Help to always remember that it is not from me, it is You, that all blessings flow. Amen.